For we ourselves were once foolish.

If Jesus rose from the dead, it changes everything

2009-01-06T18:31:00.002+08:00

Sometimes people approach me and say, "I really struggle with this aspect of Christian teaching. I like this part of Christian belief, but I don't think I can accept that part." I usually respond: "If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all he said; if he didn't rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hands is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead." This is ow the first hearers felt who head reports of the resurrection. They knew that if it was true it meant we can't live our lives any way we want. It also meant we don't have to be afraid of anything, not Roman swords, not cancer, nothing. If Jesus rose from the dead, it changes everything...

Most people think that, when it comes to Jesus's resurrection, the burden of proof is on believers to give evidence that it happened. This is not completely the case. The resurrection also puts a burden of proof on its nonbelievers. It is not enough to simply believe Jesus did not rise from the dead. You must then come up with a historically feasible alternate explanation for the birth of the church. You have to provide some other plausible account for how things began...

Tim Keller (The Reason for God)

On Evolutionary Naturalism

2009-01-03T13:40:00.002+08:00

Evolutionists say that if God makes sense to us, it is not because he is really there, it's only because that belief helped us survive and so we are hardwired for it. However, if we can't trust our belief-forming faculties to tell us the truth about God, why should we trust them to tell us the truth about anything, including evolutionary science? If our cognitive faculties only tell us what we need to survive, not what is true, why trust them about anything at all?

It seems that evolutionary theorists have to do one of two things. They could backtrack and admit that we can trust what our minds tell us about things, including God. If we find arguments or clues to God's existence that seem compelling to us, well, maybe he's really there. Or else they could go forward and admit that we can't trust our minds about anything. What is not fair is to do what many evolutionary scientists are doing now. They are applying the scalpel of their skepticism to what our minds tell us about God but not to what our minds are tell us about evolutionary science itself.

Tim Keller (The Reason for God)

Magic Tricks

2009-01-02T23:23:00.003+08:00

[Biblical miracles] lead not simply to cognitive belief, but to worship, to awe and wonder. Jesus' miracles in particular were never magic tricks, designed only to impress and coerce. You never see him say something like: "See that tree over there? Watch me make it burst into flames!" Instead, he used miraculous power to heal the seek, feed the hungry, and raise the dead. Why? We modern people think of miracles as the suspension of the natural order, but Jesus meant them to be the restoration of the natural order.

Tim Keller (The Reason for God)

Explaining Away the Explanation

2008-12-30T10:29:00.001+08:00

Up to that point, the kind of explanation which explains things away may give us something, though at a heavy cost. But you cannot go on 'explaining away' for ever: you will find that you have explained explanation itself away. You cannot go on 'seeing through things for ever. The whole point of seeing through something is to see something through it. It is good that the window should be transparent, because the street or garden beyond it is opaque. How if you saw through the garden too? It is no use trying to 'see through' first principles. If you see through everything, then everything is transparent. But a wholly transparent world is an invisible world. To 'see through' all things is the same as not to see.

CS Lewis (The Abolition of Man)

Christian Fanaticism

2008-12-26T16:53:00.002+08:00

Think of people you consider fanatical. They're overbearing, self-righteous, opinionated, insensitive, and harsh. Why? It's not because they are too Christian but because they are not Christian enough. They are fanatically zealous and courageous, but they are not fanatically humble, sensitive, loving, empathetic, forgiving, or understanding--as Christ was. Because they think of Christianity as a self-improvement program they emulate the Jesus of the whips in the temple, but not the Jesus who said, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone" (John 8:7). What strikes us as overly fanatical is actually a failure to be fully committed to Christ and his gospel.

Tim Keller (The Reason for God)

Exposition of Matthew 7:12-27

2008-06-19T18:33:00.002+08:00

A much-needed lesson for all of us!

Vespa...

2008-06-10T13:57:00.003+08:00

Q. What do you get when a group of Christians sends their motorscooters to the mechanic's in the evening?

A. A Vespa Service!

Haa!

Why not start now?

2008-06-01T09:55:00.001+08:00

In heaven we will enjoy perfect, unbroken fellowship with the Triune God. We will relish the glory of God. We will savor the sweetness of Christ. We will have perfect fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Why not start now?
In heaven, bickering, complaining and acts of injustice will all have fallen away. Peace and harmony and justice will be the order. We will love God perfectly. We will even love all our brothers and sisters in Christ perfectly. So why not begin now? There's no reason not to. In fact, there's every reason in the world to do so.

Stephen J. Nichols (Heaven on earth - Capturing Jonathan Edwards's vision of living in betwen)

The Christian

2008-05-27T21:11:00.005+08:00

The Christian, essentially, is a man who has received a new life. We come back again to what I am never tired of quoting, namely, John Wesley's favourity definition of a Christian. He found it in that book by Henry Scougal, a Scotsman who lived in the seventeenth century, and is in the very title--'The life of God in the souls of men'. That is what makes a Christian. The Christian is not just a good, decent, moral man; the life of God has entered into him, there is an energy, a power, a life in him and it is that that makes him perculiarly and specifically Christian, and that is exactly what Paul is telling us here.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Spiritual Depression)

Why are you cast down, O my soul?

2008-05-11T08:17:00.000+08:00

Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself? Take those thoughts that come to you the moment you wake up in the morning. You have not originated them, but they start talking to you, they bring back the problem of yesterday, etc. Somebody is talking. Who is talking to you? Your self is talking to you. Now this man's treatment [in Psalm 42] was this; instead of allowing this self to talk to him, he starts talking to himself, 'Why art thou cast down, O my soul?' he asks.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Spiritual Depression)

Sins of the age

2008-05-04T22:00:00.002+08:00

If we know the characteristic sins of the age, we can guess its foolish and fashionable assumptions---that morality is simply a matter of personal taste, that all silences need to be filled up with human chatter or background music, that 76 percent of the American people are victims, that it is better to feel than to think, that rights are more important than responsibilities, that even for children the right to choose supersedes all other rights, that real liberty can be enjoyed without virtue, that self-reproach is for fogies, that God is a chum or even a gofer whose job is to make us rich or happy or religiously excited, that it is more satisfying to be envied than respected, that it is better for politicians and preachers to be cheerful than truthful, that Christian worship failed unless it is fun.

Cornelius Plantinga

What is it that God expects of us?

2008-05-04T21:55:00.003+08:00

Suppose that at some point in history God insisted that believers be required to build great monuments in his honor. For them, the building of such monuments would be part of their "proper response" precisely because it would have been mandated by God. Once the Mosiac covenant was in place, the people of Israel were mandated to go up to the central tabernacle/temple three times a year: this was part of their proper response. What this means for members of the new covenant is that our response to God in worship should begin carefully and reflectively examining what God requires of us under the terms of this covenant. We should not begin by asking whether or not we enjoy "worship", but by asking, "What is it that God expects of us?" That will be our proper response.

D.A. Carson (from Worship by the Book)

As Long as You Are Glorified

2008-04-21T22:44:00.001+08:00

Shall I take from Your hand Your blessings
Yet not welcome any pain
Shall I thank You for days of sunshine
Yet grumble in days of rain
Shall I love You in times of plenty
Then leave You in days of drought
Shall I trust when I reap a harvest
But when winter winds blow, then doubt

Oh let Your will be done in me
In Your love I will abide
Oh I long for nothing else as long
As You are glorified

Are You good only when I prosper
And true only when I’m filled
Are You King only when I’m carefree
And God only when I’m well
You are good when I’m poor and needy
You are true when I’m parched and dry
You still reign in the deepest valley
You’re still God in the darkest night

Mark Altrogge

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)

The scientific picture of the world around me is very deficient

2008-04-12T10:32:00.002+08:00

The scientific picture of the world around me is very deficient. It gives me a lot of factual information, puts all our experience in a magnificently consistent order, but is ghastly silent about all that is really near to our hearts, that really matters to us. It cannot tell a word about the sensation of red and blue, bitter and sweet, feelings of delight and sorrow. It knows nothing of beauty and ugly, good or bad, God and eternity. Science sometimes pretends to answer questions in these domains, but the answers are very often so silly that we are not inclined to take them seriously.
Science is reticent too when the question of the great Unity of each we somehow form apart, to which we belong. The most popular name for it in our time is God, with a capital "G". Science is, very usually, branded as being atheistic. If its world picture does not even contain beauty, delight, sorrow, if personality is cut out of it by agreement, how should it contain the most sublime idea that presents itself to the human mind.

Erwin Schroedinger

I walked a mile with Pleasure

2008-03-13T23:57:00.000+08:00

I walked a mile with Pleasure;
She chatted all the way;
But left me none the wiser
For all she had to say.

I walked a mile with Sorrow,
And ne’er a word said she;
But, oh! The things I learned from her,
When sorrow walked with me.

Robert Browning Hamilton

The enlargement of my joy in God

2008-01-05T22:42:00.001+08:00

You must believe this or you will not thrive, or perhaps even survive as a Christian, in the pressures and temptations of modern life. There is so much pain, so many setbacks and discouragements, so many controversies and pressures. I do not know where I would turn in the ministry if I did not believe the almighty God is taking every setback and every discouragement and every controversy and every pressure and every pain, and stripping it of its destructive power and making it work for the enlargement of my joy in God.

John Piper (Future Grace)

On Sin

2007-12-21T09:46:00.000+08:00

No one sins out of duty.

We sin because it holds out some promises of happiness. That promise enslaves us until we believe that God is more to be desired than life itself (Psalm 63:3).

John Piper (Future Grace)

On being thankful (Luke 7:36-50)

2007-11-25T23:17:00.000+08:00

Failure to see oneself as a sinner is the root cause of ingratitude... Ours is an age of great ingratitude. There has probably never been a period of history in which people are as unthankful as they are in our day. Employers are not thankful for employees. Employees are not thankful for their employers. Husbands are not thankful for their wives, nor wives for their husbands. Children are not thankful for their parents. Parents are not thankful for children. We are not thankful for friends.
Why is that? It is because we are thinking of ourselves, as the Pharisee was thinking of himself. We think we are better than others. We look down on others. We have no sense of sin. What we posses is not a cause for gratitude, because we think it is owed us. What we received from others is not cause of our appreciation of them. They are only acting as they should, considering who we are. The truth is, even then they are not measuring up to our due. Therefore, rather than appreciate what they are doing, we actually are resentful that they do not do more. Is that not the case? I think too often it is.
Even Christians do not escape it. I had an experience not long ago that brought my own ingratitude home to me. I had been in Pittsburgh for a conference and was flying home to Philadelphia early on a Sunday morning to preach at Tenth Presbyterian Church. I was catching the earliest plane and was up at 6.30 AM to get some breakfast at an airport restaurant. Nobody else was around except for the girl behind the cash register in the restaurant. She was in a foul mood. When I paid for my food I did so with a twenty-dollar bill, since it was all I had. She asked rudely if I did not ahve something smaller. I said that I was sorry, but I did not. She grabbed the bill from me, banged my change on the counter, and stomped off, protesting about people who come through at 6.30 in the morning with twenty-dollar bills.
I was offended. I was thinking that I was her customer, after all. If she had trouble with twenty-dollar bills, she should get more change. The fault was hers, not mine. I got myself into quite a state. But then I sat down with my food, began to thank God for it, and realised that among the many things I should be thankful for was that girl, who undoubtedly needed to get up earlier than I in order to be there in the restaurant to serve me. She was ungrateful, since my money helped pay her salary. But so was I! I had missed being thankful for her service.
Why are we ungrateful? Because of sin! We consider ourselves better than other people. We will only become thankful (as Jesus wants us to be) when we recognise that we are not better than others, that we are alike in rebellion against God, and that everything we have - life itself, food, homes, friends, everything - comes to us solely from the grace of God who, if he did in this moment what justice requires, would instead of giving us those gifts be sending each of us to hell.

excerpts from James M. Boice's The Parables of Jesus

See as tree too won four

2007-11-24T01:00:00.000+08:00

Finally! The infamous CS3214 course of NUS SoC has been completed! The final presentation this past Wednesday went rather well too with almost no hiccups.

