.:k-blog :.

Musings from Japan 4 (Kamakura)

2008-08-13T00:12:00.003+12:00

Visited many temples again today in Kamakura (less than an hour on the subway south of Tokyo city centre) some many hundreds of years old. It was really hot so walking around and up various stairs was unpleasant but still worth having a look.

Today's discoveries:
1. Yesterday morning, I got on the train Tokyo commuters. It was an interesting experience. Today, Tokyo commuters got on the train that I was in. Talk about feeling claustrophobic. But they do it so politely. Just turn around to face the doors as they get in and shuffle everyone else along.

2. How wonderful to have vending machines dotted everywhere on the street! I was feeling really hot and dehydrated but there was an abundance of choice of cold drinks with many vending machines everywhere! Yay!

3. How wonderful to be able point at things when you can't speak the language. I discovered a kaiten zushi place (place where the various types of sushi goes round on a conveyor belt and you pick what you want and they add up the bill by seeing what plates you got). I pointed to a "special dish" cos I didn't see it go around - thin pieces of raw beef on sushi rice. It was very good. The beef was nicely marbled and tender. I had 3 different plates (6 pieces of sushi) which came to 890 yen. Just over 10NZD.

Musings from Japan 3 (Nikko)

2008-08-12T02:17:00.005+12:00

Nikko is about a 2 hour train ride north of Tokyo. And old town with many shrines. The shrines are beautifully constructed and are all working shrines. I was very disturbed by the number of people, tourists included, who prayed in front of the many many statues. There was also a vast amount of lucky charms - from good luck charms to warding of evil spirits forever charms - that were being sold a large number of people buying them!

Today's discoveries:
1. Very importantly, how to figure out the shinkansen system and get to the right platform. They will have English information but some words (like "platform") is always in Japanese so one has to guess that was what the number referred to). The challenge will be to be early enough for the Nagoya train that leaves Tokyo at 8.33am so that I can grab a seat on the non-reserved cars (thats the only leg of the journey that I don't have a reserved seat).

2. There is an interesting mix of Shintoism and Buddhism here and I don't think I can tell the difference. But both are equally disturbing because they lead to false worship of graven images. As I walked through the shrines today, I felt more strongly about the futility of worship human carved images. Especially the last shrine today as it was set in a beautiful and old cedar forest. In the midst of God's fantastic creation, God's creatures were worshipping their own creation.

3. Always charge my batteries fully. I had 2 bars on my camera battery this morning but it died just before the 2nd last temple which were the ones set in the forest. In one of them there was some sort of ceremony happening in a room next to the temple (we could see into it) with the priest (?) i full ceremonial garb! I missed out on a fantastic (tourist) photo opportunity.

ps. From now on I probably won't upload photos till I get back to NZ because it takes a lot of time to upload from my memory card and internet access from when I begin to head south of Tokyo on Wednesday will be very sparse. Sorry, you'll just have to wait.

Musings from Japan 2 (Tokyo)

2008-08-04T00:16:00.001+12:00

Saw my first shrine, Meiji Jingu, today. It was really beautiful. There were many people praying and putting prayers on the prayer wall. I hope that as I get a picture of Shinto-ism and Buddhism in Japan I will be deeply disturbed as Paul was in Acts 17.

left: patrons praying at the shrine right: one of the prayer walls in the courtyard

Today's discoveries:

1. Well actually discovered this last night but realised today how wonderfully refreshing it is! Its going to be my new favourite refreshment while I am here.

You basically get a bowl of crush ice and then you get to add your own coloured, sweetened, flavours. I'm sure they are full of nasty food colouring but your feeling hot and exhausted - its really GOOD!

2.

Just next to Harajuku station are teenage girls (mostly) are gathered dressed in outrageous clothes or as manga characters. Then nearby at the entrance to Yoyo-gi Park we discovered a group of men (ages ranging from early 20s to early 50s) mostly wearing leather pants and dancing to what sounded like 50's music as if there was no tomorrow. They really looked like they were having a good time and were oblivious to the crowd gathered to watch them.

The cos-play (costume play) kids are usually kids that have been bullied at school and regularly do this as an outlet before they get back on the trains to go back into a life where they remain largely faceless. My theory of the Elvis guys as we called them, is that this is one outrageous expression they have that doesn't conform to a rule-bound culture. I am pretty certain they go back to mundane desk jobs.

Whatever it is, its certainly given tourists like me something to take photos of to remember and to be pleasantly surprised by the new culture I am in.

Musings from Japan 1 (Tokyo)

2008-08-02T11:53:00.003+12:00

Konichiwa.

First full day in Japan and I am amazed by this country and culture. They take politeness and rule-keeping to a whole new higher playing field. Everyone is so friendly and helpful, even the Japanese speaking guards who helpfully (I think) sought to point me to the right exit at the Metro station in Japanese. I didn't understand a single word and ended up asking 3 guards to get to the right exit (there are about 20 or so different exits at the Shibuya station).

Today's "discoveries":

1. I expected this but was still blown away by the sheer number of vending machines everywhere selling all kinds of things.

1 of the apparent 6 million vending machines in Tokyo (thats more than the population of NZ!!)

2. It is not uncommon for Japanese workers to work from 8am till about midnight and also o Saturdays and Sundays. It is a culture that values the group culture so workers will try to all be there together and usually will try to get there before the boss and leave after the boss does.

3. How absolutely amazingly wonderful fresh sushi is! The fish just melts in your mouth. But I have also discovered that I do not raw squid as much I like cooked squid.

Its that time of year again

2008-02-13T13:29:00.000+13:00

Its Lent again (lent started on Feb 6th). Its quite early this year and I almost forgot about it. I decided that I wanted to observe lent again this year but at the same time I didn't really want to. I thought that because I had done it once before would make it easier. But to be honest it made it harder. The thought (and memory) of giving up something that I like was not appealing. I like that I have control over the fact I can eat what I want whenever I want. Basically, I didn't want to obeserve lent because I am self-centred. Which is all the more why I need to obeserve lent. I decided to abstain from beer and liqour and chocolate, this means I can't have tiramisu, a nice bottle of cold beer with a curry, no hot chocolates or ice chocolates, or cookies and cream ice cream, or chocolate chips cookies.

But every time I deny myself the pleasure of these things that I enjoy, I hope I am made more aware of Christ's sacrifice. Of Jesus' willingness to give up equality with God and to move into our neighbourhood of selfishness, of sin. To go through immense suffering and a humiliating death. All this to demonstrate God's love for us in a way that we can truly understand so that we may be reconciled to God. I really hope that lent gives me a fresh and much needed gratefulness for Jesus' sacrifice.

have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had:

⁶ Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

⁷ rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.

⁸ And being found in appearance as a human being,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

Philippians 2:5b-8

Do I sing like a bird released?

2007-11-10T22:07:00.000+13:00

My anticipated event of the year for 2007 was the Crowded House concert (though understandably not quite as eagerly anticipated as last year's event of the year). I managed to get near enough seats to the stage in the TSB arena (row H).

The first act was a Pluto. The usual rock kinda band. Nothing majorly memorable. The hidden gem of the night was Supergroove. They are a 7 piece NZ band that re-grouped just to be the opening act for Crowded House and they were just fantastic! There was great chemistry between the band members which led to an amazing performance and the guys just looked like they were having a good time up there! Its not always that you don't mind listening to more of the opening act. In fact, I almost felt like I was paying for 2 concerts for the price of 1!

Crowded House was great as well. They interspersed their new stuff with their old stuff. You could easliy tell when they were playing songs from the new album - no one sang along. In the middle of the concert it started to seem like a bit of a drag as they were playing a number of songs from their new album. I kinda of expected them to do that but I guess its not easy when you are such a iconic band that most people know the lyrics to your songs as well as the band did. And that was precisely what happened with the old stuff. It felt like a ginormous sing-a-long session at points. They played many old favourites like Don't dream its over, Take the weather and Pineapple head. They had 2 encores and finally ended the night with You better be home soon.

All in all, a great concert and a fantastic night of amazing music and enjoying the talents of other people. Hmm... I wonder what's playing in 2008 thats worth going to?

The Paul paper

2007-10-26T23:26:00.000+13:00

In my quest to study theology, I took Chris Marshall's paper on Paul offered through Vic Uni's Religious Studies department in Trimester 2. As expected, it was not easy at all, but I have come away with a renewed respect (and frustration) of Paul's complete dedication in being the sent one to proclaim the mystery that is revealed in Christ and the glorious hope we have in Jesus (frustration because Paul did not seem any easier to understand!).

Andrei Rublev. Apostle Paul. c. 1420s. Tempera on wood. 160 x 109 cm

One key thing that struck me most was the way Paul would talk about his conversion experience. Or rather would not talk about it. The only place in the Bible that details what actually happens is in Luke's account in Acts 9. Paul himself hardly refers to his conversion other than as a way of contrasting what he was like before encountering the risen Jesus. His letters constantly point his readers towards Jesus: the good news and hope that is embodied in the his life, death and resurrection and furthermore urges his readers to model their way of life on Jesus. This may seem like obvious behaviour and attitude but I don't think it is what we hear much about today. People's testimonies are always peppered with the dramatic, so much so that most people think they need a dramatic story to become Christians or to be able to testify of God's grace and salvation. The drama usually is centred around their past and the conversion experience itself. But to Paul the drama is always about Jesus and the gospel of reconciliation. He always keeps the main thing, the main thing and urges everyone to do so.

I hope that I too am able to centre everything on Jesus. That Jesus will be the focus when I share stories about what is happening on campus or in my life, I too will encourage and help others to unpack the mystery that has been kept hidden from us through the ages but is now revealed in Jesus. And that I will help people believe in Jesus, not because it is an escape route from hell but because by believing the good news about Jesus they can be reconciled to God, seek to faithful ambassadors of Jesus and we will await in eager anticipation for God's righteous justice to prevail.

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! ¹⁸ All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹ that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰ We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. ²¹ God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor 5:17-21 (TNIV)

facebook

2007-09-04T22:51:00.001+12:00

I can post this and laugh because I am not on facebook.

Real Beer

2007-08-23T17:39:00.001+12:00

I am learning to be a beer snob. And how do I know that? I have been to the 2 real ale places in New Zealand - Galbraiths (in Auckland) and The Twisted Hop (in Christchurch). They serve cask conditioned beer and its fantastic. I am now very picky about the beers I drink. I only drink the good stuff. Drinking good beer is not about drinking lots to get drunk. Its about the complex flavours that you get in the beer and it usually goes really well with food as well and its very refreshing.

My favourite beer in Galbraiths (in Auckland) is Bob Hudson's bitter. Its quite light and with a nice smooth finish.

I've only tried one of the beers in the Twisted Hop, which is the Golding Bitter. Its fruity and has a nice smooth and crisp finish. It has a really great aftertaste and linges well on your palate.

Mmm... me want some beer now. Expect more beer posts in the future...

Bored

2007-08-23T15:40:00.000+12:00

I got bored so thought I would change change the template and play around with it a bit. I know I haven't posted for a while too. But mainly cos I can't be bothered and I have been a bit busy.

shift+F7

2007-05-30T19:47:00.000+12:00

I had to sit for a test this morning. (Well, the lecturer called it a test as that department doesn't do exams. But I reckon its an exam - it had 20 short answer questions and 2 essays. Tests usually consist of 20 multiple choice or short answers or things like that. But I digress...)

It's been a wee while since I've had to sit for one of those things. A couple of things alarmed me. Firstly, I mentally kept wanting to hit Shift+F7 (for those who use Word a lot, you know what this function does!) Particularly when I wanted to describe Jesus being against something and all I could come up with was: Jesus' againstment... It took me almost a whole minute to figure out the word I was looking for was 'opposition'. Secondly, I kept wanting to 'cut and paste' portions of my essay. I even envisaged doing that as I was writing the essay especially since I kept thinking about things I should have said that would have worked better at the beginning of the essay rather than in the middle.

In short, I am so used to using the computer, or the word processor rather, to organise my thoughts that I can't quite seem to organise it anymore on paper and don't forget the time pressure. I feel sorry for my lecturer who will be reading my kind-of-coherent-but-not-very-organised-piece-of repeated-information, also known as answers the essay questions! Sorry, I am too caught up with technology that I'm not very good with pen and paper anymore!

Visual DNA

2007-04-28T01:02:00.000+12:00

Not entirely descriptive of me, but something fun and obviously something to do when you want some distraction.

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Hottie!

