Do we fight fire with fire?

The church attacks with happened on the wee hours of Friday morning has bring about uproar among many Christian quarters, regardless of denomination in the country.

Many are furious and angered by such move, crediting it to the outcry of those who were not happy with the High Court's ruling to allow a Catholic publication to use the word 'Allah' in its Bahasa Malaysia articles.

There are a lot of people who are unhappy with the church attacks, seeking justice to be served. A lot of politicians have condemned the attack as well.

But it's good to hear the church leaders forgiving their attackers. After all, as stated in Roman 8:31, "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

Personally, i'm not happy that there's an act of vandalism which occurred in places which i have been before. I was baptised in Metro Tabernacle more than a decade ago, since my KL church did not have its own pool then.

But then again, anything burned down, be it a church, a mosque, a temple, an abandoned public hall, a (under maintained, dirty) public toilet or even a cult leader's house, is not condoned by the masses in general. Right?

In this situation, we've been asked to stay calm, respond in love and pray over this. This would be the best advice to church goers nationwide. Be strong in your faith!


"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."

1 John 4:4

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Ohana

On Monday night, my fiancee and i had dinner with Jolene at Nando's, and we had fun time chatting about the hectic life back in UTAR when both Jolene and myself were dealing with the Talent Time in early 2007, about wedding, family and other things.

Just now, the both of us had dinner with Carmel, and had a good chat. Among the things we talked about included family. To be specific, family members that has passed away.

Anyway, i just pondered about my extended family; how's my relationship with them.

The relationship i have with my dad and my brothers is good, better than what it was several years back, when i just started off in UTAR. And i try to improve on it.

I do not have any grandparents anymore. And when it comes to my extended family, I'm in contact with Aunty Karen, my mom's sister, as well as her family. She, Uncle Ong and my cousins, Joel, Justin and Victor migrated to Hong Kong more than a decade ago, and are happy there. Joel's currently studying in the LA.

On my dad side, my family meet up with them every now and then during Chinese New Year, as well as the Buddhist 'Kitchen God' festival. But we're not that close.

Meanwhile, besides Aunty Karen and family, i've not been in contact with relatives from my mom side. Ironic, as i'm now on the island, where most of them also live. The only time i did see them was somewhere in the middle of 2008, when i just drop by their shop and had a short chat with my uncle and aunty; my mom's older siblings. However, there's not much connection or communication there.

And there has been very little communication, since my mom leave us for heaven more than a decade ago.

Well, I don't know what they think of my family now. Maybe i should try and meet up with them, one day.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

New Year, New Hairstyle.

This is the first entry for 2010! *Yeah*

To those of you re-entering school/college/university/life, happy studying and learning! While those in the working world, welcome back to work! If you're still bumming around, time to get a life!

Anyway, in December 2009, i promised Melissa D that i would get my haircut after Christmas (yes, once i proposed to her), but she insisted that i get it done as fast as possible. Anyway, i managed to leave it long enough (pun not intended) until i popped the question, and got my hair cut on Boxing Day.

My first benevolent act as her fiance!

Yes, this is a look of how much i didn't enjoy the haircut!

I look crazy... CRAZY!


Anyway, besides what i've said in my last post, i would like to improve on certain aspects of my life as well this year.

This includes:

- being more focused, disciplined and responsible for my actions and responsibilities given to me.


Yeah... i can't think of the other point that i wanted to share. But this will do lah.

Oh, and i might not be leaving my hair long for awhile... maybe in 10 years of more. We'll see how things go lah.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

2009: It has been a ride.

After many days of thinking, i believe the most appropriate phrase to describe this year would be 'roller coaster'.

Since the beginning of the year up to now, it has been like that for me. The rush, moving up and down, the anticipation, climaxes (and anti-climaxes) and the crazy things i did on the ride.

Among events which occurred in this year includes directly observing several by-elections up north of Malaysia, my on-going work-life here on the island, my commitment in church as well as my relationship with my (now) fiancee. Other things include passing aways of several prominent people, relationship changes and status change.

Through these events, emotions were high and a lot were said, but i thank God that we managed to pull through them, but i believe we need to continue putting our faith in Him, as we are not sure what the future has for us!

For next year, i have a few resolutions, which includes:

a. Proper financial planning for the future of both Melissa D and me.

b. Improving my health, which means to be fitter, going down a size or two and perhaps losing weight.

c. Planning for the impending, simple wedding, and a wonderful marriage under the guidance of God, family and friends.

I have to admit, i enjoyed the ride, and i'm looking forward to 2010!

