Judah likes the recollection: one day before setting sail, went about Singapore via accidental means to revisit some of the very memorable places:
Potong Pasir food court (the Serve place), Newton Circus (the HC place) ♥
Thank WenLong Heng, Vanessa Cheng, Esther Teo, Markus Loh, Crystal Chew and everyone else for those memories! ♥ you all!
Judah is also leaving Singapore for 6 weeks tomorrow.
Japanese language (conversational) by October -if OOC
save 10k by February
Ukelele
cycle to church every week by March
IPPT gold by May
Create new caricature/sketch feats (at least 3)
Advanced learning (Psychology)
Wishlist:
Road bike
MacBook Air
Running equipment
Hand set
Pocket bible
Suit
Clothes
Grey contact lens
Shoes (running/casual)
Camera for sister
Necklace for mom
Air tickets to BanChang
House
Investment/insurance
Posted by Judah at 1/02/2011 07:57:00 AM
Friday, December 31, 2010
Testimony 2010
The story:
It's been 2 year and 6 days since my baptism, and on this significant moment as the church crossed into its 25th year, I think I'd just like to share a little about how wonderful God has been to me over the eventful year of 2010. A year ago when I was still an employee in Cocoa Tree, I came up to share once, about the little incident on monetary matters. God was good and faithful to me- my sentiment back then was, " God is so good to us that it's almost natural for us to have at least one thanksgiving everyday as long as we choose to acknowledge." That mentality, I am grateful to say that our Lord has imprinted it hard upon my heart, that every week as I attended Poiema, despite the kinds of tiredness and the bad things that may have happened over the week, I would still be able to give thanks to Him. By that, I can only say that those moments, it has really been His grace and mercy that seen me through numerous ugly moments- such as a back injury in BMTC, a spiritual encounter in Thailand while doing Serve, yet came through each of them unscathed, or at times even stronger than before. God is still very good and faithful to me.
For many, 2010 is an exceptional year of changes, especially for the new batch of pre-U school leavers. The lot of us from All Saints, some have gone for NS, while others have gone for further studies. As such, we had to deal with many tough decisions. For myself, one such was the signing of the contract that will ultimately tie me to the force for an additional 3 years on top of my NS liability. My time in OCS had not been the best time because I experienced confidence-shattering moments and at some point of time, relationship problems. I couldn't really adapt to life in MIDS wing as a Navy Officer Cadet. Til today, I've completed close to 5 months of the extended course. Situation has improved since then, but what followed is a period of uncertainty. Now, I'm facing the dilemma of an OOC (out of course) possibility because of a suspected heart disease, which came out of nowhere. Initially, I was boasting to many that I can finally "get back my life", but as that possibility was confirmed, I didn't quite like the sound of it. As of now, my life is simply filled with a lot a lot of uncertainties, but one verse speaks to me aptly: Jeremiah 29:11 "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." For that, I thank God for His faithfulness, comfort, assurance, and His wonderful promises!
2010 also marks a significant milestone, not only in my life, but that of my entire family as well. I've had come from a Buddhist-Taoist family background. Christianity was nothing more than an alien subject before the wonderful inclusion of my best friend Joel in my life 3 years ago. As a new Christian, I was really on fire, and I brought many people to church, but my closest kins were never part of the consideration. I never though about bringing my sister, nor my mother, nor my dad. There've been moments when the church staffs told me to pray about it, but I merely nodded it off, perhaps still unable to comprehend the reality of hell back then. But the beginning of this year, maybe because of Serve, I sense something different. In the past, sharing about God's Word within the family had never been easy, and the best that I could muster were really many failed attempts. But because of Serve, my sister became envious of my involvement in church work (from my facebook photos) and subsequently my 7 days- mission trip to BanChang Thailand. I believe that was the trigger, and together with the improved relationship that I have with her, church invitation became one of the most common topic whenever we had HTHT. God continued to soften her heart and that only served as an encouragement and affirmation for me to press on.
