Waitin' On The World To Change

WHERE'S THE TRUST?

2008-01-31T07:03:00.000-08:00

I thought I could trust you, now I can't. I thought I could confide in you, for now I don't think I will. I thought I could share lots of plans, hopes and aspiration with you, now I can only share my disappointment.

Don't get me wrong... I'm not boiling nor am I angry. Yes, I am disappointed... And extremely if I might add.

If there's one thing I must say, as a parting shot, "Where's the trust my friend? Where's the trust?"

If you ever stumble upon this blog of mine, know that this song right here describes exactly the way I'm feeling...

GRAVITY

Gravity
Is working against me
And gravity
Wants to bring me down

Oh I'll never know
What makes this man
With all the love
That his heart can stand
Dream of ways
To throw it all away

Oh Gravity
Is working against me
And gravity
Wants to bring me down

Oh twice as much
Ain’t twice as good
And can't sustain
Like one half could
It's wanting more
It's gonna send me to my knees

Oh twice as much
Ain’t twice as good
And can't sustain
Like one half could
It's wanting more
It's gonna send me to my knees

Oh gravity
Stay the hell away from me
Oh gravity
Has taken better men than me
Now how can that be?

Just keep me where the light is
Just keep me where the light is
Just keep me where the light is
C’mon keep me where the light is
C’mon keep me where the light is
C’mon keep me where keep me where the light is

My friend... Thank you

1st Post of the Year

2008-01-02T04:34:00.000-08:00

While nearly every blog I've read are posts about how 2007 has been for them, I'm gonna post about 2008!

First, wanna start off with a song:

Amazed
by Lincoln Brewster

You dance over me,
While I am unaware.
You sing all around,
But I never hear the sound.

Lord I'm amazed by You,
Lord I'm amazed by You,
Lord I'm amazed by You,
How You love me.

You paint the morning sky,
With miracles in mind.
My hope will always stand,
For You hold me in Your hand,

How wide,
How deep,
How great,
Is Your Love for me.

I believe and claim in faith that 2008 is gonna be a year where God's greatness and majesty is shown for everyone to see. I've experienced such intense love from God last year and that has kept me wanting more. Sure, I still do struggles with some really big issues myself, I still do fall into temptation now and again... I believe that all these isn't gonna me away from my Lord. My one fear is that I take this mercy and love for granted.

Started out 2008 with leading worship at our first prayer meet. It was one of those times where I came to practice really unsure of what's going on in me. All I knew a message to return to innocence. The Cross. Kinda inspired by Iggy's session at YI, I just felt that the year's journey should start at the foot of the cross. That what I did.

I made a few resolutions for this year. I've made them before in the past; never really kept to them. I hope this time God gives me enough strength and determination to see it through. The feeling of breaking a resolution sure is demoralising.

Anyway, here are my resolutions:
1. KEEP TO MY RESOLUTIONS
2. READ THE BIBLE COVER TO COVER
3. COME OUT VICTORIOUS IN MY STRUGGLES
4. LOSE WEIGHT (Don't laugh guys... haha!)
5. FORGE NEW FRIENDSHIPS
6. MEND OLD RELATIONSHIPS
7. KEEP A HEALTHY PRAYER & STUDY SCHEDULE
8. STICK TO THE JOB WHEN I FIND ONE
9. ACTUALLY SAVE CASH... (Ok... This will start after I get that much coveted J45, JM Strat, OMJM, Tube Amp...)
10. PRACTICE REGULARLY ON MY INSTRUMENTS

I guess these are 10 biggest decisions I've made. Do pray that I don't fall along the way and if I do, I find the strength to pull through the obstacles.

I wanna see myself as a new creation at the end of 2008. Someone bursting with a deep passion for God, someone who is able to be a role model to everyone who is anyone. Someone who can fulfill what's expected of a brother and friend.

God help me. Amen.

Xin You Du Zhong

2007-12-19T09:49:00.000-08:00

Was just going through some really old songs in my mp3. Came across one that hit me really hard. Anyone here remembers Daniel Chan, Chen Xiao Dong?

A nostalgic moment for me there... Used to listen to him a lot back in '97 when I was sec 3. Brings back some fond memories too.

And that's what I'm feeling right now. The song is also on my stickam... It's the only chinese song there.

Ain't gonna post what exactly I feel here? I guess there are things that are best left unrevealed..

Gonna leave you with the lyrics to the song... If you understand it, well, congrats!

这种感觉从来不曾有 左右每天思绪每一次呼吸
心被占据 却苦无医
是你让我着了迷

给了甜蜜又保持距离 而你潇洒来去玩爱情游戏
我一天天失去勇气  偏偏难了难忘记

单单为你心有独钟 因为爱过才知情多浓
浓得发痛在心中 痛全是感动  我是真的真的与众不同

真正为你心有独钟 因为有你世界变不同
笑我太傻太懵懂 或爱得太重 只为相信我自己 能永远对你的心 独钟

Yeah... That's it for this post

SKS

2007-11-13T21:56:00.000-08:00

Thanks Cheryl for blogging about SKS Books! For those who wanna know more, please visit http://www.sksbooks.com/

I strongly recommend this place for all ministry resources!

If you wanna go, please call me along!!!!

All Things New

2007-11-13T21:43:00.000-08:00

Woke up this morning, feeling refreshed, like waking up to a brand new day... Gonna start today with a song... Okay! It's a little old but hey who cares right?

Thanks and praises to God for this new day!

