I haven't cried so much in so long.
Like a brother calling out to long lost siblings.
If you're a Christian in Singapore, you'd prob know by now that CHC is embarking on a $310m (yes $310m!) project to build our next facility. A 12,000 seater mini stadium to house our 30,000 growing congregation.
As significant as this may sound, its not the point of this post.
Lask weekend, Pst Kong preached on the risk for a church of losing its first love (God), particularly relevant for a church that seems to be doing all the right things. Now, if you're a charismatic Christian, you'd understand when I say the though the msg was a bit 'standard', the atmosphere was filled with the Holy Spirit. It reached a high (for me anyway) when Pst Kong called for the members who have stayed in this church since before 'Hollywood' days (aka before CHC moved into Hollywood bldg in Katong). It was a heartfelt calling from 'Brother Kong', who wanted to pray with/for the members who started out with him, penniless and directionless but with full of faith.
In that moment, as these members (whom some may not be serving actively)made their way to the front, there was a time stood still kinda moment when I became aware that I'm part of something bigger than myself. Something that has profoundly impacted the lives of so many people in so many ways. CHC, love it or hate it, being a member (or once having been a member) has changed the way you relate to God, your loved ones and to the world in general. Also at that moment, as I looked around to see the teens in the other seats around me, I've realised that I'm now the 'older' generation, no longer an 'infant' in Christ and one who should start to shoulder the guiding of the next generation of Christians, of society.
I've spent just over a decade (well 4 years of that I was in Melbourne) as a member of CHC. Froma wide eye teen to a (still) a wide eye young father, CHC has come to symbolized a bit of a spiritual home. A home that I've lost contact with and a home that I have doubts to fully embrace as I did in the past. Its a weird relationship, one in need of repair (maybe?) but regardless, I will also be a supportor of this great church.
Friday, March 05, 2010
Monday, December 14, 2009
Hairful Woes
When I was younger, I used to nonchantly say: " If I ever start losing my hair, no biggie! I'd just shave the whole thing off!" -followed by a overconfident and rather loud laugh.
Alas, it have come upon me. Not baldness, but a receding hairline! To me! A young man of only 26 year! Its brought on more concern than I thought I would give this issue.
I think it began just as I was leaving Melb, but became rather obvious when I was in Beijing. May have been caused by the stress of relocating and settling down so much. But since I've been back in Singapore, its not improved either. Might be the stress of starting a family and the new job.
I've been using those anti-hair fall shampoo and even a hair tonic at one point, things seem to be stabalizing in the northen part of my head now, but there's this constant fear that the status quo might be upset one day. Stress from work and constant interrupted sleep courtesy of Lil J are not helping either.
I hate to make myself sound old, but I guess with age, things become lesser, shorter and smaller (yelps!). If I was any richer, I'd prob consider those hair growth salons, but the embarassment of being found out and impending hole in my pocket are great impediments to this.
Yeah, I think if things do take a turn for the worse, no biggie, I'd just shave the whole thing off! HA Ha ha, erm... ha... ... : (
Alas, it have come upon me. Not baldness, but a receding hairline! To me! A young man of only 26 year! Its brought on more concern than I thought I would give this issue.
I think it began just as I was leaving Melb, but became rather obvious when I was in Beijing. May have been caused by the stress of relocating and settling down so much. But since I've been back in Singapore, its not improved either. Might be the stress of starting a family and the new job.
I've been using those anti-hair fall shampoo and even a hair tonic at one point, things seem to be stabalizing in the northen part of my head now, but there's this constant fear that the status quo might be upset one day. Stress from work and constant interrupted sleep courtesy of Lil J are not helping either.
I hate to make myself sound old, but I guess with age, things become lesser, shorter and smaller (yelps!). If I was any richer, I'd prob consider those hair growth salons, but the embarassment of being found out and impending hole in my pocket are great impediments to this.
Yeah, I think if things do take a turn for the worse, no biggie, I'd just shave the whole thing off! HA Ha ha, erm... ha... ... : (
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Old Emails- Read it and Weep
Had some time on my hands today as I am doing a 'duty' in my camp. So I had some time to actually indulge in an activity I have not had the pleasure of indulging in for some a while. Surfing the net!
After a while of youtubing and facebooking, I found myself going thru my old emails from as late as 2006. I was in Aust during that time doing my uni studies and finding my way around the world ( in alot of ways, I think I am still finding my way).
Alot of my time was taken up by AIESEC, if the email is to be a gauge of my life in Aust. I found alot of emails that were administrative related, alot of sales (ICX) and some were conference management. I did not find many related to meeting up with friends initially, but towards the end of my stay in Aust, more of friend related emails came up. So I think I did not really have a 'work/studies-life' balance when I was in Aust. I prob shd have spent more time smelling the roses and getting to know people when I was there. Prob should have stayed an hour or two more at parties or just try to be less busy. Or just be less shy....
I also found many emails from my parents and my wife, S that brought a tear to my eye. Encouraging emails that I remembered made me feel better when I was feeling homesick and lonely. I really have to thank them for their neverending faith and love for me, even when I did not know what I was doing with my life. I hope I have a clearer picture now. I hate to make more detours.
Strangely enuff, the email that touched a chord the most was the e-ticket I got for my last flight out of Melb. I really miss the place and hope to go back again soon and catch with friends and even acquaintances.
Its strange how the simple act of looking thru emails can open up memories, good and bad. I hope whoever is reading will try it too, just for fun.
