School’s Starting!

Saturday was a full day. Very long and slightly frustrating. On the whole it was a good day. If you think you want to stop reading here and go someplace else, please don’t. It isn’t all that boring. =)

The day started pretty late. Had an early lunch (11:30AM) before heading off to church for follow-up training. The interesting thing I learnt about doing follow-up is not about the actual content of the book but how your follow-up student responds to the lesson. All in all it was alright. Went to play for YA after training. The sermon was good. It was about keeping your light fresh. Good stuff. Ask me for sermon notes ( though it might be a little incomplete).

Rushed off for MG dance night after that. Took a cab down to King Albert Park with Hoho. Mel Ong came shortly after we settled down. Had a quick dinner then met Meryll, Mel’s friend. The 2 girls went to buy flowers from Cold Storage while we waited. Walked over to MGS under a light drizzle. This was my first time in MGS and the building was quite confusing. I got the layout of it only as we were leaving.

What annoyed me during the concert was the constant flash photography and chatter behind me. Hoho will testify. It was irritating. I saw Janice and Sheryl dance. They both did great last night. A good show, worth the ticket price.

(This post should have been up last night but I was too tired. Seems the lethargy carries over to Sunday as well.)

Had the usual input session at 9AM in the morning at RP. Good news! Youth can continue using RP campus for Cell on Sunday mornings. UNSW has given us permission to do so. Anyway, I found out our cell was one lesson fast so we’re headed for breakfast fellowship next week. Rushed back to church for cell. Minyang’s boys joined us today ’cause he wasn’t around. Had a pretty good interesting lesson. We could see Pearlyn and Stef and a few other dancers next door through the partitions practising. No problems there as it wasn’t really distracting.

Went to play for youth. Sometimes I feel the Chinese side people tend to be a little inconsiderate as we only have 20 minutes to prepare for service yet they still vacate the hall at their own pace. Anyway, we did a good quick sound-check and service started. First song was still okay. It was the second that was horrible. However, what Manrong said was true. God may use these mistakes to remind us that we’re all imperfect and we should be humble about it. Service on the whole was good, though I preferred Saturday’s YA sermon. It was a whole lot more absorbing. Not that Pastor Cuixian isn’t a good speaker. In fact she is. I’m just saying I felt more impacted by the former sermon rather than the latter

Something that really hit me today was what happened after service. Daniel Soh and Dom asked me to join them for LAN. I knew there were four birthdays in the past week and I was aware that Sam, Jan, Jessie, Phui See, Momo and Michy were going to celebrate 3 birthdays. This is something I want to get across not in scorn or out of anger. I just want people to know I treasure relationships. I treasure people’s birthdays. Birthdays are special days. If not for this day, you wouldn’t be on this Earth, would you? Hence I conclude this entry by saying: you can go for LAN gaming on any other weekend that there are enough people, but a birthday only comes around once a year. Why not spend time with your loved one(s) on their special day?

Anyway, I’m starting school tomorrow. Pray that I will be safe and God’s favour will be upon me as I go about my school activities. Pray that I will not fall into temptation or sin but keep my light shining brightly to my course/classmates. Pray that I will find good companions and not keep bad company.

Hope to update soon. God alone knows what school has in store for me. I don’t want to stop blogging again because of other (mainly school). I’ve made many new friends/good friends during these holidays. It’s been a good time of rest and rejuvenation. I know I usually only do this after youth camps but I’ve decided to do it here anyway.

Daniel Wong
It’s a joy to know you man. To have gotten to know you better during the past two months. Thanks for “mentoring” me in DotA. I’ve learnt alot from you and have greatly benefited from your feedback. Hope I’ll be able to continue playing and improving after school starts.

SAJC Life Con’ Peeps
Wonderful getting to know these people man. Though most of them probably won’t be reading this, here’s a big shout out to you all. You’ve been great and just so friendly. Can’t wait to see you all on the 30th.

Jenn
Bro, it’s a joy to have done sound with you at the SAJC gig. I enjoyed all the rehearsals and all the setup thoughroughly. I hope we’ll have future opportunities to work together.

