I realised that there are 'stalagtites' and 'stalagmites' forming along the pipes of our kitchen toilet because of leaks from upstairs. With a spotted catfish in our acquarium and occasional lizard appearing on the walls, the house has never been closer to nature since we moved in, in 1998.

Our house is old but it is a wonderful place to be in (all because of the living things in it) Occasionally things will fall apart but the imperfection always brings us back to reality of life in the urban city. We have recently restored 2 sets of lights which was left broken for weeks. And before that painted 2 pieces of our walls in the hall which had dulled our moments in the living room long enough. It has been declared bright orange since.

More often than not, parts of our lives get broken too and are in need of serious restoration. I learnt that
1) a little restoration regularly is better than a major one once in a long time. 2) serious broken parts cannot be restored ourselves, but best left to the expert and 3) there's no better expert than the one who created us.

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thought this is so interesting... 


when stalagtites and stalagmites meet, they will form natural columns, maybe the value of our HDB home will go up after that. 

My posey picture and more added to my Chiang Mai trip post .. Check it out here

I can cook. But I am not allowed to cook because I will usually make a big mess of the kitchen even long before I finish. Then I thought that washing dishes was my thing but I couldn't do it clean enough or up to standard to warrant a regular job there. So all these while I really don't have a role in the kitchen besides eating.

During the weekend I cut fruits for the family near the kithen sink and I realised that I've been cutting fruits for years without getting criticism or frustrating others. I remember even skinning a pineapple and cut them nicely in the same kitchen, and all done safely and peacefully. I don't understand fully why but I think I've found my role in the kitchen. Cutting fruits. I am so happy for myself.

I remember it was an even better feeling when I found my purpose in life.
(have you read Purpose Driven Life: What Am I in Earth For ?, it speaks of we have been doing since we know God)

My 1 plus year old son can call my wife "mama", her sisters "jia jia" (cantonese for sister), our helper "kakak" (Malay name for big sister), my brother in law "jiu jiu" (hokkien for uncle) but he calls me "the the" which doesn't mean anything in any language I know. "The The" was a political rock band I used to listen to when I was a teenager. They had a hit single called "Infected" back in those days which more or less gives you an idea the type of band they were.

Last night, I was so proud when my son looked into the eyes of another baby in the playground and told him that I'm his 'the the' as his little finger points to me. I don't mind my son calling me that (not because i'm still a fan of the band) but because I know he was without doubt refering to me.

When we pray to our God, we may be imperfect in our words but as we approach him with sincerity, Our Father in Heaven will just be pleased that we are acknowledging Him in a time of devotion.

So don't wait any longer, come to the Father, though we are little and our words are frail, He is happy just to hear from us.

I haven't opened the bible for almost a week. When I was away for my break, I have forgotten (though a bit deliberately) to bring the bible. I had to rely on the resevoir of God's Word in me which is sadly lacking.

Anyway this morning I cannot help but dive into God's word and read from Hosea Chapter 6. It surprised me that the chapter spoke about our loving God tearing us to pieces and injuring us .. only to bind up our wounds and bring healing to us.

Sometimes we reduce God to a figure which we need to protect and defend especially His actions which sometimes if not most of the time seem illogical. We will try to conclude and give clever answers to our problems when there is really none except that the Lord is after all God. He is awesome in power and majesty. He may not be fair or logical but we should not live leaning on our own understanding.

We may not have clear answers but the answer may come on the second day. In the passage its says that on the second day, He'll revive us and on the third, He'll restore us. We cannot give up or be impatient when most of the time its only the first day. Maybe we will have answers on the second or third... or maybe not .. after all He is God and we are not. His wisdom is higher than ours so we need not try too hard to figure Him out .. just serve Him and be His.

Changed and added some things subtlely in the graphic. Can you spot what? Now doesn't that look better ... anyway i don't think he's going to use it because he likes it less elaborate, but we will see when its released how its going to look like.

This is the graphic I did for my senior pastor. He's writing his own blog now and it will be released later

Came back from Chiang Mai Thailand on Monday evening. Was a little bit tired but refreshed. Brought May Ann and Mei Si (our two daughters)though we intially wanted to spend time with each other. One of our friends tipped us that Chiang Mai is an excellent place for children. We fell for it and thank God she's right.

Brought a book i got from the libary 'Real Kids Real Faith' written by a lady i cannot recall the name but instead finished reading the one that Mag brought. It was a little book entitled "A Legacy for my Sons II" by Jimmy Teo given to me by his publisher. Thought it'll be good to meet the man himself. Will have the chance to make the arrangement for him to speak to the children at a later date. I journalled my thoughts of what I've gained from the book particularly when he quoted from Mother Theresa. Mother said " When you are humble, nothing with touch you, niether praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are ". Jimmy added by saying what I truly believe we should all do .. "Avoid fame .."

