Beautiful Saviour

I'm not a big fan of Planetshakers but this particular song is to me, one of
their most beautifully written song.
It's really a song of praise, worship and declaration.
It's rare to see Christian lyricist using words like "beautiful" into a song
these days.
I'm currently tuning into this song.
Top on my playlist, alongside Chris Tomlin :)

Beautiful Saviour (Planetshakers)

Jesus, Beautiful Saviour,
God of all Majesty,
Risen king,
Lamb of God,
Holy and righteous,
Blessed redeemer,
Bright morning star

All the heavens shout your praise,
All creation bow to worship You

How wonderful, how beautiful,
Name above every name, exalted high
How wonderful, how beautiful,
Jesus your name, name above every name, Jesus

I will sing forever,
Jesus I love you,
Jesus I love you.

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Anger-Management

Most of you would know that I love sports.
Throw me a ball, a racket, a pair shoes, whatever, I'm willing to try.
But what most wouldn't know is this;
Back in my high school days, when it comes to sports,
I had a serious issue dealing with my temper.
Yup, Christopher Koh can actually go berserk back then.

Why the sudden talk about anger-management?
I was having dinner with a friend a few nights ago and we came to this particular topic, thus, reminded me of the jerk I once was.
Football used to be the sport for me.
When I'm on the field, I would go CRAZY if someone can't make a clean pass or when someone comes tackling me.
Biliousness was something I couldn't control.
As my floorball mates would say, "mental tak kuaaaatttt"...
I remember this one time I was playing for fun with a group of friends and at some point I got frustrated and ranted out my anger on this one guy whom I've never met before.
He freaked out man.
I was a real mean dude... Last time lar...
Now sudah insaf.

Now, when I see people venting out their anger and frustration on court, I'm reminded of what I was.
And I still know how it feels.
All that frustration and anger curled up inside us, just a button away waiting to explode.
And when the next person comes to body-check you, you loose it.
Everything comes out like a raging volcano.
Our actions, words and expressions display such ferocity that one could never see if it wasn't on court.
Those feelings are still within me but maybe more dormant now than before.

In retrospect, I know I was a pain in the butt.
I was extremely competitive.
Medals symbolised my desire.
But I believe I had to go through that phase in my life to understand a deeper meaning in sports rather than just attaining temporal satisfaction of winning.
Now, I can safely say I've dampen my anger issue.
I'm not sure exactly how or when.
Along the way, my perspective changed I guess.
I've always been a team-sports kinda person.
Rather than working myself in the pursuit of temporal glory, I now prefer working the team as a whole in the pursuit of strong virtuous characters while playing.
If I can exude such spirit and in turn, inspire my team mates to do the same, to me, that is a medal that would last me a lifetime.

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King David

I was watching the movie "King Arthur" yesterday.
It's one of those wannabe-movies, trying very hard to reach the height and standard of legendary epic films like Braveheart, Gladiator or the recent 300.
It didn't really shine for me though.

Anyway, I was doing my devotional last night and read through 1 Samuel 16-19.
Now, in these chapters, a true legend comes to life.
The renown battle between a young shepherd boy, David, and a giant Philistine, Goliath.
That unmistakable scene in which David reached for his bag, taking out one smooth stone and slung it bulls-eye on Goliath's forehead.

Goliath fell.
David stood.

As I read through those passages, it was like a watching a movie, a movie I've watched a million times before yet it seemed more alive than ever before.
To me, the most memorable scene is when David delivers the in-your-face line.
You know, that line in which the hero will stare deadly into the eyes of his enemy and gives a piece of his mind in the most profound and somewhat inspirational way that would almost literally kill the protaganist there and then.
David had this moment.
This was what David said when he faced the Philistine when they ridiculed him and cursed God.

