vision and sight

first up Merry Christmas to everyone!!
Got to say this year was one of the most exciting Christmas I've had for a while. Although still missed having family around, but those in Melbourne sure made it a memorable one.
Christmas eve with Aunt Suzy and staying over at the Tay's, then morning celebrating Jesus birth with church, and then family lunch with aunt leesen and uncle Gordon, and finally awesome dinner at the Fang's with ISMers...was super tired after....but fullfilling none the less..

Actually last week Ps.Jules..(kakaka sorry had to give you the pastor title) gave a message about vision and sight, and even gave us homework...typical teacher..kakaka...

so here it goes:

Hindsight

What I learnt in 2009?
(Reflect on past experiences)

Hmm..I guess one of the biggest experience was going on exchange to UK. Seems like so long ago now. 5 months there sure taught me a lot of things, teaching me that the world is so much bigger and diverse then i thought. Other than that, it also taught me to think on my feet, to ask, to step out of my comfort zone. I think the one thing i learnt alot is not worry too much. A lot of times whether its just associating with people, when being asked to do something, when facing uncertainties when going travelling, I tend to consider all the consequences, and a little too thoroughly then I needed to,making me scared to do alot of things. In short just not having enough faith in God. So thank God that he allowed me to balance between rationalizing and just willing to step out in faith. Just as someone shared with me:"a challenge is God's invitation for us to move forward..."

And another thing is I want to thank all the people I've met on my journey, CD and everyone, SCCC, u guys just made the exchange experience that much more special....

Insight
What is happening in & around me now and why?
(Reflect on your current stage or events in life)

I guess in alot of ways I feel I'm more mature. That is, being myself in front of people, not being timid and shy, I think i still do sometimes, but hopefully much less already. I can sense that God is continuing to remould me to the man that He wants me to be, through His words, through people, and through the experiences I've faced. I don't think I'm quite there yet, well God you'll let me know when.

Another is realizing how privilleged I am. Having a great family, education, and being able to worship God freely. And at times I still feel discontent, angry, even unsatisfied at times. But this year alot of things and people showed me how minute my disapprovals are when compared to those who have no choice, for those who face medical and family issues but yet stand strong in faith. They give a new definition of what having F.A.I.T.H is all about!!...so ya, there's another thing to work on...

Foresight

What are plans for 2010?
(reflect and base on your hindsights and insights gained)
well for 2010, first of all is to graduate and to find a job. So to graduate means I need to work hard and b focused, and to find a job is to actually go about LOOKING for them, in the short term maybe a part time job if I can cope, but definitely a long term engineering job when I graduate.

More importantly I want to continue to grow and know God more. So that involves having a disiplined quiet time and prayer, reading books, etc etc. Got to set time aside to do those things.
And to continue to do the things that He has laid ahead for me. I'll be taking up leadership roles in ISM and Church youth group, so I want to b fully commited to the things I need to do, to win people for Christ, to be a accountable and a living testimony for God. (kakaka, this involves getting the admin side of things in line first...hehe). And if it is by God's will then I'll b going on Missions next year, God show me where you want me to go.


kakaka, feels like answering essay questions doesn't it? Well it did get me thinking of who I was, am, and things I want to do in the future. God i thank you for everything that has happened in 2009, and grant me the faith to believe in that 2010 will be an even better year!!!!

BYE BYE 2009~~~
BRING ON 2010!!!

Every Little Thing You Do

Every Little Thing You Do

Hello, let me know if you hear me

Hello, if you want to be near

Let me know

And I'll never let you go

Hey love

When you ask what I feel, I say love

When you ask how I know I say trust

And if that's not enough

It's every little thing you do

That makes me fall in love with you

There isn't a way that I can show you

Ever since I've come to know you

It's every little thing you say

That makes me wanna feel this way

There's not a thing that I can point to

'Cause it's every little thing you do

Don't ask why

Let's just feel what we feel

'Cause sometimes

It's the secret that keeps it alive

But if you need a reason why

It's every little thing you do
That makes me fall in love with you
There isn't a way that I can show you
Ever since I've come to know you

It's every little thing you say
That makes me wanna feel this way
There's not a thing that I can point to
'Cause it's every little thing you do

Is it your smile or your laugh or your heart?