Pearlyn
A great friend to have. An extrovert, definitely. It’s been nice getting to know you over my holidays too. You’re talented, but this talent will be wasted if you don’t use it to glorify God. You’re already serving in Praise Dancers. That’s great. Keep it up. But I challenge you to join CAMY as a bassist. You’ve got your foundation there. Build on it, practice. Don’t let this talent go to waste. Hope to get to know you better too.

I’m getting that sian feeling of going back to school. I think it’s probably from all those 10 years of Fairfield, where going back to school is such a chore. Sigh. Keep me in prayer. See you guys soon.

Poly Life

Just returned from my Ngee Ann Poly FMS Orientation.

Summarised into a few words, it was insightful, a little dull at times, mostly entertaining and very informational.

Well, since I’m here anyway, I might as well blog about the jam last night that I had with Liang and Jason first.

It wasn’t too bad. Started on time and we just jammed on ideas. Pretty cool how we connected somehow. Haha. Experimented with a couple of songs, then we finally hit on an idea. I liked it. By the end of the night, there was a concrete plan of the song in our heads. Just add lyrics. So, when’s the next jam? And uh, band name anyone?

The last day of the holidays was spent simply. Headed out for lunch with Sam and Janice. Everyone else couldn’t make it for lunch it seemed. Had a simple lunch at King Albert Park McDonalds. Jan headed back to school at around 2:40pm and I headed over to Sam’s house. Watched bleach there, jammed a little, played FIFA ( Ben Phua hasn’t passed Sam the new games yet =( ), then went home for dinner before proceeding to Alvron Mediaworks for the jam.

Woke up real early (ok maybe it’ll become normal after awhile) this morning and had breakfast. Left the house for NP at 8:20am and caught a bus. Found my way to LT 24 and waited for the program to start. Turns out our student leaders said we didn’t have to go for Fun ‘06 so we just went home after the CCA fiesta. And that’s my Thursday and Friday for you.

Lots of stuff to look forward to this weekend. I’m playing for service this week. Got MG dance night to attend on Saturday evening and soccer on Sunday afternoon.

Till the next entry, ciao.

PS: Notice I’m updating more often now? I do too! I don’t know why but either way, it’s good isn’t it?

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Last night’s practice was woargh…

It was so xiong man. The songs firstly weren’t that easy. They were those old school Hillsong-Hosanna kind.

Praise the LORD for the good practice we had in the end. Though the going was tough, God kept us going.

Didn’t get to try Jenn’s new cymbals ’cause he didn’t bring them =(. Gonna meet Sam, Hoho, Janice, Sharon and Cheryl (first blood =P) for lunch soon. Then I’ve got a Mineral Jam tonight with Liang and Ah Neh (Jason).

Liang rocks (plays guitar and sings) in Claire’s Flower Shop and the now-defunct Recluse.

Ah Neh plays guitar in the now-defunct Gloria (and I don’t know what else).

Mineral is a indie-rock (independent rock; no direct links with Bollywood and the likes) band that is now known as The Gloria Record.

This quiz is taken from Joey Tan’s blog with permission

My ex is someone who never existed. I’ve never had a girlfriend and probably wont for sometime to come.

Maybe I should learn to talk less and listen more to my friends.

I don’t understand why Poly students don’t get to pay a concession travel fee but JC students do. I mean, we’re all studying

I lose things very often and find them in the most obvious places. Yet I don’t search in the most obvious places first

People say I am LOUD when I play drums. With the authority vested in me by Jon ( to play loud since Christmas), it seems I have been doing a good job. =)

Love is better exhibited in actions than words.

Somewhere, someone is stressed by the education system. I can think of five.

I will always be loud when playing drums. Its just how loud.

Forever is unfathomable by Mankind’s standards. It is eternal time spent with God, if you have received Christ OR eternal suffering in hell, if you haven’t.

I never want to lose my close friends

I think the current US President is umm…why the US president?? I don’t have any thoughts on the US President!

When I wake up in the morning, I want more than just OK. Live the day for Christ =).

My past was colourful, eventful, full of both painful and joyful events.

I get annoyed when people say something can’t be done out of ignorance and don’t actually attempt it.

Parties are for people with too much time and money and don’t mind puking and/or getting a hangover the next day. Unless its a birthday party or a get-together.