As are much that I have to be thankful for, as stressful as the semester was, and causing some patience to wear thin at times, great groupmates and great leadership, a dedicated HQ (a groupmate's rented apartment) to code and bunk in, what more could one ask for?

Even as the project presentation ended, NJ and I had to rush back to HQ to complete another assignment, which we thankfully did at 10pm. Even as I moved the furniture at HQ back to their original positions (they were previously arranged to allow the group to squeeze into the study to program), it felt rather surreal that this project has finally ended, and to see everything back as they were in its pre-CS3214 days. No more staying over for 5 days a week to code. No more sidetrips to Holland V. for a nice meal. No more stingrays to be had on an almost daily basis (now that was really unhealthy). That night after finishing the assignment and taking my leave, I even feeling rather sad to do so. Would I do it (the project) all over again? I'm not too sure if I would though. It's one of those "once-in-a-lifetime" experiences, very much like BMT.

Now it's time to return to life back home, and try to get some studying done for my upcoming exams. Phew~ What a semester!

Like God or Like Satan?

2007-09-03T22:23:00.000+08:00

We are never so like God as when we rejoice at the salvation of sinners. We are never so like Satan as when we desprise those who are thus converted and think ourselves superior to them.
James Boice on the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
From his book "The Parables of Jesus".

On Mother Teresa and Faith in Christ

2007-08-30T21:27:00.000+08:00

... The Christian Gospel is the good news that God saves sinners through the atonement accomplished by Jesus Christ -- his cross and resurrection. Salvation comes to those who believe in Christ -- it is by grace we are saved through faith.

But the faith that saves is not faith in faith, nor faith in our ability maintain faith, but faith in Christ. Our confidence is in Christ, not in ourselves.

... As an evangelical Christian, I have to be concerned that part of Mother Teresa's struggle was that she did not consider herself worthy of salvation. She was certainly not worthy of salvation. Nor am I. Nor is any sinner. The essence of the Gospel is that none is worthy of salvation. That is what makes salvation all about grace. As the Apostle Paul taught us, the wonder of God's grace is that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.

Excerpts from a most needful commentary on the recent Time article on Mother Teresa's "Crisis of Faith" by Dr. Al Mohler, on the object of our faith. This article is a must-read.

Special thanks to Tim Challies for giving the heads up on this article.

On Parables

2007-08-26T21:33:00.000+08:00

... Some sections of the Bible gives us grand theology. Some move us to grateful responses to God. But the parables break through mere words and make us ask whether there has indeed been any real difference in our lives. And isn't this what we should expect, since the parables come from the lips of Jesus?

... Parables differ from fables in that a fable is not a real situation. An example of a fable is any of Aesop's stories, in which animals talk. In those stories the animals are simply people in disguise. Parables also differ from allegories, since in an allegory each or nearly each detail has meaning. C. S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia are essentially allegories. In the parables of Jesus not detail has meaning. Indeed, to try to forcemeaning into each one can produce strange and even demonstrably false doctrines. Parables are merely near-life stories from which one or possibly a few basic truths are drawn.

excerpts from James M. Boice's The Parables of Jesus

"Let us not grow weary of doing good"

2007-08-25T22:14:00.000+08:00

One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galations 6:6-10

I was very much encouraged by B's devotion during the Moriah Youth Camp Committee meeting and the bible passage that he chose today. B was reminding us how we as a committee (and fellow Christians) ought to help each other with the workload that may sometimes overwhelm, and that the work that we do, we should never forget Person whom we are working for and serving. Also, we should not forget also the means by which this goal is achieved, and many times we forget or conveniently overlook the trouble others are in due to our own self-centeredness. May God grant then committee the grace, strength and humilty as we work together over the next few months for the end of year camp.

O Great God

2007-08-25T10:00:00.000+08:00

O great God of highest heaven
Occupy my lowly heart
Own it all and reign supreme
Conquer every rebel power
Let no vice or sin remain
That resists Your holy war
You have loved and purchased me
Make me Yours forevermore

I was blinded by my sin
Had no ears to hear Your voice
Did not know Your love within
Had no taste for heaven’s joys
Then Your Spirit gave me life
Opened up Your Word to me
Through the gospel of Your Son
Gave me endless hope and peace

Help me now to live a life
That’s dependent on Your grace
Keep my heart and guard my soul
From the evils that I face
You are worthy to be praised
With my every thought and deed
O great God of highest heaven
Glorify Your Name through me

© 2006 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI).

Words and music by Bob Kauflin.
As recorded on Valley of Vision.

Christmas 2006

2007-08-13T18:25:00.000+08:00

Something that always brings about a smile whenever I read it.
Thanks again guys! =)

Back to Study...

2007-08-02T08:24:00.000+08:00

Well, August 1st marks the first day of a new semester in NUS for me. The end of a fairy-tale 8 month holiday from NUS, and the start of a most hectic semester. I'm not too sure whether it is the work of nostalgia causing me to feel that the 4 months at McGill were stress-free. I definitely was pulling my hair out when I was learning C from scratch while attempting to program a pseudo file-system for my Operating Systems module. That was quite a difficult project, but a really rewarding one at that. I was really glad that the file-system worked as it should by the end. It was quite the adventure.

But still, somehow I've not been able to get McGill or Montreal out of my mind and it is something I look back with fondness daily. I was just in the brand new computer laboratories at the recently relocated NUS School of Computing and was remarking to my group mate how the computer labs at McGill's Trottier Building for Computer Science and Engineering had huge windows to allow plenty of sunlight in, unlike the ones here. That was a really nice touch, considering the hermit lifestyle computing students have to live many times. Then I proceeded to daydream about wondering through the McConnell Engineering, Trottier and the Management buildings. Weird, I know. I'm pretty scared myself.

But I have more things to be scared of back here. CS3214 appears to be more nerve-wrecking than I originally imagined. At the first workshop yesterday, our lecturer CH was remarking to us how (besides having the privilege of the first computing students using the new facilities) the complexity of the module are talked about by industry professionals and clearing this module almost definitely assures one of a job. Some students even went out to market their projects and earned their first keep. Thus he goes on, that this module while teaching us new concepts and technologies, also allows to earn money at the same time, and even witness sunsets and sunrises at NUS. I guess that last line really got us all when we got its implications. He then proceed to talk how students in the past had nightmares after the first official lecture of the module. Something he mentioned struck to me as odd, that "to avoid comprising our grades we ought not to explore too many new concepts". Seems almost anti-educational at first thought. But I guess this is a thoroughly practical module, and knowing to be realistic and managing our resources is something all computing students have to learn.

Thus begins my crazily stressful semester. Year 3 Semester 1. 4 more semesters to go till graduation (hopefully). On Sunday I was feeling quite down having to return to my studies at NUS, possibly caused by the difficulty of CS3214 and the time I had on my exchange. Having thought it through, I really shouldn't be feeling this way when I look back at my past. Being able to enroll into NUS was in itself a privilege, being rather academically-inept in primary and secondary school, and getting into university wasn't a goal that existed. Then it was just completing a polytechnic education and going out into the workforce. Not that that in itself was bad, but having a computing diploma doesn't really get one far, unless perhaps one becomes an entrepreneur. Thus I have no good reason to be murmuring but instead be thankful for the mercy and grace of God for his provision during my studies polytechnic and the possibility on moving to NUS. To complain and grumble would only display arrogance and discontent towards God and his grace.

'Course he isn't safe. But he's good.

2007-07-29T17:44:00.000+08:00

"That you will, dearie, and no mistake," said Mrs Beaver; "if there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking they're either braver than most or else just silly."

"Then he isn't safe?" said Lucy.

"Safe?" said Mr Beaver; "don't you hear what Mrs Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."

Chapter 8,
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,
The Chronicles of Narnia

A SimCity that isn't a SimCity

2007-07-28T22:48:00.000+08:00

While I've not played SimCity in a while (since I enlisted into the army to be specific), I've been a fan of the Sim genre of games and especially SimCity. And it is really sad to read about the latest news regarding the latest iteration of the SimCity series. Firstly, Maxis is no longer developing this game. It's been handed over to another developer. And it isn't a realistic city simulation anymore, as the Chris B. from Tilted Mill, the new developer explains:

This SC is not a realistic urban simulation, which I understand, to many, represents the heart of what SC is. No one is blind to that. And if you're just completely turned off, even angered by the mere notion of any game called 'SimCity' that is not a detailed, realistic urban simulator, I absolutely understand that viewpoint, and absolutely respect it. I do want to say, though (with no insult intended to die hard SC fans) that we are absolutely thrilled to be a part of this venerable series, are extremely proud of what we have put together, and make no apologies about what we have managed to create. And while our past experiences (including contributions from many of you) certainly inform all our ongoing efforts, this SC is its own unique creation.

I'm been looking forward to seeing how Maxis has developed SimCity 5 (the latest in the series) for the past few years, and to read that they had abandoned this game and passed it on to another developer really is definitely a disappointment! This new version, SimCity Societies seems to me to be a dressed up version of SimTown. Oh well. Looks like SimCity 4 is going to the last great game from the Sim genre. A real pity.

JI Packer on God's Guidance

2007-07-28T08:23:00.000+08:00

God's guidance is more like a marriage guidance, child giuidance, or career guidance that is received from counselors than it is like being "talked down" by the airport controller as one flies blind through the clouds. Seeking God's guidance is not like practicing divination or consulting oracles, astrologers, and clairvoyants for information about the future, but rather is comparable with everyday thinking through of alternative options in given situations to determine the best course open to us. The inward experience of being divinely guided is not ordinarily one if seeing signs or hearing voices, but rather one of being enabled to work out the best thing to do.
JI Packer

Encouragement for the Weary

2007-07-25T21:05:00.000+08:00

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.
Psalm 42:11

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16

JI Packer on Theology

2007-07-21T21:57:00.000+08:00

The older I get, the more I want to sing my faith and get others singing it with me. Theology, as I constantly tell my students, is for doxology: the first thing to do with it is to turn it into praise and thus honour the God who is its subject, the God in whose presence and by whose help it was worked out. Paul's summons to sing and make music in one's heart to the Lord is a word for theologians no less than for other people (Eph. 5:19). Theologies that cannot be sung (or prayed for that matter) are certainly wrong at a deep level, and such theologies leave me, in both senses, cold: cold-hearted and uninterested.
JI Packer (introduction to God Has Spoken)

Goodbye, Facebook

2007-07-21T12:51:00.000+08:00

I hardly knew ye numourous apps.

Cue: The Facebook Song.

Geeky Humour

2007-07-20T11:05:00.000+08:00

Was just at Gleneagles Hospital this past week and I attempted to surf the net on my phone while waiting. I realised my phone's browser technology has quite a way to go when the browser sputtered out this message:

Greetings "Browserly Challenged", it appears that your browser does not support frames. Please go to ...

Thought that was really very funny.

Gift-Giving

2007-07-19T17:17:00.000+08:00

I was having a really nice chat with W after midweek fellowship this past Tuesday and the topic of gift-giving came up. This is a really tricky issue, especially at Christmas when there is an informal exchange gifts among friends. This is a source of covertousness for many of us and potentially stumbling when there is a certain expectation to the gift one expects in return with such gift exchanges. How often we give gifts only to expect one in return. I am definitely guilty of this at times. It is also difficult to draw the line with regards to the recipients as our own budgets are limited. And to whom do we give to? To those we are closer to? Shouldn't we also strive to give to those that we are not as close with or to those that do not usually give us gifts?

