Reflections on my "most memorable day"

Hi again!

Firstly, I want to thank all my bros & Sis, Friends and all for the concern shown. haha. Yup, I am unhurt, only a scartch on the lips, nothing much! haha. Compared to the extent of the accident and how my car crash, one will come out wondering why there is only a scratch on my lips. Thank God for His Grace and Protection!
And also, no, I do not have to pay for the damages! hee.. Dun worry, i will not be bankrupt. Cos our car was not in the wrong, so the other party's insurance will be settling all repairs and claims costs, not ours. =)
(=THANKS FOR ALL YOUR CONCERN! =)

Till now, once in a while the scene of the "last second before accident" still flash back over and over again.

~Imagine while I'm driving normally on the right lane, no cars in front of me, traffic lights are shown green, and I am driving on a normal road, not expressway, so with moderate speed. Just out of the blue, a blue car turn out from a small road on the left and appears in front of my car!~

That was the scariest moment of the time. When me and my dad saw the blue car suddenly turn out in front of us, we knew in our hearts that there is no way my car can brake in time. We KNEW we are going right into the blue car-but we do not know what will happen next.

It is just so sudden, so unpredictable, so unavoidable, so out of the blue!

I realised life is like this. One day we might be happily eating our lives away, the next day, no one can gurantee what will happen to us. We may pump ourselves with vitamins and supplements, go jogging and keep ourselves fit, but when a disaster strikes, when it is time for you to leave the earth, there is no running away.

Therefore, the question for all of us is: Do we know what will happen to us when that one day strikes? If we do not know, I think it is time for us to find out.

For me, death happened to pass me by on Friday. But even if death were to strike hard on me (a 21 yr old young chap), I am in no regret, no worries, and I hope my families, bros and sis, friends and loved ones will not be overly grieved over me. (ok I know not many ppl will grief over me, but just in case, pls let me continue.. hehe) For I know I will be a t a happier place, a place of rest and glory. A place where swine flu will never strike, terrorism never happens, where working OT just do not exist. That is the final destination for me. (And I hope it will be also for all of you who are reading this blog).

Anyway, for prayer requests:

1. Please pray for my mum, cos she had a slight knock on her jaw. Not very serious, just a knock, cos she was sitting behind and didnt get to see the blue car coming out of no where. so not prepared for the crash i guess? yup.

Anyway, I'm going to end here le. Maybe one day I can post the pictures of the accident here for you guys to see. hahaha.. but if not, i can show you guys the pictures from my phone. Just so amazing how I remain unhurt. haha.. Thank God! =)

The most "Memorable" Day of my life (for now)

My lips hurts now. It is just a pain so slight/minute, that it does not irritates nor bother me at all. Yet, it(the pain) is being felt, claiming its presence in me, constantly. I do not mind the pain, in fact, I do not mind having it on me all the rest of my life if it will constantly remind me of God's grace and protection for me today.

I was driving along Tampines Ave 7 on the right lane, planning to go shopping with my parents. It is a normal day, a rare holiday in fact! The road was dry, the sky was clear, the road traffic was light, and I was driving just like any other day, with constant normal speed along the road, chatting with my parents who were in the car. We thought today would be a normal light holiday for all of us.

But just as when nobody expects, a blue car turns out from a road on the left and by the time I knew it, it was right in front of me! (Well, i'm going to pause here, for this scene has been always flashing through my mind-That period of "split-second" before crash)

**CRASH**

I tried to jam the break, it was working, but it cant do magic! The crash was literally unavoidable.

Immediately after the crash, I came out of the car, so did my mum. But my dad, who was sitting beside me, was having problems with his seat belt, and he was stuck! Fumes of gas started to arise, Oil were dripping out of the car. All I knew then was that all of us have to evacuate the car at all cost. I tried to free my dad's seatbelt, but had difficulties at first too. But after a few tries, thank God, my dad was able to come out safely too.

Then it was the other passengers in the other car. There were 2 small kids, with her mum(the driver) and a maid. They are still inside the car! And the mum was making a call in the car! Wh not come out then talk on the phone?? Probably her door was stuck too. I went over and forced open her front and back door and have them come out of the car.

~Thank God no one was seriously injured~ Though the kids were crying, probably after shock. But thank God, only metals(scarp metals now) were at stake.

I called the police then and inform them about it. I must make a compliment here: In less 3 minutes, the police arrived on scene. That was really fast.

Anyway, the female driver and me exchanged particulars and she immediately point out that she is willing to compensate but because the car was not hers, but of her deceased hubby, so might be complicated. Then my dad also asked her the question that is in all our minds "Why did she just turn out like that so quickly?(Like i dun think she even stop at the stop line to take a look?)"

