Argh! Slept early yesterday. Guess I've got to write two days today. (Pun intended...)
Tuesday
Being a Friend vs. Being Concerned...
Today was phylosophical. For this case, under the topic of friendship.
It all started when Tim came to school dehydrated, saying that he didn't drink enough water last night. So for PE, he wouldn't be as fast as he ussually is. One less person to run along at the front of the class with. So here's the first question to 'think deeply' about;
If thou friend was'th running with thee, and thou friend started to fail'th and lag'geth behind, should thee slow down with thy friend, or run'neth the rest of thy rounds as instructed by thy PE Teacher?
In the matter of split secons I only had, I decided to run ahead. Afterall, even if I did slow down, Tim would most likely scold me again for lagging when I can still move on.
So after the rounds and a few other excersizes, we were dismissed for recess with the promise that Thursday's PE would be games! Yay! Slowly, Junn Kit, Matt and a few others escorted Tim to class, with me following behind. We then settled down and changed into uniform, ready to make the journey to the SAC for a drink we all deserve. By now, TIm was in greater pain and he needed that drink badly. I was about to follow the group when I saw that Tim's tie was still on his desk. Worried that I may be forced to book him for that, I asked him to wear it. He stared at me and walked off after saying, " Can you stop following the school rules already." He must have understandably said that in annoyance with the fact that here he was in pain and there I was bothering with a tie. I decided to stay in the classroom till everyone came back from puchasing their drinks so I didn't have to face the jazz of booking. Then struck me an even larger question;
Was thee so worried abouth failing in thy duties such thath thee had to uphold thy concern unto thou tie instead'th of thy friend in'th pain?
It somehow ticked in my mind for quite a while. If thou too concered of thy responsibility? Even when the guys came back from their share of refreshments and I went down to have my turn, I sat alone on a chair staring in blank space and thinking about that question while eating my doughnuts. Do I take things too seriously? Wait. I'm taking this question too seriously also, aren't I? See what I mean? I'll think about it some other time...
Later in the day, there was E Sci, and apparently, there's this project we have to do about country populations. Each student in the class chooses a country, based on a continent assigned to them, and does research on the country about population problems (e.g. Aging population, Inbalanced population, ect.) I wanted to choose Israel but my continent was Europe. But just then, Kirby wanted to trade with me Asia for Europe as he wanted Germany. We made a deal in front of the teacher and so all of us were satisfied, although the teacher did waarn me that Israel would be a chalendge and Kirby that refusing Asia is somewhat a mistake if you like things simple.
For canoeing, land training was also slack for marathon racers by a slight bit. 1.6k running and the average gym training. Fair enough, I must say.
When I got back home, my Dad gave me my phone bill and wanted me to find out certain things about the payment. A nice opportunity for me to use 'Mr. Lee' again! (Hee hee...) Oi, my Dad allows me to do that sometimes anyway, so don't blame me for anyting. I'll check it out another day...
Wednesday
Time Goes By...
...So Slowly.
Today, I 'mysteriously' started laughing in shock when Junn Kit started singing that. Everyone knows what this song is, right? But I'll explain that later.
First I've got to prepare for the arrival of the Vice-Principal, Mrs. Fanny Tan! AHHH!!! I've got to present a poem in front of her!!! And so do other chosen students as well!!! AHHH!!!
But luckily, due to time constrain, they had to cancel mine and a few other's acts. So much for the panicking...
For music, Arjun and Kirby were suppose to present for today their favourite song, a little background research and why they liked the song. Arjun went off well, but Kirby gave last-second work which contained limitted vocabulary dispite the nice heavy song he presented. He was later told to re-do his presentation next week. Ha...
When the lesson was over, this was the moment when I laughed. You see, during the 'OEP Trip', Tim, JK and Matt found out that a good way to irritate Kirby was to sing the phrase 'Time goes by... So slowly.' from the song 'Hung Up' by Madonna. So even till now, whenever they feel like having some cheap humour, they sing the tune time after time to watch Kirby's variety of responses.
But then as we got out of the Music Technologies Room, JK started singing, "Tim goes by... so slowly."
Somehow, my imagination started to get to work on that statement, and the results were... shocking. I had a mental picture of Tim wearing a pink gym suit in a danceroom with a radio playing abstracts from ABBA's 'Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie!'. AAAHHHHHH!!!!!!! It was horrifying, yet funny, and I started laughing and murmuring, "Augh! Augh!".
This was made even worse when JK started singing, "Kirby goes by... so slowly.". AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!LOL!!!!! KIRBY!!! IN A PINK GYM SUIT!!! DANCING!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!! (Falls onto the floor and cries laughing) AHaaaaaaaaHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's just so funneeheeheeheeheeHEEHEEHEEHEEHEEHEEHEEHEEHEEHEE!!!!!!!!!
(Five minutes later)
Ahh... That was nice. Even when JK and Kirby tried to question me on my sudden outburst of laughter, I kept holding back, knowing that Kirby knows a human's physical weak spots more than I do. But here. I did my part in saying something. Just leave me in one piece when I come back to school tomorrow.
For Enrichment Prgrammes, our's had to be cancelled for today as it was replaced by the last drumming session. Delays my time of playing billards, but I guess drumming is still quite fun.
Tried to call SingTel later in the day, but was then told that SingTel customer call services close at 6. Ah, well.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
Code Red - New Teacher Within Radius...
Thanks to yesterday, I was all ready to face today with the Lord! Shalom!
Anyway, today started with the prefects telling me that our prefect cerems are going to be ready by Wednesday and that payment must be made before then. Then Chapel was led by an almost-blind man, preaching about coolness; the downs of the cool and the ups of the humble. THis was followed by the anouncement of a school blood donation drive. The good thing's that this is only meant for the Years 5 and 6! Yay! I don't feel that good with a needle stuck in me for more than 10 minutes...
And we finally found out who's our Computer Science teacher! Same as last year, thought. And as such, we also found out who our CS Rep is! Wei Yang! (Applause) Now there's another photo to add into my collection...
For art, we had to draw our heartbreak/ heartthrob of the cancleation of our OEP using a box as the main symbol. For convenience, we were divided into five tables in the art room. Tim then told me an observation that the five tables contained th five main clusters of the class. L turned to look and true enugh, the tables can be labeled as: The Henry Park Boys, The ACPS Boys, The Rejects and another two that I apparently forgot. Where did I belong? At that time, I ended up being seated at the ACPS table, and such an honour. But I know very well that all the societies would welcome me to join them. I guess you can say I have 'multi-nationality'. Does this put me in the best spot to write another Miggipedia Manual about 'Tribal Rule'? I hope so...
For PC, we learnt how to play a traditional Malaysian drum, which didn'toriginate from there in the first place, but anyway.
Then came Canoeing. But since I just came back from a marathon, they decided to give us 6k only, saying that they'll take things up a knotch from Thursday onwards! Yahoo!
But there's also something I want to talk about. Justin.
Now, I understand that he can really be irritating at times and needs to be toned down then. But day after day, I watch as you all try to irritate him back with vougarities and by 'stealing' his stuff. Now that's a little too much.
People now take too much action on him, making him think that he can do the same to others. He then learns how to say vougarities and tries to hit people who often irritate him time after time, even though they haven't done anything to him yet. Everyone them blames him for performing such harassments entirely on his own accord and gradually, both parties hate each other more and more.
The worst cases in my opinion so far are Shawn Ku, Reuben, Peter, Sanjev and Niranjan. Especially Niranjan. The thing which ticks me off about him is that whenever Justin's fine, he always shouts out, " Erh Lun sucks! Erh Lun sucks!", but when everyone irritates Justin till he cries, Niranjan 'comforts' him and appologises, only to insult him again when he's sober again. If you really hate someone and do not show retreat, at least stay that way and stop confussing others who are watching. Stop lying that you're concerned if you really aren't; it just makes things miserable and unorderly.
I can't write this out in anger, 'cause even I myself am guilty of making excessive fun of Justin. In fact, everyone involved is in blame; Us for endulging in irritating Justin, and Justin for continuing the trend. But all I can say is this. If you insult vougarities at Justin, you're also insulting;
1) Yourself.
The fact that you notice the irritating characteristic means that it's being implanted into memory. And if confronted by the same senarios that spark off the characteristic, you'll do the same thing as well. Look, Niranjan has already interupted class with the words 'Erh Lun', 'Powder', 'Flask' and 'Tabby' many times already. Need I say more.
2) Me.
I'm declared an asperger by councilors and a doctor. That means I'm a diluted version of Justin; closest to the normal side. If you hate authistic people like Justin, you might as well admit you hate me. I know very well how it feels like to be hated the way Justin is right now; an entire class that looks down at you just because of the fact that you're different. You can't even turn to the teachers. They'd just blame it all as your own problem. Dreading to go to school was normal, and only a couble of people would bother to be you're friend. I had to go through this for one whole year in Primary 3, and it was painful. The fact that I see the same kind of pain enflicted on someone else in a worse scenario just shocks me.
3) God.
God created everyone in his own image. Let's say He's a dollmaker, and we're the dolls. Now, the fact that you hate a product, you're directly or indirectly stating that you hate the producer as well. Now looking at it from this point of view, saying Justin sucks is just as good as saying God's bad in being God. That's extremely painful for me to type right now, especially coming from yesterday.
Either that this, it's all up to you. Like I said, I can't scold anyone as I myself am guilty. All that I say is that we should change and stop offending Justin so much. I just pray that this message goes the right way.
Anyway, today started with the prefects telling me that our prefect cerems are going to be ready by Wednesday and that payment must be made before then. Then Chapel was led by an almost-blind man, preaching about coolness; the downs of the cool and the ups of the humble. THis was followed by the anouncement of a school blood donation drive. The good thing's that this is only meant for the Years 5 and 6! Yay! I don't feel that good with a needle stuck in me for more than 10 minutes...
And we finally found out who's our Computer Science teacher! Same as last year, thought. And as such, we also found out who our CS Rep is! Wei Yang! (Applause) Now there's another photo to add into my collection...
For art, we had to draw our heartbreak/ heartthrob of the cancleation of our OEP using a box as the main symbol. For convenience, we were divided into five tables in the art room. Tim then told me an observation that the five tables contained th five main clusters of the class. L turned to look and true enugh, the tables can be labeled as: The Henry Park Boys, The ACPS Boys, The Rejects and another two that I apparently forgot. Where did I belong? At that time, I ended up being seated at the ACPS table, and such an honour. But I know very well that all the societies would welcome me to join them. I guess you can say I have 'multi-nationality'. Does this put me in the best spot to write another Miggipedia Manual about 'Tribal Rule'? I hope so...
For PC, we learnt how to play a traditional Malaysian drum, which didn'toriginate from there in the first place, but anyway.
Then came Canoeing. But since I just came back from a marathon, they decided to give us 6k only, saying that they'll take things up a knotch from Thursday onwards! Yahoo!
But there's also something I want to talk about. Justin.
Now, I understand that he can really be irritating at times and needs to be toned down then. But day after day, I watch as you all try to irritate him back with vougarities and by 'stealing' his stuff. Now that's a little too much.
People now take too much action on him, making him think that he can do the same to others. He then learns how to say vougarities and tries to hit people who often irritate him time after time, even though they haven't done anything to him yet. Everyone them blames him for performing such harassments entirely on his own accord and gradually, both parties hate each other more and more.
The worst cases in my opinion so far are Shawn Ku, Reuben, Peter, Sanjev and Niranjan. Especially Niranjan. The thing which ticks me off about him is that whenever Justin's fine, he always shouts out, " Erh Lun sucks! Erh Lun sucks!", but when everyone irritates Justin till he cries, Niranjan 'comforts' him and appologises, only to insult him again when he's sober again. If you really hate someone and do not show retreat, at least stay that way and stop confussing others who are watching. Stop lying that you're concerned if you really aren't; it just makes things miserable and unorderly.
I can't write this out in anger, 'cause even I myself am guilty of making excessive fun of Justin. In fact, everyone involved is in blame; Us for endulging in irritating Justin, and Justin for continuing the trend. But all I can say is this. If you insult vougarities at Justin, you're also insulting;
1) Yourself.
The fact that you notice the irritating characteristic means that it's being implanted into memory. And if confronted by the same senarios that spark off the characteristic, you'll do the same thing as well. Look, Niranjan has already interupted class with the words 'Erh Lun', 'Powder', 'Flask' and 'Tabby' many times already. Need I say more.
2) Me.
I'm declared an asperger by councilors and a doctor. That means I'm a diluted version of Justin; closest to the normal side. If you hate authistic people like Justin, you might as well admit you hate me. I know very well how it feels like to be hated the way Justin is right now; an entire class that looks down at you just because of the fact that you're different. You can't even turn to the teachers. They'd just blame it all as your own problem. Dreading to go to school was normal, and only a couble of people would bother to be you're friend. I had to go through this for one whole year in Primary 3, and it was painful. The fact that I see the same kind of pain enflicted on someone else in a worse scenario just shocks me.
3) God.
God created everyone in his own image. Let's say He's a dollmaker, and we're the dolls. Now, the fact that you hate a product, you're directly or indirectly stating that you hate the producer as well. Now looking at it from this point of view, saying Justin sucks is just as good as saying God's bad in being God. That's extremely painful for me to type right now, especially coming from yesterday.
Either that this, it's all up to you. Like I said, I can't scold anyone as I myself am guilty. All that I say is that we should change and stop offending Justin so much. I just pray that this message goes the right way.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
A Typical Conversation with God...
Who said Jesus could only walk on Lake Galilee? He walked along my boat while I paddled my shoulders off in the Marathon today. Just one of those moments when God talks to me.
But I'll explain later. Today started of with me waking up at 6 in the morning. I look out of my window to watch the downpour. Freezing. After a quick breakfast, I grabbed my bag and paddle, tightened my watch (This is my personal sign of a) 'I mean buisness' or b) 'I just came from a place that made me mean buisness, for this case a).) and headed for my Dad's car. I took a minute or two to figure out how to ft the paddle into the car through the left front door, but once done we drove off to Lower Seletar Reservour. Still freezing, I tried to increase the air-con temperature to 28 degrees. My Dad felt the chills too and decided to switch off the air-con altogether and open the windows slightly. Big mistake. The temperature outside was actually 23 degrees. Brrrrrrr...
When dropped off at the reservour, I marched off to the designated place for the school team to meet up at. At this time, the place was still very dark and cold and only a few canoers were seen within the area. But as time passed by, the numbers gained, the brightness grew and the temperatures rose. And by about 7.45, the protected plot of land where the boats were were opened, and many of us rushed i to quickly get our boats out.
Now here begins the first conversation with God for the day. You see, last Thursday, we were suppose to choose our racing boats, but Jedd, my partner, wasn't present. Thus, I had to practice on that day with a single's canoe and didn't get the chance to chose our boat. So on Saturday, we were only left with All Blue, a very old boat which had bad-conditioned seats, rusty wingnuts and a large crack that spanned on the hull just underneath the Frontman's cockpit. Jedd and I were somewhat dissapointed, and as I brought out my boat from the fenced area, I started to have doubts...
God: So, dissapointed with your boat, huh?
Me: Sort of. But I know that you...
God: Tell Me one special thing that I made Samson do.
Me: Samson killed an estimate of a thousand men using only a donkey's jawbone?
God: Now tell me, what's a jawbone compared to that boat your carrying?
Me: Erm... I get it, Lord. As long as You're with me, whatever that I have can be used to do miracles. If Samson can kill many with a tiny jawbone, I can surely do lots of stuff with a simple canoe. Just as long as you're with me.
God: Good. Now be gentle with that boat....
Once out, we were being distributed our number cards and bibs to place onto our boats and to wear reespectively.
By 8, all participants had to go for a briefing about the race details, basically touching on starts, routes, portages and finishings. Oh, and that we had to have our bibs on at all times. Here's the route:
Me: Yeah. She donated what was worth less than a modern penny.
