Let Go, Let God.

Once again, its home run. Had a good talk with Sam and Dean. Glad that I still have friends like them. Time to think for my self and make some plans... and by the way, I dont wanna offend anyone. I want to be harmonious, but I dont think that its possible. Yea, everyone is self centered and I dont wanna be like that, yet if I keep sacrificing myself then how am I gonna improve or reach my goals?

Your Existing Situation

Needs excitement and constant stimulation. Willingly participates in activities that are thrilling and offer adventure.

Your Stress Sources

"Wants the freedom to follow his own heart, goals, and dreams and to earn the respect as a unique individual. Desires to pursue every possible opportunity without limitations or things standing in his way."

Your Restrained Characteristics

Has strong emotional demands and is picky when it comes to choosing a partner. He chooses to remain emotionally distant and uninvolved in relationships.
His confidence is low but he is unable to admit that is the reason for his avoidance of conflict. Feels it is a situation out of his control and he is making the best of it.
Current events have him feeling forced to make bargains and put aside his own desires for now. He is able to find satisfaction and happiness through sexual activity.

Your Desired Objective

"If motivated, he will easily and quickly learn new skills. Is very intense person who seeks excitement and sexual stimulation. Wants others to see him as an exciting and interesting person, who is also charming and can easily influence others. Uses his charm to increase his chances of success and gain other people's trust."

Your Actual Problem

Longs the freedom to make his own decisions and plans without the criticism and restrictions of others. Uses his charm to deal with others and get what he wants.

Your Actual Problem #2

"Impressed by unique and one of a kind things, and by people with exceptional personalities. Tries to takes the characteristics he likes in other people and apply it to himself as well as coming across as a unique individual."

I could do this everyday

Just for the fun of it I decided to try again. and wah. its so fun that its accurate... hahah! 

 

Your Existing Situation

Authoritative or in a position of power or leadership. Feels that current difficulties are causing problems and he is unable to progress further. Determined and commanding he strives for his goals despite the obstacles he faces.

Your Stress Sources

"Feels empty and isolated from others and wishes to overcome this feeling. Believes life has more to offer him than what he was experienced thus far, and doesn't want to miss out on anything. He purses all his goals and dreams, fearful that any missed opportunity will cause him to miss out on even more. Quickly becomes an expert in any field he pursues and can sometimes come off as overbearing and nosy."

Your Restrained Characteristics

Current events leave him feeling forced into compromise in order to avoid being cut off from affection or future cooperation.
Has strong emotional demands and is picky when it comes to choosing a partner. He chooses to remain emotionally distant and uninvolved in relationships.
"Struggles to make his demands clear, but feels ignored. Feels resentful, but acts as if he doesn't care, doing what is necessary to keep peace."
"Is emotionally demanding, especially during intimate moments, which leaves him feeling frustrated because he is unable to find a perfect union."
Open and emotionally involved in relationships and easily finds satisfaction through sexual activity.

Your Desired Objective

Seeks to be known for something he has accomplished and uses his social abilities to win people over. Emotional and sensitive and romantic.

Your Actual Problem

Fears others will try to hold him back from achieving his goals and the things he wants. Puts on the charm and can be manipulative towards others hoping he can get them to do as he wishes and making it easier for him to reach his own goals.

Your Actual Problem #2

Longs the freedom to make his own decisions and plans without the criticism and restrictions of others. Uses his charm to deal with others and get what he wants.

Me Right Now

I was just curious about how accurate this might be so I tried doing it again. and yes. It hits it right on. it puts into words things that I have difficulty saying. this to me is like a mirror. its comforting somehow...

 

Your Existing Situation

Constantly moving forward in his life and career in order to gain a higher position and more recognition. Unhappy with current circumstances and needs to constantly make changes to himself in order to become a better person.

Your Stress Sources

"Demands to be noticed by others as an important individual, needs attention and recognition. His current situation is leaving him dissatisfied. He feels he needs to make friends with those who hold the same high standards he does. Wants to stand out as someone at the top of his class and be admired by others. He needs to feel in control which makes it difficult to give of himself to another person. He feels isolated and alone but refuses to appear weak and continues to be emotionally distant from others in order to keep his attitude of superiority. "

Your Restrained Characteristics

"Self-centered, tends to take this personally and is easily offended, which leaves him feeling isolated."
Is feeling emotionally drained from stressful and tense situations. He is in need of peace and quiet in order to overcome his lack of energy and may become irritable if he does not recover.
"Although he feels isolated and alone, he is afraid of forming deep, meaningful relationships. Is conceited and is easily offended."
Open and emotionally involved in relationships and easily finds satisfaction through sexual activity.

Your Desired Objective

Alert and very observant. Always looking for new opportunities which offer freedom and the hope of making the most of them. Looking to prove himself and be recognized for his for his achievements. Feels separated from others and constantly trying to bridge that gap.

Your Actual Problem

"Feeling unimportant in this current situation, and is looking for different conditions where he will be able to better prove his worth and importance."

Your Actual Problem #2

"Fears he will be held back from achieving things he really wants, leading him to search endlessly for satisfaction and become involved in activities which are pointless."

Colour Personality Test.

Your Existing Situation

"Seeking for his own identity, is sensitive and seeks close nurturing relationships and environments. Has an eye for beauty and a desire to have his emotions protected and further developed."

Your Stress Sources

"Needs to meet people who have the same high principals and values as himself, but finds the need unfulfilled. His need to feel dominate and superior leaves him feeling isolated and does not allow for him to give freely of himself. He would like to surrender and let go, but sees that as a weakness he must not give in to. Holding back will allow him to stand out for the crowd and earn a higher status, recognized by others as unique and important."

Your Restrained Characteristics

"Feels he is carry more than his share of problems. He is flexible and laid back, sticking to his goals and working to overcome any difficulty."
"Feels he is carry more than his share of problems. He is flexible and laid back, sticking to his goals and working to overcome any difficulty."
Feels as if too many walls and obstacles are standing in his way and that he is being forced to make compromises. He needs to put his own needs on hold for the time being.

Your Desired Objective

"Looking for affectionate, fulfilling, and friendly relationships. Seeks intimacy and personal relationships full of love, self-sacrifice and trust."

Your Actual Problem

"Wants to be valued and respected, seeks a close and peaceful relationship with a shared respect of each other."

Quite Accurate I must say

I did a 2nd round just to see if its accurate and I must say, the combination would be mind blowingly accurate

Your Existing Situation

"Very emotional and artistic, enjoys being surrounded by beauty and art. Looking for a partner who always has an eye for beauty and who enjoys close, loving relationships."

Your Stress Sources

"Unfulfilled hopes have left him feeling uncertain and even a little fearful about the future. Needs to feel secure and avoid further disappointment; fears he will be looked over, lose his position, or lose respect. Has little hope that things will get better in time and his negative attitude leads him to place impossible demands on others or to compromise or bargain."

Your Restrained Characteristics

Current events leave him feeling forced into compromise in order to avoid being cut off from affection or future cooperation.
Current situation is leaving him doubtful and cautions about becoming intimately involved with others.
Current situation is leaving him doubtful and cautions about becoming intimately involved with others.

Your Desired Objective

Seeks success and independence. Is willing to overcome obstacles and make his own decisions. He pursues his own goals with little to no direction and does not rely well with others.

Your Actual Problem

"Has been disappointed and let down, believes it is pointless to come up with new goals as they will most likely disappoint as well. Needs to be recognized and respected, but is worried about the future. Reacts by avoiding situations where he will be criticizes or others will attempt to influence him. Tries to take charge of the situation by controlling the details and strengthen his position. "

and I thought I would do a 3rd round to see if its really accurate and boy, I am floored!

Your Existing Situation

Desires to be respected by others in order to gain their trust and support for his own personal gain.

Your Stress Sources

"Unfulfilled hopes have left him feeling uncertain and even a little fearful about the future. Needs to feel secure and avoid further disappointment; fears he will be looked over, lose his position, or lose respect. Has little hope that things will get better in time and his negative attitude leads him to place impossible demands on others or to compromise or bargain."

Your Restrained Characteristics

Current situations have left him feeling overwhelmed and tormented. Needs to avoid further activity or demands and concentrate on relaxing and becoming emotionally sound.
Is satisfied and finds contentment through sexual activity.

Your Desired Objective

"He feels life in general is handing him to many difficult and unpleasant things, but no one else seems to agree with him. He is resistant to joining in with others and want to be left alone."

Your Actual Problem

"Is disappointed and let down, feels there is no point in making new goals as they will leave him feeling the same way. Is unable to admit to his short comings, which leads him to act out in an aggressive and resentful way."

4th round and its still very impressive

Your Existing Situation

"Organized and detail-oriented, he has a very precise and methodical manner. He needs relationships which offer him understanding, respect, and approval."