Then, there was Insomnia, during which the relentless attempt finally paid off and my sister gave the nod. She came,enjoyed herself, and perhaps for the first time in her life, she experienced something different, unlike even the churches that she has gone before. At the same time, my commitment in camp didn't permit me to have time to follow up on my sister's progress, and I am guilty. Occasionally, when I felt like it I would have sort of like a mini bible study with my sister over the weekend, but that only remained at occasional basis, hence the guilt. For that, I thank God for Aunt Stephanie who is now my sister's Godma. Ask Gerry and you might find out how uneasy I was when my sister first came to church, but I had to be absent. But because of Aunt Steph, I learnt to commit. Even when I went away for my 3 weeks voyage, I knew my family was in good hands, and that God was watching over them. Earlier on, on the 10th October 2010, my sister got baptised in the Lord's name and joined the big family of All Saints English congregation. That same week, my mom got baptised too at the Chinese Congregation after reading the Chinese bible I got her during Mother's Day this year.
It had seemed impossible before, but our God is all-powerful. Right before my own eyes, I witnessed the transformation of 2 lives. As of now, I am still reaching out to my dad subtly, but I continue to trust in His timing. For all these, together with the small daily encouragement, I thank God for who He is!
Posted by Judah at 12/31/2010 11:29:00 AM
Monday, December 27, 2010
"Future holds too much uncertainty for us to comprehend. Things in the past, of which I am me. I am who I am because of whatever that might have happened eons ago, deliberate or not."
-Judah-
As Christmas came to past, the year of 2011 is drawing near with the passing of every second. I've had enough reflection, but yet to begin my new year resolutions! Oh my, 4 more days to go and I really need to set a direction!
Posted by Judah at 12/27/2010 07:31:00 AM
I really like my last 2 entries.
Anyway, I had my 2-dimension Echocardiogram test today. I had thought that it would be my confirmation- to see where I'd be heading to (at least to find out if I'm staying or leaving), but it turned out to be a little bit of a disappointment.
At some point in time, I got myself convicted that indeed, it's a trial- the withholding of a certainty could only make my reliance on Him heavier. I really got to trust Him in all ways. It is a tough, yet necessary expectation of a Christian- He is my Lord, my Saviour, my Provider.
Career and prospects apart (life is really not just about money, ain't it!), another consideration is really the fact that if I am really plagued by some disease, chances are that I probably won't get myself a girlfriend, be it now or in Uni. Isn't that sad? =(
Now I've been placed on a non-expiry waiting list. The uncertainty only increases with time- now I don't even know what lies ahead- perhaps doing my best for every subsequent step is the only viable option I have right now. He will still take me by my hand- I believe!
Posted by Judah at 12/27/2010 07:00:00 AM
Sunday, December 26, 2010
It's that time of the year again. Somewhere not too long ago, I discovered my love for the month of December, particularly the Christmas ambiance (not that we get a lot of that in Singapore, but it somehow just portrays the feelings of coming together and above all- PEACE). I love autumn too, but Christmas and December are the 2 misfits amongst my Autumn liking.
2010 has been pretty eventful for the 19ish- a very organised segmentation into different phases, each imprinting and constituting a significant portion of the decade. There was the much-missed project Serve, followed closely by dear BMT and then 3 months of pre-mids, til today when I'm finally a-third through my course. Physically, I've become a lot stronger and fitter; spiritually, there have been ups and downs, but generally it's been on an upward climb; emotionally, shamefully still quite unstable, but nevertheless still a great year- especially with the inclusion of cool people like Gerry, Ya Hui, Joseph, Pastor Jeremy, Jolyn, Ruth and Daniel Ng. Some barged into my life unannounced, some were people whom I've known for quite a while but God-guided-ly grew closer this year. Really thank God for these people.
2010 was also a year of many tough decisions- decision to give up things I ought to have given up long ago, decision to take up new things, decision to take up the responsibility to guide some of the youngsters, decision to rededicate, decision to plan for the future. It's all about the free will, and I thank God for this ability to choose, even more so for this amount of trust despite our apparent lack of Godly wisdom to make Godly decisions at ALL times.
