Monday, November 07, 2011
Have Faith in Him
I don't know what tomorrow holds but i know who holds tomorrow.
"He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?" - Paul (Romans 8:32)
"Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" - Jesus (Mark 4:40)
Trust Jesus as He gently ask you the words in Mark 4:40. Trust Him.
Thursday, November 03, 2011
The Ravages of Sin
Visiting a hospice always bring one into confrontation with death; but more so, with the ravages of sin. The once strong able body has been reduced to skin and bones. The once cheery and lively demeanor has been reduced to tired eyes and silence.
The curse of sin is eating up everything. And the only comfort one can find is the afterlife. Jesus promised all those who believe in him will no longer suffer when they give up this feeble body. They will be with him in paradise and will have a new body-one that will never rot, grow old or crumple.
May all those who are taking care of the terminally ill and elderly sick find hope in Jesus; for he had conquered death, rose from the dead and will come again to bring all who are his into eternal bliss.
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side...
Two pictures to illustrate what "the grass is always greener on the other side" meant.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
What you dwell on does matter
I have just read through the book of Numbers and I wonder to myself, "My goodness, the Israelites are certainly fond of complaining! They complain just about everything!" Then as if the book suddenly became a mirror by itself, I asked, "How different am I from them? Maybe not very much."
It is so easy to complain, and often, we feel so shiok* after complaining. Complaining in itself is not something bad or sinful. There were times when complains are good and valid, and there were times when complains are not good, and even sinful. The Bible has examples for both.
What I want to say is that more often than not, complains tend to form a negative 'cloud' with the people we're complaining with. So instead of helping you to let off steam, it actually makes you more negative and angry over the person you're complaining about.
If you're in such an environment (work, school or family), you will notice that slowly, but surely, your joy is being sapped away. Even though you have every right to justify your complains, and tell yourself that you're not bitter about the person, your joy will just be suck away because your thoughts are always in a complain mood.
It is no wonder Paul tells us to think of "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy."(Phil 4:8) That is a process of renewing the mind.
A couple of days ago, I was reading a book called "Love is a Verb" by Gary Chapman and there was a story inside about a married couple in trouble. The wife was so upset with the husband that one day she listed down all his faults. But she also listed his qualities that first attracted her to him and she found that his qualities were more than his faults. She did the same for herself and found that she has more faults than him and realized that she needs to get herself right first before pointing the finger.
So what she did was that she kept a list of her husband's good qualities in her purse and read it daily and then weekly. She also work on her negative traits.
She said, "Surprisingly, I soon gained new respect for my husband and my love returned richer than ever. As I changed for the better, Duane treated me with renewed love and respect and his criticism ceased."
So I thought, well, let me try. So I wrote down a list of the good qualities of a certain someone that I do not particularly like. Let me tell you that it was hard trying to pen down good qualities of the person but it was worth a try.
I would not say there is instant renewal of the mind but that exercise was good. It was good to be reminded of someone's good qualities, and not always think about the bad ones which makes you want to start complaining(and sometimes can't stop). It was good to be reminded that you are not much better in the sense that you have faults as much as another person has. This humbles the proud soul. And finally, it was good to have joy returned to you, and to remind you to be grateful for everything that you have, including the person who irritates you(and in the process, moulds you in your character).
So my dear friends, what you dwell on does matter. Try the exercise of writing down a list of the good qualities of the person you do not like most, and remind yourself daily of the qualities. Try it and tell me what happens. God bless.
It is so easy to complain, and often, we feel so shiok* after complaining. Complaining in itself is not something bad or sinful. There were times when complains are good and valid, and there were times when complains are not good, and even sinful. The Bible has examples for both.
What I want to say is that more often than not, complains tend to form a negative 'cloud' with the people we're complaining with. So instead of helping you to let off steam, it actually makes you more negative and angry over the person you're complaining about.
If you're in such an environment (work, school or family), you will notice that slowly, but surely, your joy is being sapped away. Even though you have every right to justify your complains, and tell yourself that you're not bitter about the person, your joy will just be suck away because your thoughts are always in a complain mood.
It is no wonder Paul tells us to think of "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy."(Phil 4:8) That is a process of renewing the mind.
A couple of days ago, I was reading a book called "Love is a Verb" by Gary Chapman and there was a story inside about a married couple in trouble. The wife was so upset with the husband that one day she listed down all his faults. But she also listed his qualities that first attracted her to him and she found that his qualities were more than his faults. She did the same for herself and found that she has more faults than him and realized that she needs to get herself right first before pointing the finger.
So what she did was that she kept a list of her husband's good qualities in her purse and read it daily and then weekly. She also work on her negative traits.
She said, "Surprisingly, I soon gained new respect for my husband and my love returned richer than ever. As I changed for the better, Duane treated me with renewed love and respect and his criticism ceased."
So I thought, well, let me try. So I wrote down a list of the good qualities of a certain someone that I do not particularly like. Let me tell you that it was hard trying to pen down good qualities of the person but it was worth a try.