God: Then what did My Boy say?
Me: "I tell you, that widow has given a whole lot more that the other rich men who gave portions of their living."
God: He appreciated the widow more than the rich men, didn't He?
Me: I get it! As long as i give all that I've got and dedicate it all under You're Name, You'd appreciate it for a long way! You'd actually be proud of me no matter how little I contribute to Your Glory! Thank's Dad!
God: Now you've still got a portage to cover. Just trust in me and I'll help you...
The Portage was harder than I thought; although 110m is a standardly short distance, there are also other factors that weigh you down; such are like the weight of a canoe on your back, the calf-deep mud that you'd have to actually run through and the fact that you're partner can't take the pressure of running already. Honestly speaking, I really felt like walking afer running 5-6 meters. It was shockingly tiring. But I somehow managed to keep running. Although this was a bad thing as Jedd was trying to shout at me to slow down since the boat was slowly slipping off his shoulders. Ah, well.
Once we got through the Portage, we got onto the Exiting Ramp, placed the boat gently but speedily, and canoed off to continue the final lap.
Somewhere along 9k, God then reminded me about the 'prodicle son', the story about a younger son who rejected his father, demanded his inheritance from him and spent it all on dirty luxury and prostitutes. Once he spent all the money, he became so poor he had to be a pig farmer and eat pig's feed, a job reguarded as the lousiest at that time and place. He then developed a plan to go back to his father and ask if he could work as the father's slave. But when he came to the region that the father's house was, and when the father caught sight of the son, he ran all the way from his house to the son and hugged and kissed him. Before the son could actually ask to be a slave, the father quickly ordered his servants to fetch his best robe and sandals and refused to let the son walk any further until he had them to wear. He then brought the son into the house and ordered a feast involving the fatest calf they had. Even when the elder sonbecame jealous and complained to him, the father told him to relax and be greatful that his brother has come back and is now found.
This was another set of verses that supported what God told me earlier; that He'd always love me no matter how phathetic I'd become. That boosted my faith level a lot more further and paddled with a whole lot of joy in my heart. And true enough, after trusting the Lord for that while, a P.U.B. boat started to cruise along, giving extremely choppy waves that later capsized Ryan. So in the end, God gave me a great advantage as now he'd have to wait another 15 minutes before the P.U.B. boat comes back to rescue him! Not saying that I'm happy someone had to suffer at such humiliating costs, but it's just that God answered my prayer, and in a way I'd never expect. 'God works in ways we cannot understand.' Oh, well...
Last K. Just had to keep paddling for that extra 1000 meters. By now, Jedd and I were extremely exhausted and the flagged buoys we had to pass through just to complete the race was literally glowing in front of us! But at thesame time, the winds were starting to pick up and the waves were absolutely choppy! Waves that splashed as high as 30 centimeters! Now I know what The Perfect Storm felt like. So Jedd continued to keep our spirits high, I continued to try to steer and navigate the boat through the fluctuations and both of us just kept on paddling.
We then did a final burst to the buoys and finally ended our rounds. Relieved, we slowly paddled our way to the loading shore, where a smiling (I'm serious; a ear-to-ear smiling) Mr. See greeted us.
Mr. See: Welcome back, Raemiguel! Welcome back, Jedd! Did you enjoy yourselves?
Me: (nod nod)
Jedd: Yah. Somewhat.
Mr. See: By the way, Jedd, are you sure that's a comfortable configuration? Your knees seem a little too high! Nevermind. Get out of the boat. Joshua Wu! Ka Fu! Help them carry their boat! No, Jedd! Do not carry the boat! Just walk around! Come up here, lah!
Just the right scenario for me to see when I just remembered the prodicle son.
By the time we were back, only 3 or 4 boats from our school were back. Eugine, Kenneth and Junn Sin were on shore already. Mr. See was also chatting away with us on our experiences and attending to wounds and cuts (He is a biology teacher after all...) He was also telling usif we wanted to keep our racing bibs and cards, which he wouldn't mind the penalty of paying sets of $5 to the organisers for. Jedd and I gleefully grabbed the stuff and debated over who gets what! In the end, I get the bib while he gets the card! Yay! But by the time Mr. See had the chance to start an official talking session with us Novists, the anouncers were announcing that free soya bean milk was going to be distributed. The moment the lady finished pronouncing the sylabal 'milk', Eugine and I quickly turned around and made a dash for the supply tent, just right in front of the others (our school + other schools)! Mr. See didn't even have to say, "Okay, gentlemen! Go get your soya bean!" and the crew dissapeared before his eyes.
When we had our well-sealed packets of milk, we started mingling with each other, talking about stuff like how was the marathon, the sudden waves that always hit you when you make the return trip, any injuries obtained and how to get the darn packet of milk open in the first place.
One by one, the other canoers slowly came back to shore, each canoeist filled with good stories that we can tell our grandchildren. We gathered round a cliff that faced the loading shore, sharing these stories and cheering on anyone from our school that passes by or that has completed his sessions. I actually found out that Joshua Wu and Ka Fu actually sang a silly song out at water which made many surrounding canoers laugh, stopping them all in their tracks and giving the two a great advantage. A new tatic Mr. See could recite to the next generation(s) of canoers.
But once most/all of us were present, Junn Sin's dad brought 4 boxes worth of MacDonalds to the site! Food, glorious food! We all ate to our ful and even gave some of it to seniors that are now in JCs. In total, I had a double cheeseburger, two cups of fries and a cup of green tea! So full, I could burst! Wait, NO! Not canoeing burst, literal burst.
After a good meal and agood migling, the anouncers called for all competitors to report to the main tent for prize presentation. Claping our hands off, we endured the next half an hour applauding those who recieved a medal or new paddle. If memory serves, Ting Wei, Nick Ng, Joseph, Eugine, Neil, Daniel, Lucas, Weng Ai and a few others won prizes! Yay for the school! Jedd and I wern't within the medal spectrum, but I think we were still somewhere in the front for Novists. Ah, well.
After prize giving, everyone gave three cheers for the marathon and declared the race over. We divided into our schools and settled with our boats, figuring how to get them to the trucks each of us ordered, which means a whole lot of trucks, causing a jam as far off as the dam. I helped out for a while until my parents and Morriel came to fetch me. Saying bye to Mr. See, I hopped into the car and rode off for dessert at Bristo Delefrance! And boy, was the foods there sweet! My Mom also bought water-proof plasters to bandage my pussing blisters while my Dad sponsered for my new gym gloves! Such caring parents!
We then went home and fell asleep. Typical Singaporeans.
At about 7pm, we went to the Budget Terminal to fetch Uncle Eking (Sounds like Aik Ling, just that he became 'king'.). He heard about Uncle Alex's sucess in finding a job here and also wanted to try his luck here. God be with him on this one.
Sorry for making this post this long, but if you've reached here, congradulations!
But I'll explain later. Today started of with me waking up at 6 in the morning. I look out of my window to watch the downpour. Freezing. After a quick breakfast, I grabbed my bag and paddle, tightened my watch (This is my personal sign of a) 'I mean buisness' or b) 'I just came from a place that made me mean buisness, for this case a).) and headed for my Dad's car. I took a minute or two to figure out how to ft the paddle into the car through the left front door, but once done we drove off to Lower Seletar Reservour. Still freezing, I tried to increase the air-con temperature to 28 degrees. My Dad felt the chills too and decided to switch off the air-con altogether and open the windows slightly. Big mistake. The temperature outside was actually 23 degrees. Brrrrrrr...
When dropped off at the reservour, I marched off to the designated place for the school team to meet up at. At this time, the place was still very dark and cold and only a few canoers were seen within the area. But as time passed by, the numbers gained, the brightness grew and the temperatures rose. And by about 7.45, the protected plot of land where the boats were were opened, and many of us rushed i to quickly get our boats out.
Now here begins the first conversation with God for the day. You see, last Thursday, we were suppose to choose our racing boats, but Jedd, my partner, wasn't present. Thus, I had to practice on that day with a single's canoe and didn't get the chance to chose our boat. So on Saturday, we were only left with All Blue, a very old boat which had bad-conditioned seats, rusty wingnuts and a large crack that spanned on the hull just underneath the Frontman's cockpit. Jedd and I were somewhat dissapointed, and as I brought out my boat from the fenced area, I started to have doubts...
God: So, dissapointed with your boat, huh?
Me: Sort of. But I know that you...
God: Tell Me one special thing that I made Samson do.
Me: Samson killed an estimate of a thousand men using only a donkey's jawbone?
God: Now tell me, what's a jawbone compared to that boat your carrying?
Me: Erm... I get it, Lord. As long as You're with me, whatever that I have can be used to do miracles. If Samson can kill many with a tiny jawbone, I can surely do lots of stuff with a simple canoe. Just as long as you're with me.
God: Good. Now be gentle with that boat....
Once out, we were being distributed our number cards and bibs to place onto our boats and to wear reespectively.
By 8, all participants had to go for a briefing about the race details, basically touching on starts, routes, portages and finishings. Oh, and that we had to have our bibs on at all times. Here's the route:
If you can't see it, I'll zoom in to the north first...
The Main Track is where you make your average rounds. Start at the Starting/Finishing Line (The line marked out with one big buoy and two small flagged buoys). Make sure that when you make your turn, be at the right of the buoys marking the turn. While you're still completing the race, always pass through the buoy gate with the big buoy and the center flagged buoy. If you're going to Portage, firstr pass through the big buoy and the center flagged buoy before making a right to the Portage Ramp. From the Portage Ramp, get out of your boat and carry it across the 110 meter course marked out by safety strips. Once at the other end, quickly place your boat into the water, get in and paddle off to continue your rounds. When done, DO NOT go through the big buoy and the centre flagged buoy. Instead, break of the track and head in between the flagged buoys.
In the next couple of maps, I'll use thick blue lines to represent my progress.
Immediately when the briefing was announced complete and when the judges wished us all good luck, all the racers ran for their boats and quickly brought them into the water. Being new to this boat of ours, we quickly tried out different configurations in the boat as quickly as possible, not waisting anything larger than a split-second. Once comfortable, we hurriedly paddled to our wave (Novist Wave) and waited for our turn to be started.
Trying to be as far left as possible so that we'd have a lesser distance to cover just to reach the first turn, we tried to paddle our way through the mess of boats, only to be left somewhere a couple of boat lengths away from the desired spot. Oh, well...
After waiting for about twenty minutes or so, it was our wave's turn to be released. At 8.45 a.m., the judges gave the blowhorn signal for us to paddle our guts out, and so we did. Just as far as a few strokes, the pain was beginning to kick in. I was trying to think of ways on consoling God for relief, then...
God: Remember your post in your blog?
Me: The one about Tongues?
God: Now what can Tongues do?
Me: Relieve pain.
God: There you go.
Me: But I don't know how to...
God: Remember the story about the robber and the fridge owner?
Me: Yah. 'When a robber comes to your house and steals your fridge right in front of you, you wouldn't go, " Oh, how I wish I had a fridge. I know it'll come one day, and I'll eagerly wait for it. I'll keep waiting. I know it'll come..." No! You'd go, "Who on earth are you?! Give me back my fridge and get the heck out of my house!"' Oh, I get it!
God: Tongues is in you. All you need to do is just to 'fane to flames' the gift.
Me: But God. In a time like this? Isn't it, well, embarasing?
God: Name me one of the Christian songs in your computer.
Me: Undignified
God: What's the chorus?
Me: 'And I'll become even more undignified than this!
Some may say it's foolishness,
But I'll become even more undignified than this!
Leave my pride, by my side!...'
God: What does this tell you about what Christians would go through whe they serve me?
Me: They'll be undignified? Shamed? Looking ridiculous?
God: So one way or another, you'll be an embarasment in the eyes of others when you serve Me one way or another. What makes now any different?
Me: Thanks, Lord! (Starts trying to speaking in Tongues)
Me: (pant pant) I can't speak in Tongues anymore. (pant pant) Too exausted. (pant pant) Will stop talking. (pant pant) But will still keep praying inside. (pant pant pant...)
At around this area, Ryan starts to catch up with Jedd and I...
Ryan: C'mon Jedd! C'mon Raem! Don't loose to me! I'm a K1! You MUST beat me!
Me: C'mon guys!
But soon, he was beating us by the second turn, and I knew that if he was gonna win us now, he'd start preaching to me again that God would be dissapointed with me and that I owed Him an appology for slacking below his standards, which I knew was all a lie to condemn me. And that irritated me.
Me (In my head): Dear Lord, I don't want to be angry at anyone right now; I need the energy more for paddling through these rapids! I know you love me very much, and that You will always be there for me no matter how badly I fair in what I do. But when I reach that finishing line with Ryan infront of me, what can I tell him to prove that you'd still love me even if I lost to him?
Me: Yeah. She donated what was worth less than a modern penny.
God: Then what did My Boy say?
Me: "I tell you, that widow has given a whole lot more that the other rich men who gave portions of their living."
God: He appreciated the widow more than the rich men, didn't He?
Me: I get it! As long as i give all that I've got and dedicate it all under You're Name, You'd appreciate it for a long way! You'd actually be proud of me no matter how little I contribute to Your Glory! Thank's Dad!
God: Now you've still got a portage to cover. Just trust in me and I'll help you...
The Portage was harder than I thought; although 110m is a standardly short distance, there are also other factors that weigh you down; such are like the weight of a canoe on your back, the calf-deep mud that you'd have to actually run through and the fact that you're partner can't take the pressure of running already. Honestly speaking, I really felt like walking afer running 5-6 meters. It was shockingly tiring. But I somehow managed to keep running. Although this was a bad thing as Jedd was trying to shout at me to slow down since the boat was slowly slipping off his shoulders. Ah, well.
Once we got through the Portage, we got onto the Exiting Ramp, placed the boat gently but speedily, and canoed off to continue the final lap.
Somewhere along 9k, God then reminded me about the 'prodicle son', the story about a younger son who rejected his father, demanded his inheritance from him and spent it all on dirty luxury and prostitutes. Once he spent all the money, he became so poor he had to be a pig farmer and eat pig's feed, a job reguarded as the lousiest at that time and place. He then developed a plan to go back to his father and ask if he could work as the father's slave. But when he came to the region that the father's house was, and when the father caught sight of the son, he ran all the way from his house to the son and hugged and kissed him. Before the son could actually ask to be a slave, the father quickly ordered his servants to fetch his best robe and sandals and refused to let the son walk any further until he had them to wear. He then brought the son into the house and ordered a feast involving the fatest calf they had. Even when the elder sonbecame jealous and complained to him, the father told him to relax and be greatful that his brother has come back and is now found.
This was another set of verses that supported what God told me earlier; that He'd always love me no matter how phathetic I'd become. That boosted my faith level a lot more further and paddled with a whole lot of joy in my heart. And true enough, after trusting the Lord for that while, a P.U.B. boat started to cruise along, giving extremely choppy waves that later capsized Ryan. So in the end, God gave me a great advantage as now he'd have to wait another 15 minutes before the P.U.B. boat comes back to rescue him! Not saying that I'm happy someone had to suffer at such humiliating costs, but it's just that God answered my prayer, and in a way I'd never expect. 'God works in ways we cannot understand.' Oh, well...
Last K. Just had to keep paddling for that extra 1000 meters. By now, Jedd and I were extremely exhausted and the flagged buoys we had to pass through just to complete the race was literally glowing in front of us! But at thesame time, the winds were starting to pick up and the waves were absolutely choppy! Waves that splashed as high as 30 centimeters! Now I know what The Perfect Storm felt like. So Jedd continued to keep our spirits high, I continued to try to steer and navigate the boat through the fluctuations and both of us just kept on paddling.
We then did a final burst to the buoys and finally ended our rounds. Relieved, we slowly paddled our way to the loading shore, where a smiling (I'm serious; a ear-to-ear smiling) Mr. See greeted us.
