Day 181 of 365: Christian extremist

Christian extremist. That's something you don't hear every day. I have been reading more and more news about this one group that plot to destroy the government through murdering police officers. The dumbest part about them is how the keep track of each member through the internet. Research on bombs: internet. Sending plans: internet. Err...do they not know that they can be monitored on the internet? Even the Muslim extremist is more discreet than these guys.

Worst part is their declaration of being Christian. i bet they don't read the Bible much except for selected texts that support their ideology. Christians are called to respect the governing authorities. We are men and women living on Earth and there is an earthly authority that we need to follow. God's instructions on this is clear. Can't just go around and declare war on the government. There is no scripture that said we need to make war with those that don't believe. We make disciples, not war. That's the Old Testament.

Some people are just not very...bright.

Day 180 of 365: Fried rice

What is up with the weather? Raining sporadically in the city can throw you off. Well, i'm thankfully to say that i was dry for most of the time. Thankful that i got quite a bit done too and hopefully i'll get more done tomorrow.

It's sad, though, that i've been reading articles of Easter, heaven and the theology of resurrection. The Bible is almost always misinterpreted, but that's how it suppose to be. That's what the Bible said too. There will be those that will understand the scriptures because they were elected by God and given the Holy Spirit to understand the Bible. Most others don't have that relationship with Jesus and hence don't interpret the Bible the same way Christians do.

Okay, i'm getting tired... i have to put scripture up for this. i feel like eating fried rice for some reason...

Day 179 of 365: My allergies

i have so many projects i want to work on. Craft projects, modification projects. i just want to tinker with something. Take something apart or put something together. Or both at the same time. Of course, preferably under an affordable price. i just finished painting another rock turtle. i should look for another rock to paint another turtle. Or whatever inspiration takes me.

It's starting to rain again. So no cycling under wet conditions. Breaks the consistency of trying to stay in shape. Sucks too that my allergies are kicking in too. Waking up in the middle of the night with a stuffy nose and having to get out of bed to blow my nose, only to have it clog for the rest of my sleep. Allergies... What lesson can be learned from allergies... Can't wait for the Holy Spirit to reveal that part of life to me.

Day 178 of 365: Not worthy

i went to Abundant Life's Easter musical of the life of Jesus. It was an amazing production! The sets were beautifully crafted, the performers were excellent and there are live animals! Lambs and a donkey! Amazing production! But what i really got out of it was one scene where Jesus healing the sick and i thought to myself, "how would i react to the presence of Jesus?" i teared up thinking about it because if i really did see Jesus face to face during the days of his time on Earth, i'll burst out crying and weeping at His feet! Jesus reveals many imperfections about ourselves and He sees the heart of our intentions. i know for sure that meeting Jesus will be one humbling meeting since i am not worthy of being His friend or deserving His sacrificial gift. i know this has been said a lot, but it's a necessary reminder. Especially when we live in a twisted, self-centered world, we need the reminder of who we are before Jesus came to know how to appreciate what Jesus did. i am not worthy, but i know that Jesus is there to hold my cares and my burdens. Today is a blessing!

Day 177 of 365: Different cheeses

All day at church. Late for assembly leading, good pre-marital counseling, lunch with Annie, Ross with Annie, playing the guitar, helping set up the Gospel Hall stage and practicing for tomorrow's service. Every time i play with the Mandarin worship team, i hope to learn something about leading worship. What to look out for, what to consider for the rest of the team, creative use of each member's skills and abilities, not to mention the expansion of mine as well. i need to pick up drums. i feel like i don't understand the mechanics of beat and rhythm enough.

Well, tiring day regardless. Yet i was able to make a simple dinner and cook up Mac and Cheese for tomorrow's 8th Graders lunch. Good stuff! Starting to get it down. Time to experiment with different cheeses!

Day 176 of 365: Extra time

i think i sprained my thumb. It's getting harder to use it for simple tasks like holding a bottle to take the cap off. i'm just wondering how it could have got to this. And my pinkie on the same hand has issues too, but not as severe as my thumb. Maybe i should make an impromptu cask for now. Get some ice cream sticks and tape. That'll keep it from moving too much. Or anything straight. 'Sigh'... Doesn't happen enough, but that's a good thing.

Another good thing is half days at work. Still get paid, but have time to do my other stuff. i'm just thankful that i get more rest now. Just need to make good use of the extra time.