Cheers
After a while of youtubing and facebooking, I found myself going thru my old emails from as late as 2006. I was in Aust during that time doing my uni studies and finding my way around the world ( in alot of ways, I think I am still finding my way).
Alot of my time was taken up by AIESEC, if the email is to be a gauge of my life in Aust. I found alot of emails that were administrative related, alot of sales (ICX) and some were conference management. I did not find many related to meeting up with friends initially, but towards the end of my stay in Aust, more of friend related emails came up. So I think I did not really have a 'work/studies-life' balance when I was in Aust. I prob shd have spent more time smelling the roses and getting to know people when I was there. Prob should have stayed an hour or two more at parties or just try to be less busy. Or just be less shy....
I also found many emails from my parents and my wife, S that brought a tear to my eye. Encouraging emails that I remembered made me feel better when I was feeling homesick and lonely. I really have to thank them for their neverending faith and love for me, even when I did not know what I was doing with my life. I hope I have a clearer picture now. I hate to make more detours.
Strangely enuff, the email that touched a chord the most was the e-ticket I got for my last flight out of Melb. I really miss the place and hope to go back again soon and catch with friends and even acquaintances.
Its strange how the simple act of looking thru emails can open up memories, good and bad. I hope whoever is reading will try it too, just for fun.
Cheers
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Its been a long week
Goodness gracious me....
its been a long week. I used to think AIESEC was tiring... its no where as tiring as my work. Those who say the army is slack should come and try doing a staff role. A lot of writing, proj management and organising.
Granted that I'm new, and I probably am slower than what I should be. I think I need to increase my capacity and efficiency of doing work. After much thought, I think one of the main reasons I am so slow is because I dont get a clear picture of what I need to do in the first place. Not sure why I'm so shy to ask questions to clarify my work, might be me havent yet getting over the rank thing- as a NSF in the past, I get all trippy when I see a senior ranking officer.
Newayz, its been tiring balancing work, family, my boy and all. Welcome to adulthood. Its really kinda stressful cos one has to deal with the issues at work and then there are errands and other things you have to deal with at home. Right now, we just bought ourselves a nice little Nissa Latio,second hand. Costed us $48,000. Graciously, both our parents have volunteered to pay for it so that we don't incur the interest. Of course we'll have to pay them back, but I am grateful of this blessing from them. I prob wun have gotten this car if not for work where I have to travel from place to place throughout the day. Newayz, it is so much easier to bring Lil J out when we drive. I am excited about getting the car, thank God for this blessing.
Now we have to look for a suitable home to call our own. Only issue is the property market is kinda on the upswing, which is weird considering we're just coming out of a recession. It goes to show that asians are rather conservetive spending cash rich ppl who buy things are cheap. Unfortunately, Syl and I are not cash rich, as such we cant really afford the cash over valuation of the re-sale homes and the new developments take too long to complete. So our current strategy is to apply for balance flats whenever there is a sale of them and look for our ideal resale home. We needd to pray about it.
Cheers
its been a long week. I used to think AIESEC was tiring... its no where as tiring as my work. Those who say the army is slack should come and try doing a staff role. A lot of writing, proj management and organising.
Granted that I'm new, and I probably am slower than what I should be. I think I need to increase my capacity and efficiency of doing work. After much thought, I think one of the main reasons I am so slow is because I dont get a clear picture of what I need to do in the first place. Not sure why I'm so shy to ask questions to clarify my work, might be me havent yet getting over the rank thing- as a NSF in the past, I get all trippy when I see a senior ranking officer.
Newayz, its been tiring balancing work, family, my boy and all. Welcome to adulthood. Its really kinda stressful cos one has to deal with the issues at work and then there are errands and other things you have to deal with at home. Right now, we just bought ourselves a nice little Nissa Latio,second hand. Costed us $48,000. Graciously, both our parents have volunteered to pay for it so that we don't incur the interest. Of course we'll have to pay them back, but I am grateful of this blessing from them. I prob wun have gotten this car if not for work where I have to travel from place to place throughout the day. Newayz, it is so much easier to bring Lil J out when we drive. I am excited about getting the car, thank God for this blessing.
Now we have to look for a suitable home to call our own. Only issue is the property market is kinda on the upswing, which is weird considering we're just coming out of a recession. It goes to show that asians are rather conservetive spending cash rich ppl who buy things are cheap. Unfortunately, Syl and I are not cash rich, as such we cant really afford the cash over valuation of the re-sale homes and the new developments take too long to complete. So our current strategy is to apply for balance flats whenever there is a sale of them and look for our ideal resale home. We needd to pray about it.
Cheers
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
New Blog! To pursue a passion and hopefully get paid for it.
I've just created a blog dedicated to the styling of men- not just any men, but everyday men.The address is www.everydaymen.blogspot.com (do come and read and follow it if you think it might be useful for you or a guy you know).
I've created this blog for a few reasons:
1) Overpriced men's fashion (actually fashion in generally). I think people pay too much to look good. I mean, look at what retailers, salons and spas charge to get you to want to look good. I believe men should be able to find quality fashion goods and services at everyday, affordable prices.
2) The insanely high number of men who make disasterous fashion mistakes even today where information is on any subject (ie men's fashion) is so readily available. I mean, you still get comb overs (balding men), sports sneakers with pants and (horror of horrors) see through singlets!
3) I want to make a bit of cash on the side and this blog is phase 1 of that endeavour. Will it work? No idea. More on this later!
I hope to give common sense advice on fashion that everyday men can relate to and hopefully my blog can be a source of useful information that makes life a little less confusing and a little happier.
So do support me in this endeavour!
JC
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
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