Then, there's also been a list of novelties that have undoubtedly spiced up my year. I thank God for the conversion of both my mom and my sis. I thank God for the exposures I've had in camp- especially the humbling process. I was told it's a breaking down process, I've envisioned it to be a prolonged period of pain and sorrow, but God is kind to let me take it by sips. The process is not complete, but for once I'm conceding- God is enough.
Gerry impacted my life the most this year- especially in the aspect of self-realisation. Someday, and I really mean someday, I hope we'll reach the stage of self-actualisation. Am I really like him when he was much younger? (perhaps so..)
Then there is this little hiccup to my officer course- suspected valvular disease. By name, it sounded very intimidating; by mood, it sounded quite demoralising, but really no one really knew what's it all about. The best part of it- I didn't even report sick for it. Just so happen that when day I blacked out due to exhaustion and they did an ECG on me, and poof, an anomaly was detected in my ECG's pattern and poof, I was sent to NUH and poof, I was hospitalised and subsequently did 3 ECGs and poof, my heart seemed to be confirmed with problem.
For an extended period, I was happily boasting to people about how likely I'm gonna get out of course, and how I'm gonna lead my life QUITE differently. I mean, prior to this for at least half a year, I was convinced that hey, my future seems pretty fixed, at least for the next 10 years. Then, the breaking of this news tilted the entire balance, and everything has been swung out of place again. Uncertainty? Maybe, but this time round it is something which I welcome. It's an option to get out from something which didn't quite suit me. I mean there are of course people who enjoy the course and the prospect, but I for one (out of that many), definitely do not belong. Some people told me the takeaway for this is probably the importance of making good considerations such as signing a contract, but my view is really to make informed choices. Like many, I was probably blinded by what I thought would be a bright future- and had some expectations- ended up getting disappointed and disillusioned (not wanting to forget the fact that my confidence got shattered in this fateful place). It's an option, in fact an opportunity, to help me correct a mistake. For a while, I was telling many how much I yearn to get out, and if I don't I'd be quite disappointed. Putting them into equation, it's stability plus money plus pride versus youth, preference, purpose, relationship. Dilemma, but not enough to sway me. Getting out would most probably mean the loss of the former- meaning my uni and all would be an unsettled hassle again, but in exchange I got that freedom- I'd literally be freed from a bondage of 5 years.
Tomorrow, I'll be heading down for further testing. Health is on the line, and I jokingly discussed with my buddy not too long ago. "What if the doctor tells me: 'I'm sorry sir, but you only have half a year left.'" I really don't know how I'd respond. Judgment day- maybe not to that extent. But it's a life-determining point definitely.
Jeremiah 29:11
"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."
Posted by Judah at 12/26/2010 07:05:00 AM
Friday, December 10, 2010
Sentimental
So often, we feel like we've gone through a lot in our lives when we've only lived through barely 2 decades of the smoothest moments; So often, we feel that we are so competent to handle anything in life when the toughest we've ever come across was only the likes of contractual commitment.
Then at some point in time, we have some revelations. The concept of time is a big mystery, one that deals with so much relativity. Few months of bliss can flit by in a blink of an eye, but a minute of anxiety or sorrow has to be cursed and dreaded upon just for it to move a little. Those, are present.
Future holds too much uncertainty for us to comprehend. Things in the past, of which I am me. I am who I am because of whatever that might have happened eons ago, deliberate or not.
Today I learnt. The significance of truthfulness and sincerity in a relationship- 2 decades could equate to the deep understanding of an individual, but could also mean the deliberate building up of an illusion/facade to hide/deceive. I have always thought so, but today gave me a new insight- some part of which conflicted badly with the impression already in place. Half-trust.