Day 175 of 365: Live active

i think there is only so much rest a man can get before he gets uncomfortable. Today was one of those days, but strangely, i couldn't get myself motivated to do much. i got some done, but it just lead to more stuff. There really isn't any end to it. Unless Jesus comes back or when God calls me home. Some times, i wish, as Paul did, for that time to come. So much distraction and temptations. So much negativity and discouragement. There is a reason for all these to happen and it's to build character. Wouldn't it be lazy of us to not live our lives as God directed us if we just stop caring for the brother next to you, or the ministry you are working at? Sure it's discouraging some times, but that is an opportunity for growth. Dependency on God. Learning from mistakes. More importantly, life application of the Bible. How can you live in heaven if you don't live God's word on earth? Our bodies will change into a glorified form, but our character, attitude and personality will be the same. Scripture didn't say that we'll act in a new character or personality, or else everyone should just end their lives at where they are now. Live active in God's word!

Day 174 of 365: Thin crust

Half day today. Good to be able to come home and rest from waking up in the morning... i'm starting to think that i'm a night person that loves to sleep. Maybe it runs in the family, but sleep is much desired in my life and i bet i'll lose more in the future. Hence retirement. So far away, but it's not what i need now. It just means i'll be lazy for the rest of my life. Hopefully i'll be able to do some traveling, do stuff that i wasn't able to before. Too much to do in life. Have to stick to what God sees as the best.

Had dinner with Annie at Giorgio's. Good decent thin-crusted pizza. Probably one of the best i had. None of those fake thin-crust...

Day 173 of 365: Sin's grasp

A car is only as good as the driver driving it. The gun is as effective as the man behind it. The man is as wise as the Lord guides him. God is the leader of our lives, even if we don't believe in Him. The amazing thing is how everything is intertwine with each other for the purpose of glorifying His name; that is to say to make Him known as the one true God. Selfish? Well, who are we to say that what God wants is what He'll get? He is God and being the creator of all things, that means that He owns it. Even us as a matter of fact, but that's until sin came along and took it away from God. Now He wants what was rightfully His! That's where Jesus steps in and represented us for the price that is need to redeem us from sin's grasp! That's where God takes over and changes our lives! It is an amazing step of love and it's the greatest love of all!

Day 172 of 365: Oatmeal cookies

Oatmeal cookies were something i hated in the past. Preferred chocolate chip more for its sweet goodness, but something about age that reverses your taste for certain foods. Now, it's oatmeal cookies all the way and holding back on the sweetness. Not saying that i had a cookie just now, just thought about oatmeal in general. The good thing about this analogy is that oatmeal is good for you even though it's bland at times. Our faith in God shouldn't reflect that thought. That godly ways are good for us, but the walk is bland. Instead, it ought to be good for us, but exciting as chocolate chip cookies! But maybe it's something that happens as you mature in spirit because spiritual matters just make sense as your heart opens to God and He strengthens your understand of things that were previously mysterious.

Day 171 of 365: Different ways

The basic truth of Christianity is often overlooked after we understand it. It can't be seen as a form of a college course, but it should be taken as though it's new material to us as a way of meditating on it. Basic truth is essentially what we share with non-believers and it must be the one thing that we can talk about confidently. i understand that i haven't got the basic truth down. Especially when each truth branches out to other specific teachings, it's hard to keep it condense without going deeper. But the basic is that we are sinful and can't save ourselves from eternal damnation on our own. Only through Jesus, and no other way, can we be save because Jesus stands beyond the physical world.

From that point on, there are many different ways to describe everything that God did for us and what He will do for us. The question is whether we will let go of our pride and let God into our lives.

[Make-up] Day 170 of 365: Indoor skydiving

Just got back from my short indoor skydiving adventure with Eric and Kevin and it was great! Never thought skydiving would feel this cool! It'll probably be different from the real thing, but i say why not? Maybe sometime in the future. It was a great time of eating, talking about cars and random stuff. The only thing i wish for is more flight time rather than just two 1-minute flights. It was awesome to have that feeling of weightlessness.


The day itself wasn't too bad. Felt like i got enough rest to push through the day. Meeting after meeting. Then worship practice, which was refreshing. Then meeting up with the guys. It was a pretty decent day, but could use a little more Annie.

Day 169 of 365: Great musical

It's good to have a day off to rest. Also good to get things done. That means i have picked my wedding band. It's simple, yet symbolic and elegant. Can't wait for the day Annie puts it on my finger! Mark of a commitment! After that, it's more cake shopping and invitations. Glad we got these taken care of. Now, i'm just tired. The fellowship did go for a great musical that Sarah was a part of! 'Little Shop of Horrors'! Great musical! Now i just need sleep...