2007-04-14T15:45:00.000+12:00

My hot water bottle is slightly bung. It started leaking so I woke up a couple of nights ago with a wet sleeve. Not very ideal for a hot water bottle to leak! Anyways, I went looking for a new one. Went to Pak n Save, The Warehouse and Briscoes in Petone. I think we have a hot water bottle shortage. Or perhaps only in Petone. Has anyone spotted hot water bottles for sale elsewhere?

I want...

2007-03-08T23:42:00.000+13:00

Lately, I've really wanted one of these
or one of these
or one of these
I don't think I anticipated how hard it would be to give up chocolate or alcohol. And its amazing how chocolate is everywhere - choc coated ice cream, pods have chocolate, choc chip cookies, choc cake, hot choc, iced choc. the only hot drink I have in cafes is hot chocolate. And so many times since Lent begun that I have really wanted to go to a cafe for a cake of some sort and a hot chocolate. And its been pretty warm lately so the thought of a nice cold beer has been very tempting too.

I've been tempted to sneak a hot choc once or twice during lent. After all, its not legalism, but grace that prevails, so its ok if I don't follow my lenten vow or break it once or twice. However, I have realised how easily it is to gratify ourselves. I want a hot choc I can go get one. I want a cold beer, maybe not immediately, but the next time I'm at the supermarket I can get a 6-pack and keep that in the fridge for the next time I feel like a cold beer.

Its also made me appreciate even more the sacrifice that Jesus has made. I'm struggling to sacrifice comforts - a cold beer, a chocolate bickie, a hot chocolate. But Jesus (as Philippians 2 puts it) made himself nothing and came as a human being and obediently gave up his life so that we may be reconciled with God. The lure of a hot chocolate suddenly pales in relation to that.

Chinese New Year

2007-02-24T23:20:00.000+13:00

February 18 was the first day of Chinese New Year. The Chinese follow the lunar calendar, hence the seemingly arbitrary date for celebrating the new year. This also means the date changes every year. This year is the year of the Pig (the golden pig apparently). Admittedly, I don't know much about the Chinese zodiac except that there are 12 animals in it.

Anyways, I went back to my parents house in Auckland to celebrate the new year since I wanted to make the most of it being in a weekend. On Sunday, my parents decided to have an 'open house' from 2-6 in the afternoon. 'Open house' means that you open your home for any visitors. This is a very common practice in Malaysia. It is customary to have an open house for the first 2-3 days of the new year and people can drop in at anytime during the day or night. Even at 11pm! The hosts will usually have at least an array of special Chinese new year cookies and cakes for visitors. Some will also have more substantial food (like various curry, satay, noodles, etc). Mum decided to have a few cookies and dishes. Visitors were mostly people from their church who wanted to experience what Chinese new year celebrations were like.

Its been about 10 years since we have done any sort of open house for new year and we are not keen to repeat it anytime soon! Interestingly enough, having an open house is something one cannot avoid when in Malaysia unless you are away on holiday. It is simply not acceptable to stay at home and not have visitors. It was great doing that briefly this year, but I think we were all tired out from it!

It felt quite nice going back for Chinese New Year. On the eve, it's customary to have a family reunion dinner so as it was a Saturday, mum cooked up a storm, so it was certainly worth it!

Lent

2007-02-21T22:58:00.000+13:00

Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. This year, I have decided to observe Lent - so I am giving up alcohol and chocolate. I thought it would be good to practice spiritual discipline and focus on Jesus. As I was thinking about it, I realised that it was hard for me to settle on something to give up for Lent because it was inconvenient - I never know when I would feel like a nice beer (with the nice warm weather we are having lately) and I'm not a huge chocolate fan, but I do reasonably often eat chocolate things. And I don't drink coffee and very seldom drink tea, so hot chocolate is my drink of choice at cafes.

I hope that this would give me a renewed appreciation of Jesus' sacrifice. Not just his suffering on the cross, but the fact that he chose to come to live as a human and face the temptations and challenges that we face as humans. Its all to easy to take all this for granted, hence my reason for observing Lent this year.

sleep deprived

2007-01-09T14:39:00.000+13:00

Whoever invented insomnia should be shot! Its a awful thing. Lying awake sensing that the sun has risen and you haven't yet fallen asleep. And then hearing the brids chirping cos its the wee hours in morning and you know you should be up soon. I have not been able to fall alseep before 3am for about 3 weeks now. It is slowly driving me to the verge of insanity.

Any ideas/remedies anyone??

Best of...

2007-01-03T12:45:00.000+13:00

Its a new year (Happy New Year by the way), so its not uncommon to do best ofs (the last year of course). Here's my best ofs for 2006.

Best cafe:

Simply Paris was a great find! They have wonderful bittersweet (handmade) hot chocolate which has made me expect good hot choc from French places (and thus was bitterly disappointed with the French deli in Mt Albert in Auckland). Their savoury menu is fairly simple - but yummy. But my fav thing is thier dessert and pastries, particular the custard millefoulle (I'm sure its the wrong spelling!). You HAVE to check it out if you're in Wellington.

Best movie:

As it is in Heaven was a fantastic movie. Probably my favourite for the year. Though the Bond movie was a pleasant surprise and highly recommended.

Best CDs:

For jazz, my all time favourite is still Diana Krall's 'Look of Love'. Her sultry voice and the bossanova style is just the thing to relax to.

Hard to say which album of U2's in particular, as I have been listening to all of them on shuffle.

Best books:

Bono on Bono was a great read. Its done interview style and over at least a couple of years. Good insight to the famous and activist front man of U2. My respect for him has grown after reading the book.

The Time Traveller's Wife was also a fanstastic read. Its a different take on a love story.

Best toy:

My Canon 400D digial SLR. This baby rocks (and takes good photos)! I have been able to just be trigger happy, play with various exposures and angles and not worry about how much it would cos me to develop the film later on!

Best concerts:

Jacques Loussier Trio is simply brilliant. They really have groove and they are just musically so tight. A real pleasure and treat to listen to.

Of course the U2 concert which has to be one of the top highlights in the year. Being up the front, and seeing them up close (let alone live!) was a bonus. The atmosphere was just pumping (despite the rain) and the boys do put on a good show.

Best misc moment:

Being at the Collinson twins first birthday and dedication. It was a mad idea to drive up and down from Auckland in a weekend. But it was worth it! Brings new meaning of family.

Feel free to share what have been some of your best ofs for 2006.

Casino Royale

2006-12-21T18:34:00.000+13:00

I wasn't that convinced when I heard that Daniel Craig was the new Bond - a blonde Bond? Plus he didn't quite have the Bond look (I liked Pierce Brosnan's charm and 'suaveness'). But, after watching Casino Royale last night, I think Craig is a fantastic choice! He's very different from Brosnan and seems to make Bond more believable and more human. And I like this brooding, dark, intense new Bond (as opposed to Brosnan's pretty boy, metrosexual Bond).

Back to the movie... Casino Royale is actually the first of the Bond stories as Bond has just gotten his '00' status (and incidentally the movie is apparently pretty close to the story in the book by Ian Fleming). There is a bit more focus on Bond and for once, Bond actually seems to draw blood in fight scenes! The fight scenes and stunts are more down-to-earth (no flying through the air after a crashing airplane kinda stuff). For once, there are no fancy gadgets, no Q, so Bond has to resort to 'normal' weapons. And don't worry, there are still enough explosions and fight scenes to keep the guys happy. There is a good story line and good characterisation. We also see more of M (Judy Dench), which is great.

Overall, I really recommend the movie. Its different from the the last few Bond movies though still has good effects (explosions), is slick and there are nice cars. I used to put Bond movies into the brainless entertainment category but now I think its a movie I would recomemmend to 'serious' moviegoers. At least I didn't go away thinking I had wasted $12 and should have just watched it on DVD (like I did with MI3). I think characterising Bond as brooding, dark and intense definitely has added a lot of depth to the character and the movie. I'm already looking forward to the next Bond movie!

Tis that time of year again

2006-12-19T16:51:00.000+13:00

Christmas is just around the corner. Its less than a week to go. I'd hate to be in town this week and next weekend. I'm sure it will be crazy at the malls.

I have to say I'm not a big fan of Christmas. Before I go on rambling, just wanna say, I am not the Grinch nor am I scrooge-like (maybe?). I used to like the Christmas season. Maybe for the novelty of it. Growing in Malaysia we went carolling for the entire week before Christmas and was involved in the midnight mass at the Anglican parish I went to. So weeks leading up to Christmas meant lots and lots of practices. But I did enjoy it. Cos I got to do things that I didn't get to do at other times of the year and I got to hang out heaps with my friends. Christmas wasn't much of a family event when I grew up. We had a meal together maybe with friends or relatives and my parents would give us presents. But its was simple and low-key.

I find Christmas in NZ very stressful (or perhaps I am just getting older and grumpier). You feel left out if you didn't have family or didn't have friends to spend Christmas with. You finally have some time off work but your friends are all stressed and have left to go back to wherever their families are gathering for Christmas. Then there is the mad Christmas rush where there are lots of people everywhere - malls, shops, supermarkets etc. Its stressful just watching them!

I've given up buying people Christmas presents. First of all, I can't figure what to buy. Then you just go ahead and buy something and wonder if they will actually use it or chuck it in a dark corner of their room. Then you wonder who else have you forgotten and mostly then if you are like me, you will go shopping in the last week leading up to Christmas when the whole city is out shopping, so you are pushing and shoving while still deciding what to buy. So I have decided that I will not buy any presents for people because it is just far too stressful. Anyways, there is a website that suggests just that. So perhaps I will spend my money on a piglet or a goat or an acre of farmland. Let me know if you wanna go halves on a donkey. They cost quite a bit but will go a long way...

The Time Traveller's Wife

2006-12-13T00:55:00.000+13:00

I have really enjoyed reading this well-written book. It is essentially an old-fashioned, boy-meets-girl, love story. Except that Henry met Clare when he was in his 40s and she was 6 and then they got married when he was 30 and she was 22. How? Well, he is a time-traveller.

The book chronicles the many magical meetings between Clare and Henry as she as growing up (and him time travelling to meet her) and also their life together. Imagine meeting the person you are to marry as an adult as you are growing up. But only being able to meet him for brief moments sometimes months or even years apart. As you can imagine its not a "normal" relationship at all as Henry suffers from a rare medical condition - he time travels. He is prone to disappearing from the present at any time which also makes their relationship interesting. At times, Henry in the present is interacting with a Henry that has time travelled. We also get a glimpse of what life was for Henry as he grew up (he started time travelling when he was very young) and also of Clare's life which helps flesh out and give life to the characters.

The book is written as a first person narration. So we get the story from Clare's or Henry's perspective. It is very easy to read and I was very quickly engrossed in the lives of Henry and Clare. I highly recommend it. It will make a nice easy read for the summer.

Miracle Drug!!

2006-11-27T22:13:00.000+13:00

Just to prove that I was actually at the concert...

Elaine and I waiting in line. Elaine came up with a bunch of friends from the Mount. They got in around 1-ish and starting waiting in line inside the blue tent. She was the one who told me to come to blue tent and "smuggled" me to where she was cos when she arrived there were only about 200 people in front... Roger took this picture with his phone - hence the bad image quality.

Thats me in front of the stage cos I managed to get into the front mosh pit bit. I bought a U2 t-shirt there which was a good thing cos I felt quite cold when it poured (and I got wet) and was glad to have 2 t-shirts under my thin jersey... But it was all good!

The circle (which the arrow is pointing to) shows where I was standing for the concert. I decided to stand by the barrier to the claw-like extension. Though it meant I was slightly further away from the main stage, it meant I was about 2 metres away from Bono (and also Adam and Larry when they came down that extension bit) at times. But considering I was expecting to be standing in the middle of the field having to tip-toe and just be able to make out who the tiny people on stage were, being able to be so close was totally surreal!

ooo... the sweetest thing

2006-11-25T17:42:00.000+13:00

Friday night, 24 Nov will be a night to remember! I was not entirely excited about the concert for some reason. My bro couldn't sleep the night before as he was so excited about it. But I slept like a log, and neither did I get up early as well, in anticipation. In fact it felt like a normal day.

Got to the stadium at around 3 and went to buy a T-shirt before the hoards of people arrived. Then went to look for the blue tent as Elaine said. Got there and got in the queue and rang Elaine to say I was in the queue. Thanks to her I managed to jumped ahead by 50-80 people as she and her friends had gotten there around 1pm. Heh.. heh... But the good thing was the first 1800 (or so) people to queue got to be in elipse bit!! So I was so near the stage! I decided to park myself by barrier of one of the claw bits which meant that when Bono (or Adam or Larry) came out to the claw bit, they were like 2 metres away from me!! It was just unreal! Unfortunately, I hadn't bothered to bring my camera cos I thought the likelihood of being close enough to take a decent photo as close to impossible - afterall there were 42,000 at the concert and prob about 15,000 or some would be on the field. And in many ways, the concert sounded like a good ol' Kiwi sing-a-long.

