Merry Christmas...

AND a Happy New Year!!

Yeah..........2009 is coming soon. I wonder what is in store??

Well, Only God knows.

Anyway i think 2008 is the most interesting year for me because i manage to do many things i really want and see the multiple blessings of God. Anyway, i'll be spending my last few hours of 2008 at the Church Combined Prayer Meeting rather than other shopping mall countdowns. It's best to pray for the future right? I mean i rather have another bountiful year than going to the mall. And also to give our time and all our thankfulness to God.

Hope to see you there?

Happy New Year and God Bless You!

Good reads and Good music Vs Wordly reads and music:

A slight small neutral debate in Eu Fern's Cbox somehow stir my conscience a little. She would like me to write a blog post to clarify my thoughts and reasons . So here goes...

Background: In the world today we are basically bombarded with lots of things which can influence and change us. From New York's Bestsellers to MTV award winners so many books and music are out there. Sadly, mostly has many negative influences. Hence,i have made a stand not to read a book till i know the plot and i would read the lyrics first before listening to the music. Because i do not want to be influenced wrongly. I know it is hard to be set apart for God. Many people constantly label me as "holy" and "orang kuno (prehistoric person )" but that how it should be if we want to stand for Christ. Who cares if i don't read the latest book or know the latest world hit single? As long i know i reading and listening to good stuff , i rather stick that way.

Matthew 10:22 (New International Version)

22All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Saved mentally too, Amen??

I'm not saying that we must burn the books or march a parade to go against them(books, singer, etc..) but just don't buy/support them and give friendly advises to friends and family.

Touching On Music:

I remember one time i was bored and i was listening to random songs on the radio. One song catched my attention as the melody and rhythm was very nice. I find myself jiggling and humming to it. I'm a musical person and if a song catches my attention the tune will stick to me all day. Haflway through the song negative words were used as the lyrics. I was shocked. I quickly turned off the music.

But sadly, the melody stayed in my head and i find the words kept on repeating over and over again. I felt really bad. It took a few days for me to get rid of the song.

Songs has a tendency of getting into a subconscious mind which is a part of us we can't really control. It's like a reflex. Sometimes when you leave your radio on and you continue with your work, your subconscious mind is still working , getting the data and information from the wrong songs you hear. Maybe in a particular situation, those wrong songs will come bubbling through your head. Songs that will actually influence your action. Let say by accident you hear rock metal about anger and hatred. One day perhaps those songs will come when you are angry against someone. Somehow , music influence us lots.

Back in the D'encounter camp. Pastor Daniel about how he chose to refuse hearing worldly music because God told him too. Remember? Well it is the same way for me. I remember Psalmist Steve Harris from Australia told us before; " If music can draw us to worship God , create a positive presence of the Holy Spirit, show's God's glory and change us, How much more negtive wordly music can do?" . We worship God through music. Apparently, the world worships themselves and the devil. So who are you tuning into?

Proverbs 4:23 (New International Version)

23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.

Touching On reading:

Many books recently are getting attention such as the old Harry Potter series, The Da Vinci Code, and especially Stephanie Meyer's vampire collection. The same it is for music and the same it shall be for books. What you read and see shall be forever imprinted into your mind(subconscious) . If you always read books about violence, perhaps one day you'll react violently. If you always read good-mannered books, it will be reflected in your personality. True?

But it is fiction?

Well yes i know the story books are fiction. Bottomline is what are the good values, lessons, and teachings we can learn? None mostly. Like Harry Potter and Stephanie Meyer's books are mostly researched on witchcraft and satanic rituals. These are non-fiction at all. The philosopher's stone is a tool to call out to the devil and sabbatical goat. Sexual practices in Stephanie' Meyer's books are deeply rooted in Satanic Churches. Why read about them? Why support these practices? Why? Why? Why?

Statistically, many children are being influenced . Ambitions to be a witch or wizard, to fall in love with a vampire and etc.......are not so uncommon anymore. Parents are shocked to find these words of wrong longing of their children desires. We're living in near-end times and Satan is trying it's best to make itself look good. Since when devils/vampires are good? since when withcraft is good? tell me. The bible speaks strongly against all these practices. Though the book is fiction, the CONTENT IS REAL. For Da Vinci Code, it is just a book of lies. Why read something that doubts your faith ? Read the bible which actually strengthens your faith.

By now, i expect some of you would be feeling uneasy. But just think of a moment, how much time have we wasted conforming to the world?

Romans 12:2 (New International Version)

2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Let's see the bigger picture , shall we?