Mr. See: Welcome back, Raemiguel! Welcome back, Jedd! Did you enjoy yourselves?
Me: (nod nod)
Jedd: Yah. Somewhat.
Mr. See: By the way, Jedd, are you sure that's a comfortable configuration? Your knees seem a little too high! Nevermind. Get out of the boat. Joshua Wu! Ka Fu! Help them carry their boat! No, Jedd! Do not carry the boat! Just walk around! Come up here, lah!
Just the right scenario for me to see when I just remembered the prodicle son.
By the time we were back, only 3 or 4 boats from our school were back. Eugine, Kenneth and Junn Sin were on shore already. Mr. See was also chatting away with us on our experiences and attending to wounds and cuts (He is a biology teacher after all...) He was also telling usif we wanted to keep our racing bibs and cards, which he wouldn't mind the penalty of paying sets of $5 to the organisers for. Jedd and I gleefully grabbed the stuff and debated over who gets what! In the end, I get the bib while he gets the card! Yay! But by the time Mr. See had the chance to start an official talking session with us Novists, the anouncers were announcing that free soya bean milk was going to be distributed. The moment the lady finished pronouncing the sylabal 'milk', Eugine and I quickly turned around and made a dash for the supply tent, just right in front of the others (our school + other schools)! Mr. See didn't even have to say, "Okay, gentlemen! Go get your soya bean!" and the crew dissapeared before his eyes.
When we had our well-sealed packets of milk, we started mingling with each other, talking about stuff like how was the marathon, the sudden waves that always hit you when you make the return trip, any injuries obtained and how to get the darn packet of milk open in the first place.
One by one, the other canoers slowly came back to shore, each canoeist filled with good stories that we can tell our grandchildren. We gathered round a cliff that faced the loading shore, sharing these stories and cheering on anyone from our school that passes by or that has completed his sessions. I actually found out that Joshua Wu and Ka Fu actually sang a silly song out at water which made many surrounding canoers laugh, stopping them all in their tracks and giving the two a great advantage. A new tatic Mr. See could recite to the next generation(s) of canoers.
But once most/all of us were present, Junn Sin's dad brought 4 boxes worth of MacDonalds to the site! Food, glorious food! We all ate to our ful and even gave some of it to seniors that are now in JCs. In total, I had a double cheeseburger, two cups of fries and a cup of green tea! So full, I could burst! Wait, NO! Not canoeing burst, literal burst.
After a good meal and agood migling, the anouncers called for all competitors to report to the main tent for prize presentation. Claping our hands off, we endured the next half an hour applauding those who recieved a medal or new paddle. If memory serves, Ting Wei, Nick Ng, Joseph, Eugine, Neil, Daniel, Lucas, Weng Ai and a few others won prizes! Yay for the school! Jedd and I wern't within the medal spectrum, but I think we were still somewhere in the front for Novists. Ah, well.
After prize giving, everyone gave three cheers for the marathon and declared the race over. We divided into our schools and settled with our boats, figuring how to get them to the trucks each of us ordered, which means a whole lot of trucks, causing a jam as far off as the dam. I helped out for a while until my parents and Morriel came to fetch me. Saying bye to Mr. See, I hopped into the car and rode off for dessert at Bristo Delefrance! And boy, was the foods there sweet! My Mom also bought water-proof plasters to bandage my pussing blisters while my Dad sponsered for my new gym gloves! Such caring parents!
We then went home and fell asleep. Typical Singaporeans.
At about 7pm, we went to the Budget Terminal to fetch Uncle Eking (Sounds like Aik Ling, just that he became 'king'.). He heard about Uncle Alex's sucess in finding a job here and also wanted to try his luck here. God be with him on this one.
Sorry for making this post this long, but if you've reached here, congradulations!
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Rehersals...
Today, I had to go to MacRitchie at 12 to help out in the moving of boats, paddles, life jackets and knee pads to Lower Seletar Reservour. Started by taking out the boats involved in the race, followed by assembling into the boat the seats and taking our paddles and accounting for our life jacks.
By 1, the trucks that Mr. See called for came from the top of the hill which the sheds were on so we brought our stuff up. Slowly, the trucks were being loaded with boats like tiles on a roof. Then came the part where we had to fit the Canoers into the trucks too. Apparently, another teacher was present to help out and contribted to ferry four people using his car. Mr. See then searched for the young canoers and picked out Joseph, Leon, Ting Wei and me. How sad. Riding on one of the trucks seemed exciting and fun, so riding in an average car stole the fun of it all. Oh, well.
When we arrived at the reservour, we quickly unloaded the trucks and laid then down in a particular area that was well protected by a barbed-wired fence. The entrance could only fit one boat at a time, so we had to cooperate with the other schools that were unloading with us. Once done, we awaited for the comand to take the boats down to the water for our rehersal for the competition, only to be told that orders were given to the canoeing teams not to get into the water because of a glitch in the morning.
You see, Lowrr Seletar Reservour's most southern end is rimmed with extremely sesitive satelite dishes that guard the military base/airbase nearby, sensing anything that comes within radius. And apparently, a couple of paddlers went deep deep down into that area, despite the fact that there were obviously no buoys floating around the area. The satelites caught them, thought they were terrorist and sparked an alarm which they had to clear up for the time being. Thus Mr. Goh had to conduct his introduction to the terrain we were going to race in by foot.
First, there would be a ramp that we would launch from. This ramp faces the Starting/Finishing Line for ease, ease as long as you launch properly. From the Starting/Finishing Line, boats line up into four different waves, each wave starting off in 5 minute intervals from 9 A.M. onwards. From the Starting/Finishing Line, which is quite close to the dam that divides the reservour from the sea, the boats have to head out to 3 buoys that form a smooth arch. This buoys give us a rough guide on how to turn in the route.
After the turn, we head for two other buoys at the southern end of the route. If these two buoys can't be seen from where you are, look for two white satelite dishes (which would be too large for you to miss) and head for it. Once at the two buoys, make the turn which they marked out and head back to the northern end of the reservour, which can be marked out by a blue concrete building. Once near by, look for two red ramps and head for the one CLOSER TO YOU.
When at the ramp, quickly get out of your boat and carry it through the 110m track marked out on land. This particular track is divided into two lanes: The Express Lane on the left and the Feeding Lane on the right. The Feeding Lane is for those who need a drink and rest, while the Express Lane is for those who think they can still endure their remaining lap(s). Once on the other side of the track, place your boat into the water and travel the same corse stated above.
The Starting/Finishing Line is made up of 3 buoys; The Left and Centre Buoy mark the Starting Line while the Right and Central Buoys mark out the Finising Line. When starting, you can line up anywhere along the line, but when finishing, you HAVE to aim into the Finishing Line. If you miss the Finishing Line, you would still be counted as 'not finished' and would have to turn back to exit through the Finishing Line just to state that you're done.
After the debrief, we went back to the place the trucks dropped us and the equipments off and were asked for volunteers to bring back our paddles for safe keeping. The remaining paddles which could not be taken care off were placed and hidden inside double boats (boats that require two rowers). After settling that, we went to make wave breakers for the boats who need it using plastic boards, scissors and Mr. See's penknife. Afterwhich, we were dismissed.
Being one of the guys who volunteered to bring home their paddles, I hitched a ride on a MGS bus along with a few fellow ACSIans to MGS, from there we took our buses home. It was quite a cheap-trill watching the public staring at this guy carrying a paddle along with him in a bus. I bet the bus driver would be telling his co-leagues, "And you should have seen how he was struggling to fit the paddle through the bus without hitting any passengers! After seeing him sucessfully finding a suitable position, I told him he could place lie on the floor! Ahahahaha! You should have seen the look on his face when he found out his efforts went to waste! Ahahahahahaha!!!!..."
That raps it up for now. Me and my paddle signing off for today. God bless you, and may he be with me tomorrow...
By 1, the trucks that Mr. See called for came from the top of the hill which the sheds were on so we brought our stuff up. Slowly, the trucks were being loaded with boats like tiles on a roof. Then came the part where we had to fit the Canoers into the trucks too. Apparently, another teacher was present to help out and contribted to ferry four people using his car. Mr. See then searched for the young canoers and picked out Joseph, Leon, Ting Wei and me. How sad. Riding on one of the trucks seemed exciting and fun, so riding in an average car stole the fun of it all. Oh, well.
When we arrived at the reservour, we quickly unloaded the trucks and laid then down in a particular area that was well protected by a barbed-wired fence. The entrance could only fit one boat at a time, so we had to cooperate with the other schools that were unloading with us. Once done, we awaited for the comand to take the boats down to the water for our rehersal for the competition, only to be told that orders were given to the canoeing teams not to get into the water because of a glitch in the morning.
You see, Lowrr Seletar Reservour's most southern end is rimmed with extremely sesitive satelite dishes that guard the military base/airbase nearby, sensing anything that comes within radius. And apparently, a couple of paddlers went deep deep down into that area, despite the fact that there were obviously no buoys floating around the area. The satelites caught them, thought they were terrorist and sparked an alarm which they had to clear up for the time being. Thus Mr. Goh had to conduct his introduction to the terrain we were going to race in by foot.
First, there would be a ramp that we would launch from. This ramp faces the Starting/Finishing Line for ease, ease as long as you launch properly. From the Starting/Finishing Line, boats line up into four different waves, each wave starting off in 5 minute intervals from 9 A.M. onwards. From the Starting/Finishing Line, which is quite close to the dam that divides the reservour from the sea, the boats have to head out to 3 buoys that form a smooth arch. This buoys give us a rough guide on how to turn in the route.
After the turn, we head for two other buoys at the southern end of the route. If these two buoys can't be seen from where you are, look for two white satelite dishes (which would be too large for you to miss) and head for it. Once at the two buoys, make the turn which they marked out and head back to the northern end of the reservour, which can be marked out by a blue concrete building. Once near by, look for two red ramps and head for the one CLOSER TO YOU.
When at the ramp, quickly get out of your boat and carry it through the 110m track marked out on land. This particular track is divided into two lanes: The Express Lane on the left and the Feeding Lane on the right. The Feeding Lane is for those who need a drink and rest, while the Express Lane is for those who think they can still endure their remaining lap(s). Once on the other side of the track, place your boat into the water and travel the same corse stated above.
The Starting/Finishing Line is made up of 3 buoys; The Left and Centre Buoy mark the Starting Line while the Right and Central Buoys mark out the Finising Line. When starting, you can line up anywhere along the line, but when finishing, you HAVE to aim into the Finishing Line. If you miss the Finishing Line, you would still be counted as 'not finished' and would have to turn back to exit through the Finishing Line just to state that you're done.
After the debrief, we went back to the place the trucks dropped us and the equipments off and were asked for volunteers to bring back our paddles for safe keeping. The remaining paddles which could not be taken care off were placed and hidden inside double boats (boats that require two rowers). After settling that, we went to make wave breakers for the boats who need it using plastic boards, scissors and Mr. See's penknife. Afterwhich, we were dismissed.
Being one of the guys who volunteered to bring home their paddles, I hitched a ride on a MGS bus along with a few fellow ACSIans to MGS, from there we took our buses home. It was quite a cheap-trill watching the public staring at this guy carrying a paddle along with him in a bus. I bet the bus driver would be telling his co-leagues, "And you should have seen how he was struggling to fit the paddle through the bus without hitting any passengers! After seeing him sucessfully finding a suitable position, I told him he could place lie on the floor! Ahahahaha! You should have seen the look on his face when he found out his efforts went to waste! Ahahahahahaha!!!!..."
That raps it up for now. Me and my paddle signing off for today. God bless you, and may he be with me tomorrow...
Friday, January 26, 2007
Academia Real del Imperio de Dan...
It's 'Royal Accadamy of the Dan Empire' in Spanish, if you're asking.
And that's what I want to share about today - The main people of power within the class of Dan. So let's just have a look at the Class Committe (Parlament of the Dan Empire), shall we;
King Timothy I of the Dan Empire
Crown Prince Calvin II
Sir Zeng Rong of Wong, Secatary of the Parlament of the Dan Empire
Sir Peter Isaac Koh, Governor-in-Charge of Internal Affairs and Finance
General Niranjan Ranjakunalan, Head General of Dan Military
Sir Zheng-Wei, Yii, The Keymaster
Now let's look at the Sub-Parlament of the Dan Empire:
Duke Raemiguel Lee, Governor of Language Ats
Justin Erh, Governor of Mathematics
Dr. Joel Robert Teo, Governor of Life Science
Prof. Kirby Chen, Governor of Physical Science
Prof. Shiladitya Ghosh, Governor of elemtary Philosophy of Disipline
General Sanjev Gunasekaran, Governor of History
Sir Faraaz Amzar Mohamed Faroq, Govorner of Music
Well, finally. It's out of my system. Another satisfied daydream question flying away with an answer. Oh, and for those who asked me what I meant when I said I was 3.5 places from the Form Teacher and almost an equivilant with the Chairman, here's my reason. You see, the Chairman is directly under the Form Teacher, giving him his high authorothy. And I'm directly under the Language Arts teachers, giving me the necessary authority I need to do whatever required within my concern of the subject. But coincidencially, one of the Language Arts teachers is also the Form Teacher. So, the Chairman and I fall under the same teacher. Thus, I can conclude that although the Chairman has more power infested than me, I can still say that I stay at the same level as the Chairman in pictoral ranking.
It's just like saying:
C=T-1
LR=T-1
Therefore, C=LR
That actually means I could be more powerful that the Vice-Chairman! Hmm...
So if I felt greedy,...
Nah. I'm not that cruel. Besides, I praise the Lord that He allowed me to be where He wants me to be, and that's satisfies more than enough. Hope you enjoyed the pics. Please exit the museum through the Main Entrance as we shall be closing for the night in 5 minutes' time.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Canoeing is an action-filled stunt movie...
It's seriously true! The natural set of MacRitchie. The standard plot of the Competition(s). The great epic rush and strategy of Paddling. The sudden climax of the Distances. The adventures of Setting Up and Packing Up. And don't forget the smashing dialog of the Characters.
All that's missing... Is the Star.
You.
(End of commercial)
This wasn't the treat I promised, mind you. The thing itself seems to be so big, it's lagging the posts by 24 hours. So I'm just gon'na re-format it a little...
Anyway, the title's still convenient for today as we had to practice for the Marathon this Sunday. You see, It's gon'na be held at Lower Seletar Reservour on a 7K track which colides onto land, and me and my partner's event is 14K. So after finishing one lap, we'd have to quickly get out of the boat, empty it of water, carry the boat on land and run for 110M and launch again on the other side of the route as fast as possible! We had to practice the proceedure today, and boy did I follow it strict. I had tosteadily jump out of the boat, and grab the boat [Confidential]. Then I would [Confidential] to empty out the water, followed by [Confidential] and running up the slope as fast as I could with a boat on my shoulders. It felt a lot like as if I was doing a series of stunts again and again. And it was fun, I must say. But I might end up saying otherwise when the real thing happens. Oh well.
Either than that, I don't really think there's... Oh yah! For those who knew about my Tsunami Theory, well sorry to bring it up again, but Zheng-Wei commented a few points on it and helped me do a few more calculations. So now I've edited the post. Chck it out if you want to. (Shil, you're no longer safe...)
I guess that'sabout it. Will try my best to give the treat tomorrow. No garuntee...
All that's missing... Is the Star.
You.
(End of commercial)
This wasn't the treat I promised, mind you. The thing itself seems to be so big, it's lagging the posts by 24 hours. So I'm just gon'na re-format it a little...
Anyway, the title's still convenient for today as we had to practice for the Marathon this Sunday. You see, It's gon'na be held at Lower Seletar Reservour on a 7K track which colides onto land, and me and my partner's event is 14K. So after finishing one lap, we'd have to quickly get out of the boat, empty it of water, carry the boat on land and run for 110M and launch again on the other side of the route as fast as possible! We had to practice the proceedure today, and boy did I follow it strict. I had tosteadily jump out of the boat, and grab the boat [Confidential]. Then I would [Confidential] to empty out the water, followed by [Confidential] and running up the slope as fast as I could with a boat on my shoulders. It felt a lot like as if I was doing a series of stunts again and again. And it was fun, I must say. But I might end up saying otherwise when the real thing happens. Oh well.