"You come against me with sword and spear and javelin,
but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty,
the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
This day the LORD will hand you over to me,
and I'll strike you down and cut off your head.
Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army
to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth,
and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.
All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves;
for the battle is the LORD's,
and he will give all of you into our hands."
(1 Samuel 17: 45-47)

I can imagined the whole scene in my head, as if watching a movie in the cinema.
With a tribal like with music in the background, as the camera zooms in with an up close shot of David's face, he then delivers this line with gusto, every word is said with the precised tone, the perfect pause in between and the emotional intuition behind it.

There are many collections and versions of movies on Moses and Noah, and yes, even the bible.
About time Hollywood consider making a movie on David,
of course with the biblical context still intact lar.
I think it'd be great if it actually does make it to the golden screen.
Hmmmmm...
Who should play David I wonder?


Definitely NOT Orlando Bloom!!!!
*Yucks*Yucks*Vomit*Vomit*

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Dear Lucy...

Dear Lucy,

Hi there.
How have you been?
You didn't reply me the last time.
But it's ok.

The moment I set my mind to do what I did, I knew what I was getting myself into.
I've prepared to jettison the many romantic notions that I had.
Therefore, I know, I understand and I can accept the present.

I met Kevin a while back and he asked me if I ever was going to tell you.
I thought for about a week.
I decided not to.
Why?

You know as well as I do that things will probably never be the same.
I don't plan to embitter you again, nor embittered by you.
The pain you feel, I felt it too.
The smile that you fake, I faked it too.
So you see, we aren't very much different.

Just so you know,
I thought of you.

Yours truly,
Jack

P.S: There's still a stash of letters I've written that hasn't been posted out to you.
Eventually.... Maybe.

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WHY

I've been tuning in to several Christian artists and albums lately.
This particular song caught my ear for one reason;
The lyrics.
Emotional yet nostalgic.

Why? (Nicole Nordeman)

We rode into town the other day
Just me and my Daddy
He said I'd finally reached that age
And I could ride next to him on a horse
That of course was not quite as wide

We heard a crowd of people shouting
And so we stopped to find out why
And there was that man
That my dad said he loved
But today there was fear in his eyes

So I said "Daddy, why are they screaming?
Why are the faces of some of them beaming?
Why is He dressed in that bright purple robe?
I'll bet that crown hurts Him more than He shows
Daddy, please can't you do something?
He looks as though He's gonna cry
you said he was stronger than all of those guys
addy, please tell me why
Why does everyone want him to die?"

Later that day the sky grew cloudy
And Daddy said I should go inside
Somehow he knew things would get stormy
Boy was he right
But I could not keep from wondering
If there was something he had to hide

So after he left I had to find out
I was not afraid of getting lost
So I followed the crowds
To a hill where I knew men had been killed
And I heard a voice come from the cross

And it said, "Father, why are they screaming?
Why are the faces of some of them beaming?
Why are they casting their lots for My robe?
This crown of thorns hurts Me more than it shows
Father, please can't You do something?
I know that You must hear My cry
I thought I could handle the cross of this size
Father, remind Me why
Why does everyone want Me to die?
When will I understand why?"

"My precious Son, I hear them screaming
I'm watching the face of the enemy beaming
But soon I will clothe You in robes of My own
Jesus, this hurts Me much more than You know
But this dark hour I must do nothing
Though I've heard Your unbearable cry
The power in Your blood destroys all of the lies
Soon You'll see past their unmerciful eyes
Look there below, see the child
Trembling by her father's side
Now I can tell You why
She is why You must die".

As I carefully listen to the lyrics of this song, it was as if I'm "her".

It transported me back to road that led me up to that cross, looking at the bloody body of Jesus Christ.

Not knowing Why.

But now, I understand.

I'm reminded of Why,

Why He died on that cross.

It was for me.

It was for him.

It was for her.

It was for us.

That is Why.

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The Working World... Ain't That Harsh After All!

I survived my first week! :)

Yes people. I started work again.
Finally!
And it's been a great one week I must say.
Believe it or not, I'm working in USM.
My workplace is literally just across the road.
It takes me about 3mins to walk to work.
Yes, I save a whole lot on petrol.
I tested - Now, a full tank can last me two weeks! :)
(I haven't refilled my petrol since last 2 Tuesdays ago!)