Does it really matter why I love you?

Anywhere there's a crowd, you stand out

Can't you see why they can't ignore you

If you wanna know

Why I can't let go

Let me explain to you

That every little dream comes true

With every little thing you do

It's everything, everything you do

That makes me fall in love with you

It's everything, everything you say

That makes me feel this way...

Randomness...

Was eating at 强记 in Clayton yesterday alone and the waiter uncle asked me whether I'm alone...i said yes and he said:"哈哈。。要交女朋友le...要不然就一个人 lo..."...kakaka I knew he was joking but certainly got me thinking...

"Relationship wise where am I gonna be in 5 years time??still eating alone??"..I think its highly likely....for a further 10 years?20 years even maybe??God knows....besides I can't even feed myself and keep myself above water level...

One thing that God has been teaching me is when I leave these things aside, or rather in His hands, I can focus so much more in Him...and be able to walk in the plans that He has set ahead for me....

Priority in life (for now):
1) God
2) Family
3) Friendship
4)Study
5) Work
6) Relationship

I think relationship comes pretty low amongst other priorities and I'm just emotionally really tired as well...it's surely a roller coaster ride... use to have Sheryl for the pass 21 years as my "permanent" girl friend...and I think I'll continue to stick with family and friends for now..hehe...
"So God What should I do??...just hav faith in You i guess..hehe...

(p/s: who says I don't write about emo stuff on my blog...kakaka)

Prayer for a friend...

Yes I'm bored of studying...I don't mind calculation stuff...but theory stuff and memorizing stuff is just driving me crazy....

Heard this song when I was driving home from BSF last night:

"Prayer For A Friend"-Casting Crown
Lord, I lift my friend to You,
I've done all that I know to do
I lift my friend to You
Complicated circumstances have clouded his view
Lord, I lift my friend up to You
I fear that I won't have the words that he needs to hear
I pray for Your wisdom, oh God,
and a heart that's sincere
Lord, I lift my friend up to You.
Lord, I lift my friend to You
My best friend in the world,
I know he means much more to You
I want so much to help him, but this is something he has to do
And Lord, I lift my friend up to You
'cause there's a way that seems so right to him
But You know where that leads
He's becoming a puppet of the world, too blind to see the strings
Lord, I lift my friend up to You
My friend up to YouLord, I lift my friend to You, I've done all that I know to do
I lift my friend to You...

Reminded me of a lot of people in my life:

New friends in Uni...Older friends..."Bachelor" gang!!! I think I'm the only bachelor left..kakaka...

Even older friends....6M-ers!!!

Family...

Extended Family..

Even more Extended Family!!

Lord I lift my family and friends onto you...

At the cross...

This song just means so much to me:

At the cross

Oh lord you've searched me,
You know my way, Even when I fail you,
I know you love me...

Your holy presence surrounding me,
In every season,
I know you love me...

At the cross I bow my knee,
Where your blood was she'd for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place,
What can separate me now...

You go before me
You shield my way,
Your hand upholds me,
I know you love me...

You tore the veil,
You made a way
When you said that 'it is done'

And when the earth fades,
Falls from my eyes, And you stand before me
I know you love me, I know you love me...

"Oh Lord you search me...even when I fail you, I know you love me"...

Psalms 139:1- O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.

Lord how You so faithfully searched me in the wilderness...when I was searching for a reason...You gave me reason to live for..and despite all my failure, all my iniquity, I know you still love me...

"At the cross..where your blood was shed for me..thers no greater love than this.."

Matthew 27:46-Jesus cried out in the loud voice,"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Romans 5:8-But God demonstrated his own love for us in this:While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Oh Lord how can we imagine how painful it was to be separated for God your own father? I can't even imagine how much grief i will hav if I was separated by my parents....it must have been tormenting to be torn apart and drawn apart from God because of the punishment of sin we deserve, but not You....