Either than that, I don't really think there's... Oh yah! For those who knew about my Tsunami Theory, well sorry to bring it up again, but Zheng-Wei commented a few points on it and helped me do a few more calculations. So now I've edited the post. Chck it out if you want to. (Shil, you're no longer safe...)
I guess that'sabout it. Will try my best to give the treat tomorrow. No garuntee...
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
A Midsummer Night's Dan...
Can't do the treat Iwanted to do today. Will try to do it tomorrow.
But now, let me share two things that happened inschool today...
Right now I first start of with my first CL'B' lesson aftermy prayer to forgive the new guys in the class. As I walked to the classroom, I really prayed to God as hard as I could. I kept asking Him for peace and protection from whatever that happens in the room. The lesson started of as ussual. Depressingly. Shawn Ku (Is that how you spell it?) kept on murmuring irritating stuff in English during Ting Xie (Spelling), frustrating the teacher and making her slam her textbook on the table a couple of times. It was so hard, many of the Gao Zhi (Writing Pad Paper) flew of the table. He, along with his buddies, even continued disrupting the class by making unnecesary comments while we were reading through the textbook. She was fumming mad and gave long and sudden scoldings. I was ready to break down and cry in the classroom; for those who noticed me squinting my eyes a few times during the passage reading, that was me holding back my tears. But when we were told to do letter writing, Shawn did something that shocked me as a Christian.
He started to hum the tune of 'God Will Make a Way'.
I was startled, although I continued to look at my Gao Zhi and write all I could. Honestly speaking, I had no idea that a punk so un-mannered would actually have enough peace in him to even hum 'God Will Make a Way'. And that song's really peaceful. Really really peaceful. But as a Christian, I felt that that was God telling me that He knew what was going on, and He had a plan all sketched out. He is making the way. And all I had to do was just trust Him. With that revalation, I peacefully continued to write my letter, placing all my faith in God! And boy, was the feeling so goooood! X{). I forgave those guys again and Satan, keep trying to toss the badness at me; God's got me covered, I tell you! God's got me covered!
Now for something less dramatic to liften the spirit. It's just something quite funny that I made up. There was Language Arts A today, and today was the first play remake for the class this year. It's Act 1, Scene 1, and with the names edited to the people who played the roles, it's kinna crazy! It's a lot more funny when you read the book's version first before reading this. Give a sense of irony of how simple Shakespear could actually be. Sorry Kirby, but typing out the whole story is darn annoying with the oldern language to take note of, so I'm just gon'na simplify it to school standards. Here goes...
A Midsummer Night's Dan
By 2.10 Dan
Term 1, Week 4
Characters:
Niranjan
Justin
Timothy
Arjun
Sanjev
Ting Wei
Faraaz
Script:
(Athens, the palace of Theseus: enter All.)
Niranjan:
Now, fair Justin, the time of us being united as project partners draws quickly;
In 4 days time, there will be a full moon!
But it's so darn slow! I mean, it's like how quickly some of us can connect to theschool wireless. So slow!
Justin:
Relax! 4 days will soon flask off night by night;
4 nights will be tabbied away in due time;
Then that moon which you love so much will come out and light up our unifying ceremony.
Niranjan:
Go, Faraaz! Tell everyone of this coming occasion! We can't have people coming to it like how we're NOT suppose to greet teachers in History class!
(Faraaz leaves, obviously grinning from ear to ear...)
Niranjan:
Justin, I've impressed you with how bravely
I've fought as the Sports Representative of the class!
But I'll have an even better victory
When I partner you!
(Enters Timothy, Arjun, Sanjev and Ting Wei)
Timothy:
Yo, Niranjan! Wazzup, Sports Rep!
Niranjan:
Hey! Timmy, my man! Whatcha doin here?
Timothy:
I'm here to complain!
Complain against Arjun, my junior!
Stand forth, Ting Wei!
Niranjan, I want Arjun to partner him for the project.
Stand forth, Sanjev!
And this guy, Sanjman, has been taking my poor Arjun away from him!
They've been chatting on Msn about how to do certain homeworks!
Playing Warcraft together!
I can't stand this any longer!
Now he won't even listen to me, rebelling every word I say!
I seek the old customs of Andrew;
As he falls under me in the hairackey, I can decide whatever partner he gets!
Either he excepts, or EXILE!!!
Niranjan:
So Arjun. What have you got to say? Think carefully.
Don't forget thaqt Tim's the Chairman,
And he has many and every right over you.
Besides, Ting wei's a good partner to be with...
Arjun:
So is Sanjev.
Niranjan:
Yah, I guess. But in this situation, when Tim's at hand, the prior's best.
Arjun:
Tim, can't you just see it from my point of view instead?
Niranjan:
Too bad.
Arjun:
With all due respect, one and all,
I will NOT partner Ting Wei.
Niranjan:
Come on, Arj! Either Ting Wei or out of this class you go!
Know where you stand in the class;
You know very well Tim can do all he wants with you.
All I can say is I can suggest a third option of being not to have any partner at all;
Trust me, I've got ways on how to do so.
Arjun:
NEVAH!!! I'll never follow such an opinion!
Niranjan:
Very well, then. In 4 days time, the time when I shall partner Justin,
You must choose Ting Wei or face exile. (or no partner)
Ting Wei:
C'mon! What's wrong with partnering me?! And Sanjev, I comfirm get Arjun, so buzz off!
Sanjev:
Since Timothy honours you so much,
Why not just give me Arjun and you partner Tim, loh!
Timothy:
You *****.
So he has my favour, alright.
But as such, I give him what is mine;
Arjun's partnership.
Sanjev:
Oi, Niranjan! I want Arjun more than Ting Ting, lah! Let me have my rights for once. Besides, Matt Ch'ng wants Ting Wei, why not give him to Matt?
Niranjan:
Wow, wow, wow! Too much information! I need to slow down for a while. Tim? Ting Ting? Why not you come alonmg with me to the SAC and we'll discuss the issue in a more relaxed surrounding. My dear Justin, come along with us. Arjun, grab a hold of yourself and stay here. Come on, guys. Off we go...
Timothy:
With due fact that today's Fried Food Day, we follow you...
(All leave except Arjun and Sanjev)
Arjun and Sanjev:
WE HATE THIS!!!
Sanjev:
Wait! I know what to do!
I've got a good friend; I'm the only friend of his.
His class is just 7 classrooms from here;
And he respects me as his only post-school companion.
There we can do this project together!
There will be no ancient laws from Andrews that can divide us there.
So if you really want to work with me,
Let us sneak out of class later and we shall make for it!
Arjun:
I swear I'll be there with you!
Sanjev:
Just keep your promise. Oh, look. It's Matt!
(Enter Matthew)
Arjun:
Hi Matt! God bless ya! You know anything lately?
Matthew:
Ting Wei deserves you as a partner. Seriously.
I mean, you're just too perfect for him! You're just too coll for him to turn down.
Tell me, what's the secret?
Arjun:
Hah. I always frown at him, yet he still wants me.
Matthew:
I so want to learn that!
Arjun:
I always make fun of him, yet he wants me more.
Matthew:
No fair! I want to know how to do that!
Arjun:
The more I go, the more he comes.
Matthew:
Yah. And the more I come, the more he goes.
Arjun:
Well, is that my problem, or is it your's? (Giggles)
Matthew:
You're just too cool. That's what I want to be my fault...
Arjun:
Don't worry: He has seen the last of me now;
Sanjev and I will flee from this class.
Before Sanjev came to this class,
I thought .10 was the perfect class to be in.
Now when I meet him
Look what happens!
Sanjev:
So here's the plan;
Tommorow, we'll escape!
Arjun:
Then go to the other classroom and finally be together!
And as for you, Matt. Nice knowing you.
Good luck with Ting Wei!
So till tomorrow, Sanjev, we shall not see each other at all unless necesary.
(Exit Arjun)
Sanjev:
Fine with me. Sionara, Matt!
And trust me; Ting Wei wants you just as much as you want him...
(Exit Sanjev)
Matthew:
Look at them together. How touching.
But when they dissapear, Ting Wei will still be concern about Arjun,
Leaving me still with nothing!
That's not fair! But wait!
If I tell Ting Ting where they went,
he'll surely go after them
Giving me such a risky but yet worth-it chance
To catch my Ting Ting!
Muahahahaha...
(Exit Matthew)
Sorry if it was too lame for you, but it really sounds ridiculous if you could actually copy the original script and replace the names with the actors! Oh, well. Gotta go sleep now. Will try to do the something I promised tomorrow. God bless...
But now, let me share two things that happened inschool today...
Right now I first start of with my first CL'B' lesson aftermy prayer to forgive the new guys in the class. As I walked to the classroom, I really prayed to God as hard as I could. I kept asking Him for peace and protection from whatever that happens in the room. The lesson started of as ussual. Depressingly. Shawn Ku (Is that how you spell it?) kept on murmuring irritating stuff in English during Ting Xie (Spelling), frustrating the teacher and making her slam her textbook on the table a couple of times. It was so hard, many of the Gao Zhi (Writing Pad Paper) flew of the table. He, along with his buddies, even continued disrupting the class by making unnecesary comments while we were reading through the textbook. She was fumming mad and gave long and sudden scoldings. I was ready to break down and cry in the classroom; for those who noticed me squinting my eyes a few times during the passage reading, that was me holding back my tears. But when we were told to do letter writing, Shawn did something that shocked me as a Christian.
He started to hum the tune of 'God Will Make a Way'.
I was startled, although I continued to look at my Gao Zhi and write all I could. Honestly speaking, I had no idea that a punk so un-mannered would actually have enough peace in him to even hum 'God Will Make a Way'. And that song's really peaceful. Really really peaceful. But as a Christian, I felt that that was God telling me that He knew what was going on, and He had a plan all sketched out. He is making the way. And all I had to do was just trust Him. With that revalation, I peacefully continued to write my letter, placing all my faith in God! And boy, was the feeling so goooood! X{). I forgave those guys again and Satan, keep trying to toss the badness at me; God's got me covered, I tell you! God's got me covered!
Now for something less dramatic to liften the spirit. It's just something quite funny that I made up. There was Language Arts A today, and today was the first play remake for the class this year. It's Act 1, Scene 1, and with the names edited to the people who played the roles, it's kinna crazy! It's a lot more funny when you read the book's version first before reading this. Give a sense of irony of how simple Shakespear could actually be. Sorry Kirby, but typing out the whole story is darn annoying with the oldern language to take note of, so I'm just gon'na simplify it to school standards. Here goes...
A Midsummer Night's Dan
By 2.10 Dan
Term 1, Week 4
Characters:
Niranjan
Justin
Timothy
Arjun
Sanjev
Ting Wei
Faraaz
Script:
(Athens, the palace of Theseus: enter All.)
Niranjan:
Now, fair Justin, the time of us being united as project partners draws quickly;
In 4 days time, there will be a full moon!
But it's so darn slow! I mean, it's like how quickly some of us can connect to theschool wireless. So slow!
Justin:
Relax! 4 days will soon flask off night by night;
4 nights will be tabbied away in due time;
Then that moon which you love so much will come out and light up our unifying ceremony.
Niranjan:
Go, Faraaz! Tell everyone of this coming occasion! We can't have people coming to it like how we're NOT suppose to greet teachers in History class!
(Faraaz leaves, obviously grinning from ear to ear...)
Niranjan:
Justin, I've impressed you with how bravely
I've fought as the Sports Representative of the class!
But I'll have an even better victory
When I partner you!
(Enters Timothy, Arjun, Sanjev and Ting Wei)
Timothy:
Yo, Niranjan! Wazzup, Sports Rep!
Niranjan:
Hey! Timmy, my man! Whatcha doin here?
Timothy:
I'm here to complain!
Complain against Arjun, my junior!
Stand forth, Ting Wei!
Niranjan, I want Arjun to partner him for the project.
Stand forth, Sanjev!
And this guy, Sanjman, has been taking my poor Arjun away from him!
They've been chatting on Msn about how to do certain homeworks!
Playing Warcraft together!
I can't stand this any longer!
Now he won't even listen to me, rebelling every word I say!
I seek the old customs of Andrew;
As he falls under me in the hairackey, I can decide whatever partner he gets!
Either he excepts, or EXILE!!!
Niranjan:
So Arjun. What have you got to say? Think carefully.
Don't forget thaqt Tim's the Chairman,
And he has many and every right over you.
Besides, Ting wei's a good partner to be with...
Arjun:
So is Sanjev.
Niranjan:
Yah, I guess. But in this situation, when Tim's at hand, the prior's best.
Arjun:
Tim, can't you just see it from my point of view instead?
Niranjan:
Too bad.
Arjun:
With all due respect, one and all,
I will NOT partner Ting Wei.
Niranjan:
Come on, Arj! Either Ting Wei or out of this class you go!
Know where you stand in the class;
You know very well Tim can do all he wants with you.
All I can say is I can suggest a third option of being not to have any partner at all;
Trust me, I've got ways on how to do so.
Arjun:
NEVAH!!! I'll never follow such an opinion!
Niranjan:
Very well, then. In 4 days time, the time when I shall partner Justin,
You must choose Ting Wei or face exile. (or no partner)
Ting Wei:
C'mon! What's wrong with partnering me?! And Sanjev, I comfirm get Arjun, so buzz off!
Sanjev:
Since Timothy honours you so much,
Why not just give me Arjun and you partner Tim, loh!
Timothy:
You *****.
So he has my favour, alright.
But as such, I give him what is mine;
Arjun's partnership.
Sanjev:
Oi, Niranjan! I want Arjun more than Ting Ting, lah! Let me have my rights for once. Besides, Matt Ch'ng wants Ting Wei, why not give him to Matt?
Niranjan:
Wow, wow, wow! Too much information! I need to slow down for a while. Tim? Ting Ting? Why not you come alonmg with me to the SAC and we'll discuss the issue in a more relaxed surrounding. My dear Justin, come along with us. Arjun, grab a hold of yourself and stay here. Come on, guys. Off we go...
Timothy:
With due fact that today's Fried Food Day, we follow you...
(All leave except Arjun and Sanjev)
Arjun and Sanjev:
WE HATE THIS!!!
Sanjev:
Wait! I know what to do!
I've got a good friend; I'm the only friend of his.
His class is just 7 classrooms from here;
And he respects me as his only post-school companion.
There we can do this project together!
There will be no ancient laws from Andrews that can divide us there.
So if you really want to work with me,
Let us sneak out of class later and we shall make for it!
Arjun:
I swear I'll be there with you!
Sanjev:
Just keep your promise. Oh, look. It's Matt!
(Enter Matthew)
Arjun:
Hi Matt! God bless ya! You know anything lately?
Matthew:
Ting Wei deserves you as a partner. Seriously.
I mean, you're just too perfect for him! You're just too coll for him to turn down.
Tell me, what's the secret?
Arjun:
Hah. I always frown at him, yet he still wants me.
Matthew:
I so want to learn that!
Arjun:
I always make fun of him, yet he wants me more.
Matthew:
No fair! I want to know how to do that!
Arjun:
The more I go, the more he comes.
Matthew:
Yah. And the more I come, the more he goes.
Arjun:
Well, is that my problem, or is it your's? (Giggles)
Matthew:
You're just too cool. That's what I want to be my fault...
Arjun:
Don't worry: He has seen the last of me now;
Sanjev and I will flee from this class.
Before Sanjev came to this class,
I thought .10 was the perfect class to be in.
Now when I meet him
Look what happens!
Sanjev:
So here's the plan;
Tommorow, we'll escape!