My dog is an imaginary pet that never existed.

My cat is another figment of my imagination.

Kisses are the best when I actually experience one.

Tomorrow is an investment from God. Whether you use it well for His glory or waste it is entirely up to you.

I really want to spend quality time with the people I love. I haven’t been spending time with my mei for instance. =)

I have low tolerance for people who don’t practice what they preach and are not good examples for those under their charge.

People who should do this…it could be you! Anyone really.

iLike!

Its finally here!

Due to some minor mistakes (if you know keep it to yourself. Haha), I had to go down to Diversitec’s shop at Toa Payoh to exchange an iBook for a PowerBook. I love my new PowerBook!

Many thanks to daddy, mummy and Dad-in-Heaven for this blessing. Its a beauty. Photos will be up soon, probably in the next post =)

School is starting soon and I’m quite sad my holidays are ending. At the same time there’s an anticipation. I’ll be learning stuff I’m interested in like film and video production. Why dread school when I can look forward to it? Its not like I’m taking subjects I absolutely dread (uhm like History =/ ). I feel I should rethink my approach, attitude and mentality towards school being something I should enjoy and not something I dread.

Anyway, more things to look forward to are

I’m playing for 2 weeks in a row.
This sunday and the next, I will be on the drums for service. I’m excited about it. All the same, pray that I will not tire out but will give my best and remain humble.

Jam with Ah Neh (Jason) and Liang
We’re gonna form a Mineral-isque band. Don’t know much about the details yet but it sounds exciting. First jam this thursday evening.

FMS Orientation
This friday will be my first official day in Ngee Ann Poly (NP, not NAP as some people apparently think). I hope and pray for a good, meaningful time, that I will get to know my course mates and make good friends.

SAJC Life Concert Thanksgiving
Jenn told me it’s on the 30th of April. He said its tentative only but I really hope it will be finalised. Looking forward to seeing all the friends I got to know at the concert and rehearsals. The concert was a really meaningful experience.

Trying out Jenn’s new cymbals
Yep, I think I’ll be trying them out tonight! But it’ll be dependent on what cymbals Jenn brings in the first place. =D

That’s all for now. At least I’m updating a little more frequently. All in the name of keeping my blog alive. Plus, the Mac’s keyboard feels great =D

Mac!

Getting my new 1.5GHz G4 Powerbook 12″ tomorrow!
Excited!

Its quite darn tiny. =)

More photos when I actually get it.

Cry Out To Jesus

This song was sang as the altar call song during Life Concert 2006. It really struck me as a very meaningful song. Its comforting to know that Jesus will always be there for you, no matter what the circumstances and situations. If anyone has this song in mp3 (or any other) format, please PM me on MSN and send it. It would really be appreciated.

Cry Out To Jesus
Third Day

To everyone who’s lost someone they love
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye

And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there’s nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He’ll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

For the marriage that’s struggling just to hang on
They lost all of their faith in love
They’ve done all they can to make it right again
Still it’s not enough

For the ones who can’t break the addictions and chains
You try to give up but you come back again
Just remember that you’re not alone in your shame
And your suffering

When your lonely
And it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus

To the widow who suffers from being alone
Wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight

Life Con ‘06

SAJC LIFE CONCERT 2006!

What an evening! God’s presence was in the SA Cultural Center.You can create hype, but you can never ever create that feeling of the presence of God.

I have to say, the experience was tiring. However, it was a good experience as this was my first time doing a house mix (the sound the audience hears) for a major event/service. I went down for their 2nd full-dress rehearsal on Sunday (2/4/06). That was the first time I saw the band, the dancers, the crew, basically everyone. Setup was a long, complicated process that involved much cables and lots of new theory (balanced/imbalanced cables etc.). Met the other two sound guys (actually they did so much more than just sound. They did even logistics and doubling as stage hands for the concert.) Calvin and Jeremy Tan (FOUR Jeremys were involved in Life Con ‘06). Sound check was at about 5.30+ (about 2 hours after setup started). Initially, the instruments sounded relatively echo-ey, the vocals thin-sounding, and the kick drum and bass peaking on the subwoofers all the while, perhaps setbacks put in place by the devil to discourage us. However, a little perseverance and some EQ-ing here and there rectified the bulk of the problem. There was one full run-through. The songs were great and Jenn encouraged me to worship on the job. Don’t treat the mixing as just a job. I sang along and it felt good. After the first run, we went off for dinner at the SAJC canteen. Dinner consisted of a humongous tupperware of fried rice and a piece of luncheon meat. There was extra luncheon meat so we helped ourselves to it (a few of us did anyway). Back to the auditorium for a second run (which consisted of only a few songs). Then it was pack-up (another hour!) and shifting all the stuff back to the Diocese (Youth Camp campsite!) for the week. Got a lift from Ian’s (he’s the acoustic guitarist) mom to the MRT station. Took a cab home from there.

