"Always be my baby" after 12 years!

I heard this song being played while setting up for Angeline's wedding and it just stuck in my head. I thought it was a new song. Then I realised that the version I heard was sang by David Cook of American Idol fame. Then I further realised that the original version was published in 1996 by Mariah Carey!!! 

What a difference! Both of them are nice, chart-topping hits! But what an evolution! 

So here it is, David Cook's version, sang "during the April 15, 2008 episode, in which Carey mentored the contestants on her songs. His version received high praise from all three judges, and even Carey herself. Cook's version charted and peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 67."

And here, the legend. The original. Mariah Carey. ""Always Be My Baby" was solicited to radio on March 26, 1996 in North America, and it became Carey's eleventh number-one single on the U.S. Hot 100...the most-played single in the U.S. in 1996 and appeared at number-one on the year-end Hot 100 Airplay chart" Shout out...

Book review triple-bill!

Let's do a book review on the last 3 books which I have read, and which I feel has helped me a significant bit in my understanding of people; 

What's the main idea behind "His Needs Her Needs"? 

- That everyone has a love-bank. In every social interaction, and we're not just talking about love relationships here but every form of communication, we deposit and take away certain amount of love-points. This is based on our likes, dislikes, priority, mood, character traits, needs etc. Hence, if we meet someone that keeps consistently depositing love-points into our bank, we associate him or her with a good feeling. Hence we are more likely to form a positive relationship with that somebody. Also, it draws on the responsibility we have to deposit love-points to those that we are committed to love, whether they be a spouse, family or friends. This is not to be brought to a deliberate point of servitude, but rather knowing that relationships needs to be maintain and not left alone to "weed-out". Knowing this concepts would then help the reader to address needs in the other person's life, because you know that we cannot insist on our needs, but we have to consider others; underlying, people's needs are all different from our own. When we fail to meet these needs, the fact is these needs are still left bare, and hence the person is left to fill the needs somewhere else. This is the cause of marital affairs. A rather technical but surprisingly easy to read book, that brings out facts that are so common-place, you would think "Why didn't I think of it that way?" 

Then what's the main idea behind "I Kissed Dating Goodbye"?

- Personally, I feel that the whole book is an extended expounding on a single principle, that "The joy of intimacy is the reward of commitment." It offers an adequate framework for someone to follow, to have a godly, sanctified view about relationships. It expounds on the fact that firstly, one has to evaluate the different aspects of his or her life, and to consider the gravity of responsibility in going into a relationship. Not just the joy of the act of getting into one, but the work and sacrifice one has to put in in providing. It also advocates that in getting into a relationship, one has to have the end in mind, and not just the means. That is, one should only get into a relationship if one has and is ready for marriage, and not just to "test water". The advocacy of "Courtship", is to have the end, which is marriage, in mind within the means (courtship), and not a means to an end. The world's idea of "Trail and error" is marred, while biblical "get yourself ready as an individual for God to present you tested and proven to the world" is held up. Single hood is a gift and season for the greatest personal development one has in life. 

What about "boy meets girl"?

- This book builds and expands on the framework offered by "I Kissed Dating Goodbye", through examples, case-studies, offering a more practical and doable approach. This approach is packaged in what is called "Courtship". It proposes that the world's understanding of dating has been severely perverted, that we need to return to the somewhat old-fashion, but full of wisdom stance of courtship. In its essence, courtship is trying out for marriage in two ready persons; and even if it doesn't work out well, it can be still considered a successful courtship if the couple is able to look back and be glad that they tried, God is pleased, and everything within the courtship is done to the best ability to serve and protect the other person. No one has the right to claim exclusivity of other person, whether it be time, emotions, sacrifice, until after marriage. It preaches a safe, progressive, accountable, step-by-step, move towards marriage. Underlying principle, everything done in a relationship has to be done with a purpose and end in mind. If it doesn't help, don't do it or say it. Guard your heart and the other person's by not speaking about the future, because it is uncertain, only about getting to know the person better in the now. Purpose driven courtship; pray and evaluate self, seek wisdom and consent from parents, church leaders and friends, pray more, get into it with guidelines and set out boundaries, and only move into more intimacy when you're ready to match with equal commitment, ultimately leading to marriage. 