All Things New
by Steven Curtis Chapman

You spoke and made the sunrise, to light up the very first day
You breathed across the water, and started the very first wave
It was You
You introduced Your glory, to every living creature on earth
And they started singing, the first song to ever be heard
They sang for You

You make all things new
You make all things new

Then the world was broken, fallen and battered and scarred
You took the hopeless, the life, wasted, ruined and marred
And made it new

You make all things new
You make all things new
You redeem and You transform
You renew and You restore
You make all things new
You make all things new
And forever we will watch and worship You

You turn winter into spring
You take every living thing
And You breathe Your breath of life into it over and over again

You made the sunrise, day after day after day
But there's a morning coming, when old things will all pass away
And everyone will see

You make all things new
You make all things new
Come redeem and come transform
Come renew and come restore
You make all things new
You make all things new
And forever we will watch and worship You

Now and forever You are making all things new
You're making all things new

Hallelujah...

And another song of praise...

Everlasting God
by Brenton Brown

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer

You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer

You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer

You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

Praise You God!

EVERYTHING GLORIOUS!

2007-11-13T09:56:00.000-08:00

Before I start my long awaited post, wanna share a song with everyone!

Everything Glorious
by David Crowder Band

The day is brighter here with You
The night is lighter than its hue
Would lead me to believe
Which leads me to believe

You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours
What does that make me?

My eyes are small but they have seen
the beauty of enormous things
Which leads me to believe
there's light enough to see that

You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours

From glory to glory
You are glorious You are glorious
From glory to glory
You are glorious. You are glorious
Which leads me to believe
why I can believe that

You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours

From glory to glory From glory to glory
You are glorious. You are glorious.
You are glorious. You are glorious.

This post is gonna be one with a testimony for God and his wondrous, glorious deeds. It's gonna be one filled with song. Psalms 148 says

Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord from the heavens,
Praise Him in the heights above.

Praise Him, all His angels,
Praise Him, all His heavenly hosts.

Praise Him, sun and moon,
Praise Him, all you shining stars.

Praise Him, you highest heavens
And you waters above the skies.

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
For He commanded and they were created.

He set them in place for ever and ever;
He gave a decree that will never pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth,
You great sea creatures and all ocean depths,

Lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
Stormy winds that do His bidding,

You mountains and all hills,
Fruit trees and all cedars,

Wild animals and all cattle,
Small creatures and flying birds,

Kings of the earth and all nations,
You princes and all rulers on earth,

Young men and maidens,
Old men and children.

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
For His name alone is exalted;
His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

He has raised up for His people a horn,
The praise of all His saints,
Of Israel, the people close to His heart.
Praise the Lord.

Praise God! A year ago at a leader's retreat, my prayer during the harp and bowl session was for God to present an opportunity for my close friends from CTK to find Him and know Him. That a wind of revival blows through these youths that fans the flame to want to be closer to God than ever.

It has been a year since I've lifted that prayer to Him. Now looking around, I see that prayer fulfilled before my very eyes.

This entry is also to affirm some close friends of mine.

Stefan - What started out as an invitation to guest drum for a prayer meet has seen this brother of mine experiencing God in a very real way. It's been over a year since he's started with us, and I see God, working very alive in him. From our days in YLM till being in WT, God has certainly blessed me with this brother and I believe that God has blessed him abundantly! Thank God for you bro!

Daisy - It all began over a spur of the moment invitation over a steamboat dinner. Somehow during the meal, I just had the prompting to invite her to prayer meet. Since then, this sister has never left. It is again, God's handiwork that she's experienced Him at All Things New and now serving very faithfully in Log Team. I do get encouraged by her when we share our thoughts about ministry and service.

Leonard - This brother came for All Things New... Just like that! I vaguely remembered that either Stefan or me did briefly talk to him about YI, then the next thing we knew, he showed up! And it has right immediately after passing out parade! Seeing him rushing into the hall, all fired up and ready to experience God was and still is a very deep affirmation for me. An affirmation that comes directly from God. This affirmation says,"Son, believe Me that there is nothing I cannot do. You asked, I answered. You wanted, I gave. This is My action of love for all of you." Bro, I pray that God places in you the gifts to lead YLM. Bring that fire of revival to our ministry!

Cassandra - I had this prompting to bring her to our prayer meets in hope that one day she'll play for us. I started sharing with her guitar techniques since 2 years ago. And she also appeared in my mind as I prayed. I knew God wanted to bring Him to her, so that was what I did. Now, it's His blessing that I'm playing alongside her in worship of Him. My prayer right now is that God's favour continues to shine on you as you discover and experience Him in playing that instrument He gifted you with.

Cheryl - The absolute closest sister of mine! We had 2 major fights and quarrels and cold wars. I have to admit that as I prayed during the leaders' retreat, she was the first one to appear in my mind. And that was after we had our 2nd fight. After that I never spoke to her until a brief moment in May this year. Then it was another period of no contact until 2 weeks ago. Somehow or another, I had this very strong prompting in me to call her out for a catch up cum supper session. It was so strong that I knew I had to phone her instead of just leaving a message. That night, I shared with her what God has placed in my heart. I also shared with her how my faith journey has been. She's also the first that I shared the passage from which my mission is formed. Mark 4:21-22 "He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open." I shared with her that my 2 years at Amplify has changed me a great deal. Prayer meets is like the lamp, and this is THE lamp that I wanna show to as many people I can! And I can't describe how wondrous God is... She actually came for a prayer meet and most of all, signed for YISS: Everlasting God! And to put the icing on the cake, she is blessed with a position in her university after it somewhat seemed like a difficult application! This came immediately after signing for YI! If you want to Do visit http://plays-pretty.blogspot.com to see her testimony on an Indescribable God. My prayer right now is that she has forgiven whatever hurt I caused her and willing to look past those errors and journey with me to know God together. Thank you sis and most of all thank God for you!