Arjun:
Then go to the other classroom and finally be together!
And as for you, Matt. Nice knowing you.
Good luck with Ting Wei!
So till tomorrow, Sanjev, we shall not see each other at all unless necesary.
(Exit Arjun)
Sanjev:
Fine with me. Sionara, Matt!
And trust me; Ting Wei wants you just as much as you want him...
(Exit Sanjev)
Matthew:
Look at them together. How touching.
But when they dissapear, Ting Wei will still be concern about Arjun,
Leaving me still with nothing!
That's not fair! But wait!
If I tell Ting Ting where they went,
he'll surely go after them
Giving me such a risky but yet worth-it chance
To catch my Ting Ting!
Muahahahaha...
(Exit Matthew)
Sorry if it was too lame for you, but it really sounds ridiculous if you could actually copy the original script and replace the names with the actors! Oh, well. Gotta go sleep now. Will try to do the something I promised tomorrow. God bless...
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
They're here...
They've arrived, and boy is tomorrow's post gonna be smashing (for me, that is...).
But anyway, I've got a whole lot of work to do tonight, so I'm just gonna try to keep it simple.
In order of when it happened;
1) Came to school. Tim seems a lot more happy today. Hmm......
2) PE. 2.4K! Ran along at the front with Toj and Tim as ussual, until Faraaz ended up butting in, tripping Tim. Next thing I know, I turn around to see what looked like a classmate that got shot down by an assasin on the Clocktower. Toj and I turned around to lay assistance, but Tim told us to move on. When the PE teacher instructed us to do the same thing, we had to follow and finish off. Finished off at 11.32. After running was push-ups (My favourite!), sit-ups, chest jumps and standing broad jumps.
3) Recess. Bought a pizza like Shil and Raam did, then joined Jaira and Ben to settle down and eat. I observed my pizza, an extremely cheesy Hawaiian Pizza, and started to slice it, only to be told by Jaira that the traditional ACSIan ways was to use the bare hands, just like you would with Pizza Hut. So much for telling me after I sucessfully sliced it into half. (Sheesh...) Anyway, I quickly said Grace onto the pizza and grabbed it with the same hands that did the push-ups, removed and placed back my shoes for standing broad jump and wiped off a lot of my sweat. Took a bite, and I must tell you, it's actually worth the wait and money! Just as ussual, the burnt ends taste the saltiest. The pineapples helped neutralise the meats. The cheese can stretch as far as four slices. Typical pizzas worth their dough. But I don't think I'll eat this too often; time-consumming. Almost missed Life Science 'cause of it all.
4) ISO was unnecesarily quiet. I chose the topic of 'Where Does the Sense of Humor of Singaporeans Stand in the Past Decade?'. Think I need to edit it?
5) Land Training. 2.4K again! Beat this morning's timing! 11.02! That's a lot of improvement! Followed was Gym Training. Shoot! I forgot to bring a towel! Oh, well. 50 push-ups it shall be... Then Medicine Balls and finally Debrief. The coaches were telling us about the upcoming marathon this Sunday at Lower Seletar Reservour. Mr. Goh briefed us on what to expect at the once-part-of-the-sea lake, like mimosa grass, choppy waves, a round course and lots and lots of seaweed. He said in the next Water Training, he'd teach us skills to cope with the conditions, and I really need to know how to shake off the seaweed; afterall, I'm going to paddle in a K, which has a rudder, something that can easily catch the sub-floating plants that we don't ussually/never see at MacRitchie. Mr. See was also telling us other details about the events in a serious and yet humourous manner (That's what you get from a greatly strict teacher that loves comic books and Japanese animae...). Being specific, I'm in the K2, 14K event, so for fellow Christians out there, please pray for me that I will overcome my 'Goliath'!
6) Went back home by bus with Kirby. As ussual, he'd educate me on the ways of the ACPSs while I try my very best to repay him back with other types of relavent and entrustable information. When we dropped off at the petrol station infront of KAP, I received a call from my parents telling me to stay there as they were going to fetch me. I informed Kirby that he could go ahead without me, but he then asked if we could hitch him over near-by to his house; we live quite close(5min walk). Remembering what my Mom said many times about allowing these things, I said yes and called my parents to inform them about the new passenger. Little did I know that my Elder Sis was driving them. She's just received her licence a month ago and now drives whenever my Dad consoles her into it. If I had known, I wouldn't have allowed Kirby on as a) I didn't want to stress out my sister too much with a stranger watching her driving through the late-afternoon jam and b) I didn't want to introduce Kirby into the intense feelings that go through the car as we try to help Cheh Cheh through the roads as it may promote white pigment groth in his hair and might get him booked back at school for hair-dying. Oh, well. Not sure if he felt as uncomfortable as I thought he might feel. Same thing for my Sister. She must had panicked one way or another.
That's just about it so leave me to my work and I'll give a treat tomorrow...
But anyway, I've got a whole lot of work to do tonight, so I'm just gonna try to keep it simple.
In order of when it happened;
1) Came to school. Tim seems a lot more happy today. Hmm......
2) PE. 2.4K! Ran along at the front with Toj and Tim as ussual, until Faraaz ended up butting in, tripping Tim. Next thing I know, I turn around to see what looked like a classmate that got shot down by an assasin on the Clocktower. Toj and I turned around to lay assistance, but Tim told us to move on. When the PE teacher instructed us to do the same thing, we had to follow and finish off. Finished off at 11.32. After running was push-ups (My favourite!), sit-ups, chest jumps and standing broad jumps.
3) Recess. Bought a pizza like Shil and Raam did, then joined Jaira and Ben to settle down and eat. I observed my pizza, an extremely cheesy Hawaiian Pizza, and started to slice it, only to be told by Jaira that the traditional ACSIan ways was to use the bare hands, just like you would with Pizza Hut. So much for telling me after I sucessfully sliced it into half. (Sheesh...) Anyway, I quickly said Grace onto the pizza and grabbed it with the same hands that did the push-ups, removed and placed back my shoes for standing broad jump and wiped off a lot of my sweat. Took a bite, and I must tell you, it's actually worth the wait and money! Just as ussual, the burnt ends taste the saltiest. The pineapples helped neutralise the meats. The cheese can stretch as far as four slices. Typical pizzas worth their dough. But I don't think I'll eat this too often; time-consumming. Almost missed Life Science 'cause of it all.
4) ISO was unnecesarily quiet. I chose the topic of 'Where Does the Sense of Humor of Singaporeans Stand in the Past Decade?'. Think I need to edit it?
5) Land Training. 2.4K again! Beat this morning's timing! 11.02! That's a lot of improvement! Followed was Gym Training. Shoot! I forgot to bring a towel! Oh, well. 50 push-ups it shall be... Then Medicine Balls and finally Debrief. The coaches were telling us about the upcoming marathon this Sunday at Lower Seletar Reservour. Mr. Goh briefed us on what to expect at the once-part-of-the-sea lake, like mimosa grass, choppy waves, a round course and lots and lots of seaweed. He said in the next Water Training, he'd teach us skills to cope with the conditions, and I really need to know how to shake off the seaweed; afterall, I'm going to paddle in a K, which has a rudder, something that can easily catch the sub-floating plants that we don't ussually/never see at MacRitchie. Mr. See was also telling us other details about the events in a serious and yet humourous manner (That's what you get from a greatly strict teacher that loves comic books and Japanese animae...). Being specific, I'm in the K2, 14K event, so for fellow Christians out there, please pray for me that I will overcome my 'Goliath'!
6) Went back home by bus with Kirby. As ussual, he'd educate me on the ways of the ACPSs while I try my very best to repay him back with other types of relavent and entrustable information. When we dropped off at the petrol station infront of KAP, I received a call from my parents telling me to stay there as they were going to fetch me. I informed Kirby that he could go ahead without me, but he then asked if we could hitch him over near-by to his house; we live quite close(5min walk). Remembering what my Mom said many times about allowing these things, I said yes and called my parents to inform them about the new passenger. Little did I know that my Elder Sis was driving them. She's just received her licence a month ago and now drives whenever my Dad consoles her into it. If I had known, I wouldn't have allowed Kirby on as a) I didn't want to stress out my sister too much with a stranger watching her driving through the late-afternoon jam and b) I didn't want to introduce Kirby into the intense feelings that go through the car as we try to help Cheh Cheh through the roads as it may promote white pigment groth in his hair and might get him booked back at school for hair-dying. Oh, well. Not sure if he felt as uncomfortable as I thought he might feel. Same thing for my Sister. She must had panicked one way or another.
That's just about it so leave me to my work and I'll give a treat tomorrow...
Monday, January 22, 2007
The Royal Family is coming soon...
Just thought I'd warn you guys first.
Anyway, today was fairly good in my opinion. I must warn you this post will be a whole lot longer than the others as I'm trying to test myself on what I can remember about today. Brace yourselves.
Starts off with Prefect Fall-In, which told us that {Confidential} and that {Confidential}, so {Confidential} by {Confidential}. I guess I'm in standard trouble now. Oh, and {Confidential}! So soon! I'm just really excited! Can't wait for it to come! But in a few moments we had to report to where we were suppose to go for {Confide...} ...as the Taiwanese students were arriving. Told ya' we know many things before hand.
For the time being, I still havn't been assigned a morning duty and so I join the rest of the cohord in Chapel/Morning Assembly. How un-adventurous. But anyway, I went to the front of the area of the hallthat the class ussually sits for Chapel, only to find out after 5 minutes of close observation that my class was upstairs at the back of the balcony! Panicing that I might not make it in time through the heavy crouds surrounding me, I tried to make a dash for it to the nearest staircase, which apparently was not obstructed by the crowd that badly. When I arrived, I asked around why on earth were we given the balcony (Which was quite nice, I must admit...). They then told me that they had no idea but that our original rows were reserved for some other VIPs. It was then that I knew our rows wre taken over by the Taiwanese, which in a few seconds' time started to stream into the hall through the front left entrance. They were all wearing blue uniform. How nice.
Then was the National Anthem and the Pledge. And the Pledge was in Tamil again. You have no idea how hard I squeezed my nipple with my right hand to prevent myself from giving the slightest of giggles. To the Indians out there, especially to those who speak Tamil, I greatly appologise. It's nothing personal, really. It's just that, well, I just love the rythm of the language. Really nice melodic tune. Somewhat after that, an IB guy came to our class and gave out this white square piece of origami paper. He told us notto crumple or fold it. Wonder what's it for...
Then we sang Christian songs and finally introduced the electric guitar into Chapel music after a long time of plain piano. I'm not trying to hit at anything, but it's just that many non-believing schoolmates are missing out on what song Christians can actually play in worship; Did you know that Christian Music is the only religeon (Well, Christianity is more of a relationship that a religeon, but anyway...) that touches every form of music that has ever existed on the earth, from African Tribemen Chorus, to European Classics, to Asian Village Worship, to American Soul, to even Rap and Heavy Metal and even Bangra! Christain music is too broad a title, so be careful on what you say...
Anyway, after singing came the part that tests endurance, strength, will-power and strategy.
Sermon.
I praise the Lord that today's topic was somewhat relavent. It was about mercy giving, how Jesus has shown priceless forgiveness countless of times and how and why we should follow him. I needed that as, well, let's just say I needed to forgive someone who had wronly accused me of something. I can now say that I fully forgive that person and that I am at peace again. (Thank you, Lord!)
After the Sermon, we sang another song, followed by the School Anthem and a few announcements, including the arrival of the few Taiwanese students that I mentioned about earlier. Then was the crane folding thingy. That's where the paper came in. You see, there this charity thing where for every paper crane you fold, the sponsors would donate a bowl of rice to the needy. The way that they thought us how to fold the cranes was funny as it made us sound dumb. And Justin was able to lend a helping hand in what he can do best for once. Good for him.
Being sent back to our classes, we prepared for the next subject - Art. Now art was still Mrs. Sharon Woon, for those who don't know. Today, she started off the lesson with a detailed discribtion of how much fun and food she had at her OEP trip to Malacca, and boy, this is just one ofthose moments when you wish art teachers wern't so detailed. She told us of how generous the servings for of their meals were like, and also the trilling activities they did. The class, including me, were just sitting there, drulling with hunger and staring at Mdm attentively with grunts of envy time after time. It was just miserable listening, not in a bad way but in an entertaining way.
Next was recess. When I went to the canteen, I bought my Ussual and searchedfor the table the majority of the class would be using. But when I fund the table, most of the table was occupied, and I didn'twant to trouble them even further. So I found another table next to it and ate there, later to be accompanied by Shil and Raam. We chated a bit during the meal and even discussed about having a pizza try-out tomorrow. I heard that the pizzas were quite expensive and extremely cheesy, but hey. We all only have one life, so might as well. Not sure if Raam was serious, though...
After the meal, I decided to visit the excessively conqured table next to us and see what they were up to. Heard a few of their jokes and laughs. Then I walked off, suddenly joined by Toj. Toj and I talked about somethings, them he came to the topic of why I didn't join the main table. I basically replied by telling him that there was no space. He laughed, then told me that next time I should tell them to move aside. I'll try it one of these days, I guess...
Maths was fun; the excitement of Algebra. And Kirby thought some therories in the equation factor. How helpful.
At the end was PC, and I must tell you, today rocked! We had a chance in playing traditional Indian games and my half of the group had a round of their version of Snakes and Ladders. Most of it's the same, but just that the die were hexagon tubes instead of the modern cubes. Under each ladder was a positive characteristic like 'Honesty' and 'Helpfulness', and we had fun laughing at others with comments that didn't really match them.
After school was Canoeing water trainning! Hooray! Another {Confidential} rounds in the water, padling our butts off. Literally. I'vegot abrations in there cause of my twisting posture. Might be somethingwrong I'm doing. Anyway, after trainning, we had to help the Sec 1s to pack up as they had to go back to school for some particular reason we seniors are unaware about. I don't remember having such priveledges back in my time. In fact, I had to carry my T2 back with everyone's paddles in them, with the help of Nick Ng. Oh, well.
Went back home, ate dinner, washed up and typed this out.
Yay! Done! Now to check for errors or missing details...
Anyway, today was fairly good in my opinion. I must warn you this post will be a whole lot longer than the others as I'm trying to test myself on what I can remember about today. Brace yourselves.
Starts off with Prefect Fall-In, which told us that {Confidential} and that {Confidential}, so {Confidential} by {Confidential}. I guess I'm in standard trouble now. Oh, and {Confidential}! So soon! I'm just really excited! Can't wait for it to come! But in a few moments we had to report to where we were suppose to go for {Confide...} ...as the Taiwanese students were arriving. Told ya' we know many things before hand.
For the time being, I still havn't been assigned a morning duty and so I join the rest of the cohord in Chapel/Morning Assembly. How un-adventurous. But anyway, I went to the front of the area of the hallthat the class ussually sits for Chapel, only to find out after 5 minutes of close observation that my class was upstairs at the back of the balcony! Panicing that I might not make it in time through the heavy crouds surrounding me, I tried to make a dash for it to the nearest staircase, which apparently was not obstructed by the crowd that badly. When I arrived, I asked around why on earth were we given the balcony (Which was quite nice, I must admit...). They then told me that they had no idea but that our original rows were reserved for some other VIPs. It was then that I knew our rows wre taken over by the Taiwanese, which in a few seconds' time started to stream into the hall through the front left entrance. They were all wearing blue uniform. How nice.
Then was the National Anthem and the Pledge. And the Pledge was in Tamil again. You have no idea how hard I squeezed my nipple with my right hand to prevent myself from giving the slightest of giggles. To the Indians out there, especially to those who speak Tamil, I greatly appologise. It's nothing personal, really. It's just that, well, I just love the rythm of the language. Really nice melodic tune. Somewhat after that, an IB guy came to our class and gave out this white square piece of origami paper. He told us notto crumple or fold it. Wonder what's it for...