Aren't these stance a little too methodological?

- In a way yes. But considering how frail and easily tempted men and women are to progress beyond what is healthy, plus the influence we are having through the media on what, how and when relationships should happen (which is too fast and unrestrained, lack of wisdom), these methods on boundary setting, accountability and safe prodding would only serve us good in the long run. 

Some people choose not to pick up "boy meets girl", thinking that they should only read it when they are ready, on the terms of "I Kissed Dating Goodbye".(IKDG) What do you think?

- I think one should read "boy meets girl" immediately after reading IKDG. IKDG provides a framework, but "boy meets girl" provides the flesh. In fact, I felt reading IKDG, that it was rather juvenile, and lacks depth. It leaves you hanging with more questions than answers. Yet, considering that IKDG was written by Joshua Harris when he was only 21, then one can appreciate the boldness and wisdom exercised by him. IKDG was sparked by his disappointment of self and his friend's views on dating. At best, it is a reflectionary work based on a present problem. "Boy meet girl" on the other hand, was sparked by his own marriage to his wife, Shannon. It is retrospective and prescriptive. What I really liked about "boy meets girl", was that it gives you a wholesome feeling after reading it, underlying the book, is this; Our love for God is our total reliance, and out of that love, will flow love from and to other people. IKDG provided the charge, "boy meets girl" made it real. 

Who should read these books?

- These books are definately worth buying and keeping. I recommend it to everyone. One should read through them once when you're single. This would help you have a strategy and most importantly, self-control in the matter, and not have nagging hope or unfound expectations. Read "boy meets girl" together when you're attached to realign your self and "His Needs Her Needs" many times after when you're married to keep it strong. 

So after reading these books, do you think you're ready for a relationship?

- Nope. The ironic thing about knowledge is that, the more you know, the more you realise you don't know. 

    

Pray: Against wrong doctrine

Hi Readers;

           It has come to our attention that there have been groups of people conducting innocent Surveys along the walk ways of NUS and in the hostels. These people are well-dressed, operate in pairs, and they are presumed to be Koreans. Their survey opens with very broad Christian ideas such as, "What is your present religious belief?", "Do you know who Jesus is?", "Do you know the significance of the number 666?"

After which, they will dwell into a conversation that states that they belong to the only true church of God in the world, that God is a mother, and that they have the "right" practices. inviting you to join them in their small group gatherings thereafter. 

Lets pray against this spread of wrong doctrines and protect the minds of our friends and our sheep. Such "evangelism" have never been so active in NUS before. It only proves that as we Raise the Standard, the enemy is trying to come against us like a Flood. 

Knowledge is power, and we must protect the next generation of leaders in Singapore. If these people are targeting NUS, I don't see why they are not doing the same in NTU and SMU. If you have friends in the other universities, drop them a line to inform them, so that we can stand against this in Unity.   

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"""World Mission Society: Church of God". Watch this group that is going around handing out their pamphlets in MRT stations and bus stops. This people believe that their church is the only true church on earth. "Our church is the only true church which God has established on this earth (Acts 20:28). Through all ages and histories, there has constantly been good and evil and the two have been opposed to each other?truth has always hated falsehood, and falsehood truth" (Rev Joo Cheol Kim).

They also believe that their founder is Jesus Christ: This sect was founded by Ahnsahnghong in 1964, when he left the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The church believes that he (referred to by his followers as Christ Ahnsahnghong) is the second coming of Jesus. Ahnsahnghong died in 1985, three years before his prediction of the second coming of Christ. Today the leader of the church is Zahng Gil Jah, known to followers as the Heavenly Mother, and the General Pastor is Kim Joo-cheol. Zahng Gil Jah usually appears in public wearing a traditional Korean hanbok. Over 70 percent of followers are women and Korean Americans are increasingly found among the new adherents. Its main office is located in Bundang, Sungnam City, Kyunggi Province, roughly an hour away from Seoul.