W had a brilliant idea that I think I will try out this Christmas. Instead of getting gifts, why not give to a charity on behalf of the recipient? In Singapore most of us are quite materially blessed to a certain extent with bookshelves filled with unread books and various bookmarks from the past five Christmases and birthdays. And most of us do not regularly intentional give to charities as well. I think this, coupled with a nicely written card would make a really meaningful gift.

The Joy of Fellowship

2007-07-19T16:49:00.000+08:00

Midweek Fellowship this past Tuesday reminded me about the importance and joy of fellowship with fellow Christians. Every tuesday, a group of youths and young adults from my church, Moriah BP, would meet at Pacific Coffee (One Raffles Link) for an evening of discussion and fellowship. With this recent session we were not able to get sufficient seats at Pacific Coffee (I was there early and so was J , and there were plenty of seats, but we were so busy chatting that we had forgotten to reserve seats till they were all taken). Thus we decided to give Rocky Masters across the road a try and this revived much memories.

Rocky Masters was the original meeting spot for this midweek fellowship when it first started 7 years ago. How those years flew by! I remember how we would then spend hours discussing and then leave for a quiet area nearby to pray till past 11pm. Sometimes making silly jokes and then getting reprimanded. Once, before I had a handphone (while everyone else did), I was waiting by myself outside the coffee joint wondering where everyone were, when they all had earlier received an sms notifying the meeting was cancelled. The regular group at one point became so small that we thought this fellowship may not for long. And today it's back up to a healthy size of 12+. We even made 16 a couple of weeks before. And now a new group comprising of younger youths meets in Pasir Ris on Thursdays.

But of course the number of people that attend these meetings is not necessarily a measure of success, although it's definitely encouraging to see more folks from church attending. For the past 7 years, I had looked forward to every Tuesday (and Wednesday - this was the original day the group meets) and usually regardless of the number of people attending it is always a joy and blessing, to learn from each other and about God and his work, and to continue to encourage and spur each other on in the faith.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2

JI Packer on Penal Substitution

2007-07-15T23:05:00.000+08:00

Theologian JI Packer discusses the doctrine of Penal Substitution at Reformation21. A highly recommended read on this important Christian doctrine, a doctrine upon which our hope in Christ hinges!

"As I grow old, I want to tell everyone who will listen: ‘I am so thankful for the penal substitutionary death of Christ. No hope without it.’"

"Human nature is radically twisted into an instinctive yet deliberate and ineradicable habit of God-defying or God-denying self-service, so that God’s requirement of perfect love to himself and others is permanently beyond our reach, and falling short of God’s standard marks our lives every day. What is due to us from God is condemnation and rejection."

"The Church is and will always be at its healthiest when every Christian can line up with every other Christian to sing P. P. Bliss’s simple words, which really say it all:

Bearing shame and scoffing rude
In my place condemned he stood,
Sealed my pardon with his blood-
Hallelujah! What a Saviour!"

Fun With Acronyms

2007-07-15T21:46:00.000+08:00

As if living in Singapore wasn't already giving one an overdose of acronyms with the PIEs, TPEs and AYEs, along comes Information System textbooks. Here's a sampling from one of them.

In no particular order:

BPM
CIO
SOA
ERP
CTO
B2G
UDDI
WSDL
HTTP
SOAP
EAP
XHTML
EDI
XML
VAN
EA
B2B
CRM
BAM
IS
BPR
CSR
VPN
QoS
IVR
W3C
EAI
ebXML
BLA

Computing, information systems and perhaps certain business students should be familiar with them. The adventurous may want to try expanding them. =)

"For we were once foolish..."

2007-07-11T21:51:00.000+08:00

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:3-7

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.
John 3:16-21

May the Word of God touch all our hearts, that we may recognise our wretched natures and look to his Son, Jesus Christ, whom he had commanded all to believe and acknowledge as our Lord and Saviour, that our relationship with God our Father may be restored wholly and our joy be made complete.

Tyler Nixon

2007-07-10T23:47:00.000+08:00

I'm not too sure if many had noticed this photo-blog nestled amidst the many links to the right-hand bar of this website. It is the blog of photographer Tyler Nixon.

There are photographs that makes one go "oh, that's nice", and there are those that just makes you go "wow!". And I think that many of Tyler's belongs to the latter category. Do visit his photo-blog when you have the time, you won't be sorry. =)

CS3214

2007-07-10T10:17:00.000+08:00

The bane of all NUS Information Systems undergraduates. Some blurps from the course page (which is already up 2 months before module bidding is even scheduled to begin).

"You and your team will be put under constant pressure to deliver an integrated and working system in addition to well-designed application. Tight deadlines, tough competitions among teams, and conflicts among members within a team are typical characteristics of this module."

"If you HATE programming, want everything to be taught, need lots of sleep, expect to rely on other people to deliver the system, and demand all stuff prepared for you in a nice and neat way... this module is NOT for you."

"If you wish to experience how software project teams in commercial world function and are passionate enough to sweat it out (overdosed with large amount of coffee, instant noodles, and chicken essences), welcome aboard!"

*shivers*

Looks like I'll be having quite a few late nights in the coming semester. I've got to start managing my time properly, considering I'm not one that usually stay up late for my work. Plus this is a group project comprising of 5-6 members. It's going to require some delicate team-member management work. Really hope this project goes over well.

The rare night I stayed up to finish an assignment.

I've started some preliminary reading on AJAX/Javascript, Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and Web 2.0 but it is still far from sufficient. I realised that as interesting as Information Systems can sometimes be, I'm starting to get quite jaded with the literature in this field. It could be due to the book that I'm reading on SOA. It's full of IS jargon and buzzwords like coupling, silos, flexibility, innovation, integration and (this is new) flex-pon-sive*, with the standard rehtoric like "aligning the troops" and "getting executive sponsorship" thrown in for good measure. It just makes for tired reading. Time to find a better book on this topic (one with less management fluff).

Perhaps it is a good thing I'm not studying IS in business school after all. Technically it would be much easier compared to computing school (as was my experience at McGill's management faculty), and perhaps more useful for a career in IS. But it definitely wouldn't be nearly as interesting.

Bible Studies

2007-06-30T13:32:00.001+08:00

A concern that had been on my mind recently involves peer-led bible studies. Usually such bible studies take place in para-church meetings although it is not uncommon in churches as well.

From what I had experienced in the past, and I have been guilty of this myself, the group leader (if there is one to begin with) is not sufficiently prepared to lead the discussion. Or the session takes on the form where the members simply share their opinions with regards to a particular text and no proper teaching is being done. As a result there is a myriad of opinions or intepretations with no clear closure to the study and members are left confused as to which intepretation is correct. Or worse, the members might not realise the apparent contradictions that exists between the opinons, the errors in the intepretation or think it fine that a text have many different intepretations and that they are simply personal opinions. Thus I think it is important for bible study leaders to take extra care in leading such study sessions and to ensure that while opinions are shared and possible intepretations offered, errors will have to be pointed out and the group brought towards a theologically sound intepretation of the text.

Pastor Phil Ryken takes on and discusses small groups further in his great book "City on a Hill".

The problem with some inductive Bible studies, however, is that members end up pooling their ignorance. God has not called Christians simply to "share", but to instruct. So it is essential for small group leaders to be able to teach, and to do so under the spiritual oversight of the church.

Random Updates and Reminisces

2007-06-29T22:59:00.000+08:00

I realised that I had been rather lazy with blog updates ever since returning. Attempts to create new entries never got past a couple of sentences. This attempt must succeed!

It's been nice being back in Singapore, although I still can't quite get used to the weather. Had planned to have some nice authentic coffeeshop eating with an ex-Nav friend at Katong today, but I succumbed to the heat, humidity and sought comfort instead at the basement foodcourt of Parkway Parade. The standard of the ban mien there had sadly fallen. But not to worry, I was able to get the fantastic banana pies from the bakery Donna Manis (sp?) in the basement of Katong Shopping Centre. And they had raisin scones! I should get some of that the next time I visit Katong. Had my first taste of scones in London and I really enjoyed them!

Scones with clotted cream, butter and jam with English tea. Mmm...

And it was really wonderful meeting my church friends again after 6 months. Finally seeing all folks like Cherie, Serene, Sharon, Evelyn, Michele, Jason, Daniel, Samuel, Weijian, Jeremy, Jerry, Wing, among others (thinking of names off the top of my head) really stirred up much joy. In a weird way I never realised how much I missed everyone till I saw them again. It is truly wonderful to be back!

The Moriah folks!

Had chanced upon the seemingly abandoned MASSA blog (no updates since 5 Feb 2007 - MASSA VP IT what are you doing!? haha). But I was glad that it did post updates to the Laksa Night event. It was really nice looking back and reminiscing on that wonderful evening, where it was only my 2nd meeting with the cool NUS SEP folks and my first time meeting great friends like HS. Almost didn't make it to Laksa Night, for I had conveniently forgetten about the McGill CCA Day and missed visiting the MASSA booth. Many thanks to SH and P for alerting me to this event!

Credit: Photos shamlessly taken from the MASSA blog

How quickly those months flew by! Thinking about food reminds me about how I really missed those times at places like Tim Hortons (hot choc on a freezing winter night is always great), Beijing Restaurant, Red Ruby (bleah), Eggspectation (wonderful breakfasts), Eaton Foodcourt (Aqua Lunch serves good fish and chips!), 99c Pizza Place (although one never really buy a 99c pizza there), McGill Pizza, Nickles, Shish Taouk (noo!), Peoples Church (Saturday afternoons == great lunches) and Thai Express (surprisingly better Chinese food to be had here). Although the food isn't always great in Montreal, I'm really thankful that the company almost always is. And that most certainly made for great memories.

London, England

2007-06-16T21:30:00.000+08:00

Random streets on a beautiful evening

Harrods

F1 fever at Harrods

Hyde Park

Kensington Gardens

High tide at a St. James Park lake

Prince Albert Memorial

St. Paul Cathedral

Southwark Cathedral

Albert and Victoria Museum

Tate Modern

British Museum

Covent Garden Market

Russell Kemble Street

Old Royal Navy College, Greenwich

Greenwich Park

Royal Observatory, Greenwich

River Thames

Christ Church College, Oxford

Montreal, QC (Reprise)

2007-06-16T21:13:00.000+08:00

McGill University

Plateau Mont Royal (Park)

F1 Circuit

Race car in its pit.

Bus in its pit.

Montreal Trudeau Airport
My final sortie... *sniff*

(Old) Quebec City, QC

2007-06-16T20:45:00.000+08:00

University of Laval

Streets of Quebec

Toronto, ON

2007-06-02T11:49:00.000+08:00

CN Tower

Union Station

Although Toronto is not exactly a tourist destination (nothing too interesting about Toronto it seems), the city offers really nice food at reasonable prices.

Niagara Falls, ON

2007-06-02T11:44:00.000+08:00

Signs that you've stumbled onto Canadian Territory

2007-05-30T10:00:00.001+08:00

Instructions begin to appear in both English and French.

The ever-ubiquitous Tim Hortons cups.

Huge drug supermarkets.

Chinese food outlets masquerading as Thai food outlets.