Many a times I choose not to choose. Naively, I was convinced that as long as that decision does not belong to me, I'd have nil responsibility regardless of how things might turn out to be- especially so if the result is a bad one. Naive? Perhaps. Shirking responsibility? More likely. How and why in the world are more and more people adopting the easy way out? Thank God He has been very gracious to me- til now in those instances where I choose not to choose, He chose well in place of me. Like today- I felt that I could help, but I felt like doing something else, yet when I was told not to help I felt bad, so in the end I was told to help. (sometimes life really need not be so complicated- I obviously knew what was the right thing to do, and even more so what I wanted to do). The takeaway- the shedding of new lights to the character of a certain individual (my father), the reality of mishap (especially when we are amongst elderly), the willingness to contribute even if it means to only be there.
Posted by Judah at 12/10/2010 05:28:00 PM
Saturday, November 27, 2010
For 3 weeks, we've been talking about temptation during our cell, yet the real kick only set in when we were thrown into genuine situation. In reality, temptation has always been one of the more sensitive, yet most talked about topic in churches. In fact,when Gerry first came, that was one of the biggest concern in my old cell when we had the phone-calling system to ensure accountability.
Poof, almost a year has gone by. I have moved on to the NS cell (I still miss my old cell a lot though), but what has plagued humanity for God-knows-how-many-donkey-years continue to be an issue today. Temptation, something we (all) have to face as long as we reside on this alien planet; something we have to run away from as long as we keep a conscientious mind; something we have to be convinced that our Almighty Heavenly Father has complete power over; something we have to constantly put on the Armour of God to defend against. With regards to that, I am pleased with how Philip Yancey had conveyed such message in his book, Reaching for the Invisible God- there is no point putting up a front in the public acting all righteous and Holy, but rather adopt humility and proclaim His goodness by giving Him thanks and praises for the Grace He has shown. Once again, it is by His grace, not our merits.
From a lackluster agreement, we proceeded on with the "plan". The turnout was surprising I must say, but what lied ahead held an even greater surprise. The pub/lounge/bar that we went to turned out to be an enclosed dark place. Filipino ladies who were there to make a living got all touchy and physical. Apparently, there were some, whom by God's grace, preserved their sensitivity towards the wrongs in the world and became all uncomfortable, and even angry. I, on the other hand, was a lot more neutral. Neutral in the sense that I didn't mind (probably would not have reacted if I had come with my non-Christian friends, which is why I'm million-tons-grateful that I dedicated my first and hopefully only experience in such a place.). Temptation plays with our human nature- that immediate sense of satisfaction (through compliments, through physicality, through pride). I thank God for that session with my cell- praying to be covered with the blood of Christ and for God's presence to go with us, and then thanking God for the protection He has provided. (Sidetracking a little, Jason said dozing off is my Standard Operation Procedure to do well in tests, but I seriously think such practice should be the SOP to pleasing God-basically getting Him involved in every aspect in our lives.)
The 3 lessons learnt today was 1. to be disciplined in obedience, 2. to put on the Armor of God all the time, 3. temptation. The first-hand experience was genuine and literally set me thinking about many many issues- an aftermath.
About how I should be spending wisely for Godly purposes; about how seeing things from His perspective really feels. For a moment, I felt sorry for the ladies, leading me to realise the grave need to pray for the unsaved ones.
(If those girls were your closed ones, if they were your loved ones, if they were your mother, sisters or even daughters, how would you feel? That was probably 1/1000000000000000 times of how our Father might have felt.)
"Biggest encouragement:
"that's why I don't hang out much. When I was your age, my friends were literally either my colleagues or my church friends.
If that is what it means to be different for a Godly purpose, I would gladly adopt that.
Posted by Judah at 11/27/2010 07:57:00 AM
Sunday, November 14, 2010
At some point of time, this may seem like a weird entry, but today I learnt- about keeping faith and striving. I will be back soon! Praise the Lord for bringing me thus far. Unexplainable love and favour! The Lord is my shelter and my comfort!
Posted by Judah at 11/14/2010 03:16:00 AM
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Many a time, I really hope that I might have had my laptop with me, or at least some devices which would have allowed me to post my keenest desire at the correct moment. Today especially, there were so many moments of intense feelings- those of nostalgia.