In terms of the job scope, I mainly do write-ups on articles relating to the ever changing higher education news around the world.
Pretty interesting I must say.
The people at my workplace are really nice as well although I'm the only chinese around.
But that's ok, I don't mind.
About time a cinafied-sepet-eyed-chinese dude make a difference in the office by encouraging a more Muhibah union amongst co-workers :)

Thank you, Lord, for this job!

First week already pandai curi tulang... Kekeke...

P.S: Oh, and did I mention that the pay's pretty good as well? That's a bonus! :)

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Celebration

Dear Wayne,

I'm sure by the time you receive this postcard, you'd be having the biggest party in Gotham City.

Sorry I couldn't be there.

Mom's not feeling too well and dad's away in the city.

It's better for me to be around the farm for now.

I can't be there so I'll say what I need to say here;

Wayne, you've been a good friend, a brother even.

Today you stand where you are, breathing the air you breathe, very much alive, eventhough the stench of violence and chaos still reigns out there.

Forget the masks, forget the crimes, forget the disappointments, forget the bruises,

because today you're not celebrating the man in the suit but the man behind the suit.

Step out of the shadows, taste the light,

just for a day, if you must.

Today is your day, my friend.

Happy Birthday, Wayne.

Yours truly,

CK

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Racial Integration

I was having lunch with a friend the other day at a cafeteria in USM.
As I observed the vicinity of the cafe, I noticed the cliques of races at each table.
Racial integration has always been an issue hidden beneath layers of pretentious act.
The Chinese will have their own "orientation" solely for Chinese only.
It frustrates me.

Came across this article by a certain Irish scholar Peter Rowan who gave a pretty insightful thought on racial integration through the eyes of Believers.

"Here is an issue that is always current and potentially explosive but which is only occasionally discussed in theological circles, and rarely addressed in the congregational setting of many Malaysian protestant churches:
Racial integration.
The diversity of Malaysian society is well known:
a majority Muslim country with significant Chinese, Indian and indigenous communities.
On the verge of celebrating 50 years of independence, Malaysia has much to be proud of.
But substantial racial integration remains illusive...

Since reconciliation is at the heart of the gospel,
and since the gospel transcends the barriers of race, ethnicity and culture, and since the church is the most inclusive community on earth,
the local church is a community of hope in a fragmented world.
In Malaysia, the church has the task of not only proclaiming the message of reconciliation to all Malaysians, but of embodying the concrete implications of that message in its community life, so that Malaysians of all races can look at a local church community and see the gospel fleshed out in a racially reconciled group of people who can work, worship and witness together." (Peter Rowan)

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You are

As we look around the world today, one cannot deny the fact that everything is just out of control.
Chaos.
Havoc.
Mess.
The world is plummeting towards disaster.
You read local news, it's the same thing.
You read foreign news, it's similar.
It's ubiquitous.
Disaster is everywhere.

The four corners of the world are gradually shattered down by violence, irreversisble violence.
The world is simply broken.

As I seat here and ponder on what in the world God is doing or NOT doing, He reminded me of this song.

God of This City

You're the God of this city
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of these nation
You are

You're the light in this darkness
You're the hope to the hopeless
You're the peace to the restless
You are

There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

For greater things
Have yet to come
And greater things
Are still to be done in this city

For greater things
Have yet to come
And greater things
Are still to be done here

As evil threatened to engulf this world, not just by violence and chaos but by the stripping of our virtues, beliefs and respect for one another, we must not fall.
Instead, muster our faith and trust that greater things are yet to come and greater things are still to be done in this city, in this world.

You are.

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Healer

With the big hoo-ha that's been circulating around the Christian communities regarding Planetshakers Pastor Michael Guglielmucci's big "fraud", it has without a doubt shaken all of us.
I'm not here to give a big coverage or my 2 cents worth about what has happened, you can google search it yourself.

