Misdirected love

In light of the recent happenings back home in Malaysia, I thought I spent some time writing down my thoughts in a structured way to share with you what I think about it and also for me to be more at ease. (I have all these thoughts running to and fro between my mind and it drives me nuts – I’ve been waking up ridiculously early for the past few days and you can guess what are the first few thoughts)

For the uninformed, I will just attempt to summarize what happened. Due to what I believe is immature leadership, an issue that was considered as a ‘hot topic’ back home was not handled well. As a result, some churches have been victims of Molotov cocktails and of course, with that, a certain kind of unrest. By all means, visit any Malaysian news website, be it the mainstream ones or the radical ones and they would be able to do more justice in sharing with you the latest. Try Google J

I was disgusted when I first heard of it. Disgusted because well, it is just not right and that feeling developed into one of (pauses to think of a word).. I can’t put it into a word but it was along the lines of ‘man, what I am still doing here in Australia?’

As you can imagine then, the subsequent next few hours developed into a struggle with Him and myself.

I am a bit more at peace right now. I was reminded of course of a brief article I was reading a few days ago which expounded on Peter’s response to Jesus in John 13:37 ‘Lord, why can I not follow You now?’ The author went on to talk about worship, waiting and work and suggested that they should go as one and it is a discipline that must be developed.

I would imagine people would have various responses to what has been happening back home. Some may be further convinced that they should try even harder to migrate to another country, some would see it as another point of accusation towards the current government and capitalize on it, some might see it as license to do something radical and so forth.

What is our response as a follower of Jesus?

If there was one thing that I first thought of was, wow, what a fantastic opportunity for the Malaysian Church to unite as one. In my understanding and knowledge so far, unity amongst Malaysian churches have been sporadic or minimal. In John 17, Jesus prayed that ‘all may be one’ (verse 21) and we often forget that these were the last few moments before He was crucified and when read in the context of that, it just makes you sit up straight in your seat and wonder, maybe Jesus knew that Church disunity was a huge thing that would be lacking in the Universal Church today. I was further encouraged even more as the Bible teaches us that Jesus intercedes on our behalf to the Father today and one could suggest that unity is one thing that He is still praying for.

When one part suffers, all suffers. Persecution has always been there. It is just translated and expressed differently in various circumstances. And what happened can be seen as one form of persecution in its infancy. The Bible teaches us too that we must expect persecution if we are really following Him.

Some people’s FB status goes along the lines of ‘the only thing left to do is pray’ and well, I can’t help but wonder, it sounds a bit defeated.

‘You can do more than pray after you have prayed; but you can never do more until you have prayed’ -AJ Gordon

2 Timothy 3:1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: v2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy unloving…..

I am reminded too of the passage above that we are living in the last days and people will still have love, but a love that is misdirected. And I think at the core of it all, the cause of the recent events is a result of misdirected love.

I have friends who are out there in the mission field, back home in the middle of all the action and I sometimes wonder also, why can’t I go and join them yet. It’s like we’re in a football game and we are not losing (we won’t loseJ) but the team needs help and I’m on the substitutes bench and I know what I can do (or at least I think..) and I’m so eager to just run in and help but the Coach just looks at me and says, it’s not your turn yet.

Maybe I really am not ready yet.

To continue the analogy, I was taught too that if you can’t play, at least cheer them on so that is what I will do for now. I have been praying too that God would let me feel what they feel so that I can pray better and I will not get too comfortable with life here.

I learnt something while attending a Residential Bible School back when I was in my ‘teen-years’ (I can’t believe I just used that phrase) and I learnt that God did not give me a Malaysian passport to change it and so I will continue on with that belief.

New beginnings..

And so, 2009 came just like that and left and it's 2010 already, just some pictures for your viewing pleasure from December

OCF Australia 51st National AGM at Port Klang Gospel Hall, that was a momentous one, will never forget that :)

Ah Kong's Birthday

Made breakfast on Christmas morning - Back in Adelaide

Tried a roast pork belly dish from Jamie Oliver's book. Turned out well. Only dish to be finished for Christmas dinner.