For one reason or the other, I thought about my childhood, which undeniably was the favourite phase in my life- the kind of attitude I adopted back then (may be too heavy a term used for a 4 year-old kid, but oh well...), and in contrast with what I am going through today, the observation is inevitable. People change, more often that not, for the better (irregardless of what aspect, even if it means to become more despicable)- for some others, the nicer term we'd like to be better associated with would be grow. Then comes the question, how might I have grown? With a tinge of regret, and perhaps a lot more resentment, I lament the change I've had so naively forced myself to go through. In the past, I used to pridefully boast about my deliberate transformation from an introvert to an extrovert, but the repercussion is hitting back stronger than ever- it has backfired.
As much as I would love to rediscover the old "me", I am, at the very least, glad and grateful for the salvation. This week at least, my resolution is still strong (and I would of course want it to last for as long as possible). I have been spending a lot more time with Daddy God and regardless of the lack of affirmation, the peace that entails is something which few can comprehend. An irony- how much more I've enjoyed my childhood than now, and yet I was yet to be saved back then. My only reason- faithful and merciful Daddy God knew me, cared for me, and loved me before I even knew Him!
At random moments, I do feel nostalgic over a certain childhood desire. When I was a lot younger, I used to spend many Sunday mornings at home with my family- getting sunbathed in the living room; watching the standard Sunday morning television programmes; even weekly games with my Malay neighbor and my sister. Simplicity, and perhaps a lot less freedom (or rather options as to what we can do), but the contention that I derived from such has lasted til even today. I longed for such extended breaks again- the primary school holidays I spent in Malaysia; even last year's trip to Hong Kong. How distant is that?
During the 10 minutes break in between lessons today, I had a power nap which felt like it had lasted for a few hours. During which, I had a dream of which many people were inside. Faith, Xiao Ping etc. Only then I realise, much of the memories are gradually being lost because time nowadays does not permit us to go and think about the past. Indulgence in the beautiful and sweet memories is becoming a luxurious activity. We ought to look back a lot more- the days in primary school, in kindergarden, with the family, with the slightly more distant relatives. Those were the days, and those were the time- from which we've grown and gotten shaped up to what we might be today.
Posted by Judah at 11/10/2010 02:35:00 AM
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Song of the day:
Celebrate Jesus celebrate
Celebrate Jesus celebrate
Celebrate Jesus celebrate
Celebrate Jesus celebrate
He is risen He is risen
And He lives
Forevermore
He is risen He is risen
Come on and celebrate
Come on and celebrate
Come on and celebrate
The resurrection of our Lord!
As I embark on this entry, I am still very uncertain about how long this passion might last. For many weeks, I have been harboring the thoughts of reviving my blog, but each time laziness always get the better of me. Thankfully, like most evasive attempt, the longer I dragged, the more intense the desire becomes- hence, this entry. As for the format, the style- fortunately or unfortunately, my commitment to the forces probably would not permit time for that. Regardless, I am glad I got it started.
A forgotten length of time ago, the blog was created, primarily to serve its purpose as a "record of history", and then came about the thought of using it as a platform to witness. Today, I hope the revival will also bring along the same effect to the original purposes.
About 2 years of Christian faith, I've witnessed with my own eyes many wonderful transformation Daddy God has brought about in my life. Many a time we struggle; but just as often, I always come to the realisation that a greater purpose was the cause. Who can fathom the Greatness of our God indeed? A weekly thanksgiving; perhaps a deliberate attempt to share, but deep down something is still lacking- the conviction of a genuine and real God. My faith is not strong enough. "Sacrifice" I was told- I pray that I would be able to come to terms with that some day- a desperate need for a renewal and resolution (from within), so that I can finally say- more of God less of me (moGlom)!
