What’s So Amazing About Grace?

We, humans don’t deserve a God. A God who unconditionally loves, a God who generously cares, a God who shows no bias in GIVING away mercy for people like us who, sometimes, are too proud and arrogant to even accept that. Yet, God never changed. We are the ones who always do.

I am pretty sure that He has a very neat record of who would deny Him, who would proudly reject Him, who would have faith and but not action in their heart’s handbook. When troubles arises and seems impossible to our bare strength until a point where we have no where else to direct that occasionally induced frustration, we blame. And God being at the top of the hierarchy who eventually have a national post office full of blame letters. In fact, I think an international cum centuries full of blame letters piling onto Him.

In spite of all that, God’s solution and answer to all the grey hairs and bad days that we complain to Him about (of course, these are just minute and potentially irrelevant examples) is really epic. “My grace is more than enough for you” and will overflow even if His grace is “pressed down and shaken over”. Trust me, when the infinite God says He will bless you “a lot”, He really means business with the portion He is gonna rain over you. When we walk through the seasons of life, there will certainly be times where things will be going so well we can constantly be on cloud-nine; then there will also be those miserable moments where we’re only looking to the clouds for a dark rainstorm to pull in the hopeless hours. Pastors and preachers always like to ask the question, “Do you think God’s trying to say something?” when the back or “bad” side of our lives pop  up.

Realize how we only pull out the “Is God trying to tell you something?” question card when people are facing their problems? Well, I’m not generalizing any people group here, but don’t you think that God IS REALLY TRYING TO SOMETHING when most of us face these problems? My focus now is only on this statement : Maybe, just maybe, it is because you weren’t listening to His voice or desiring His word when He was trying to tell you something before this when the waters in your life are calm. Only when it comes to the point when we are too proud with our solo ego that He has no choice but to show His love through His Word by breaking us and bringing us closer to His promises, simply so that “those who have ears may hear”!

It is when God silents Himself from us that we would know how we cannot live without His Word each day.

It is when God took His Son back that those who’ve truly learned to love Him would, in heaven see His face.

It is when God allows so much mysteries so that those who continue to hold on will see the heavenly ways.

It is when God pulls away His hand of grace from us that we would be awaken to the greatness of His grace.

 

Best Boss Birthday

Hoorah!

My former boss – great man, humorous, good heart- was one of those “rock and rollin’” role models that i really salute. Today is one of those days when he recounts and reaffirms himself of a reality that he has been deliberately dismissing, that is, his age. He’s not like super old, it’s just that he coughs every time he laughs.

Talking about laughs. He is one fun person to work with. Serious when it comes down to work, of course, but when he laughs, he laughs hard. His secretary is even afraid that he might someday die of a heart attack diagnosing from his cough-triggering laughs. The guy who is supposed to be the head always ends up as the official joker – which makes us (our department) the “happy department” – when all others are just seriously cramming their heads into their work. It’s really tempting as much as it is loud. So much so that we’ve “lured” some colleagues from other “clan” to join in the commotion. If one were to pace into the office, the only trace of noise or laughter most of the time would be from our source. All thanks to the boss.

Oh, and one more thing. Just a precaution for those of you who would walk in one fine day and meet him, please do not, NEVER, EVER, let the four letter word slip out of your mouth. What? You really want me to spell it out for you? ….. it’s B.O.S.S.

 

 

You have been warned.

When’s College Again?

The idea of the blog post I had when I listed down the title above doesn’t share the coherence of what i intend to write on right at this moment. Well, actually it’s different simply because of the transitioned mood I had from my unenthusiastic college entry preparation day/s to the current “let’s do it again” (positive?) attitude.  :D

The primary cause of this transition has to point to the impression I got today’s college experience.

Before we jump into that, you should first know that my choice of enrolling myself into Methodist College KL (MCKL) was personalized as something likened to the road not/less taken. Yeah, “less” would be a more relative. Why? Well, starting college in the month of July, which in case you didn’t know, will “classify” myself as one of the latter batch amigos cos according to the Malaysian norm, most people have the preference of enrolling into college or any Pre-University institution for that matter earlier. It’s just like one step ahead of the flock. Talk about having that self-inflicting guilt for 6 months, right? Nah, not really. I enjoyed my time spent over the course of these time. Then, of course, after conditioning myself to the routine of my previous job immensely and letting it go for the next chapter of my life suddenly wouldn’t be easy. Not a smooth transition at all if you ask me.

Yet, the rock of doubtfulness was flung out the window when I familiarized myself as much as i could with the long-anticipated MCKL. Don’t get me wrong, I find myself pretty okay when it comes to adapting myself to an alien environment. To my amazement, the not-so-enthusiastic me really had a rapid makeover all thanks to the impression that MCKL brings. Yes, I was honestly expecting this gradual acquaintance to that place and the people there. Even with fact that MCKL is a moderate sized college compared to some others in its region, I find this place to be more than just a decent college. Instead, I really really like the atmosphere it emits, the culture they cultivated, the system they run by, the modesty it demonstrates, the integrity it personalized, the EVERYTHING that it stands by, works for, and showing others.