Happy New Year! May 2010 be a good one for everyone!~

"....Just look at me, Silly Me,
I'm as happy as can be-
I got a girl who thinks I rock.
And tomorrow there's no school,
So lets go drink some more Red Bull,
And not get home 'till about 6:00.

When I'm dancing with you
Tomorrow doesn't matter.
Turn that music up
'Till the windows start to shatter
'Cause you're the only one who can get me on my feet.
And I can't even dance...."

Taken from Orson's No Tomorrow.

Note: Once this post is up, both my fiancee, my friends and i will be at church for the Watchnite service, here on the island.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

On the Fourth Day of Christmas, The Good Lord Gave to me....

... Four coloured pictures,
Three (hundred plus) people in church,
Two boxing gloves,
and one beautiful fiancee!


I just came back from dinner with my former university mates at Mid-Valley. It was great to see an 80% turnout, which i think is so far the highest, as i can recall. And the Kimchi was good.

And this would be the last time i'll be seeing them for the year.

Not to mention i was out with Justin Botak earlier for lunch in Brickfields ... and met the others, including Kevan, Angeline, Julius, Oliver, Sui Li, Shannon, Fergersan, Russell, Iggy, etc in church the day after Boxing Day.

Anyway, most of the pictures taken when i proposed to Melissa D is up on facebook, thanks to Jason Tan and Joshua Tay. And here are some of it.


The simple powerpoint presentation, which Pastor advised me to prepare. Also, Jim Brickman's The Gift was playing in the background!


That's me on one bended knee, as i muster up the courage to say this words, "Melissa Darlyne Chow, as i am on my knee, with this simple ring in my hand, will you marry me?" However, it just went, "dear, with this simple ring, would you marry me?"


Apparently, Melissa D, myself, and several others present in church, were overwhelmed. With tears in my eyes, and being emo, i just proposed! And she said YES!



Tears still coming out. Still pretty much emo.

For the pictures from the outing with my friends, i might take it from Pek Mei, or look up on Facebook, if they've uploaded it already.

And i've somewhat got a word to describe what 2009 was for me. I hope to be able to post it up on time!~

Good night.


"I could wish you joy and peace.
To last a whole life long.
I could wish you sunshine.
Or a cheerful little song
Or wish you all the happiness.
That this life could bring.
But I wish You Jesus, more than anything.

I could wish you leaves of gold.
And may your path be smooth.
I could wish you treasures.
Or that all your dreams come true.
And I could wish you paradise.
That every day be spring.
But I wish You Jesus, more than anything.

'Cause when I wish you Jesus,
I've wished you everything.

I Wish You Jesus by Scott Wesley Brown

Love & Peace!~

BC?

On the first Day of Christmas, the Good Lord gave to me, One Beautiful Fiancee!~

Both Melissa D and i are now engaged!

The proposal was made on Christmas Day in church, at the end of the church service. With everyone present witnessing the event, i knelt on one knee, and asked for her hand in marriage. And she said, "YES!"

It was overwhelming. Melissa, myself, and some among the congregation had tears welling up in our eyes.

Pastors said i've set a high standard in proposal among guys in the church, and i wonder if i've created enemies by doing so.

I'll update more on this later (and hopefully, with pictures!) For now, i've gotta go catch my ride back to KL soon!~

Happy Boxing Day, people!~

Love & Peace!~

BC?

What was 2009 to me?

A few days ago, i've been trying to figure out what 2009 meant for me. For some, it has been a challenging year. For others, it was a mundane, routine year, pretty much the same for the past few years.

I'm still trying to look for a phrase, if not a word, to describe what this year meant to me. I hope to blog about it before 2009 bids farewell.

On another note, we've watched several movies recently, including A Christmas Carol, Bodyguards and Assassins, Ninja Assassin, Astro Boy... and 2012. And we have yet to watch Love Happens, Storm Warriors, Avatar, Sherlock Holmes and The Princess and the Frog. So many movies, so little time.

Oh, and we celebrated Shea Li's 24th birthday at Sakae Sushi on Monday and had BBQ with the cell group on Saturday night!

Anyway, once this entry is up, both Melissa D, myself and several dozen church members will be off caroling in the evening.

We'll be jollying until Christmas arrives!

To all my readers, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Love & Peace!~

BC?

One more week!

Seven more days to Christmas! And i still have a few more things to do! Let's hope everything can be done by then!

Three more working days, and i'm on leave for the rest of the year. Still thinking if i should come down to KL or not....