Matthew / Mel - My 2 buddies. It is affirming to see them coming for prayer meet, to share the experience of something that caused a tremendous change in me. We may not have met up or caught up as much and as often, but I know that deep down, God has build and reinforced a bond so strong that nothing can come in between. I pray that God presents an abundance of opportunities so that we can share again in something that really matters to us; something that has brought great joy to us!

CTK-ians - My prayer is still the same. I know that one day, our Glorious God is going to just show Himself in our midst. I can already see a whole generation of CTK-ians, singing His praises so loudly that our voice storm the heavens. I can see the unity of ourselves with everyone else, singing our new song, dancing in the freedom, shouting in victory, hands raised in surrender and adoration and worship to a God who's everlasting! That'll be the day where we'll show and tell the world that we're a Jesus Generation!

I hope that I've not watered down the indescribable deeds of God in this post!

Brothers and sisters, allow me to pray for you. If you reading this, do join me in prayer for everyone mentioned above.

"For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I with them." Matt 18-20

God, You're just so awesome. When I gaze up into Your heavens with all my unworthiness, I know that You're gazing down on this sinful servant, someone who struggles with sins and obstacles. I may never know why I deserve this amazing grace, but seeing my burdens and struggles, I know that this grace is what's keeping me going. And I know that through You, You have broken everything that binds me from You. You have broken my very walls of Jericho. Lord, Your words says that anyone who places trust in You will run and not go weary, and in turn be raised on wings of eagles. I place myself into the Potter's hands. I, too, place the youths of CTK in Your hands. Take us by our frail hands Lord, and lift us high. High above all else so that we can soar freely in the freedom You've won for us. Draw near to us as we draw near to You. Saturate our lives so that when we enter the place You've prepared for us, the place where we join the biggest praise and worship session ever, we may only sing of the glorious deeds that You've done through us; that we have lived once, in our human world as a generation filled with passion fueled by a hearting beating out of love for You. This I pray. AMEN!

Let us ask this in faith that God will fulfill everything we've asked for. For Jesus said, "And whatever you ask in My name, I will do it, so that the Father will be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of Me in My name, I will do it." John 14:13-14

Amazing Grace
by Chris Tomlin

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbade to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine

You are forever mine

All The Heavens
by Hillsongs

Holy holy are You Lord
The whole earth is filled with Your glory
Let the nations rise to give
Honour and praise to Your name

Let Your face shine on us
And the world will know You live

All the heavens shout Your praise
Beautiful is our God
The universe will sing
Hallelujah to You our King

Act of Random Kindness

2007-09-10T05:12:00.000-07:00

God commanded Evan Baxter, former anchorman and the congressman to build an ARK. Through many instances of defiance, he did it. Remember Jonah?

Well, Point Number 1:

IF GOD CALLS YOU SOMETHING, THERE'S NO WAY TO RUN AWAY FROM IT.

It is true! And most of the time I believe that following God's instructions and directions always takes us on the road less traveled. Remember Jesus told the rich man about how to be a disciple? Bible ref: Mark 10:21 "Go sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." (NAB) And again in Mark 8:34 "He summoned the crowd with His disciples and said to them, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me." (NAB)

That's what happened to Evan. (Notice: Spoilers alert!) Evan got suspended from his job, got hit by a gift of beard and robes, lost his family, lost everything and what's more faced hindrance from the local authorities. At the end of the day, he held on in faith and finished it. Jonah went to preach Nineveh in the end right?

Point Number 2: GOD PROVIDES!

God provides Evan with ALL the materials needed for the job! Amen! Abraham was order to offer Issac to God, but in the end God showed mercy and provided him with a sheep instead. Genesis 22:14. This is God's promise of providing us in our time of need. If only we do not hold back from offering Him all of ourselves. God provided the gopher wood, tools and all. Evan asked for a mechanical lift, God gave it to him. Evan asked for additional help, God provided the "manpower" in the form of the entire animal kingdom. Matt 7:7-8 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened onto you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

Jesus promises us that whatever we ask in faith and belief in Him He will do it. John 14:13-14 "And whatever you ask in My name, I will do it, so that the Father will be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of Me in My name, I will do it."

Just a little disclaimer though. In Evan Almighty, Evan's wife asked for a more closely knitted family. Later on in the movie she meets God at a diner. She was pouring out her life to Him when He responded, "Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?"

Guess we've gotta be mindful of what we pray for. Mindful in the sense that we need to identify such opportunities when they arrive. Opportunities for us to exercise that very thing we've been praying for. For the longest time I've been praying for a stronger resistance to temptation. Now that I look back, I realise that God has provided me with lots of opportunities to exercise it. The only thing I've done is wave them goodbye. Sigh eh?

Point Number 3: Hold on in faith!

Back to Abraham... Abraham could have easily defied God's demand of offering Issac but the miracle here is that Abraham held on to his faith in God till the very last moment, then God provided him a substitute. Evan held on with God's promise of a flood sooo much that he did in a way turn cynical. Even on the appointed date, a drizzle came, but no flood. Then when hope seemed bleak, the flood came. What faith! The bible's number 1 human resource manager, Moses also faced the same thing in the courts of Pharaoh. To be able to believe that his people will actually be set free calls for a huge amount of faith in God. I guess the biggest example of holding in faith is shown through Jesus. He believed that through Him, sin and death will be conquered that He chose to "drink the cup that the Father has given Him." John 18:11

Jesus did want the cup of suffering to pass from Him. Matt 26:39 "And going on a little further, He fell on His face and prayed. "My Father," He said, "If it is possible, let this cup pass Me by. Nevertheless let if be as You, not I, would have it." Jesus held on in faith to His Father's will that at the end of the entire ordeal, He was glorified and now seated at His Father's right hand.