Crazy up-down roller-coaster ride, huh?

 

 

 

Yeah. And I like it.

So hey, if we’re all created to expect and adapt to every single transition or every passing wind change in our lives, then I guess that makes us emotionless vegetables for one, and moreover, lose the whole point of being human. :)

 

What “Weird” Means Is…

I have so much to say. But i’ll only speak whatever matters most. :)

Firstly, a big “sorry” sign board to all of ya’ll for totally abandoning my blog here.  This could be one of those ideal example of my i’m-not-so-proud-of habit.  P.R.O.C.R.A.S.T.I.N.A.T.I.O.N. (whoa that’s a long one).

Just in case you didn’t know, I was away at Raub’s interior for exactly 2 weeks and yes, i’m back in one piece. By the way, this was actually 2 weeks back. If you’re expecting me to write maybe, you know, a short excerpt on what happened and all throughout those AMAZING 14 days, then i would say, “sure! …..when i get myself a secretary or some personal typist!“.  Haha. No, seriously, there’s just too much to talk on, let alone to type out. Without any vague intention to be  cliche or anything but it truly is an experience like no other. Even the “eye-opener” expression could barely match the mark of such an adventure. I’ll probably talk about this some other time la.

Coming back to the main point. I think I’ve found my sole ambition and divine purpose here on earth!
TYPING!!  …..I’m kidding. It’s just that I find myself infected with this habit or behavior, whichever you may prefer, in which my fingers will get itchy every time when I see a notebook’s keyboard. Especially when it comes to those on display at those techy computer outlets. I notice that most of the time, or should i say, always one can find me randomly cracking up the Microsoft Word program and start typing some nonsensical sentences. Yes, shinny new laptops have the potential of messing with my conscience and drive me crazy. Oh yes, this is my confession.

Weird, right?

………………Shaaadap la!

Light of the World

You know how some songs are so anointed and out-of-the-world that it blows your mind? Was hearing some contemporary songs standing in the train not too long ago. With the earphones popped on, this song entitled “Majesty Of Heaven” from a latest album by Chris Tomlin (you should know who this dude is) was shuffled on. The acoustics of the song put into perspective something quite significant – the lyrics!

Yes, sounds ironic. But we do have a tendency of just singing the lyrics without truly understanding what the words actually mean or how the words composed as the lyrics even came about the composers’ imaginative minds. Go with the tune repeatedly and gone with the tune repeatedly.  

People sing it, preachers preach it. Maybe that’s the reason it’s becoming more and more redundant? The amazing thing about this is, not only is He just a light, but a light that shines through and to the entire world. A source that envelopes all. None can overlook it. None can ever escape it. No nook or cranny can ever be left out. 

Our striving-for-development Malaysian government is taking our country’s power utilization into deep account currently to enable an affordable generation of electrical power running across the national grid network. Hoping to please its people.  But here is Christ, simply standing with all His natural and eternal attributes in front of the world, and all of Him could be felt, seen, touched so tangibly by those who want Him. Guess what’s the miraculous part on top of this. His face shinning down on us not only pleases us people, but it also pleases Him. This relationship can never be understood entirely,  but grace vanquishes all question marks. Made abundant to all the world ONLY by a Source of such magnitude and power.

 

 

Photo caption: Queen’s Square, King Street, Sydney. March 2011.

Burhan the Bus Driver

NO, that aint him. Today was a great day nonetheless, but only when i got back home from the whole day of work and whatnots did i realize two really significant things that makes me think. :)

When i was on the way back in the evening while approaching a common Malaysian Friday, peak hour traffic jam, i noticed something unusual and unfamiliar on the arms of the Rapid KL bus driver. Was kinda freaked out to see grey patches all over his arm! Then, with the “apex curiosity” that i proudly possess, i discovered the same, or maybe an even more horrifying yet similar condition on his left hind leg. He tried to cover it up with his socks and uniform, dark blueish pants. It seems close to the likeness of leprosy though i’ve never had the opportunity to witness first-hand the real and, I’m sure, saddening condition of a  real leper. It hurts me from the inside as it does to them on the outside. Thank God that he has a job in spite of his condition. I thought kiddingly that maybe he got the job by covering it up with sleeves and long pants during the process. HAHA, as I said, “kiddingly”.  Took note of his name and jeng, jeng, jeng….it’s Burhan. Remember those who are abandoned by society, despised by community and rejected by humanity in your prayers.