I would not say there is instant renewal of the mind but that exercise was good. It was good to be reminded of someone's good qualities, and not always think about the bad ones which makes you want to start complaining(and sometimes can't stop). It was good to be reminded that you are not much better in the sense that you have faults as much as another person has. This humbles the proud soul. And finally, it was good to have joy returned to you, and to remind you to be grateful for everything that you have, including the person who irritates you(and in the process, moulds you in your character).
So my dear friends, what you dwell on does matter. Try the exercise of writing down a list of the good qualities of the person you do not like most, and remind yourself daily of the qualities. Try it and tell me what happens. God bless.
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Is the tissue uncle my neighbour?
It has been a while since I last spoke to a tissue auntie. As much as I can say that I've not seen one in recent times, I can't help noticing 2 tissue-selling uncles near my workplace. But it's just noticing; no action taken.
One can't help noticing the 2 uncles selling tissues and snacks like Pocky sticks in an area where you will pass by for lunch almost everyday. So here I whizz by, pass by, walk by, stride by; nothing happens. I figure Jesus could have used my name in place of the priest and the Levite in the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). There were also times when I told himself, “I’m not in the ‘mood’” or “I’m tired”; excuses that were far too easy to make. But I would have cringed if Jesus were to tell blind Bartimaeus (Mk 10:46-52) that he was not “in the mood” to heal him; especially when Bartimaeus was shouting and crying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
So I think enough is enough. Let's talk. Let's be a good neighbour. The 1st uncle sells his ware on a motorised wheelchair. He came all the way down from Woodlands because business was poor in that area. He is a nice, quiet man who is bilingual and the most striking phrase from him was, "What to do? I need to earn a living." Selling tissue and Pocky sticks was certainly not below his dignity. But it must have been tough.
The 2nd uncle stations himself along a walkway to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. And you can't miss him. He has a plastic tubing attached near his chest and he keeps crying out, “Brothers, Sisters, please help me. I need to go for kidney dialysis. Please help me.”* His story is more heart-wrenching, and I believe that he is not alone in Singapore.
Besides having to go for kidney dialysis, he has heart problems and diabetes. NKF would not take him because of his heart problem so he had to go for dialysis at a private centre (Novena Medical Centre) as his condition requires a doctor to be around. When asked if there were help from the government, he said they would only help if he is willing to sell his 3-room flat and rent from HDB. It will be easy for us to say, “Sell the flat”, but few would understand that having your own roof over your head is a matter of security and dignity. Few would opt to sell unless it’s a life-and-death matter.
He has 2 young children, 12 and 14 years old, and his wife is currently hospitalised at TTSH after going through surgery for breast cancer. He is semi-blind because of diabetes and currently earns his living through selling tissues.
Yes, we may ask ourselves if his story is true. But how many of us would bother to first, get to know him as a friend, and second, to verify his account over the course of knowing him as a friend. Few of us would dare do this. Why? Because by then, you cannot say, “I don’t know.”
If there is any lesson to take home besides the sobering wake-up call of not loving my neighbour, it is the closing phrase of the tissue uncle. His parting words to me as I bid him goodbye was “谢谢你。 感恩，感恩。”** I wonder if I would say “感恩” too if I were in his situation.
May we be a grateful people, and good neighbours bearing the good news of Jesus Christ.
* Not exact quote. Paraphrased.
** Xie Xie Ni. Gan En. Gan En. translated as "Thank you. I give thanks. (I'm grateful)" (note: I do not know if he is a Christian although "Gan En" is often used by Christians.)
One can't help noticing the 2 uncles selling tissues and snacks like Pocky sticks in an area where you will pass by for lunch almost everyday. So here I whizz by, pass by, walk by, stride by; nothing happens. I figure Jesus could have used my name in place of the priest and the Levite in the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). There were also times when I told himself, “I’m not in the ‘mood’” or “I’m tired”; excuses that were far too easy to make. But I would have cringed if Jesus were to tell blind Bartimaeus (Mk 10:46-52) that he was not “in the mood” to heal him; especially when Bartimaeus was shouting and crying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
So I think enough is enough. Let's talk. Let's be a good neighbour. The 1st uncle sells his ware on a motorised wheelchair. He came all the way down from Woodlands because business was poor in that area. He is a nice, quiet man who is bilingual and the most striking phrase from him was, "What to do? I need to earn a living." Selling tissue and Pocky sticks was certainly not below his dignity. But it must have been tough.
The 2nd uncle stations himself along a walkway to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. And you can't miss him. He has a plastic tubing attached near his chest and he keeps crying out, “Brothers, Sisters, please help me. I need to go for kidney dialysis. Please help me.”* His story is more heart-wrenching, and I believe that he is not alone in Singapore.