Posted by Judah at 11/07/2010 03:11:00 AM
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
SAILING THROUGH THE FOG
UNCERTAINTY AND FEAR PREVAILS
BUT AS THE MIST GRADUALLY CLEARS
I SEE A LIGHT IN THE DISTANCE
DIM AS IT MAY BE; FAR AS IT MAY SEEM
YET AS I PRESS ON AND ON
CONFIDENCE CARRIES ME THROUGH
COURAGE WILL SUSTAIN ME
KNOWLEDGE WILL CONTAIN ME
A TEDIOUS PATH; A DEFINITE GOAL
SONS OF THE SEA WE HAVE LONG BEEN CALLED
THANK YOU FATHER MY HEAVENLY KING
NOTHING COMES CLOSE
BUT YOU ALONE
-JUDAH 03082010-
Posted by Judah at 8/03/2010 07:29:00 AM
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Once again, it's been a long while since the last post; once again, within a blink of an eye so much had happened; once again, God is having such great significance in my life that I could but to only praise and exalt Him; once again, here I am on the day of book in penning down my thoughts before the lengthy days in camp; once again, so many once again-s.
Here, I am very much driven to have some creations of my own (borrowing the strength from the ultimate creator)- a website, a literacy work, many sketches, my own style of art, music pieces, wonderful stories, plots, very personal experience with Him etc.
Any how, deep within are waves after waves of hype- the looking forward to the end, and the anticipation of a new beginning. God gave us each new day so that we can always start afresh and experience the goodness that He has in store for us before we finally return home. Yet, at the same time, we cant help but to wonder- a few days ago after the Viper's evening, we were having some free and easy in the hall when I suddenly wonder "it's finally coming to an end. But what if I come back here 5 or 10 years down the road, will the building still be here then? If it's still here, what if I come up to this exact same spot that I am in now? Am I going to recall what I am feeling now, the fear and lost when at the exact same spot, with all the familiar environment, yet made distance by the absence of all these section mates whom had been with us for 3 months and more?"
I mean, as per now, I wouldn't consider any of my section mates as what many would say that they are the buddies, the pals, the brothers, the family whom had gone through the same thing as you for the past 4 months and therefore, they will understand you best and are likely to be your BFF. Yet, when we've gone through so much together, seeing each other over 200 hours each time, having experiences of a lifetime together (the many first in the entire lives) and having gone through sweet, sour and bitter like those meals we've had in the cookhouse, the end does seem an unfriendly foe. Perhaps, we've just gotten used and are just about to begin to enjoy what might have been a torment 3 months ago. In any case, I do wonder if I might miss those times in the near future.
The coming week is the second last of its kind already, and we are having our recruits evening this week. I just hope for the best- pass SOC and do well for IPPT, and I will leave this place with no regrets.
PS. stop talking army to me (I am serving army now doesn't mean I have to breath and live and talk army all the time)! Get a LIFE! (Alive in Christ, a life in Christ!)
Posted by Judah at 6/20/2010 03:44:00 AM
Sunday, May 23, 2010
This will be a pretty short post, but I definitely miss those times when I had forever to blog about every nitty gritty things in life, and look at how it has changed over the short span of barely 4 months. Anyhow, I've just finished my field camp, which was very tough (considerably much easier compared to other company's though), yet has taken a very bad toll on my fitness level. I don't know how to begin, neither do I know how I might end it, but I shall leave out the details for this field camp. The summary shall be as follow: I thank God for seeing me through the toughest parts of my training, and I thank God for granting me favour with not only fellow recruits, but also the commanders, whom have taken exceptional care for my platoon.
Each time I look up into the sky at night, I marvel at the creativity and wisdom of our Lord, to have managed to create such awesomeness and beauty into the pitch darkness of the sky- as the stars twinkled, it was as I've been given an assuring wink by my Heavenly Daddy. Each time the breeze brushed against my face, in the midst of the scorching heat, I thank God for being so faithful and all-fulfilling, that I, His child might be able to experience privileges as simple as such. Each time I glanced at the sky in the far far away, it's as if Daddy God has called me to do so, and allowed me to take a sneak preview to where I might be going and spending eternity in.