Your support to the worldy wrong music and books will:

1. Bring support to the authors/singers. Your money invested in their stuff are only encouraging them to make more wrong stuff. Make sense?

2. Increase Statistics. 999,999 people and 1 million hits is very different. As i said earlier, it will make the author/singers think that you want more of these songs.

3.Close the gap between Christians and Pre-Believers. Hey, if Christians are also hearing and reading this stuff "for fun" , No different than us pre-believers right??

4. Weak generation from God. Wrong ideas , values , and teachings will only be mixed up with Christian teachings. Bible mentions that new wine cannot be poured into old wine skins. If we're still in our old selves, how can we learn to be more like God if we're confuse and doubtful?

5. Cause more to be influnce wrongly. More cash means more means of wrong materials to be distributed around to other countries or even translated.

I will write more if i can think of more impacts it can bring XD.

Overall i am not saying i am Holy and you should be so restrictive in any way. Tryin my best to be not a pharisee ok? I mean we do make mistakes occasionally but we should be more careful. Some books and songs may be good to hear (as in lyrics are good too) but sometimes the intentions of the authors or singers may be wrong too. For example, Chicken soup for the soul by Jack Canfield? I know it is a good book but Jack Canfield tributes to his success to the New Age Thinking Movement whereby they think themselves as humans are God and they don't believe in Him (Jesus). So do be wary! The money Jack Canfield receieves will be used to slowly add teachings of the New Age movement into his books and also to "bring the good news around". Apparently, some of the stories you read before are stories from shamans and Dalai Lama. They call themselves Christians and do have a Pastor but the teachings are not from Christ. So it would be best to check about the author's or singer's life too.

I know i didn't talk about television and computer games . I have resources and materials which i can use to bombard you with all the statistics and psychology reports. But nah, i hope you can understand. Same for television and computer games. Not good= Don't play or watch.

So are you willing to Stand For God??

So what should we do? Just don't support, read, listen, or buy. Simple enough. Save your money for another day or good reading materials and songs.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true,
whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable
- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -
think about these things.

Phil 4:8 NIV

I think i finally get my thoughts through. Please , no more debates until we see face to face? I hate typing debates. Haha. XD

P/s: I think most of America will hate me now, Oh well~

I Remembered...

It's the time again where most of the 15 years old are anticipating their PMR results.

Anyway when the exam results were released i remembered i was swimming. Not in swimming competition , silly! But in the very pools of Santubong Resort. Haha. I was with other seniors at our Embacy Youth Leadership camp. It is a time whereby we leaders can too receive from God as most of us are drained out during the camp.

I remember that those who gets straight A's were too be thrown overboard by using Mark's Surf Board. Thank God i got Straight A's . However i didn't get thrown overboard. The reason why?

I was overweight and Mark poor board was only Styrofoam.

I wish all the best to youths and friends i know that are getting their results today. May God comfort you in whatever results you have. Remember, He is too good to be unkind , He is too wise to be mistaken. When you don't see his plan, When you can't trace his hand, TRUST his Heart!!

Like me i didn't get the results i wanted for SPM but God still broke a miracle for me. Trust Him Always~

Plushy Mushy

I am having very mixed up feelings right now. Yes it is the case of the plushy mushy attack. Just like Pastor Daniel's "chao chim tao" and his wife's "fei fei tut tut" my hard-earned teddy bear appreciation gift is gone. During my form 4 till form 5 as a prefect i had gone through so much problems even till the extent of sweeping other's vomit and all kinds of gruesome stuff. Nominated as the prefect of the month i received this teddy bear in blue scarf with a cute letter "b" on its chest. I always place it in my bedroom and it reminds me of my memories as a prefect.

NOW IT IS GONE!

As i am away most of the time in Curtin , Miri , i hardly remember exactly how the bear looks like. Recently, my family and I attended a christmas dinner. There was a gift exchange. My Sister took my bear as a gift exchange! Inititally i was saying it really looks like my bear in bedroom and was making sure that she didn't took my bear. She said " No no no no no it is an aunty that gave it to me and etc" . Now the bear is with some old aunty as i remembered vividly. I wished that i could reverse time and just took the bear back. Now it is all gone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*cries softly*

Merry Christmas~

Today is once again to remember our Saviour's Birth , Jesus Christ. Once again our church had a special meeting at Thien Court , Crown Square. For the pass three days, me, Wilson, and Samuel have been working together the youths to form a choir. We ( actually I) didn't choose a christmas carols but instead we chose a hymn medley. To cater for older folks i guess. When it is our turn to perform it started a bit rocky and ended rockier, however, overall it was ok. At least we tenors didn't overpower.