Besides having to go for kidney dialysis, he has heart problems and diabetes. NKF would not take him because of his heart problem so he had to go for dialysis at a private centre (Novena Medical Centre) as his condition requires a doctor to be around. When asked if there were help from the government, he said they would only help if he is willing to sell his 3-room flat and rent from HDB. It will be easy for us to say, “Sell the flat”, but few would understand that having your own roof over your head is a matter of security and dignity. Few would opt to sell unless it’s a life-and-death matter.
He has 2 young children, 12 and 14 years old, and his wife is currently hospitalised at TTSH after going through surgery for breast cancer. He is semi-blind because of diabetes and currently earns his living through selling tissues.
Yes, we may ask ourselves if his story is true. But how many of us would bother to first, get to know him as a friend, and second, to verify his account over the course of knowing him as a friend. Few of us would dare do this. Why? Because by then, you cannot say, “I don’t know.”
If there is any lesson to take home besides the sobering wake-up call of not loving my neighbour, it is the closing phrase of the tissue uncle. His parting words to me as I bid him goodbye was “谢谢你。 感恩，感恩。”** I wonder if I would say “感恩” too if I were in his situation.
May we be a grateful people, and good neighbours bearing the good news of Jesus Christ.
* Not exact quote. Paraphrased.
** Xie Xie Ni. Gan En. Gan En. translated as "Thank you. I give thanks. (I'm grateful)" (note: I do not know if he is a Christian although "Gan En" is often used by Christians.)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
A "dream team" for Arsenal's next season
The season has ended and is another disappointment for Arsenal fans. I would like to reiterate my "dream" Arsenal team for next season. I think the so-called dream team is achievable and I hope it works.
[those in brackets are those in rotation/second lineup/backups]
4-4-2
GK: Shay Given (Wojciech Szczesny)
LB: Glichy (Gibbs)
CD: Vermaelen (Squillaci)
CD: Roger Johnson (Djourou/Koscielny)
RB: Sagna (Eboue)
LM: Asharvin (Diaby/Nasri)
DM: Scott Parker (Alex Song)
M: Fabregas (Wilshere)
RM: Walcott (Rosicky/Ramsey)
AM/F: Nasri (Rosicky/Asharvin/Walcott)
F: Van Persie (Bendtner/Chamark)
4-3-3
GK: Shay Given (Wojciech Szczesny)
LB: Glichy (Gibbs)
CD: Vermaelen (Squillaci)
CD: Roger Johnson (Djourou/Koscielny)
RB: Sagna (Eboue)
M: Wilshere (Diaby/Ramsey)
DM: Scott Parker (Alex Song)
M: Fabregas (Wilshere/Diaby)
AM/F: Walcott (Rosicky)
AM/F: Nasri (Asharvin)
F: Van Persie (Bendtner/Chamark)
Looking at Arsenal's style, I prefer a 4-3-3 as we're not a wing play team who crosses in effectively for headers and scoring opportunities. The more compact 3 man midfield is versatile and help to keep possessions better, with the roaming left and right AM/F running up and down the wings to create more space for passing.
Having a DM like Scott Parker would also mean more protection for the back four, as well as to win the ball in midfield and assure an attacking Fab or Wilshere that they can charge up without worries. Alex Song is not a DM in my opinion and he's not combative enough (I would think Wilshere is more combative but he needs to improve his tacking timing). Alex Song enjoys attacking more - so does the rest like Diaby, Fab and Wilshere.
Birmingham is relegated and Roger Johnson might move and he's a good defender to have - tall, good with headers(Arsenal's weakness), and a combative defender that Arsenal sorely need. Djorou is just not good enough - he's like another Senderos; decent but not exceptional.
I don't think Shay Given would want to stay as No.2 in Man City for long. He would probably take up Arsenal's offer but of course, Man City won't make it easy or cheap but he might just hand in a transfer request for a move. We need a top class goalkeeper and we can't shrink on the budget for this important component which has won us trophies (David Seaman, Lehmann).
So please Mr.Wenger. Buy us some good stuff and go for the title.
[those in brackets are those in rotation/second lineup/backups]
4-4-2
GK: Shay Given (Wojciech Szczesny)
LB: Glichy (Gibbs)
CD: Vermaelen (Squillaci)
CD: Roger Johnson (Djourou/Koscielny)
RB: Sagna (Eboue)
LM: Asharvin (Diaby/Nasri)
DM: Scott Parker (Alex Song)
M: Fabregas (Wilshere)
RM: Walcott (Rosicky/Ramsey)
AM/F: Nasri (Rosicky/Asharvin/Walcott)
F: Van Persie (Bendtner/Chamark)
4-3-3
GK: Shay Given (Wojciech Szczesny)
LB: Glichy (Gibbs)
CD: Vermaelen (Squillaci)
CD: Roger Johnson (Djourou/Koscielny)
RB: Sagna (Eboue)
M: Wilshere (Diaby/Ramsey)
DM: Scott Parker (Alex Song)
M: Fabregas (Wilshere/Diaby)
AM/F: Walcott (Rosicky)
AM/F: Nasri (Asharvin)
F: Van Persie (Bendtner/Chamark)
Looking at Arsenal's style, I prefer a 4-3-3 as we're not a wing play team who crosses in effectively for headers and scoring opportunities. The more compact 3 man midfield is versatile and help to keep possessions better, with the roaming left and right AM/F running up and down the wings to create more space for passing.