Flowers which were supposed to bloom on Christmas morning, man..feel so cheated by the florish shop now..its only blooming now. Oh well..haha..

Guess what came back with me to Adelaide :)

Got more cookbooks for Christmas presents. Thank you, Mr Chai :) ...was saying the other day too..us males are getting a tad bit domesticated already..haha..just a tad..

On a separate note, was just doing some reflecting this morning and setting down some goals and a thought came to me. One of the things that interest me is that how each generation (X, Y, Baby boomers) have traits which are specific to them and even more if I zoomed in on models, like for example, the Malaysian Youth from the 80's, we have similar wants. And so, I was thinking, from my conversations and observations with my peers, I realised that a lot us want change (some with noble reasons, some well..a bit selfish la), and we crave for significance, to be valued. I believe these 2 traits are linked.

The environment around us also helps further fuel that desire. Most of us are living in our 'parents world'. What we have today is what the generations before set in place. They set up the policies that we have today, the governments that lead us today, the tax rates we pay and so on...basically the way of life. And specifically with us coming from rather comfortable backgrounds, we like to have things our way. That could start in us a desire to want change..possibly. There are also groups of people who after having experienced much have come to the point to say that life is too short to do anything else, let us choose a life of significance and denied all form of selfish desires.

And I don't think there is good or bad in that, it's just how the way things are.

What the world needs today are visionary Christians who would make a stand for God and well influence how the world around us is developing. I'm not asking for us to control His hand to do what we want. That is not even possible. What I believe is that we need to start availing ourselves to let Him use us. Desires for change could sometimes be placed there in your heart by Him. Think about it this way, He could have allowed you to be a baby boomer for example, but He chose for you to be part of this generation and He allowed what happen to shape you for a reason..for such a time as this.

Tribute to my 4 legged friend

When in grieve, writing always help.

And so we were told just recently that Amber (one half of the Wong family doggies) passed away. We were shocked and of course sad. It's interesting how one dog can have an impact not only to us as individuals but to us a family. Ask anyone of us and we will have our own stories to share about Amber.

I remember days of chasing her..literally. We were not very good owners, rarely took her out for walks. Whenever we left the gate slightly opened, she would dashed out and one of us would run after to catch her to bring her back. Our neighbours must have thought, 'crazy jokers chasing after their dog around the neighbourhood'.

I remember also days when she would just sit down and rest her head in between the grils of the door looking oh so adorable but we knew deep down, she wanted to get more food (eg. chicken bones which apparently are harmful to dogs). haha

And there was that time also when she jumped into the fish pond. That was funny...

She was also a 'friend' to me. Weird as it sounds, used to sit down with her and just talk to her while patting her. Knowing there was not a slight chance of her responding to my rants/complains in life, I shared quite a bit with her..haha. And interestingly enough, she would look back at me with her tongue hanging out and with a face that has no worries at all, and that was enough to remind me of the simple truth of sometimes, just take it easy.

Being away from home and her for quite a bit helps the grieving process but as I was talking to my sister, that we won't forget the memories. The many times she annoyed us and also the many more times she brought us joy.

It is interesting how God allows these kind of things. I believe its in His will too to have allowed us to have a dog and I believe He has also taught us some things through our 4 legged friend.

Once read the book 'Cat and Dog theology' by Bob Sjogren & Gerald Robison and it brought some interesting perspectives to our relationship with Him. And of course, having dogs yourself help to illustrate the examples better.

Thank You God for the memories and for Amber.

Bye Bye 'ber'..

Jamie's American Road trip

And so I just finished watching the first episode of Jamie's American Road trip. Totally enjoyed it, always enjoy watching Jamie Oliver (i enjoy listening to the British accent so I could be bias..haha), he's touring America trying out the underground/local cuisines prepared by migrants. There was a chap which he met, a Colombian who works as a school bus driver by day and at nights, cooks for about 70plus homeless illegal migrants and distributes the food to them.

I was reminded of

Luke 4:18-19 The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has annointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.