But whatever it is, i need to get some things done first!

7 more days to go....

Love & Peace!~

BC?

It does bother me....

How do you write a testimony? A life story about how you became who you are as you are changed, once you've accepted Christ in your life?

Up to today, this have been nudging me, constantly. I'm stuck to a wall when i'm called to do so.

Honestly, i've been in a 'Christian family' since i was born, and i accepted Jesus into my life during a church youth camp in 1997. I was baptised in Form 3, together with Justin Botak and a few other friends.

I think if i have to share something, it would be about how i survived several incidents in the past, between 2006 and 2007, all thanks to God's grace.

One of the incidents, of course, involved the car accident which left me with a broken right humerus. It was a painful experience, but i did learn something from it, from the physical, emotional and mental aspects. I thank God i'm still alive.

Yesterday night, i volunteered in my friend Sharon's kindergarten as Santa Claus, something which i don't believe in. And the kids keep rushing forward with their hands open as they keep asking for the sweets i given out. It's like giving out free currency to them!

And currently, i'm recovering from a sore-throat, which still does bother me, a bit.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

This past week....

As i'm typing this entry, the West Ham United vs Manchester United match is on tv, with Melissa D watching it, along with several thousand of Malaysian fans, in their (or their friends') homes or Mamak outlet.

Earlier, both of Melissa D and i met up with Giam for late dinner and had a nice chat about work in KL and other things. I'm so grateful he's up here now, or i'll be the only operative on the field here on the island for the next two weeks... together with my cameraman! Currently, my colleague is on maternal leave while my boss will be going off to India. But Giam is indeed a godsend, and i'll try my best to work together with him!

Before meeting up with Giam, we were at Melissa D's grandparents there, where her relatives had a potluck there, since one of her relative from US is back, and another came up to the island from KL with her family. Wish we brought the watermelon to dinner... maybe next time.

During the past week, my boss and i were covering the state assembly sitting here, and so did Melissa D and the other counterparts. It was dramatic, with the demonstration with the Chief Minister Lmi Guan Eng's portrait being burned, and the newspaper shooting scene and 'butt show' by the Head Opposition Datuk Azhar Ibrahim. It was dramatic indeed. It was fun, while it lasted.

After covering that for four days, Melissa D and i awarded ourselves with by watching movies and a shopping spree. On Friday, we watched Ninja Assassin and Astro Boy (almost) back to back at Queensbay Mall. Ninja Assassin was graphic and gore, not for the weak-hearted, and best viewed on DVD, if one would want to see maximum violent carnage. On the other hand, Astro Boy was a heart-warming 3D animation story, suitable for all children, although it was slightly modified from Tezuka Osamo's original manga.

Later, we bought several other things, including a pair of sneakers each, some books, and a six-CD Christmas complication set, which was a bargain!

Getting sleepy now. And Christmas is coming! Don't you feel the excitement?

Love & Peace!~

BC?

2010 looms closer!

Soon, it'll be December, and soon, we'll bid goodbye to 2009 and welcome 2010. And if the Mayans are right, we've got a couple of years to enjoy before the world as it is, seizes to exist!

Melissa D, Joshua el-Lamo and myself watch 2012 last Friday, and it was mind-blowing. If earth were to end like this, peasants like us are very well doomed... unless if you're staying in Africa or you have 1 billion Euros (watch the movie, and you'll understand)! I think this movie made it into the 'Top 10 Must Watch Movie for 2009', for me, at least.

Besides that, the three of us, include many of our CG members, the youths and the rest of the church were involved with the Vacation Bible School, themed Crocodile Dock. I was there for the last three days, helping out in the Gator Games station, and it was sure fun... and very tiring. In fact, on the last day (yesterday), i had a bad headache and almost puked.

But i'm all up for next year's VBS, which will be held in June.

Anyway, there's the State Assembly sitting tomorrow, and from what i've heard, there will be fireworks (and blood?!). So, Melissa D, myself and our fellow counterparts are all psyched up for this!

And Christmas is coming, followed by the New Year! Yikes! So many things to do, so little time!~

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Her Birthday.

Last Saturday, Melissa D celebrated her birthday.

Trying my best to be a good boyfriend, i organised a few things. Among them a surprise celebration after the combined Cell Group at church on the eve of her birthday, and dinner on her birthday.

I had a few other things planned, but i think i'll use them for another occasion, or her next birthday. After all, i can't use all my good cards in one sitting, ya?