Having a DM like Scott Parker would also mean more protection for the back four, as well as to win the ball in midfield and assure an attacking Fab or Wilshere that they can charge up without worries. Alex Song is not a DM in my opinion and he's not combative enough (I would think Wilshere is more combative but he needs to improve his tacking timing). Alex Song enjoys attacking more - so does the rest like Diaby, Fab and Wilshere.
Birmingham is relegated and Roger Johnson might move and he's a good defender to have - tall, good with headers(Arsenal's weakness), and a combative defender that Arsenal sorely need. Djorou is just not good enough - he's like another Senderos; decent but not exceptional.
I don't think Shay Given would want to stay as No.2 in Man City for long. He would probably take up Arsenal's offer but of course, Man City won't make it easy or cheap but he might just hand in a transfer request for a move. We need a top class goalkeeper and we can't shrink on the budget for this important component which has won us trophies (David Seaman, Lehmann).
So please Mr.Wenger. Buy us some good stuff and go for the title.
Which vision?
Pastor Tan Seow How wrote in IMPACT magazine that "The competitors of Christianity are not other religions, but Apple, Google, BMW, Zouk and L4D2, etc (if you don't know what L4D2 is, Google it). The attractions of working in the prestigious MNCs, driving a BMW, hanging out with cool people in Zouk and buying the latest gadgets are captivating our young adults. Our vision in church must be more attractive than these."
Young people, what is your vision in Christ?
Young people, what is your vision in Christ?
Landscapes are changing - hast thou not seen?
The recent General Election in Singapore has caused many people to conclude that the political landscape is changing and that the PAP could no longer reach out to citizens and handle politics the way it has always been doing in the past.
It took the loss of a GRC with "heavyweight" ministers and a drop in total votes to wake them up. I ask, "What about the churches in Singapore? Have the leaders been listening to the ground? Or do they want to wait for some major upheaval before they start asking the right questions and engaging the people at their level."
While I recognised that the world is changing very rapidly and no one can keep up with the times, it does not give the people of God, especially leaders/ministers, the leeway to say that we do not need to know what is happening. It is overly simplistic to say "I know better. I have been a youth once. I have more experience. I know what is going on." if a minister would not listen to what the young people are facing, what the world is dishing out, and what are the waves that are coming.
Leaders of the church can no longer afford to give themselves excuses that they belong to a different generation who do not use ipod, ipad, msn, facebook, google and hence, they don't need to learn what these are. They need to take more public transport and go to places where the youth/young people hang out to see more of the current moral/spiritual/emotional landscape. What do you see?
1. I see more affections and sexual inklings expressed in public between members of opposite sex AND same sex.
2. I see more rantings, expressions of personal views, and a different person on Facebook than the person I see once a week in a "you-must-be-a-goodie-good-person" church.
3. I see more influence and faith placed on the advice of peers than the Bible when it comes to choosing vocation, prioritizing studies, spending money and what to wear.
The list can go on and on. If we have lost touch, admit it, say "Sorry" and back it up with actions. People say the church always tend to be reactive than proactive. Perhaps we can be proactive than reactive for a change.
From what I see, there is a need to engage the youth/young adults in:
1. Homosexuality and the Christian faith - there is much to discuss, explore and debate. This "wave" is coming, if you have not noticed. What does the Bible say? How do we love someone with a different sexual inclination? Can someone be a Christian even if he/she has an inclination to remain liking the same gender?
2. Sexuality and the Christian faith - let's not kid ourselves. A large % of young boys and girls have been exposed to pornography and for some, sex from a much earlier age. Those who are addicted or struggle with porn and masturbation are crying out for help, but are afraid they'll be condemned and cast away like lepers. The shame and fear can be overbearing. Is there a healthy and loving platform to talk about such things? Is there a place to discuss what the Bible talks about sexuality, sex and marriage in a real way?
3. Wisdom and the Christian Faith - okay, Wisdom is a big word. What I really want to say is that we need to help the younger folks to think. The "you-do-what-I-say-because-I/the-Bible-says-so" is not a helpful method for this generation. They need to understand why, to dig the Bible and think what it says, and to become wise. The world is becoming increasing post-modern(or already is) and we need to help them to think and to live wisely. They have too many choices, too little though process, too used to getting spoon-fed in school, too reliant on the words of church leaders, and too resistant to opinions different from theirs. We need to engage their mind with the Word and real lives and relationships.
So I hope we get slap in the face and wake up before we once again become reactive. May the Lord give us all wisdom and patience to listen, engage, and do what is pleasing to Him for His glory. Amen.