Then we sang Christian songs and finally introduced the electric guitar into Chapel music after a long time of plain piano. I'm not trying to hit at anything, but it's just that many non-believing schoolmates are missing out on what song Christians can actually play in worship; Did you know that Christian Music is the only religeon (Well, Christianity is more of a relationship that a religeon, but anyway...) that touches every form of music that has ever existed on the earth, from African Tribemen Chorus, to European Classics, to Asian Village Worship, to American Soul, to even Rap and Heavy Metal and even Bangra! Christain music is too broad a title, so be careful on what you say...
Anyway, after singing came the part that tests endurance, strength, will-power and strategy.
Sermon.
I praise the Lord that today's topic was somewhat relavent. It was about mercy giving, how Jesus has shown priceless forgiveness countless of times and how and why we should follow him. I needed that as, well, let's just say I needed to forgive someone who had wronly accused me of something. I can now say that I fully forgive that person and that I am at peace again. (Thank you, Lord!)
After the Sermon, we sang another song, followed by the School Anthem and a few announcements, including the arrival of the few Taiwanese students that I mentioned about earlier. Then was the crane folding thingy. That's where the paper came in. You see, there this charity thing where for every paper crane you fold, the sponsors would donate a bowl of rice to the needy. The way that they thought us how to fold the cranes was funny as it made us sound dumb. And Justin was able to lend a helping hand in what he can do best for once. Good for him.
Being sent back to our classes, we prepared for the next subject - Art. Now art was still Mrs. Sharon Woon, for those who don't know. Today, she started off the lesson with a detailed discribtion of how much fun and food she had at her OEP trip to Malacca, and boy, this is just one ofthose moments when you wish art teachers wern't so detailed. She told us of how generous the servings for of their meals were like, and also the trilling activities they did. The class, including me, were just sitting there, drulling with hunger and staring at Mdm attentively with grunts of envy time after time. It was just miserable listening, not in a bad way but in an entertaining way.
Next was recess. When I went to the canteen, I bought my Ussual and searchedfor the table the majority of the class would be using. But when I fund the table, most of the table was occupied, and I didn'twant to trouble them even further. So I found another table next to it and ate there, later to be accompanied by Shil and Raam. We chated a bit during the meal and even discussed about having a pizza try-out tomorrow. I heard that the pizzas were quite expensive and extremely cheesy, but hey. We all only have one life, so might as well. Not sure if Raam was serious, though...
After the meal, I decided to visit the excessively conqured table next to us and see what they were up to. Heard a few of their jokes and laughs. Then I walked off, suddenly joined by Toj. Toj and I talked about somethings, them he came to the topic of why I didn't join the main table. I basically replied by telling him that there was no space. He laughed, then told me that next time I should tell them to move aside. I'll try it one of these days, I guess...
Maths was fun; the excitement of Algebra. And Kirby thought some therories in the equation factor. How helpful.
At the end was PC, and I must tell you, today rocked! We had a chance in playing traditional Indian games and my half of the group had a round of their version of Snakes and Ladders. Most of it's the same, but just that the die were hexagon tubes instead of the modern cubes. Under each ladder was a positive characteristic like 'Honesty' and 'Helpfulness', and we had fun laughing at others with comments that didn't really match them.
After school was Canoeing water trainning! Hooray! Another {Confidential} rounds in the water, padling our butts off. Literally. I'vegot abrations in there cause of my twisting posture. Might be somethingwrong I'm doing. Anyway, after trainning, we had to help the Sec 1s to pack up as they had to go back to school for some particular reason we seniors are unaware about. I don't remember having such priveledges back in my time. In fact, I had to carry my T2 back with everyone's paddles in them, with the help of Nick Ng. Oh, well.
Went back home, ate dinner, washed up and typed this out.
Yay! Done! Now to check for errors or missing details...
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Fake Evidence Appearing Real...
Spell each first letter and you get 'FEAR'.
And that's really what the spirit of fear's all about; false evidences in life that appear so real, you wouldn't trust God that He'd bring you around or through them. With fear, Christians can never completely enjoy God's gifts, no matter how spectacular the gifts are. But here's one thing we all need to know and know good; the fear may be big, but God will always be bigger!
Anyway, today's sermon was about speaking in Tongues.
Now for those who are fellow Christians, there's alwaysa difference between having the Holy Spirit and being baptised by the Holy Spirit. You may have the Spirit in you but if you do not know what the Spirit does or is used for, then what's the point?
It's just like in NS. When you receive your M-16, you don't just run around your camp shouting, "I GOT A GUN! I GOT A GUN! NANANANANA!!!" and randomly fire shot here and there. By right, you would first find out how to properly clean, store, hold, carry, load, aim and fire the weapon. In the same way, seeking for the Holy Spirit to come into you and help explain itself day by day is something I'd advise Christians to do.
And many a times in the New Testament, groups of people that have received the Holy Spirit in a sudden blaze end up speaking in an unknown language - Tongues. Such cases are like in Acts 2:1-4, 10:43-46 and 19:1-6.
But what is Tongues anyway? Well, for one thing, Tongues is a way of praying. It's basically the prayer of healing, prosperity, help, praise, blessing others, thanksgiving and all the other prayers you'd say in your life compressed into a sentence that only God understands. A mega-in-one prayer. Receiving blessings made easier. Answers just one sentence away. You get the drill.
But don't getr me wrong; you can always pray to God in a simple prayer with your own language if you still havn't been, erm, 'zapped' into talking in Tounges. God will always understand what you're saying. And as Children of God, you stil have more than enough authority to cast away spirits of illness and misery. Trust me.
But getting back to the topic, let's just answer a question I bet is in your mind; Why don't we understand Tongues? Well, to quote what I said earlier, speaking in Tongues is like saying every prayer you would ever say or need to say in your entire life. As such, if you knew what you'd be praying in the future, you might end up trying to prevent yourself from going through something which God might have allowed for your or/and another party's own good.
Here's an example;
Let's say your Tongue contains the phrase '...And Lord, please protect me from the loansharks that are chasing me...'. Now, if you actually understood Tongues and knew what you just said, you'd most likely end up locking yourself inside your room, refusing to get out into the world and never trusting anyone who's not within your family, all because you'd think a gang of loansharks would end up chaseing you if you wern't careful enough. But 1) Even if you were gonna be chased by a group of loansharks, wouldn't God be there to protect you unless he chooses not to? 2) You still don't know what happens before or after the 'chasing sequence'. What if you'd end up preaching to those loansharks and converting them to the Christian ways? You'd have stopped a future miracle if you just kept hidden.
Thus to avoid all the misunderstandings and confussion, God made sure you'd never find out what your Tongue actually means. How convenient.
Now ever since Tongues was ever used and even to the modern day, speaking in Tongues has helped casty out and prevented many illnesses, from historically feared leprosy to mordernly dreaded cancer tumors. As such, it has always been concidered a gracious gift from God. But like how continuos running makes you sprint faster and faster, and like how continuous maths worksheets and workbooks make you better and better in the subject, using the gift of Tongues more and more often in life helps make the results prayed for more spontaneous and miraculous.
Let's have a look at 2 Timothy 1:6 (New King James Version);
6Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
So let me give an example of where Tonges stands in your life:
Imagine a cup of Teh Tarik standing infront of you; the great Tea majority floating at the top, while the Condense Milk sediments sunk down at the bottom and an average teaspoon to top off the image. Good enough to satisfy the tipical Singaporean, huh? Well let's just say that the Tea represents your life, the Sediments represent healing, prosperity, blessings and all other things God has promised you, the Spoon is Tongues and the Teh Tarik Man is God basically telling you to 'stir and shake up' your life by speaking in Tongues.
Not that convincing? Well, now let's move over to the New International Version and see the same verse again;
6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
So here's another example:
Imagine a Satay Man fanning his overfilled grill with his Pandan Leaf Fan; fanning fast but steadily with one hand, flipping the Satays with the other and shouting in his Malay/Indian/Chinese accent, "saTAY!! saTAY!!". Now this can truely turn a Singaporean on digestively at anytime. Look inside his Grill, what do you see? Coal Ambers. So picture this; you're the Satay Man, fanning with the Pandan Leaf Fan, which is Tongues. Keep practicing with your fan without doubt or stopping, till finally the Coal Ambers, your blessings, suddenly burst into flames, engulfing the Satays the same way you should use your gifts to bless others.
The Holy Spirit will burst out from you in many ways, from as dramatic as spontaneous healing to as 'ordinary' as not feeling anything at first, but soon discovering that the illness has left no trace of itself in your body in the next check-up.
A final use for Tongues is quite typical - it can be used for stress therapy.
Scientifically speaking, the Human Body was not properly designed for compressing anger within. Whenever you hold back anger without forgiving whatever that caused it or letting it out, it's the body's instinct to send this anger to a particular part of the body, most commonly being an abdomenal organ. Once the anger gets 'dumped' into the chosen organ, the organ becomes the body's 'punching bag' and starts to experience muscle constrains that if experienced far too many times, from months to years, can cause internal injuries such as digestive track problems, kidney failure(s) and even breathing problems.
That's why it's sometimes advised not to settle anger psycologically. But how can speaking in Tongues actually help scientifically? Well firstly, saying a prayer that you don't understand is just as good as complaining and sharing about the fustration verbally, a treatment advised by many councilors. Second, Tongues is ussually said in a rythimic tone, and music surely does calm the raging beast, thus giving you a peaceful mind. Thirdly, it has been tested that speaking in tongues can actually boost your immune system by 30-50%, and also drops blood ressure to safe levels. Medically sound, I say.
So to conclude, speaking in Tongues can do wonders in life, from physically relaxing you, to spiritually making prayers a whole lot easier. I still haven't sparked of Tongues yet, but I'll be praying to God for the gift which he promised. I know it will arrive; maybe it actually did arrive, just that I haven't realised it yet. Oh, well.
Just to let you know, I've already chosen to forgive the new students that have been tearing the CL'B' class upside down. May God bless them mightily and help calm them down one way or another.
God bless one and all, One and all praise God...
And that's really what the spirit of fear's all about; false evidences in life that appear so real, you wouldn't trust God that He'd bring you around or through them. With fear, Christians can never completely enjoy God's gifts, no matter how spectacular the gifts are. But here's one thing we all need to know and know good; the fear may be big, but God will always be bigger!
Anyway, today's sermon was about speaking in Tongues.
Now for those who are fellow Christians, there's alwaysa difference between having the Holy Spirit and being baptised by the Holy Spirit. You may have the Spirit in you but if you do not know what the Spirit does or is used for, then what's the point?
It's just like in NS. When you receive your M-16, you don't just run around your camp shouting, "I GOT A GUN! I GOT A GUN! NANANANANA!!!" and randomly fire shot here and there. By right, you would first find out how to properly clean, store, hold, carry, load, aim and fire the weapon. In the same way, seeking for the Holy Spirit to come into you and help explain itself day by day is something I'd advise Christians to do.
And many a times in the New Testament, groups of people that have received the Holy Spirit in a sudden blaze end up speaking in an unknown language - Tongues. Such cases are like in Acts 2:1-4, 10:43-46 and 19:1-6.
But what is Tongues anyway? Well, for one thing, Tongues is a way of praying. It's basically the prayer of healing, prosperity, help, praise, blessing others, thanksgiving and all the other prayers you'd say in your life compressed into a sentence that only God understands. A mega-in-one prayer. Receiving blessings made easier. Answers just one sentence away. You get the drill.
But don't getr me wrong; you can always pray to God in a simple prayer with your own language if you still havn't been, erm, 'zapped' into talking in Tounges. God will always understand what you're saying. And as Children of God, you stil have more than enough authority to cast away spirits of illness and misery. Trust me.
But getting back to the topic, let's just answer a question I bet is in your mind; Why don't we understand Tongues? Well, to quote what I said earlier, speaking in Tongues is like saying every prayer you would ever say or need to say in your entire life. As such, if you knew what you'd be praying in the future, you might end up trying to prevent yourself from going through something which God might have allowed for your or/and another party's own good.
Here's an example;
Let's say your Tongue contains the phrase '...And Lord, please protect me from the loansharks that are chasing me...'. Now, if you actually understood Tongues and knew what you just said, you'd most likely end up locking yourself inside your room, refusing to get out into the world and never trusting anyone who's not within your family, all because you'd think a gang of loansharks would end up chaseing you if you wern't careful enough. But 1) Even if you were gonna be chased by a group of loansharks, wouldn't God be there to protect you unless he chooses not to? 2) You still don't know what happens before or after the 'chasing sequence'. What if you'd end up preaching to those loansharks and converting them to the Christian ways? You'd have stopped a future miracle if you just kept hidden.
Thus to avoid all the misunderstandings and confussion, God made sure you'd never find out what your Tongue actually means. How convenient.
Now ever since Tongues was ever used and even to the modern day, speaking in Tongues has helped casty out and prevented many illnesses, from historically feared leprosy to mordernly dreaded cancer tumors. As such, it has always been concidered a gracious gift from God. But like how continuos running makes you sprint faster and faster, and like how continuous maths worksheets and workbooks make you better and better in the subject, using the gift of Tongues more and more often in life helps make the results prayed for more spontaneous and miraculous.
Let's have a look at 2 Timothy 1:6 (New King James Version);
6Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
So let me give an example of where Tonges stands in your life:
Imagine a cup of Teh Tarik standing infront of you; the great Tea majority floating at the top, while the Condense Milk sediments sunk down at the bottom and an average teaspoon to top off the image. Good enough to satisfy the tipical Singaporean, huh? Well let's just say that the Tea represents your life, the Sediments represent healing, prosperity, blessings and all other things God has promised you, the Spoon is Tongues and the Teh Tarik Man is God basically telling you to 'stir and shake up' your life by speaking in Tongues.
Not that convincing? Well, now let's move over to the New International Version and see the same verse again;
6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
So here's another example:
Imagine a Satay Man fanning his overfilled grill with his Pandan Leaf Fan; fanning fast but steadily with one hand, flipping the Satays with the other and shouting in his Malay/Indian/Chinese accent, "saTAY!! saTAY!!". Now this can truely turn a Singaporean on digestively at anytime. Look inside his Grill, what do you see? Coal Ambers. So picture this; you're the Satay Man, fanning with the Pandan Leaf Fan, which is Tongues. Keep practicing with your fan without doubt or stopping, till finally the Coal Ambers, your blessings, suddenly burst into flames, engulfing the Satays the same way you should use your gifts to bless others.
The Holy Spirit will burst out from you in many ways, from as dramatic as spontaneous healing to as 'ordinary' as not feeling anything at first, but soon discovering that the illness has left no trace of itself in your body in the next check-up.
A final use for Tongues is quite typical - it can be used for stress therapy.
Scientifically speaking, the Human Body was not properly designed for compressing anger within. Whenever you hold back anger without forgiving whatever that caused it or letting it out, it's the body's instinct to send this anger to a particular part of the body, most commonly being an abdomenal organ. Once the anger gets 'dumped' into the chosen organ, the organ becomes the body's 'punching bag' and starts to experience muscle constrains that if experienced far too many times, from months to years, can cause internal injuries such as digestive track problems, kidney failure(s) and even breathing problems.
That's why it's sometimes advised not to settle anger psycologically. But how can speaking in Tongues actually help scientifically? Well firstly, saying a prayer that you don't understand is just as good as complaining and sharing about the fustration verbally, a treatment advised by many councilors. Second, Tongues is ussually said in a rythimic tone, and music surely does calm the raging beast, thus giving you a peaceful mind. Thirdly, it has been tested that speaking in tongues can actually boost your immune system by 30-50%, and also drops blood ressure to safe levels. Medically sound, I say.
So to conclude, speaking in Tongues can do wonders in life, from physically relaxing you, to spiritually making prayers a whole lot easier. I still haven't sparked of Tongues yet, but I'll be praying to God for the gift which he promised. I know it will arrive; maybe it actually did arrive, just that I haven't realised it yet. Oh, well.