Your Stress Sources

"Looking to stand out in the crowd and wanting to keep his rank and status. His current situation is irritating him because he can't seem to find anybody out there who values the same high standards he does. He is feeling isolated and wants to give in to his carnal urges, but can't bring himself to appear weak in the eyes of others. Wants others to see his unique qualities and character but can't stand to come off as needy, so instead he has an ""I don't care"" attitude and pushing people away. He turns his back on those who criticizes his behavior, but beneath his indifference is a person who is in desperate need of approval."

Your Restrained Characteristics

"Demanding and picky in his relationships, but careful not to bring out conflict or disagreements and this may decrease his chances of achieving his goals and ideas."
Giving more than he is getting back and feels misunderstood and unappreciated. Feels he is being forced into compromising and even his close relationships leave him feeling emotional distant.
Applies tough standards to his potential partner and demands an unrealistic perfection in his sex life.
He is being forced to be happiness and pleasure on hold for new due to his limiting circumstances.

Your Desired Objective

Seeks to be known for something he has accomplished and uses his social abilities to win people over. Emotional and sensitive and romantic.

Your Actual Problem

"Is disappointed and let down, feels there is no point in making new goals as they will leave him feeling the same way. Looking for friendly, pleasant relationships with others, who will further develop his intellect. He tries to escape into a fantasy world where things go his way and his desires are easier to reach."

Your Actual Problem #2

"Impressed by unique and one of a kind things, and by people with exceptional personalities. Tries to takes the characteristics he likes in other people and apply it to himself as well as coming across as a unique individual."

Round 5 and its still hitting the right things!

Your Existing Situation

Authoritative or in a position of power or leadership. Feels that current difficulties are causing problems and he is unable to progress further. Determined and commanding he strives for his goals despite the obstacles he faces.

Your Stress Sources

"Demands to be noticed by others as an important individual, needs attention and recognition. His current situation is leaving him dissatisfied. He feels he needs to make friends with those who hold the same high standards he does. Wants to stand out as someone at the top of his class and be admired by others. He needs to feel in control which makes it difficult to give of himself to another person. He feels isolated and alone but refuses to appear weak and continues to be emotionally distant from others in order to keep his attitude of superiority. "

Your Restrained Characteristics

Open and emotionally involved in relationships and easily finds satisfaction through sexual activity.
"Emotionally withdrawn, feels forced to make compromises which makes emotional attachments difficult."

Your Desired Objective

Very active imagination and may be prone to fantasies and daydreaming. Always dreaming of interesting and exciting things to happen to him. Is a charmer and wants to be admired for that.

Your Actual Problem

"Fears he will be held back from achieving things he really wants, leading him to search endlessly for satisfaction and become involved in activities which are pointless."

Your Actual Problem #2

"Feeling unimportant in this current situation, and is looking for different conditions where he will be able to better prove his worth and importance."

Round 6 and there is some consistency here...

Your Existing Situation

Desires to be respected by others in order to gain their trust and support for his own personal gain.

Your Stress Sources

"Looking to stand out in the crowd and wanting to keep his rank and status. His current situation is irritating him because he can't seem to find anybody out there who values the same high standards he does. He is feeling isolated and wants to give in to his carnal urges, but can't bring himself to appear weak in the eyes of others. Wants others to see his unique qualities and character but can't stand to come off as needy, so instead he has an ""I don't care"" attitude and pushing people away. He turns his back on those who criticizes his behavior, but beneath his indifference is a person who is in desperate need of approval."

Your Restrained Characteristics

Current events leave him feeling forced into compromise in order to avoid being cut off from affection or future cooperation.
Emotionally distant even from those closest to him.
Is feeling emotionally drained from stressful and tense situations. He is in need of peace and quiet in order to overcome his lack of energy and may become irritable if he does not recover.
Applies tough standards to his potential partner and demands an unrealistic perfection in his sex life.
Current events leave him feeling forced into compromise in order to avoid being cut off from affection or future cooperation.

Your Desired Objective

"Always trying to make a good impression on others, and is constantly watching to see if he is succeeding in this. Is interested in how others react to him; this makes him feel in control. Strategically plans out ways to gain further influence over others and special recognition. Is easily distracted by the pleasingly beautiful and original."

Your Actual Problem

"Is disappointed and let down, feels there is no point in making new goals as they will leave him feeling the same way. Looking for friendly, pleasant relationships with others, who will further develop his intellect. He tries to escape into a fantasy world where things go his way and his desires are easier to reach."

Your Actual Problem #2

"Impressed by unique and one of a kind things, and by people with exceptional personalities. Tries to takes the characteristics he likes in other people and apply it to himself as well as coming across as a unique individual."

and the 7th round to make it complete. Still hitting rather accurate stuffs and I guess this is about it all.

Your Existing Situation

"Searching for a close bond with others which are accepting and kind. Needs a safe, peaceful atmosphere."

Your Stress Sources

"Needs to meet people who have the same high principals and values as himself, but finds the need unfulfilled. His need to feel dominate and superior leaves him feeling isolated and does not allow for him to give freely of himself. He would like to surrender and let go, but sees that as a weakness he must not give in to. Holding back will allow him to stand out for the crowd and earn a higher status, recognized by others as unique and important."

Your Restrained Characteristics

Current events leave him feeling forced into compromise in order to avoid being cut off from affection or future cooperation.
"Self-centered, tends to take this personally and is easily offended, which leaves him feeling isolated."
He is being forced to be happiness and pleasure on hold for new due to his limiting circumstances.
"Is emotionally demanding, especially during intimate moments, which leaves him feeling frustrated because he is unable to find a perfect union."
He is being forced to be happiness and pleasure on hold for new due to his limiting circumstances.

Your Desired Objective

Is extremely determined to make his presence known as an important part of any team. He is flexible and able to do what is necessary to stand out from the crowd. Is willing to overcome any conflicts and difficulties that may stand in his way.

Your Actual Problem

"Needs to be viewed and respected as an outstanding individual, in order to build his self-esteem and self-worth. Resists any type of weakness and sets high standards for himself."

8th round just because doing it was fun. ok last and no more for now. Good night!

Your Existing Situation

Desires to be respected by others in order to gain their trust and support for his own personal gain.

Your Stress Sources

"Demands to be noticed by others as an important individual, needs attention and recognition. His current situation is leaving him dissatisfied. He feels he needs to make friends with those who hold the same high standards he does. Wants to stand out as someone at the top of his class and be admired by others. He needs to feel in control which makes it difficult to give of himself to another person. He feels isolated and alone but refuses to appear weak and continues to be emotionally distant from others in order to keep his attitude of superiority. "

Your Restrained Characteristics

Open and emotionally involved in relationships and easily finds satisfaction through sexual activity.
"Feels he is not receiving his fair share and is unable to rely on anyone for support or sympathy. He keeps his emotions bottled up, leaving him quick to take offense to small things. He tries to make the best of his situation."
"Seeking to broaden his horizons and believes his hopes and dreams are realistic. Worries he may not be able to do the things he wants and needs to escape to a peaceful, quiet environment in order to restore his confidence."
"Seeking to broaden his horizons and believes his hopes and dreams are realistic. Worries he may not be able to do the things he wants and needs to escape to a peaceful, quiet environment in order to restore his confidence."

Your Desired Objective

"He feels life in general is handing him to many difficult and unpleasant things, but no one else seems to agree with him. He is resistant to joining in with others and want to be left alone."

Your Actual Problem

"Fear of being prevented from achieving the things he wants causes him to take advantage of all types of other experiences, but then denies any of them have value to him. His destructive behavior is his way of escaping and hiding the helplessness he feels."

Your Actual Problem #2

"Struggles with his need for respect and admiration from others; feels he needs to make a name for himself and stand out from the crowd. He acts out by insisting he be the center of attention, and refuses to step back, stand down, or take on a minor, insignificant role."

Protege

people dont understand their dire need of a discipler/mentor/coach, to have someone not just to believe in them but to journey alongside and help them be the best they can be. - Quoted off Facebook via Evangeline Yeh EnHui.

I wish I was someone's succession plan.

What I needed to hear...

Sometimes instead of answering a prayer the Lord gives us a promise that we might learn how to fight the fight of faith. - Word from Bill Johnson. Oh so wise!

Let your works shine before man

Hard work is not the LAW it's grace in action! The LAW is working for love, but grace causes to us to work from love. We were created for good works in Christ. Work is all through the New Testament. The story of the Talents, the Mina's and the example of Jesus' work ethic. Yes He rested but look at the schedule He kept! The apostle Paul said,"if man doesn't work neither let him eat."

