...

Much has been done this semester break, one more day and my days in Ipoh are up. There are many things that I have done for these two months. In terms of my walk with God, it hasn’t been any better. I again see myself as the Isrealites that forgot about God when things seemed fine. I stumbled in my own world again. But, disappointment must be overcome by courage to change my future, not by my own might but with God’s power.


Today was my ‘last’ day playing captain’s ball with the Elim folks. I have always enjoyed this game as much as I enjoyed playing Frisbee and I anticipated today’s game. There is another side of me who still remembers a remark someone gave telling that I have not put in effort when playing captain’s ball in the Sunday evening (the taiko regards it as regular captain’s ball training, and of cause I didn’t know that) People who did mistake are told off on the spot, that probably gives you a hint of what’s happening on the field. I didn’t enjoy that spirit as I just want to sweat myself out and have some fun. Who cares if you don’t run fast enough or throw accurate enough. Well, that what I call not ngam channel I guess.

I told myself to play somewhere else today when I reached Elim. Somewhere, on the other field, basketball field… just not the Elim field where the same spirit that dominates Sports Arena, Klang dwelled. I didn’t know why but someone told me to just ignore other people’s remarks. So I joined in. “It was the last Sunday of 2007” starts off our game. I found myself in the same situation when I was in COPA IBA. My team players’ statures were way smaller than the other team. We played our very best although not with the right strategy. My pal I think lost his temper in the game. I didn’t know what happened in the end but the kiasu-ism in me emerged. I just wanted to score and sure enough I hurt someone again. Yesterday was Ah Ki and today was Bernice. I am really frustrated with myself. I thought I have long overcome this feeling of mine and I know I am lying to myself. Oh God, help me to become a better sportsman! I know I cannot go far with this kind of attitude.

Today is the second last day of 2007 and I am no better than the me on the second last day of 2006. One thing I wish hard for and pray for, it is for me to embrace the fact that “I can’t, God can, God will’.

Selamat Pagi Cikgu (Part 1)

I read this from The Star dated 25th Nov, 2007, found the thought was indeed true and through.

Senseless Lost over the Overrated A
The first public examination for our children is the UPSR, which is meant to help our education planners assess the efficacy of their teaching methods based on the analysis of the results.

For the students, it is also a way for them to work on their weak subjects as they enter secondary school.

There was a time when this examination came and went, and there was hardly any fanfare over who scored a string of A's.

But not anymore.

Last week, S. Subashini, 12, committed suicide, apparently because she did not get the desired A's. What a tragedy for a life to be cut short, not for any meaningful cause, but for want of A's.

The many letters to the press expressing shock are predictable. So are the argument not to subject our children to so much stress at this tender age.

But what is the point if the cycle repeats itself?

We are all to be blamed.

When the results come out each year, be it for the UPSR, PMR, SPM or STPM, the high achiever get all the applause.

Even for the disabled who are highlighted, it is still based on the A's, the added line being their triumph despite the disability.

So the message we are sending to students is that those who don't get their A's simply don't measure up.

We honour results but we forget effort.

Consider this: The A student could well be the one with all the extra benefits- tuition, endless supplies of workbooks, and a comfortable home environment- whose parents would not tolerate school marks dipping below 95.

Meanwhile, another student, without these extras, worked diligently to move from E to C.

So who should we applaud? Think about that.

What an irony that the vain pursuit of A's is done in the name of education, when it is the very obsession that is denying our children the real meaning and love for education.

And in the case of S. Subashini, at such a senseless and tragic lost.

Hope anyone who have read this will drop in some comments for our edification.
Malaysia Boleh!