I get excited when I hear/see of churches who are integrated in their local communities doing acts of justice, defending those who are weak, feeding those who are hungry, being a channel for His power. I get even more excited when together with these, there is an active proclaimation of the gospel and lives being saved. And I know it is hard to strike a balance.

I'm reminded from a thought shared by K.P Yohannan in his book, 'Revolution in World Missions' where he makes the point that yes, it is important for a church to meet the social need but it is more important to meet the spiritual need as often, the physical needs are an expression of their spiritual state.

God, wake us up from our spiritual slumber that we may see how much we need You in our lives.

Gratefulness

Sippin' a cup of warm Camomiile and Green Tea and eating lemon crisps from Arnott's...ah pure bliss...

I've never felt so 'aunty' before..hehehe.

Woke up rather early this morning and had a sudden urge to have them for breakfast as I spent the time reading His Word and reflecting.

I can't believe I'm excited for OCF Australia's National AGM, like uber excited! I was never one who fancied formality and 'motions' and all that sort. And I still don't think I am. I am excited more for what He is going to do through it and for the lives He is going to touch and also...it's going to be in Klang :)

Just like that. .

And just like that, October's coming to an end and we will be into our 'last leg' for the year 09.

I was recently convinced by Ms Lee (all the way from UK) to go out to get the book, 'Boundaries in dating.' by Dr Henry Cloud and Dr John Townsend. I never thought i would invest in a book on relationships. The last and only book I have ever read on relationships was 'I kissed dating goodbye' by Joshua Harris. (I 'borrowed' it from a friend and haven't returned it..haha)

Interesting point: Cloud and Townsend made some remarks to debunk Harris' thoughts on dating in their first chapter. I was like, Woah, these 2 books would probably be the only books I will ever read on relationships and they potentially would offer 2 different views. But then again, I like to read/listen/hear what others think/say hence also the sudden impulse to invest in a book on relationships.

Just finished an autobiography-like book on Rees Howells and also 'A backpack and a bit of luck,' by Zhang Su Li, that was an enjoyable read.

The other books that I'm currently taking my time through also are 'Your Church. . can make a World of Difference' by Allan Webb and 'Coffee on the Terrace' by Bruce Grayden, a Wycliffe missionary who was based in the Phillipines.

for your amusement

and so i got my salary and i was like all..oo..$$..haha..but it was a short-lived one..after dividing it to a few portions to be put here and there..i was left with very little and then it dawned upon me..this is going to be one lonng year..and here i was thinking....i dont hv to be a scrooge and look for cheap bargains anymore (it can be tiring sometimes - but i still get the kicks when i find a loaf of Helgas bread for AUD 2 tho) and then it hit me again too..earning my own moolah dosent equate to a more 'comfortable' life but the opposite actually.i've to be wise in my using them as I can't or at least shouldn't be running to Mama-Papa Sdn Bhd for $$ anymore..

and so..i went to harris-scarfe (probably aussie's equivalent of jusco) to look for some working socks. ive only got 1 pair (and no, i havent been re-wearing them everyday and end up developing athlete's foot) but ive been wearing my other like 'sporty' looking socks..everytime i sit down, i was a bit embarassed coz u know how the pants will be pulled up a bit revealing your socks hence the importance of choosing socks which will match your attire for the day.but after a while..i was like..hiya..cannot think too much..

but anyways..i went to harris-scarfe to look for working socks on sunday and i was so excited when i found a set of 3 for 15dollars reduced from 25..(and the chinese uncle would say....'pieerree cardin' one somee moree..i dont even know what brand it is..but i've a hunch that a typical chinese uncle would have that reaction) I just thought it would be easy to match as they were black in colour with minimal designs. and so i bought it feeling rather proud with myself for finding a bargain..

this morning when i wore one of them for the first time, i realised why they were reduced...

they didnt match!

the colour was the same but the way they were sewn together was different.like they had different thread pattern...one was plain, the other had lines...

i just laughed at myself..im still going to wear them..only someone who focuses on it can pick out the difference..i doubt ppl will actually like stare at my feet/ankle....but then again..i actually wear a quite striking colour shoe...oh well...

haha.