We used to be called the "extreme grace" preachers but now some preach a gospel that denies personal responsibility. The Bible teaches us that we are co-labors with Christ not no-labors! - KV

WORD

"Men take the lead, protect at all costs, provide in every way, live by your word and live a life of adventure with the Holy Spirit — obey God, not man and you will be the man of God you were created to be — and your woman will love you for it." Quoted off Facebook via Ben Chan

Resolution

For the JOY set before Him Jesus ENDURED the cross. He didn't enjoy it, He endured it. Passion moved Him to sacrifice. So many Christians have a martyrs complex. It's easier to die for God than it is to live for Christ.

But passion always looks like sacrifice to people that aren't in love! - KV

For the JOY set before me, I shall ENDURED practice sessions. I might or might not enjoy it, but I must endure it. Passion will move me to sacrifice time, social life and enjoyment. - That's my new year resolution for 2013.

psyco test

You are an enduring fighter with masked passions

Your responses indicate that you have a normal desire to share yourself with others. However, this need is not being adequately fulfilled at present. As a result, you unconsciously attempt to treat this emptiness with momentary interests and temporary passions. If left unaddressed, this imbalance leads to impulsive behavior and unnecessary risks. Past betrayals have left you generally suspicious of others’ behavior, particularly regarding romantic relationships. You fear you may be exploited if you open yourself too fully. Consequently, you often seek some proof of a new friend’s or lover’s sincerity before you decide to trust them. Further complicating your relationships is the anxiety you have about your unfulfilled personal and professional goals. You fear that you’ve made decisions that weren’t in your own best interest, or failed to take advantage of opportunities when they presented themselves. The desire to overcome these challenges sometimes lead you to seem pushy or even arrogant. Because this competitive urge is not always apparent to others, they are often surprised by it. However, the passion that underlies your desire for success is unique. This makes you unlike others. You cannot simply accept what life has to offer; you aspire for more.

"When Abraham met God for the first time, God told him to leave his Father's house to a place He would show him. Abram didn't know where he was going, he just knew where he couldn't stay.

I feel that way in my own life and journey. I am often certain of where I can't stay and what I can no long believe. Yet I am not sure where I am going nor am I sure what I believe (in certain areas).

At least I am not bored. :) "- KV

Yea, I feel like that at times too. But this is not my excuse for not going to church regularly. I just agree with what he thinks and feels.

Ghost of you and me

Have you ever liked or loved someone so much that she becomes a standard (for you when looking for another girl) or a haunting? (where you can never not think about her even when you are dating someone new). It's like no matter which girl or who ever else you might be with, you just cant seem to help but compare or base your experience of what to do, or how to relate to that one particular girl. The feeling is so strong, so intense that its imprinted right into your core; a seal upon your heart. Perhaps that is the way Jesus demands of us. Jealously in love, with an all consuming passion. Yet, because His love is perfect, it will never hurt us. In it, only freedom reigns. I think perhaps this is the lesson He wants me to learn. But why must He use her? Its like because its just a lesson, I think nothing can ever happen between us. Honestly, she is the 2nd girl who have ever made me feel this way. The 2nd person who if she told me that she wanted to get married now, I would have left all else behind and worked hard to make ends meet. Silly? I think if you ever felt this way before you would understand what I mean. Its rare to meet someone you know for sure in your heart is the one. Yet circumstances in life, oh man. Lets not go there...

Dr. Richard Teo

Below is the transcript of the talk of Dr. Richard Teo, who is a 40-year-old millionaire and cosmetic surgeon with a stage-4 lung cancer but selflessly
came to share with the D1 class his life experience on 19-Jan-2012.

Hi good morning to all of you. My voice is a bit hoarse, so please bear with me. I thought I'll just introduce myself. My name is Richard, I'm a medical doctor. And I thought I'll

just share some thoughts of my life. It's my pleasure to be invited by prof. Hopefully, it can get you thinking about how... as you pursue this.. embarking on your training to become dental surgeons, to think about other things as well.

Since young, I am a typical product of today's society. Relatively successful product that society requires.. From young, I came from a below average family. I was told by the media... and people around me that happiness is about success. And that success is about being wealthy. With this mind-set, I've always be extremely competitive, since I was young.

Not only do I need to go to the top school, I need to have success in all fields. Uniform groups, track, everything. I needed to get trophies, needed to be successful, I needed to have colours award, national colours award, everything. So I was highly competitive since young. I went on to medical school, graduated as a doctor. Some of you may know that within the medical faculty, ophthalmology is one of the most highly sought after specialities. So I went after that as well. I was given a traineeship in ophthalmology, I was also given a research scholarship by NUS to develop lasers to treat the eye.

So in the process, I was given 2 patents, one for the medical devices, and another for the lasers. And you know what, all this academic achievements did not bring me any wealth. So once I completed my bond with MOH, I decided that this is taking too long, the training in eye surgery is just taking too long. And there's lots of money to be made in the private sector. If you're aware, in the last few years, there is this rise in aesthetic medicine. Tons of money to be made there. So I decided, well, enough of staying in institution, it's time to leave. So I quit my training halfway and I went on to set up my aesthetic clinic... in town, together with a day surgery centre.

You know the irony is that people do not make heroes out average GP (general practitioner), family physicians. They don't. They make heroes out of people who are rich and famous. People who are not happy to pay $20 to see a GP, the same person have no qualms paying ten thousand dollars for a liposuction, 15 thousand dollars for a breast augmentation, and so on and so forth. So it's a no brainer isn't? Why do you want to be a gp? Become an aesthetic physician. So instead of healing the sick and ill, I decided that I'll become a glorified beautician. So, business was good, very good. It started off with waiting of one week, then became 3weeks, then one month, then 2 months, then 3 months. I was overwhelmed; there were just too many patients. Vanities are fantastic business. I employed one doctor, the second doctor, the 3rd doctor, the 4th doctor. And within the 1st year, we're already raking in millions. Just the 1st year. But never is enough because I was so obsessed with it. I started to expand into Indonesia to get all the rich Indonesian tai-tais who wouldn't blink an eye to have a procedure done. So life was really good.

So what do I do with the spare cash. How do I spend my weekends? Typically, I'll have car club gatherings. I take out my track car, with spare cash I got myself a track car. We have car club gatherings. We'll go up to Sepang in Malaysia. We'll go for car racing. And it was my life. With other spare cash, what do i do? I get myself a Ferrari. At that time, the 458 wasn't out, it's just a spider convertible, 430. This is a friend of mine, a schoolmate who is a forex trader, a banker. So he got a red one, he was wanting all along a red one, I was getting the silver one.

So what do I do after getting a car? It's time to buy a house, to build our own bungalows. So we go around looking for a land to build our own bungalows, we went around hunting. So how do i live my life? Well, we all think we have to mix around with the rich and famous. This is one of the Miss Universe. So we hang around with the beautiful, rich and famous. This by the way is an internet founder. So this is how we spend our lives, with dining and all the restaurants and Michelin Chefs you know.

So I reach a point in life that I got everything for my life. I was at the pinnacle of my career and all. That's me one year ago in the gym and I thought I was like, having everything under control and reaching the pinnacle.

Well, I was wrong. I didn't have everything under control. About last year March, I started to develop backache in the middle of nowhere. I thought maybe it was all the heavy squats I was doing. So I went to SGH, saw my classmate to do an MRI, to make sure it's not a slipped disc or anything. And that evening, he called me up and said that we found bone marrow replacement in your spine. I said, sorry what does that mean? I mean I know what it means, but I couldn't accept that. I was like “Are you serious?” I was still running around going to the gym you know. But we had more scans the next day, PET scans - positrons emission scans, they found that actually I have stage 4 terminal lung cancer. I was like "Whoa where did that come from?” It has already spread to the brain, the spine, the liver and the adrenals. And you know one moment I was there, totally thinking that I have everything under control, thinking that I've reached the pinnacle of my life. But the next moment, I have just lost it.

This is a CT scan of the lungs itself. If you look at it, every single dot there is a tumour. We call this miliaries tumour. And in fact, I have tens of thousands of them in the lungs. So, I was told that even with chemotherapy, that I'll have about 3-4months at most. Did my life come crushing on, of course it did, who wouldn't? I went into depression, of course, severe depression and I thought I had everything.

See the irony is that all these things that I have, the success, the trophies, my cars, my house and all. I thought that brought me happiness. But i was feeling really down, having severe depression. Having all these thoughts of my possessions, they brought me no joy. The thought of... You know, I can hug my Ferrari to sleep, no... No, it is not going to happen. It brought not a single comfort during my last ten months. And I thought they were, but they were not true happiness. But it wasn't. What really brought me joy in the last ten months was interaction with people, my loved ones, friends, people who genuinely care about me, they laugh and cry with me, and they are able to identify the pain and suffering I was going through. That brought joy to me, happiness. None of the things I have, all the possessions, and I thought those were supposed to bring me happiness. But it didn't, because if it did, I would have felt happy think about it, when I was feeling most down..