"You have overcome the grave, Your glory fills the highest place, what can separated me now?"

Romans 6:10-The death he died, he died to sin once for all, but the life he lives, he lives in God

Romans 8:39-neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If Jesus didn't rise from the grave...then how would us have been forgiven for our self-righteousness?? Yes Lord our flesh still desires to do the wrong thing, but God we have the hope that you died for our sins once and for all..and the life we live...we want to live a life like You, righteous and living in the light of our God.

"You tore the veil, you made a way, when You said that 'it is done'.."

John 19:30-Jesus said"It is finished."With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit

Matthew 27:51-At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom

Literally, the curtain covering the place into the Holy of Holies where only those whose sin has been temporarily atoned for through sacrifices can enter, was reaped in two, so that everyone can experience the presence of God.

God longed for that relationship with us, He didn't want us to present to Him artificial offerings or have Him so high up that no one can reach...but He wants to be in our midst, be our best friend, someone we can rely on 24/7....To be able to rejoice with one another during good times, and persevere together during bad times...thats the intimate relationship He longs for...and thank you Lord for making that way for us to have that relationship with You...

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord"

I know God is constantly waving that gift in front of my family, my friends, everyone. A gift that cost us nothing, but cost Him everything....and God I know it is Your desire that none shall perish and all shall have eternal life...so I trust in your timing God...

I trust in You......and I know You love me...

Sis I love you...

Suddenly have the urge to talk about my sis,

Personal Profile:

Name: Sheryl Sze Chien Ng

Age: 21

Gender: Female

Height: 168 cm (or 170 cm as she claims)

Weight: ... (shell's gonna kill me if I reveal this)

ya Sheryl's been my closers buddy, didn't really regard her as a whole up there, full of respect sister, maybe because she's only 15 minutes older!!!hehe...but ya she's been more like a friend to me...and of course been my permanent "girlfriend" as well...kakaka...

Just some memories since we came to Australia together:

In 2004 December, we started as young and naive year 11 students venturing in to an unknown country and school, Blaxland.

2006 Year 12 Formal - I look horrible..kakaka..

2007, started the next phase of our life...UNI!!!and for the 1st time in 19 years we are living separately....

Road Trip down to Melbourne..a new Uni life..

Piggyback...when did I out grow you??hehe..

Merdeka day...

07/10/2007, Sheryl gave her life yo the Lord, exactly three months after me!!hooray...

2008 was one of the closest year we had relationship wise, sorta missed having her around (éspecially to clean up my room..hehe..) in first year, so getting to see Shell every weekend at church was great and bonded us closer together.
In 2009 we both decided to go on exchange for half a year, shell to Bologna in Italy and me to Sheffield UK.

Family Photo session before we went off for an awesome exchange experience

This exchange experience was the furthest we've been away from one another, both in a foreign land, maybe it did start a change in our relationship, where we're stop being reliant on each other.

2.5 months, the longest we've been apart until April in Amsterdam

Sam?Sheryl?Sameryl??!!

Nonetheless, we had awesome bro and sis trips around europe:Amsterdam, Brussels, Scotland, Ireland and UK, and yes we had arguments along the way, but it reminded us of the bond we share with one another...

Edinburgh Scotland

Many things has changed since we've been back to Australia,

New people, hard times, at times I feel that we're going our separate ways, which is inevitable i guess, we'll eventually have new people in our lives..

But..

No matter what happens, you'll always be my one and only Sis, one who knows all of me, and one who I can totally be myself...I love you sis....now and forever...although sometimes I can be harsh with my words, but forgive me...I'm just fustrated at times..

Love you always sis!!

I broke up with facebook...

yeah I'm finally off facebook....until the end of exams anyway...so I'll probably spent more time on this blog...(to distract me from work...kakaka)...

BRING ON THE EXAMS>>..well i actually have three assignments to tackle before that 1st....

Get disciplined!!

Have been wasting my life and time away on facebook again...especially today...set out to do work for two hours work...ended up only being half an hour...darn....buckle up sam!!!