The concert started with City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo and then Elevation where Bono made references to NZ. And of course he sang One Tree Hill - but not without poking fun at it first (he said to bring some seeds up there!) and managed to intersperse a few lines from 4 seasons in One day in it too. The stage set-up was just incredible. A giant screen (of sorts) behind them and video screens on both sides of the with a camera focussing on each one of teh band members. The set ended with One and Bono promoting the Make Poverty History campaign. It was awesome when he got everyone to hold their cell phones up cos it looked like the stadium was covered with fairy lights. Oxfam were there earlier selling white bands and hopefully the Make Poverty History campaign got more people signing up to the mailing list and from there more people wanting to be more aware and be pro-active on the issues.

I was pretty impressed at Bono's attempt to sing Pavarotti's part in Miss Sarajevo. Then it was cool havign Larry come out onto the claw (the one I as near) to play the tom and cymbal that was set up there for Love and Peace. Bono then continued the banging the drum in the intro to Sunday Bloody Sunday. There were two encores. Included was a rousing rendition of Angel of Harlem, and towards the end of Myterious Ways, Bono got a girl onto the stage and serenaded her with With or Without You. The final encore ended with Kite where Bono released a kite into the sky (which unfortunately got caught on the giant screen thing on the stage).

The only disappointment was that they didn't sing Yahweh or '40'. In the US and European legs of the tours, they mostly finished with '40'.

But still... I couldn't have imagined a better night. The concert was fantastic, and bring up the front was an unbelievable bonus. It definitely worked like a miracle drug.

its going to be a beeeeeeeeautiful day

2006-11-23T22:54:00.000+13:00

One more sleep!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

to build or not to build

2006-11-23T22:17:00.000+13:00

I'm in Auckland at the moment, so thought I will blog about an Auckland issue - whether or not to build a stadium on the Auckland waterfront (picture shows artists depiction of the proposed waterfront stadium). Apparently it will cost $500 million, but knowing how these building projects go, it will be likely to cost around $700 million (thats my uneducated guess).

Politicians like to be able to leave a legacy - usually a visible one if possible. And I wonder if building the stadium is their (local and national politicians) way of leaving something that they can point to and say that they built that stadium.

The govenment has said that part of the funding will come from taxes. I'm not sure I want my tax money to go into building a stadium that is quite likely to be empty for most of the year. I am rather (optimistically) hoping that tax money will go into better use like health funding and reducing waiting times on waiting lists. Not to mention the potential eye sore it will be on the Auckland waterfront!

Sometimes I wish politicians would stop stroking their own egos and do things that would benefit the community even if it means they themselves are unnoticed.

In the meantime, (and as much as it pains me to say this) perhaps Australia should start getting ready to host the World Cup.

Let me sing you gentle songs

2006-10-29T18:09:00.000+13:00

This book is set in a village in Sweden and tells the story of 2 women. Veronika is seeking refuge in the village to try and write her book and also to piece together her life again after some unexpected tragedies. Astrid is an elderly recluse in the village - her life a mystery to all as she harbours secrets from her past that seem to haunt her.

They unexpectedly cross paths, and an unusual friendship develops. They share stories of about their lives which brings about healing and helps each woman to move on.

I really enjoyed reading this. It was well written and descriptive which helps to create a visual backdrop of the Swedish countryside in which their various rendezvous takes place. I particularly enjoyed how bits of poetry (mostly Swedish, and translated into English) are interwoven into the story.

The author - Linda Olsson - is originally from Sweden, and now resides in Auckland. She does a great job setting the book in her native Sweden and we get nice glimpses of NZ through Veronika telling the story of her time with James.

I highly recommend it.

What lies beneath

2006-10-25T23:00:00.000+13:00

Who would have thought that yesterday we were having gale force winds, some of the sea was ending up on the road and numerous flights were cancelled due to the heavy winds. Today, the sea was calm (much like the picture - courtesy of Google images), the sun even came out and it was even warm-ish! What a stark contrast to the wild weather from yesterday.

I was listening to National Radio in the car driving along Oriental Bay and they were talking about the Kahui twins case. Someone (the father) has been arrest. There weren't any arrests for 3 months after the tragedy and apparently, that is just terrible. The police were not to blame, but the were lots of cover ups by the family. Someone remarked that the whole family needed to be charged for obstruction to justice.

Officially NZ has 10 cases of child killings a year - which makes us 3rd in the world (not a position to be proud of). Unofficially its 40. NZ has one of the highest rates of youth suicide in the world. What does this say about our nation? A couple of months ago, statistics show that crime is on the increase in this country as well. What lies beneath this nation of fun loving, innovative, creative and friendly people? What are we not acknowledging or talking about? And most importantly - what can we as a nation (not just teh government or people in position) do about it?

No more coveting!

2006-10-19T23:36:00.000+13:00

I no longer covet my friends' digital SLRs. Looking forward to playing with my new toy! Maybe I can truly begin to discover my 'creative' side...

Check out the flickr link on the right for a sample of my experimenting with taking photos.

Musical genius

2006-10-17T23:32:00.000+13:00

I went to the Jacques Loussier Trio concert. Gosh, Jacques Loussier is a musical genius. I can understand why he can't be categorise either as a jazz pianist who plays classical or a classical pianist who plays jazz. But whatever it is, he is am amazing pianist with incredible creativity. Who would have thought to play Bach jazz style? He has a very serious, distinguished look on him, but a great and subtle sense of humour.

And the trio (piano, double bass and drums) are such a tight unit. Their timing is impeccable. It is obvious that they have played together for a while. It was such a pleasure to listen to the Trio. They started their repertoire with Bach (not surprising since Jacques Loussier's first Trio was called Play Bach since they mostly play Bach jazz style). Then they also Spring, from Vivaldi's 4 Seasons (quite appropriate, I guess). Followed by 2 French composers - Satie and Ravel, with the last piece being Ravel's Bolero. Bolero was apparently written for a full orchestra, but the Trio managed to pull it off very impressively. I am now very tempted to buy an album with that piece on it.

Its been a while since I have been completely mesmerised during a concert. It was definitely a magical musical experience and undoubtedly one of the best concerts of its kind that I have been to. If you come across any of their music, I recommend you buy it without hesitation!

That gluggy feeling

2006-10-09T01:17:00.000+13:00

Been sick for the last week and a bit. Besides my asthma flaring up quite badly, my other symptom is glugginess... my chest feels gluggy. Well, at least my doctor understood me, which is the most important thing. So been on antibiotics since Monday but it doesn't seem to be clearing it up. At least I have my many inhalers to keep me company too. Incidentally, the southerly made its move into Wellington sending temperatures plummeting to winter-like coldness. Which of course did not help at all. I went around the house with a hot water bottle that seemed permanently stuck to me. (By the way, my pills unfortunately don't look that cool!)

My theory is that the haze in Malaysia finally got to me. Rubee kinda agrees but with a better explanation - that my immune system was somehow boosted during the time I was there to work extra hard to cope with the new environment and then for some reason (change in weather, perhaps?) gave in to the foreign invaders. That or just the change in temperature. Or that I caught some kinda bug somewhere.

On top of that, daylight savings has messed with my sleep. Its great that there is more daylight, but who would have thought that putting the clock one hour ahead could reek so much havoc?

hazy days

2006-08-30T17:52:00.000+12:00

Greetings from Kuching! Unfortunately I don't have any photos to upload as yet, but they are soon to come! Kuching is covered with a constant blanket of haze - the product of burning forests across the Kalimantan border. It seems like a thin mist is constantly shrouding the city. I've been told it has improved the last few days as there has been rain. But basically it makes it really humid and awful. Apparently a number of people are developing/have developed respiratory illness is the last few weeks.

I got in at midnight on Monday and I think I am somewhat getting over jet lag. Felt very tired yesterday and today, but that may just be the remnants of a busy few months. So far, life consists of eating, shopping, sitting around (with some relatives), eating, and sleeping. I guess that is what is called a holiday. Though I have it constantly at the back of my mind that I have an assignment due a week after I get back.

Also, I am officially confused as to where home is. Before leaving NZ, I would refer to coming back to Kuching as home. But now, I would refer to Wellington as home. The most disconcerting moment was when we were arriving into KLIA. The announcement was somewhat like this "to those visiting, welcome to our country, and to Malaysians, welcome home". It was then that I felt like a visitor and not like I was coming home and the confusion in my mind began. But in the meantime, I will enjoy what I can't enjoy back home - fresh local durians, chicken rice with good chilli and soya sauce, iced milo and toast with kaya and butter at a local coffee shop. But then, that is the taste of home...

Så som i himmelen

2006-08-08T22:45:00.000+12:00

A stunningly made Swedish movie: As it is in heaven

Synopsis: A famed conductor tours the world hoping to create music that will open people's hearts. His own heart, however, is in bad shape. After suffering a heart attack on stage, acclaimed conductor, Daniel Dareus, calls time on his illustrious career and retires to his childhood village in the North of Sweden. With a famous new arrival in town, it isn't long before he is asked to come and listen to the village's sad little church choir. Finding it difficult to resist their pleas for help, he reluctantly agrees to assist.

This is most definitely one of the best movies I have seen all year (but then to my shame, I have mainly seen brainless Hollywood blockbusters this year!). It had a simple setting and plot. And it certainly was refreshing to watch a foreign movie - on this case Swedish. In the movie, you get a glimpse of some of the lives of the people in the choir. And the portrayal of life in this movie is a bit more realistic. Shit happens to some and it doesn't always end well. It also depicts the joys and difficulties of what its like to do life in small village community. Sometimes its great that everyone knows each other. But sometimes, its not! The music in this movie is great (as one would expect from a movie about a famous musician).

Religion and in this case Christianity also makes it as part of the plot. There are some intense moments and exchanges between the pastor and his wife. It was a great reminder of why integrity is so important. And also the need to able to honest and vulnerable about our struggles and weaknesses.

I do highly, highly recommend this movie. Although not everything gets resolved in an ideal Hollywood way, its still a feel good movie and you leave the theatre feeling very satisfied with your movie experience. Its been on in the Penthouse in Wellington for the last few months so for those in Wellie - go watch it soon before it ends!

Pirates of the Caribbean 2

2006-08-06T23:49:00.000+12:00

Went to watch Pirates 2 last night. After reading some reviews, I didn't expect much - which was good I guess. Some excellent swash-buckling scenes especially the 3-way sword fight. That was nice. The lines were not as witty as the first movie, but no doubt there were still some good ones though a lot more cheesy lines this time (unfortunately). As usual Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow is the highlight of the movie. There are funny moments, though the comedy on the whole seems more slapstick than witty lines and good comic timing. However, they did end the movie well - it leaves you wanting to watch the third one to know how it concludes.

There were a couple of intesting moments that manage to tickle my staffworker antennae. One was a very short exchange between 2 pirates while one is reading the Bible (though upside down)
Pintel: You know you can't read.
Ragetti: It's the Bible, you get credit for trying.
Pintel: Pretendin' to read the Bible's a lie! That's a mark against [points to the sky]
I guess that does represent some people's view of the Bible. Somewhat shrouded in superstition though. But then some are superstitious in their views about God and are willing to have things (like a copy of the Bible or a crucifix) to be on the safe side.

In another exchange, someone makes a comment about what is the point of looking forward to the afterlife. This life is cruel and so why should the afterlife be any different. I know these came from the movie, but are probably opinions held by some people.

I think one can come to either conclusion - superstition or real cynism if our search for God is still covered in our own selfishness and an unwillingness to really encounter truth. Having a superstitious view of God reveals a preference to be in charge of our own lives, but having items or doing rituals as 'insurance' (just the case). The cynism I guess is harder to break. But sounds more like an inability to reconcile a loving God with suffering in the world. I wonder whether this stems from prefering God to rule the earth according to our own ideal values.

Truth is meant to set us free and give is abundant life and hope. Reading the Bible is no more a thing done so that we can tick the box, but an excitement that continues to reveal who God is and let us in more on this Truth. And with Jesus, yes there is still suffering in this world, but Jesus understands because of His own suffering, and we can have hope of a better place to go to after this life. Otherwise, life just seems too futile.