You know the classical Chinese New Year that is coming up. In the past, what do I do? Well, I will usually drive my flashy car to do my rounds, visit my relatives, to show it off to my friends. And I thought that was joy, you know. I thought that was really joy. But do you really think that my relatives and friends, whom some of them have difficulty trying to make ends meet, that will truly share the joy with me? Seeing me driving my flashy car and showing off to them? No, no way. They won’t be sharing joy with me. They were having problems trying to make ends meet, taking public transport. In fact i think, what I have done is more like you know, making them envious, jealous of all I have. In fact, sometimes even hatred.

Those are what we call objects of envy. I have them, I show them off to them and I feel it can fill my own pride and ego. That didn't bring any joy to these people, to my friends and relatives, and I thought they were real joy.

Well, let me just share another story with you. You know when I was about your age, I stayed in king Edward VII hall. I had this friend whom I thought was strange. Her name is Jennifer, we're still good friends. And as I walk along the path, she would, if she sees a snail, she would actually pick up the snail and put it along the grass patch. I was like why do you need to do that? Why dirty your hands? It’s just a snail. The truth is she could feel for the snail. The thought of being crushed to death is real to her, but to me it's just a snail. If you can't get out of the pathway of humans then you deserve to be crushed, it’s part of evolution isn't it? What an irony isn't it?

There I was being trained as a doctor, to be compassionate, to be able to empathise; but I couldn't. As a house officer, I graduated from medical school, posted to the oncology department at NUH. And, every day, every other day I witness death in the cancer department. When I see how they suffered, I see all the pain they went through. I see all the morphine they have to press every few minutes just to relieve their pain. I see them struggling with their oxygen breathing their last breath and all. But it was just a job. When I went to clinic every day, to the wards every day, take blood, give the medication but was the patient real to me? They weren't real to me. It was just a job, I do it, I get out of the ward, I can't wait to get home, I do my own stuff.

Was the pain, was the suffering the patients went through real? No. Of course I know all the medical terms to describe how they feel, all the suffering they went through. But in truth, I did not know how they feel, not until I became a patient. It is until now; I truly understand how they feel. And, if you ask me, would I have been a very different doctor if I were to re-live my life now, I can tell you yes I will. Because I truly understand how the patients feel now. And sometimes, you have to learn it the hard way.

Even as you start just your first year, and you embark this journey to become dental surgeons, let me just challenge you on two fronts.

Inevitably, all of you here will start to go into private practice. You will start to accumulate wealth. I can guarantee you. Just doing an implant can bring you thousands of dollars, it's fantastic money. And actually there is nothing wrong with being successful, with being rich or wealthy, absolutely nothing wrong. The only trouble is that a lot of us like myself couldn't handle it.

Why do I say that? Because when I start to accumulate, the more I have, the more I want. The more I wanted, the more obsessed I became. Like what I showed you earlier on, all I can was basically to get more possessions, to reach the pinnacle of what society did to us, of what society wants us to be. I became so obsessed that nothing else really mattered to me. Patients were just a source of income, and I tried to squeeze every single cent out of these patients.

A lot of times we forget, whom we are supposed to be serving. We become so lost that we serve nobody else but just ourselves. That was what happened to me. Whether it is in the medical, the dental fraternity, I can tell you, right now in the private practice, sometimes we just advise patients on treatment that is not indicated. Grey areas. And even though it is not necessary, we kind of advocate it. Even at this point, I know who are my friends and who genuinely cared for me and who are the ones who try to make money out of me by selling me "hope". We kind of lose our moral compass along the way. Because we just want to make money.

Worse, I can tell you, over the last few years, we bad mouth our fellow colleagues, our fellow competitors in the industry. We have no qualms about it. So if we can put them down to give ourselves an advantage, we do it. And that's what happening right now, medical, dental everywhere. My challenge to you is not to lose that moral compass. I learnt it the hard way, I hope you don't ever have to do it.

Secondly, a lot of us will start to get numb to our patients as we start to practise. Whether is it government hospitals, private practice, I can tell you when I was in the hospital, with stacks of patient folders, I can't wait to get rid of those folders as soon as possible; I can't wait to get patients out of my consultation room as soon as possible because there is just so many, and that's a reality. Because it becomes a job, a very routine job. And this is just part of it. Do I truly know how the patient feels back then? No, I don't. The fears and anxiety and all, do I truly understand what they are going through? I don't, not until when this happens to me and I think that is one of the biggest flaws in our system.

We’re being trained to be healthcare providers, professional, and all and yet we don't know how exactly they feel. I'm not asking you to get involved emotionally, I don't think that is professional but do we actually make a real effort to understand their pain and all? Most of us won’t, alright, I can assure you. So don't lose it, my challenge to you is to always be able to put yourself in your patient's shoes.

Because the pain, the anxiety, the fear are very real even though it's not real to you, it's real to them. So don't lose it and you know, right now I'm in the midst of my 5th cycle of my chemotherapy. I can tell you it’s a terrible feeling. Chemotherapy is one of those things that you don't wish even your enemies to go through because it's just suffering, lousy feeling, throwing out, you don't even know if you can retain your meals or not. Terrible feeling! And even with whatever little energy now I have, I try to reach out to other cancer patients because I truly understand what pain and suffering is like. But it's kind of little too late and too little.

You guys have a bright future ahead of you with all the resource and energy, so I’m going to challenge you to go beyond your immediate patients. To understand that there are people out there who are truly in pain, truly in hardship. Don’t get the idea that only poor people suffer. It is not true. A lot of these poor people do not have much in the first place, they are easily contented. for all you know they are happier than you and me but there are out there, people who are suffering mentally, physically, hardship, emotionally, financially and so on and so forth, and they are real. We choose to ignore them or we just don't want to know that they exist.

So do think about it alright, even as you go on to become professionals and dental surgeons and all. That you can reach out to these people who are in need. Whatever you do can make a large difference to them. I'm now at the receiving end so I know how it feels, someone who genuinely care for you, encourage and all. It makes a lot of difference to me. That’s what happens after treatment. I had a treatment recently, but I’ll leave this for another day. A lot of things happened along the way, that's why I am still able to talk to you today.

I'll just end of with this quote here, it's from this book called Tuesdays with Morris, and some of you may have read it. Everyone knows that they are going to die; every one of us knows that. The truth is, none of us believe it because if we did, we will do things differently. When I faced death, when I had to, I stripped myself off all stuff totally and I focused only on what is essential. The irony is that a lot of times, only when we learn how to die then we learn how to live. I know it sounds very morbid for this morning but it's the truth, this is what I’m going through.

Don’t let society tell you how to live. Don’t let the media tell you what you're supposed to do. Those things happened to me. And I led this life thinking that these are going to bring me happiness. I hope that you will think about it and decide for yourself how you want to live your own life. Not according to what other people tell you to do, and you have to decide whether you want to serve yourself, whether you are going to make a difference in somebody else's life. Because true happiness doesn't come from serving yourself. I thought it was but it didn't turn out that way. With that I thank you, if you have any questions you have for me, please feel free. Thank you.

Passion

When your passion begins to decline, you already start to die. You were born to burn. Elisha came to the king and said, "Please strike the ground with these arrows." And he struck the ground three times. The prophet became furious at the king and said, "If only you had struck the ground five or six times you would have annihilated the enemy, but now you're only going to have three temporary victories." Because the king did not live out of passion, he couldn't carry the anointing that God wanted to give him, and it cost the nation. When leaders don't have passion, it costs everyone who follows. - Bill Johnson

Love is my Drug

I fell for it again. Except that this time I know where I stand. Love hurts. But there is comfort in being intoxicated by talking to her. I'm like a drug addict. Keep injecting toxic into my blood stream even though I know it will kill me one day. Why? I dont know, maybe that is what addicts feel. The comfort and release while in a state of estacy. Sure it cannot last and you'll be back for more. So in the same way I put my heart into yet another roller coaster ride. Except this time, exam and submissions are near. Will I crash?

Loser much?

I gave you my heart, but you left it there sitting on the table, collecting dust. Am I a safety net or someone who should be taken for granted? I ask questions that are answered by Yes, No, I dont know, Why. Never a direct answer, never something that you could tell me wholeheartedly. I am a guy, a fairly simple one. Give me what I want and no one gets hurt. What I want aint too much or too hard to give. Just assurance of your love and to show concern. But I guess, we never could work. I wonder how much you lied to me, but that's something I dont wanna know. Love the way you lie? oh yea. I like it even better when my fist hit the dry wall next to your face. I might be angry with you, but I will never hurt you. NEVER. So now you say you are lonely. What happened to all the other guys? Where are they? I thought you had plenty of choices that I can be left aside, swept away. I dont know if I should show you any concern now. I want to, but it'll lead to something without a end. A vicious cycle which I can foresee coming. So maybe you are too far away, too different in thoughts, language barrier and what not. Good luck. Maybe I'll try one last time, maybe I wont. But if the signs of the same cycle appears just a tiny weeny bit, Imma drop you off for good.