With Christ in the Vessel

It was a bright and shiny on that particular tuesday morning. But the sky turned dark when it approached afternoon and soon before we realized, rain started pouring down. Well, it never actually bothered me much since I am doing my stuff indoor. Then suddenly Aunt Celine said something that tickled me. She told that we need to 'tei shui'(means look out for water), because Jalan Kuching, Canning Garden is prone to be flooded if the rain never stop. I didn't take it seriously of course and I even replied it would be nice if I brought along a fishing rod during the flood. Before i could even dream of fishing in the 'sea'. My imagination was cut off with an alarming voice from another colleague shouting: 'zam shui'(flood) ar!! At that moment, I was having mixed feeling, happy(flood!! wee... cause i never drove or cycled to work that day)+ sad(didnt know what time I can go back after work)+excited(first flood i have experienced)+speechless(knowing that my workplace can actually be flooded)+calm(hakuna mattata)+amazed(wondered at the magnificent sight of Jln Kuching becoming Selat Kuching, if you get what i mean)....

Red Alert! Everyone who parked their car outside ran out without much thought to save their car. Mind you, the flood is knee deep.

Unfortunately, our lady boss' kancil got flooded inside. After parking the car into the house compound, she tried emptying the water that flowed into her driver seat. Nissan 120y was half drowned and we had to push it into the centre's compound. 1 lad and 2 ladies managed to save the car from the wrath of the floodwater. Other
3 cars flee for their lives. That's not the end of the episode.



And so, we waited for the water to subside. It took close to one hour for the water to flow away. I was glad that it was finally over. But, we are faced with another challenge( i called it). The green kancil was stuck in the field. Wan Wai and I tried to push the car out but it was futile. Haiz, poor car.. To cut things short, we got the car out with the help of the man and a car cable.

Lessons learned:

-Flood during Noah's time is not small. So don't fool around.

-Faithful God is always there.

-Friend in need is a friend indeed.

-Fishing in the flood is not a good idea.

-Frantic approach never helps, calmness does.



When blessings pour out and darkness closes in, still i will turn to praise.. those are the words the song Blessed be the Name of the Lord. Are we like that ? We are inviting challenges when we are echoing the words in the lyrics of the song.

With Christ in the Vessel, we can smile at the storm.....

Maths: Truth or Dare?

Ever since i stepped into my course-ME, maths didnt really make sense to me.. what? convergence series, Laplace transform, Fourier series etc.. Everytime I look at the tutorial, I felt the intimidation and again it never make sense to me.. By the way, I am only in my second semester of my first year.. Still a long way to go before i graduate.. Yes, its a long long way.. Especially for my maths, long long long and long solution(esp. Fourier series)-no messing up with your signs(+ and - will make a big difference) Well, here's what I did the night before my maths paper.

7.00 to 8.30
Watched 'journey to the west' drama series and dinner (release stress),
Shower time
8.30 to 10++pm
Did the past year exam papers
and a lil bit of R&R everytime i see 'hopeless' question
10++ to 11.00pm
Fifa 08 TIME (to give myself an imaginary success).. Barcelona FC ruleZZZZ!!!
11.00 -12.30pm
Get back to finish my last paper and do some last minute revision..
12.30-1++am
Filled my growling stomach with 'twiggies' and a hot milo.. Yum Yum... Brush teeeth
1.30am
Sleep time
6.30am
Alarm Clock Kacau already.. Woke up and didnt snooze it.. Changed the time to 7.10am
Sleep again.. =.=
7++am
Finally woke up and washed up.. Makan Sambil Belajar(last minute glance again) haiz...
7.45am
Rush to exam hall
8.00- 10.00
War time

Well, Maths has never been an easy subject for me.. But ME needs strong maths and physics background.. so how? When i reached exam hall, everyone was already at their seat and ready to start. Armed with 2 kopiko sweet(which I didnt manage to eat during exam..just enough time to answer all the questions), one pencil case with stationeries of course, bottle of water, CALCULATOR! , my student ID card and jacket, I dashed to a seat and started filing in the details on the answer sheet. Said a little prayer. Exam started. For the first time in my life, Vincent found meaning in his study life(up to your own imagination on how things went)... HALLELUJAH!!! About the results, still not sure.. Wish me all the best again.. Gearing up to prepare for my last paper tomorrow.. Hope things will be like today.. Miss Holiday, I am coming.... OH YEAH!!!
*written 23 hours before my Merdeka...