My new favourite cafe

2006-08-06T18:14:00.000+12:00

Simply Paris is a small and wonderful cafe at the top of Cuba St. Its got a simple French menu, complete with French staff, fantastic selection of cakes and desserts and great hot chocolate. The staff are friendly and easy going and happy to cater to your needs. I wish I could speak French so that it would make going to that cafe just that tad more authentic. But I do highly recommend it! It is just fabulous!

Up in smoke...

2006-07-30T00:05:00.000+12:00

How strange. When I found out that the Sarawak Club, a place that I haven't frequented since coming to NZ 12 years ago burnt down 3 days ago, I felt really sad. It felt some some part of me, or my story, has gone as well. In reality, I am no longer a member of the club. My membership came under dad's till I turned 21, and being in NZ, it made no sense for me to be a member (considering the costs!). But I frequently went to the Club as I was growing up.

I learnt to swim there when I was 6. And subsequently went swimming there very often. It was convenient for my parents, and my cousins and I went there often during our school holidays. Meal were easy cos we just need to sign our orders and it got charged to our parents account! I always ordered Ribena 7-Up (7-up with a splash of Ribena) and enjoyed eating a chicken wing before dad picked me up. I had a number of favourite dishes there such as tomato mee and quail and even fish & chips! Later on, I had my squash lessons there (they had the best squash courts in Kuching). We often had dinners (with friends or extended family) at the restaurant there too and when I returned for my grandmother's 88th birthday in 2001 and had a kind of family reunion, all of us rang in the New Year there - all four generations of the family - dancing away with each other. Mum had her swimming lessons there too. And thats when I discovered the fun of swimming at night. My bro had badminton lessons there. And dad has (or now had...) his name on the board for scoring a 'hole-in-one' when they had a golf course.

Memories... of a place I have not been to for many years, and has changed much with the renovations over the years. But yet, after learning that the place has gone up in smoke, it has still created a sense of loss.

the Gizmo Project

2006-07-27T14:00:00.000+12:00

check this out!! Its fantastic!

schoc-olate

2006-07-27T13:08:00.000+12:00

Went to the new-ish shop on Tory St last Friday - Schoc - together with Gina and Kirsten. It was nice! The hot chocolates there are not cheap - well, the gourmet ones anyway at $5 a cup. And there are 4 flavours -dark choc, chilli dark choc, orange and cardamon white choc and lavender and orange dark choc. I reluctantly ordered the chilli dark choc drink. I had a chilli hot choc from another cafe before and didn't particularly like it. But this one was so much better! I think I'm beginning to warm up to it.

Also we tried some (well one diff flavour each) of their chocolates.... ohhhh.... just divine. I had the liquor cherry one which kinda looks like the one in the picture. Such a treat. I would definitely recommend the place if you want to treat yourself. Its not set up like a cafe, but there is a small bar-like setup with stools if you want to drink in the shop or slightly further in there is a couch. But careful, the chocolates at the counter looks delicious (and actually is!) and is very tempting!

Self-inflicted...

2006-07-17T23:31:00.000+12:00

I have enrolled for my next paper and the material has arrived today. I have enrolled for MB722 Holy Spirit (with Carey Baptist College) and am doing it by distance. I am looking forward to it, but a bit overwhelmed by it at the same time. Last semester I did a paper equivalent to a stage 1 uni paper and found that really challenging. This is equivalent to a stage 3 uni paper, so I'm cringing already! Also, I had 3 other friends doing the paper with me, but not this time. So I will have to be very disciplined and hopefully be at the 8th floor of the library a bit more, and not just when I have assignments (of which there are 3!) .

I am looking forward to it as I don't think I have an good understanding of the person and work of the Holy Spirit at all. So I look forward to understanding more about the role of the holy spirit in the OT, a Biblical understanding of the doctrine of the holy spirit and an insight on current scholarship on pneumatology. But I'm pretty sure this is not the last you will hear about it!

Itchy feet?

2006-06-17T18:24:00.000+12:00

Obviousy I need to do more travelling!! I have only visited 19 countries or 8%...

create your own visited countries map

X Men 3

2006-06-07T00:16:00.000+12:00

Came back not long ago from watching X Men 3. Was quite disappointed by it actually. I never read the comics and was never into X Men, but the trailer for the first movie looked good so I went along to that, really liked it and so went along to the second one and enjoyed it too (never expected to enjoy either movie that much). So was quite eager to watch the 3rd installment...

I think they should reclassify it as a comedy of sorts. I laughed at various points throughout the movie. Though I definitely was not expecting anything inspiring, but this movie still lacked any sort of vague emotional or intellectual appeal, or good characterisations as the first 2 movies did. Its merely an action movie with nice CGI effects, bad cheesy lines and an equally cheesy score to go with it. Maybe its something to do with the change in director (its a different director from X-men 1 & 2). The good points are Kelsey Grammer did pretty well as the blue hairy beast, and well... thats about it. And 2 things I learnt from the movie: "if the enemy is a mutant that can grow their arms back everytime you slash it off, then kick him where it REALLY hurts" and "stay in school".

My verdict? Its completely brainless and entertaining - and go with as little expectations as possible. But still, a disappointing way to finish the series. Oh, and stay till the end of the credits. There's a little clip that comes right after the credits are done (which also made me laugh out loud).

the Greatest song?

2006-05-15T16:50:00.000+12:00

On the radio the other day, the annoucers were talking about "What is the greatest song ever written?" And I still can't seem to decide which song I think is the greatest song ever written...

Any other thoughts?

Isaiah 40

2006-05-08T00:21:00.000+12:00

I had study group today for the OT paper I am doing through Carey. This week, we looked at Isaiah 40. I thought it sounded like a familiar passage, and upon reading it, realised that I had been quoted the last verse (v31: But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.) many times. Usually as a sort of encouragement, or when I am unsure about what to do next so am encouraged to 'wait on God', or when I've been tired after doing much 'ministry'. But having to read it and dig deeper into it today made me realise the full potential of that verse. It made me realise also, how we can diminish God by quoting verses like that out of its context.

What do I mean? Well, this passage (or prophecy) is written during the time of exile. In fact, this is the first passage in Isaiah written during the time of exile. So, in the beginning of the passage we have God reassuring his people that he is still there for them and hears their anguish of being conquered and taken away into a foreign land. And so the passage goes on to remind the readers (or hearers) about the glory, the grandeur, the majesty of God. That God really is bigger than all their troubles.

Back to that familiar verse (v31) again. Understanding the context of the passage has made the verse even more profound for me. Looking at it by itself, just tells me that if I wait on the Lord (whatever that means) all will be well again and God will make things right for me (emphasis mine because thats what I think it will end up being about - me, not God). But reading it in light of the exile, tells me that God exudes so much grace. The Israelites are in exile because of their own doing (or their ancestors doing). In many occasions, they have turned away from God and disobeyed God. In the end resulting in them beign carried away in exile. But still, God comes to them to reassure them that he still cares for them. God still comes to them to remind them that he is sovereign and about his glory. God still comes to them to give them hope, that He is their hope.

So now, this verse reminds me about God's compassionate nature. That God will extend grace despite my stubborness and disobedience. That God will bring me hope, and God will be my hope. That God is far bigger than anything else - nothing else campares to the grandeur of who God is. No longer does it imply to me that God will give me strength or whatever. It is about God. And who God is. And thats what it should be about. Because there is so much more hope in God and who God is than in merely thinking about what he can do for me.

So, perhaps another reason, why not to quote verses at people? It diminishes God.

MI:3

2006-05-07T00:40:00.000+12:00

Went to watch the third installation of the Mission Impossible franchise. Predictable storyline and it delivered as expected - explosions, gadgets, different places in the world and once again, Ethan Hunt does the impossible (with the help of his team of course).

Some good moments in the movie, though the ending was far too soppy (even for chicks!). It was too much of a "happy ending". But I did enjoy it, and I do recommend it if you are after a brainless movie to chill out with. And, bring on X-Men 3!

David Gray

2006-04-19T21:02:00.000+12:00

David Gray played in the Wellington Events Centre last night. And he was awesome! He does a fantastic live show, though I don't really get the head wobbling thing. Gosh, it alsmost seems like his head wasn't quite attached to his neck the way it was wobbling.

Anyways, it was a welcome respite from the stress of the last 6 weeks (and more) and after a busy weekend and being unwell for the past week. He moved flawlessly from guitar to piano and the harmonica. I have a bad memory of song titles so I can't quite describe his set list. But I do know it songs from his latest album - Life in Slow Motion and also from his popular album - White Ladder. Another nice thing was that he didn't talk much at all! So it was all music! And he finished the encore with Babylon and got the audience to join in. Nice.

back to my roots?

2006-04-12T23:00:00.000+12:00

On Sunday night for the ICF committee retreat, I led a contemplative time of reflection. I have done stuff like this before, but always together with someone. So this was the first time I prepared one on my own. I used the outline from the Sacred Space website (which is a site I try to use often to pray and reflect before I go to bed). I also used lots of written prayers from a book I bought last year and from the Book of Common prayer. It flowed really well. We had a good time to reflect on the last 3 months and then share and pray for each other. Then for the 'Word of God' bit, I used Psalm 30 from a Sons of Korah album and put that on repeat. And then we closed the time together and had chocolate fondue.

I grew up in an Anglican church, and I really disliked using liturgy then. But now, I have begun to like written prayer. I usually go to the Book of Common prayer to find some ideas/inspiration and I also have the New Zealand prayer book (which is the one used by the Anglican Church in NZ). And also try to find other sources where there is pre-written prayer and also contemporary liturgies/prayers. I have come to think that written prayers are just much more able to convey needs and expressions in such a succinct (and sometimes more poetic) way. Also in reflection times, I like the idea of just listening to the bible, and not have anyone explain it or give their opinion about it, but each person can just mull it over - just them and God. And allow the words to just bring healing, restoration, rebuke, etc. (Taken from a Taize style worship idea).

Worship/prayer sessions can easily be wordy. How nice to have simple words, silence, candles and simple music. I'm now finding this approach much more fulfilling and refreshing.

Love life!

2006-04-05T02:32:00.000+12:00

Every now and then, I get a sense of appreciation of life and an "I'm so glad I'm here feeling" (particularly after recounting certain times I have expereinced). Tonight is one of those times. I have to come to appreciate these moments. There are times when I am thankful to God for particular things but its good to be thankful about life itself - appreciating life and appreciating God for life. And I hope I will always remember to appreciate and to savour life - having fun, discovering the unlimitless enormousity of God, enjoying meaningful connections with people.

Yes, life has its ups and downs, and no way am I saying that life is always a breeze. But as I try to survive the downs of life (and struggle through to the other side, I also want to ride the wave of the ups in life. And in the midst of it, to thank God and savour this life I have been bestowed.

Earth from Above

2006-04-03T00:14:00.000+12:00

Currently in Waitangi Park, near the waterfront, is a free exhibition 'Earth from the Air' featuring works by photographer Yanns Arthus-Bertrand. I finally went to see it last night (I was told it was better going at night). Its an amazing series of photographs of earth, people, life - all taken from the air along with bits of information about sustainable development. People in Wellington who haven't yet been, go see it before it closes (April 9)!

Its good to be have things put into perspective. Seeing the photographs, reminded me that I am but a tiny speck in this world we live in; of how life goes on in other parts of the world can be much tougher than life as I know it; of why I should appreciate what I have and respect the earth; of the wonders of creation that reflects on the Wonder of the Creator.

A slice of heaven... on earth

2006-03-16T21:47:00.000+13:00

One of my favourite things in the world....

Good things do come in small packages!

Life is not all ha ha hee hee

2006-03-16T12:32:00.000+13:00

"Life is a dance between duty and desire"

How true.

Sporting the issues

2006-03-15T22:55:00.000+13:00

The Commonwealth Games are just beginning. I think the idea of it is great. Athletes, who have trained hard, competing to see who is best. But sometimes, i can't help but think that usually the more well off countries win because they have the money. Its not always just about talent. Those with money can have all the experts at hand - coach, nutritionist, physiotherapist, phychologist and other experts. They also have the benefits of better equipment - shoes, clothes (it seems that the clothing is getting more and more sophisticated now). I think its no longer an equal slate.

Also, is it right that countries are putting in more and more money into the opening ceremonies (usually trying to outdo the one before it)? Millions - just to impress all who are there and who are watching. I'm sure there are benefits, but is it right?

If only...