Hey I say that all the time, but I just cant let it go huh. Loser.

New level

Insomnia from missing someone. This is kinda like a first. Never happened before. Why cant I just let it go completely?

Really?

If shes amazing, she wont be easy.
If shes easy, she wont be amazing.
If shes worth it, you wont give up.
If you give up, you're not worthy.

Easier said than done. Try being the one on the other side. Giving up isnt because its not worth it or that the guy/girl aint worthy. I give up because my poor heart just cant take it. Imagine rising and falling a million time in a span of a day. The thrill of a rollercoaster ride becomes more like a death sentence with each drop. You would become an emotional wreak before you even know it. It affects the people all around you with that sudden gloom in your countenance. Giving up isnt a wussy decision. There are times to give up and try again later. If you were meant to be (as they always say) she'll be there at the end of the day, cause something special inside the both of you sparked off and you know its not the same with anyone else.

Then again, sometimes you have to know your value. I must say you have to be realistic. Wanna date a supermodel? Sure, are you of the same calibre? Perhaps the not worthy part is about you and where you stand. Society is harsh. Poor and rich, social status, etc... they play a part in saying what you are worth.

But I believe everyone is worthy. That is why Christ died. I know what this statement is trying to say and I agree with it to a certain extend but, I still believe that EVERYONE IS WORTHY. If you truly believe and keep on keeping on, keep on trying, knowing your heart wont die out on you or that your emotions are strong enough to hold of the rejection times after time, I say GO FOR IT! Know what you are in for and pursue it passionately. If you give up as mentioned above, I wont look down on you or be a wet blanket. But like the loving Father, I would embrace you and ask you to try again. You know what makes you smile and cry, so try again and look out for that (another?) her. Trust Him. ALL things work for the good of those who love Him.

What?

Loving you is so tiring. Its like a roller-coaster that has no ending.
I always wonder to myself, why I do have to go through this shit?
Many times I wanna quit, saying that this is it.

But I cant get over you, cant let go of something I never once had.
If that is the case can someone please tell me why am I sad?
Why am I crying over something I never had?
The answer I cannot find, the reason I know not why.

I'm just gonna do my thing. You know how you can affect me.
Just like before, you can make me smile or watch me cry.
But unlike before, this time, I'm gonna have to make it.
I might not get over you, but I wanna get to a place where I can do what I wanna do.
You are sort of my motivation, it helps me to reach places where I wanna reach.
Fuels my motivation to work harder, to reach my goals faster.

Its weird, how I even end up like this. Its been a while such a hold was placed on me.

Answer to Drumming...

The single most popular question I get asked is...

 

"If you could only share JUST ONE piece of advice to help

me improve my drumming - what would it be?"

 

This is a great question and I spent a number of years really trying to come up with the perfect answer. On the one hand, I don't believe there is any one tip or trick that can radically change anyone's drumming ability overnight.  On the other hand, I really felt that this question deserved a good answer.

 

Then it clicked! I realized that the fact I was struggling to come up with an answer was part of the answer itself... It takes TIME!

 

You see - drumming isn't about any one tip or trick. Instead, it is about steady progress that builds momentum over time! Avoid falling into the trap of looking for a quick-solution and instead focus on consistent daily progress!

The real key to drumming success is simply staying motivated through daily progress. The more

progress we make - the more motivated we become, and the more motivated we become - the more we want to keep progressing. Then one day we suddenly realize how quickly we've improved!

 

- Jared Falk

Father's Love

I would like to share a beautiful illustration of how much God the Father loves us and how much love He has for us.

"Here the mystery of my life unveiled. I am loved so much that I am left free to leave home. The blessing is there from the beginning. I have left it and keep on leaving it. But the Father is always looking for me with outstretched arms to receive me back and whisper again in my ear: "You are my Beloved, on you my favor rests."" - Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son

Thank You Jennifer for sharing this on Facebook

UPDATE:
The Return of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, 1669.

One of the most beautiful paintings I've come to love--one that I can gaze upon all day and night while I seek communion and enjoy the Loving embrace of the Father.

The loving embrace of the Father whose hands knitted me together in my mother's womb; whose hands protected me in times of danger and consoled me in times of grief; whose hands waved me goodbye when He gave me the freedom to leave home but remained outstretched indefatigably in hopes of my return so He can speak words of love and encouragement when I'm tired of searching and finding for that Love from the wrong people and in the wrong places.

The unfathomable love and infinite mercy of God. It blows my mind!

From Jennifer again - via Facebok (4/10/12)

Till that one sweet day

I know he is still lingering in your thoughts and you are about to swear off love altogether. Funny how now you meet more of my kind than the other huh? Life is funny. It always (more often than not) goes against our wants. I am just glad that now we are starting to talk. Maybe I'll have to take things real slow, skype now and then and see where this goes. I know now priority goes back to providing for your family again. Not that it wasnt before, but then life was easier having that love you wanted. Well, maybe you could try again soon, when you are ready. My love for you would always stick around. I really look to the day where you will come to me "manja-ing" after a day at work or just having a chat being you yourself. You have no idea how happy I am just to see you. It boost my morale straight away. To me, you are better than red bull or any boutique coffee. I think if anyone is feeling tired or moody, just think of someone whom you love and I think that would really keep you going. I never experience such a thing before till now. It feels great! I think that is how our love relationship with Jesus should be. He motivates and keeps us going. Knowing that perfect love keeps out all fear and that we can go that extra mile. I hope that this could be the beginning of something special and hopefully we'll eventually be together, one sweet day.

On another note, after talking to Joyce today I really am giving myself 5 more years to make it. By the grace of God I have to somehow make it. 5 years may seem a lot at first, but it really isnt. If by my calculations and prediction/projection, by then I should almost reach a professional level(semi-pro?). And by the 8th year, a full fledged career running. 3 more years to graduation. I hope to spend 1 year in US and 1 year in Bangkok. I know its kinda too much to have my parents supporting me still, but I am thankful to them for supporting me thus far in chasing my dreams and calling. I dont know what lies ahead. But I am confident in the Faithful One who has called me. Not by my abilities nor by my efforts, but by His Spirit and His will, all things will be made beautiful. I am excited. I really am.

Perfect Love conquers all fear. I will continue to persevere though its hard.

...Nobody said that it was easy, no one ever said that it would be this hard...

Let it go

If somebody hurt you, let go of it, release them. That's one of the values of prayer. It helps you unload - Rick Warren

I'm okay, any day

Its such a dreamy night. I am up cause I wanted to do some work, but now I'm just chilling the night away listening to dreamy songs. I think I'll start now and see how long I can stay up till. I miss her. Hate to think what she might be doing. But what can I do? We met at the wrong time, under wrong circumstances and with total different mindset and upbringing. Opposites attract? Yeah! But I think I love her more than she loves me. Nothing new huh? Ha! If its meant to be, it will. Trust Him.

Words of Encouragement

Guys you want to find favor with God? Get married!
Prov. 18:22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from the LORD.

Guys you want God to answer your prayers than treat your wife like a FELLOW HEIR of the same grace!
1Pet. 3:7 You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered - KV

Romans 15:13 "Now may the God of hope fill you with all Joy and Peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Kari Jobe

He is Love.

3 He was despised and rejected and forsaken by men, a Man of sorrows and pains, and acquainted with grief and sickness; and like One from Whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we did not appreciate His worth or have an esteem for Him. 4 Surely He has borne our griefs (sickness, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy]. - Isaiah 53:3-4

Times like these when verse of the day coincide with the current song I am listening to I know it is not a coincidence but He, who is powerfully at work. Though I may not feel like a winner, look like a winner, behave like a winner, I know He has won it all for me. By Him, in my weakness, that I might share His glory and be a winner. It might be like the world's standards, it might be not. But whatever the case, whatever the end result, by Faith, with Hope, in Love I shall be an overcomer. Amen.

How deep the Father's love for us!

So 2 days ago you whatsapp me, asking me how was I. Honestly, I was ecstatic to see your message. I thought maybe this could be the turn around. But as I chatted with you for 2 days, I realised that it was like the beginning. Nothing changed. Hey, I dont mind chasing you, but I know when I'm not getting through. I dont wanna reach a point where a single positive move made by you equates a whole victory like feeling on my side. I am so not gonna be like what happened before. Once bitten, twice shy.

So you texted me to ask about me only. What's that supposed to mean? I know you are sad because of him and need time to get over, yeah, I get that too. And then you want me to talk to you as a friend only but you hardly even respond. Oh, maybe I forgot to tell you that I dont know how to treat you as a friend cause to me you are more than that. Or maybe, I dont even know what you want from me? I know I am being friend-zoned, but then what is these talk about liking me before? A lie or a "I like you as a friend..." thingy?!