I think I'm gonna stop going on facebook for a month until exams over....

ah stressing assignments and exams are coming...
God pls help me!!

its mid semester holidays!!!

yeah finally its the mid sem break for Monash....so not fair...we only have a week and its only a couple of weeks from exams...oh well...."SAM STOP COMPLAINING AND DEAL WITH IT!!"

Been hit by a sudden interest in AFL(Australian Rules football)...and good on ya the cats GEELONG~~!!!!winning the grand final!!! surely ur the greatest team of all...

AFL Premiers 2009!!!

On a spiritual side of things, its been a little bit of a yoyo since I've been back to Melbourne. I just feel like at times I lost the passion for God and others and instead have more questions and even more unanswered questions....

but God has been faithful and constant....many times when I felt like just throwing in the tower and remain status quo...God has been there and strengthen me....the many verses of encouragement...Romans 5:3-5 and Hebrews 10&12 just to name a few...and of course all the wonderful people around me who has been a great encouragement to me...

At the same time when I'm knowing more about God's word, I start to realize how many unanswered questions I have, 'but I'm starting to realize that:yes, you'll always have questions, doubts, some that can't be answered by anyone on this earth even, but what matters the most is...

God You made a way for us, You let your only Son die on that cross for our sins...and God You love us...

I KNOW this is true. and Thank you Lord...I trust in You for everything and everyone....

Where's the photos from Euro trip??

haha....bored in Uni..waiting for Bible study later...left my USB at home...just great..gotta wait until i get home b4 i can do anything..
anywayz...
if any of you are wondering wher all the family Euro trip photos are...they're on facebook...havent been updating them since I'm trying to b disiplined to not go on it until the holidays...

just a random post....will have something more when i feel like it or when i'm bored again...

by the way everyone at Sheffield....missing you guys heaps!!!keep in touch ya...and for those starting uni again...hav fun and all the best!!

God bless..

Back in Melbourne...

yes I'm bak in melbourne!!!Amazing isn't it??

a blink of an eye I'm bak in Australia from UK....its definitely a small world!!!

ya since I've been bak peoples been asking me:

"how its like on exchange??", "how was it??"..

honestly...i think I havent really came up wif a really good answer yet other then saying:"ya it was good.."....probably should come up wif something better ay..

anywayz...

being bak in melbourne is surely comforting and welcoming...gotta admit I do feel a little depressed tat everythings ended...the people and friends i made...the places i went to...ya need time to get used 2 routine again i guess..

it does feel weird being bak home in melbourne again as well...things are like they were when I left yet I feel unfamiliar with things....a little bit like going back to school writing after a long summer vacation...you just need time to get the feeling and rhythm..at least for me anyway...

but its definitely good to be back...
And really thank God for keeping us safe during our time on exchange and bringing us home safe..

Thats it for now....don't worry the Euro Family trip post will come...hehe..

Last Month in Sheffield

arr I know I should be studying but I just continue...gotta de-stress here..hehe..

Wou its been already 5 months away in Sheffield....time sure flies...actually starting to regret not coming for a year..but I guess its God's plan as well..hehe..gotta worry about my citizenship when I get back...

what have I learnt so far?hmm...i really dunno.... need time to reflect..hehe...i think now's not the best time considering I have a paper tomorrow which I'm struggling with...

but I guess one that really stands out is to cherish other people...not only those around me but my family whose bak in kl...my frens bak in australia...God has just blessed me wif all these wonderful people in my life that i really should give bak at least a little part of me to them...

anywayz bak to study...
some photos from the bakewell trip wif sunday school: (no captions this time..)





(p/s: this post has been on the edit post list for a while...so ya its probably outdated b4 its even posted...hehe...sorry..)

Manchester United..Champions Forever..

People often ask me..."Manchester United??why??"

"because they win trophies?", "because they have star players??", "because Beckham use to play for them??!!"'

well before I answer, just gonna give a review of how it all started:
Yes..I don't deny that I started supporting Man Utd because they were successful,

Ryan Giggs keeps the Treble dream alive with the goal of the century

who can forget Solskjaer at Nou camp? 20 LEGEND!!