Day 168 of 365: Important thought

Sin is not a complicated thing for the human being. That is rather unfortunate, but does that mean that living in God's way is complicated? i think it is for a non-Christian. Christians have the Holy Spirit, which is given to us as a guide to discern God's will. The only thing that complicates our faith is our sinful bodies and the world around us. The world will always defy God and those who follow Him. The encouraging aspect of this is the fact that persecution against the Christians was already told in the Bible, which adds on to the credibility of the Bible. The more the world reject God, the more the Bible shines because Jesus has already prophesied. The more important thought is the fact that Jesus has already overcome the world and we are in His name. There is nothing more greater than to live in His will than to live in the desires of the world. God is good and He will always see us through.

Day 167 of 365: Sharpen iron

Sin is, very much, in active existence. The fact that each man and woman is out to achieve for their own good is one such evidence. Self-centered and inconsideration are strangely a sin to the world, but for us, those attributes should not be evident in our lives. It's quite the opposite. Christians are called to look out for each others need. Sadly, the Jehovah's Witnesses got that down better than the Christians. me among those that need improvement. i feel more conflicted and torn when i see Christians that are not practicing their faith and giving into unhealthy habits. i guess that's what rebuke is for. If iron doesn't sharpen iron, what will?

Day 166 of 365: Think less

How can God love a man that spits at another man's face? It's mind-boggling that God can love a rebellious man. Even i have a hard time loving people who are just out there to take advantage of everyone else so that they can receive the joy for themselves. Sucks that there aren't many selfless people out there. Or so it seems that there aren't a lot out there. That is where i love to see God's people be the cut above the rest by being the last among the world. Matthew 20:1-16 is an amazing parable about those who are last are first and vice versa. Christians run God's race and in God's race, the last will be the first place winner! That means anyone that humbles himself and serves his brother will be exalted in God's eyes. The world seeks to glorify himself, but we see that God be glorified above everything else. Christians: Think less of yourself and place others higher than you (Philippians 2:3-4). Lead the way in humility!

Day 165 of 365: Smaller portions

Wow! i almost forgot to update! Probably because i don't know what to write... Or i did know what to write, i just forgot what it was... Well, i'll say this though! i haven't master fried rice and it suppose to be easy. It always comes out soggy. Maybe less water in the rice... Got to try to make grainy rice, not mushy. Either way, i'm going to challenge myself to master it!

It's good that this week is going to be half-days. More time to do stuff. Hopefully, i'll be motivated to exercise. Run, walk, cycle, weights... Doesn't matter what it is, i just need to be active. Can't have a temple of God that is unhealthy. Oh, which is probably why having too much of anything is bad for the body. Hence, gluttony. i guess God wants us to be in shape too. Either that or He wants us to avoid laziness. That's an ounce of wisdom. i need to eat smaller portions...

Day 164 of 365: Nothing extra

If you think that you never had enough wedding cakes, just wait till you're engaged and schedule cake tasting! Honestly, i'm caked out... i can't eat cake anymore! It's cool to be eating free cake, but there is a limit! A guy can take so much cake before it sits in the stomach for too long! Especially the sweet ones! Good, but too much of it!

At least i had fun painting a rock that i found a while back. Took longer than the first one, but it was fun regardless. Glad to see Annie finish a...ball of flowers? Looks great! Hopefully, it'll save a little bit more money for the wedding.

i hope it's warm tomorrow that way i can walk or cycle. Feel more like walking than cycling. Cycling involves changing to lighter clothes and locking up the bike. Walking is just that. Nothing extra to take care of. We'll see what happens. Pray that i wake up with enough time to walk.

Day 163 of 365: Daylight savings

Fellowship is only as good as the depth and consistency of it. By this, i mean the fellowship we have among our brothers and sisters. Friends can be separated by long years of disconnect or strengthen by trials. Treasure your true friends. There will be no one else that could get that build-up of trust. And trust is a must. Oh, that's a line from 'Get Smart'... Well, it's true! No friend will be a friend without trust. Without trust, we can you confide in? The ultimate friend is Jesus. No one on this planet would sacrifice the same that Jesus did! i definitely can't give the same thing that Jesus gave to me, but i will die trying.

Sigh....i'm really sleepy for some reason... Time for bed. Oh, daylight savings... i don't like it at all... And Singapore is free from it.

Day 162 of 365: Take rebuke

We are not skilled in taking blows to our ego. i got a note on my car saying that i should park less selfishly. i guess i didn't save much space for the people living around that area... i know i felt a little ticked off, if not a lot, but it is something that i say to anyone that doesn't save enough space for another car. i understand why they would write that note, but it still feels like i don't want to be told otherwise.

i guess that's why we work best when we are complimented and encouraged, but where is the line drawn? We can just encourage every little act and desire! i believe that if we did that, the world will do whatever it wants with little regard for the person next to them. Wait a minute...that is the world we live in!