Of Sports and Lessons

This year has been quite a sporty year for me, having joined three sports events. Now here are the events that i have taken part in:

1. COPA IBA (captain's ball under-23)on 14 July 2007 in Real Sports Arena, Klang. Having been in the church youth activites for quite some time, COPA IBA has been quite an 'in' thing in my circle of friends. This event is regarded as one of the highly rated sports event where churches in Klang Valley and nearby area sent in teams to compete in futsal and captain's ball. Of the two outings i have made in COPA IBA, I can proudly say i achieved nothing. The first time was back in my Form 3 where i have taken part in football and sure enough we are no match to the other teams in stature and skills. I have seen the bad side of COPA IBA where people did not uphold sportsmanship in the tournament. Some even go to the lengths of quarreling and often times the finals will be like a war where people just want to take down their opponent without thinking much. I never thought I would made it into captain's ball team since I am short and I am not considered as the perfect player for this game. Nevertheless, just to have a taste of this sports and we just have enough people to form the team, I went into the team. Having been an audience of captain's ball before this, I knew we stood a low chance of going far in this event(though I know this is demotivating, but then still cannot ignore the reality wert). Sure enough, we lost all our matches. We are no match to the oppenent's stature and speed. Well, nothing much to say, defeat and total defeat. Everyone accepted with result with a smile and life is still beautiful. But from this, I truly learnt how to be a loser for Christ and I never realised I can actually lose a game so happily. Thank God for allowing this defeat for me and i managed to win some friends through this game. I have learned that losers for Christ can be winners of soul.

2. Inter Church Games(captain's ball) on 22 August 2007 in YMCA, Ipoh. My home church, Elim Gospel Hall initiated this event since there has not been any of this kind of event organised before. I am blessed enough to have my semester break during this event and so I got a chance to compete again in Captain's ball. YEAH! In the morning when I first reached the venue, i was told I am supposed to be the 'super -sub' since they say they are lacking in futsal and captain's ball player. I didn't mind of course because I just wanted to play. Just half n hour before match starts, i was told again that I will be joining Elim Team B for the futsal team had had enough people in their team. I am jubilated because captain's ball is still my game and i suck in football. Out of curiosity, i asked one of my teammate who is the captain and manager. It was the shock of my life when i was told that I am both the manager and captain of the team. So i was like " OooKkkk.. So where should I start? What do i need to do?" Without much mental and physical preparation, I just got myself into the field. After a simple warm up and discussion on our strategy and position of players. Mind you, I just knew some of my players minutes before game and we are in. And so, we started our first game. Being the most 'experienced' player, I told my players to stay cool and do not waste off chances. Surprisingly, we cruised into finals without much sweat(except that youngster team who seem good and of course they lost too, lol.. not being boastful here).. In the finals, we are faced with Elim Team A, which consist school netball teams player and a few tall veterans who are very much taller of course and experienced in captain's ball. I knew we stood no chance to beat them but again to maintain the spirit, I just told my players to do their best. We managed to get one point in the game and we were overwhelmed with joy( guess you know how good the other team was). I thought to myself, losing a game afterall is not that terrible. We came out second in the tournament and everyone in my team enjoyed every single bit of time on the field. God taught me another lesson: losing a competition is not a lost, losing your testimony of love during your game of life is utter defeat.

2 Corinthians 5:20 - Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us, we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