2006-03-12T23:44:00.000+13:00

I'm currently watching a BBC documentary 'Being Indian'. This episode focusses on a 15-year-old girl, Isha, in Delhi whose parents are rich enough to send her to a private school. The school is rigorously academic, and also has lots of facilities for sports and other activities. She has a cell phone, and can afford to take a taxi home if needed. Pretty usual for most schools here in middle class residential zones and also for private schools. But what strikes me about this school, is that the school partners with Unicef and gets their students involved in their programmes. Thus the students are exposed to those who are less privileged from them. They visit a slum and the impact on the students is tremendous. They are confronted by poverty, and Isha is challenged about the way she spends money. Their school also encourages them to teach someone who is illiterate to read and write. So Isha has been teaching her maid for the last 3 months and considers it her moral duty to teach someone to read and write. Wow!

If only schools in NZ would do that! Imagine what would happen if generations of school children are exposed to the 'other side of the coin' - the poor, the homeless, the down-trodden. What would that do? Perhaps we would have a generation of people who are acutely aware of inequality and are moved to action! Perhaps we would have more voices to speak out for the voiceless, more resources poured into fighting poverty, more people willing to do something! If only...

But in the meantime, let us do what we can.

this side of Heaven

2006-03-08T23:59:00.000+13:00

At our office devotions today, we talked about heaven. To be honest, heaven is something I hardly think about. Mainly because I have no idea what its going to be like and hoping it won't be like how some people have suggested it could be like. But heaven (and hell) is not an uncommon topic in pop culture. Its used in advertising and in movies. In movies, people who die seem to go to heaven. But I'm pretty sure it does exist otherwise Elijah will be having a wild time somewhere up there in space.

On earth, we have a glimpse of God's creativeness - majestic mountains, delicate flowers, powerful waves. In heaven, I hope the beauty of all that is around me will blow my mind. On earth, we are comforted by God's Spirit. In heaven, I hope there will be no more tears. On earth, we press on to try and live a life that is worthy of the Gospel of Jesus. In heaven, I hope we will be made perfect. On earth, we are awed and humbled by the profoundness of Grace. In heaven, we will understand the culmination of Grace.

For now, I work towards what a follow of Jesus works towards - holiness, compassion, humility, awed by God through creation etc. And I live in hope that heaven will be much more than I expect it to be. But for now, on this side of heaven, I only hope to be of earthy good.

What does it mean to be a mature Christian?

2006-03-02T00:00:00.000+13:00

We seem to classify those who call themselves Christians under various categories:
new Christians - those who have just come to the faith
mature Christians - those who have been in the faith for a while
nominal Christians - those who say they are Christians but don't seem to have active involvement

Firstly, by labelling people like that can be unhelpful as we are putting them into a box defined by a cultural stereotype. And secondly, didn't Jesus say not to judge so who are we to label others, after then we will be held to the same standard?

Back to the question. So what does it mean to be a mature Christian? I don't think I'm entirely sure the unwritten rules actually help here. It seems to assume that maturity comes after some time of being in the faith and having a somewhat active Christian life (else one be labelled nominal). However, I think that being in the faith for some time and having an active Christian life does not necessarily equal maturity. It also depends on a person's exposure to theology, exposure to good Bible exposition which can help them form their Christian worldview and values and priciples in which to live by.

I have encountered people who have been Christians for a while and have a shocking interpretation of Scripture and prescriptive way of doing bible study (reminded me of being in school again). And also recently encountered someone who though has been a Christian for just over a year, is able to lead bible study like someone who has been a Christian for ages.

As we all know (and have met), there are people who despite their actual age seems to behave like someone much younger than them. This we call immaturity. Yet maturity (a primary criteria being how long they have been a Christian for) seems to be a criteria for some Christian organisations or churches in choosing their leaders (I don't recall ever hearing the term 'immature Christian' used!).

So what is a mature Christian? I'm not entirely sure. And although I don't really like this term, I find that I do use it when I come across new students as I attempt to categorise them so as to spot the up and coming leaders. What are the initial markers? Its listening out (in conversation) whether they go to church, what their view is on certain things, their previous involvement in the Christian world, their current involvement etc. Pretty superficial I would say. But what is the alternative? Maybe next time I should give them some tasks to do - lead a bible study, interact with non-Christians, express their views on certian topics?

But perhaps its more healthy to try not to categorise people (rather unhelpfully) like that (or not categorise people at all if possible). Instead I'll seek to listen to their story. And give people (my students especially) a chance to do what they would like to do or encourage them to continually step out beyond their current comfort zone. Not sure if this is building 'maturity', but then I don't want to be into building mature Christians per se. I'm into holistic faith development and encouraging people (in particular the students I work with) to step out into their potential. Maybe its all one and the same, except that the term 'maturity' is so last millenium.

it's been a while...

2006-03-01T23:55:00.000+13:00

Kinda took an unofficial break to my already sparse posts. But maybe thats what summer does - makes me slow down and take it easy. Not there hasn't been much to post. In fact there were times when I was composing posts in my head, but somehow what was in my head didn't translate to anything else. So I'm back in the blogosphere and will continue the sparse blogging...

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

2005-12-22T00:51:00.000+13:00

*warning - contains spoilers*

Finally got to watch the movie. Been waiting for it to come out. I re-read the books earlier in the year in anticipation. And waited with baited breath during the scenes near my favourite bits. But alas....

But first, let me say what I liked about it. Weta has once again done a fantastic job with creating the various costumes and creatures. Aslan looked so realistic and resplendent. The other mystical creatures look wonderful and the beavers... dare I say - look really cute!! Tilda Swinton did a fabulous job as the white witch. She was cool and aloof, yet falsely charming - and basically like what I expected the witch to be like from the book. Also, the turkish delight did look sooooooo delicious. Soft and so inviting! No wonder Edmund fell for it and got sucked in by her charm and promises! I probably would have too! The battle scene was great. Somewhat reminiscent of LOTR but, I guess that couldn't be helped. In the book, I knew they were outnumbered and have to fall back, but the movie depicted it much better than what I had in my mind. Mr and Mrs Beaver and Mr Tumnus were played very well as the likable Narnias that the children first meet. They were strange (as a faun and talking beavers would be to us!) yet warm and friendly and somehow, one wouldn't feel scared meeting them.

Two of my favourite were not depicted in the movie. One kinda was slapped on at the end, but I didn't think it worked as well at the end. The first bit was the part with the children in the Beavers' home and they were talking about Aslan. This was the first time they had heard about Aslan so were curious about who this Aslan is. From the book, you get the sense of growing curousity and this tingle down their spine (the good kind) everytime they heard the name 'Aslan'. Upon hearing that he is a lion, Lucy asks "Is he safe?" to which Beaver replies "Safe? Of course not! But he is good". What a description! What will it be like to meet a lion that is not safe but good, and the anticipation to meet this Aslan of which the Beavers talk about with such hope and eagerness eventhough they have never seen him? Do I speak of Jesus with such hope and eagerness, that it sends a tingle down the spine (the good kind) of those who are hearing about him?

Second bit, was where Lucy was giving Edmund her magic cordial and was waiting for it to take effect. Meanwhile, Aslan was reminding her that they were others that were injured as well. But Lucy somewhat dismisses his remark and wanted to wait to her her brother recover before tending to others. And Aslan says "Must more die for Edmund's sake?". That line always never fails to scare me. Why? Aslan has previous given his life for Edmund's sake. He was humiliated and then killed. But because the Deep Magic also says that if an innocent person dies on behalf of a traitor, then "death itself will be reversed". To me, the line is not spoken out of anger or impatience, but a gentle reminder (to me) that we can get so caught up in our own little world, that we forget the urgency that is out there. It speaks to the 'me first' attitude - others can wait until I have done what I need to do first. But, following Jesus is not always about the 'me first'. Loving myself is important, but I cannot put that above loving others, especially if I am merely fulfilling a selfish want.

Though I was deeply disappointed (but not entirely surprised) that these two scenes were not in the movie, I got another insight from the movie. Just before the great battle, Peter was in front of the army together with the Centaur. They see the enemy come over the rise and approach them in their vast numbers. Peter is somewhat afraid. The army waits for his orders, and I cannot help but think, I would be scared too if I were them. Its a bit silly to go into battle when you know you have less numbers than the enemy and were not actually sure you would come out of it alive. Just before the command to fight, he lifts his sword and shouts "For Narnia! For Aslan!". His army responds in kind. But as they shout that, there is a sense of hope that surges through them. Eventhough they know that Aslan is dead. They were willing to die for him. This Aslan, whom they have heard of and only seen and met briefly, who is now (to their knowledge) dead. No doubt they were also fighting for their country, but would I have fought for Aslan? How much will I 'fight' for Jesus? Would I have the same determination (and loyalty) as Peter had eventhough he knew Aslan was dead?

In the meantime, I hope to faithfully follow, the One whom I have discovered is not 'safe' but definitely good.

It'll be a Beautiful Day!!

2005-12-14T00:26:00.000+13:00

St Paddy's Day
17 March 2006
Its going to be a blast

and I'll be there!!

Evangelism vs Mission

2005-11-30T23:31:00.000+13:00

Evangelism is a word I have been uncomfortable with for years. Especially lately. Actually, when I used the word 'evangelism' in a conversation tonight, a friend remarked I said it like it was a dirty word. Come to think of it, its not too surprising since in my mind, it is a dirty word!! I don't like the word because I associate it with nasty tactics. From what I had learnt about evangelising and about evangelism - it is something I don't want to do. Maybe I'm just being fastidious. But this is what I associate with evangelising:

People (non-Christians) being refered to and often treating like targets; scaring people in to heaven by telling them they'll go to hell if they don't accept Christ; an exercise to get people to pray 'the sinners prayer'; something I should do to mark that I am a good Christian/doing my Christian duty; notching up stats to help me feel good about a Christian who is worried about 'saving the souls of the lost'; reciting a formulaic blurb to entice people into Christianity...

OK. Maybe that all sounds a little cynical, but all that I have heard in the past, and some of what I am hearing now to do with evangelism, usually bears the hallmarks of the paragraph above. Can't stand it! And then there's the whole televangelism thing. A-whole-nother story!

So, what then? Well, I do believe as followers of Jesus, we are to share about Jesus. If I think following Jesus is so wonderful and I have made a life choice to follow him, then it should naturally be something I want to tell people about. But I think the best way to share about Jesus, it to let my life speak of that decision to follow Jesus. I see faith as not simply a decision or promise to a person or set of beliefs, but faith is a choice to practice life. And this life is practiced in the context of a relationship - formostly with Jesus, and also with others around us. (sort of paraphrased from a quote by Leonard Sweet). In that light, I understand evangelism to be aiming to get that person to a place to make a promise or decision (I know its more than that, but...). On the other hand, I see mission as living out the faith.

For example, people are into alternative lifestyles now - organic, vegan etc. The beliefs and values that they hold that are shaping their lifestyle is communicated through their lives. These beliefs and values have permeated thier lives. They live by it, and how they express themselves is shaped by it. The beliefs and values of a Jesus follower should permeate their lives, that they will share about Jesus by simply being themselves.

So, 'mission' or 'being missional' means letting my life speak about Jesus. It means that my life will speak of my lifestyle choice to be a follower of Jesus. It means that in my relationships and friendships with others, I don't try to convert them, but sharing my faith (to use the lingo) will come naturally through conversations and actions because it is part of who I am. Its means having a longer term relationship with people, it cares not only for their spiritual side, but the whole person. Hardest of all, they get to see what an expression of faith is like!! Yikes! Now thats hard. They get to see what I am like as a follower of Jesus! And I become an expression of Jesus to them!! Gosh! In that light, it seems much easier to take 5 minutes to accost a stranger with a track! But then, isn't being incarnational? Me, being Jesus to others... and wasn't Jesus' mission incarnational? He, representing God to us...

'I had a right'

2005-10-26T00:27:00.000+13:00

Rosa Parks, the black woman who marked the start of the modern US civil rights movement by refusing to give up her seat on the bus has died. I admit I know nothing of her life except this one courageous act that has made history. I can't imagine what it would have been like to stand up against the norm, the law, and the inequalities during that time. All I know is that because she took the courage to stand up (or rather sit down in this case!) for something she believed in, she paved the way for equality among races in the US. And she is known across the globe for this. I guess its probably also because it was a peaceful protest, and it sparked a peaceful protest.

May the spirit and courage of Rosa live on in all who seek to champion for the rights of those who have less, and may it all be done also in peace.

call security!

2005-10-25T00:07:00.000+13:00

When I was in Sydney, there were billboards and TV ads asking people to be vigilant against terrorism - "Every little bit helps". They were encouraging people to come forward with any information that could potentially foil a terrorist attack. And recently in NZ, I heard ads on the radio, also asking people to be vigilant. About bio-security. We need to watch out for exotic pests that could potentially reek havoc on our agricultural industry.