New York, NY

2007-05-30T09:34:00.000+08:00

St. Thomas Church

Central Park

Crowd admiring a red wall at the MoMA

Couple admiring a paint-splattered wall at the MoMA

Pitiful boy in front of a paint-splattered wall at the MoMA

(OK, the red wall really is Barnett Newman's "Man, Heroic and Sublime" and the paint-splattered wall Jackson Pallock's "One". I still can't appreciate abstract art even after MoMA and the Guggenheim. More on them in a later post.)

MetLife and Grand Central Station

Grand Central interior

Bryant Park

42nd Street (I think) at dusk

On top the Empire State Building Observation Deck

Looking out into Lower Manhatten

Brooklyn Bridge with NYC Skyline

NYC from the Brooklyn Bridge at dusk

WTC site

Chinatown

Boston, MA

2007-05-25T11:03:00.000+08:00

MIT

MIT Museum

Harvard

Washington Street

Old South Meeting Hall

Boston Common (Park)

It's POPS Season!

The Boston Pops Orchestra at Symphony Hall

With John Williams on the baton! =)

Spotted in San Francisco

2007-05-25T10:55:00.000+08:00

Those pesky cameras intruding on our privacy!

The Bellagio, Las Vegas, NV

2007-05-19T07:14:00.001+08:00

Fountains at the Bellagio

The Grand Canyon

2007-05-19T07:05:00.000+08:00

Mather Point

Bright Angel Lodge

The viewing point overwhelmed by tourists

The Giant Sequoias

2007-05-19T07:01:00.000+08:00

Spot my mom and sis!

Yosemite National Park

2007-05-19T06:58:00.000+08:00

Seagulls of the Alcatraz

2007-05-19T06:49:00.000+08:00

San Francisco, CA

2007-05-19T06:36:00.000+08:00

Market Street

Downtown

City Hall

Fisherman's Wharf - With Coit Tower in the background

Chinatown

The Embarcadero

One Lombard

The Golden Gate Bridge

Seattle, WA

2007-05-13T13:31:00.000+08:00

Pike Place Market

Post Alley

Caramel Apples from Rocky Mountain Chocolates

More Seattle Alleys

The University of Washington

Space Needle and Monorail

Seattle at Dusk

Gearing up for a lecture

2007-05-09T11:59:00.000+08:00

Spotted at the University of Washington.
Beautiful campus, photos should arrive soon.

Favourites from Victoria, BC

2007-05-07T23:39:00.000+08:00

Italian Garden, Butchart Gardens

Japanese Garden, Butchart Gardens

Japanese Garden, Butchart Gardens

Entrance, Butchart Gardens

Paliament Building Gardens

Oswego Street

"Minatures II" - Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC

2007-05-06T14:12:00.000+08:00

"Minatures I" - Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC

2007-05-06T14:05:00.000+08:00

Butterfly Gardens, Victoria, BC

2007-05-06T13:54:00.001+08:00

Oswego Street, Victoria, BC

2007-05-06T13:54:00.000+08:00

Fisherman's Wharf, Victoria, BC

2007-05-06T13:48:00.000+08:00

Beacon Hill Park, Victoria, BC

2007-05-06T13:43:00.000+08:00

Victoria, British Columbia

2007-05-06T13:33:00.000+08:00

"The City of Gardens" - An absolutely beautiful city with a small town feel. Very old, and very historical with many heritage sites.

McGill University's Arts Building

2007-05-03T13:16:00.000+08:00

And my favourite shot:

Be Ready for Every Good Work

2007-05-03T13:14:00.000+08:00

Some verses that ought to be on my mind and meditated upon more often.

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Titus 3:1-11

Reunions

2007-04-29T10:19:00.000+08:00

Attended a reunion farewell dinner at the pizza restaurant where we (most of the NUS exchange group) first met. While the group that turned up was only half of the original (the rest were late or busy studying for examinations), it was still a wonderful time together. Heard that C and SH only turned up later, would have loved to have met them one last time before the long semester break.

After one last (and quick) candid shot by HS, I rushed off to the Montreal Trudeau Airport to pick up my mom and sis.

Too excited to finally reunite with them at the airport, I forgot to take some arrival shots. And they came bearing surprises - a red Nokia E65 (something I'll have to get used to) and a Nikon D40. Hey, what do you know, two devices with brand names of 5 characters long, starting with the letter 'N' and breaking at the letter 'K'. Ahem, moving on... here are some pictures in the couple of days after their arrival, taken on the D40. The LX2 is a wonderful camera, one that I still cherish.

Breakfast at an old haunt - Nickel's.

My sister getting acquainted with my Lumix LX2, after obliterating the old family Fuji digital camera at Sunway Lagoon. I sincerely hope it will not suffer the same ominous end the Fuji did.

We had dinner at another old favourite, Beijing Restaurant, although the dinner we had was rather poor compared to what I had expected.

We spent the next rainy day at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts admiring Disney prints and history. Very interesting although it got a bit overwhelming due to the immense collection. Well worth the $15 entrance fee.

As well as the very nice Westmount park when the rain relented.

And some more nostalgic places that I came across - HS: do you still remember the highly touted General Tao by the newspaper reviews? Haha...

More photographs available at my Picasa Web Albums, look out for the most recent "Postlude" album. You will even find photos of all possible paired combinations of us at the exchange reunion dinner. How's that for some Singaporean fun?

Fun with Guestbooks

2007-04-26T22:18:00.000+08:00

A New Phase

2007-04-25T20:59:00.000+08:00

I've just finished my last exam yesterday morning. Operating Systems, quite a tough paper, and I did not study as comprehensive as I usually do. Oops. Thus I hope I won't do too badly on it and would be able to pass this module.

That marks the end of my official exchange stint at McGill University. It has been an eye-opener, from seeing how the university here operates, the vibrancy of the student activities and to the rights that students demand. This could mean their right as students to have their results within a week of the exam or the right to be able to access their examination paper without having to pay a fee like NUS, or them holding a strike to protest a fee hike. It's really quite different. However it seems that at NUS we enjoy more student privileges. We do not have to battle with the system quite as much as NUS looks out for its students quite a bit and you will not find photocopier services that cost 10 cents per page or textbooks that sell for well over $120 each. But I guess this debate could go on and on. Having been here, I've grown to appreciate NUS even more and am thankful for the privilege of being able to study in a university, especially one that is like NUS. Some of its practices may raise eyebrows or seem rather odd, but that's the way things are sometimes. Every system has its flaws, and I do not see NUS' one as being inherently worse than that of McGill's. Not being indifferent, but rather being aware that not everything will fit into our personal desires or standards and learning to be contented with what God has provided for me. And God has clearly provided so much, if only I take the time to be acutely aware of them, rather than be blinded by my personal pride and discontentment.

As I sit here typing out this post, my mother and sister are on their long 32 hour journey from Singapore to Montreal. We'll be going on a tour of North America, first spending a week acclimatising to the climate and time changes in Montreal. Then we'll zip across the continent to Victoria in Vancouver Island, followed by Seattle, San Francisco, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. This will be followed by Boston, New York, Toronto / Niagara Falls and finally spending the first week of June in Montreal to experience some of its summer.

And soon I'll be back in Singapore savouring Hor Fun (God willing). It feels almost surreal to see this exchange program coming to an end. Without a doubt there's a part of me that wishes for more time to know my friends here better. It feels like I'm just getting to know them. But I guess in many other ways it's also time for me to return home, to continue the work that I left off and catch up with people that I've missed during my stay here in Montreal. It's been a blessing, privilege and joy to be a part of the lives here, even if it had been just a for little while. I guess being concious that time here is limited, it had pushed me to appreciate them even more.

Here's a hymn that was on my lips and mind for most of my time here, written by famous hymnwriter Augustus Toplady in 1776.

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

What a beautiful hymn Rock of Ages is. First it tells us about God's mercy and grace in covering us in the blood and death of Christ, who saved us from the wrath of God that was to be poured out justly for our sin.

Next, it emphasises on the sole work of grace that is of Christ. It is not through our own work that we attempt to save ourselves with, no matter how hard we try, for it falls short of the God. But is is the work of Christ on the cross alone that takes all our sin away.

The third stanza speaks of sinners (that being us), who after being awakened by the Holy Spirit, turn away from our sin and look to God and the work of Christ, to acknowledge and belief in Christ as our Saviour, our Hope and our Lord, who alone is able to save us from our disblief and sin.

Finally the last paragraph speaks about how we will be with God when we die, reunited in perfection, when the work of God reaches its consummation in heaven. And when we approach to be judged, we will not be seen as sinful, but as perfect. Perfect only in what Christ has done, his righteouness that he covers us with. What a wonderful and glorious day that is for those who believe and trust in Christ.

And herein is the command of God to us all, believers and non-believers. To acknowledge God, and the work of Christ, so that we will be able enjoy and glorify God, forever.

Here are six biblical truths put together in a longer article , Quest: Joy! Found: Christ! by Dr. John Piper, which is an essential read for anyone.

Biblical truth #1: God created us for his glory

"Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the ear . . . whom I created for my glory" Isaiah 43:6-7

Biblical truth #2: Every human should live for God’s glory

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" 1 Corinthians 10:31

Biblical Truth #3: All of us have failed to glorify God as we should

"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23

Biblical Truth #4: All of us are subject to God’s just condemnation

"The wages of sin is death..." Romans 6:23

Biblical Truth #5: God sent his only son Jesus to provide eternal life and joy

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners..." 1 Timothy 1:15

Biblical Truth #6: The benefits purchased by the death of Christ belong to those who repent and trust him.

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out" Acts 3:19

"Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved" Acts 16:31

May these truths abide in all our hearts.

Spring at St. Timothy, Valleyfield

2007-04-24T03:01:00.000+08:00

Sunset at St. Timothy, Valleyfield

2007-04-24T01:26:00.000+08:00

Squirrels

2007-04-23T05:15:00.001+08:00

Here're some photos of these little critters. These creatures are to Montreal as what TV Mobile are to us in Singapore. They're everywhere (although not nearly as much of an irritant, plus their cuteness-quotient is much higher). These photos were taken at St. Louis Square.

Drop a Note!

2007-04-17T22:58:00.000+08:00

I thought it would be nice to hear from those who have been reading this blog, and thus have finally added a shout-box to the column on the right. Do drop a note! =)

There'll be more frequent updates on this blog too as I post my reflections on my soon-ending exchange to McGill University and on my travels in North America.

Final IBS and a Magic Show

2007-04-16T06:15:00.000+08:00

Yesterday (Saturday, 14 Apr 2007) saw the last official International Bible Study (IBS) for the semester. It has been a true blessing to have been part of this weekly Saturday meetings at the Peoples Church basement. This bible study meet guided non-Christians and Christians through an indepth inductive bible study on the Gospel of Mark. We had learnt and discussed much through these 10 weeks. For non-Christians this served as a good introduction to the Christian faith, and for the Christians, this allowed us at a closer look at what Mark had observed and documented. From John the Baptist's proclaimation of the coming of the Messiah to Jesus commanding his disciples to follow him.

And besides the bible study, what was truly wonderful about these meetings was the fellowship that permeated through the group. The lunch and dessert that follows the study really helped everyone to bond and to really know each other. Besides meeting at the basement of Peoples', there were special meetings that involved making dumplings for Chinese New Year at Rosemount Bible Church, a home meeting at the Dwarkas',

celebrating Jesus' ressurection on top of Mont-Royal with Impact Church,

and even celebrating Barry's ~~25th~~, I mean, 45th birthday at a Korean restaurant near Snowdon.

