Caroling

In all the Christmas cheer, I got a bit messed up with so many activities going on. So in the process, I forgot to write about my caroling experience. Earlier in the month of November, I signed up for the church caroling group. That started the whole adventure. Before I start the adventure, I would like to tell you that I hate singing, especially singing solo. So, I kind of suffered in primary school. Why? Because The music teacher would ask individuals to sing four times a year for marks in the four yearly examinations. I dreaded it all! Luckily it doesn’t happen in secondary school. However, I don’t mind singing in groups, because the other voices will drown out all your words so you can sing as loud as you want (just don’t shout). And after this caroling experience, I kind of liked singing in groups! So, now I regretted not joining the caroling team last year.

Now I will begin the “adventure”. Somewhere in the beginning of December, all who signed up for caroling had to stay back after the first service to practice. For your information, I attend Tabernacle of Worship. So week after week, we practice after the service, improvising the songs to make them sound better (or more modern =P). The songs we sang included Joy to the World, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night, Angels We Have Heard On High, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, O Come All Ye Faithful, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, O Holy Night, Emmanuel, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, It Came Upon The Midnight Clear, The First Noel, Away In A Manger, Mary’s Boy Child, Little Baby Jesus, Jingle Bells and Deck The Halls. My parents had a complain about the song choosing and after looking at it, I, too felt that Jingle Bells and Deck The Halls should be replace by other carols that proclaim the birth of Jesus.

The 23rd of December was when we gathered at the church for last minute practices before setting off to house after house. Earlier in the month we were categorized into two groups. One would go to the houses from the left side of the church while the other will go to houses from the right side (the road opposite my church is a T-junction), I was in the latter. My group had 7 houses to go to, and it turned out to be a great experience. At each house, we would sing two songs, read a few verses from the bible, pray for the host’s family and food, let the host choose a song for us to sing and finally eat the refreshments the host had prepared. And I must say that the food was delicious, especially at Mr. Chu, Johnson and Henry’s house. Thanks a lot!

I enjoyed the whole thing, not only because of the food, but the excitement and joy of spreading the story of Jesus. I think you will enjoy it too. So, next Christmas, why not you join your church’s caroling group? It will be a whole new experience.

2009 Memories 4: Room Clearing

You probably heard about my traditional “spring cleaning” earlier in the holidays, and here is another story related to it. As I was cleaning the top of the cupboard in my room, I came across a wooden light-plane (those with spinning wings in the front) which was a gift from someone I forgot. It was those kind of wooden puzzles that are pieced together to create a miniature object. This plane looked so real, I immediately took a liking to it as I first placed the pieces together. I used to hold it in my hands and make plane sounds while running around the room. But I didn’t know what went into me as I cleaned it to think that I would have no more use for it. So, I threw it away! But before I did, I took a picture of the plane as a memory.





That was exactly how it looked when I took it down from the cupboard even though you may think I took out some pieces on purpose. Okay, I didn’t take out the pieces but I did arrange it for camera! As I took the shot, I suddenly thought to myself, “Oh boy, good thing I wasn’t in the plane when it crashed!”

Now, I regretted throwing it away. It would look so nice as a decoration in my room…

2010: A Year Full Of Possibilities

2010 looks just as promising as any new year. But every year is different from the previous, time never looks back. We too, with the new year approaching, must adapt to change; we must look to the future and put our trust in God, letting him mold us into someone better.

Once we feel comfortable in one place, we want to stay that way, reluctant to change because they don't want to move. But change must happen. If we don't, we will just be left behind in our own standard of living, and our weaknesses might worsen, especially in the spiritual world. But most important, WE MUST CHANGE FOR THE BETTER. Our goal in life is to live for God, like God and by God. So, without change, we cannot improve in our spiritual and physical walk. 2010 is a new year, learn from whatever mistakes you made in 2009 and like a Chinese idiom, take out the bad and put in the good.

Another thing to remember: live like you are going to die tomorrow. I know it's difficult cause I kind of failed, but just try your best. Only God knows when you are going to die, so don't end the day with an argument or with an empty "done-list". Enjoy life. =D

Today is the last Sunday of the year...think about this today, and give change a try.