The church believes that Korean resident Gil-Jah Zahng is "God the Mother" (who they believe is referred to in the Bible as the New Jerusalem Mother) as well as that Ahnsahnghong is God the Father. The church regards that the earthly family system is a copy and shadow of the heavenly family system, consisting of a Heavenly Father, Heavenly Mother, and the spiritual brothers and sisters (humans). Members believe that as physical life is given by a physical mother, spiritual life (eternal life) is given by a Heavenly Mother.

The two fundamental beliefs held by the church are their claim that Ahnsahnghong was the second coming of Jesus, and that only those who keep the Passover will be saved. The church believes that Ahnsahnghong is the one who has restored the new covenant in accordance with the prophecies in the Bible.

Sabbath
The church believes that the Sabbath day was established by God to be Saturday and that it is a day set apart to commemorate God as Creator. They argue that Jesus kept the sabbath and established "the Sabbath of Jesus" (Matt. 12:8; Luke 6:5) as the completion of "the Sabbath of Jehovah" (Ex. 31:13; Ezek. 20:12) and that the Sabbath was changed to Sunday by the emperor Constantine and the influence of Roman sun-god worshipers

Soul
Ahnsahnghong taught that "all men are angels who have come to the earth after sinning in heaven." The Church believes that the Spirit was revealed through the creation of human beings. They draw these beliefs from their interpretation of Genesis 2:7, and Ecclesiastes 12:7. They believe that the body is the temporal home of the Spirit, or the soul.

Baptism
The World Mission Society Church of God holds that baptism is the first step toward salvation. They believe that baptism is a law of the new covenant and that it cleanses the soul and atones for the believer's sin. Followers are baptized in the name of Ahnsanghong, and the church believes that salvation cannot be obtained without baptism. According to the church, wisdom to recognize God cannot be given without the forgiveness of sin preceding it. Therefore, they believe that a person should be baptized before beginning religious study.

The World Mission Society Church of God is widely believed to be a cult, by those outside of the organization due its deviation from mainstream Christian beliefs. The Christian Council of Korea, which represents Protestant churches in the country, has declared the Church of God "heresy".""

Busy to the lack of blogging...

Been really busy and held up in things...

1) Have to meet my clients to assure them in the mids of the economic situation

2) Angeline's wedding is this Saturday

3) Essays and readings piling up as the exams near

4) Planning NUS-CHC prayer meeting and events in DEC

5) Meeting new clients and closing cases to end the financial year well

6) Meeting new prospects/friends to grow the CG to end the growth year well

7) Giving Bible study and sermons to members and small group of friends, grow connect groups

8) Planning CG events for Nov and Dec

9) Planning NUS events for Nov, Dec and for 2009

10) Manjusri is moving to UBI. Moving all our equipment over before 30th October

11) Planning activities for the Scout Troop

12) Having various meetings with OSA over the "Caretalyst" club

13) Miscellaneous ad-hoc events and things-to-do...

Plus!

14) Some nonsense people have to come to NUS this week to do survey and spread false doctrines about their false cult. 

Why this week? Can't you nonsense people come next week? Or don't come at all? Shoo! Jesus take them away and never come back! 

Everything has to be done by end of NOV! 

Tons to do. All needs to be done. Well. For God, not for anyone.  

"God, give me greater capacity and efficiency!" 

Things I wanna blog about. Look forward to these!; 

a) US Presidential Election: Revolution and Mores beyond 2008

b) Book review triple-bill on relationships!

c) Scouts cycling trip along East Coast Beach

d) CityCare made me love kids! 

I feel like I have a writing dateline to fulfil! Haha...