I was planning to write a longer post but i am too tired. I fell sick today and kept on feeling like fainting. To Kat, i think this is what it is meant by a blue christmas.

Anyways, Merry Christmas once again!

Praise God!

I can't believe i am blogging this at 5.37 am. That's the thing i don't like staying at hotels. Hope i can muster enough energy for the upcoming youth camp.

That isn't what this post is about thought. Recently, i've been trying to log into Curtin website to access my results. However, because my password is too long i had to reset it which only enabled me to access it yesterday. I'm so excited as i scored 80++ and above for all foundation subjects which means i am a High Distinction Student! Hopefully i managed to enter the Dean's List.

Foundation Engineering COURSE CODE 155E
Unit	Final Mark	Grade
FP-040 Engineering Mathematics I	86	8
FP-052 v1 Research and Writing Skills 061	82	8
FP-050 Physics I	98	9
FP-045 Programming in C++ (I)	98	9
MPW 2133 Malaysian Studies	82	8
FP-033 Chemistry I	84	8
Course Status: Good Standing

I would like first of all to Thank God or rather Jesus for helping me throughout my starting of life in Curtin. Honestly, i find it very hard to study before exams as it is such a breakwaway from the Malaysian study system. Being one of the lowest for internal marks among peers, i have to work twice as harder to achieve 80++. Thank God i made it! The days before the exam of constant studying paid off. I also want to thank our gracious Father Jesus for giving me the calmness and peace during the exams so that i can do my best. Those who knows me well, i can do many mistakes under a panicky mode.

That's all. Now to try going back to sleep!

Landed Safely at KLIA

Yay finally arrived at LCCT-KLIA. I don't like the LCCT. You can tell that they didn't really planned out the building construction and quality that well. Anyway i am now stuck here after having my costly meal with my family at McDonalds. You know why? Our plan was delayed for an extra 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Lesser time means more stress+hurry for us to reach the hotel and church in time for the Prophetic Conference.

Haha anyways i am so nervous of my foundation first sem results. I hope i can get HD for most of the subjects of even a D . It's hard changing the mind set that A is bad (it means Absent) and D is actually very good (distinction). Oh well. The results i heard will only be released by 5 pm.

Let's hope that i have a wi-fi connection to actually check it.
*Crosses Fingers*

Tata till i can get an internet connection.

Slightly Insomniac

Lately, i'm beginning to have my bed time slowly decreasing. I do not have a clue why i am getting still active at night. Can only sleep after 1++ . Anyways, i am a declaring a hiatus from the 10th-20th December because i would be away to Penang, KL and back for a youth camp. Anyone still interested in the camp? It is not too late

As aforementioned, the day i leave for Penang is also D'Day for my semester 1 results!!!! Arghh!! I hope i get good marks as i feel rather confident. For those who would like something from Penang and KL can contact me.

























Yes i would be using Air Asia. Everyone can fly.....Without excess luggage XD !!

Where Spring and Winter meets~

Are you confused with the title?















Haha don't be. I am just promoting about the event tomorrow at the Spring. A group of us will be performing christmas songs and dances. Come and watch me dance and rock the house mall!

Venue: The Spring
Time: 7.30pm - 9++

Do come and support me!!!

If the dances are boring at least you can go shopping right??? hahaha~


















Lately i cannot really update my blog as i am busy with piano lessons and theory. Practically i feel like i am in music school. Everyday it is just me and my piano. I feel kinda overwhelm as i practiced my Grade 5 pieces extremely well and i just got "promoted" to Grade 6 in just ONE WEEK.People say i am literally crazy! Now i have to do all the harmonic and melodic minor scales which are a bum. Sigh~ Oh well, to improve myself!!!


By the way, someone gae my dad an erhu. So now i am playing it too! Way cool!!

Battle of the Yogis

I found an interesting article about yoga which is currently a heated debate in Malaysia. It is a very timely post especially for Christians.

On Nov. 22, the National Fatwa Council (NFC) issued an edict that yoga is haram (prohibited) for Muslims. Earlier on, Prof. Zakaria Stapa of the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Islamic Studies Centre had remarked that practising yoga could deviate Muslims from their faith. His statement drew negative reactions from yoga instructors and students.