Giving Is Receiving

Yesterday, which was Christmas eve, my family had a Christmas Eve Dinner with my father's side relatives. As usual there was the food and the cheerful faces. This Christmas Eve Dinner was started by my father a few years ago and ever since, it has become a tradition. Sadly, some of my relatives are not Christians. So, every year my family and sometimes my father's Christian sister(s) will think of some activity that will touch our non-Christian relatives' hearts. Of course, all this won't work unless we pray, too. This year, my father planned the dinner with is sister's help. He planned to show a slideshow of all the generations starting from his great-great-grandparents until the youngest cousin to make them think about the old days and where would they be going after they died (I think). So, during the days leading to the dinner, he had been scaning photo albums borrowed from his sister. On the day itself, it turned out to be a good presentation. He told a "three-point message": God loves, God gives and God forgives. And some carolling.

If you had read the earlier posts, you would know about my "over-genorousity". Well, I manage to give out all my gifts and got some gifts back. But what suprised me was that I felt good about it. God really has a unique way of saying, "Keep it up!". So, giving is receiving, think about it.

Something Disturbing

During Christmas, everyone is happy; giving, receiving, joy etc.etc. But there are a few things that got wrong. One of them, is the usage of the word "Xmas". Why do people write the "X" instead of "Christ"? I find this a bit disturbing, especially when some Christians write like that. Maybe you don't know, so I will tell you. The "X" in Xmas is taking up the place of where "Christ" should be. Alright, maybe this doesn't seem to be a good explanation, since it could be because it is a short form. But why use "X" instead of "C" or "+"? "X" seems to be a cross to represent "no", "wrong" or "don't want". So why replace Christ with a negative letter/symbol? Hmm? Still not satisfied?

Well, how about this... Maybe "X" means "cross", representing the Christ because of the cross he got hung on. but why use "X"? Why not "+"? "+" looks better than "X".

So, think about it. If you want to make Christmas shorter, use a good short-form like: +mas or Cmas. But it's best to use Christmas because without Christ there would be no Christmas and man would have no hope.

p/s: if you have better suggestions, tell me.

Buying Presents

This year I think I got a bit over-generous...in a way. With money to spend, I wanted to buy a gift for every relative on my father's side (I celebrate Christmas more with my Father's side) plus some cute nephews...=P

But I guess I bit more than I could chew. I counted the cost after three shopping trips, and the price was around RM 60. I had enough money to pay for that but I was still shocked by the price. My parents complained about it, saying that even my siblings and cousins don't buy for EVERONE. Paranoid me. So, in the end, I only bought for my uncles and aunts and family, none for all the cousins except the married ones and the cute ones...

Well, so far so good. At the moment, I am in my relatives house waiting for the celebrations to start. And I still have somemore money to pay to my parents. XD

Merry Christmas.

2009 Memories 3

JCG Thanksgiving 2009

After a week gone without it, I was ready for another youth service at church. The sad thing (or good thing) was that this was the last service for the year - Thanksgiving service. In this service, everyone is encouraged to bring a dish, with this in mind, I was sure many people would come. Two weeks earlier (youth service is every Saturday), Katherine, our youth director, had informed us to bring the food, a gift, a hand-made bookmark and for the Form1, 2, 3, a sum of money for the building fund of the church (she had given us little boxes to put money in a month earlier).
So, here it is:

Mom cooked an Impossible Pie and made some salad for my brother and me to take there. The youth director came up with a way of categorizing the food – Form1 to Form 3, main course…Form 4 & 5, side dishes and finally, college/university, dessert; but I didn’t follow that. Anyway, everything went fine during the whole service: singing, praying and finally, the food. Everyone liked the food, but I have one complain (so does my mum): there was only one vegetable – salad. And not many people ate the salad, all meat and bread and sweet stuff (unless you count the vegetables in the pizza). As usual, everyone rushed for the KFC and pizzas. Not really healthy food, but fun event.

The prize-exchange came next. I have another complain: not everyone bought uni-sex gifts. Not that it’s compulsory, but you should be consider the person you are giving to. Since you don’t know who the recipient is, just get a gift suitable for both sexes. Me? I got a small bag for the exchange, which is good I think. But it was fun anyway. I’m gonna miss JCG (Jesus Christ Generation) services for the rest of the year. But I hope that the youth ministry would continue growing next year.

The Christmas Tree

Earlier in November, I bought a Christmas tree out of my Christmas spirit.

I guessed you are feeling a big shock about me buying a Christmas tree...but the tree is only 45cm tall. It cost RM12 and I bought it from my church(they were trying to raise funds by selling things and Tesco had given them a few of these " mini Christmas trees" for free). Alright, now you understand.

Here's a picture of the tree, sorry you have to turn your head to look at it.

Isn't it cute? I decorated it with a little cotton...=P

Why am I writing about this?