Beside books, the highlight of the trip was the visit to the hilltribes especially the long neck Karen people. Also the boat trip to Laos at the Golden Triangle, on the river which borders Myanmar, Thailand and Laos was memorable being not a very great fan of boat rides. Also learning more about one of what I felt was God's clumsiest creation, the Elephant which I never thought could leave an impression on me that they did. Why am I was amazed that they can paint a picture much better than most of us. "Avoid fame" yeah cos we'll realise that animals can often be smarter than us. I would have brought home some of the elephant paintings if I had the cash to buy them but i didn't. I had money to buy Lychee (in Thai they are called "Linchee") but i couldn't find the place where I could buy them with Thailand Baht.

Yesterday Mag got some Lychee from her friends bought with Singaporean Dollars. Having to pay a lot more, it just didn't taste as sweet when we tried it. Should have specially gone on a Tuk Tuk (Thailand Taxi) and deliberately look for them in Chiang Mai. I'm sure it'll be much sweeter then.

Overall it was a great trip with a wonderful time invested with the family. Hope you like some of the pictures we took below.


They say girls in Chiang Mai are pretty. I spot 3 at the lobby of the hotel, but they look strangely familiar 


This is the wonderful creature that God made, that my children were trying to feed 


Cobra man at Mae Rim Snake Farm. He risked getting beaten every day during his performances. Should see the various scars on his hands. If bitten the hospital is within minutes away. Such is his life as a 'cobra man'. 


Our church in Chiang Mai ... a wonderful sight amidst the hundreds of temples in the city area 


Local snakes found in the wine sold in the shops of Laos 


Trying to play a thai guitar like traditional instrument with 2 pair of strings tuned to G & E. Found it at the road side store of Chiang Mai city 

I started my journey back from Johor Bahru at 10:30pm and was stuck in the immigration traffic and did not reach home until 12:30am. With that 2 hours in the car with the company of Symphony 94.5, Mag and myself had a nice talk about the camp and still had personal moments reflecting on ‘What being a serving Christian’ is. Well, it’s about living victorious lives and living by faith! I think in this HopeKids camp, all the people have done both.

I can’t help but thank all of those who have responded to the call and made special traveling arrangement though its inconvenient and being in different parts of the region (Singapore, Thailand and Kuala Lumpur). Daniel, Melia, David, Lee, Wan Yueh, Soo Feng and Wai Phang. They have blessed the children… …. Now isn’t that what being in a global church planting “movement” is all about ?

And of course all those who were with us the whole time, Ying Ching, Karen, Lucille, Jane, Yung and Wie Wie. What can be done without them ? Their wholeheartedness, commitment and joy of serving was fantastic and will be truly contagious to all of us.

And all those who have helped in big and small ways … all our volunteers .. the ministry is a better place to be because of all of them ! Ahhh I will not forget Boon Liong and Pauline for their appearance again as Pirates and former Pirates. The children loved them. I was impressed by their sincere “unscripted” sharing during the last part of the skit. It put ‘spirit’ into the whole skit and made the ending truly effective.

Our work in the Lord is not in vain, and the seed planted in the children is important to build the foundation for them in their lives ahead. It was real joy towards the end of the camp to hear the various things that the kids mentioned they have learned. It has been good investment.

Well done everybody and congratulations on the success of Discipleland 2: The “Return of the Pirates” !!! Well we are all relief that Discipleland 3: The Return of Jesus” is not in a form of a Kids Camp but the "Major Event" we are all look forward to without having to bring our props. Keep serving tirelessly and looking forward to seeing you there!! At the mean time hope you like the photos I've posted below, I have a lot more, please ask from me.


Bits, pieces and our banana points


Children, how are you today ?


oh what big hands i have


children children children


silly pirates 


teacher & more children


angklung orchestra @ the city tour 



hawaii 5 o cops 



sharing a teaching 



worshipping 



ballooning 



former pirates 



devotion 



angry pirates



younger pirates in anticipation

A colleague's going to be a first time father in a bit less than 9 months time. With a recent invitation to a baby full month party and my conversation with mum in KL about how cute my sister's baby is, reminded me how special babies are. Babies also at the same time remind us how special we all are.... being chosen from millions and millions of little sperms and countless (ok at least most men don't) eggs to be made & born is indeed special.

Like the prophet Jeremiah, I believe God knew us even before we were formed in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5) Believing that, I also have to believe that God has set us apart for something in His purpose.

We are all special, created for a reason and God has specially chosen us to make a difference in the life that we live not merely for ourselves but for others. We all fit into the greater scheme of things in God.

So don't despise our lives. Live it and live it to the full.