Friends, let us keep in mind these 3 points as we live daily only to give glory to God! Amen!

Cpativate Us - Captivate Me

2007-06-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

I'd like to share with everyone a song that has administered to me and brought me through this period of time where I faced some problems close to the heart

Captivate Us
by watermark

Your face is beautiful
And Your eyes are like the stars
Your gentle hands have healing
There inside the scars
Your loving arms they draw me near
And Your smile it brings me peace
Draw me closer oh my Lord
Draw me closer Lord to Thee
Captivate us Lord Jesus set our eyes on You
Devastate us with your presence falling down
And rushing river draw us nearer
Holy fountain consume us with You
Captivate us Lord Jesus with You

Your voice is powerful
And Your words are radiant bright
In Your breath and shadow
I will come close and abide
You whisper love and life divine
And Your fellowship is free
Draw us closer oh my Lord
Draw me closer Lord to thee
Captivate us Lord Jesus set our eyes on You
Devastate us with Your presence falling down
And rushing river draw us nearer
Holy fountain consume us with You
Captivate us Lord Jesus with You

And let everything be lost in the shadows
Of the light of your face
And let every chain be broken from me
As I'm bound in Your grace
For Your yoke is easy Your burden is light
You're full of wisdom power and might
And every eye will see You
And captivate captivate us Lord Jesus with You
Captivate us ah ah

Lydia, thanks for introducing this song to me. Thanks God for you! A sincere thanks to the many many friends who have supported me during this time. Without you, I wouldn't have stood my ground. I thank and praise God for His gift of you guys and gals in my life.

To You

2007-05-27T16:52:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I totally submitted myself to the Lordship of Jesus in my life. In fact, looking back on the many months, I only see myself gaining instant "fixes" in my spiritual journey just because I have to. (i.e Times like when I'm needed to administer to people through worship or my playing)

Just reflecting on Fr William Goh's homily at the 4th Saturday/Pentecostal Mass. His words gave a very clear perspective on where I stand in my own worship. His words struck a very raw nerve. "How do you proclaim that Jesus is Lord if you don't read the bibile? If you don't pray regularly?"

I believe that if 2 people (who have never corresponded with each other) were to tell me a same message within a day or 2's timespan, that message is one that requires my immediate attention.

On sunday, I was at St. Theresa's helping the publicity for YISS. As I was giving out the flyers at the entrance of the church, I chanced upon the confessional. I took a peek in... No one was inside, no priest either. A voice prompt me to make my peace with God that very day. I did.

Amidst the mess of things right now in my life, I'm once again reminded that the Almighty reigns. To love is to forgive, to forgive is to obey, to obey is to surrender. A total surrender into His arms isn't something that we can give at the spur of the moment. No, the journey isn't complete when we make that commitment. Everything comes full circle only when our lives become a tangible reflection of that commitment.

To err is human... I have many times proclaimed a total surrender, but in truth held back. I also believe many of us would have faced similar situations in our journey of life. Know that Jesus said in John 15: 5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in Me with Me in him bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from Me, you can do nothing."

For this reason, we must be mindful at all times and focus on being righteous in God. The words of a popular worship song goes,"Though my world may fall, I'll never let You go."

God Himself never said that it was easy. Luke 9:23 "Then to all He said: "If anyone wants to be a follower of Mine, let him renouce himself and take up his cross everyday and follow Me." For those who watched The Passion of The Christ saw how difficult it was to carry that chunk of wood. It was so heavy that He fell 3 times. But know this, that at the end of that journey, He was raised above all and glorified by the Father. For it was at the end of that journey that all men are reconciled with God and He makes ALL THINGS NEW...

Amen.

Just wanna leave everyone with a song that administered to me last friday at prayer meet. A shout out of thanks to God for having chosen Grace to pick that song for her worship. And Worship Team, thank you... You guys are the greatest...

TO YOU

Here I stand,
Forever in Your mighty hand,
Living with Your promise written on my heart.

I am Yours,
Surrendered wholly to You.
You set me in Your family,
Calling me Your own

Now I,
I belong to You.
All I need,
Your spirit Your word Your truth.
Hear my cry,
My deep desire,
To know You more.

In Your name,
I will lift my hands,
To the King,
This anthem of praise I bring.
Heaven knows,
I long to love You,
With all I am,
I belong to You.

TMNT!

2007-04-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

Which Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle are You? (pics)
Leonardo You're mature and get the job done. You are a natural born leader, and normally want to be the better of the group. You take your job seriously. You must! It may NOT be a game. When you select a sport, or something you want to do, you train continueously, constantly trying to perfect it. You're always prepared for a challenge, and are normally found one step ahead of your enemies. Loving family more than life itself, you are a good friend, and can be depended on at all times.
Take The Quiz Now!	Quizzes by myYearbook.com

Sub Theme for my Blog!

2007-03-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Gonna appoint a sub-theme song for my blog! It's from Mayer again! Been hooked on it for weeks now. (Ever since the Grammy's)

Anyway it goes like this...

Gravity
by John Mayer

Gravity is working against me
And gravity wants to bring me down

Oh I'll never know what makes this man
With all the love that his heart can stand
Dream of ways to throw it all away

Oh Gravity is working against me
And gravity wants to bring me down

Oh twice as much aint twice as good
And can't sustain like a one half could
It's wanting more
That's gonna send me to my knees
[repeat]

Oh gravity, stay the hell away from me
And gravity has taken better men than me (Now how can that be?)

Just keep me where the light is
Just keep me where the light is
Keep you all where the light is
Just keep us where the light is
Ohh.. where the light is! [repeat]

Very lazy blues song. The kind you listen to on a rainy sunday afternoon chilling indoors, swimming in a sea of blankets and an ice cold beer in hand.