3. INTI Open Ultimate Frisbee Tournament on 20 October 2007 in INTI UC, Nilai. After a short holiday with my foudation classmates in Port Dickson from 18-20 Oct(6.00am), I rushed back for the much anticipated tournament-Ultimate Frisbee. YEAH!!! As soon as i got back to my room(7.00am), without much hesitation, I went to shower and prepare myself for the big day( as in physically- filling my empty stomach with a packet of Dutch Lady Choco Milk & few pieces of oat biscuits) Mentally prepared ? Not at all. I just want to kick some butt in the field. Well, having been quite new in this sports, I have nothing much to be worried about. Just that when I see a group of 'mat rempit' stopping in front of our field. Just got to know that those bunch of mat rempit that looked like rugby players are students from UITM.. Whoa! I was wondering if they are here for the wrong game. Come on, it's frisbee we are playing here. Guess I should move on from my lengthy introduction. Ok, here we go 3 fields, 8 teams and 0 referee. After the opening ceremony, everyone who is in high spirit darted off to each field and the competition started. 7 players on 7 players on each field. Everyone played to their best. Each of our game was marked off by a loud cheer of our team name: WILD HAWKS!!!(not wild hogs). Things went on well and we marched on to the semi-finals, though still puzzled by the round which we lost terribly. And mind you, the team literally lost all their other matches to other teams. Well, let the sleeping dog lie. In the semi finals, things went on serious and quiet. We were facing a tough opponent, those 'mat rempit' I mentioned earlier, 'Dynasty Armada' they called themselves. They are definitely experienced players and we can see good coordination and positioning of each players. We were trailing until the half of the battle and we managed to narrow the gap of score after getting an effective strategy against them. But we were out of time before we knew it. Our journey to victory ended there. I was of course disappointed with the outcome, knowing that I have to accept this defeat eventually. Mr Captain, consoled us and told us that we still have another round to fight for first-runner-up. We are now facing the second team of 'mat rempit' ( Dynasty Armada B).And sure enough, we placed our best forwards
('C. Ronaldo' and 'Small Horse') and handlers. I told myself, at least we stood a chance to win a medal. The strategy that we used was successful against the opponent. We were having a healthy lead and me and another friend who were outside were so pumped up for the game. Thank God, we were called in to subsitute some players. When I dashed into the field, I was all fired up to score for my team. I was told I am the second runner. "Ok, Set" I thought to myself, "I am going to score this time round". The game continued and looking at a handler who are near in front of me, I signalled him and ran all out to an empty spot i saw in the scoring zone. He flew the frisbee swiftly right towards me and I scored that one point. I was overwhelmed with joy. That game ended with a memorable moment. Our team and the 'mat rempits' gathered in a circle and captains from each team gave their words. I can see friendship, warmth and unity in the players' eyes. On the count of three, we cheered "ULTIMATE" to the loudest. It was indeed a muhibbah time where three main races of Malaysia were in that circle cheering on for the Ultimate Sport. Result of the tournament was as follows: Flying Naan(champion), Dynasty Armada A(silver) & WILD HAWK!!!(bronze).

One most important thing I learnt from frisbee--- Spirit of the Game we call it. No referees were there to stop the game whenever a foul is commited or whenever a players tackle another player too agressively. Ultimate players can call for 'foul' and they are free to discuss about the foul called until consensus is reached. Not neglecting the safety of other player and upholding sportsmanship in the game-- that is exactly what I saw throughout the tournament. This is definitely the Ultimate sport.

I start to recollect my thoughts of the bad side of human in the sports arena. I still remember vividly the roughness and 'ferocity' of people whom I have played with. I can recall moments when hatred and anger were in the eyes of players to beat their opponent. There was a guy who stood outside a field and he shouted to the players on field, 'I will beat you up if you all don't start running'. A friend of mine said, "I will never ever come back to this tournament again". Is that good testimony of God's people? Are we playing a game of friendship and sportsmanship? Will God be approved of our way when we let our ugly side take over? Most important of all, are we true image of Christ? Or can i say, are we mirroring the evil one in our life. I am sure some of you can identify with me these scenes of disgrace, when the old nature of man controls their mind again. Take heed my siblings in Christ, let us not spoil God's perfect love story.

"I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ. I do all this to spread the Good News, and in doing so I enjoy its blessings"

1 Cor. 9:22-23

Do we truly act according to the above Scripture? This blog was not written to offend anyone but served to remind us of our responsibilities and testimony that we bear for Christ.

All for Christ's sake. Amen.