Just to let you know, I've already chosen to forgive the new students that have been tearing the CL'B' class upside down. May God bless them mightily and help calm them down one way or another.
God bless one and all, One and all praise God...
Friday, January 19, 2007
The only detail that spoils it all...
Language Arts. Dramatic studies with dramatic teachers.
History. The events learnt are cool and worth it.
Mother Tongue. Learning your own native language.
Physical Science. Playing with chemicals in a legalistic way.
Life Science. Understanding the basics of what we're made of with a smile.
Earth Science. Knowing the world one way or another.
Art. Making objects object their kind.
Music. Something worth to note about.
Mathematics. Where numbers and letters come to play in harmony.
elementary Philosophy of Disipline. To think beyond the box.
Physical Education. Running for your dearest life.
Pastoral Care. Fellowship with the Brotherhood.
Individualised Study Option. Research standing between you and the Next level.
Computer Science. Reformatting your digital boundaries.
All these subjects, in my own opinion, are very fun in their own special way(s)! All I look forward to learning them all with fellow classmates!
Until this year.
I still appreciate the subjects as much as ever. But excluding one. Not because of the teacher. Not because of the subject itself. But because of the new classmates. If you don't know, this subject is sadly Mother Tongue. I've always loved Chinese 'B' ever since I joined! They were able to lower the bar for me to fit in and the teacher wasn't as fierce as the Normal Chinese ones. But this year, some new students from the Express section of the school got transferred into the class.
And this turned things upside down down down...
These people never treated the subject with respect. They always made fun of the language, the people who spoke it and what topic we were trying to learn. They even dared to make fun of the teacher flat infront of her face! So far, they've also made fun of some of the original students who were in the class since last year. And one of them evem manhandled one of us, an event I reported to the teacher. Now Chinese 'B' looks gloomier and gloomier each day. I dread walking to the assigned classroom just to watch the helpless lesson plan get ripped apart, the teacher constantly having to scream threats about demerit points and those rude brats just laughing back at her in such an inconciderate manner.
It's just too painful to watch. I'm serious.
I write this post partially crying, missing the good ol' days when CL'B' was just as simple as about 8 people, without students talking back at their teachers and where we all learnt with all our efforts in harmony. I miss those days, but if God wants me to go through this, I'll do all I can to persevere. 'Cause I know that God works many times in ways we can't understand, and with personal experiences I've got faith in that.
I just pray that God will protect me from all dangers from these 'mutated' lessons.
But still, this is just the dark side of life. If you scrol back up this post, you'd see that I still enjoy the rest of the subjects! And add that with the other joys of life (that's a lot, trust me), the badness of CL'B' doesn't seem so sad after all. I'm sorry if I made you think that my life looks so miserable and gloomy, 'cause this is only one microscopic side of it. The rest is luxury only possible by God's blessings. I'll be back to supernatural happiness by the next post, don't worry.
But mark my words, if the destruction of lessons goes on too far, I'll send a complaint...
History. The events learnt are cool and worth it.
Mother Tongue. Learning your own native language.
Physical Science. Playing with chemicals in a legalistic way.
Life Science. Understanding the basics of what we're made of with a smile.
Earth Science. Knowing the world one way or another.
Art. Making objects object their kind.
Music. Something worth to note about.
Mathematics. Where numbers and letters come to play in harmony.
elementary Philosophy of Disipline. To think beyond the box.
Physical Education. Running for your dearest life.
Pastoral Care. Fellowship with the Brotherhood.
Individualised Study Option. Research standing between you and the Next level.
Computer Science. Reformatting your digital boundaries.
All these subjects, in my own opinion, are very fun in their own special way(s)! All I look forward to learning them all with fellow classmates!
Until this year.
I still appreciate the subjects as much as ever. But excluding one. Not because of the teacher. Not because of the subject itself. But because of the new classmates. If you don't know, this subject is sadly Mother Tongue. I've always loved Chinese 'B' ever since I joined! They were able to lower the bar for me to fit in and the teacher wasn't as fierce as the Normal Chinese ones. But this year, some new students from the Express section of the school got transferred into the class.
And this turned things upside down down down...
These people never treated the subject with respect. They always made fun of the language, the people who spoke it and what topic we were trying to learn. They even dared to make fun of the teacher flat infront of her face! So far, they've also made fun of some of the original students who were in the class since last year. And one of them evem manhandled one of us, an event I reported to the teacher. Now Chinese 'B' looks gloomier and gloomier each day. I dread walking to the assigned classroom just to watch the helpless lesson plan get ripped apart, the teacher constantly having to scream threats about demerit points and those rude brats just laughing back at her in such an inconciderate manner.
It's just too painful to watch. I'm serious.
I write this post partially crying, missing the good ol' days when CL'B' was just as simple as about 8 people, without students talking back at their teachers and where we all learnt with all our efforts in harmony. I miss those days, but if God wants me to go through this, I'll do all I can to persevere. 'Cause I know that God works many times in ways we can't understand, and with personal experiences I've got faith in that.
I just pray that God will protect me from all dangers from these 'mutated' lessons.
But still, this is just the dark side of life. If you scrol back up this post, you'd see that I still enjoy the rest of the subjects! And add that with the other joys of life (that's a lot, trust me), the badness of CL'B' doesn't seem so sad after all. I'm sorry if I made you think that my life looks so miserable and gloomy, 'cause this is only one microscopic side of it. The rest is luxury only possible by God's blessings. I'll be back to supernatural happiness by the next post, don't worry.
But mark my words, if the destruction of lessons goes on too far, I'll send a complaint...
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
While it all lasted...
Ah. Today. What was really suppose to be 'the last day of OEP camp'. By now, all the students should be making it back to their homes, ready to have anther day of rest before returning back to school on Friday. But since, we had to stay here in Singapore, not only do we not have that extra day of no school, but we also have to get the teachers back into our lessons earlier that the other classes. Ah, well. It was good while it lasted. Praise be to God still...
One thing that happened today was this, though; I'm now elected to Language Arts Representative! (Applause) Thank you, thank you! *sniff sniff* You're all just too kind! I'd like to thank God, for being there for me through it all, all the supporters for voting for me, and... and.. *sniff* I'm just so happy! *cry cry* (Applause)
(Serious Mood)
But anyway, I'm just thankful that now I'm 3.5th after the Form Teacher, somewhat just next to the Chairman, just that the Chairman's a whole lot more powerful than me. Afterall, the Lang Arts B teacher is also the Form Teacher. I'M POWERFUL!!! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! But I'll use the power infested in me for gooooood, trust me...
Anyway, I need to recruit someone to work along withme since Lang Arts is divided into A and B. If anyone in our class is intrested, please inform me tomorrow. I've sent an e-mail containing some of the details so it should carry more details.
Better get started with the rest of my work load before tomorrow comes. God be with you!...
One thing that happened today was this, though; I'm now elected to Language Arts Representative! (Applause) Thank you, thank you! *sniff sniff* You're all just too kind! I'd like to thank God, for being there for me through it all, all the supporters for voting for me, and... and.. *sniff* I'm just so happy! *cry cry* (Applause)
(Serious Mood)
But anyway, I'm just thankful that now I'm 3.5th after the Form Teacher, somewhat just next to the Chairman, just that the Chairman's a whole lot more powerful than me. Afterall, the Lang Arts B teacher is also the Form Teacher. I'M POWERFUL!!! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! But I'll use the power infested in me for gooooood, trust me...
Anyway, I need to recruit someone to work along withme since Lang Arts is divided into A and B. If anyone in our class is intrested, please inform me tomorrow. I've sent an e-mail containing some of the details so it should carry more details.
Better get started with the rest of my work load before tomorrow comes. God be with you!...
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
A coach who doesn't laugh isn't a coach at all...
'Cause he'd just be a robot.
Basically, for the School part of the day, my class was being confussed again on when the postponed OEP trip would be held; first they said it was Monday, then tommorow, then another unknown time. What's next? Oh, well. We'd just have to wait...
Then we had a tough PE lesson today. Somehow, another class beat us to the assembly grounds for PE today; the first record of it's kind for the past 6-8 months. Better start catching up with the others. Then we did some training with a mixture of push-ups, sit-ups and leg stands. Just a fraction of what Canoeing life is about, and yet many found it hard to endure. Well, of corse I also found it chalendging, but just that many people around me were already breaking down quite fast. I guess some activities just separate the Slack from the Tough. After that came a 5 Min pace run of 1.8K on a new route the PE teachers haeve come up with. It simply circles around the IB half of the school to complete 800 meters. I guess the set-up is somewhat better now since walking through the school seems a lot shorter when you're not really familliar with your terrain (the IB campus is a very new extention of the school).
What a 'splendid' way to start off the day, don't you think? The tougher sessions are yet to come, I assume.
Then we had Life Science Practical, which ended up to be a Life Science Theory due to the fact that no one booked the Lab for us since, by right, we wern't suppose to be in the school in the first place. After greeting Mr. Soo, he instructed us to close our laptops and keep them away. But apparently, Tim had a problem with his laptop and needed a little more time to make an Emergency Shut Down. But Mr. Soo didn't have a little more time to spare Tim. So, there was a little 'silent' quarrel between the two parties on this issue till Tim finally completed the shut down, ending off with a tone I'd never thought any student would use towards a teacher ever since Wei Yang did the same to Mr. Tan last year. Mr. Soo appeared to had ignored the change of tone, but for the next hour or so, I became moderately quiet. I, being shocked at the tone, was somewhat afraid to comfront Tim for any reason or purpose besides laughing at any funny comment he gave. But I guess after a few minutes he cooled, leaving me spine-tinggled.
Oh, and it's comfirmed! I'm goin'ta Billards for Enrichment Programme! Something I can do to relax after playing a working man of the family (*tsk tsk*). But it's really a pity that there wasn't a way for Ben to join along to, just as he wanted.
Then for the Training part of the day...
Same ol' same ol'. Stretch. Run. Gym. Medicine Balls. Technique Training. Debrief. Warmdown.
But just that there were Juniors below me for once, and that now that many of the members are still at OEP, the gym was all to ourselves! Very fast and very convenient! So I pity those who missed trainning today, for that was a once-a-year moment to get the gym for yourself in the afternoon.
After training, I changed up and headed for the bus stop. For those who never watch, this is one of the only moments you'd actually see me walking around the school in uniform without a tie and with the collar button unbuttoned. But while walking on the tracks, I was watching some of the senior Ruggers training in the field. They were training with some balls, and apparently had to toss them to each other. But then one of the balls were tossed, I assume, in the wrong direction and ended up hitting someone in the face. Then a schocking thing happened. Probably not much of a big deal to some people, but was a rare sight for me to see.
The coach laughed.
I've seen this coach many times in his violent mode and knew he was a hard person to entertain comically. But... he laughed. At a silly mistake. By his student. Facinating.
As a Canoeist, I knew very well how precious laughter from a coach was. Although Mr. See IS an extremely fierce teacher in the school, so fierce he almost made me cry after I accidentally dropped a boat just by staring into my eyes, his sarcasm's quite entertaining and somehow becomes one of the things that make training painfully worthwhile. Watching him make a sarcastic remark with slapstick dialog has already got value. Watching him do it and smile is a greater story. Watching him doing it with a smile AND laughing after he or you commented about is just... priceless.
So I told myself, 'Yah. Hearing a coach laugh is truely satisfying.'
Then I realised that there is an even more powerful Coach that would definitely be worth hearing laughter from. The Coach of Life. God.
His laughter is absolutely abundant, and He'd be willing to laugh along with anyone, for afterall, Joy is the second fruit of the Spirit, and it does go, "Joy to the world!", not "Misery to the world!". The fact that He'd be laughing along side with you, wheteher to comfort you along your dark hours, or to celebrate with you any good thing that happened in your life, rwally touches me and touches me deep. So now, I'm gonna dedicate all that I do to the Lord. I wouldn't want to miss out on God's laughter. I don't know 'bout you guys, but I'll remember this moral for a very, very long time.
Basically, for the School part of the day, my class was being confussed again on when the postponed OEP trip would be held; first they said it was Monday, then tommorow, then another unknown time. What's next? Oh, well. We'd just have to wait...
Then we had a tough PE lesson today. Somehow, another class beat us to the assembly grounds for PE today; the first record of it's kind for the past 6-8 months. Better start catching up with the others. Then we did some training with a mixture of push-ups, sit-ups and leg stands. Just a fraction of what Canoeing life is about, and yet many found it hard to endure. Well, of corse I also found it chalendging, but just that many people around me were already breaking down quite fast. I guess some activities just separate the Slack from the Tough. After that came a 5 Min pace run of 1.8K on a new route the PE teachers haeve come up with. It simply circles around the IB half of the school to complete 800 meters. I guess the set-up is somewhat better now since walking through the school seems a lot shorter when you're not really familliar with your terrain (the IB campus is a very new extention of the school).
What a 'splendid' way to start off the day, don't you think? The tougher sessions are yet to come, I assume.
Then we had Life Science Practical, which ended up to be a Life Science Theory due to the fact that no one booked the Lab for us since, by right, we wern't suppose to be in the school in the first place. After greeting Mr. Soo, he instructed us to close our laptops and keep them away. But apparently, Tim had a problem with his laptop and needed a little more time to make an Emergency Shut Down. But Mr. Soo didn't have a little more time to spare Tim. So, there was a little 'silent' quarrel between the two parties on this issue till Tim finally completed the shut down, ending off with a tone I'd never thought any student would use towards a teacher ever since Wei Yang did the same to Mr. Tan last year. Mr. Soo appeared to had ignored the change of tone, but for the next hour or so, I became moderately quiet. I, being shocked at the tone, was somewhat afraid to comfront Tim for any reason or purpose besides laughing at any funny comment he gave. But I guess after a few minutes he cooled, leaving me spine-tinggled.
Oh, and it's comfirmed! I'm goin'ta Billards for Enrichment Programme! Something I can do to relax after playing a working man of the family (*tsk tsk*). But it's really a pity that there wasn't a way for Ben to join along to, just as he wanted.
Then for the Training part of the day...
Same ol' same ol'. Stretch. Run. Gym. Medicine Balls. Technique Training. Debrief. Warmdown.
But just that there were Juniors below me for once, and that now that many of the members are still at OEP, the gym was all to ourselves! Very fast and very convenient! So I pity those who missed trainning today, for that was a once-a-year moment to get the gym for yourself in the afternoon.
After training, I changed up and headed for the bus stop. For those who never watch, this is one of the only moments you'd actually see me walking around the school in uniform without a tie and with the collar button unbuttoned. But while walking on the tracks, I was watching some of the senior Ruggers training in the field. They were training with some balls, and apparently had to toss them to each other. But then one of the balls were tossed, I assume, in the wrong direction and ended up hitting someone in the face. Then a schocking thing happened. Probably not much of a big deal to some people, but was a rare sight for me to see.
The coach laughed.
I've seen this coach many times in his violent mode and knew he was a hard person to entertain comically. But... he laughed. At a silly mistake. By his student. Facinating.
As a Canoeist, I knew very well how precious laughter from a coach was. Although Mr. See IS an extremely fierce teacher in the school, so fierce he almost made me cry after I accidentally dropped a boat just by staring into my eyes, his sarcasm's quite entertaining and somehow becomes one of the things that make training painfully worthwhile. Watching him make a sarcastic remark with slapstick dialog has already got value. Watching him do it and smile is a greater story. Watching him doing it with a smile AND laughing after he or you commented about is just... priceless.
So I told myself, 'Yah. Hearing a coach laugh is truely satisfying.'
Then I realised that there is an even more powerful Coach that would definitely be worth hearing laughter from. The Coach of Life. God.