Interesting videos

Both are on unity in a land deprived of it

but each has a different background to it.

1 week down, 51 more to go..

Finished my first ever 6 days working week today. My rotation is set up in a way that will give me a 4 days working week, but that would mean extra work on some of the weeks and I so happen started in the week where i had to do a 6 days one.

Week 1: 5 days
Week 2: 6 days
Week 3: 4 days (my favourite...duhh!)
Week 4: 6 days

I still have my job..thank God :)

And this was how I celebrated my first week. I had a huge craving for McD's fries the whole day today and so right after work, went to the nearest McD's and ordered their new Angas beef burger value meal, for those who know what I'm talking about, you just got to try it. It's DA BOMB! haha..it was oh so satisfying! probably also due to the fact that I only had a cup of tea for lunch and some biscuits bcoz it was raining oh-so-heavily and i couldn't go out to get something. Will probably need to start packing food or keeping snacks in the locker or something..

Came back home, played 'Nigel Kennedy: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra', swung open the balcony windows and took one of the nicest nap I've ever had. It just stopped raining so the weather was just perfect and the birds were singing too!. Pure bliss...and did i mention, a bird built her nest in the tree in front of the balcony so every morning, i get to see her sitting on her eggs.

Work has been interesting. I got to think of combinations of ties, shirts and jumpers/cardigans to wear for the past few days (not that I have many, even more the need to mix and match)..haha..on a serious note, I'm beginning to understand the responsibilties that come up with 'growing up'. And even more the role I potentially playing or if not already in someone else's well being. Most of my friends/colleagues knew that already when they were in uni and i somehow only realise it now..i can be a bit blur sometimes but oh well..

While I was enjoying my Angas beef at McD's, i saw this family that came in, and could tell that it was really a treat for the kids to have McD's. They were so cute in their raincoat and were all smiling so happily. And it came back to me again, the reminder of how blessed I am and how fortunate that I am to be in where I am in life. Even with all the complains that I pour out to Him, He still loves me and gives me more than what I need. How can I not be amazed by this Love. and He knows what makes me smile, what cheers me up when I'm down..He knows us more than we know ourselves..how can we not fall down and worship..

We have been blessed to bless others, one of my life principles..

2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ compels us...

and so dear reader, I thank you for taking the time to have an interest in my life and for stopping by here when you do and I hope you continue to do so, and I hope that these life stories that I have may be of some use to you.

Quick update

seen on a letter (which I sneakily had a peek on) from the HR department to the pharmacy manager of the place I am working at with regards to my recent employment

'...we trust her (referring to me) addition to your team will be...'

and there were more reference to me as 'her/she' in the letter ! no wonder I didn't get a copy of the letter.

my goodness...memories of Convention 07 came flooding back in when I was categorised under 'F' and was slotted to share room with the ladies instead..

i may consider a name change if this continues..haha..

apart from that little hiccup, all's been well. I'm still smiling and am so grateful for the opportunity to even go to work.

A new beginning

I will be starting work tomorrow as an intern pharmacist. Thank God !

man..why did I tell mummy not to iron my shirts when she was here...haha.

Thanks for praying and for all the encouragements.

August is the Farewell month of 2009

Just realized that August is going to be an emotionally stretching one for me.

Family came and we had such a good time and it was hard to say bye bye when they left.

May came and we had such a good time too and just like that, she returned home already and I couldn't bring myself to go to the airport this time around.

And Esther's leaving this Saturday, so that's another bye bye.

I guess life still goes on and just another reminder to not take things for granted and to seize every moment.

Growing up

And Dad's leaving this Sunday. That will end what was one of the most cherished 2 weeks of 2009 for me so far. And you can imagine, the bulk of our conversations were around the themes of growing up. Cars, stock market, investments, 5 - 10 yr goal plans and what all those things where you only hear 'grown ups' talk about. And of course, your typical family bickering. :)

'Uncle Wei Jin'...

haha. Time to grow up.