It took the loss of a GRC with "heavyweight" ministers and a drop in total votes to wake them up. I ask, "What about the churches in Singapore? Have the leaders been listening to the ground? Or do they want to wait for some major upheaval before they start asking the right questions and engaging the people at their level."
While I recognised that the world is changing very rapidly and no one can keep up with the times, it does not give the people of God, especially leaders/ministers, the leeway to say that we do not need to know what is happening. It is overly simplistic to say "I know better. I have been a youth once. I have more experience. I know what is going on." if a minister would not listen to what the young people are facing, what the world is dishing out, and what are the waves that are coming.
Leaders of the church can no longer afford to give themselves excuses that they belong to a different generation who do not use ipod, ipad, msn, facebook, google and hence, they don't need to learn what these are. They need to take more public transport and go to places where the youth/young people hang out to see more of the current moral/spiritual/emotional landscape. What do you see?
1. I see more affections and sexual inklings expressed in public between members of opposite sex AND same sex.
2. I see more rantings, expressions of personal views, and a different person on Facebook than the person I see once a week in a "you-must-be-a-goodie-good-person" church.
3. I see more influence and faith placed on the advice of peers than the Bible when it comes to choosing vocation, prioritizing studies, spending money and what to wear.
The list can go on and on. If we have lost touch, admit it, say "Sorry" and back it up with actions. People say the church always tend to be reactive than proactive. Perhaps we can be proactive than reactive for a change.
From what I see, there is a need to engage the youth/young adults in:
1. Homosexuality and the Christian faith - there is much to discuss, explore and debate. This "wave" is coming, if you have not noticed. What does the Bible say? How do we love someone with a different sexual inclination? Can someone be a Christian even if he/she has an inclination to remain liking the same gender?
2. Sexuality and the Christian faith - let's not kid ourselves. A large % of young boys and girls have been exposed to pornography and for some, sex from a much earlier age. Those who are addicted or struggle with porn and masturbation are crying out for help, but are afraid they'll be condemned and cast away like lepers. The shame and fear can be overbearing. Is there a healthy and loving platform to talk about such things? Is there a place to discuss what the Bible talks about sexuality, sex and marriage in a real way?
3. Wisdom and the Christian Faith - okay, Wisdom is a big word. What I really want to say is that we need to help the younger folks to think. The "you-do-what-I-say-because-I/the-Bible-says-so" is not a helpful method for this generation. They need to understand why, to dig the Bible and think what it says, and to become wise. The world is becoming increasing post-modern(or already is) and we need to help them to think and to live wisely. They have too many choices, too little though process, too used to getting spoon-fed in school, too reliant on the words of church leaders, and too resistant to opinions different from theirs. We need to engage their mind with the Word and real lives and relationships.
So I hope we get slap in the face and wake up before we once again become reactive. May the Lord give us all wisdom and patience to listen, engage, and do what is pleasing to Him for His glory. Amen.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Hope for the Downtrodden
"The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:9-10
Yes Lord, you have NEVER forsaken those who seek you. You are their stronghold in times of trouble and they will trust you because they know you. Thank you Lord for being our refuge.
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:9-10
Yes Lord, you have NEVER forsaken those who seek you. You are their stronghold in times of trouble and they will trust you because they know you. Thank you Lord for being our refuge.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Arsenal, why you so like that?
The post below were actually written last year, mid-way through the season. Here's my post-mortem of Arsenal's season, with key points that are pretty similar to the post below.
1. If there is any reason why Arsenal cannot win this season, it has to be the defence. I've said it, I'll say it again. Arsenal can't win without a good defence. Its defence is still chaotic and without strong leadership (think Adams and Vieira - no titles ever since then), you get foolish results: Arsenal lead Newcastle 4-0 at HT and drew 4-4 at FT. Arsenal lead Spurs 3-1 and drew 3-3 at FT. Arsenal were looking more likely to score when Birmingham scored the easiest goal of the season to win the Carling cup after a schoolboy defensive mix-up. Arsenal were going to win Liverpool when Eboue gave away a stupid penalty. And the list goes on.
Please get an experienced and proven defender to partner Vermaelen at the centre. The rest are just not good enough.
2. The DM problem is still not resolved which means the back 4 is still poorly protected. No one is a natural ball-winner at Arsenal. We need a Scott Parker.
3. The goalkeeping issue is still an issue. Please get Shay Given. Enough is enough.
4. Who is leaving this time round? I don't know. But 5 years of emptiness can be too much for any players to stomach, even young players.
5. Get a good goalkeeper and central defender, and some star players might stay for another season.
Cheers to all disappointed gooner fans.