I have to say, there is something rather comforting about being in a country whose current main security concern in bio-security. With all the bombings and rumours of eminent attacks, and increased security presence, there is something nice about arriving at an airport and having dogs sniff your bags for fruits rather than for other potentially more sinister items.

croaky!

2005-10-18T12:57:00.000+13:00

Home sick... again. This time I went to see the doctor. Its laryngitis, so instead of talking, I now croak. This time last week I was at home, sick as well. Then I had a really bad sore throat and just felt really crook. I think whatever I had morphed into whatever I am having now. Even the doctor couldn't make a specific diagnosis, except that I have the symptoms of a bacterial infection so she has prescribed antibiotics.

And of course, as Murphy's Law would have it, I have had slightly more than usual phone calls since I have lost my voice and have ended up croaking into the end of the phone - but thankfully having very short conversations.

At least it is sunny. But day time TV is really bad. So I have ended up bugging friends via email. Heh heh...

OMG!!!

2005-10-13T01:20:00.000+13:00

Was surfing through ship of fools and came across this. At first I thought it was a joke... until I checked out the website. I cannot imagine anyone I know remotely wanting to play this game. Anyway, isn't it a bit deceitful - inviting poor unsuspecting non-Christians to play a board game (which they probably think will be Settlers or Cranium or Pictionary etc) and you whip out this Salvation Challenge game?

But then there are several methods or inflicting salvation or evangelising that I would deem rather deceitful or ungracious. Especially those that call for you to accost a stranger and recite some formulaic story to them. Well, basically I'm referring to one that I really don't like called the Black Book. [by the way, I think websites who say they are about proclaiming the gospel and then are obsessed wioth stats are a bit suspect. Why have stats? Scare themselves into evagelising?]

The basic premise is starting with the question "Do all good people go to heaven?" Well, you can guess what happens next. But the thing is, I do not recall Jesus ever using that line on anyone in the gospels. Jesus always approaches others with compassion eventhough he was confronting them with the awful truth. The Samaritan woman, for example, he starts introducing her to life first by beginning to talk about living water. Then he confronts her 'sin' and tells her go leave her 'sinful' life behind. But all with the promise of life. The woman acknowledged what she did was wrong and that she needed to get her life right. Jesus didn't have to threaten her with the prospect of hell. If Jesus is all we say he is cut out to be, then talking about him and the life is offers should be enticing enough. Not scaring people into heaven! Gosh. They might get there, look at Jesus and say "Who are you? Not really heard of you before!"

I had to do a workshop at mid-year conference. And I ended talking about the uniqueness of Christ. In it, I urged students to listen to what others had to say, not to sound arrogant or take the high road. And most of all, to talk about how Jesus is different. Not better. Not right (and whatever others believe in is wrong). But different. Talk about life. Talk about grace. Talk about love. Thats what Jesus talked about.

But then maybe I am too pc in my approach...

hmm...

2005-10-13T00:27:00.000+13:00

According to the test on http://www.politicalcompass.org/ I am:
Economic Left/Right: -4.88
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -2.05

Which will put me somewhere nearish Nelson Mandela...

but in an NZ context...

near the Greens - didn't vote for them and not sure if I will in the future. Maybe this explains why I found it hard to vote for this election!

over-spiritualising or just plain stupid?

2005-10-07T01:18:00.000+13:00

I came upon this message on a particular site. I wonder if people who preach things like that will be made accountable to God for those who don't seek appropriate treatment and subsequently commit suicide. This type of irresponsible preaching undermines all the work that is done to not stigmatise mental illness and encourage people to get the right treatment.

It just makes me angry... and sick. I wonder what God would think about this message. After all, there are lots of Christians who are taking meds to help with depression and those who profesionally help those with depression. Hmm.. I wonder what she then thinks about other forms of mental illness. Ones that even professionals consider more serious and more difficult to treat like paranoid skitzophrenia (sp??) or multiple personality disorder etc. *sigh*

post-holiday

2005-10-07T00:14:00.000+13:00

It was great escaping for a week. The first 3 days was spent catching up with Adrene, meeting Andrew and catching up with the Gohs. Wedding was great. Reflected them somewhat, though I was a bit surprised at the extravagance. But nonetheless, a privilege to be there.

Other than that, stayed in a nice hotel up the road from King's Cross (Sydney's red light disctrict). It was near enough to the city to walk. Walked through the botanical gardens, Opera house, the Rocks, Paddy's market, and along the Sydney Harbour bridge. Spent a day in Manly though it was a bit chilly so didn't spend a lot of time on the beach. Ended up doing a bit of an "urban bush walk" and "rock hopping". Fun all the same.

And of course food. Had nice Vietnamese, gelato and home cooking. The highlights were the Greek restaurant on Pitt St and the Czech place - Doma (or something like that). Food was authentic (I think) and great. Accompanied good alcohol - nice house wine in the Greek place, and a dark Czech lager in the Czech place.

But it was finally reading the intro in the guide book about Australia's history that shocked me somewhat. I had already known their attitude towards the aboriginal people, but having hard kinda made it hit home a bit more. It seems that only the the late 1970's (I think 1978) the Aboriginal people were recognised as citizens. Gosh! Considering they had been there for about 60,000 yeras already! Up till now, Australia has refused to apologise for the way their colonial ancestors have treated (or mis-treated rather) the Aborigines (no wonder a number of my non-white friends have felt an air of racism about the country) . In the last 20 years, there have been more efforts by some prominent people to make a move towards reconciliation. Lets hope they make progress in that.

Syyyd-niii, here I come!!

2005-09-28T00:39:00.000+12:00

Very excited about going to Sydney - though I am not looking forward to having to wake up super early to catch my 6.40am flight. Main reason for going is for a friend's wedding. And I get to spend about 2 days with her before most of the guests arrive. Haven't seen Adrene for about 3 years, so am looking forward to catching up. Plus of course, I need a holiday! So hopefully I can unwind, relax and be a tourist for a week (I'm not even bringing my laptop!). And also catch some sun. Its real windy today, and raining heavily so can't say I'm not glad to escape this weather!

So hopefully the next week will consist of good food, quality time with a good and old friend before she gets hitched, more good food, lots of walking around (hopefully in the sun), new and interesting experiences (I've already done some tourist stuff there), scintillating conversations (my workmate Val will holidaying with me) and again, more good food!

Crash

2005-09-27T01:14:00.000+12:00

A complex and intense movie looking at a day in the life of various characters set in post 9-11 LA. The movie explores racial attitudes and prejudices through the eyes of the characters who are all from different ethnicities - black, hispanic, white, persian, chinese. Although it features a number of Hollywood stars, the movie is so refreshingly un-Hollywood (thank goodness!).

Stereotypes, generalisations, arrogance. These are some of the factors that lead to prejudice. [Prejudice is a subject that has been on my mind - though more of gender prejudices and class (rich-poor) prejudices.] Its amazing what stereotyping a person based on the colour of skin can lead to. Its amazing how those at the top of the pile can get away with so much. How easy it is to accuse someone else because of their prejudiced views, and yet we can walk away with our own set of prejudiced views.

"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34,35

Jesus' command has no room for prejudices, yet those who call themselves disciples of Jesus can be filled with prejudice. But isn't it interesting, that the mark of a follower is not how much they sing, or pray, or donate, but in their love for one another.

"Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God - for God is love." 1 John 4:7,8

What would the world be like, if we could show this kind of love. Even if a quarter of the world actively lives out this kind of love, the world would be a better place. Its tough challenge. But I hope that one day, people will know I am a follower of Jesus because I have shown for others, as as Jesus did.

Omagh

2005-09-27T01:00:00.000+12:00

Intense drama based on a true story surrounding the Omagh bombing by the real IRA in 1998. The IRA had declared a ceasefire and the the breakaway group who called themselves the 'real' IRA were not happy. The bomb was their statement of protest. This drama depicts the struggle of a father who tries to look for justice following his son's death in the bombing. The movie gives time for you to get to know the family and the glimpse of the relationships within the family before and after the bombing. The father, a quiet, unassuming man became a spokeperson for the families affected the the Omagh bomb.

They uncover the shroud of secrecy surrounding the case and why the perpetrators were not brought to justice - all for the sake of the peace agreement. It raised questions of what trade-offs do we make. Who has to suffer? Who determines what is the greater good? Who determines what sacrifices have to be made? The bomb killed 29 people. The authorities gave them empty promises of justice. Eventually, the families raised support to pay for a private prosecution of the terrorists. Is that justice? Does the means (dropping the investigation) support the end (the Peace agreement)?

Made me wonder. According to various theories, US intelligence had clues about a major terrorist attack which was to be Sept 11 incidents. Did they let it happen so that the 'War on Terror' could be declared? Or perhaps I'm just too cynical...

Kuching

2005-09-20T01:29:00.000+12:00

Its now been almost 3 weeks since I have returned from Kuching, to rush to my grandmother's bedside and her subsequent funeral. Most of the time I had a strange feeling - like I belonged (I did grow up and live there for almost 18 years), and yet like I didn't belong. I have been away for a long time, and since then (despite sporadic visits back) there have been lots of changes - new roads, new buildings. Enough to make it quite disorienting. I had a sense of nostalgia there. Most of the places I wanted to eat at were places that I remember from my childhood, or shops that I frequented before I left. Maybe the nostalgia was due to the fact that I realised that I wasn't sure when I would ever return. Because of that, one afternoon I decided to walk around town taking some photos of which to remember it by (photo: looking down the river to the city centre).

My grandmother was the last real link to my hometown. My family lives here in NZ, and frankly, there is no one that I am really close to, that I would want to visit. I have some relatives, but none of which I would want to make the time and effort to go and visit. Anyway, they can come over to visit. Relationships with most of my friends have changed. Actually, I would much rather spend the money visiting new places and explanding my horizons. I wonder if Kuching has now become a place of memories and sentimental value.

Although at times, I feel like I don't know where I belong, I guess I feel an affinity towards New Zealand. While I was in Kuching, I was longing to hear about how things were back here. At that time the tri-nations were on, so I wanted to be updated with rugby results! And also, to find out if England was beating Aussie in the Ashes! I guess those are sure signs of where I have now planted roots.

Makan!! (Eat)

2005-08-21T14:32:00.000+12:00

My first meal with a friend. Been only out for 2 meals a day, since I got here. A real Malaysian would have had about 4-5 meals a day. So Celina was helping me make up for it in one meal! We had tomato mee, grilled fish with chilli paste, Indian rojak, plain roti, banana roti, and 'cha kueh' which is fried turnip cake. Yum.... continuing my food odysey here.

Visiting hours

2005-08-21T14:31:00.000+12:00

The first thing dad and I did when we got here was to go and see Ah Mah at the hospital. I was relieved to get to see her. Since then we have been visiting her at the hospital 2-3 times a day. Mum has 9 siblings so we make sure there is at least 1 person at the hospital at all times. It has been good to see all my uncles and aunties and some cousins again. Its been close to 6 years since I saw most of them, though I think this is somewhat a bitter-sweet reunion for us.

I think we are all somewhat ready for her passing. Funeral plans have already been made. As much as we would all like to have her with us, she would be huge frustrated by her limitations: she is currently in a coma, can’t see or talk, not able to move her legs or right side, and her kidneys are not functioning. Family has always been important for Ah Mah, and all her children are back here together, and that would make her very happy. So we hope that she passes on in peace

2005-08-18T01:49:00.000+12:00

It's now 9:42pm. My body is already confused what time it is. Will arrive in Kuching about midnight and head straight to the hospital from there. Seemed like such a long flight. Maybe becuase its a rush against time. The latest update about Ah Mah before dad and I headed for the airport was that her body was swelling. Perhaps they are not doing any more dialysis. Just hope we get there in time.

Meanwhile, I am sitting in the Golden lounge and enjoying (bad) wireless connection. Better than nothing I guess. And trying to enjoy the services, but I think I am too tired. At least the air-conditioning in here is nice and cool. But perhaps its too nice cos I'm fading. My body is screaming "Bed! Bed!" Another flight and a long drive to the airport to go. I should be prepping myself for what is ahead soon. But I am tired. And I don't know what to expect. How do you prepare yourself to see someone who is near death?

from KLIA

2005-08-18T01:42:00.000+12:00

The rich young ruler

2005-08-04T01:21:00.000+12:00

Did a talk on the rich young ruler from Mark 10 in CU yesterday. It was really good reading up on the passage and digging in deep into it. Its amazing how his initial eagerness and enthusiasm melted away when he had to give up his riches. He even walked away grieving. I can't help but wonder whether it is even harder to walk away from wealth or the pursuit of wealth in this day and age. Esp. in a capitalistic society when wealth is everything - power, security... (hmm.. but then wealth has always represented that.)