Okay, Christians! We are called to be light and salt of the world. We can't give in to our egos and let them control us and conform to the world's attitude towards each other. Learn to take rebuke and learn to love everyone. No judging, no blaming. Just love. i definitely need to learn how to take in rebuke, give rebuke and learn to love. We are CHRISTians.

Day 161 of 365: Let God

Wisdom comes with age. Like wine, it gets better as it sits, but in wisdom, you can either understand life well or all too well. Of course, you can't go beyond a certain point because we can only take so much. What happens to someone if they ponder and think too much to the point where nothing makes sense. The worst that could happen is discontentment with life and dissatisfaction of what they have achieved. It's sad in a way that most people would just give up and let go at the wrong place and time. Life doesn't always seem smooth and easy, but it'll shape who you are. Just need to understand your purpose of going through hard times, or else there'll be no lessons for you to learn. And if you learn, i can guarantee that the same problem will arise again even though you isolate yourself away from the world.

Let go and let God take the wheel.

Oh, man...what kind of music did Kristy put in my computer?

Day 160 of 365: Good practice

If i may enter a hilarious dialogue between Amos and myself:

Amos: "Hey, you had chicken?"
Jeremy: "Chicken?"
Amos: "Yeah, did you have chicken? I smell it"
Jeremy: "Oh, no. That's my fart..."
Amos: "...NOOO!!!"

Definitely made my day better!

i don't know what to say tonight other than the fact that i love Annie. Indeed, for better or worst, we need to support each other. Man, that's before the vows are made... Good practice either way. Refreshing to say the least that i can relax and play the guitar, having dinner with Annie by my side, and just hanging out. i often don't know clearly what i need, but thank God that He knows it well.

Day 159 of 365: His deliverance

The story of Job is interesting. Here's a man that has everything and gives everything to God. Then along comes Satan and he takes it all away. Unfair? i don't think so. The fact that Job did everything right made Satan challenge Job's desire to please God. In a nutshell, bad things happen to good people because they are doing something right. As Christians, we are well aware of the battle between good and evil. Opposites that are constantly in disagreement. And if Evil wants to act out his nature, it does so on its enemy: Good. And if Good does what it's good at, then Evil has to try to foil that plan. i strongly believe that if you are going through hardships, there has to be something that you're doing right. i firmly believe this because i feel like i'm at one of my lowest points, if not my lowest in life. i don't know if it's because of the recent series that i'm going through with TNT, or something else that's not made clear to me, i know that if bad things happen, something good was done. And we know how the story of Job ended. With much more than one can imagine.

So if that's the case, what am i worried about? What's bothering me? With a clear head, the one thing that should bother me is my lack of faith and fellowship with God. The lack of thanksgiving and the attitude of Job. No matter what, discipline yourself to honor God regardless. Firmly believe in His deliverance and remember that He only intends to prosper us, not make us suffer. A sword can't be crafted if the metal isn't put in the fire and bang into shape.

Day 158 of 365: My weakness

There is no way a Christian can grow stronger by the earthly strength that he sees and feels. The confidence in their vain independence is nothing more than false power to overcome their circumstances. How can an impure piece of metal become pure and refine if it doesn't, first, go through the fire? There is a reason behind hardships. A reason why it's hard. If it's not, will we be content with our current state? God allows for painful and hard times so that we can grow and be strong in character. That is especially true when we use each hardship as a lesson for growth and not as a pessimistic reason to fight the world. Everything in the world is used by God to strength us all. If all is good, there is no way we can become all that God wills for us. We must allow for God to work and smooth out our impurities. God has definitely reveal my weakness, but guided me to my strengths. Not just pick me up and put me down, but allowing for some space to discover my strength and that is only in Christ. Nowhere else, no one better.

Day 157 of 365: Christ glorified

When you are at your lowest, you'll find yourself lifted higher by God. There is no other way one can feel the love of God without letting go of the things that keep you high. Too high and you're not think about anything but yourself as the best and, with a content heart, know that you don't really need God. So wrong when you're at your lowest, but that is where Jesus is glorified the most. Paul said the same thing and if we wish to see Jesus lifted high, we need to drop down low. Through weakness do we find Christ glorified and it is great that the humble will be exalted! The wise will fall because of pride. The strong will be overcome because of his over-confidence. The weak and humble will learn. i will learn.

Day 156 of 365: Sleep in

i was about to go paintballing today, but i am thankful that i didn't. Had so much to do. Lots of payments to take care of and cover. Other things included things that shouldn't take too long to finish and others that could. The thing is: i'm still tired... A nap sounded great, but things needed attention must get attention. Which is funny when you don't have the basic need of rest, weird things happen.