Her reply was that she cant see me, and that her kids pestered her that they urgently have to pee! =.=

And right at that spot, her kids are pestering to go pee. So the mother kindly asked the police if the kid can just pee there. =.=" Haha! But immediately, the kid do not want to pee le! LOL

Ok, so all in all, the kids were sent to hospital to be in observation (now discharged le), my mum went home by taxi to look for our insurance documents. I went to lodge a police report at the police station, and my dad waited on scene for the towing to arrive.

I just pray that this case can ultimately end justly and well. But I put my faith in our Lord, to bring us through this tide, and that this case will conclude in a "God glorifying" manner. But I'm most glad that no one was seriously hurt, though my mum's jaw was slightly knocked, but it is not serious. Thank God.

After that, thank God that we still manage to be on time for a dinner organised by the church and have a great time there. Thank God for the caring bros and sis who showed their concern.

At this point of time, I want to share what I have learnt(really) from this incident:

1. There are many things in life we cannot expect. By law and rules, I may not be in the wrong(trafically speaking), but many things cannot expected/avoided even. Death seems so close, but were by God's grace, we were protected.
2. God's grace is abundant. What if the car exploded? What if the car was crashed/dented slightly more? What if due to the accident, someone was seriously injured or even died? To be honest, I was gratefully surprised that no one was injured. Thank God!
3. It is good sometimes to obey law and submit to authority even small little laws that seem unimportant? (I almost forgotten to pu on my P-Plate, but when remembered, though it is a useless plate and sounds bit meaningless to me, I still have it put on). So when the accident happen, at least we fulfilled all law requirements, and was not at fault.
4. All of us are still surviving because God still has a plan and purpose in our lives. Therefore, let my life onwards, be like a living sacrifice for the Lord.
5. Assurance of salvation is indeed so great! What if due to the accident I died, where will I be? Thank God for this I am assured that I will be heading to the heavenly home. But for my dearest friends reading this, I want to tell you that no one is too young to die. Involved in the accident was a 9 yr old kid so young, a 20+ yr old guy in his healthy and happy days(me), a 30+ mother who just previosuly lost her husband, a 50 year old dad and mum at the peak of their life. Thus, NONE of us are immune to death. But by God's grace, we were saved.
6. Give thanks in all circumstances! Thank God the accident was affecting metals and not flesh.
7. And finally, if you are a kid, please understand your parents. DO NOT PESTER YOUR PARENTS TO DRIVE FASTER JUST BECAUSE YOU WANT TO PEE!! (To tell the truth, I was guilty of pestering my parents to drive faster in the past when driving in Malaysia, because I wanted to go the the toilet real bad!) LOL.

For my dearest bros and sis who would like to keep me in prayer, pls pray for me in the following(And thanks so much in advance anyway!):

1. Thank God! For His Grace, mercy, for supporting and understanding parents who in the loss of their new car, understood that it was unavoidable, and was not under our control. Thank God also for us able to still attend a dinner straight after the accident(its just so amazing!), and also all of you caring bros and sis who are reading this and praying for me. =)
2. My mum picked up a slight knock at her jaws. Not really serious, but just pray that she could fully recover.
3. Pray that I will remember the Grace of God, and find strength from this instead of fear.
4. Pray for the post accident things that we have to do. All the insurance, statement, police report, repairs, claims and all. Pray that the case will conclude justly and according to God's will. Pray for wisdom for the IO(Investigation Officer) to make wise/just decision.
5. Pray that we will still get back a nice car to drive again! Hee.. =)

One thing for now I am sure, that God protected me and showed mercy and Grace to me. God still has a purpose for me to serve Him. Let my every single additional days that I am living be for the Lord. From now, till God says my job on earth is completed.

But from now, I'll be singing this tune as long as the pain in my lips will last, and as long as my mind can remember, and as long as I LIVE:

"Through ma-ny dan-gers, toils and snare,
I hath already come.
This Grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And Grace will lead me home."

To God be the Glory, Praise and all Thanks! =)

Hi all readers! I'm sooo sorry to be so update-less in this blog. Have been very lazy to blog. But anyway, just wat to wish all of you a Blessed New Year! =)

Dec has been a busy time for me, even more busy than before I ORDed. But, it was a great time I had! YF camps, family outings, carollings, movies, christmas celebrations and all! In this time, I got to know people more and yea, thank God for it! But I shall not go into details for all these, cos it is the.... PAST! yep..

The world have not wrapped up nicely in 2008. We have economy crisis, we hear of wars and violence in other parts of the world like war in palestine and terrorist in India, political unrest, melamine taintings, and natural disasters like sichuan earthquake.