1. If there is any reason why Arsenal cannot win this season, it has to be the defence. I've said it, I'll say it again. Arsenal can't win without a good defence. Its defence is still chaotic and without strong leadership (think Adams and Vieira - no titles ever since then), you get foolish results: Arsenal lead Newcastle 4-0 at HT and drew 4-4 at FT. Arsenal lead Spurs 3-1 and drew 3-3 at FT. Arsenal were looking more likely to score when Birmingham scored the easiest goal of the season to win the Carling cup after a schoolboy defensive mix-up. Arsenal were going to win Liverpool when Eboue gave away a stupid penalty. And the list goes on.
Please get an experienced and proven defender to partner Vermaelen at the centre. The rest are just not good enough.
2. The DM problem is still not resolved which means the back 4 is still poorly protected. No one is a natural ball-winner at Arsenal. We need a Scott Parker.
3. The goalkeeping issue is still an issue. Please get Shay Given. Enough is enough.
4. Who is leaving this time round? I don't know. But 5 years of emptiness can be too much for any players to stomach, even young players.
5. Get a good goalkeeper and central defender, and some star players might stay for another season.
Cheers to all disappointed gooner fans.
Why Arsenal Cannot Win
If there is any reason why Arsenal cannot win this season, it has to be the defence.
Looking at the Man U vs Arsenal match, it is obvious Arsenal clearly needs someone who is solid in the centre of defence and who can bark orders around. Arsenal's defence is an absolute mess and far too easy for Man U to breach at will.
Arsenal sorely missed Vermaelen and needs one more solid central defender. Squillaci, Koscielny and Djourou are just not good enough. The defence is chaotic at the present moment without strong leadership (think Adams and Vieira - no titles ever since then).
The DM problem is still not resolved. Song is getting better but he's not really a DM, nor is Denilson. Why do we need a DM? Cos almost everyone else attacks. Without a DM, the left and right wing are almost always badly exposed and as well as the centre of the park. By now, you should know how badly Arsenal handles counter attacks.
The goalkeeping issue is still an issue. You may say fabianski and szczesny have potential but Arsenal need a world class keeper now, not those with potential. As for Almunia, I'll still say the same - decent shot stopper but not world class (you compare him with Van der Sar, Cech, Given and Reina and you can see why). Why don't Wenger just get Given???
Some positives:
Chamakh has added an attacking option for Arsenal with good aerial power so now at least there's some sense in making crosses.
Song and Wilshere has grown but again, that's not what is desperately needed. There's Diaby, Fabregas & Nasri who can play at central positions and it's way too congested.
RVP has recovered and so did Fab. Hopefully they will return to form again and join Nasri as the in-form list.
Looking at the Man U vs Arsenal match, it is obvious Arsenal clearly needs someone who is solid in the centre of defence and who can bark orders around. Arsenal's defence is an absolute mess and far too easy for Man U to breach at will.
Arsenal sorely missed Vermaelen and needs one more solid central defender. Squillaci, Koscielny and Djourou are just not good enough. The defence is chaotic at the present moment without strong leadership (think Adams and Vieira - no titles ever since then).
The DM problem is still not resolved. Song is getting better but he's not really a DM, nor is Denilson. Why do we need a DM? Cos almost everyone else attacks. Without a DM, the left and right wing are almost always badly exposed and as well as the centre of the park. By now, you should know how badly Arsenal handles counter attacks.
The goalkeeping issue is still an issue. You may say fabianski and szczesny have potential but Arsenal need a world class keeper now, not those with potential. As for Almunia, I'll still say the same - decent shot stopper but not world class (you compare him with Van der Sar, Cech, Given and Reina and you can see why). Why don't Wenger just get Given???
Some positives:
Chamakh has added an attacking option for Arsenal with good aerial power so now at least there's some sense in making crosses.
Song and Wilshere has grown but again, that's not what is desperately needed. There's Diaby, Fabregas & Nasri who can play at central positions and it's way too congested.
RVP has recovered and so did Fab. Hopefully they will return to form again and join Nasri as the in-form list.
The Never-ending Pursuit for Meaning and Happiness
"Men are in a restless pursuit after satisfaction in earthly things. They will exhaust themselves in the deceitful delights of sin, and, finding them all to be vanity and emptiness, they will become very perplexed and disappointed. But they will continue their fruitless search. Though wearied, they still stagger forward under the influence of spiritual madness, and though there is no result to be reached except that of everlasting disappointment, yet they press forward. They have no forethought for their eternal state; the present hour absorbs them. They turn to another and another of earth's broken cisterns, hoping to find water where not a drop was ever discovered yet." Charles Spurgeon
Friday, March 25, 2011
Where are the MEN???!!!
This is not new and I am sure you have heard this over and over again. "Where are the men in the church?" This is not only a local church issue but a global one. There is a lack of men in the mission field in areas where men are very much needed.
In a local church setting, many men are missing(physically AND/OR spiritually). I've many wonderful and godly lady friends but it seem the wonderful and godly men are either missing or taken. I'm not saying that singlehood is bad or wrong but the issue is not that the ladies want to remain single for life. Rather, one major issue is the lack of good, godly men (that are still single).