Anyway, it was still quite a fun day. Brunch with Annie, Costco with Annie, tax filing with Annie! Cooking Mac and Cheese for the first time for dinner! This is quite a preview of marriage to come! Especially when we do stuff together, it's a true picture of marriage! If we can't get things done as a couple, then there is no point in marriage.

Now i just need a day or two to sleep in...

[Make-up] Day 155 of 365: Pray earnestly

How many times have i mentioned how tired i am? Some ministries are seriously a part-time job. Some are fun, some aren't so fun. i don't think it's right if you keep volunteering without recognizing your own limits and passion. For now, i am just tired... After the wedding, i'm definitely drawing lines of whether i should commit to certain ministries. Pray earnestly before deciding and make certain that God is calling you to serve in that area, not because you feel like you're obligated to serve. There are some areas in God's church that are intended for you to serve in while other areas are not in the purpose that is set in your life.

Day 154 of 365: My family

There is a plaque in my home that reads, "Other things may change us, but we all begin and end with family". How true is that now? Very much so for me. My family is so important that a life without it would alter my very behavior. God instituted family when Adam and Eve got together. From there, was Cain and Abel. Only difference in that family is how close mine are with each other. At least, we don't compare our offerings... Well, i love my parents and siblings. Doesn't matter what they do. It's something you can't get any where else. Can't just foster a life time relationship with some random person.

It depresses me to see how family gets toss out the window at the age of 18. Sure, it marks independence, but going into the world with "severed" ties to your parents is like a slap in the face for every thing your parents did for you. i think the worst comes from the parents themselves because what the kids learn in life is from parents. Teach the wrong thing and children will grow to mimic the same thing in the future and the cycle continues on and on. i plan to hold fast to my family and the values i learn from my parents. i love my dad because of his family oriented values. My mom for her undying love for me and my siblings. Both are always there to listen and advise. Both are great examples of ideal parenting. Humble and loving at the same time. They might not be loaded with wealth, but through our lacking, we learn modesty and contentment.

i LOVE my family...

Day 153 of 365: Great catfish

Is it me or are the days getting shorter? Actually, i think it's just me. i just feel like there's so many hours in a day and i don't have enough. That is exactly the thing that makes time a valuable thing. It could make and break deals, help you appreciate what you have, and wish that things come sooner. It does have a weird effect some times. On some days we wish time went by fast, but other times, we wish that it went slowly. For myself, i just want more than enough time to do everything and still sleep 9 hours. That's just isn't the case, but that's how character is either forged or corrupted. Focusing on the right goals in life and not let the small things bother you.

Today was just another one of those days that test how tolerant you are when buttons are pushed. If you want to success in life, i guess it pays to be calm and collected even when someone else has their foot in your face. When is the line drawn? i'll leave it up to you to judge, but i say when it compromises my faith. In this case, my faith is in action. Can't complain, but give praise and be thankful.

At least i had great catfish with Annie for dinner. Still taste the soft and moist fish in my mouth...

Day 152 of 365: Random rain

Can you been unusually calm about a bad situation? Or not even bad. Just wrong? Still sitting there, doing your job and not even flinch when people give attitude and ignore your own needs? That takes courage and conviction. No human can do that without complaining about how ludicrous the situation is and yet it is the exact way we are called to behave. Humbled. Truly humbled. Eye on the prize... Eyes on Jesus or else everything is all in vain. Without purpose and pointless.

Can't say that a lot happened today. Other than the random rain, constant stirring of thoughts and ideas for lessons, and stressed out people around me... Today marks seven more months. Nervousness and excitement together can mean anything, but it's the other stuff that makes the wedding work that makes it more nervous. Time to get things done.

Day 151 of 365: Mostly thinking

How often do you go beyond the call of duty? And by that i meant by doing something that you don't have to? Or it's not part of your job description? i've seen and heard of how some people refuse to take time from their schedules to serve others. Christians shouldn't hesitate for a moment to jump into service when the opportunity arises. In fact, if there's a need, we should be first on the scene. Serving to the best of their given abilities and see to it that they serve as if it was the hands and feet of God. Our testimony of our faith shouldn't just be the words and manners of our lives, but by action as well. Walk the talk, as the world would put it.

i had the day off, but went to the office for lunch because it was the Chinese New Year luncheon. Good food as always because of one talented chef that put it all together. At the end of it, the dishes needed to be washed and God put me in that opportunity to serve. Serve without grumbling. Serve with love and kind intent.

The rest of the day was spent driving or thinking. Mostly thinking...