Posted by Judah at 5/23/2010 04:30:00 AM
Thursday, May 13, 2010
It has been really long since I last posted an entry, and I wonder if whatever claims that I've made before enlisting still stand today. Perhaps I've wanted to be moulded into someone who relies on God a lot more, someone who is after the Heart of God, someone who pursues fiercely after Christ-likeness, someone who watches his words, and even more so someone who is quick to love slow to anger. Assessment says pretty much about the opposite- I've been offending people unknowingly in the camp (and very wrongfully expected the others to understand that intention), so I guess that was pretty bad.
Time flies, and we are only left with 6 or 7 more weeks in camp- something of which I'm not quite sure if I'm fretting over or what, for the mere fact that the ending of this would only mean the beginning of a tougher phase. In any case, I really do hope to renew my relationship not only with God Himself but rather the people around.
Some knowledge is just not that nice to learn about, especially when it concerns the bigger body. Perhaps we've been too hot-headed, yet Christians are taught to be the light amongst the darkness. Frankly, so what if I dwell amongst the worst of the worst? Yet, I haven drifted off.
Lifestyle evangelism is a practice to be sustained- so as we commit ourselves to God- think not whether they deserve the kind of treatment we are offering, rather do your part on what is right. Bible says dust your shoes from those houses that do not welcome you, so do not withhold those of the chance to even express their hospitality.
Suddenly, you feel that you've got so much more to learn. The old stops where it is, and the new continues from where it takes off. Perhaps I might feel better adopting the new way. I am not sure, but if my current state has been the consequences of the past, then I am regretful and I certainly hope and pray that this taking off will bring me to a good height. (repentance is when one recognises a fault and is determined to never do it again!) It won't be easy, yet with God, all things are possible!
Prayer requests:
1. spiritual health
2 relationship with God
3. my dear mommy who has just begun reading the bible
3. relationship with others around
4. character development
I shall spare the details about the mundane stuff in the likes of grenade life-throw and Sar-21 life firing. But today I'm here, and I just want to give thanks to God for every single thing thus far. Any things that came in favour or not, I recognise that each experience is a gift from God to help me grow as a God's person. The improvements in IPPT, marksmanship, encountering of good sergeants, as well as the survival and overcoming of every small and big obstacle, I thank God for the grace He has poured upon me! Hellelujah!
Your river runs with love for me,
and I will open up my heart
and let the Healer set me free.
I'm happy to be in the truth,
and I will daily lift my hands:
for I will always sing of when
Your love came down. [Yeah!]
I could sing of Your love forever,
I could sing of Your love forever,
I could sing of Your love forever,
I could sing of Your love forever. [Repeat]
Oh, I feel like dancing -
it's foolishness I know;
but, when the world has seen the light,
they will dance with joy,
like we're dancing now.
esa es la descripcion
This song has been occurring to me over the past one week and I miss the Thai people each time it happens!
Posted by Judah at 5/13/2010 09:13:00 AM
Saturday, April 17, 2010
I've been so looking forward to this day, and I am just so grateful that it has indeed came and gone, with goodness and joy engulfing the whole process. The past one week had been the most tormenting ever- a strain in my lower back left me ineligible to participate in literally every activities (except for the one combat training which only came after much persuasion and convincing), because the superiors were cautious over how serious any back injury might be. Nevertheless, I believe this rest is a God-given one, perhaps because like what many have been telling me that I've rushed too much that my body might be suffering from exhausting already (without my knowledge that is). Tuesday morning, one day after the incident, I was sent to the medical centre where I spent almost the entire day sleeping in the sick bay. What a timely rest for me to go further! The next subsequent days were spent siting at the "by-lines" to see the proceeding of every training and drills that passed me by, leaving me stranded, along with the fear that I might lack behind. I was almost 100% certain that I'd never fall out during my army days, only to be denied by this unforeseeable injury to not anywhere, but the back.
Initially, I was very very worried because many were putting ideas into me saying that it might be a slip-disk, that I might get down-pes-ed, that I might miss going to OCS etc. But soon enough, I rededicated myself to the wonderful Lord, and when I did that, I could only feel His presence that calmed my soul down. Lord, whatever that might happen, I will still praise You, like how Job and Paul had been doing throughout their lives. It will still be by His purpose, and now that my status has been cleared, I shall continue to follow Him wherever He wants to lead me to. God is good, all the time!