That was one bus driver. So, my journey tonight brought me to dinner with Ainsley and Paul at Deens again. :)  It was a marvelous time just catching up and talking about … … Anywho, caught a bus back home later. My first attempt to take a bus on a new route! Quite risky due to the fact that it was at night already, with the evil efficiency of our Malaysian transportation system in mind. However, to my amazement, this bus driver (didn’t get his name) was, by far, THE BEST BUS DRIVER I’ve ever met in my close to 3 years account of travelling via such public means! Like, seriously! No joke! His method and manner of service to me and to the other customers after me not only sets him apart, but also puts some Christians like me to deep, deep shame, i think. It feels as though my convenience is his comfort. This Malay brother in white blows my consciences to an awakening. Thank you.

Will all things be possible with a Kancil?

Yesterday was quite tiring despite me not doing much. But i think walking for a routine-d and extensive duration each day is really catching up on me. :P That’s the only killer, though i’m sure i’m pretty familiar with it already. Daily exercise, eh? haha

IT WAS AFTER LUNCH! when Sharon also known to some of us as Sauron, Josh and I took the little white Kancil out to Canaan Land at Kelana Jaya. (That would be my last time ever if we travel with that particular car again). The air-conditioning was terribleh! When the car is stagnant, it’s cooling. Once it moves, all the fumes of Hell were let loose. Before that, we (Josh and I) were waiting for Sharon to come down from office, so we decided to take the church car out for a few spins to kill time. Drove rounds and rounds around the church compound. And guess what! we discovered a shortcut between wisma and the car park! Well, it has always been obvious la. But with a Kancil, all things are possible (except racing and speeding, that is). Your wheels will probably reach the finish line first before your soul reaches heaven.

  

 Made it there safely  and went up the second floor to look for some birthday bookmarks. I was actually LEFT downstairs cos i wasn’t notified. haha The second floor, according to my opinion, is like the hidden heaven of the world i would love to dwell in. BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS written by many of my favorite God-inspired authors. C.S. Lewis, John Piper, John C. Maxwell, Ravi Zacharias, Philip Yancey and so many more! Got my hands on many of them just to have that “feel”. Inspirational, leadership, teenagers-related, evangelism, missional, motivation, devotional, p&w, all good reads are THERE!!

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Thanks to Rose, I went with her recommendation and got myself a good deal for a great book entitled “What’s So Amazing About Grace” AND ”Where Is God When It Hurts”. YES, it’s TWO BOOKS IN ONE! With Sharon’s Premium Membership Card, it truly was an expenditure worth investing. :D

  +  = 

Just found out today that Ben and his team has a voucher worth XXX amount for Salvation’s products. AMAZING. GIVE IT TO ME! haha I really am rationalizing whether i should get myself a membership card for such bookstores.

They’re like God’s library on Earth,

founded by love that we may learn more of Him,

established by grace that such gateways to Him are opened to our convenience.

Durians For The Win!

HELLO!

I’m blogging from church office right now actually. :P I think what Berns did to this comp is really neat! Probably even better and more efficient than the one in my crib.

ANYWAYS, DURIANS! Yes, durians. Few years ago, I would not be as psyched up about this so called “King of Fruits”, let alone to write about it. Even if i did, i’m sure it would most likely be of how much I hated it. haha

But lately, I’ve …somehow got to fall in love with it. I’d reckon this phenomenon to be pretty freaky and yet interesting at the same time. Before this, i was the only “black sheep” in the family for not liking durians. I remember my Uncle took me out once just to have durian by a roadside stall which still exists, only to found out my resentment towards its taste and smell.

I’d reckon that this could either be of divine intervention that my taste buds be altered or simply because of the crazy and nonsensical theory that my Dad always say. He told me that, “the only way to fight off an allergy is to consume more of the food that you’re allergic to; the only way to love the food that you hate, is to eat more of it.” Even a baby might say that it’s illogical. He even testified that by his consumption of prawns (which he was allergic to) he has grown to be immune to it down the road. Fact or Fiction? I really don’t know. haha Even my Mum’s playing along with the “could-be-culprit”.

Nevertheless, i think this theory has been proven to be true by my own first-hand, life experience. It was only last month that i knew that i could tolerate the “stench” of durians and even enjoy the meaty, creamy and caramel-like flesh of the durian. haha, went to Cheroh, Raub with the Missions Department and had some authentic Orang-Asli-deep-in-the-jungle durians. Man, with a rough pricing of RM5 per durian, i thought it was WAAAAAAAY under-priced. Mind you, this is coming from someone who once hated durians just a few seconds before he had a taste of them. No photos were taken, proof that it was indeed finger-licking good!

I count the cultivation of this particular newfound desire as a blessing beyond words! :D

So the other night, went out with Paul and Philip for Mamak. After some Roti Nan, Tandoori Chicken, Maggi Goreng and Rojak. Something caught our attention nearby soon after our post-dinner burps. It was a DURIAN STALL!!!! The typical type of Malay durian stalls set up by a bustling roadway.

PROOF!

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So yea, hate something? Go for it even more! The love for it maybe?/might/will come around. :D