His song, 'Healer', once touched the lives of many but now has spun around and injected anger, frustration and disappointment.
As I read through the lyrics of this beautiful song, I realize that the truth of the content still stands firm in spite of everything that has happen.
In fact if you think about it, for Mike Guglielmucci, this song is more real now than ever.
Despite of all the lies, the conspiracies and the uncomprehensible reasons behind his actions, the truth of the song cannot be denied.
I know the context in which he said he came up with this song were lies but putting that aside,
the essence of God's supremacy is still intact.

You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease

I trust in You
I trust in You

I believe You're my Healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You're my Portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus You're all I need

My Healer, You're my Healer

Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands

For me, the first line of the verse spoke the deepest...

"You hold my every moment..."

Even at the lowest point of our lives, He is still in control.

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Heroes

"Heroes are easier to admire than to define.

They are seldom conscious of their moments of heroism,
and others may not recognize their acts as heroic.
Heroes simply do the right thing at the right time,
whether or not they realize the impact their action will have.
Perhaps the one quality they share is a tendency to think of others before they think of themselves."

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CHANGE-d

Have you ever experienced listening to a sermon and knowing clear cut 110% that God is pinpointing, speaking directly at you about something which you have been praying about?
I have and today is one of those days.
Crap.

You see, I recently committed myself to something of a great change and transition in my life.
To put it dramatically, it's something that I believe could and most probably would change my life.
When one takes a step of transition, naturally, fear creeps into the picture.
Fear of stepping into the unknown, fear of inadequacy, fear of inconvenience and fear of making the wrong decision.
All these went through my head and heart, clogging my air for faith to work.
FEAR.

As I laid down on my bed last night, I prayed for strength and most of all assurance that I am making the right decision.

And then came this morning.
SUNDAY morning to be exact.

I went to church as usual and lo and behold, the topic of the sermon was on...

CHANGE.

My heart dropped right down to my stomach.

"C'mon God, you must be kidding me... ! ! !"

What are the odds man??!!
I tell you, the message was so precise of what I needed to hear, the assurance which I have been praying for just the night before and there I was seating with my jaw hanging.
I for one, am really careful about this whole idea of spiritual "signs" but this, well, I didn't doubt it at all by the end of the service.
He spoke alright.

Let me just give you a gist of what the message was about and points that have struck me significantly.
The message was taken from Isaiah 6: 1-8, talked about the changes and transition in which Isaiah and the nation of Israel was about to embark after the death of King Uzziah.

Certain things hit me smack on my face.

• True change puts God first.

As I think about the fears that I said I have, I realized that it's there because I put those fears on the pedestal, above the Almighty. God has got to come first. Sure my fears will still remain where there are but I now understood that change is not about those fears, but it is about Him and how powerful He is, how bigger deal He is than those puny fears in my life.

• God is more interested in our character than our convenience.

Man, this one kicked me on butt. I mean who wouldn't like things to stay convenient right?
But it's not about how convenient, how much we can or cannot do but it's about understanding that change is about how able He is in our lives, and how much we are willing to let Him build our characters at the expense of our convenience. It's a conscious decision, a choice, that we have to make.

• "Here Am I" not "Here I Am".

This one also kicked me on my butt.
If you read Isaiah 6: 8, Isaiah said, "Here am I. Send me!".
He didn't say, "Here I am".
What's the difference?
"Here I am" merely speaks of a location.
If that was Isaiah's answer, he was then just telling God that there he was, at that place, at that time.
That's it.
But instead he answered, "Here am I" - it speaks of his commitment to the destiny in which God has called and prepared Him for.
You see, Isaiah wasn't looking at the present when he said "Here am I", if he was, he would have answered "Here I am".
He answered "Here am I" because he saw the end in mind.