But let us remember, aren't all these actually prophesized already in the bible? Since we believe the bible is true, these things HAS TO happen! There is no way we can run away from it anyway! Hmmmm.. Some of you might be cursing me now saying... "Thanks ah for being soo encouraging(sarcastically).."

But dearest bro, sis and friends, I want to share with you a song:

I don't know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day;
I don't borrow from it's sunshine, For it's skies may turn to gray.
I don't worry o'er the future, For I know what Jesus said;
And today I'll walk beside Him, For He knows what lies ahead

(chorus) Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand

Indeed, in 2009, uncertainty is certain. We may not know the future, we may not know what lies ahead, we may not be in control of tomorrow, but, God knows and holds tomorrow. So why am I still worrying. Even though the bible says the world as it is nearing the end times may have many disasters and turmoil, but here are some bible promises for us to hold on to:

"My grace is sufficient for you" 2 Corinthians 12:9
"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want." Ps 23:1
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." John 14:27

And lastly, if the world is so uncertain, what can we invest on earth that will not be taken away from us? Let us fixed our eyes on Jesus and have faith in Him instead :

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." 1 Tim 6:17

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:19-20


So for myself, as I enter into 2009, there is soo much uncertainty. So much to look forward too! I will be working from 12 jan onwards. I do not know what it will be like, pray that it'll turn out good. I just cant believe i am sooo old now. 21 this year?? Nono.. I am still young at heart! =)
Prob I shall deceive myself no longer, I am entering into a new phase in life! Say goodbye to secondary school carefree life, say goodbye to JC life, say goodby to army(left, right, left, right) life... Now is working and then to Uni le! hmmmm... Thus my resolution for 2009:

Hold on to God's promises and rely on God to overcome ALL things and serve God even better!

Anyway.. on a lighter note... I bought fifa09 on PSP le! Quite expensive, consider I am buying it first hand, but I believe it will be worth it. Cos for my work coming soon, I have to travel really long, approx 1hr45min on the bus! So, that will be 3.5 hrs on the bus for both trips! Wow!

Oh ya, and tml I am going to chalet le. Its my army pals chalet! Its been a long time since we met! Really look forward to the reunion and having fun! Thu, I will be joinging a NUS christian fellowship bible study camp which ray tan invited me to. Thanks Ray for the invite, really look forward to learn more about God's word, just dunno if I would be extra.. haha. Cos I am not even a NUS student yet! Haha!

So, I thin I'll blog till here. Oh ya, from this year on, prob I will forgo the ~A proverbs a day, keep foolishness away~ section. That was for last year, hope you guys find it useful, er... But, this year, I'll prob just post some encouragements from the bible for you guys and stay tuned to Agong's testimony!~ hope the next update will be soon! =)

Hi everyone again! Its been a long long time since I blogged. So sorry people! Let me see.. The last time I blogged was when I ORD!? Anyway, I've gotten over the ORD joy already.

From that day until now, almost a month, I have been more busy than I've been few weeks before I ORDed. Went for those 1-2 days job assignments as waiter and promoter too. Participated and helped out in church sunday school camps as well as other activities. Went to HongKong and Macau with my family as well as Shane's family too. Ok, before I continue, I must warn that this post will be a long one since its been sometime since I blogged. Read at your own peril!

Ok, lets talk about the sunday school camp (VBS) first that I helped out. I was the teacher for Pri 4-5 for the 2 days. Wow, its really been a great experience for me teaching young kids! Its my absolute first time teaching a class of about 25-30 students that young! Have to exaggerate emotions and tones a bit while I was telling bible stories. But thank God, all went well! It was tiring, but all worth it seeing smiles on the kid's faces and knowing that they have learnt God's word. =)

Next big event was my overseas trip with my family and shane's family to HK and Macau. A total of 9 peole travelled together. Macau was more of eating and shopping since we do not gamble at Casinos. (really!) But its such an eye-opener seeing such luxurious hotels. From the exterior design of the hotel to the toilet of the hotels, I must say I was somewhat impressed. Haha!