Got some pictures up facebook, and this is one of them (pix by Dr Matt):


Me bringing the cake to both Melissa D (second from right) and Megan (second from left) as Joshua eLamo (right) plays the guitar.


Melissa (centre) and Megan (right) cutting the birthday 'cake-wannabe'. Me standing left as i held the cake up.


On the night of her birthday, the both of us had Japanese dinner at Miruko in G Hotel. The service was good, portions were small, and it was overpriced. Looks like we would be going to Sakae Sushi more often, but nonetheless, we had fun!~

Earlier that same day, we went jogging and picked her aunt, who arrived from US, from the airport. I had to go to church the same afternoon. I was dead tired that day!

Oh, and her sister-in-law just gave birth to a healthy baby on Monday... Jeshurun was his name, or was it Emmanuel? But i think both names are in, but i'm clueless about which comes first.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Puked.

Last Sunday night, i did just that.

After having lunch at Mizi Bistro with Melissa D and her parents, together with my papa and Ernest, who were up here last weekend, i was a little tired.

After seeing my family off, i then rested at Melissa's place. I vomited at her place later at night, not to mentioned having a headache at the same time.

A few months back, i threw up at my work place as well, and had to take leave office early. Not so good experience.

But there are a few things i learnt from this experiences:

1. When you're feeling like something's moving up your esophagus, you could end up throwing up.

2. If you're saliva suddenly tastes a sour, you're definitely going to puke in seconds.

3. Stand as close to the toilet bowl (bucket, or where you are going to puke) as possible.

4. Bend down, keep your head as far away from your body to avoid chunks landing on your attire.

5. Wash your mouth properly after each episode. Take mints, if possible.


In the end of the day, i don't enjoy throwing up. Neither do pregnant women or chemotherapy patients. It blows chunks (pun not intended).

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Negativity.

This has been going on for awhile, but it has become more annoying, distracting and agonising - how people can back stab another in his/her presence by posting up hurtful comments, thanks to technology via Facebook.

Not sure why these people can do something like this. Do they find joy in putting down others? Are these people covering up their own insecurities by mocking others? Does bitter heart only spew bitter words? Are they cowards in facing others? Only they would know.

Both Melissa D and i are refraining from making 'mocking' and unkind statements on Facebook, but rather, post up encouraging and uplifting ones. We can try. With all bad things going on in the world, don't people need good things in their lives?

I read this manga Pluto, by Urasawa Naoki, which is superb. One of the most beautiful phrases spoken by Gesicht was, "Nothing is born out of hatred." And it's true.

I believe these people are also entitled to God's love, and mercy and grace, and everyone should treat one another with love (Luke 6:31).

With God's strength, i pray that i can be a source of positivity to the people around me, impacting them with God's love.

I try.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Before November caught us by surprise!

Yesterday was Halloween. Not to mention it was the end of the month before November decided to jump on us! And before we can blink our eyes, December will loom by, singing Christmas carols with its belly full of jelly.

Well, yesterday both Melissa D and i bought a quart of Blue Raspberry Sherbet and Hokey Pokey ice-cream from Baskin (with 31% discount, of course), and it was good. I think we'll slowly enjoy it for the next few days to come.

Earlier in the morning of the same day, we jogged in Linear Park. The weather was good, but i was a little tired as we bowled a couple of games the night before with our Cell Group members at Bukit Jambul; need to improve and score more points.

To make matters worse, we played badminton with our friends in the workline on Wednesday, and it did a number on us as we did not warm up or cool down properly that night. To add salt to the wound, both of us argued (yes, we occasionally do that) and we were not at our peak. But thank God all's settled, love prevails, God's mercy reigns and we're grinning from ear to ear as we hold each other's hand.

In mid-October, i manage to purchase a DIY book shelf and with a screw-driver and a drink, i got it assembled under 30 minutes. I feel like buying more things to assemble! Hmmm... perhaps when i move to another place.

The book shelf

At about the same time, i bought a mattress, and i'm happy with it!

I'm addicted to MouseHunt on facebook, and i'm happy with it!

I've got a girlfriend who cares for me and a job which helps me pay the bills, and i'm happy with that!

I've got family members and friends who cares for me, and i'm happy with that!

I'm happy about a lot of things in life, and i'm happy with that!

These a five things (actually, seven), that i can think of now, which i can thank God for.

Oh, my papa and Ernest will be coming up this weekend to meet me, Melissa D and her parents. Now, i need to try to persuade Rowen to come along. I pray all will go well. (Keeping my fingers crossed!)

Love & Peace!~

BC?