Fast Forward to Wednesday evening.

Final setup for the concert the next day. Luther brought in some more equipment: Mackie speakers and THREE subwoofers plus a Beta 91 Kick drum mic (the legendary flat kick drum mic) (note: to those who read the above as &#^$nonsensecodewhatever*#&%*$ its ok =P ). With the extra speakers, the overall mix sounded fuller and richer. The 3 subs added oomph to the sound. This time set up was much faster because we already had a very good idea what was to be done. (In fact, I can memorise the layout of the sound mixer.) Everything sounded really good on Wednesday and there was an air of anticipation for the next day’s concert. Taped down everything (all the cables on stage and off stage) and ran out of tape about 5 times at least. (Goodness knows how much we spent on duct tape alone.) The band ran thru a few songs then we neatened up for the night. (That means to say we moved all the stuff in front of the projector screen behind it so lectures could still go on as per normal the next day before the concert.)

Thursday Afternoon. 1430hrs. Outside St Andrews Cultural Center.

ANTICIPATION. EXCITMENT. ANXIETY.

These were the emotions in the air. We finally went in at around 3. Everything was intact from the night before. No equipment was tampered with, thankfully. Had about an hour of praise & worship and prayer before set up started officially at 4. Logistics Jeremy (Jeremy Quek) got us 4 more rolls of tape and 5 9V batteries. We finished taping everything up and did a soundcheck again. EQ disaster, we had trouble EQ-ing Emm’s voice to allow her to be heard on her own monitors. It was either too bright or too mellow. Vocal mics kept emmitting feedback and the electric guitars hardly could be boosted more, yet were still inaudible from the PA console position.

These problems seemed forgotten the moment the concert started. Everything ran so smoothly. The vocals could be heard clearly. There was very little feedback. Everyone was singing and clapping and jumping. It was, perhaps, like a glimpse of heaven. I could worship on the job too. Clapped, jumped, raised my hands. It was better than FOP anyday man. I recall last year’s FOP when Delirious? came. It was just so hyped up and I just felt I couldn’t truly “get through” and worship truly. However, at Life Con ‘06, I could! It just felt so great to be in the presence of God, singing praises. Its so hard to describe. You have to experience it for yourself.

O taste and see, that the LORD is good.

Statistics Statistics!

I think the most important thing, what really matters, is that souls were saved at this Life Concert. I thank God that the music, the testimonies, the speaker’s message, and even the Christians in the hall worshiping God, all touched the pre-Christians in one way or another, that many came forward in response. And now, the news that matters most, the news that brings great rejoicing in Heaven, the news that means names are added into the Lamb’s Book Of Life.

Salvations

In total. There were EIGHT salvations. Praise the LORD!

I am really proud to have been a part of SAJC Life Concert 2006. It was such an awe-inspiring, heart-warming event. All glory to God.

The Five Love Languages

My primary love language is probably
Quality Time
with a secondary love language being
Words of Affirmation.

Complete set of results

Quality Time:		10
Words of Affirmation:		7
Acts of Service:		5
Physical Touch:		5
Receiving Gifts:		3

Information

Unhappiness in relationships, according to Dr. Gary Chapman, is often due to the fact that we speak different love languages. Sometimes we don’t understand our partner’s requirements, or even our own. We all have a “love tank” that needs to be filled in order for us to express love to others, but there are different means by which our tank can be filled, and there are different ways that we can express love to others.

Take the quiz