In the past, if someone would to ask me this question, "Who would you choose? Someone who loves you or someone you love?" I would answer confidently, "Of course the one who loves me." But today, I cant say the same. The one who loves, or rather, I would prefer to use the word like, me is someone I dont deny is ok. Just that in my heart, there is no space for her while the one I love is still lingering around.

While on this note, every girl (well I can say almost every, since there isnt many anyway) that I have seriously chase and was in love with (not just a crush and all you know) has a special place in my heart. Some more, some less, but I never ever forget what I liked about them, what made me fell in love with them. My memory seems super good at this and my heart (I like to think I have super amount of love, HAHA!) is large enough to hold them all. Even if some of them are now just a memory, the thought about anyone of them still cause me to smile. 

I am not angry or anything here. I just need to let it out, talk it out, let things not bottle up inside cause I have no idea when I might explode from the 1001 thoughts that are running about in my mind. I have so many contrasting views here and there but the One I seek answer from is totally silent. I'm sorry Daddy I've not been the best boy or doing things the right way. But You know my heart is for You. Its yearning for You. I have many excuses to say why I am not doing this or that, but I just need You. Help me and remind me each and everyday.

You know, I am trying not to fall too deep in love with you. Cause I am very sure I heard the Word correctly, none till your studies is over. Yet time and time again, I fail. I chase, I fail, I fall flat. In this case she might not be a choice of a wise man, yet I chose her. I cant seem to fill my mind with music and work related stuffs only. You pop in every now and then, as if a haunting that I cant get rid of.

But if you and I worked out, I know that that would be the most beautiful story ever told in my life. I believe that it would be a touching testimony for many. I dont know what you may think, but I believe that you would be as grateful as I am to a God who is so loving and forgiving, Maker of all things new, the Perfecter of Faith and the saving One. I can only imagine who it would be like, standing with you at the aisle, exchanging our vows and rings. I dare to say this again. If you werent so pretty or had a good figure, knowing you and your heart was beautiful enough for me. I might be blinded by your beauty for now, but I know your heart. I felt it. I know its real. Sadly it just isnt meant for me yet.

I  once saw a quote: "Keep a journal - record your thoughts and dreams there. Its a place for you to declare to the universe and write your dreams come true." This blog, journal whatever, was meant for this. A place to help me remember all that has happened and gone by. A place where I can shout without hurting anyone. A place where I can state my dreams and declare it into the atmosphere. A place where I hope words becoming worlds. Not every words here, but you know what I mean.

A friend tweeted this line from a song: How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure!" The following line of the song is: "That He should give His only Son, to make a wretch His treasure." I dont know why, but after seeing that tweet I feel so convinced, so in need of His love and forgiveness that I went to youtube and listened to that song over and over again. It spoke to my heart something, something that my mind cannot comprehend.

Sure, its hard to be friends with someone you are in love with. But Jesus is a friend who is forever in love with you. If you like to, you can receive His love. Its FREE!

"Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart,
His wounds have paid my ransom"

You're the Only One

BoA, queen of K-pop, released a new single titled: Only One. I didnt know the meaning of the song but the melody sure is catchy. And here we have Jason Chen doing an english remix with lyrics that finally express what I felt for so long. Now this is her song, the one that says it all.

I feel released, set free. Finally the feeling deep inside is let out. Music sure heals the soul, sets one free and yea, that is what pop music is about, to relate to the mass out there.

Funny thing is that she whatsapp me just a moment ago how was I. Of course I was stunned, but it sort of felt like a nice chat after a while. My feelings for her? No change but I feel like that is some sort of closure. A chat that maybe would end things in the good way. I'm trying not to hope much. I just want her to be happy or find her happiness. I'm glad she told me she liked me. Sad the other guy didnt know how to treasure her. Oh well, at least I know now...

... you're the only, only one...

Crush or Crushed?

Suddenly thought of David Archuleta's Crush. I have always sort of liked the song, but for now, it means even more than ever. Damn, how did I even fall so deep... how am I not able to walk away. What happened? You have amassed more songs than any other girls have. I have not felt more comforted in listening to pop song till now. Shall I whatsapp you the song? Gosh, this sucks loser.

"I've be trying trying to walk away but this crush is just aint going away..."

edit: as I thought about it, the last time I searched for a song was Avril Lavigne's Happy Ending. Shall I list the number songs that reminds me of you? or what I usually called it as "your songs".

PS: Dont forget that "your style" was also something I gave to you to used against me. Thanks a million.

The 10,000th Hour

That is the minimum number of hours you need to spend in order to be successful in anything you do. Be it music, arts, sports or technical work. Anything that requires hours of practices to be perfect, yea, that's the requirement to be a professional.

I wished someone told me this earlier and the how to. But its ok. Never too late to start now!

Just downloaded a new app to assist me in reaching this goal. Its called iGoal (its free!)

From my calculations, 4hrs/day would take me 7 years to reach this goal. So, either I maintain this or up it to 5hours a day to take 5.5years. I think I better work out a programme asap!

Rhythm Section...

Thank you KJ Wong for sharing this:

An Excerpt from the rhythm section workshop by steve houghton.

CLARITY AND DEFERENCE

Next to groove, clarity and deference are the two most important words for rhythm sections. Clarity is essential. Never tolerate a rhythm section that muddies the sound of the ensemble. Here are some factors that can affect clarity: playing at the wrong volume, playing too much, playing inappropriately,, playing too many sustained chords, playing with a poor sense of time and groove.

Deference implies that a player will yield (or defer) to someone else by leaving space in his or her own part. The space that one player leaves highlights the beautiful idea in someone else's part. So you see, deference is a key element in achieving clarity.

TIME IS A WEIGHT
Although it is the rhythm section's job to play with excellent time, it is not the rhythm section's sole responsibility to do so. Think of time as a weight, perhaps a steel plate weighing 500lbs. If we lower that plate onto the ensemble, and ask everyone to raise their arms up to hold it, they will find the weight quite manageable. It seems to float in the air. But, if we instruct everyone except the drummer to let go, all will be crushed by the weight. The same is true with time. It floats in effortless fashion when each ensemble member holds up his or her little piece of it.

 

 

http://vicfirth.com/education/jazz-rhythm-section101.php

 

Tell me again what the cost are...

You probably shouldn't pursue music

July 16, 2012

There's a lot of risk in trying to follow your dreams of being a musician. You should probably play it safe and pursue something more comfortable.
There's a chance things things might not work out the way you planned or thought they would. Maybe you should save your time and not even give it a shot.
Saying no to hanging with friends so you can spend hours a day perfecting your craft is a drag. Maybe you should just work only as hard as everyone else and coast for a bit.
You'll definitely have to go through times of not making a lot of money. If you get a stable job, you'll be able to buy that T.V. you were looking at. (don't even get me started
about the crappy car you may have to drive)
Right now being successful in music, or even functioning, means probably having to travel on the road and being away from your friends and significant other for a bit. That sucks, it's probably not worth it.
Most careers have a clear path that if you follow it (certain amount of schooling, intern and work your way up) you'll find success. Music IS NOT one of these. That means uncertainty, and you probably don't want to deal with that.

...or maybe you're one of the few willing to take the risk, recognize the cost and follow your dreams.

robMORGAN

In a Emotional Mood

Tiffany's Birthday - Celebration with Thai Sone.

SNSD's 5th debut Anniversary - Message from Sooyoung and Tiffany.

Dato Lee Chong Wei's silver medal - Men do shed tears.

These 3 events mentioned above is making me quite emotional. Fany is so nice to accept the birthday celebration that the Thai Sones had prepared for her while she was filming a commercial in Thailand. And after they sang her the birthday song she asked if they wanted to have a photo with them. What a lovely lady she is!

SNSD's 5th Anniversary, all the memories put together on Youtube can make me wanna cry man. Seeing them 'grow up' and the messages they post just show how much they love their fans. I have yet to come across an idol group so huge in fame showing so much love to their fans. Makes me proud to be a Sone!

And last but not least, Dato Lee Chong Wei, after being defeated by Lin Dan, shed tears because he didnt managed to clinch the gold medal for this country. You know those tears were not only personal, but one that was shed on behalf of a nation. A burden that he carried for a nation, whose hopes for a Gold Medal was pined. Yet he wasnt a sore loser, he accepted defeat, hugged his rival and took home the silver medal. Those tears in his eyes showed just how apologetic he was about not being able to win home a gold. But Dato Lee Chong Wei is still the only Malaysian to have won 2 silver medals at the Olympics.

Love, Hope, Faith, Respect.