It was real privilege to have had participated in these meetings over this Winter semester. Most special was the consummation of the meetings with an end-of-year party, with three IBS members sharing their gifts. First was Yuko (A Japanese exchange student majoring in linguistics) on the piano,

Alexandra with a song item,

And... me with a magic act! I first gave a short impromtu performance for the IBS group while at the Dwarkas' and now this was my first "formal' large group performance. So it was quite special. I was literally shaking before and after the performance, although I became less so during actual performance. Really glad that it went over smoothly, and the group enjoyed the act.

This final meeting was a great blessing to everyone, and it also possibly marked the last IBS meeting that Barry and Michele will be leading. In summer they will be leaving Montreal after 3 years of faithfully leading and growing this ministry. Barry announcced their decision at the close of the meeting followed by a sharing of God's word and gospel, bring the direction of the meeting back to the glory of God and his work of salvation.

It was also an emotional time for some as this was a very closely-knit group and the departure of Barry and Michele was difficult, having been with the group for three years. For newly arrived international students, this is probably the first group they were in touch with and found fellowship apart from church. Their joy and love for God and the IBS group was clear from the day I started attending this fellowship and it will be sad to see them go.

A new team of bible study leaders were introduced and this marked the start of a new period for the IBS for the new semesters to come. May God grant them the wisdom and love for Himself, His Word and for the group they are leading. May their reverence for the Word of God grow deeper, properly studying and not being ashamed of the Word that they are handling (2 Timothy 2:15).

For some of us exchange students such as Yuko and I and graduating students, it will be sad and difficult for us to leave the group. The bible study had been great and fellowship sweet. And some of us will probably never see each other again, till heaven. And what a wonderful hope that is, to be united with Christ and fellow workers in faith! May God continue to guide us all till that great day when we meet in glory!

Photos kindly taken by Han Sheng.

Exchange Updates and Reflections

2007-04-13T15:25:00.000+08:00

I finally managed to gather up some discipline and get down to writing this long (really long!) overdue update. I guess the last time I was writing a comprehensive letter was about a or two week into my exchange and now it's two weeks from the end of my official exchange, which will end with my last paper on April 24th. I'll then be doing some travelling in parts of Canada, the USA and a little in London, my stopover, before arriving back in Singapore on June 17th. It's going to be quite exciting!

I haven't been short of producing timely updates though. For those who had been keeping up, I've been updating my photo album which had become an almost daily chronology of what I've been up to, and in recent months, penning down my thoughts into the comments sections. What had started out as a single album had grown into 4 with a total of 1414 photographs and counting! (the shutter count on my Lumix LX2 stands at 40102 - that means I had taken more than 40000 shots! My right index finger should be a little more muscular by now).

The photographs are can be found here, containing the individual albums: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4. There'll probably be more albums to come so it would be best to visit the main link. The photos you see below are just a tiny sampling of what I had taken.

I should start where I left off in my first email on Jan 4 2007, but I'll start from the beginning as I guess there weren't too many details in the first email. It's going to be a long read (with my thoughts pouring out in an incoherent fashion), so get out a cup of coffee, perhaps a comfortable seating position and brace yourselves.

Before I start, I have to say how truly it's been a privilege and blessing it has been over here in Montreal and studying at McGill University. I started out applying for my exchange by selecting Uppsula University in Stockholm, Sweden, a place where I've always wanted to visit. However due to the problems with matching my modules at NUS and Uppsula, I was forced to reconsider my choices and eventually settled on McGill University, where I managed to secure the only slot available to students at the School of Computing. Good thing the competition wasn't too fierce, there was only one other student applying to McGill as his first choice.

The reason why I wrote this introduction was because I cannot imagine how my exchange would have been like any other way. God had marvellously provided and showed his mercy as I stuggled with my initial days here. I was feeling quite homesick and a little depressed initially, which was a feeling I was unfamiliar with. I had spent 5 months in Brisbane, Australia for my internship with the University of Queensland 3 years earlier and I never felt homesick there. Perhaps it was due to the weather, Winter can be quite depressing for the uninitiated. The sun went down at 2.30pm and it was dark by 3.30pm back in late December / early January. The apartment I stayed at was a little run down, dark (The window to my room was facing the wall of the opposite apartment building) and it can get rather depressing. Normally I think this would be fine in Summer but in Winter this was a little more than I could handle. Plus I was expecting that Montreal would be quite an open and friendly city so I was thought the people would be like the Australians. Loud, open and friendly. Instead Montreallers were quite a reserved bunch of people, like Singaporeans. Reserved, but they can be very friendly and helpful when the need arises as I later found out. However initially, I had the impression that they were cold, which could have been due to my first experiences in Montreal at the airport and with the first bus driver I met being quite unpleasent and thus led to me feeling quite depressed.

But I'm beginning to digress, more on those later. Back to the beginning.

This whole trip started out at 9pm, 28 December 2006, Changi Airport, where I was still asking myself - am I really going to spend the next 5 months, 32 hours away in Canada? I guess I haven't fully prepared myself for the trip. I bade farewell to my family,

and to my friends,

as I started out with my long 32 hour flight to Montreal with my trusty Panasonic Lumix LX2 in hand (without which all these nice photographs wouldn't be possible). But not before a 1.5 hour delay at Changi.

Reaching London's Heathrow Airport was interesting. First there was the long 2 hour line to the security clearance area, and the $12 sandwich and orange juice. Not to mention the 8 hour transit wait.

But it was here that I met a friendly Singaporean couple who were en-route to Boston to meet their son, his wife, and their new grandson (for the first time!). That was really wonderful.

And thus 10 hours later, I've safely arrived in Montreal! My very first shot of the apartment building that I'll be staying at for the next 4 months.

And from here onwards, God's providence and grace had been truly wonderful. I had came to Montreal knowing no one, except my landlord, Stephen. However just above the apartment I was staying at, another Singaporean, En Ming, had rented a room a few days earlier that Stephen is also renting out. En Ming was another exchange student from NUS who had found out about Stephen's place through Craigslist. What are the odds of that happening? And it was through En Ming that I got in contact with the rest of the exchange group from NUS. Well, I know that the purpose of coming for an exchange is to meet new people and break away from your comfort zone. However in Winter, when it can get quite depressing, and I was a little depressed for the first few days, meeting familiar people who you can identify with can be really helpful in acclimatising to a radically new environment. Plus without any Internet access to connect myself to my family and friends, it made me feel even more isolated. It wasn't easy for the first few days, but I had learnt about how much I knew about myself, and how much I needed to trust in God for his provision. Shall I be blatantly (embarressingly) honest? On the third morning I felt so alone, I awoke at 6am and called my family on my handphone, and it was so wonderful talking to them my eyes welled up for that short while. (How's that for being indirect?) Those few Internet-free days made good days for reading. I realised how much time I was spending aimlessly surfing the Internet at times.

After church on Sunday, I happened to meet Ming and her daughter at the metro (the name for Montreal's MRT stations), who were members of the church I had attended.

The meeting was truly wonderful, and I thank God again for bringing me to have a good time knowing them. I haven't met them since, as they also attend another church, and I know I'll see them again in glory! In another display of God's grace, I met Kim, a Singaporean who had lived in Montreal for over 20 years at a dinner meeting with the other Singaporeans. She was another really helpful and wonderful lady who brought me around Old Montreal the following day on her daily walks. This meeting really helped me to fit in better with Montreal and into its culture.

I had soon managed to acclimatise into Montreal in the following days ahead and even managed to secure a new room upstairs! That was really great, the new room was large, open and spacious with large windows that allowed the rays of glorious sun to enter! I almost was not able to get this room as Stephen was thinking of renting out the entire apartment to a family, plus there were a couple of other potential tenants who were enquiring about the apartment. Another reason to thank God for in the provision of this room, it truly made a difference in my stay here!

Soon I got involved with several societies at McGill, such as the McGill Christian Fellowship (MCF),

and the Malaysian-And-Singaporean-Student-Association (MASSA). It was great meeting fellow Christians on campus, especially in a place like Montreal, where it is a very unchurched city (And I guess another reason that led me to feel quite depressed). It started with strong Roman Catholic influences, and there are churches around every corner. However with the "Silent Revolution" of the 1960s, churches started to empty as the population started to see the church as irrelevant. In the case of MASSA it was nice to meet for events like "Laksa Night" and getting to know other Malaysians and Singaporeans on campus and helping out at their events.

In another manifestation of the grace of God, I met Robert while waiting out in the cold for a bus. Robert doesn't usually use the busstop I was at, but he walked over to check out the schedule that morning. And we started talking more on the bus, which marked the start of a wonderful friendship, one with a local, in Montreal. We will soon spend many days exploring in and around Montreal. Robert's a tour guide so that makes things really special. I got to know Montreal in ways I otherwise wouldn't have if I had not met him.

As faithful exchange students, we had to do what all newcomers to Canada do, watch a hockey match! And here we were at the match between McGill and Ottawa. Here you'll see Han Sheng, just in front of me whom I met at the MASSA Laksa Night and he's another wonderful friend that God had graciously blessed me with! The many nights at Tim Horton's (a coffee shop) talking about life and faith, wondering around downtown Montreal, attending church and fellowships were wonderful, blessed time. (Thank you for your friendship, time and company!)

These are two friends I'll truly (truly!) miss when I leave Montreal.

One of my first 75% cooked-on-my-own meals (the cooked chicken was bought at the supermarket). This was the start of my many experiments with cooking. I discovered the miracle of oyster sauce,

(which I later abandoned in favour of other methods of flavouring), and I soon reached the state of cooking 100% of my home-cooked meals. I first started out entering the supermarket, getting overwhelmed by the choices and leaving the place empty-handed as it was too intimidating. Now I am able to cook decent meals. Yay!

Towards the end of January, the group of us exchange students made our way North to Quebec City. A really nice, quiet and freezingly cold city for a tour and to attend the Winter Festival.

Why yes, I actually attempted to ski. Note the careful choice of words.

After days of living and exploring Montreal attractions with funky friends,

attending Chinese New Year dinners,

and eating really bad McDonald's meals,

it was time to explore places outside Montreal during Spring Break. (Oh, and studying occurred too, but there are no pictures at this stage to bear witness to this rare phenonena). Thus on 18th Febuary, 2007 the whole load of us headed South to New York, New York! A truly exciting time as it was my first time in the USA. I was even playing Bernstein's New York, New York on my iPod as we passed under Brooklyn Bridge.

Besides being a first for me being in New York and the USA, it was also the first time I dropped my Lumix LX2 at the Walt Disney Store. Thankfully it emerged fine save a dent.

Side-track: My first noodle stir-fry. It turned out quite good too! Han Sheng even asked for the recipe! (It's true! I hope his reputation didn't nose-dive after this statement was published)

While the others left for Boston and Washington DC, Han Sheng and I decided to return to Montreal to get some work done (in theory), and I also didn't want to miss church on Sunday (which was bound to happen if I stayed on). We abandoned Amtrak which only had a morning service and decided to board the infamous Greyhound bus line for an overnight journey back to Montreal.

And that was where at 12am we had to stop over at Albany (Capital of New York State) Bus Terminal.

Which had a grand total of 8 benches for waiting passengers (Yes, I counted).

And as a bonus, it had a nifty TV-Viewing section! (25 cents for a 15 min screening on tiny 8" CRT screens with no sound.)

The "Chair for TV Viewing" in its full glory. It seems that the only useful aspect of this contraption is the chair. I wonder what can the TV be used for?

Bottle support is one of them.

A bag of food found it useful too.

It also makes for a great armrest. Never underestimate the “Chair For TV Viewing”!

Another friend I met was Jonas (a friend from MCF), who was also in my Operating Systems class! Which was great as that was good company in a rather boring class. Here we are having dinner with Han Sheng before MCF one Friday evening at McGill Pizza.

Another first: Experiencing Daylight Savings! (Translation: I lost an hour of my life).