Heard that Mayer's making an appearance in Aussie Land! Drats.. Someone oughta bring that lad here to sunny Singapore! Been waiting for his concert for a long long time!

Well, enjoy the song folks! You can hear it on my stickam player too!

The MTV for the blog!

2007-03-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

Hi friends!

Not much of a post this time round but what's a song without it MTV right? So here's "Waiting on the World to Change" by Mayer!

Enjoy!

"So we keep waiting, waiting on the world to change..."

Waitin' On The World To Change

2007-02-05T18:32:00.000-08:00

Just re-lighted my fire with the theme song of my blog... Waitin on the World to Change.

Me and all my friends,
We're all misunderstood.
They say we stand for nothing,
There's no way we ever could.
Now we see everything is going wrong,
With the world and those who lead it.
We just feel like we don't have the means
To rise above and beat it

So we keep waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
Its hard to beat the system
When we're standing at a distance
So we keep waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change

Now if we had the power,
To bring our neighbors home from war.
They would've never missed a Christmas,
No more ribbons on their door.
When you trust your television,
What you get is what you got.
Cuz when they own the information ooohhh,
They can bend it all they want.

So while we're waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
It's not that we don't care
We just know that the fight ain't fair
So we keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change

We're still waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change

One day our generation,
Is gonna rule the population.
So we keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
Know we keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
Waiting on the world to change
Waiting on the world to change
Waiting on the world to change.

Isn't it true? I wouldn't call that procrastination or anything. Remember back in '05 when there was the Live Aid/8 worldwide gig? That was probably the biggest cry for this world's leaders to stop poverty and save millions of lives in Africa. Still, 2 years after it happened, nothing changed. The poor are still dying in Africa and the fighting's still going on in Iraq.

Read a quote from a famous brand saying, "Ape shall not have to kill ape." Wow. Wise words of a certain human. Advertising gimmick? Maybe. True feelings over humanity? Maybe. The thing is, whoever wrote it, really slams the entire human race. Not in a bad way mind you, but in a way that should make us think "Why is there a need to kill my fellow brother?"

I'm not supporting the war effort going on, neither am I sympathizing with the suppressed enemies of the war. One simple fact remains: At the end of the day, a soldier is human so is a "terrorist". Are there really issues so big that no reasonable negotiations in this world cannot handle? Food for thought.

Onto a smaller scale. The silent war waged between families, siblings, neighbours, friends... Taking a step back opens a way for a question. Why did it happen? How did it happen? Is there no resolution to it? Okay, maybe a few questions... From a third party, they would ask, "Why can't these 2 reason out their differences, compromise and let it pass." For the directly involved, it doesn't become too difficult if one places him/her self into the third party perspective.

Interestingly enough, while the whole world cries for world peace and the usual fare. Many, many of us are not at peace at home, at workplace, school... etc. What a distorted cry for peace! Millions across the world have appeal for leniency over Saddam's hanging but in the millions, there is probably a huge number that cannot offer that peace to the people closest to them. Why do we know? Look at the many political "riots" happening... Look at the top of this post. People are still starving and dying...

Do we really care what happens to the person beside us? Do we really care what we write into our account of history? Do we care what a place our future descendants are gonna grow up in? Am I my brother's keeper? Maybe a small ratio do, but as a collective human race, no....

Pride? Lust? Envy? Gluttony? Wrath? Sloth? Greed?

Let's try reflecting on these during these 40 days of prayer and fasting and when His resurrection arrives, we get:

Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Justice, Temperance, Prudence.

Let us remember what Solomon said in 1Kings 3:9" So give me the wisdom I need to rule your people with justice and to know the difference between good and evil. "

Amen

Peace be with you.

For Who You Are

2007-01-28T23:33:00.000-08:00

Alrighty, this post is meant to thank someone who has seen me through me lots of ups and downs. Someone whom I've neglected time and time again but has always never been to shun away from. Someone who has given everything for me yet demanded none from me. His name is Jesus, he's that someone I turn to whenever my life gets rough. He's that someone who has run the race for me when I've long given up. He's that someone that gave everything he made with arms wide open, bloodied and nailed and with that welcoming me to His kingdom.

From the inside out, thank You Lord for cross that You've brought into my life. Thank You for being there with me prompting me as I led Your people in worship. Thank You for the gifts and talents for without them, the experience of You is never complete.

FROM THE INSIDE OUT
by Hillsongs

A thousand times I've failed
Still Your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
I'm caught in Your grace

Everlasting 
Your light will shine when all else fades 
Never ending 
Your glory goes beyond all fame 
 
Your will above all else 
My purpose remains 
The art of losing myself 
In bringing You praise 
 
Everlasting 
Your light will shine when all else fades 
Never ending 
Your glory goes beyond all fame 

In my heart and my soul 
Lord I give You control 
Consume me from the inside out 
Lord let justice and praise 
Become my embrace 
To love You from the inside out 
 
Everlasting 
Your light will shine when all else fades 
Never ending 
Your glory goes beyond all fame 
And the cry of my heart 
Is to bring You praise 
From the inside out 
Lord my soul cries out

Anger

2007-01-19T00:34:00.000-08:00

I would like to affirm the words of a movie character... Yoda. While his most remembered line by almost everyone is "Use the force, Luke" the one line that strikes me is "Fear leads to Anger, Anger leads to Hate, Hate leads to Suffering"

I've witness for myself that this is very true. A good deal of all soured confrontations between people are derived from this principle.