I hang around with students who are always complaining they are poor. But then, most people I know who complain about being poor - me included, are not really living in poverty. I mean we all have the basics - food, shelter, clothes. warmth. And more. So poor, for us, means not being able to afford a better cell phone, going out to eat more often, getting broadband, buying scotch fillet instead of cheap rump steak, etc. In other words, poor has come to mean not affording luxuries, which we now consider as necessities.

p/s When I got back from my talk I opened an email to find a link to this site. Try and it, and see where you are on the rich list!

What's your theological worldview?

2005-06-18T23:46:00.000+12:00

I took the quiz, and not really surprisingly came out...

"You scored as Emergent/Postmodern. You are Emergent/Postmodern in your theology. You feel alienated from older forms of church, you don't think they connect to modern culture very well. No one knows the whole truth about God, and we have much to learn from each other, and so learning takes place in dialogue. Evangelism should take place in relationships rather than through crusades and altar-calls. People are interested in spirituality and want to ask questions, so the church should help them to do this. "

For those interested, here is the link for the quiz.

You will always have the poor among you

2005-06-12T23:22:00.000+12:00

I'm not sure I can fully understand what Jesus says here. It appears in context of the woman who annoints him with the expensive bottle of perfume, and the disciples were commenting on it being a waste of money. But what I am increasingly beginning to grasp is Jesus' call to his followers and also his example of caring for the poor. In fact, al the way back in Deuteronomy there was instructions on caring for the poor. The poor have always had a special place in God's heart.

It seems the world's rich boys'club have made a decision on debt relief (click here for the BBC report). I think that is a great start, but I think it is the responsibility of the richer nations to help the poorer nations of the world. OK. That sounds like an ideal situation. But it is simply an extrapolation of the responsibilities of the rich towards the poor.

In saying that, I hoping these nations wouldn't feel too smug about themselves and pat themselves on the back too much. Its about time they did something about debt relief. But a much bigger issue hangs in the balance. Trade. Giving money (or dropping debt for that matter) do help. But if rich countries don't work towards fair trade, then the poor nations are back in square one. They are not able to make a living for themselves. They are already on the backfoot - technology, systems in place etc. But if the US or EU don't cut subsidies to their own producers, then poorer countries like Africa will be dumped with cheap food surpluses. Food that the rich don't need, but sold at prices cheaper than the African farmers can produce. Let's see what the rich boys put on the table after this debt relief offer.

Does evil exist?

2005-06-12T15:06:00.000+12:00

We had a discussion about in this in one of our Uni SE meetings. Well, it wasn't really the topic but seeped into the discussion. Some people don't think that evil exists. I wasn't very sure about it, but then I went to the Human Rights Film Festival and watched a movie about innocent Burmese girls, taken from their villages and tricked into a life of prostitution in Thailand. They usually come form poor families and are told that they will get work in the city - washing dishes, cleaning etc. - and thus be able to earn some money to help their family. So scared, but optimistic about the prospect of supporting their family, they go along with these smugglers and are taken to brothels and similar such places. They don't really understand what is happening. Some of them eventually contract STDs.

After watching that, I was pretty sure that evil exists. And its not just a force, but some people are evil. They knowingly trick and manipulate innocent people to lead life of misery so they can profit from it. It is beyond just greed and selfishness. There has to be an element of evil in it. And that is just one example.

Make Poverty History

2005-05-23T01:43:00.000+12:00

2005 has been designated the year to make lots of noise and make a difference and to make poverty history. There is a global campaign launched to end poverty as we finally have the resources, knowledge and opportunity to do so. Click here to check out the campaign in NZ.

We are the first generation that can look extreme and stupid poverty in the eye, look across the water to Africa and elsewhere and say this and mean it: we have the cash, we have the drugs, we have the science, butdo we have the will? Do we have the will to make poverty history? Some say we can't afford to. I say we can't afford not to.
- Bono, 29 September, 2004

An excerpt...

2005-05-08T17:15:00.000+12:00

An excerpt for Life of Pi which I am currently reading (and enjoying).

There are always those who take it upon themselves to defend God, as if Ultimate Reality, as if the sustaining frame of existence, were something weak and helpless. These people walk by a widow deformed with leprosy, begging for a few paise, walk by children dressed in rags living in the street, and they think, "Business as usual". But if they perceive a slight against God, it is a different story. Their faces go red, their chests heave mightily, they sputter angry words. The degree of their indignation is astonishing. Their resolve is frightening.

These people fail to realise that it is on the inside that God must be defended, not on the outside. They should direct their anger at themselves. For evil in the open is but evil from within that has been let out. The main battlefield for good is not the open ground of the public arena but the small clearing from each heart. Meanwhile, the lot of widows and homeless children is very hard, and it is to their defense, not God's, that the self-righteous should rush.

a (belated) tribute

2005-04-08T23:38:00.000+12:00

Postdate-dated, but nonetheless, still a tribute. During his life, I never really bothered to find out more about him and what contributions he has made. But with the failing his health and his subsequent death and funeral, there has been lots of snippets of the Pope John Paul II's life.

He somehow reminds me of Paul. Paul was passionate. His life showed it. He was passionate about Jesus and about sharing the teachings of Jesus. The Pope was also passionate about Jesus and never wavered from that. He was also passionate about justice (or injustice as it is) and spoke up for the down-trodden.

I reflect on my own life and wonder... if I died now, what would people say I was passionate about? I'm not sure if I would like the answers! How does one develop a life that is lived out of passion. Blogging about it gives clues about what I am interesting in. But I want it to reflect in my life. I want people around me to pick up from my actions and words, what my passions are. Thats hard.

Also in a day and age, when people that seems to have integrity one day betray that trust, it has been refreshing to know that there has been a man of recent times who stood for justice, for Jesus and was man of humility and of integrity. And I bet, Jesus would have welcomed him saying, "Good on ya, mate!"

What is church?

2005-03-16T00:56:00.000+13:00

Don't worry. Not a lengthy discourse. Last Sunday (err... make that 2 Sundays ago). We had a combined church service with the Chinese Methodist Church (who use our building for their services on Sunday afternoons.) However, due to the International Women's Bike race that took place in Wellington (and caused the closure of inner city streets), the service had to take place on Sunday evening instead.

As part of the service, each church talk about what they were about. Can't remember much, but the CMC said one of their goals was to win people to Christ. Not a bad goal - being a church. But, one of pastors who spoke on behalf of Central summed Central as being inclusive, showing compassion and creating community. Well, they certainly have shown that to accept a cynical, questionning, non-institutional-conforming person like me *phew*.

Sin

2005-03-15T23:45:00.000+13:00

Such a loaded word. A word I struggle to explain what it means because it seems so damning. I guess it is. At our last young adult SE group, we discussed sin. Someone brought up a point from a book they had read: sin is when we do not know our true selves (apologies for my bad verbatim quote).

I like that concept. It is more freeing and yet more challenging at the same time. Sometimes talking about sin can end up in guilt bashing, or it may seem that there is no ounce of good or nobility. It can be a very depressing topic when talking about doing wrong, being rebellious and all that. It’s all very negative wording. I’m not trying to make sin sound nice – it isn’t nice. But sin as a concept of a state of being when we do not know our true selves seems a lot less condemning.

If we are made in the image of God, then our true selves is one that is good. When we know our true self, that can be one way for us to connect to God. For example, in the garden of Eden Adam and Eve only started to cover themselves up after eating the fruit. That was where they starting hiding parts of who they are. And this is why we don’t know our true selves. We put on layers and masks, because we learn very early on from our environment (family, peers, society) that certain ways of thinking, certain ways of behaving, certain ways of expressing ourselves etc. are more acceptable than others. Thus we start to put on layers to cover up who we truly are (and cover up our true selves).

How does Christ fit into this? Christ offers grace. Grace frees us to start peeling off the layers because we are accepted for who we truly are. The work of Christ on the cross conveys unconditional love, so I am free to be me – that surely is life in abundance.

"The first step toward finding God, Who is Truth, is to discover the truth about myself: and if I have been in error, this first step to truth is the discovery of my error." Thomas Merton

Being lovable

2005-02-27T12:48:00.000+13:00

Decided to introduce myself to Father Kev (Catholic chaplain at uni) today. I’ve been involved with group at university for 18 months now, but until now hadn’t introduced myself to this cool, jazz piano playing chaplain. Anyway, I digress… We sat down for a random chat and he proceeded to tell me theological stuff he’s been mulling over. He’s been thinking through some concepts of the trinity. He was talking about how the trinity is in a loving relationship with each other. Each is perfectly loving, and each is perfectly lovable.

That just kinda made me think for a moment. We can love God because God is a lovable being – God can receive our love. i.e. God is not just loved just because of who he is, but because part of the character of God is he is lovable. For me, I have always understood the whole ‘we love God’ concept as us giving love, but not really seen it as God being a lovable being. I find it easier to see humans as lovable creatures because we are more ‘needy’ and the fact that God loves us. But we are lovable, because God also is lovable and we are made in the image of God. And if love is not boastful or proud, than Love is capable of receiving love.

This sense of being lovable is central to our well-being. In a state of unhealthiness, people think they are unlovable. The perception of being unlovable destroys all aspects of a person’s being (e.g. last week at university there was a real tragedy – a student fell 6 floors in a suspected suicide). A healthy person understands that he or she is lovable and accepts love. And what better love to accept than a perfect love offered only by God.

More thoughts on prayer

2005-02-22T12:11:00.000+13:00

Been thinking more about the whole prayer thing. The good news is I don’t totally not believe in it. I think I have problems with certain types of prayer. At the moment, I can cope with a more generalised prayer. Its kinda specific prayer that I find hard. Its really hard to explain. For example, I guess I would have problems if someone prayed that God would heal my arm (which still in a cast). Maybe because I am sceptical. And maybe because I equate that with some kind of immediate result. On the other hand, if they prayed that my bone would heal well, I might find that easier to take (not that the prayer is directed to me anyway).

Being in christian ministry, I end up going to many meetings. It seems customary to end Christian meetings (the committee/planning kind) with prayer. I am uncomfortable with that because it almost seems like a shopping list prayer, as you pray about what you talked about. It seems too much like a habitual Christian way to end a meeting. At the moment, I feel more able to start with a prayer cos at the start you’re feeling a bit more vulnerable than at the end, when all decisions have been made.

Maybe what I struggle with is what we have made of prayer. The whole ‘ask-and-it-shall-be-given-shopping-trolley’ type prayer. Maybe I struggle with that because I don’t have enough faith. Or am too sceptical. But prayer with a sense of our helplessness, a prayer to someone who is bigger and more able. And I guess as Stu has mentioned, prayer as a foolishly faithful act – in our vulnerability, abandoning ourselves to God. That kind of prayer I find strangely comforting. Maybe it is a product of foolish faith.

Check this out!

2005-02-16T22:26:00.000+13:00

A site in progress, but it is up! The Spirited Exchanges website is online. What is SE anyway? SE has been my faith community. It provides support for those like me who are straggling on the borders of faith. Provides a safe place for me to ask questions and cope with my angst about Christian stuff. And yet allows me to explore the depths of a faith in God.

So, yeah. Go check it out! www.spiritedexchanges.org.nz

Major OUCH!

2005-02-07T17:42:00.000+13:00

It’s been more than a week since I broke the bone in the joint of my elbow. So I have been learning to cope with the limitations that come with having my left arm in a cast and a sling:
1. only using one hand to type – makes what is already a slow process even slower.
2. can’t drive cos my elbow is bent at about a 100° angle to help it heal at a proper angle.
3. trouble opening tight jar or bottle covers
4. can't spread my toast if the table to too high
5. can't do any cutting/chopping in prep for cooking
6. no able to take photos on my SLR (like I was supposed to do for my friend’s wedding in the weekend!)
7. basically, most things that require the use of 2 hands simultaneously.

I can’t straighten the fingers on my left hand cos those muscles are attached to the elbow so it makes it painful. And because the cast on my elbow is big and juts out somewhat, I keep banging it into door frames, or doors or chairs etc. though thankfully slight bumps so I haven’t done myself further damage (yet!).

Thank goodness for Tramol (strong painkiller)! Definitely couldn't have done without it so far!