And another first: Seeing fortune cookies for the first time! This was at Beijing Restaurant where I was having a late dinner with Han Sheng after visiting the Montreal High Lights Festival.

I also attended my fair share of festivals besides the ones mentioned above, including the St. Patrick's Day Parade which left all of us standing in the cold, cheering the parade contingents on.

And as the city warmed up, more travellings were done. Below are Robert and I at a cafe with its co-owner in Knowlton, a very small, quaint village off Montreal. A really beautiful place, reminiscent of New England.

There were even some significant birthday celebrations and cake-cutting! Pam's 21st, and Hassan's 1-Year-Before-A-Quarter-Of-A-Century-Year-Old birthdays.

And of course not without some of the silliness that only Han Sheng is capable of.

Finally, as my classes at McGill draws to a close,

thus the difficult time is coming where I have to soon prepare to bid some of my friends here goodbye.

All good things must come to an end as they say and so must my time in Montreal. And the penning of my memories and thoughts into this mother-of-all-blog-entries. I think I'm truly leaving at the climax of this whole experience. It is ironic how I spent a significant chunk (3 hours!) of my time putting this post together while my exam is on Tuesday, when I could have slowly build this up through this semester. Thus another reason not to procrastinate.

I had first come to this exchange programme with the NUS mentality to clear as many difficult modules as possible since the modules will not be letter-graded. Pack in 6 modules and mug all the way! And after coming here the Student Advisor told me to only take a maximum of three Information Systems (IS) modules as from past experience she says that it was too much work. That left me with my other non-IS module, Operating Systems, for a total of 4 modules. This was far from my initial idea of taking as many modules as possible. On hindsight, having done the modules, I thought I could take another IS module, as it was not as stressful as the advisor pointed out. But everything just fitted together really well I couldn't imagine going through this any other way. 4 modules was more than sufficient, with the extra time spent in lerarning more about the culture and places, getting to know friends and taking part and helping out in various events and activities. Coming for this exchange had opened my eyes to things I wouldn't have otherwise seen, realised or experienced. These 4 months had been an exceptionally special time for me. God had given me the privilege of sharing his Gospel with some of my friends, I had learnt patience and tolerance (although I still have a long way to go) while I was sharing my apartment with others and onto that, independence living in this new environment. I had matured in ways I wouldn't have back in Singapore. There was much more time for me to read and learn, to observe how other cultures function and thrive, to understand their philosophy of life, and many times views and opinions at odds with my own. I had learnt to appreciate Singapore and NUS more than before, despite of its quirks. Inspite of its quirks. I also realised the importance of being more welcoming to newcomers in the church. In addition to proper biblical, expository pulput preaching, the role fellowship plays is truly critical to the health of the church. It seems that the churches here have either one or the other but not both, which can be difficult for the Christian. The choice is obvious, regarding which church one should attend, but more fellowship in the church is always a great help to the growth of the Christian. Although other fellowship groups are always wonderful, fellowship should start within the church and not solely sought outside the church, although it may not always be possible. It makes me very thankful that God had brought about Moriah to be a blessing to Christians in and around Simei, where the Bible is soundly taught and exposited every week, and wonderful fellowship abound!

When I left my family and friends for this short time here, although I knew I will miss them, I also knew that most likely, God willing, I will see them again. Part of the sadness in leaving this exchange programme is the reality that the friends that you leave you probably will never meet again. While I look forward to being in Singapore again with my family and friends, at the same time, it will be with a heavy heart when I leave Montreal.

How truly gracious and marvellous the Lord has been in my time here. His invisible hand guiding my footsteps and holding me up, through difficult times and times that are lighter. Through times of lonliness, his provision of wonderful, special friendships that I will cherish in my years ahead. And through the joy of knowing him more through reading and study, and seeing his providence with the clarity that was previously marred by the frost of convenience and the comfort of routine in Singapore.

May the glorious work of God, his gospel and his grace, and the realisation and thanksgiving for his daily provision, grace and mercy abide in our hearts always.

"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:1-10

PS: If you managed to work your way through all these text, thanks for reading! I don't think I have been so open before in terms sharing my thoughts publicly so it felt a little odd after publishing this post. I would really like to hear from you guys too! Do post your thoughts or updates via the comment box below or via email.

PPS: If you're interested in looking at more photos and in an almost-daily commentary of the activities of my exchange trip, they're all at the photo site mentioned above.

The Provision of God

2007-03-24T12:34:00.000+08:00

During the Civil War, an anonymous Confederate soldier wrote:

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I may learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health, that I may do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I may be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing I asked for but everything I hoped for.
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

from "Who Put the Skunk in the Trunk?" by Phil Callaway

"The Morning I Heard the Voice of God"

2007-03-22T09:49:00.000+08:00

Did you know that God still speaks to us today?

This article is a must read!

You'll truly be blessed John Piper's insights.

Evening Prayer of John Calvin

2007-03-18T10:49:00.000+08:00

I came across this prayer of John Calvin while reading Stephen Nichols' wonderful history book "The Reformation" (which I wholeheartedly recommend to all Christians). May we all learn to pray, depend and call upon God like the great men of faith of the Reformation.

Lord God, since thou hast made the night for man to rest as thou hast created the day for his work, I beseech thee to give my body a restful night and to grant that my soul may be lifted up to thee and my heart always filled with thy love.

Teach me, O God, to entrust all my cares to thee and constantly remember thy mercy, so that my soul may enjoy spiritual rest. Let not my sleep be excessive, but let it serve to renew my strength so that I may be more ready to serve thee. May it please thee also to keep me pure in body and in spirit, preserving me from all temptations and all danger, so that my very sleep may contribute to the glory of thy name.

And since this day has not passed without my offending thee in several ways, I who am a poor sinner make this request. Grant, O God, that just as now thou hast hid all things in the shadows of the night, thou wilt also bury my sins in thy mercy, through Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen.

What is God?

2007-03-18T06:00:00.000+08:00

What is God? Men who pose this question are merely toying with idle speculations. It is more important for us to know of what sort he is and what is consistent with his nature. What good is it to profess with Epicurus some sort of God who has cast aside the care of the world only to amuse himself in idleness? What help is it, in short, to know a God with whom we have nothing to do? Rather, our knowledge should serve first to teach us fear and reverence; secondly, with it as our guide and teacher, we should learn to seek every good from him, and, having received it, to credit to his account. For how can the thought of God penetrate your mind without your realising immediately that, since you are his handiwork, you have been made over and bound to his command by right of creation, that you owe your life to him?--that whatever you undertake, whatever you do, ought to be ascribed to him?

John Calvin
Institutes of the Christian Religion: Book One, Chapter Two, Point 2: Knowledge of God Involves Trust and Reverence

Contending for the Truth

2007-03-13T06:48:00.000+08:00

Great news! The Ligonier Ministries 2007 National Conference will be hosting live webcasts of their conference proceedings. This is really quite exciting.

Join John MacArthur, Al Mohler, John Piper, R.C. Sproul, and Ravi Zacharias (all of them fantastic and godly Bible teachers) as they expound upon Scripture and introduce us to the topic of apologetics and on its importance and relevance to us Christians.

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

The Unforgivable Sin

2007-03-12T11:17:00.000+08:00

And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.

“Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

Mark 3: 22-28 (ESV)

This past Saturday, the International Bible Study fellowship was continuing our study on the Gospel of Mark, during which we came across this rather famous passage which raised several questions. I always had some vague thoughts on these verses and had never coherently put those thoughts together. Now that I've heard several opinions on these verses during the study I think I have sufficiently thought through it and have decided to pen these thoughts down.

The bible translation we were using the study was the Contemporary English Version (CEV) and the translation rendered the sin as to "speak against" the Holy Spirit. Thus some members were thinking that it might have referred to a more serious intentional outward act against the Holy Spirit, such as speaking against the Holy Spirit to others rather than a thought or a personal rebellion. I think the other translation such as the King James, English Standard and New American Standard more correctly rendered the sin as to "blaspheme" against the Holy Spirit, that is to any thought or action that is in opposition to the nature and holiness of the Holy Spirit.

Thus the Pharisees had come to accuse Jesus and his works of being from Satan. Jesus replies to warn the Pharisees of their accusations that is blasphemous to the name of Jesus and to the work that he is doing that is from the Holy Spirit, whom God had sent to anoint Jesus during his baptism by John. In accusing Jesus' works, the Pharisees have blasphemed and reviled against the Holy Spirit by calling the Holy Spirit unclean.

Why is this sin against the Holy Spirit so serious and should the Christian worry of committing such a sin? Surely the Christian knows that he stands clothed in the righteousness of Christ, or is there this particular sin that Christ cannot cover?

Or does this sin only apply to this particular situation regarding the Pharisees? I think what Jesus was saying referred more than just towards the Pharisees. He was giving a general warning and command, that those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, such as to speak about the Holy Spirit in an irreverent manner i.e. say that he is "unclean".

Now it is important to realise that it is the work of the Holy Spirit that illumines the sinful, unregenerate man to the truth of the Gospel, causes him to have the faith and trust in Jesus and his work on the cross and thus dwells in the believer. The Holy Spirit is the sole agent that works through a man's heart, or else man will remain dead in his sin - that is, a rebellion and rejection of God. Thus when a man that is so sinful and opposed to the work of God such that he outrightly rejects and holds the work of the Holy Spirit in contempt, he cannot possibly come to the saving grace of Jesus, for the Holy Spirit is not at work in his heart. Thus the man is left in this sinful state, as one "who never has forgiveness" and is guilty of an "eternal sin". It truly is fearful when the Spirit of God departs from man totally to leave him in his unregenerate state.

So should a Christian worry about committing such a sin? I had struggled with these thoughts in the past and now I think I can safely say no. The fact the Christian is worried about such a sin shows that his heart is being worked by the Holy Spirit and that the Holy Spirit is dwelling in him. More importantly, the Christian is a man that is born again by the Holy Spirit, where in the book of Ephesians chapter 1 it reads,

he [God] chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

And in Philipians chapter 1,

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

We can have complete confidence and hope in God who had chosen us to be his children before the beginning of the world to keep us, to hold us till we meet him again face-to-face on that glorious day of his return! Jesus Christ, the Son of God has washed away and covered all of our sins through his work, death and resurrection. He alone, as the only sinless man, has the power to bear the wrath of a holy God for our sins. And this also means that he who is faithful will keep us from committing such a sin that blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, for we know that is the sole work of grace that is from Christ that saves.

"Bitter-Sweet"

2007-03-07T10:07:00.000+08:00

Ah my deare angrie Lord,
Since thou dost love, yet strike;
Cast down, yet help afford;
Sure I will do the like.
I will complain, yet praise;
I will bewail, approve:
And all my sowre-sweet dayes
I will lament, and love.
- George Herbert

Or as the apostle Paul put it for all the saints who fight for joy in this fallen world of pain and suffering, we live and minister "as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" (2 Cor. 6:10).
- John Piper (When the Darkness Will Not Lift)

Amen.

Counsel for those in despair

2007-03-07T08:19:00.000+08:00

Some words that I encountered from giants of the faith while reading John Piper's When the Darkness Will Not Lift.