I have heard and read countless times of news from missionaries in the field that they need MEN. To do what? To reach out to boys and men and talk about men stuff and to do the things guys do together. This situation is actually worse than the situation at home in the local church. In a recent encounter with a group of 6 missionary candidates, I saw that there was only 1 male. Where the men?
Are they less reached? Do they resist the gospel more than women? Are they too pre-occupied with striving for their family that cross-cultural work became the least of priorities? Why are there less males in the church? And especially so in the mission field?
As a guy, maybe it is time to think about this. About reaching a guy friend, about going to places where you are more needed, about leading your family into a strange place for the gospel's sake.
So where are the men? You're 'it'. You are the answer if you are a man reading this. Go and fish some.
In a local church setting, many men are missing(physically AND/OR spiritually). I've many wonderful and godly lady friends but it seem the wonderful and godly men are either missing or taken. I'm not saying that singlehood is bad or wrong but the issue is not that the ladies want to remain single for life. Rather, one major issue is the lack of good, godly men (that are still single).
I have heard and read countless times of news from missionaries in the field that they need MEN. To do what? To reach out to boys and men and talk about men stuff and to do the things guys do together. This situation is actually worse than the situation at home in the local church. In a recent encounter with a group of 6 missionary candidates, I saw that there was only 1 male. Where the men?
Are they less reached? Do they resist the gospel more than women? Are they too pre-occupied with striving for their family that cross-cultural work became the least of priorities? Why are there less males in the church? And especially so in the mission field?
As a guy, maybe it is time to think about this. About reaching a guy friend, about going to places where you are more needed, about leading your family into a strange place for the gospel's sake.
So where are the men? You're 'it'. You are the answer if you are a man reading this. Go and fish some.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Comfort for those grieving
I once read this in an obituary and I thought it was beautiful.
God saw you getting tired, when a cure was not to be.
He wrapped his arms around you and whispered, "Come to Me."
In tears we saw you sinking. We watched you fade away.
Our hearts were broken, as you fought so hard to stay.
But when we saw you sleeping so peacefully free from pain
We could not wish you back to suffer so again.
So keep your arms around him God, and give him special care,
Make up for all he suffered and all that seemed unfair.
God saw you getting tired, when a cure was not to be.
He wrapped his arms around you and whispered, "Come to Me."
In tears we saw you sinking. We watched you fade away.
Our hearts were broken, as you fought so hard to stay.
But when we saw you sleeping so peacefully free from pain
We could not wish you back to suffer so again.
So keep your arms around him God, and give him special care,
Make up for all he suffered and all that seemed unfair.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The Uninterested and Interested
Pastor Michael wrote an interesting article called "Dropping the Rope, Holding Hands, And Learning To Walk Together." It talks about uninterested parishioners*, flawed perceptions and the struggles of a pastor.
How do ministry workers handle the interested and the uninterested? From experience, these are the few ways I've observed.
1. Forget about the uninterested. They are wasting my time. Give 100% to those who are interested.
2. "Pull" the uninterested, give them 90% attention and 10% to those interested. After all, the interested ones will not become uninterested or grow cold.
3. Do nothing about both. I'm too busy. The interested will come to me, and the uninterested ones won't. So I let them decide.
All of the above are not ideal. The 1st one has effectively shut out the uninterested who might in time become interested. The 2nd one thinks that spending more time equals to getting uninterested parishioners more interested but this usually does not happen. And it's bad to assume the neglected interested ones will keep going; they can drop off the radar (we're humans!). The 3rd one can't be bothered with both.
So what is the ideal? I like what Pastor Michael said. "I will care and give correct spiritual guidance to both the interested and the uninterested. I will never be so far out front that I waste effort on the truly uninterested, but I will stay engaged (appropriately so) to see when the spark of interest ignites" It's a good balance which every minister need to take heed of. And to always pray for the uninterested because that's the only thing that really works for them.
I think Jesus gives us a perfect picture of the balance. Ask yourself, "What Will Jesus Do?"(WWJD) when you look at your church - the interested, uninterested, the good, the bad and the ugly and oh, that includes you too :)
*Parishioner = another term for Church member, churchgoer
How do ministry workers handle the interested and the uninterested? From experience, these are the few ways I've observed.
1. Forget about the uninterested. They are wasting my time. Give 100% to those who are interested.
2. "Pull" the uninterested, give them 90% attention and 10% to those interested. After all, the interested ones will not become uninterested or grow cold.
3. Do nothing about both. I'm too busy. The interested will come to me, and the uninterested ones won't. So I let them decide.
All of the above are not ideal. The 1st one has effectively shut out the uninterested who might in time become interested. The 2nd one thinks that spending more time equals to getting uninterested parishioners more interested but this usually does not happen. And it's bad to assume the neglected interested ones will keep going; they can drop off the radar (we're humans!). The 3rd one can't be bothered with both.