Let me state a few examples. A boy tells a lie, it gets discovered by the person who was in the dark. Naturally, the boy's initial feelings would be a sense of fear. "Oh shit! So and so knows the truth!"

He starts to have random thoughts. What if this... What if that... Is he or she gonna do anything about it? At this point of time, the discoveror doesn't necessary have to confront the person concerned about it. He/she states a few passing remarks, which obviously doesn't go down very well with the former.

Anger forms at this point... "Why is he/she saying this? Why is he/she saying that? What is he/she driving at?" The boy starts finding fault at every single action the latter does.

Tiring isn't it? Holding all those bad vibes... I really shan't post any further, least people start to draw connections and do the ol' fingerpointing stuff.

This blog's supposed to be a music blog, this post and the previous one doesn't quite reflect that... Hmmm... Let's keep it musical!

From The Inside Out

2007-01-14T23:44:00.000-08:00

Just wanna take this time to salute a few great people around me... First and foremost, I know I haven't hung around you guys long enough to know you better, but everyone have shown Christ to me. Yeah, each and everyone of you have been a very real experience of Christ to me. It's been like about slightly over a year since I've stepped into your community? All of you never stopped making me feel as though I've been there for ages!

Allow me this chance to affirm everyone with heartfelt thanks from the inside out!

Bernard -
Skipping Image Tech lectures, shooting Bon Jovi Mtvs, watching movies during DVD class. Those were the days man! Praises and thanks to our Heavenly Father for putting you in my life bro. Can't say enough thanks to you for having brought me to this ministry! Thanks for the induction into a ministry and team filled with a passion to worship, a passion that longs after Jesus. Thanks for the patience while imparting techniques and skills! Thanks for sharing the highly contagious diease of GAS! 1 woman, many guitars, more pedals!!! Must buy must buy!

Dom -

I've served ministry for 13 years and never come across a leader so dedicated, so humble, so steadfast in service. I remember this one incident just after your op where I asked you how long would you be out? Your response was something like out of what? Service? Well, honestly it wasn't much of an answer, but it made me realise that hey, this is someone who would go to the ends of this world just for Jesus! What's more, you even came and played for a friday night session and attend the regular prayer meets and all! God's favour rests on those who serves Him, the testimony you gave about your road to recovery is a reflection of that saying. Thanks for the direction you've taken the Worship Team and the time and effort you've sacrificed into building a ministry so deeply rooted in Christ! All the best to and Daphne in the next stage of your life!

Grace -

Thanks for being a sister I never had! I wanna affirm all the effort and time put into leading us! You're doing a great job! You're like that hand that reaches out each time you see someone falling behind. You're like the push from the back when things get rough. It's been a very blessed experience serving with you. Oh yeah! Thanks for the many many MANY car rides home! Thanks for sharing the "chicken wings" craving every friday night. Most of all, Thank you for making me feel at home in WT.

Joel, Lydia, Kong, Sharon, Chris, Iggy, West, Ant, Jacob, jaCOB, Dot, Thelma, Eli -

Home is where the heart is. Among the WT is where it really feel like home. You've been great companions on my journey in Amplify. Worshiping, playing every week is something I look forward to! Thanks for being that great family, a family where I can discover Christ. Each of you have been like Jesus to me... I can't say thank you enough for the many many pleasant experiences I've had, serving among you!

Wanna give you guys a song...

Wind Beneath My Wings
by Bette Midler

It must have been cold there in my shadow,
to never have sunlight on your face.
You were content to let me shine, that's your way.
You always walked a step behind.

So I was the one with all the glory,
while you were the one with all the strength.
A beautiful face without a name for so long.
A beautiful smile to hide the pain.

Did you ever know that you're my hero,
and everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
for you are the wind beneath my wings.

It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I known the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.

Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher then an eagle,
for you are the wind beneath my wings.

Did I ever tell you you're my hero?
You're everything, everything I wish I could be.
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle,
for you are the wind beneath my wings,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

Oh, the wind beneath my wings.
You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings.
Fly, fly, fly away. You let me fly so high.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.

Fly, fly, fly high against the sky,
so high I almost touch the sky.
Thank you, thank you,
thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings.

Chances?

2007-01-07T23:41:00.000-08:00

Hmmm... Just a thought... What exactly does one mean when one say "I'm giving you one chance?" You know, we hear it all the time. Mobster tells hostage in the movie... "Look here, we is giving you one last chance to tell us..." Hey, that's the movies. We're talking a little judgemental here aren't we? Like to bring up a question... Since when everyone has assumed the role of God and decide to "grace" which other with, more cliche known, one last chance?

Well, in the Old Testament, God didn't give His people chances when He flooded the earth in that well known story of the Ark. But immediately after, God made a covenant with Noah saying, "With these words I make my covenant with you: I promise that never again will all living beings be destroyed by a flood; never again will a flood destroy the earth... That is the sign of the promise which I am making to all living beings." God gave us, his sinful people infinite chances. In Genesis 18:16-33, Abraham pleaded with God to spare Sodom, and guess what... God didn't give them one last chance. He gave them sooo many chances that in the end, He didn't touch Sodom. And again in parable of Tenants in the Vineyard, Matt 21: 33-43, the tenants turned away every servant that the owner sent and finally they did away with the owner's son. At the end of the day, God still welcomes us with open arms into His Kingdom. How do we know that? It is fulfilled when Jesus, hanging from the cross said to the prisoner who was crucified with him, "I promise you that today you will be in Paradise with Me."