[God] changes not because thou changest. Nay, He has an especial tenderness of love towards thee for that thou art in the dark and hast no light, and His heart is glad when thou dost arise and say, "I will go to my Father." ... Fold the arms of thy faith, and wait in the quietness until light goes up in thy darkness. Fold the arms of thy Faith I say, but not of thy Action: bethink thee of something that thou oughest to do, and go to do it, if it be but the sweeping of a room,or the preparing of a meal,or a visit to a friend. Heed not thy feelings: Do thy work.
- George MacDonald

Be sure that you live not idly, but in some constant business of a lawful calling, so far as you have bodily strength. Idleness is a constant sin, and labour is a duty. Idleness is but the devil's home for temptation, and for unprofitable, distracting musings. Labour profiteth others and ourselves; both soul and body need it. Six days must thou labour, and must not eat "The bread of idleness." (Prov. xxxi. 13-27.) God hath made it our duty, and will bless us in his appointed way. I have known grievous, despairing melancholy cured and turned into a life of godly cheerfulness, principally by setting upon constancy and diligence in the business of families and callings.
- Richard Baxter

And words from the letter of James which really was a blessing when I was struggling a couple of years ago:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
- James 1:2-4 (ESV)

Words of encouragement again from Richard Baxter to praise and give thanks.

Resolve to spend most of your time in thanksgiving and praising God. If you cannot do it with the joy that you should, yet do it as you can. You have not the power of your comforts: but have you no power of your tongues? Say not, that you are unfit for thanks and praises unless you have a praising heart and were the children of God: for every man, good or bad, is bound to praise God, and to be thankful for all that he hath received, and to do it as well as he can, rather than leave it undone... Doing it as you can is the way to be able to do it better. Thanksgiving stirreth up thankfulness in the heart.
- Richard Baxter

Denominations and the Emerging Church

2007-03-07T02:16:00.000+08:00

I was having a discussion with a Christian friend on the topic of denominations and the movement of some towards a more inclusive and community-based church where the community transcends doctrines, denominations or systems of beliefs such as "Calvinism". Are denominations unnecessarily bad? I do not think so. There are the primary beliefs that are clearly given in the bible. As Christians all of us are united on the source of our salvation that is in Jesus Christ and his Gospel. And then there are secondary beliefs, beliefs that are not as clearly defined in the bible. As fallible men, we do not unnecessarily interpret them correctly and this often leads to disagreements and in turn splits in the church which is always sad initially. But in spite of this, I think this displays is the devotion of godly men in search of the truth that is most consistent and honourable to God, and shows forth an earnest desire to know and learn more about God. It would be much sadder should churches abandon a zeal to know more about God and to stand up for their beliefs. Of course I say all this with the understanding that such differences occur within proper and scholarly biblical study, and not one resulting from a flippant or erroneous study, which of course should be abandoned.

Then we were then discussing another concern regarding community. As believers in Christ, a close Christian community is vital to Christian growth. Should a Christian choose a church with a strong and biblical preaching of the Word but somewhat lacking in close fellowship or another with a strong sense of community but with a teaching that might not always square with one's own beliefs? Initially I thought that both would be equally important, and joked that perhaps one could attend both churches on Sunday and benefit from each side. After all, a lack of fellowship would leave a Christian spiritually parched. However after giving this matter much thought, and as difficult as it is, a church with a strong, consistent and biblical message is still best for the Christian in the long term, and perhaps fellowship could be sought in an external ministry in such a situation or by eventually making friends in the church as God provides. A Christian cannot learn, grow or worship properly if the messages from the pulpit are often contradictory and unsound. (It would be like reading John Piper's Desiring God and Benny Hinn's Good Morning Holy Spirit and saying both books square with each other.)

What reinforced me towards this decision was a great discussion I heard on the White Horse Inn, hosted by Michael Horton. This discussion was on the Emerging Church (promoted by its leaders and authors such as Tony Campolo and Brian McLaren), with its emphasis and priority on the sense of community and closeness as a body of believers. What disturbs me most is the inconsistent beliefs one may have to hold on to and believe if one abides in such an environment where a sense community is emphasised over bible teaching.

Here's an excerpt from the discussion:

"The danger is that we can get a church that is full of community, that we love hanging out, we love getting together, but the things that binds us together are the things that bind most natural communities together, which is not Christ and the gospel so you don't actually get multi-ethnic communities, you don't actually get multi-generational communities, you get friends or you get Seinfeld ("The show about nothing") and you get sort of a natural community with a natural affinity groups with niche marketing all over again and the church about nothing except community. Isn't there a real danger here?"

"And you are going to end up following a christ that unites this niche market groups instead of uniting people from different market groups to each other."

You can listen to it in its entirety at OnePlace.

Hilarious

2007-02-15T11:30:00.000+08:00

I suppose it's inevitable that I'll be embedding a YouTube video in this blog. I won't unnecessarily do it unless it's something absolutely worth watching.

And here it is (I'm a little slow in getting to know this act, just discovered this yesterday while on YouTube). Ruby Pan:

Do we realise what we are professing?

2007-02-13T12:07:00.000+08:00

I am convinced that many men who preach the gospel and love the Lord are really misunderstood. People make a "profession" but because they haven't understood the message, they are not really saved. They feel a psychological need and they want psychological relief, but they don't understand that the Christian message is not talking only about psychological relief (though it includes that) but is talking about true moral guilt in the presence of a holy God who exists. The real need is salvation from true moral guilt, not just relief from guilt feelings. And I am certain many men who make a profession go away still unsaved, having not heard one word of the true gospel because they have filtered the message through their own thought forms and their own intellectual framework in which "guilt" equals "guilt feelings".
But Paul will not allow this. He speaks immediately of the wrath of God, and anyone who is unwilling to speak of the wrath of God does not understand the Christian faith. We have a great verse telling us how to be saved: "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life" (John 3:36). But you must remember that the end of the verse is also this: "and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." There is no real preaching of the Christian gospel except in light of the fact that man is under the wrath of God-the moral wrath of God. So Paul has a reply to the man who shrugs his shoulders and says, "Why do I need salvation?" His response is this: "You need salvation because you are under the wrath of God. You have broken God's law."
- Dr. Francis Schaeffer (Death in the City - the man without the bible)

A real challenge from the pen of Dr. Schaeffer to all of us as Christians to examine our faith, to "be all the more diligent to make [our] calling and election sure - 2 Peter 1:10" and realise what we truly believe in when we call Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Especially so in this day where universalism, and the prosperity, "feel-good", "be your best" gospels making its round in churches, and of course on the flip side, not neglecting the false gospel of legalism and moralism. Dr. Schaeffer's words ring true today as it did 30 years ago.

Snow

2007-02-09T12:38:00.000+08:00

Sometimes snow gets in the way. But there are times when it just takes your breath away. It started snowing lightly this evening while I was at Gary Kurtz's show Just an Illusion?. As I made my way out of Atwater metro back to my apartment, the snow that fell evoked rather different emotions that I usually held about snow. In addition to my neighbourhood being a quiet one, in the evening at 11pm there was very little traffic and movement. Thus everything was continually being dusted with about a couple of centimetres of undisturbed fresh powder snow. The roads and pavements were indistinguishable from each other and for the moment everything just looked calm and peaceful. I had to pause and appreciate the beauty of it all.

Gary Kurtz: Just an Illusion?

2007-02-09T12:22:00.000+08:00

Just returned from a show by Gary Kurtz, one of Canada's most regarded mentalists. Gary used to be a magician, however (sadly) he made the switch to performing solely mind-reading acts a number of years ago. Nevertheless I was quite excited about the show and was really glad I was able to witness one of the giants in this field at work. For his show Just an Illusion? held at Place Des Arts, Gary convincingly and may I add, disturbingly, played the part of an eccentric savant who discovered his gift after an ugly accident involving a carousal. The highlight of the show was the revelation of a series of personal objects and descriptions of their owners as well as the descriptions of three drawings by audience members while thoroughly blind-folded. At times I was asking myself, is he really for real? He was that good at his art. A really wonderful show with some inevitable hiccups, which are a part of live shows. His interactions and byplays with the audience members seated on and off stage were really funny as well, especially how the volunteer assisting Gary on the Russian Roulette told him where the hidden knife was located.

Lessons learnt

2007-02-05T10:46:00.000+08:00

It's been more than a month since I last left Singapore. I realised that my posts here had been rather sporadic. I've been more active at Google's sister service PicasaWeb photo galleries (accessible from the column to the right), and I'm trying to post at least 1 photo a day, to provide an update as to what I have been doing.

I have learnt many things in these few weeks here, one of which I'm rather happy about is my ability to cook only eggs and instant noodles back in Singapore to being able to cook a decent meal. I'm glad to say that I've been eating much lesser instant food now, having had instant noodles only once in the past couple+ weeks and out of variety rather than necessity.

Quebec City was my first out-of-town trip that the group of us Singaporean exchange students made last weekend. It was really a very nice city, it was a really cold one too. I think it dipped to -34 C with wind chill at one point. It was freezing! Now -10 C is considered warm. My friend's water in his bottle froze while we were wondering about in the open. And a couple of my fingers
were numb from trying to capture some shots. I probably should not have risked removing my gloves. I'm glad to report that the fingers are recovering. Phew~

Spring break's coming and so are the term tests, assignment deadlines and presentations. Hope I'll be able to get my assignments done properly. Had been having some trouble with my Operating System programming assignment. It's the first assignment that I had that I am really quite clueless about. Do hope I'll be able to get some decent work done on that before it's due, at least to be able to get the logic down properly although it may not execute as it ought to.

I've managed to make quite a few local friends, and I'm really thankful for that. The ties that bind Christians together really transcends cultural barriers. At McGill Christian Fellowship (MCF) this past Friday, staff worker Peter Benjamin was sharing about how all of us (the MCF and Christians in general) were one family and bonded together in Christ. Although this is something I had acknowledge, recognised and identified with my Christian friends, this struck me as to how I was seeing the general MCF as mostly a people that were foreign and strangers to me, people who were, in my eyes, indifferent towards (I have yet to know many of them). However, regardless of my unfamiliarity with them, I ought not to be indifferent to the relationship with them, as all of us are one family, and will know each other for eternity!

John Fawcett's wonderful hymn Blest Be The Ties That Binds reads:

Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love;
the fellowship of kindred minds
is like to that above.

Before our Father's throne
we pour our ardent prayers;
our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
our comforts and our cares.

We share each other's woes,
our mutual burdens bear;
and often for each other flows
the sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part,
it gives us inward pain;
but we shall still be joined in heart,
and hope to meet again.

Here is a lesson for myself, to understand what it means to be a body, united and built up as the family of Christ, the holy temple in which God dwells (Ephesians 2).

International Bible Study Fellowship is another fellowship I've been attending, led by VCF staff Barry and Michele. This is one of the "small groups" of the MCF that meets on Saturday. This group's not really small though, with about 20 people attending each week. It's structured as a bible study for both Christians and non-Christians, such that both parties can realise and learn from each other. Sometimes non-Christians will ask questions that Christians may not think much about, or are too afraid to ask. and Christians will be help and befriend non-Christians in the process. This past Saturday's session was a time of testimony from 4 members, and it was truly a blessing to hear their testimonies! I regretted not video-taping them down.

Today's (Sunday) message reminded me about how my conduct and deeds affect those around me, being a good witness for Christ wherever I may be. And the singing was apt in certain situations I was thinking about as well as discussing with a couple of my friends about.

Here is the great hymn, It Is Well With My Soul by Horatio G. Spafford.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

I had wanted to add emphasis on certain verses that is of great importance to us as Christians, however this hymn is so choked-full of biblical wisdom and encouragement, it ought to be meditated upon as a whole.

I shall close this post with a passage from Ephesians (ESV). Here Paul is writing about how both Christians, regardless of their backgrounds as Jews or Gentiles, are one in the family of God. One in the family of God, not by our works, but only by the broken flesh and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Actual picture of me in the snow

2007-01-19T09:59:00.000+08:00

Here's the actual picture of me in the snow. =)

This was taken a couple of days ago, I think it was Tuesday. Relatively mild temperatures. On Wednesday it hit -24 in the morning! And I was waiting for the bus for 25 min out in the open (no bus shelter), the buses were supposed to arrive every 10 minutes. My toes were numb from the cold. Hope it'll not get colder than this.