"Pia lah! If you don't pia, how to be Singaporean?"  - Ah Beng friend from Geylang Lor 14  

Stronger - Delirious?

Stronger

We're getting stronger everyday,
We're getting braver in every way,
Hallelujah here we come.

We're getting stronger everyday,
Push through the rains that fall our way,
Hallelujah here we come.

We're much stronger when we're one,
Hallelujah here we come.

Oh, I love You from the depths of my heart,
And nothing here will tear us apart.
Everything's beautiful with You,
Everything's beautiful, when You invade my life.
And I'm living just to say that 'I love You'.

We're getting closer everyday,
Chasing the dreams that heaven gave,
Hallelujah here we come.

We're getting closer everyday,
Into Your arms I'm here to stay.
We're much stronger when we're one,
Hallelujah here we come.

Written by Delirious? ©2005 Curious? Music UK 

______________________________________________________

My favourite Delirious? Song now. I like the British pop sounding of it; rather quant, but not dated. 

Available for listening on my Jukebox. Knock yourself out. 

“It takes more courage to reveal insecurities than to hide them, more strength to relate to people than to dominate them, more 'manhood' to abide by thought-out principles rather than blind reflex. Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles and an immature mind.” - Alex Karras

In 49 days...

Zzzz

Sleep and rest is the most sought after commodity. It has a unitary demand curve with an increasing affixed value. It is the only commodity that exist in Ultimate Trade Surplus, being entirely exported but none can be imported, with no future investment value. It is more volatile than oil and scare goods.  

Provoked to bag by Jingxuan!

I shall not be called "Uncle!" 

After seeing her reply on my tag board, went out to buy a shoe bag...

So here we go. New shoes with a new bag to travel in. Shoes were happy about this. They tapped away in joy...yes they did. 

On the topic of bags, Sister bought me a bag from Australia. Greatness! Really like it because it look only looks good, but is practical and pockets are at the right place. Morever, it fits my files and laptop to a T! Practicality is the way to go. 

Realised I don't like shopping for my own things, but don't mind and love shopping for others. Most of the things I have are given or blessed by people.

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." - Luke 6:38 

  

An old love revisted

Wanted to have some "me-time" and visited the National Museum. NUS students have complimentary entry to all state museums and that's just great! I would always remember that my dad use to bring my sister and myself to the museum at least once or twice a year. It was really good memories and I treasured those times. I use to visit it once a year during Chinese New year but stopped since 2001. 

This was the first time I have been back since they renovated... 

The familiar front porch of Colonial/European design...

 
But the inside is a totally different place! Its a pseudo "Harry Potter" experience, where you seem to have entered a different place just by going through a door. It was exceptional use of space and it seems mind-boggling how they could have fit such wide spaces into the old constrains of the Colonial construction. 

The Singapore Stone, the earliest writings found in Singapore! 

Portrait of Frank Swettenham.

Old British flag and the fall of Singapore. 

Swinging Chandeliers along the bridge and pathway. 

Looks like a horror story. Its a room where you can sit down and view old photographs on the table. 

The famous spiral staircase everyone knows about, but can never climb! 

The is the link or bridge between the 2 buildings, called the glass passage. We use to walk across this passage to go to the Art galleries. Amazing architecture, to incorporate a sun-roof. Brings the whole place into a brand new light. (no pun intended)

Old Wayang Props.

The Glass Rotunda and spiral staircase that leads you into the History of Singapore exhibits. 

The underside of the old Rotunda. 

Roof-top view of the landscape with the old Rotunda. 

Have you been to the National Museum of Singapore yet? You should, its a beautiful place! Going back brought back memories and many surprises! Never did I imagine the new Museum to look this good! The architecture and space brings about little discoveries if you would care to look. Interactive installations and it just pure fun and discovery! 

Should bring my scouts and encourage friends to the museum soon....

“We are similar to a museum. My function is to present old masterpieces in modern frames.” 