Today is a Saturday. Throughout the week, I've always been looking forward to this special Saturday, of which I would be able to meet up with the beloved ServerYucks people. Everything looked fine, even the expected attendance sounded good over the phone- Sentosa followed by 2 movies. What more should I ask for? But it was not meant to be- we ended up having only 4 guys, stranded for almost 2 hours wondering about what to do because of many last minute changes. In the end, we decided to go to Marina Barrage, which successfully lifted up my mood by folds! I am just not an urban guy- Kampung boy people might call me, but that's just what I am. 4 guys can be a lot of fun too! We flew a bat kite to a good height and helped a group of girls with their kite! It certainly had been a good time of fellowshipping (and a good time of worship for myself)! Praise the Lord!
Posted by Judah at 4/17/2010 03:44:00 AM
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Think about His love, think about His goodness
Think about His grace that’s brought us trough
For as high as the heavens above
So great is the measure of our father’s love
Great is the measure of our Father’s love
So great is the measure of our Father’s love
How could I forget His love
And how could I forget His mercies
He satisfies, He satisfies, He satisfies my desires
Think about His love, think about His goodness
Think about His grace that’s brought us trough
For as high as the heavens above
So great is the measure of our father’s love
Great is the measure of our Father’s love
Great is the measure
Great is the measure
Great is the measure
Great is the measure of our Father’s love
Great is the measure of our Father’s love
Posted by Judah at 4/03/2010 02:21:00 AM
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Hello everybody! I guess that pretty much round up my 2-days return to this civilisation. I don't quite like it because the more time I spend out here, the more I wouldn't want to make my return. And somewhat, my self-discipline suffers a lot whenever I come out, as such, my quiet time is sometimes compromised. (Nevertheless, as compared to before when I don't really read as much, at least I'm reading up more these days, yet it's still below-par standard.)
Anyhow, this week has been a much more relaxing one because the university application is finally more or less settled already. Aside from the little worries that I have regarding my acceptance (very much due to the kind of results that I've secured after 2 years of inhuman slogging), the weekend has been a rather peaceful one. I've finally managed to enjoy the company of the dear fellow servers whom I've not met for 3 weeks already, and on the course, I've even met my dear juniors like Shanna and Helena! I miss you guys so so much! Hope cheerleading's been good to you guys. Went out with mom in the evening and spent some time with her.
Sometimes silence beats any kind of conversation because it really is the silent company that matters.
Korean drama, Glory of Family, is a really nice show. The last episode was shown today and that was the first of which I've watched, and I like it a lot. It's that kind of identity, that kind of culture, that kind of tradition that are lacking in our society I guess. The basic acknowledgement, the special emphasis on mutual respect, the importance of heritage, the focus on family line, and above all the heavyweights of family pride (that special bondage of belonging). Singapore has failed to establish one of its own, and the indulgence of the citizens' respective different background had only served to embitter the situation. Frankly, deep down, I do crave for that kind of heritage- that of Thailand, China, Korea and even Japan.
I've also just watched another documentary on discovery: Dragons: a fantasy made real
Posted by Judah at 3/27/2010 02:22:00 AM
Friday, March 5, 2010
I am sad, not because my results are bad; not because the trainings are mad, just because I love you guys so so so much! Serveryucks, together with the whole Serve and St Andrews village, I love you all! A lot a lot! I'm already missing you guys sorely now♥
this will be my last status update: I love serveryucks mak mak mak mak mak mak! Goodness, I'm missing you guys already! ♥ muack muack muack muack muack=( See you guys soon. don't be distant from me when i come out k, else i will emo big time!
Posted by Judah at 3/05/2010 07:42:00 AM
Hello humans, sorry for the stagnancy, but so much had happened. Conclusion: I love God more and more each day! Hallelujah!
I'm away serving the nations. Please do keep me in prayer, and be back in 2 or 3 weeks times! love you guys much!
=Love