On a side note, the sunset appears to be getting later. Two weeks ago the sun had set at about 4.30pm so the sky was almost pitch black by 5pm. Now it's setting at 4.45pm and this Friday the sun's to set at 5pm. Yay!

Giving Thanks

2007-01-16T08:53:00.000+08:00

I really need to thank God for his grace, mercy and providence thus far. I first arrived alone in Montreal knowing no-one with feelings of homesickness never really felt homesick when I was in Australia for 5 months.

By his grace he brought En Ming to rent the apartment above mine which he found (of all places) craigslist. Through this contact and subsequent contacts I managed to know all of the other NUS students that are here on exchange and that was truly wonderful! What's more, out of the 11 NUS students who are here, 6 of us are Christians (or are interested in Christianity)! Praise God! Who knew the odds of that happening.

Also thank God for his work of Providence for Han Sheng, a winter-admit student to McGill from Singapore. He did not know anyone prior to the past Saturday but we (the bunch of NUS students) met him at the McGill Singapore/Malaysia Students Society laksa gathering. He is a Christian too (from ORPC - a fellow presbyterian and cessationist - yay! oops.. heh...). Having another Christian in our midst is truly a blessing! May he have a blessed time at McGill for the next four years and find true, sweet Christian fellowship here.

McGill Christian Fellowship is really great, met a lot of wonderful people, and so is People's Church (although I do not really know anyone there yet, but it seems to be a good church). Hope to be able to join the youths at People's Church some time to get to know the church better.

Thank God also for keep my family and friends safe back in Singapore. Looking forward to exploring the USA with my mother and sister, and London with my father.

This past Sunday sermon at People's Church was on Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV). May these words resonate within my heart always!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

Snow is fun...

2007-01-16T08:33:00.000+08:00

...for the first ten seconds.

It was a really snowy day, with temperatures dipping to -9 with a "feels like" of -15 due to the snow and wind blowing straight into your face. Had to walk from the Samuel Bronfman Management Building to the Trottier Building today (which were at opposite ends of the campus, with Trottier located on a hill). What a long arduous trek that was! The wind and snow was blowing straight into my face all the way and it was tough walking due to the few inches of snow on the ground. What would be a 10-15 minutes took almost 30 minutes!

Really interesting experience though. It was really tough waiting for a bus without a shelter in the morning too. Was really glad that I met a friendly fellow-bus-commuter on the way to school, Robert, who was a retiree from the travel industry. Had a really nice chat and it was really wonderful to learn that he had been to Singapore twenty years ago. I was only three then. He even offered to show me around Montreal when the weather gets better. Really hope to take up the offer and also to make a new friend here! Thank God for his great providence again. During INSY434 I met a 1-year MBA exchange student, Keiko, from Japan. Interestingly she met Jinglun from the previous semester! =)

The wait for the bus back was quite interesting as well. People queue up orderly waiting for the bus and it was quite fun when the wind really blows and everyone just makes a prompt about turn and the girls start screaming. Doesn't sound quite right in words but seeing it was rather funny. The bus journey back also took twice as long.

Seems that it will be getting snowier and windier over the next few days/weeks till winter reaches it coldest. Will have to get prepared! It'll be -12 (and that's the high) tomorrow and was initially thinking of staying in due to the snow. But I think I'll drop by Atwater to buy some items as well as to find the CLC Christian bookshop.

Bonus: here's a picture of me in the snow(storm).

Freezing day

2007-01-11T12:07:00.000+08:00

The temperature this evening hit a new low of -15 degree Celsius (with a 'feels like" of -17 degree Celsius). Although this is still far from the expected -20 at this time of the year, it is really cold enough to feel considerable sharpness from the cold. And my classes ended at 9pm today. So it was quite a painful journey back walking to and from the Metro to my apartment. Warm soy milk and peanut butter toast really helped!

I cannot imagine the homeless people now in the streets, how they will be able to survive such freezing conditions. And there are really quite a number of beggars in the streets that I've encountered so far over here. I truly ought not to complain so much and thank God for his grace and mercy that I have a comfortable and warm place to reside in. Really much to appreciate for the family, friends and provision that I have been blessed with back home in Singapore. The amount of welfare that NUS provides its students with. At McGill there are only 2 student-run and subsidized cafes. The others are priced at the normal market rates and are really quite expensive (usually is cheaper to buy food off-campus), the cost of printing is CA$0.09 per side and textbooks around CA$60-$100 average. Ouch!

Tomorrow the meteorological service states that the temperature will be around -3 to 0 degrees. Now that is warm!

Long overdue update

2007-01-07T03:00:00.000+08:00

The procrastinator within had got the better of me and here is my long overdue update since the new year. Hope everyone is still doing well back in Singapore in the new year!

I have more or less settled down, although I am still rather homesick. I found it rather odd as I never felt this way when I was in Australia for 5-6 months on an overseas internship. This could be due to the fact that I stayed in a student lodge back then and had the company of fellow friends all the time. Here I'm more or less isolated from most people save my landlord and roommate En Ming. Or maybe I wasn't too prepared for this trip, it still feels rather surreal that I'm away here in Canada, and had entered with different expectations. The people in Australia were overwhelmingly friendly and I guess I came here with such expectations. Not to say that people here are unfriendly, but I think it's like in Singapore where people are more reserved.

Had just started school this past Wednesday, where I learned that McGill is really quite a tough university. Lots of assignments, deadlines and expectations. Management school is especially demanding, or it could be due to two of my modules being taken by the head of the Information Systems department there. He has rather high expectations and demands, treating the assignments as they are in actual business settings. And I thought NUS can be stressful. Apparently McGill is one of the toughest universities in North America. I've dropped one of my five modules as my initial 5 modules are rather heavy ones. I think I'll just stick with these 4 and try to cope. Would be good to take a little break this semester too.

Another shock was the cost of the books and stationery. A regular file costs CA$5.90 on average and my texts start from CA$30 and hits a crazy CA$113! Those who know CS2102/s back at NUS knows Ramakrishnan's Database Information Systems textbook. Back in Singapore it costs S$30+. Here it's CA$130! I think I may be spending some time in the library copying notes.

What follows are some incidents and recollections leading up to my arrival in Montreal on the 29th of December 2006. Rather mundane for the average browser :) But it's mainly for my personal log, and some items I've been wanting to write about in transit at Heathrow but could not find suitable web access.

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29 Dec Heathrow, London

The plane I was on was delayed by about an hour and a half. But it was OK spreading out my transit wait at Heathrow. That shortens my transit to just 8 hrs.

A rather smooth ride, the journey was my longest yet at 14hrs. Yet it passed by surprisingly quickly. The service in the air was fine, along with the food. What cracked me up was how the captain closed the flight:

"By the way we would like to extend a birthday greeting to a young guest with us today by the name of Timmy. He had just turned 4 and a half.. oh sorry, that should be forty five. Happy birthday Tim."

And later on during the 1 hour queue for the security clearance at Heathrow. A security fellow was going through the line passing out plastic bags for passengers to contain their small bottles of liquid. "Plastic bags! Bags for your magic potions, liquids, exlixir, mur! Is that mur sir? You need to put it in the bag."

The British are really quite funny. Maybe except for the grumpy lady at the x-ray machines.

It was interesting how the clearance was done. It is done as they are entering the main departure building that have shops and restaurants, etc... and various gates leading to the planes. This is unlike Changi where security clearance is only done immediately prior to the loading of the planes. This could have contributed to the bottle neck (of a 2 hours security check line!) at the couple of entrances to departure hall. And it seems that the passengers are able to purchase items like nail clippers, cutlery from the restaurants and enter unabated into the plane which would have otherwise been prohibited at the prior security check. Weird loophole. Terminal 4 Heathrow Airport was like the weather in London, gray and drab.

Thank God for the safe journey thus far. Met a nice Singaporean couple en route to Boston who took the same transfer flight that I was on. They were on their way to see their daughter and son-in-law who just had their baby. A really proud and joyous moment for the parents! Was really good meeting them or else it have been a rather boring wait at the security clearance queue.

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29 Dec Evening

Touched down at Montreal Trudea airport at 1715 local time, ahead of schedule. But it wasn't to last, somehow I would always have trouble at the customs and immigration. My passport was seized and told to go through immigration. Got my a little nervous. Apparently it was due to some "identitfy verification" issues and it "sometimes happens". Thank God I managed to get my visitor's pass and passport back, and for the friendly immigration officer. A more than exciting introduction to Canada, especially after a 32 hours plus journey.

Took a cab down from the airport, I just decided to go with an airport tout, was too tired to look out for another cab. CA$35 + $5 tips. Cost quite a bit to get down to downtown from the airport!

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30 Nov Morning

Rather cold morning, still looking out for Internet access around here. Had a quick walk around the block. The people here do not seem as friendly I expected (perhaps my experience in Australia raised expectations a little too high). Went out in the afternoon and had some trouble with the bus driver who refused to reply in English. Soiled my impression of Canada a little, and did little to improve my bout of culture shock.

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31 Dec

Went to look for Peoples Church of Montreal. A rather different experience from what I was used to in Montreal. Met a very nice mother and daughter after church while I was on my way to Chinatown to meet my roommate and landlord for lunch.

Internet (finally!)

2007-01-01T05:06:00.000+08:00

After the last few days of struggling without a proper Internet connection, I've finally managed to hook up my handy dandy Linksys travel router to my landlord Stephen's ASDL connection. Yay! A link to the outside world in the midst of the dreary winter. More updates to follow as I sort out my photographs and find time to type. Wasn't sure if he had an ADSL connection before and was alerted to it by Jinglun the previous tenant here.

Whee!

A close-up of the vital piece of equipment in this day.

I remember the days when I went to Australia for my internship program for 4-5 months to The University of Queensland back in 2002. I didn't have a laptop nor an Internet connection except for the place I worked at. The only piece of electronic equipment I had to bring was my handphone (given to me by my mother just before I left for the plane) and its charger. How times have changed. Now I've to bring wires and chargers for (and in addition to) my handphone, camera, laptop, music player, toothbrush and router.

Hello from Montreal!

2006-12-31T19:33:00.000+08:00

Sorry for the lack of updates, had arrived safely a couple of days ago. I'm currently settling down and getting used to the place, experiencing some culture shock due to the immense French influence and loneliness of winter. More updates and stories to follow when I get a more permanent Internet connection. :)

Christ in Christmas

2006-12-24T21:52:00.000+08:00

Moriah's HPF had organised a wonderful Christmas party outreach on Friday (Dec 22) evening at Aranda Country Club for the TF, YF and HPF groups. It was a great time of fellowship and a gospel proclamation, although there were not as many few friends as the previous year's. Regardless of the numbers, may the Holy Spirit touch the hearts of the Christian and non-Christian alike, to renew our love for the gospel and to open the hearts and minds of the non-Christian to the gospel.

It was my first time photographing an event. It was a great opportunity to put my LX2 to good use. :) The lighting conditions weren't the best and I lacked a tripod. Thus I tried to shoot most of the photos at a slow shutter speed without flash and with an ISO of 400. Rather high for the LX2, it resulted in rather noisy images. But somehow I really liked the graininess of the photographs. Couple it with the slow shutter speed, I think it added some life and texture to them.

Here are some of my favourite shots.

You may view the rest at: http://picasaweb.google.com/hozhiwei/ChristInChristmas/