His laughter is absolutely abundant, and He'd be willing to laugh along with anyone, for afterall, Joy is the second fruit of the Spirit, and it does go, "Joy to the world!", not "Misery to the world!". The fact that He'd be laughing along side with you, wheteher to comfort you along your dark hours, or to celebrate with you any good thing that happened in your life, rwally touches me and touches me deep. So now, I'm gonna dedicate all that I do to the Lord. I wouldn't want to miss out on God's laughter. I don't know 'bout you guys, but I'll remember this moral for a very, very long time.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Survivours of Malaysia...
PRAISE THE LORD!!!
Just to give an introduction to my explaination for praises, my Desaru Trip was cancelled on Saturday, the same day we started travelling, because our route was covered by landslides, toppled buses and floods, thus making it 'a risk not worth making'.
So today, I wake up at 6 by accident, so I had to rush up on Breakfast and changing into uniform. By the time I reached the school, it was 6.45a.m., some what a little too late for me on Mondays 'cause that's when there's Prefect Fall-In. But when I reached the Old Lecture Theatre, no Council Members OR Teachers-In-Charge were present. Then I suddenly realised; 'Fall-In can only be held by Council Members. The Council is made up of Year 4s. But the Year 4s are still out there on the other side of the world. That means no Council, which means no Fall-In!' So I slowly marched towards my classroom.
When I reached the corridors of classrooms where my classroom was within, only 5 classrooms were lit up. This looked a little weird for a few seconds but after putting in the logic that the other classes are still in Malaysia, it became reasonable so I carried on.
Before Chapel, it was quite confusing for the remaining Year 2s as now the Year 5s and 6s have moved from their Balcony to the Ground Floor. So in the end we were moved from the front of the hall to the back, although many of my classmates didn't know and ended up being scattered around the place. And because Dr. Ong wasn't present in Chapel, as theorised by a classmate, Chapel became half an hour shorter. Weird, huh?
When we got back to class, we had some of our money given back from the trip and were told that the Birthday Party that we were suppose to celebrate in Desaru for those born between January and Mid-February would now be celebrated in School tomorrow, "so bring sometibits and snacks to nibble on tomorrow!" I'm planning of bringing a handful...
Oh, and they said that by right, Plan B was to postpone the OEP Trip to tomorrow, but then the State of Johor had just declared a State of Emergency, meaning that many of her areas are so flooded, even the Immigration Office we were suppose to report to were underwater! Thus, the Senior Admin is still discussing whether the postponing should be made to a) After Term 1 Class Tests, b) March Holidays, c) After End-of-Year Exams or simply just d) give us back our full sum of money.
But heres the interesting part! Because of these floodings, the students who made it to Malaysia are trapped in their places as well! Even a few of their events and activities were cancelled! Praise God we never made it to Desaru! At least now we know what to expect, what to pack, what kind of supplies we would need, what belongings we would need to watch out for and most importantly, have enough time to let wheather conditions settle down up there.
We were actually in the papers! The Straits Times Main Paper, 15 Jan 2007! I've read the article already, and it also states what the locals are trying to endure right now. God be with their souls...
But anyway, later in the day, most of it was made up of free periods exept for Language Arts 'B' and Pastoral Care, 'cause the teachers for the other subjects were somewhere else in the world! Yahoo! But because that would also include Mr. See, and that the substitute teacher was on MC, we wern't able to go for training today. :( Well, at least later, I had a chance to socialise with Tim, JK, Kirb and Matt. :}
Ah, well. Better go buy the food for tomorrow. Seeya later, and God bless!
Just to give an introduction to my explaination for praises, my Desaru Trip was cancelled on Saturday, the same day we started travelling, because our route was covered by landslides, toppled buses and floods, thus making it 'a risk not worth making'.
So today, I wake up at 6 by accident, so I had to rush up on Breakfast and changing into uniform. By the time I reached the school, it was 6.45a.m., some what a little too late for me on Mondays 'cause that's when there's Prefect Fall-In. But when I reached the Old Lecture Theatre, no Council Members OR Teachers-In-Charge were present. Then I suddenly realised; 'Fall-In can only be held by Council Members. The Council is made up of Year 4s. But the Year 4s are still out there on the other side of the world. That means no Council, which means no Fall-In!' So I slowly marched towards my classroom.
When I reached the corridors of classrooms where my classroom was within, only 5 classrooms were lit up. This looked a little weird for a few seconds but after putting in the logic that the other classes are still in Malaysia, it became reasonable so I carried on.
Before Chapel, it was quite confusing for the remaining Year 2s as now the Year 5s and 6s have moved from their Balcony to the Ground Floor. So in the end we were moved from the front of the hall to the back, although many of my classmates didn't know and ended up being scattered around the place. And because Dr. Ong wasn't present in Chapel, as theorised by a classmate, Chapel became half an hour shorter. Weird, huh?
When we got back to class, we had some of our money given back from the trip and were told that the Birthday Party that we were suppose to celebrate in Desaru for those born between January and Mid-February would now be celebrated in School tomorrow, "so bring sometibits and snacks to nibble on tomorrow!" I'm planning of bringing a handful...
Oh, and they said that by right, Plan B was to postpone the OEP Trip to tomorrow, but then the State of Johor had just declared a State of Emergency, meaning that many of her areas are so flooded, even the Immigration Office we were suppose to report to were underwater! Thus, the Senior Admin is still discussing whether the postponing should be made to a) After Term 1 Class Tests, b) March Holidays, c) After End-of-Year Exams or simply just d) give us back our full sum of money.
But heres the interesting part! Because of these floodings, the students who made it to Malaysia are trapped in their places as well! Even a few of their events and activities were cancelled! Praise God we never made it to Desaru! At least now we know what to expect, what to pack, what kind of supplies we would need, what belongings we would need to watch out for and most importantly, have enough time to let wheather conditions settle down up there.
We were actually in the papers! The Straits Times Main Paper, 15 Jan 2007! I've read the article already, and it also states what the locals are trying to endure right now. God be with their souls...
But anyway, later in the day, most of it was made up of free periods exept for Language Arts 'B' and Pastoral Care, 'cause the teachers for the other subjects were somewhere else in the world! Yahoo! But because that would also include Mr. See, and that the substitute teacher was on MC, we wern't able to go for training today. :( Well, at least later, I had a chance to socialise with Tim, JK, Kirb and Matt. :}
Ah, well. Better go buy the food for tomorrow. Seeya later, and God bless!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
A murder most foul...
('Black and White' Film Screen)
(Horror Violins)
AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Pulls curtains, falls into bathtub)
I've fallen and I can't get up...
(Film rolls out)
But seriously, blogs seem to be dieing out for the past 24 hours. A mystery of great value...
Anyway, today I've learnt in church about Being 'Dead' Towards All Sins and Condemnations.
Now, to explain this, let us flip to Romans 6:7-14, shall we?
Romans 6
...7because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
8Now if we died with Christ, we believe we will also live with him. 9For we know that since Christ was risen from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him. 10The death He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God.
11In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness. 14For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Now let me just explain a few verses (not by order):
Romans 6:7 and 9
Now, if someone was released from his fleshly bodies, do you think he would actually have any need to continue to 'sin', whether he went to hell or Heaven? Would he have any bills to tempt him to steal from someone just to pay them? Would he ever keep any pride for him to lie? Would he require any anger that would drive him to murder? Personally speaking, I say no.
As long as a person's dead, he or she wouldn't have anymore reasons to be sinful to God. I mean, what's the use? So I guess you can say that once dead, a person woulod be free from the temptations of sin.
Romans 6:10
Let me just simplify this first:
He died to pay sin in one go with no installments once and for all; but He will live for God's services forever.
So basically, since Christ died (once), sin no longer had control on Him. But He will always live (forever) to serve God.
Romans 6: 11
How do you 'die' and 'live again'? Simple. Die spiritually instead of physically. You see, the Lord loves you soo much, he has already forgiven every sin you've commited, weather as simple as stealing your friend's eraser or as critical as blasting out the lives of thousands in Hiroshima. But the devil wants you to think otherwise, knowing that if you thought God would still be so angry at you for the rest of your days, you'd fear God, not want to go near God, not trust God and most of all, not love God.
Psycologically, we would associate anger with punishment, punishment with uncomfortness, and with a powerful God, uncomfortness with death. So as such, when Christians think that God hates them, they quickly turn away and try not to get involved with him as much as possible.
Now just if you missed this part, that's not true. God really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really loves you! He loves you so much, He actually used His Son to represent you on the cross so that He could accept you again! So please, do not think that there should be any reason for God to be angry for you, 'cause even though there were suppose to be many, God chose to discard them all away!
So getting back to what I'm trying to say, God loves you so much, he cancelled every dept you owe him for the sins you've made. So by right, no one, not even you, has the right to condemn you of being worthless to God, 'cause if you were all along perfect, Jesus died for nothing. So stop trying to be perfect, and instead trust in the Lord and leave all that goes on in your life to Him.
Romans 6:14
So why did God give the Law (Ten Comandments, Moses, ect.) to man if it would just condemn them all?
'Cause men asked for it in the first place.
If you read the part in the Bible where the Israelites were moving from Egypt to The Promised Land, God protected the whole population from dieing throughout the journey till the Ten Comandments arrived.
When the Israelites complained that they had no heading, God gave a cloud to lead by day and a flame to lead by night.
When the Israelites complained that He had them cornered by the Egyptians at the Red Sea, God opened up the sea and killed the Egyptians with it.
When the Israelites complained that they had no water, God made a spring.
When the Israelites complained that they had no food, God rained bread and quail day after day.
When the Israelites complained that they were under attack by enemies, God made sure they won the battle as long as Moses raised his hands.
But then one day, they all thought that they were just too much trouble for God and asked God if He could just give them a few guidelines to follow so that they could be perfect and not require to call God so often. So after quite some persuassion, God finally came up with the Laws, when simplified became the Ten Comandments. And it was cncidered that if you failed to keep the Comandments, you'd be sinning, in other words not perfect. Ever since then,...
When Aaron's sons made unauthorised fire in their tents, God, through Moses, warned them to not take of their priestly garments off then at all times. (And of corse one day, the garments soon came off...)
When the Israelites complained that they were tired of eating the bread for so long, God allowed poisonous snakes to bite them, only saving those who, when bitten, looked unto 'The Bronze Snake'.
When Aaron and Miriam complained about Moses, God scolded them and gave Miriam leprosy.
When a man accidentaly went out to gather wood on the Sabath day, God ordered for his stoning.
When the Israelites complained that God was leading them to a 'Promise Land' that they couldn't possibly take over, God made sure that not a single one of them saw the Promise Land - only their desendants did.
So after many years of trying and failing to keep the Comandments, God knew that His people were breaking down and frustrated that they couldn't make the cut. In fact, He was happy that they finally declared that they needed a Saviour again! And so He sent His Son, Jesus Christ.
If it simplifies things, just remember these points;
~ Condemnation kills. God's grace heals.
~God may be a Judge, but He will no longer Judge me; My judgement has already been done at Calvary.
~ When there is no condemnation, there will be a lesser want to dishonour God through sinning.
~ Rebuke any thought that makes you feel that God has abandoned you; trust that He will make thing good again!
~ GRACE = God's Righteousness At Christ's Expence!
May God bless the rest of your days!!!
(Horror Violins)
AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Pulls curtains, falls into bathtub)
I've fallen and I can't get up...
(Film rolls out)
But seriously, blogs seem to be dieing out for the past 24 hours. A mystery of great value...
Anyway, today I've learnt in church about Being 'Dead' Towards All Sins and Condemnations.
Now, to explain this, let us flip to Romans 6:7-14, shall we?
Romans 6
...7because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
8Now if we died with Christ, we believe we will also live with him. 9For we know that since Christ was risen from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him. 10The death He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God.
11In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness. 14For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Now let me just explain a few verses (not by order):
Romans 6:7 and 9
Now, if someone was released from his fleshly bodies, do you think he would actually have any need to continue to 'sin', whether he went to hell or Heaven? Would he have any bills to tempt him to steal from someone just to pay them? Would he ever keep any pride for him to lie? Would he require any anger that would drive him to murder? Personally speaking, I say no.
As long as a person's dead, he or she wouldn't have anymore reasons to be sinful to God. I mean, what's the use? So I guess you can say that once dead, a person woulod be free from the temptations of sin.
Romans 6:10
Let me just simplify this first:
He died to pay sin in one go with no installments once and for all; but He will live for God's services forever.
So basically, since Christ died (once), sin no longer had control on Him. But He will always live (forever) to serve God.
Romans 6: 11
How do you 'die' and 'live again'? Simple. Die spiritually instead of physically. You see, the Lord loves you soo much, he has already forgiven every sin you've commited, weather as simple as stealing your friend's eraser or as critical as blasting out the lives of thousands in Hiroshima. But the devil wants you to think otherwise, knowing that if you thought God would still be so angry at you for the rest of your days, you'd fear God, not want to go near God, not trust God and most of all, not love God.
Psycologically, we would associate anger with punishment, punishment with uncomfortness, and with a powerful God, uncomfortness with death. So as such, when Christians think that God hates them, they quickly turn away and try not to get involved with him as much as possible.
Now just if you missed this part, that's not true. God really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really loves you! He loves you so much, He actually used His Son to represent you on the cross so that He could accept you again! So please, do not think that there should be any reason for God to be angry for you, 'cause even though there were suppose to be many, God chose to discard them all away!
So getting back to what I'm trying to say, God loves you so much, he cancelled every dept you owe him for the sins you've made. So by right, no one, not even you, has the right to condemn you of being worthless to God, 'cause if you were all along perfect, Jesus died for nothing. So stop trying to be perfect, and instead trust in the Lord and leave all that goes on in your life to Him.
Romans 6:14
So why did God give the Law (Ten Comandments, Moses, ect.) to man if it would just condemn them all?
'Cause men asked for it in the first place.
If you read the part in the Bible where the Israelites were moving from Egypt to The Promised Land, God protected the whole population from dieing throughout the journey till the Ten Comandments arrived.
When the Israelites complained that they had no heading, God gave a cloud to lead by day and a flame to lead by night.
When the Israelites complained that He had them cornered by the Egyptians at the Red Sea, God opened up the sea and killed the Egyptians with it.
When the Israelites complained that they had no water, God made a spring.
When the Israelites complained that they had no food, God rained bread and quail day after day.
When the Israelites complained that they were under attack by enemies, God made sure they won the battle as long as Moses raised his hands.
But then one day, they all thought that they were just too much trouble for God and asked God if He could just give them a few guidelines to follow so that they could be perfect and not require to call God so often. So after quite some persuassion, God finally came up with the Laws, when simplified became the Ten Comandments. And it was cncidered that if you failed to keep the Comandments, you'd be sinning, in other words not perfect. Ever since then,...
When Aaron's sons made unauthorised fire in their tents, God, through Moses, warned them to not take of their priestly garments off then at all times. (And of corse one day, the garments soon came off...)
When the Israelites complained that they were tired of eating the bread for so long, God allowed poisonous snakes to bite them, only saving those who, when bitten, looked unto 'The Bronze Snake'.
When Aaron and Miriam complained about Moses, God scolded them and gave Miriam leprosy.
When a man accidentaly went out to gather wood on the Sabath day, God ordered for his stoning.
When the Israelites complained that God was leading them to a 'Promise Land' that they couldn't possibly take over, God made sure that not a single one of them saw the Promise Land - only their desendants did.
So after many years of trying and failing to keep the Comandments, God knew that His people were breaking down and frustrated that they couldn't make the cut. In fact, He was happy that they finally declared that they needed a Saviour again! And so He sent His Son, Jesus Christ.
If it simplifies things, just remember these points;
~ Condemnation kills. God's grace heals.
~God may be a Judge, but He will no longer Judge me; My judgement has already been done at Calvary.
~ When there is no condemnation, there will be a lesser want to dishonour God through sinning.
~ Rebuke any thought that makes you feel that God has abandoned you; trust that He will make thing good again!
~ GRACE = God's Righteousness At Christ's Expence!
May God bless the rest of your days!!!
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