- Rudolf Bing (Austrian Opera Administrator, 1902-1997)

A thousand miles...

If there are anything that makes me immediately smile and chirpy, it would be warm socks, new underwear and good shoes.

Had to retire and say goodbye to a couple of good friends.

Brown Timberland was my walking shoes. Had it since 2002, and have been with me to many countries and places. Sewed it up 2 times, most comfortable and useful shoes I ever had. Blue Brooks were my running shoes since 2003. Did many NAFA and IPPTs with it. Its sole pieces were falling off bit by bit since a month ago. Been good memories, but had to let them go. 

Got me some new soles...

Meet new Brown Timberland Spitsbergen Oxford Taupe Oiled Full Grain and Adidas Breeze. 

Lets go on more adventures...

"Creativity often consists of merely turning up what is already there. Did you know that right and left shoes were thought up only a little more than a century ago?” -  Bernice Fitz-Gibbon 

My Favourite Singer - Jewel Kilcher

Some people had asked, who's my favorite singer. I kinda grew up listening to Jewel. 1996, while in Primary 6, I picked up her first album, "Pieces of you" at Tower Records at Scotts Rd. 13 years, 6 albums, 1 poetry book, 1 live concert and a DVD later, she still gives me a smile and calming effect every time I hear her music. Her style and depth of lyrics have changed greatly in maturity. (contrast the "everyday" live pub feel of "Pieces of you", with the studio chic of "0304" with the ranch warmth and deep inferences of "Goodbye Alice in Wonderland". *Psst*...Plus she's such a babe!)

In every season of my life, her music speaks to me, as if its the soundtrack to my life. Her new album is out in the US, "Perfectly Clear", but haven't seen it in stores here.

So check her out! Read her lyrics. Embrace her mood and heart in her music.

Presenting in my opinion, the best, Alaskan Folk trained Singer in today's pop/country scene, seen best in Live performances, my personal favourite...

Jewel.

Truth

Tough times. Extreme pressures. Testing faith. Stretching ability. Not enough time. Over piling work. Overwhelming feelings. Failure. Tripping. Unbelief. Jolting. Shaking. Tearing. Headache. Heart-ache. Torn-in-the-flesh. Insurmountable circumstances. Valleys. Enemies like a flood.  

I love these times! Renew our minds. God will only put us through situations we can handle. It's all a test, training. He loves us so much to construct such situations to show us "with God, all things are possible."

What is the reality? 

With God and His grace; We are invincible. We cannot die. Nothing in the universe can command our death. We are highly loved and protected in everything and everywhere that we go. Instruction, favor, provision, grace, strength, boldness, faith, love, hope, truth, power is constantly flowing to us, through us. Everything that we need has already been given on the Cross. So its not God, He has done everything that needs to be done. Its us.

If we die, we can only die in Christ. When we fall, we can only fall in Christ. When we fail, we fail into Jesus' arms. Everything that we go through, is first screened through His perfect love. 

Because we are Jesus' people! 

Believe it. Your life depends on it.  

When facing tough times, always know the truth;

"God is watching, the devil is fighting, and breakthrough is coming." 

Lets Raise the Standard! 

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death is working in us, but life in you. - 2 Cor 4: 7-12 

Lack of Vitamin *B*log.

Hey Dudes and Duchesses,

Haven't been on the regular train with blogging lately because 2 of my friends came to visit me for the week. First it was "Readings" that came on Sunday, then "Essays" came to join the party. They brought their distant cousin, "Presentation" this time round. Thankfully, all of them are leaving tomorrow at about 2 in the afternoon. They are a hard group to entertain. Don't tell them I said this. 

Today went with Dad to walk about 3 plus km, and did static exercise -> 100 push-ups, 100 dips, 50 sit ups and 100 over-head "Buddha" claps. Sense of achievement. Need to be constant. Alternating my exercise regime. Monday gym, Tuesday rest, Wednesday static, Thursday rest, Friday Gym/Static. 