What did learn from all these?
Don't asks for assurance, He'll drop a bomb on you.
Hahahaha... :P

On a serious note, I believe great changes are about to take place in my life.
Still scared lar of course but like Isaiah, we have to keep the end in mind.
And everything else in between - the good, the bad and the ugly - well, that's where faith comes in, ain't it?

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Let Go.

To be able to love, you'll need to be able to let go.
That's the greatest test.

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Crikey!

People, I'm back frooooom...

Yep, for those who didn't know, I was in Perth for the last 9 days for the Asia Pacific Floorball Competition (APAC) 2008.

My journey started all the way from the north, Penang Island, travelled down to KL and from KL took a bus down to...

Kluang!

Followed Merv to his beloved hometown and tasted that renown Kluang Station coffee...
Went to the original coffee shop ok... Good stuff.
Ohhhh.. And guess what man... Of all things to bump into while we were in Kluang minding our own business... We saw this... *Jeng*Jeng*Jeng*...

What the crap is the USM bus doing in a place like Kluang anyways??! Haha...
Funny wei...
Anyway, after spending two night at Kluang, Merv and I travelled down to Singapore.
Why Singapore?
You see, we are on a tight budget and thus, we need to get on a budget airplane.

Tigerairways!

Seriously, Tigerairways' dirt cheap.
The catch?
Being a budget flight, the services are all "budgeted".
Yes, even the stewardess, if you know what I mean... :P

Arrived in Perth on Saturday night about 9.15pm and boy, it was cold.
I for one can't really tahan cold lar but it was nice nonetheless...
We stayed over at this place, 'Beatty Lodge', located in a small cozy lil' town called Leederville, just a train stop away from Perth City.

Yep, they welcomed the whole Floorball jinbang! ;)

The following 5 days were all about the sport...
Floorball, floorball and more floorball.

Floorball Mania...

This APAC only 5 teams/4 countries participated; Australia (the host), Australia Under-19, Korea, Singapore and Malaysia.
By the looks of it, we were the underdogs.
Singapore, previous champ, though without several key players, still were the favourites of the competition.
Eventually, as predicted, they won it again.

Australia vs. Korea

Australia vs. Singapore

Malaysia!

It's always hard to relate the excitement of floorball that I have to my friends for the simple reason that it's not a well known sports.
Being there, at the competition, though with fellow rivals and competitors, it was nice knowing that we all shared a common fascination and interest towards this urban sports that is still finding its way into the mainstream.
The Koreans were exceptionally friendly.
More over, their fighting spirit and stamina is ridiculously strong.
They were my favourite team, not the best, but the most spirited.

The Koreans with the Malaysians.

After playing, of course we being Malaysians have to eat puas-puas...
Subway became our best friend!

We practically had at least a meal at Subway every day cause it was
considerably cheaper and more filling as compared to
the other shops that were around there.

This APAC has been significant to me in more ways than one.
Some say it has more negative effect than that of positive.
I for one, like the math formula, believes that negative and negative becomes positive, it all depends on how the individuals inteprets and accepts it.
Either way, I believe these things that we saw, we heard and we experienced before, during and after the competition has helped us discover things about ourselves, both as a person and a player.
I learnt to take a blow in the face while at the same time "let nothing move you (me)".
Everything counts for a blessing - all those cheers, all those jeers, all those praise, all those criticism, all those jokes, all those seriousness...

All those team talks.

For me, as a player, I felt 2 consistent things;

Inadequate in abilities and pressured by expectations.
As my team mates will say, "mental tak kuattttt"... :)
Nonetheless, I am blessed to be part of the team second time round.
What more with my good buddy, Mervin...

And a bunch of crazy team mates...

(Yes, like I said, crazy team mates... )

As much as it was a sports expedition, it was also a personal time-out for me.
Appreciating the natural surroundings and the weather in Perth, the cool breeze and the greenery park, lingering thoughts popped in my head every once in a while;
faces appeared, feelings swept by, facts uncovered and future untold.
I love the breeze.

Imagine...

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