Next was Hong Kong! We went to 2 theme parks, both disney land and ocean park. Disney land is somewhat boring. If I am 10 years younger, I guess I would have enjoyed more! =) But the ocean park is interesting! There are thrillling rides unlike disney land. Not only that, the best is their aquarium! So captivated by the large fishes, sting-rays and turtles swimming about. One of the sting-ray even went half-submerged and spray water on my mum while my mum tries to take a close shot of it. Really hilarious! There are still other attractions, but I will spare all other readers the boredom to read through my whole journey. So will share to you guys personally in person ba! =)

Alright, lets get on to what happened today! Today was the SCEL youth arise conference at chin lien bible seminary. The whole day schedule is like that: eat, sermon, eat, sermon, eat, sermon, eat! Wow. Both physially and spiritually well fed! The whole theme of the conference is about getting back to the bible. Be it worship style, or our daily christian lifestlye and all - get back to the bible! For worship style, one question raise was are we now really worshipping God, or are we entertaining the sheep(worshipper)? There are also many qs from the audience on what the bible say about tatooing, dying hair, piercings, and many others. The bible definitely did not list down the things you cannot do or you can do in specific. But what we can help to conclude from the bible is this 4 points:

1) Does this thing/activity comes from God?

2) Does doing this glorify God's name?

3) Does doing this benefit/build up other people?

4) Does doing this benefit yourself in a good way or bad way?

So if your answer is "no" in any of it, my advise is, you do not have to do it! Lets take an example : Can we tatoo?

Qs 1- no. Qs 2- no. Qs 3- no. Qs4- bad way.

Thus answer is, do not tatoo! But there are some who ask, how about tatoo-ing some good message like "Jesus loves you!" LOL! I was like laughing when I heard this. ok, lets try the qs.

Qs 1- no. Qs 2- Mostly no. Qs 3- debatable. yes? (for me is no) Qs 4- bad way

So again, its not a good idea to tatoo that too! If you really want people to know the good news of Jesus' Christ, there are 101 ways of doing it, why find excuses to tatoo? Really funny.

Ok, lastly, before I move on to proverbs, let me publicise that this Saturday, 13 Dec, 5pm, there is a musical gospel rally in my church. The theme is "The christmas wish". I want to invite ALL of you who are reading this (yes, you!), to come listen to the wonderful musical as well as knowing what is the true meaning of christmas. Every Christmas, we've had many Christmas trees, Santa Clauses, many Christmas carols and perhaps received some gifts from family and friends. But dearest friends, what is the TRUE meaning of christmas? What is the greatest gift we can ever receive? If you're free or interested, just give me a call, sms, email, tag or whatever you want la. lol. Its free(of course), and since it'll be till 7pm, there will be dinner too! (Not really the most important... but yea.. yummy!)

~A Proverbs A Day, Keeps Foolishness Away~

Proverbs 8:13 :

"To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech."

From proverbs 1:7 we already know that "the fear of the Lord" is the beginning of knowledge(wisdom). If you fear the Lord, you will have wisdom. And this "I" said in 8:13, is refering to wisdom. Thus, whoever possess this "I" (wisdom) will hate pride, arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

Sometimes when we read proverbs, we suddenly remember of one person whom we know who fits the description perfectly. One who is proud, arrogant, induldge in evil behavior and speak with perverse words and speech. Its just soooooo easy to think of one person who fits the bill! Because we are just merely pointing fingers! But shall we take time to reflect on ourselves?

For me, I know that I have been proud in many times, and that many times, I fell too. I've been selfish at times too which result in evil behavior. I've not spoken constructive words all the times, in fact said many which stumble others too.

Thus may the Lord help me(and us) to hate evil, clothe with humility, living a life for God and speak what is good for others. And that is through - learning to fear the Lord.

ORD LOR!
Finally, NS life is over! Thank God! There are so many ups and downs in NS life, but thank God, because he led me through all of them. I've got postings which is so suitable for me. May not be the most slack, but it is the best for me. NS life have indeed help me grow closer to God, somewhat weird, but is a common thing amongst brothers in NS.

I can't believe it, I just can't believe it that its all over! I was waiting for this day for how long, and now when this day finally comes, I'm filled with great joy, relief, but also with bit of 不舍得 feelings. There are great friends and pals there. Will miss the time there too! Now, my lifestyle got to change a bit le (for the better). No more midnight duties, no more long hour duties and not sleeping for 24-36 hrs, no more anxiety of being 'turned-out' while sleeping halfway. This is just sooo great!~

~A Proverbs A Day, Keeps Foolishness Away~
Proverbs 10:27 :
"The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short."

This verse can be looked in 2 ways. First, those who fear the Lord will be blessed, because God is pleased with them and will shower them with great blessings. ""Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long ..." Deut 5:16. Thus, if one fears God, he will honor his parents and God will bless him with long life.