I guess there comes a point in time in life when you realised, 'Woah, i can't last as long as before on the jogging field' or when suddenly, you are interested in a company's performance in the stock market. I think I'm there right now.

God willing, I will be starting work soon. I am really excited about it but I realised also that ends a chapter in my life and the start of a new one. And the responsiblities that comes with it in one sense, excites me but also causes me to be a bit more cautious in my decisions and how I use my resources. I think also of the vast opportunities that are before me, of what I can do and experience and boy..i can't wait. And I realise how things change just like that. It was just like yesterday I was playing football kaki ayam in the house garden with my bro, being chased around by mum to not damage her pots and plants and now, i'm on the brink of starting work as a pharmacist intern.

Things change so fast and I would say, I sometimes fear change or take a long time to adapt and I always want to cling on to something which is 'safe' and 'stable'.

In the midst of all these, I am reminded of One who is unchangable, who is certain and who holds true to who He say He is. A friend just recent gave me a study on the Doctrine of the 'Evangelicals' and the first study was on the infallibilty and the inerrancy of the Word of God.

A portion from Scripture:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Mum left a copy of this month's edition of Reader's Digest. This months special report was on Men's midlife survival guide. haha. And there was a page on quotes and I would like to share 2 with you which I thought was rather..amusing...and i guess a bit true...just a lil bit...haha.

In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman.

-Margaret Thatcher-

In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play.

-Friedrich Nietzsche-

Woot!

Thank You Lord :)

And there was 3

And so for a week, 5 of us were together and we thank God for the time we had together, never had so much fun :)

Mum and Lyn left this morning, thought I wouldnt cry anymore..haha..

Dad's gonna be with us for an extra week..all the jantan wongs.

This will be interesting. I've gotta cook with less salt and all things unhealthy.

First dinner with the guys, steam beans, stir fry celery with kacang and ikan bilis and tauyu chicken

Picture updates 2

My personal present for grad with angpau money from auntie. Have been eyeing this one for a bit and yes, definitely enjoying it

With the Lim brothers. Ming and Kai.

I am grateful for the many great things You have done and are doing and will do.

Thank You.

Pictures update

Pumped

In less than 48 hrs, the females from the Wong clan will be arriving and 24 hours later the Big Boss will be arriving..

am excited indeed. our place has never been cleaner :P

Graduation ceremony on the 5th of Aug.

.... finally.

Thank You

Operation Encounter 2009

Over the past few months, i had the privillege of working alongside some tremendously gifted people planning for a seminar by Wycliffe Australia. It's called Operation Encounter, OE for short and its basically a seminar that teaches a lil bit on the 'how to' of cross-culture. It was from the 10-12 of July 2009 and I was looking after the logistic side of things and admin too. It wasn't something that i like fully enjoyed and had some difficulties at different point in time but i learnt to take each one of them as a challenge to overcome.

That gave me a change of perspective, from whining..to having fun. :) The experience was definitely something that i won't forget and the lessons learnt too was refreshing.

Just thought i leave some pictures here for your viewing pleasure.

Aileen Morrow shared about a mission trip to Phillipines next year and was giving out flyers and when I took one, I was...surprised. Guess who's on the front cover of the flyer?

Ms Lee Ee May.

And when i opened it, guess who i saw inside?

Me!!! haha.

Fyi, the picture was taken in OCF SA Ecamp 2007

I wonder whether i can ask for commission if ppl sign up for this mission trip. haha

So klg folks, if you are seeing this, hope you guys are proud..haha, we klg reps are accidental models on flyers being distributed around the Australian churches.

With Aileen and the OE 09 planning team

And i just had to put this, a pic of my latest investment. tight leggings to go jogging during winter..how sexy..haha

Mum, this is for you.

Haha. yes, i know we owe you a picture of us wearing the same tee that u got us..but this will hv to do for now.. :)

taken after church at home.

and i just met another Wong Wei Jin, he has an english name, Nick, small little fella that runs around in church, ha..