Came home and saw 2 guys high on drugs along my stairway. Went into "police" mode and got rid of them. Guy kept saying "Life is horrible. Like is tough." Poor chap. 

Some random thoughts;

1) I guess it will be OK not to attend the module called "Human Rights" stating you're tired and have your rights? 

2) Prof Singh said, "In terrorism, the person you kill is not the target. The people witnessing the act or the people knowing it after is. A directed kill is an assassination. Terrorism strive on the notion of randomness, senseless violence to bring across a message." 

Praying at the beach...

One day my boss walked out of his office and said, "Howard, stop working. Lets go and pray." I was in my tie and business attire, obviously shocked. Not a word, packed up, got into his car and there we were at east coast beach. 

Walking along he said, "Go find a corner. Now is 2 o'clock, see you at 5." 3 hours. Never prayed 3 hours before. I was really noisy in approaching God, speaking in tougues and all. I sense a weird sleepiness come upon me, and I sat down and backed up. I kept backing up until my back was on a tree trunk, and I slept. 

Woke up exactly 15 mins later and the atmosphere was different. Opening my eyes, there was something different, like a cloud around me. And I said, "Hi God...," and God spoke to me about so many things, visions for ministry and school, for life and people...

Pst Phil says it best...

  

"2 years" Forward!

When PST Alex Abraham was in service sharing and when he prophesied the transfer and impartation, the time of 2 years kept standing out in my mind.

These 2 years will be significant; within these 2 years, we will get our land in the Marketplace, we will be positioned for greater breakthrough and revival; the time will act as a springboard for greater things ahead, and I believe more of our spirituality will manifest in the natural, in terms of land space, buildings, territories, influence, authority, wealth, social landscape, social impact, social transformation...

Hence, we got to gear ourselves and get ready for the impending revival; prepare our lives so that we can play a larger part in it!

2 years, these are what I personally hope to achieve by then;

In 2 years time, I hope to;

a) Lead 2 Cell Groups. One Young Adult and one Youth Cell group.

b) Be able to pray at least 2 hours a day. One hour in the morning, and 1 at night.

c) Be financially strong, earning at least S$2500 a month.

d) Bulk up and maintain minimal weight at 60kg.

e) Have a long term relationship with at least 2 committees to actively change society.

f) Have a good education.


What am I doing about it now?;

a1: My CG in 2 years time will inevitable be a Young Adult CG. Have planned persona; vision for every member and working with them to achieve their maximum potential. Targeting the young, such as those in Secondary schools as priority to form the next generation.

b1: I pray one hour a day, either in the morning or night. Now I need to take double the effort and cover both. Will try to pray "one time day one time night" once a week from today onwards to built up the habit.

c1: I currently have a job now as a Financial Consultant although I'm still an undergrad. Working on my presentation skills and currently building rapport and expanding my clientele. This part is tough, because it is hard to balance and properly segment time to balance both work and study. At this point, I like this job, but I always wanted to work as a diplomat under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Will share more about this next time...

d1: Doubling my meal and protein intake since Sunday. Going to gym at least once a week. Mr. Lau Quanhan was nice to follow and teach me how he works out yesterday. Was super good. Why? Cause I can feel my upper body, back and arms ache all over now as I type. Going keep physically fit...revival is going to be busy busy....

e1: Working with NUS-CHC group and CityCare now. Helping to establish a brand new CityCare society in NUS. Hope these 2 groups will have sustainability and effectiveness.

f1: In 2 years time, I would either have just graduated or am pursuing my honours year. I wanna graduate with at least a Bachelors Degree with Merit. Some of my friends have really inspired me to try to go for honours. Need to study hard and up my CAP from this sem...from today!

Onwards!

“The only conquests which are permanent and leave no regrets are our conquests over ourselves.” -Napoleon Bonaparte (French General, Politician and Emperor (1804-14).