OK. Enough one-handed typing for the day…

That thing called prayer

2005-01-24T02:48:00.000+13:00

In the last 2-3 months, I started to regain some sort of confidence again in spoken prayer. Or the whole concept of prayer, really. But after a casual cyber conversation, and someone mentioning to ask Girl A to pray cos their prayers are effective, I once again am starting to doubt the ‘prayer’ thing. Why would one person’s prayer be more effective than another? What does prayer really accomplish? If someone else’s prayer is more effective, then why should I bother? What is prayer about? What the hell is a prayer warrior? Why do some people’s prayer seem to be constantly more effective than others? Is it because the have more faith? What qualifies for someone to have more faith? Does that mean that because I am at a stage where I am questioning lots of things about God and faith, that I have less faith? How do you measure the extent of someone’s faith?

I am off to our staff gathering tomorrow, which I am sure will include quite a bit of prayer in it – a whole week of it. *sigh* Not an easy time when coping with questions of prayer. Hearing people pray just makes me wonder more and hearing the contents of some people’s prayer just makes it worse. I wish we could just have silence during prayer time.

Grrrr...

2005-01-12T23:04:00.000+13:00

It took almost 1/2 hour to drive the last 2 kms back to the house today cos I had to stop about 6 or 7 times! The temp gauge was almost hitting the roof. So I would stop, wait for it to cool somewhat and then start the car again and go forward another 200m or so and repeat the process over and over again. I didn't see smoke coming out of the bonnet so I knew I wasn't in big trouble. Got home and then looked under the bonnet.

Actually I had no idea what I was doing, so it was a really good thing that a kind neighbour came out to see what the problem was. He seemed to know about cars so was helping me check out the problem. He thinks it's just the radiator and not anything else, which was a relief cos the car was just serviced 3 weeks ago! (The mechanic mentioned that the radiator was seeping and to bring it in again.) Well, the radiator was filled up 3 weeks ago, but we found it empty just now. Not good at all! Tried putting water in only to find it was leaking out. Definitely not good.

So tomorrow morning, I will put some water in the radiator, cross my fingers, and then quickly drive to the nearest mechanic which is, thankfully, about 1km away.

Bummer way to end the day though.

tasteful 'mind candy'

2005-01-11T22:52:00.000+13:00

I'm currently reading the 3rd book in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. Its a really well written series set in Botswana. Precious Ramotswe owns this agency and we follow her continual adventures including trying to trace the origins of a boy doesn't appear to talk (and smells of lion) found in the bushes. I really recommend it. Start with the first book to get the background of how it all starts. Very easy reading, and what I would consider as gourmet 'mind candy'.

pushing the boundaries

2005-01-07T23:52:00.000+13:00

Summer cell group has resumed today. We looked at the passage in John 4 where Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman. I just love how Jesus defies the normal (but prejudiced) practices of that society. Anyway, a couple of things that I enjoyed about that passage:

John 3 looks at a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a man, with status in society, a well educated man. Then in chapter 4, he chats with a Samaritan, not only that, but a woman too, and probably uneducated. Even the disciples were surprised when they came back and saw him talking to the Samaritan woman (although they didn't voice anything). Two extremes of the spectrum. But he relates to each individual at a level where they understood him. What a beautiful picture - a God who relates freely and relevantly to all. What an amazing example for those who follow him, esp in this day and age of all sorts of prejudices.

Jesus little blurb on worship - worshipping God in spirit and in truth. I used to think it was about being honest before God and giving it everything during "times of worship". But my take on it now (helped by a couple of commentaries), is that God is spirit, so worshipping God is spirit means I acknowledge that God is in a different dimension from me, and I seek to acknowledge God in that dimension. In truth, for me means I seek to live out my life according to the truth - the teachings of Jesus. Hmm... this means there is a lot more at stake and a lot more costly than just singing earnestly!

drool...

2004-12-30T23:23:00.000+13:00

Joy to the world

2004-12-28T01:57:00.000+13:00

Well, festivities are officially over. I went to some Christmas gatherings – 1 with neighbours, 1 with students and 1 with friends. They were all small and simple gatherings which I prefer as they are more relaxed and intimate, and cuts the need for the cocktail party small talk rubbish.

Anyway, I did spend a little bit of time and cloud out the eating and merry-making and reflect on what Christmas means for me. One thing was, I realised that I actually do like the carol “Joy to the world” as it talks about some significant points. 1. That everything on earth should rejoice because of the Incarnation – God becoming one of us, that we may be reconciled to God. 2. But we need to make space in our hearts, and in our lives to embrace Jesus and all that he requires of us if we choose to follow him.

A lot of my thinking about what Christmas means to me has been centred around John 1:1-18. I have heard it many times before. Even remember a song about it. But it has never quite grabbed me like it has since I had to prepare a bible study on it about 3 weeks ago. As Stu says in his sermon, this passage talks about a divine yet dangerous interference in all our lives (whether we choose to acknowledge that Interference or not). This reminds me of a bit in the “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. Lucy and the others were eating with the Beavers and were hearing about Aslan for the first time. Upon hearing that Aslan in a lion, one of the children ask “Is he safe?” And the reply “Safe? Of course not. But he is good”.

So as we enter a new year, I will continue to ponder on the Incarnation and this divine interference.

Joy to the world
The Lord is come
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart, prepare him room

The ‘spirit’ of Christmas.

2004-12-23T01:06:00.000+13:00

Christmas, the time where we fish out the phrase ‘peace on earth and goodwill to men’ from under the piles of stuff, and wipe the dust off it for another year. Looking around the Christmas rush, it really doesn’t seem very peaceful, and as people stress about what presents to get, I doubt there is much goodwill on their minds.

Why is it that we wait for once a year to try and think about other people, try and be kind and the whole peace and goodwill stuff? Shouldn’t followers of Jesus be practising this all year round? Why do people make excuses that nice things should be done in the 'spirit' of Christmas? Are people so selfish that they think about themselves the other 364 days of the year? I guess at least there is a day (or a brief season in the year) where people think about doing 'nice things' or at least being 'nice'.

I have decided not to have any “traditions”. I don’t send Christmas cards, don’t always give presents (except to immediate family) or things like that which are the norm. To be honest the main reason is because I procrastinate, so I never have any cards written and posted in time, or go shopping in time to beat the rush. And if I start doing that, then people expect me to do that every year and I can’t maintain a practice for very long. My ‘nice’ justification is: people expect cards and presents at Christmas. Won’t it be nice to surprise them with a card and/or a gift on a random day during the year? (OK. I haven’t put this in practice yet! But I like the theory behind it – after all God’s grace is an unexpected gift.)

Anyway, enough ranting. Joe has some great posts about Christmas which sound less cynical than mine.

The mad rush

2004-12-23T00:49:00.000+13:00

Went to the supermarket 2 days ago. That was a mistake. The carpark was not just full, people were parking in spaces that were not officially parks. This is the rush that precedes Christmas. Its crazy. No wonder this is the most stressful time of year and this is the time that retailers love most. The amount of junk mail that has been stuffed in the letter box is phenomenal. I hate to think of the number of trees that have sacrificed themselves in vain for the sake of people getting presents they don’t need or want. Like stu, I can’t wait for Christmas to be over!

charity

2004-12-22T22:14:00.000+13:00

What a great surprise. Walking into the office and discovering new chairs. I mean nice new computer chairs and not the dingy ones that we have been using for the past... umm... x amount of years (I don't even know how long we've had them for!). Well, I work for a Christian non-profit organisation, so we don't have a lot of money in the first place, let alone to spend it on furniture. The old chairs we had did serve its purpose - provided somewhere to sit. But weren't necessarily comfortable. And the best thing - they had been donated by Raewyn, our fantastic office secretary (part-time only too!) She donated all four of them, brought them in when the rest of us were not in the office (we have a very small office), lugged them up the stairs, and assembled them, all ready for us to sit on.

And she made some comment about charity. Is being charitable about giving away stuff that you won't use anymore but feel it a waste to chuck out? Shouldn't it be giving something that is worthy for yourself to use - something new! (I'm not saying giving away old stuff is bad. But it is common for people to give away old stuff that is often almost falling apart in the hope that someone else can salvage some use out of them, and so that they don't feel guilty about dumping it in the tip). Non-profit organisations are usual the recipients of such charity. No doubt, they are usually grateful, but don't they deserve better?

I think I will check the quality of the used items I give away from now on, so I don't 'dump' them on others (and try to give away new stuff sometimes).

In the countryside...

2004-12-17T11:32:00.000+13:00

it isn't as quiet as I thought it would be. I'm in Havelock North for work at the moment. The silence of the night was broken by frequent mooing from the neighbour's cow. It is late morning, and I hear some sort of machinery/tractor thingy in the background, and some kind of insect noise.

I guess its a different type of noise from the city.

ho ho ho

2004-12-14T01:49:00.000+13:00

As I lay tossing and turning in bed, my mind was churning things over. Questions like so what is Christmas all about? kept going through my head. I guess this post has the danger of sounding cynical and pessimistic, but Christmas has got to be more than running around buying presents for everyone, pine trees and sparkly tinsel, and the same ol' carols year in and year out. And so it is. It is about the Christ Child that was born to us in Bethlehem.

The second question that then ran around in my head was - so what do Christians celebrate at Christmas? A baby? OK. Jesus was not just any baby. He was God and all, but again, there's got to be more to it than the nativity scene. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with presents or colourful (but tasteful, please!) decorations, carols or the whole baby Jesus thing, but I don't want to spend this time every year reflecting on this special baby born 2000 years ago in a dinky little manger. I need much more than that. I need a reason to really celebrate from deep within.

And in the wee hours of the morning, I found a reason to celebrate. [I had spent some time last Friday studying John's prologue to his gospel (John 1:1-18). So I think my thoughts are 'tainted' by that.] I will celebrate the Incarnation. Celebrate the fact that I don't have to try hard to build a bridge across to "god". Incarnation means the Bridge has been built by "god" and I just need to find it (which is a lot easier than having to build it myself). Incarnation means I get to connect with God in a deeply personal and meaningful way. But Incarnation also means, I go and do likewise. I need to be a link that others can connect with, so that they can Connect with the Bridge and thus find a reason to celebrate the Incarnation.

All because of you
All because of you
All because of you
I am... I am

Argh!! The birds are chirping!

2004-12-13T12:53:00.000+13:00

No, I don't have anything against birds chirping. In fact I do think it's quite nice thing to wake up to. But when you lie in bed tossing and turning, tossing and turning and then the birds start chirping - you know you're in trouble! It's time to wake up soon, but I still haven't fallen asleep yet! Argh! Going to be in a rather zombie like state today as I got about 2-3 hours sleep last night. *sigh* Who was the idiot that invented insomnia?

At last!!!

2004-12-12T23:56:00.000+13:00

Finally bought How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb today. Been holding out since it was release about a month ago. Saw it was on special at the Warehouse (where everyone gets a bargain!). As a result, I managed to save $8 on the CD+DVD copy (I know, I'm a cheapo!) But the satisfaction of saving some dosh and finally getting to listen to it was just, well... damn satisfying. But I didn't do justice to the album as it played kinda softly in the background (didn't want to wake my flatmate who was napping). So tomorrow I may come back from work a little early and turn up the volume and enjoy it in full surround sound. No doubt you'll be hearing more about it in the days to come.

The loverliest motion picture of them all

2004-12-09T01:23:00.000+13:00

My Fair Lady

Watched My Fair Lady again a couple of nights ago. The last time I watched was at least more then 10 years ago. I enjoyed it then, and enjoyed it even more now. Its actually funnier when you watch it as a adult - as you get all the little nuances. I really got into the movie and the best bit is, by now the songs are all familiar so you end up singing along.

Recommend a revisit if you haven't seen it for a long time!

on a sombre note

2004-12-04T23:26:00.000+13:00

Our heart finds peace in knowing that death is not the end.
Death opens the way towards a life where God welcomes us to himself for ever.
Today's daily meditation from the Taizé site.

My 'niece' was born 2 days ago. It should be a happy occasion. It is... but I am reminded. She will never meet her father, except through her mother's and grandparents' (and aunts' and uncles') memories, photos, stories. Life is never fair. Even as we celebrate a birth, we mourn a death.

My cousin passed away about 3 months ago after losing a battle with cancer. I gained some insight in my own faith, his faith and a different picture of God. Once again, I need a sense of a God whose sense of justice and grace I cannot humanly comprehend, to help me have hope that this little girl is born into a place where death can be turned into a celebration of life.

A warm and sincere welcome to the world Kymberli.