Such is the love of God for us. As Christians, we strive again and again to be Christ-like. In our daily struggles to be more like Him, we definitely fall short. Fall short of God, of our families, of friends, of colleagues. In our everyday fight to be like Christ, I think it is essential to be graceful enough to accept the way we are, the way others are around us. Let us not throw 'chance threats' to each other. On a lighter note, if God condemned that one fella, would he have already ceased to exist? If he/she is still breathing, I think God has already seen beyond all faults and granted His everlasting love and mercy to whoever that sinner is.

Let us remind ourselves of this divine act whenever we are tempted to "write that bloody bastard's name into the death note". But seriously, we are definitely not qualified to pass that kind of judgement over anyone.

Amen.

2007-01-06T00:35:00.000-08:00

1st post of the new year! I'll keep it short cuz no drive to post... But I must write this entry to welcome a few new additions to the "family"!
That's my new 2 axes!

The Cherry Red Epiphone Dot 335
The Blond Squier Telecaster!

Both are what I've always wanted! Thanks to Daivd from Ebenex for helping me source for the tele and to Swee Lee for having a tremendous discount for the Dot!

Next!

Boss AC-2 Acoustic Simulator! Bought this pedal on impulse! It's part of a little project I'm trying... Oh well, if it doesn't perform, I might just offload it... But then again... It's no longer in production... Hmmm... So how???

Lastly, a TU-2 tuner pedal. It's essential! If not I'm relying on my Intelli tuner again and again... Not that it's bad or something... But a foot pedal tuner is lot more convenient when playing on my axes!

That's all folks!

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-25T05:57:00.000-08:00

Hi all! Merry Christmas! God's love and peace be with you! How's your Christmas? I hope everyone has spent that little special moment with loved ones!

Don't get me wrong here! Not trying to sound materialistic but this week has been very erm... materially satisfying for me?

What am I refering to? To fans of my blog, you can guess!

Okok! Out with the truth! I've bought 4 pedals in the span of 5 days! :p

I can sense lots of angry eyes looking at my direction!

Anyway, here's a breakdown of the cost:

MXR DynaComp: $92
Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive: $300
KimJar Betta Rutt: $130
BOSS Digital Reverb RV-5: $140

That adds up to... $662!

Gosh! Sorry pple if I didn't buy a small Christmas token for you! My bad!

Sigh... This is the result of a serious GAS diease... There's only one cure in the world, that is... TO GET MY HANDS ON MORE PEDALS! Haha!

Here's a pic of each!

MXR DynaComp
Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive
KimJaw Betta Rutt
BOSS RV-5 Digital Reverb

That's the lot!

Gonna leave you with a song for the season right now! Season's Greetings everyone!

Let It Snow

Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let It Snow!
Let It Snow!
Let It Snow!

It doesn't show signsof stopping
And I've bought some corn for popping
The lights are turned way down low
Let It Snow!
Let It Snow!
Let It Snow!

When we finally kissgoodnight
How I'll hate going out in the storm!
But if you'll really hold me tight
All the way home I'll be warm

The fire is slowly dying
And, my dear, we're still goodbying
But as long as you love me so
Let It Snow!
Let It Snow!
Let It Snow!

Searching For "That" Tone

2006-12-21T05:48:00.000-08:00

I'm satisfied today! A little bit of mixed feelings though... Why? I sold my very 1st pedal - my beloved BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver! The pedal gave me lots of very good sounds when I started dabbling into playing electric guitar. Kinda miss the smooth but powerful yet soothing crunch it gives! Anyway, hope you serve your new master well!

So back to the main story... Why am I satisfied? I bought another OD (overdrive - for non guitarist friends)! It costs me $300, but thanks to dear old Lily of All Music, we've agreed on a more economical way of making the payment! Lily, you go gal!

So what did I buy?

Presenting Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive!

I like the clean drive sounds it produces, kinda like the Blues Driver. Although it still lacks a little in producing that "bluesy" tone, it handles fine for now... At least until the 29th when I get back another BD-2, this time known as "Ghost Driver", modded by Randolf.

Tried it the moment I got home... Power! It creates a lot more fuzz when stacked with the GT2 as compared to the BD-2. I switched my DynaComp to the back of the signal chain, it does solve the "muddy" fuzz problem to a certain extend... Maybe a noise reducer might help... Must try must try!

Anyway, after gear shopping, hung at The Cathay with Bern and Jacob before going home, had a good gear "talking cock" session! Selling behinds for pedals and all! Haha!

Anyway, in reference to the perfect tone...

Boss DD20: $320
TRex Mudhoney: $350
Memoryman: $517
The Perfect tone: ... Priceless...

haha!

Ok, 2 post in a day! Quite contradicting posts I might add... Anyway, here's signing off and leaving you with a song!

Give Me Up Again
by Johnny Lang

Make up your mind take me or leave me
I'll be doing fine with or without you
I'm wasting my time letting you deceive me
The truth is in your eyes but I deny what I see
Time and time again

I let you get back under my skin
I let you break me down again
I let you get close way too close
But I see through it

You gave me that smile and I gave in
And you knew that I would
Time and time again you pulled me in
Just to give me up, give me up again

What is a dream if it doesn't come true
I believe I'll find love but will it be with you
I never would have thought that such a pretty little face could
Offer me so much and take all that I had
Well I want it back

I let you get back under my skin
I let you break me down again
I let you in close way too close
But I see through it

You gave me that smile and I gave in
And you knew that I would
Time and time again you pulled me in
Just to give me up, give me up again

I let you get back under my skin
I let you break me down again
I let you in close way too close
But I see through it

You gave me that smile and I gave in
And you knew that I would
Time and time again you pulled me in
Just to give me up, give me up again

Time and time again you pulled me in
Just to give me up, give me up, give me up again

River of Tears

2006-12-20T17:41:00.000-08:00

It's been raining for 3 days. I was on the way home on tuesday evening where I saw the flood at Thomson Rd - Lornie Rd. First real storm in 75 years eh? Sure it was interesting to actually see a flood of that intense, but taking a step back...