先苦后甜

Mock. Laugh. Say whatever you want. But I'm not going to take offense, I'll continue to be nice. Why? Cause I dont need to react to your actions. I can stand to be wrong, take the longer way. Be the noob forever in your eyes, but I wont do anything that I would not want you to do to me.
(This is my outlet for letting things out, so no count)

I knew this was gonna happen, but I took the risk anyway. Oh well, no one to blame, nothing to be angry or sad about. Just gotta readjust my life and have a plan that hopefully works.

Ah, having a taste of my own medicine I thought I would never take. Yes, it sure is bitter.

But as the chinese proverbs says: 先苦后甜. I hope that it'll be as the saying goes...
(I know its out of context, but yea... haha!)

A quarter of a Century

So 2 days back I hit the "Quarter of a Century Old" mark. Was going to reflect and post something but as usual, laziness got the better of me.

This year things seem to have become quieter. In the sense that I usually get a word from God for my life at each birthday. But this year I've not heard anything. I'm not sure if its because I have not been close to Him or been sensitive towards Him. But I know He speaks when He wants to, not dependent on how close am I or what not.

Yes, I have not been regularly attending church, or reading the bible or praying or doing the healthy disciplines of a Christian. But that does not mean I do not care about God or that there is zero interaction between us. I merely am not giving as much time as I love to have with Him.

Well the main thing I wanna write today is not so much about my birthday or about my relationship with God. I wanna write about people and life in general.

You know I love my friends and I hate to be doing things alone. I would sacrifice some of the things I would love to do and go along with their plans. But recently I have been experiencing something that I almost never have felt or experienced before.

I have now moved into a new place with a college mate. He is my senior and with another junior, 3 of us share an apartment. Living here is fine, but I finally guess now I know what my previous housemate must have felt when C and I went out often without him. Being left of your friend's plan is possibly the most "sian" thing to feel.

It wouldn't be that bad if we were just housemate or we just met. It hit me quite badly cause last semester we hung out so much and honestly I really think he is a good friend. Its just that this semester things start to change. Firstly he would have plans without telling me. Then his actions or what he does feels sly-ish. Like go out when I am sleeping or showering. I mean, just tell me la. If you dont want me to follow or what just say. I rather you tell me than to have me second guess your action or sense what you are up to.

I am thankful for the birthday dinner he planned and got some friends together. But day to day, I feel used because now he would only find me if he needs my help. I mean, I can act and smile all the time but I think some self reflection is needed here. Everyone can be selfish and do what works for themselves but that would be so sad. A society that is so inward looking.

If any of you reading this fully understand the meaning of this post, I would gladly appreciate that you keep it to yourself. I'm letting it out here cause I want to maintain this friendship. Not for any gains but I truly am grateful for a friend like him. Just that there are some issues that I need to let it go and this is my outlet.

Now as I type this, I am thinking; should I from now on just be selfish and do what I wanna do or continue to be friendly and keep going on like nothing has happened. I dont know. I think I have ranted enough and I'll see what happens next. Maybe things would get better, maybe there would be a last straw. Who knows? Just wait and see.

Favour

Increased anointing increases favor. Increased favor increases demands. And increased demands always take us away from community. That's why fellowship is called a sacrifice in Hebrews 13:16. This sacrifice MUST remain a priority for us to end well. - Bill Johnson

Just what I needed

It is so important that we view the past for reference not preference. We need to honor the past, live in the present, and look to the future. Many live in the past and like Lot's wife, they become monuments instead of movements.There is a big difference between living IN the future and living FROM the future. Those who live IN the future never take responsibly for extending the kingdom to their generation. They are always on the edge of revival. But why not just have one!!!

Those that live FROM the future have timeless insights, eternal perspectives and the wisdom from another age (prophetic insight and foresight that comes from His sight). These brave souls pull eternity into the here and now resulting in Earth becoming like Heaven. - KV

Influence

Rick Warren:

"The purpose of influence is to speak up for those who have no influence. See Prov.31:8"

Oh Yeah!

The House that sits atop the whirlwind!

Here is a word from the Lord I received this morning, have a read.

The House that sits atop the whirlwind!

I awakened this morning with a vision for Pentecost. The spirit of God reminded me this morning of how He came and descended upon the one-hundred and twenty in the upper room. He came as a rushing mighty wind! He came as a tornado! The Lord prompted me to read a particular scene from the original book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by Frank L Baum.

In chapter 1, Dorothy’s house was taken up by the twister as she stood at a threshold moment in the house. She could have retreated into the dark hole of the cellar with Auntie Em, but instead she risked the whirlwind and rode above it. The book reads that the house was lifted higher and higher until it stood atop the cyclone; it was then carried into another land. Upon landing it struck the enemy dead (the wicked witch). Dorothy is then later given the ruby red slippers.

The Cyclone excerpt from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz; Chapter 1:

“When she was halfway across the room there came a great shriek from the wind, and the house shook so hard that she lost her footing and sat down suddenly upon the floor.

Then a strange thing happened.

The house whirled around two or three times and rose slowly through the air. Dorothy felt as if she were going up in a balloon.

The north and south winds met where the house stood, and made it the exact center of the cyclone. In the middle of a cyclone the air is generally still, but the great pressure of the wind on every side of the house raised it up higher and higher, until it was at the very top of the cyclone; and there it remained and was carried miles and miles away as easily as you could carry a feather”

After reading that passage in the book, I felt the Lord strongly. I interpreted what I was sensing and immediately wrote the following,

“In the year of the house, this Pentecost season is ushering in a critical moment in history when the whirlwind of God is carrying houses into a new era! We are being raptured by the Wind of His Great Power! The house is being lifted above the middle winds of the demonic realm to a realm that the enemy cannot enter- the holy realm of Heaven. The hooks of the enemy will be pulled out by the wind; and the lines of demonic communication will be cut- for in the wind of Pentecost there is deliverance! This cyclone is a vehicle of transition, and we will ride with God on the wings of His wind! It is a time when many people will be carried into their promises. We will mount up with wings as an eagle and soar into the land of promise! As the house enters the land of promise; it shall strike the enemy dead upon its landing! This is the authority and power of Jesus Christ moving through us! We will Reclaim red shoes of governmental authority! We will tread on snakes and scorpions, and overcome ALL power of the enemy! This is an accelerated stage of transition that suddenly will become Delivery. We will be witnesses in the earth! We will be sent out with authority!”

We enter the feast of Pentecost on the Hebraic calendar on the 6th of Sivan, or May 27th on the Gregorian calendar. However this is a season, not just one or two days! May the Lord unveil your season!

Taken from Natasha Seppala

So tell me what's the problem son...

God cares about what stresses us out... "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 - Jesus Culture

Kingdom Culture

Children of the King don't worry because worrying is not a culture of the Kingdom. - from John Dip Silas, again.

The Price/Cost =/= Value

It costs greatly to put God first. But it also pays, and you get so much more in return, in the least expected ways. - from John Dip Silas

Faith,Hope,Love

Hope says "God can do it!" Faith says, "God will do it!" - KV

The Nail

Proverbs 18:16 New American Standard Bible (NASB):
"A man’s gift makes room for him And brings him before great men."

Like a nail on the floor, waiting to be picked up. It shall be driven deep into realms. It will hold things together. It shall keep them together and keep them firm. As iron sharpens iron, things will improve. Even though the sharp points may prick, but it will be good in the end. They represented the sacrifice of the One who was pierced to set us free.

Keep going on...

"Nobody tells this to people who are beginners; I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff; it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase. They quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know it's normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take a while. It’s normal to take a while. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.” -Ira Glass

12 Scriptures for 2012

12 Scriptures for 2012

I believe its the year of the Word of the God and God of the Word. It is a time when the office of the teacher (Ephesians 4:11) or the teaching gift of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:7) will be re-emphasized in the body of Christ. It is a time when a convergence of the School of the Word and the School of the Spirit takes place. That is why I released a Bible reading program at the first of the year. It's ever too late to participate!

With this conviction in mind, I went to prayer and asked the Lord for scriptures for 2012. To my delight, I felt the Holy Spirit highlight the following 12 Scriptures for 2012 and Beyond all with the address of 20:12, 10:12, 12:12 or 12:20. I hope you enjoy this innovative way of gleaning from the Word of God.

1. Exodus 20:12 – Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you. We must cultivate a culture of HONOR! Everyone wins and the Supernatural flows freely in such an atmosphere!

2. Proverbs 20:12 – The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made both of them. Communion with God including a greater diversity in the prophetic will be welcomed as there is an increase in both the Seer and Hearer anointing.

3. Ezekiel 20:12 – Also I gave them my Sabbaths to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them. The Holy Spirit is emphasizing REST! It will be a tool of healing for many. Some will be called into a time of "sabbatical rest", extended vacations and celebrating the Sabbath.