Second way we can look at it is the 'scientific' or the human way of logic. If one fears the Lord, he will definitel avoid smoking, drugs, drunkeness, prostitution or commiting adultery. Often, these wicked deeds comes with punishments that cut short the life of the evil-doer. eg, lung cancer, drug addiction, STDs, etc...
~May the Lord help us!~

Wa. I can't explain today! First sunday school, at first planning to watch movie, in the end 2 laptops also can't work. haix. sad. So we just have some sharing and talking amongst the class. Later after sunday school, I forgot I drove to church today and that the car is blocking the church entrance! zzz. Super paiseh and guilty because everybody was like waiting for my 1 car. Forgive me. Then, went to YF after lunch. Practiced guitar for the old folk's home activity. Guess what? My guitar strings snapped! zzzzzzzz.

After that we went to old folk's home to visit them, sing them some songs and pray for them. I am glad specially for this senior brother in Christ, Bro Koh. His 2 knee caps are weak, cannot walk, but he is filled with joy! He kept repeating "I have decided to follow Jesus!" I am so touched. Thank God.

Then I went back home to eat dinner with my aunty and uncle who came back from Cambodia. That's why can't play soccer today. sad. But really glad to see them and eat with them. We shared, talk and enjoyed the dinner. If possible, I want to go Cambodia to visit them for mission. Maybe a week? Let's see. =)

~A Proverbs A Day, Keeps Foolishness Away~
Proverbs 9:17-18 :
""Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!". But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave."

That makes sinning a greater temptation! And in order to be tempted, the temptation must have appeared good, attractive and nice, therefore people will be tempeted. Satan will try all way to beautify sin, to make it less ugly and shameful. Excuses like "Everyone is doing so, why I can't? Why not?", "It's not gambling, its calculated risks!", "Finders keepers, losers weepers" and many more thus beautify sins and make it more acceptable. But, these are excuses. From my previous "A Proverbs A Day, Keeps Foolishness Away" entry, we touched on why sin is so scary. Thus my friends, let us not be fooled!
~May the Lord help us!~

Hey All! Its been sooo long! My blogging frequency has decreased.. So sorry guys.. haha..

Today went for 2 job interviews! Both are like so far la. One is in harbourfront, the other is at science park II, quite ulu de-somewhere near buona vista there. The interviews are really good experience for me. But both jobs seems quite good to me even though I still do not know the contract they are offering. So have to pray for God's guidance in this area, to choose between this 2 or others if God opens the way. I believe that He will continue to make a way, just as how He led me through NS, all with good postings that I never have thought. =)

After the interview went to practice guitar with Shane and Ellis @ Shane's house, because this sunday we gonna play at the old folks home for YF. I'm kinda a newbie guitarist, so need lots of guidance from Ellis. Thanks for helping, chairman! Oh ya Shane, thanks for the shirt too! Looks cool! Size is just nice. Just that its kinda funny u wear M size I wear S size! =)

Dedication: Congrats for being released from examination this year le! haha. What a realease from all the stress and all? Go enjoy the fruits of your labour, think you really deserve them! =)

~A Proverbs A Day, Keeps Foolishness Away~
Proverbs 5:22 :
"The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast."

This chapeter is talking about the sin of adultery. However, the sin here applies not only to adultery but to all other sins. Sins is not a pleasure as what many thinks. Even though it may seem to be an exercise of freedom at first, in fact, sin will bring about bondage and ensnares the sinner. He will lose his freedom. He may have the uncontrolled craving for the adultery, or may have to yield her demands, or even indulge deeper into the sin in fear of the sin coming to light.

If sin does not ensnares, it is not that scary after all since it is so easy for people to repent. Many people was mistaken by thinking it is ok for Christian to sin since God has forgiven our sinis and you can always ask God for forgiveness anyway. However, sin is NOT a pleasure, it ensnares people.

Illustration: There was this guy who went to someone's house to stay. He forgotten to bring his shaver, so he asked the house owner to lend a shaver. But the owner was a kind man, he broughtout a new and sharp shaver to give this guy. So the guy happily went to shave. Unexpectedly, while shaving and because the shaver being so sharp, the guy accidently shaved his skin off! Ouch! His chin was bleeding profusely. The owner immediately brought out a medicine to let the guy apply. Amazingly, once applied, the bleeding ceased!! So the owner suggest to change for the guy another shaver that is less sharp. However, the guy exclaimed," It's ok kind owner! Even if I cut myself again, I have this medicine!"

Qs: Does it mean that if your sins are forgiven, we can keep sinning??

Only through God's strength can one break free from the slavery of sin. "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life." Romans 6:22
Thus if anyone is still struggling in a certain sin, pray to God to strengthen you to come out of it. Through reading God's word and the Spirit;s guidance, it is when you can overcome the sin. You can also find a close/mature brother or Sister in Christ to share about your struggle and seek guidance too.
~May the Lord help us!~