The president of the Malaysia Yoga Society lamented the misunderstanding and said that Malaysian yoga was different from the practices in India which incorporated religion and spirituality. It was “more of a treatment modality” (TheSun, 23/11/08)

Many view yoga as a form of exercise to strengthen and improve their muscles and breathing as well as to relax their mind, thus keeping them good health. But why has it become such a big issue to certain religious groups? The bone of contention seems to be the meditation techniques – or “curbing the mind” as some call it. While it has been argued that these techniques are scientifically proven to improve one’s health and have nothing to do with religion, yogis – practitioners of yoga who have reached an advanced spiritual state – think otherwise. They are adamant that yoga, regardless of how it is branded, is Hinduism.

Within the Christian community, yoga too has been a controversial subject – some have reservations while others see nothing wrong as long as those who practise do not deviate from Christian faith. Rev. Dr Herman Shastri, the General Secretary of the Malaysian Council of Churches, opined that it was all right so long as Christians do not pray “to other Gods while practising yoga” (The Star, 31/10/08). However, some Christians disagree, and like the yogis, they firmly believe that yoga cannot be separated from its Hindu roots even if one takes away the spiritual underpinning and practises only the physical exercises.

Still others hold that yoga can surely be redeemed for God’s good purposes because our God is a redemptive God. A growing interest in Christian Yoga was thus developed, particularly in America, replacing Hindu spirituality and philosophy with Christian spirituality and theories. Such concept, nonetheless, did not go down well with certain groups.

The American Hindu Foundation, in its response to an article “Stretching for Jesus” featured in Time magazine (25 Aug. 2005), commented, “Hindu Americans are rightfully outraged by the brazen appropriation of one of their vibrant faith’s most lasting contributions to this country’s health, well-being and popular culture.” It called Christian Yoga an act of “intellectual property theft” and accused evangelical Christians of proselytising and converting Hindus in the guise of Christianised Hindu practices. Some Christians who formerly practised yoga think that Christian Yoga is an oxymoron.

In actual fact, Christian yoga, according to Dr Ng Kam Weng, director of Kairos Research Centre, fails to understand how yoga meditative exercises (especially the breathing techniques and the mantra chanting) work to disrupt our mental function. Change of name does not change the process, he says.

Yoga is an ancient practice that originated from India. The goal of the practitioners is to achieve oneness or union with the Absolute through physical and mental disciplines. Dr Ng emphasises that one must keep in mind the historical connection between yoga and Hinduism and how such practices are traditionally integrated with its own philosophy and spiritual worldview. The physical exercises are merely initial steps to prepare oneself to become more attuned to a higher reality.

Perhaps the question for many Christians would be: Is it possible to separate the physical exercise from the spiritual aspect?

“In theory it is possible for Christians to separate the physical exercises from the spiritual exercises. I have in mind Christians who just want to try out some postures to stretch their muscles when they exercise at home. Others who are more serious may try out *Pilates. However, those who take yoga seriously will soon find that yoga is offered as a package deal. Meditation is the main ingredient to achieve spiritual enlightenment. In other words, serious yoga instructors do not separate the form from the substance,” Dr Ng explains.

He also clarifies the difference between Christian and yoga meditation. The former carries a positive function as meditating on the glory of God and His manifold works inspire the Christian to praise and love God; it is relationship and content oriented. The latter, in contrast, has a negative function; it deliberately empties the mind of rational thought processes and eventually leads to the dissolution of ego or the inner self. Dr Ng cautions that Christians should be wary of such exercises in dissociating the mind from its normal function since this may leave one vulnerable to external spiritual influence.

Some may have reportedly found peace with yoga meditation, but others have developed mental dysfunction, e.g. hallucination, outburst of uncontrollable energies through the body and emotional trauma. According to renowned psychoanalyst Carl Jung, “The deliberately-induced psychotic state, which in certain unstable individuals might easily lead to a real psychosis, is a danger that needs to be taken very seriously indeed.”

Dr Ng urges Christians, who are practising yoga or who are thinking of taking it up, to seriously consider their motive for doing so. If it is merely for physical exercises, there are other alternatives; if it is for meditation, we need to seriously consider the basis of yoga meditation as it is traditionally practised.

“Why would I hitch my Christian faith to a process which might render myself vulnerable to influence from deceptive spiritual forces?” he asks.

While yoga practices are culturally not wrong, Christians are encouraged to exercise spiritual discernment in making their choices.



*Pilates (pĭ-lä’tēz) – A system of exercises that promote the strengthening of the body, often using specialised equipment. Named after Joseph Pilates (1880–1967), German-born American physical fitness instructor who developed the system. – The American Heritage® Dictionary

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taken from The Agora