4. Job 12:12 – Wisdom is with aged men, with long life is understanding. The Spirit of Wisdom (Isaiah 11:1 – 3) and the gift of the Word of Wisdom (I Cor. 12:8) will be emphasized as part of the solution for the times we are moving into.

5. Zechariah 12:10 – I will pour out on the House of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and supplication so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn. There will be more global prayer that will arise for the nation of Israel in 2012 than any previous year in church history. This is all in preparations for regional conflicts in the Middle East that could come forth in 2013 and beyond.

6. Matthew 12:20 – A battered reed He will not break off, and a smoldering wick He will not put out, until He leads justice to victory. Discouraged people will find fresh hope and the justice movement will come into greater maturity and impact.

7. Luke 12:12 – For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that hour what you ought to say. Spontaneous leadings of the Holy Spirit will be released to many. Dependency on the “now voice” is a necessity. The Holy Spirit will manifest Himself as our teacher.

8. John 20:12 – …and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. There is an increase of angelic activity in the Seer realm of discerning of spirits. People who have never seen angels will have angelic encounters.

9. Acts 20:12 – …they took away the boy alive, and were greatly comforted. The revival of the resurrection of the dead will spring forth. It will not be limited to “third world countries” but will escalate globally.

10. Romans 12:12 – …rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer. The message of the hour is HOPE! The call is to “Never Give Up!” There will be a return in the local church to the call to intercession.

11. I Corinthians 12:12 – For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many; are one body, so also is Christ. This is the chapter for the year! It is time for body ministry once again. As the five-fold ministry gifts are restored, the “saint's movement” will now pick up steam. Time for every member to function in the gifts of the Holy Spirit!

12. 2 Corinthians 12:12 – The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles. I am excited about this verse! It is the culminating verse the Lord has directed me towards. True apostles performing signs and wonders walking in character are now on the scene.

Praise the Lord for the Year of the Word and the God of the Word merging. Let the fullness of the convergence of the ages– along with the graces of the past be brought forward into our now for such a time as this. I trust these 12 Scriptures for 2012 and Beyond will be a blessing to you!

With Great Expectations!

James W. Goll

Nice Answer :D

A reply from CEO of J.P. Morgan to a pretty girl seeking a rich husband

A young and pretty lady posted this on a popular forum:

Title: What should I do to marry a rich guy?

I'm going to be honest of what I'm going to say here.

I'm 25 this year. I'm very pretty, have style and good taste. I wish to marry a guy with $500k annual salary or above.

You might say that I'm greedy, but an annual salary of $1M is considered only as middle class in New York.

My requirement is not high. Is there anyone in this forum who has an income of $500k annual salary? Are you all married?

I wanted to ask: what should I do to marry rich persons like you?

Among those I've dated, the richest is $250k annual income, and it seems that this is my upper limit.

If someone is going to move into high cost residential area on the west of New York City Garden(?), $250k annual income is not enough.

I'm here humbly to ask a few questions:
1) Where do most rich bachelors hang out? (Please list down the names and addresses of bars, restaurant, gym)
2) Which age group should I target?
3) Why most wives of the riches are only average-looking? I've met a few girls who don't have looks and are not interesting, but they are able to marry rich guys.

4) How do you decide who can be your wife, and who can only be your girlfriend? (my target now is to get married)

Ms. Pretty

A philosophical reply from CEO of J.P. Morgan:

Dear Ms. Pretty,
I have read your post with great interest. Guess there are lots of girls out there who have similar questions like yours. Please allow me to analyse your situation as a professional investor.

My annual income is more than $500k, which meets your requirement, so I hope everyone believes that I'm not wasting time here.

From the standpoint of a business person, it is a bad decision to marry you. The answer is very simple, so let me explain.

Put the details aside, what you're trying to do is an exchange of "beauty" and "money" : Person A provides beauty, and Person B pays for it, fair and square.

However, there's a deadly problem here, your beauty will fade, but my money will not be gone without any good reason. The fact is, my income might increase from year to year, but you can't be prettier year after year.

Hence from the viewpoint of economics, I am an appreciation asset, and you are a depreciation asset. It's not just normal depreciation, but exponential depreciation. If that is your only asset, your value will be much worse 10 years later.

By the terms we use in Wall Street, every trading has a position, dating with you is also a "trading position".
If the trade value dropped we will sell it and it is not a good idea to keep it for long term - same goes with the marriage that you wanted. It might be cruel to say this, but in order to make a wiser decision any assets with great depreciation value will be sold or "leased".

Anyone with over $500k annual income is not a fool; we would only date you, but will not marry you. I would advice that you forget looking for any clues to marry a rich guy. And by the way, you could make yourself to become a rich person with $500k annual income.This has better chance than finding a rich fool.

Hope this reply helps.

signed,
J.P. Morgan CEO

Long time no see?

Sometimes I rather not see you. Cause it only reminds me of the love I once had for you. But should I be sad? No. I shouldn't be because I lost someone who didn't love me, but you lost someone who did. #justsayinglo HAHA!

Can I please?

Can I give up now? Can I just say no to people? Can I just be an irresponsible ass and run away? Can I not face this world till I'm ready? When will I ever be ready? How would you know when you are ready? I dont. I honestly dont. But one thing's for sure: Not NOW!

Yet another reminder...

Eternity puts time in its proper perspective. Bill Johnson

Selah

You can only sustain through process what you obtained through promise. It is the process that molds you for life in the palace. Premature promotion will ultimately undermine your divine destiny. Social networking and Internet marketing can give you a level of favor with man that you have yet to gain with God. Think about Absalom, David's son, he gained favor with the people that he didn't have with God and ultimately his high horse hung him. Jesus grew in favor with God (first) and man. Be careful that you don't become bigger on the outside than you are on the inside or you will hang yourself. - KV

A timely word

When you can't see His plan, and you can't trace His hand, trust His heart. - Copied off Facebook

Revelation from KV over US

I have a sense that our country is improving. I had this vision of God blowing or breathing on this continent as Jesus breathed on His disciples and said,"receive the Holy Spirit." It wasn't a suggestion but a command. I saw the nation turning blood red from the east coast to the west coast. It was the redemptive nature of forgiveness being assimilated into the ground...and out of the soil souls were emerging like soldiers in a battlefield.. Dead bones were coming to life. They were dressed for battle in different realms. Some had expensive business suits and others were dressed like doctors, teachers and so forth. They all were given secret messages that they read and then ate. The message transformed them and equip them for their mission. Revelation was released over the nation and inventions and innovations were spring up all over like the first week of Spring. Pennsylvania was highlighted as if a major breakthrough was raising from there. Instead of 2 towers, 3 towers were being built as a sign of the strength of our economy being supported by a 3 cord strand. I felt a warning that many would look at the political climate to determine the condition of the country but the signs of revival would not flow from the White House but to it. Hope would not arise from polls but from the people. This was a people movement that swept the globe turning the planet a deep purple.

I saw the Lord blowing freezing cold air over Iran and North Korea etc. It created impossible conditions for war. He literally froze their war machines...it was a political climate change equal to the fall of the iron curtain.

I saw that God had already released Daniels into China and humility and generosity would spring up from from the East. God called it a "helping movement". I saw China would be given the "gift of helps" for the world. God was hugging centuries of brokenness out of them.

There was much more- but every country that was bent on war was frozen...the climate was suddenly and unpredictably changed. It was weird but good.

I heard the words ,"singing revolution." - KV

The moment I finished reading that, I got goosebumps, the good kind :D

Valentine's Day 2012

Happy Valentines' Day to you letting someone deep into your heart enough to mess you up so hard, but you'd do it all over again in a sec. - Inez

10.02.1012

Dearest SooYoung,

Happy Blessed 23rd Birthday!

생일 축하합니다!

お誕生日おめでとうございます!

This is my first time ever posting a birthday wish for an idol because I dont have one till I've met you. I dont know how personal I can write this message but I'm just gonna try. I'm a SONE because of you. I first encountered SNSD when Gee was launched but I never really thought that I might really become an official fan. But ever since I read the "Paradise in Phuket" book and watch the DVD, I was sold as an SNSD fan. Since then I've been slowly gathering all your mechandises and I have attend your 2-day concerts in Singapore. The concert was fabulous and I really hope you and the girls would come again this year.

I wish I could meet you in person. To have dinner with you like Kyunggyu. I am now working hard so that one day I might be able to play for you and the rest of the girls.

I wish that you will stay healthy and be happy in whatever you do and that God would bless you and His favour be forever upon you. I wish SNSD all the best in this 2012 and may they gather more awards but I also wish that all of you would be given some time off to rest and to be with your families.

I love you my Shikshin Goddess!
God Bless!

A prayer of a son

If there is one thing that I would like YOU to do is that YOU take my heart and my love for YOU and forever keep it with YOU. That no matter what happens my heart and love would be for YOU and only YOU. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.