The TREBLE 1999!!!

winning seem to come so naturally after that,

Man United Premier League Champions again!!

and again!!

Man Utd = Success

Remember the comeback from 0-3 down at White Hart Lane??

but then again, all great eras end.

when winning becomes a habit and taken for granted.

The FA cup win masking the hard years ahead.

Manchester United were dethroned as Champions of England after 3 years of domination, people were suggesting the downfall of a great club, players being complacent.

Thats what happens when you fall from the summit, u don't drop gradually, you free fall, taking on countless criticisms along the way.

the end? the lost to Porto sure suggested it..

results on the pitch weren't going our way, and as a Man Utd fan you can just sense that the invinsibility aura we once had fade away.

"lost to Arsenal...",

"Man Utd knocked out at group stage of Champions League.."

"Chelsea the new powerhouse in English football....",

great players came and left without great success..

Man United in crisis??!!!
OR

in TRANSITION!!

after three long years, the Carling Cup win signalling the start of a new era!!

Yes we finally got our trophy back!!Premier League Champions!!

07-08 Champions again!!first part of a magnificent season!!


Difference between champions and runner up = width of a goal post.

the save that cemented VDS place in history.

on top of Europe once again!!

European Champions 2008!!

and NO we didn't stop there..

WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!

and Man United's youth focused policy beared fruit as well.

Champions of now and the future

Man United record equalling 18th Premier League title!!

THE END OF A TEAM?? I DON'T THINK SO!!!

this year we had the chance to make history,

the First team to Retain the European crown!!

Man United on the stage of history in Rome..

well we didn't make it..0-2 to a better team..

yes we didn't managed to put a new page on Man united's history, but you already are a legacy!!

Carling Cup winners, World Champions, Premier League Champions....few could have had a better season...so hold your heads up high and let the celebration begin!!

So back to the question, why Manchester United?

sure they do win alot of trophies, sure they have star players.

But Manchester United is more than that,

to truimph in seemingly impossible conditions,

the positive alttitude of the players and coaches,

and Above all...

THE NEVER SAY DIE SPIRIT OF MANCHESTER UNITED!!

I'm definitely fortunate to be supporting such a great club of Manchester United,

and this exchange blessed me with a chance to see my team in action!!

the lost to Barcelona will definitely once again bring the world against you,

but Keep on FIGHTING UNITED!!

glory glory Man United, and the RED's go MATCHING ON and ON and ON!!!!

Exams exams exams...

haiz....exam periods here again...time to hibernate at home and eat frozen food from the oven...
ya its the same in Sheffield...time when all of a sudden revision lectures run out of lecture notes when usually theres a stack left because people don't turn up..its a time when the Library is packed not only during Uni time but any other time as well...

I gotta say my exam prep has been far from ideal...(its never ideal anyway!!kakaka)...gotta be DISCIPLINED!!!STUDY!!!

Anyhow we still managed to go to Sheffield's last home game of the season!!!PLAYOFF's against Preston for promotion to Premier League.

late late..gotta get tickets...

Soon,Neo,Eric and Michelle

yeah we managed to get front row seats..literally!!!

Close to the action...GO SHEFFIELD!!

yup its Lee Hendrie posing for the camera..


Goal!!! and we earn another pound from the bet..

sing together: Que sera sera, whatever will be will be, we going to Wembley!!

Oh man gonna miss the times going to matches...especially if Sheffield get to the Premier league...the likes of Man Utd at Sheffield....no gonna miss out!! Watching football at UK surely is the best experience ever!!

and of course...gotta congratulate the newly crowned and reigning Champions of England and To-be champions of Europe!!!

MANCHESTER UNITED!!!!

well done lads...continue matching on to the Champions League trophy!!

Champions of England, Champions of Europe and Champions of the world....has a nice ring to it...

Glory glory Man United, and the Reds go matching on On ON!!!!

Ok back to study mode now....at least we're well stocked up for the tough weeks ahead...

Back up exam food!!

1.5 left in Sheffield....Mix feelings...