So what is the ideal? I like what Pastor Michael said. "I will care and give correct spiritual guidance to both the interested and the uninterested. I will never be so far out front that I waste effort on the truly uninterested, but I will stay engaged (appropriately so) to see when the spark of interest ignites" It's a good balance which every minister need to take heed of. And to always pray for the uninterested because that's the only thing that really works for them.
I think Jesus gives us a perfect picture of the balance. Ask yourself, "What Will Jesus Do?"(WWJD) when you look at your church - the interested, uninterested, the good, the bad and the ugly and oh, that includes you too :)
*Parishioner = another term for Church member, churchgoer
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Revisiting Contentment
Someone once said, "There are two ways to be rich. One is to have all you want. The other is to be contented with what you have."
I was reading this book with the quote above and it kind of zoomed in on my recent "wants" list now that I've started working. I've been dreaming of getting a much better DSLR cos my Nikon D70 is like a dinosaur when it comes to more accurate metering and good white balance. The other on my list is a new macbook cos my powerbook is dying with a spoilt DVD-ROM and an almost dead graphic card giving my monitor bizzare colours, streaked lines and bad resolution.
So does that warrant a change, and the spending of a few thousands? Looks like it but I know I was reminded that it is a "NO". Couple of reasons: The D70 still works fine although I am more dissatisfied with it than a few years ago, and I am not a professional. As for the mac, well, the office has just gotten new laptops for us to use and it works fine. (Although I must say Windows is as yucky as ever and programs crash whenever they like.)
So at the end of the day, I can still live without a new DSLR and a new mac, and that makes them more of a "want" than a "need" now. As for the couple of thousands that I planned to save and buy them, I supposed they can be better used somewhere (or kept).
"Contentment makes a poor man rich; discontentment makes a rich man poor."
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." - 1 Tim 6:6-7
Quotes in italics are taken from the book "Help! I'm growing old" by Chuan Tong-Ik.
I was reading this book with the quote above and it kind of zoomed in on my recent "wants" list now that I've started working. I've been dreaming of getting a much better DSLR cos my Nikon D70 is like a dinosaur when it comes to more accurate metering and good white balance. The other on my list is a new macbook cos my powerbook is dying with a spoilt DVD-ROM and an almost dead graphic card giving my monitor bizzare colours, streaked lines and bad resolution.
So does that warrant a change, and the spending of a few thousands? Looks like it but I know I was reminded that it is a "NO". Couple of reasons: The D70 still works fine although I am more dissatisfied with it than a few years ago, and I am not a professional. As for the mac, well, the office has just gotten new laptops for us to use and it works fine. (Although I must say Windows is as yucky as ever and programs crash whenever they like.)
So at the end of the day, I can still live without a new DSLR and a new mac, and that makes them more of a "want" than a "need" now. As for the couple of thousands that I planned to save and buy them, I supposed they can be better used somewhere (or kept).
"Contentment makes a poor man rich; discontentment makes a rich man poor."
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." - 1 Tim 6:6-7
Quotes in italics are taken from the book "Help! I'm growing old" by Chuan Tong-Ik.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Do you know your value?
"In any museum we will find quite ordinary things - clothes, a walking stick, a pen, pieces of furniture - which are only of value because they were possessed and used by some great person. It is the ownership which gives them worth. It is so with the Christian. The Christian may be a very ordinary person, but he acquires a new value and dignity and greatness because he belongs to God. The greatness of the Christian lies in the fact that he is God's." -- William Barclay
Monday, January 10, 2011
The joy of hindsight - 2010
Woah, it has really been a "long time" since I last blogged. Plenty of ideas but didn't get them logged down.
2010 has been a very eventful year: I finished my studies in bible school, made many good friends with kindred spirit and learned a lot.God has been so so good. He is indeed faithful.
Looking back at the years, not just 2010, I began to understand more and more of God's plans and timing. There are more "aha"s as I looked back and some of my earlier "why"s have been answered. That is why He is God, isn't it? He knows best, does the best, fulfils His plans and everything is in His hands.
"Praise the Lord O my soul, all my inmost being praise His holy name" Ps 103:1
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isa 55:8-9
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" Pro 3:5-6
I think this is really a good way to live life, isn't it? May we always praise the Lord, trust in Him and do all things according to His will.
Welcome 2011.
2010 has been a very eventful year: I finished my studies in bible school, made many good friends with kindred spirit and learned a lot.God has been so so good. He is indeed faithful.
Looking back at the years, not just 2010, I began to understand more and more of God's plans and timing. There are more "aha"s as I looked back and some of my earlier "why"s have been answered. That is why He is God, isn't it? He knows best, does the best, fulfils His plans and everything is in His hands.
"Praise the Lord O my soul, all my inmost being praise His holy name" Ps 103:1
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isa 55:8-9
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" Pro 3:5-6
I think this is really a good way to live life, isn't it? May we always praise the Lord, trust in Him and do all things according to His will.
Welcome 2011.
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