Random Lines

Having raya break now, but the poor me is stuck in this student-deserted town of Nilai. I never know the feeling of being alone until this one week long holiday, although its only two days since my roommate left for his hometown. I have told myself this week is a week that I am going to use to get my discipline in lifestyle back. I have not been having a healthy lifestyle ever since i enter college. Staying in the campus where people have no day or night, 1 am is considered as early and 12 midnite as the beginning of night. I need to reformat myself, reset my BIOS, and reinstall a new operating system and a brand new antivirus software.
This holiday was not greatly anticipated by me, though the balik kampung song is on air since raya break creeps in. Homesickness is budding and i wanted to go home badly. I missed everything in ipoh, Elim's people, captain's ball, ipoh food(kuey teow soup, nga choi gai, heong peah, grandma's and mummy's dish ....), the 4Cs( my buddies), ipoh air, ipoh's everything. Not forgetting too, the 72nd Kinta Scout Troop, of which i have shed my tears, sweat and blood with throughout my five years of secondary school life. In the ninth month of the year, day 22, i haven finally met my long lost scout comrades :tan hock(egg shell in cantonese), samy(by the way its a he), horng tzong(the cook), dai dan wong (big butt...lol), ah jiao(no explanation needed)and chun leong. Took a simple brunch with them in old town, talking back about the yesteryears and savouring those tough but memorable days of holding the parang and sleeping on bamboo.
Wah, i am beginning to miss those scouting days again.. T.T
I am approaching the end of semester and guess its the right time i evalute and reflect on what I have achieved and screwed up this time. Well, it has been a challenging semester for me. Having lots of emotional and spiritual battle going on. My body has been fighting aggresively wif the Spirit. I will leave that for the next blog. Not too long ago, i have also faced with a conflict that I have with a friend of mine. Got scolded by him and never talk to him for days ever since that moment. Thousand of feelings and thoughts crossed my mind, just then i realised how hard is it to forgive and forget. After being hurt emotionally, i really find no reason for me to talk to him. Coincidentally, the day after the incident, we had our CF meeting and the topic shared was 'Friendship: God, Me & Others". It was a total disaster as I listened to the speaker. Everything seems to be targeted at me. I knew even before that I should forget the person and reconcile with him but its just hard. I struggled even to talk to him, what more apologizing. I talked to myself and God a lot the few days I launched cold war on him. I told myself to chill and just settle the issue but things just got tensed up the minute i see him and i don't think that i m in the wrong, egoism sneaked in. And so i just left the decision of settling the issue to another day. Finally, the special day came, I have promised myself to take the bull by the horn that day because i know birthday joy would not be complete if this things is not resolved. Before even 12am approaches, i have already thought of what to tell him in my message of reconcilation. Sure enough, i sent the message immediately when 22nd steps in. Till now, I am still uncertain of what is playing in the mind of my friend but I have done my part and I thank God for a road well taken. I knew I did the right thing.
Guess I should move on to something that I am proud of and happy with this semester. After COPA IBA, I got to know a few of the Frisbee folks. Regretting that I have not join the athletic teams during high school days and not excelling in any sports, I decide to try out frisbee. Being a person who is not very good with my hands, I really was slow in getting the right angle and skill to fly the frisbee the right way. But gradually, i began to get technique and started to enjoy it. Though till now, I still suck in frisbee but at least out of 10 times of throwing the disc i got 4 times right. At that moment, i still never took the sports seriously. But after a few weeks, the seniors announced that they will be selecting people into the team to represent INTI in a coming tournament. I began to take things a bit more seriously, but knowing my own skill and limited amount of experience, I told myself not to hurry and take things easy. After a few weeks of training and scouting around for potential players by the senior members, they came out with the list. At the spur of the moment, nothing actually bothered me but realising the inner self of me who yearns to prove something to myself, i was telling myself again to chill. Surprisingly, my name was announced and i got into the team. Spontaneous jubilance was felt and I truly was happy with it. Now, it's six days left before the INTI Open Frisbee Tournament. I am preparing myself mentally and emotionally before the big day. Thank God for this great oppurntunity to at least have something to achieve in sports and knowing so many new friends.
Lord , grant me the strength of living according to Your will. Amen.