Because Christmas is near, and I am taking this opportunity to thank everyone I know for being a piece of my puzzle (life). I'm sorry for anything I have said or done, intentionally or unintentionally, that has hurt you.

Merry Christmas.

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Pray For SPM Bible Knowledge

Please pray for Bible Knowledge( BK)!

BK has been removed from the list of SPM subjects, and I am asking for everyone, especially Christians, to do their part in prayer that Bible Knowledge will be reinstated into the list again.

Why?
Because Bible Knowledge is an important subject that encourages people to read the Bible more and instills Bible knowledge (knowing the bible) in a person. This is all important for the major journey in Christ. Sadly, not many Christians are taking this subject either because they are afraid of getting a B or lower grade for it or because they never heard of it.

So, as I said BK has been removed from the list of SPM subjects. So please, please pray that it will be placed back.

I pray that we will be united spritually through prayer for this cause:

at: anywhere you are
for: 30minutes (from 12.00p.m. to 12.30p.m.)
on: Tuesday December 22nd 2009.


Your participation will be crucial for the future Christian generations.
For more information, check Arnan's facebook account( he initiated the idea for this prayer rally), if you are his friend.
Or, go to his blog, The Next Chapter, for more information.

Thank You.

God Rest Ye Merry Roasted Turkeys...

Today is the 12th day of December! Remember the song, the 12 days of Christmas? I’ve specially chosen this day to tell you that my Christmas WISH List is at last “published”! With Christmas around the corner, I began thinking about what I would want for that glorious day…hmm.

So, here it is-my Christmas wish list. Is this all? I think not, the list will never end. But for the moment, yes, that’s about it.

Christmas Wish List
1. New Wallet (*blush* my wallet got stolen twice, so I need one…hope you understand...)
2. New watch (or a service for my old watch, all my watches are kinda “pirated”)
3. Books (tip: I like fiction, but don’t mind non-fiction, classics or romance =P)
4. Sweets and chocolates ( this can be a back-up present, just in case you haven’t found me a present, I have a liking for them…)
5. Money (another back-up present; very convenient, too!)
6. Football shoes (I don’t think I will receive a gift like this, but just in case you want to bless me with it, I like NIKE ones…)
7. Black slacks (I need it for Christmas because I joined the caroling team. So, if you are going to give me this, please give it early or it will be too late for the caroling (21st and 22nd)!)
8. Two female Chicks or male and female chicks (I have a rooster at home that is quite lonely…)
9. Fishing set, equipped with float and hook, not necessarily have to be those that can be wounded up. (Not really important, but I would like to have one.)
10. Foldable, good-quality umbrella (Since my sis has graduated from secondary school, I need one in case of downpours.)
11. Portable torch (just in case)
12. New underpants (skip the explanation; let’s just say that I am…growing.)
13. New goggles (my old goggles lets water in.)

I might continue to add more things, so keep an eye on this growing list, haha! After my boldness of putting up this list, you may think I am a bit vain. Well, you are not alone in thinking so! I think I AM a little vain, too! Anyway, this is a WISH list, not a NEED list, so I can put anything I want on it but to no guarantee I will get it…so that at least explains a bit… Oh, and I forgot to add that I want a roasted turkey! But I think the title will give you an idea…=)

By the way, Merry Christmas! May you be blessed with not only presents, but knowledge and experience this Christmas! God bless you!

P/S: Please, please don’t tell me to tell Santa Clause, because I don’t believe in him.

PPS:I've also made a list of WHAT to get for people this Christmas! Coming out soon...

2009 Memorise 2

I found a paper while tidying up my room which I wrote earlier this year. It was during my devotion time @ quiet time. For the time being, I am using a devotional book to guide my Q.T. /D.T. with God. The name of the book is “ODJ” which stands for Our Daily Journey. This book is actually a product from RBC Ministries, the same group that does Our Daily Bread. So, the words on the paper were copied by me from the devotional book. It was some very meaningful words…

When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice. –Indian (Cherokee) Proverb.

I know what it means, so I guess I should give, care and love more. What do you think?