The Thomson Rd / Lornie Rd is known for its many florists and greenery shops. Twice a year one can see this place spruce itself up - Chinese New Year and Christmas. Weeks leading up to the 2 festive seasons, you'll be able to see a steady flow of eager customers, rushing to purchase decorative items. This year... Thing were and are never gonna be the same though.

The intense rain that poured over our island filled more than just the drains. Water flooded the florist shops, killing plants, damaging office equipement, even stalling vehicles in the relentless downpour.

Like I said above, it's a rare sight to behold in Singapore. But with that in mind, a second thought hit me... It almost seemed as though, albiet cliche, heaven is crying. Taking it in the positive light, it can also mean that God is washing us, Singapore.

Being a small country, what we experience here is of course nothing compared to what the other bigger states go through. In the old testament, God washed the earth, sparing Noah, his family and some animals because they weren't worshipping Him.

Not a statement to raise fellow bloggers and blogders' eyebrows, after witnessing the flood, I felt that the flood was a sign to urge us to forget all the necessary material needs of the world. The flood came at a time barely days from the coming of our Lord. The people in the bible were living a life of vices, a life of many many material needs.

Is that happening to us too? I don't deny that I've pursued many many material items. Let's not dwell deeper into this topic, it's sensitive. Rather, being 3 days from Christmas, let us ask ourselves how have we prepared for the coming of the Lord into our lives. Yes, let's ask ourselves that question and answer it not with stating the amount of items we've bought, the amount of food consumed...

Gonna leave you a song with the same title as this post.

River of Tears
by Eric Clapton

It's three miles to the river
That would carry me away,
And two miles to the dusty street
That I saw you on today.
It's four miles to my lonely room
Where I will hide my face,
And about half a mile to the downtown bar
That I ran from in disgrace.
Lord, how long have I got to keep on running,
Seven hours, seven days or seven years?
All I know is, since you've been goneI feel like I'm drowning in a river,
Drowning in a river of tears.
Drowning in a river.
Feel like I'm drowning,
Drowning in a river.

In three more days, I'll leave this town
And disappear without a trace.
A year from now, maybe settle down
Where no one knows my face.
I wish that I could hold you
One more time to ease the pain,
But my time's run out and I got to go,
Got to run away again.
Still I catch myself thinking,
One day I'll find my way back here.

You'll save me from drowning
,Drowning in a river,
Drowning in a river of tears.
Drowning in a river.
Feels like I'm drowning,
Drowning in the river.

Lord, how long must this go on?
Drowning in a river,
Drowning in a river of tears.

Advent is almost over and Christmas is in 3 days' time. Let not the spirit of Christmas drown!

Waking Up When The Month Ends

2006-12-05T18:49:00.000-08:00

Hi all, before I start on anything, wanna post the song for today...

Summer has come and passed.
The innocent can never last
Wake me up,
When September ends.

Like my father's come to pass,
seven years has gone so fast.
Wake me up, When September ends.

Here comes the rain again,
Falling from the stars;
Drenched in my pain again,
Becoming who we are.
As my memory rests,
But never forgets what I lost.
Wake me up, When September ends.

Summer has come and passed.
The innocent can never last.
Wake me up,
When September ends.

Ring out the bells again.
Like we did when spring began.
Wake me up,
When September ends.

Here comes the rain again,
Falling from the stars;
Drenched in my pain again,
Becoming who we are.
As my memory rest,
But never forgets what I lost.
Wake me up,
When September ends.

Summer has come and passed.
The innocent can never last.
Wake me up,
When September ends.

Like my father's come to pass.
Twenty years has gone so fast.
Wake me up,
When September ends.

Wake me up,
When September ends.
Wake me up,
When September ends....

For once in 24 years, I'm not looking forward or enjoying the month of December. Why? I guessed part of the reason is because of work. Don't get me wrong, I was working through the holiday months ever since 2003. However this year kinda embodies the true meaning of the word "stress".

Guess the only thing I'm truly looking forward to is a time well spent with her, my family at Amplify, and some of my dear colleages in school!

Ok, enough of the dampening of spirits. Here's to a good year we had! Onward to 07!

Waitin' For The World To Change

2006-11-09T15:24:00.000-08:00

Take your foot off the gas, pull the handbrakes, get off the fast lane, slow down life, take a step back, take a breather, take a look at things from the macro... Let us enjoy life for what it really is!

Inspired by tunes that speak about the lighter side of life, I bring you my new blog that focuses not on the mishaps in life, but a blog where I share the moments of glorious testimonials about... LIFE.

Waiting 4 the world to change isn't meant to be a negative statement, remember the song "What a beautiful world"? Let us all embark on that journey to see the wonderful side of this world!

I'll leave you with a song alright?

Waitin' On The World To Change
John Mayer

Me and all my friends
We're all misunderstood
They say we stand for nothing
There's no way we ever could
Now we see everything is going wrong
With the world and those who lead it
We just feel like we don't have the means
To rise above and beat it

So we keep waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
Its hard to beat the system
When we're standing at a distance
So we keep waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change

Now if we had the power
To bring our neighbors home from war
They would've never missed a Christmas
No more ribbons on their door
When you trust your television
What you get is what you got
Cuz when they own the information ooohhh,
They can bend it all they want

So while we're waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
It's not that we don't care
We just know that the fight ain't fair
So we keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change

We're still waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
One day our generation
Is gonna rule the population

So we keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
Know we keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
Waiting on the world to change
Waiting on the world to change
Waiting on the world to change.