2009 Memories 1

Now that the year 2009 is coming to an end, I am starting to recall certain events that took place somewhere in the year, especially during this time while clearing up the house. One event in the year I quite clearly remember, partly because I have a piece of paper with me that has something to do with it, is when my class English teacher, Mrs. Soo, asked the class to write a summary on a newspaper cutting (a report). Here is the story:

Well, like I said, Mrs. Soo asked us to write a summary on any interesting report. Somehow, I forgot to bring a newspaper cutting to school to do it. So, I turned to the next solution- borrow a friend’s newspaper cutting to write on. Well, I checked and checked, but there wasn’t any really “interesting” report to write a summary on left, all the interesting reports( that is, 2 to 4 of them only) were taken, you probably think that I will copy a friend’s report, but I have too much pride to do THAT. Oh, and did I tell you that it was a group activity? So, yeah, you think I will probably make myself not obvious and hope that the teacher won’t pick ME. At that moment, I didn’t want to take the risks, partly because English is my favourite subject. *grin*

So, I took another solution- make up a story. In this time and age, people will believe anything. The loophole was if the teacher was a very detailed newspaper reader, she would notice that the report wasn’t in the papers. I took my chances, and wrote one.
So here it is:
7th August 09
(This is not the date the event took place, just a date for what newspaper it was, but it might have been in the month of August. Teacher wanted to know the date and name of the newspaper, so I faked a date and would have said the name was “The Star” because most of the paper cuttings were from that news paper.)
A 25 year old man is believed to have killed his half brother. Shandhran a/l Pavindhran, currently still studying is suspected by police to have murdered Thenuvassan on the 5th of August, who happened to have the same father as him. Shandhran faces no charge at the moment as police still are investigating the matter. Thenuvassan is believed to have been hit hard in the ribs, face and chest with a heavy object before being shot to death. Shandhran will be questioned for more evidence.


Interesting, isn’t it? Homicide cases always are, or else how could have Criminal minds, CSI, Bones etc.etc. survive until now?
By the way, everything in the report is ORIGINAL. No friend’s name is in this report, unless you count the “vassan” in “Thenuvassan”, which is the name of a person I know.

My group members thought it was the best report among the others, even though it was fake (the other group members’ reports were too long). I was supposed to go up, representing my team and read it out. I was kind of nervous. Unfortunately (or fortunately), when I was about to go up, teacher stopped me by saying, “Alvan again, every time it is Alvan…choose someone else!” So, up went Chung Fung, and read out his report.

So, that’s half the reason I am writing this post, all that effort writing this report has got to count for something. XD

Arnan The Celebrity Chef

December 4th was my father's birthday. Since my brother was home, my mom "hired" him as a "maid" for the day.
Dad left for work in the morning( it was a Friday), then the hustle and bustle began. Get ready to make The Great Birthday!!!!!

So, as we cleaned the house, Arnan cooked up a storm in the kitchen ( not exactly, mum made the cake.) If I blared on saying what we did the whole day, it would be BORING, so I'm going to skip some parts.

Here is the menu of The Great Birthday(Dinner):

--Arnan is a very organized person so I am categorizing the meal--
Appetizer:
1.Old Marrow Soup( had strips of meat that were stripped by Arnan's fingernails*eww* , thin slices of winter melon and mushroom in it.)

Main Course:
1. AGB/ Arnan's Giant Meatball*yummy*( total of 6 meatballs, made from 1 kg of minced pork( all together), a little of potato, bread , rye flour, chopped onions and garlic , salt and pepper, and made asian by adding soy sauce,( he actually followed a greek recipe and originally wanted to roll them into smaller balls, but instead rolled them into six meatballs the size of floorballs(slightly bigger than tennis balls) first steamed and then baked in the oven. Finally, served with a dark sauce with more pepper in it. Quite filling, but good for an empty stomach.

2.mixed vegetables( yellow and green capsiciums mixed with chopped cabbage.)

Dessert:
1. Sparkling juice( bought by Arnan at Tesco XP)

2.Chocolate double layer cake( made by mom, following a recipe of course. She had to bake two and then put icing on it...delicious.And no butter! Except in the icing.

That's about it. Interested? Arnan is thinking about selling the meatballs at 12 Ringgit. Go to his blog to know more and see the pictures, I forgot to take any. The link is on the right of my blog.

December

You hear that? That's the sound of December.


December's here alright. I can't believe that I have 1 more month left in 2009. Christmas is close by, but it will soon pass. And then.....I will be back in January, only difference is that it will be a new year...fresh and young, but that new year will also pass away...and so on and ...and...

Anyway, that's how life is. Currently, by family is busy doing "Spring Cleaning" ( that is what mum calls it) and well it's been busy, busy, busy. But of course it now is much, much more relaxing and slow-going. I can hear the birds chirping more clearly now. I wonder how is the reader going on with the holidays. Excited about Christmas? Yes, you bet. Really jingly now.

Just can't write/type anymore, really sorry. This is boring right? I better stop...now.