Oh Boy, he is really loving army!!really how unexpected, Right oinkypig??
Here is what he msg me about:
"It's rainy night in tekong and I'm doing "VOLUNTEER" guard duty!! YAY!!
man,he is in the midst of transformation. yeah.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Sunday, February 25, 2007
He Leads
Yesterday I found myself thinking about what I want to be (again). Being in National Service has got me thinking about living in a place such as Istanbul or even signing on. Both I believe are both whimsical and I have hence discarded these ideas as merely a passing fancy.
I question whether I really want to take up psychology. The only reason why I even consider the course is because I find human behaviour fascinating. Why do we act in a certain way or behave in a certain way? What can you tell about people by the way they present themselves? I wonder whether it is just another whim.
Despite the uncertainty of what I want to do with my life, I am always assured by the fact that Daddy God has been to my future and He says it is good. Jesus is the Good Shepherd that leads me. He directs my path. Though sometimes I may go into valleys out of my own choice, He is still there with me and will bring me out of it safely and will continue to lead me back on the right path. I know that whatever it may be that I will be doing in future, God will cause it to prosper.
As an analogy, I could study how to become a master fisherman and even gain experience and learn from the best fishermen but even if I get a master's degree in fishing it does not guarantee that I will be a successful fisherman. I could spend a whole night trying to catch fish and catch none. However, Jesus can cause my boat to become a fish magnet. With just his word I can end up with a boat-sinking, net-breaking catch of fish. That was what happened to Peter and the disciples. They were fishermen by trade and have probably spent their whole lives as fishermen but on one night they did not have any catch at all. However, when Jesus came into the picture they immediately prospered. They had to drag their nets onto the shore because the catch was too much to fit into their boat.
No matter what the future may have in store for me, I can only say that it will be great.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
I question whether I really want to take up psychology. The only reason why I even consider the course is because I find human behaviour fascinating. Why do we act in a certain way or behave in a certain way? What can you tell about people by the way they present themselves? I wonder whether it is just another whim.
Despite the uncertainty of what I want to do with my life, I am always assured by the fact that Daddy God has been to my future and He says it is good. Jesus is the Good Shepherd that leads me. He directs my path. Though sometimes I may go into valleys out of my own choice, He is still there with me and will bring me out of it safely and will continue to lead me back on the right path. I know that whatever it may be that I will be doing in future, God will cause it to prosper.
As an analogy, I could study how to become a master fisherman and even gain experience and learn from the best fishermen but even if I get a master's degree in fishing it does not guarantee that I will be a successful fisherman. I could spend a whole night trying to catch fish and catch none. However, Jesus can cause my boat to become a fish magnet. With just his word I can end up with a boat-sinking, net-breaking catch of fish. That was what happened to Peter and the disciples. They were fishermen by trade and have probably spent their whole lives as fishermen but on one night they did not have any catch at all. However, when Jesus came into the picture they immediately prospered. They had to drag their nets onto the shore because the catch was too much to fit into their boat.
No matter what the future may have in store for me, I can only say that it will be great.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Irony
Carrefour was (maybe still is) having a clearance sale on books. The prices of the books ranged from $5 - $8.
There were a lot of books piled up and they ranged from self-help to novels to travel guides and a few more. I saw a novel that I wanted to buy. It was a comedic novel and I thought maybe I could do with more comedy in my life and I haven't read a comedic novel before either.
I couldn't decide whether it was worth it though. I might not have time to read it anyway. I held the book for some time and even started reading the prologue. The writing technique was interesting and it seemed like a good idea to get the book.
To buy or not to buy. I could not decide whether to get it or not. In the end I didn't buy it.
The title of the book is "Indecision".
There were a lot of books piled up and they ranged from self-help to novels to travel guides and a few more. I saw a novel that I wanted to buy. It was a comedic novel and I thought maybe I could do with more comedy in my life and I haven't read a comedic novel before either.
I couldn't decide whether it was worth it though. I might not have time to read it anyway. I held the book for some time and even started reading the prologue. The writing technique was interesting and it seemed like a good idea to get the book.
To buy or not to buy. I could not decide whether to get it or not. In the end I didn't buy it.
The title of the book is "Indecision".
To the Beloved Gang
Heyz, Bok, Ding, Guan, Sam, Valen, De Yan, Des, Shawn and Steve, I had a good time last night. I wanted to post this entry before I slept but Shawn's computer was locked.
I miss hanging out with you all. I wanted to stay up and catch up more with you guys but I was really super tired.
Let's hang out again soon!
I miss hanging out with you all. I wanted to stay up and catch up more with you guys but I was really super tired.
Let's hang out again soon!
Monday, February 19, 2007
Old Photographs
My parents just got back from a short trip in the Philippines. They brought back a lot of old photographs.
So many memories... Not just of past years but also of a past culture. I'm hitting two zero soon. Life would certainly be different if I hadn't come here to Singapore.
For one, I would have been driving a car by the age of sixteen. I think by this time I would be finishing university already. Maybe I'd already have a niece or nephew by this time.
The culture is so different... Among childhood photographs, I saw photographs of both my parents when they were younger. My dad, the cadet and my mom, the college girl. At that time, marrying at eighteen was acceptable. Dad was 21 and mom was 19 when they got married.
Memories come flooding back when I look at some of the photographs. The old inflatable toy, the matching blue suspenders, the angel costume, all memories from the past. Pictures are really worth more than words.
I hope to make even more lasting memories.
So many memories... Not just of past years but also of a past culture. I'm hitting two zero soon. Life would certainly be different if I hadn't come here to Singapore.
For one, I would have been driving a car by the age of sixteen. I think by this time I would be finishing university already. Maybe I'd already have a niece or nephew by this time.
The culture is so different... Among childhood photographs, I saw photographs of both my parents when they were younger. My dad, the cadet and my mom, the college girl. At that time, marrying at eighteen was acceptable. Dad was 21 and mom was 19 when they got married.
Memories come flooding back when I look at some of the photographs. The old inflatable toy, the matching blue suspenders, the angel costume, all memories from the past. Pictures are really worth more than words.
I hope to make even more lasting memories.
Ambidextrous
Not many people can brag about being left-handed. I like the idea of being one of the few who can call themselves "lefties".
However, I sometimes doubt whether or not I'm really left-handed. Sure, I write with my left hand, but who ever made the rule that a person's master hand is based on which hand they use to write. Maybe there is no such rule but people are usually associated with their master hand by which hand they use to write.
That raises the question of those who claim to be left-handed but because for some reason were forced by parents (or grandparents) to write using the right hand. It's as if being left-handed was such a bad thing. Maybe that's the reason why right is "right"? The word itself suggests that being left is wrong because it's not right.
I sometimes question my master hand orientation. True, I write with my left hand and I brush my teeth with my left hand, and I play Time Crisis with my left hand but for other things, I seem to be comfortable using my right hand. I throw balls with my right hand, I use a spoon with my right hand, I use a mouse with my right hand - I seem to use my right hand more than my left. There are just some functions that I feel awkward using my left hand and vice-versa.
I tried shooting at the range with my right hand because using the left hand is so troublesome - we need to get a deflector thing if we use our left hand. Furthermore, I found out that my master eye is actually my right eye and not the left so if I used my left hand to shoot, I would be aiming with my "weaker" eye. I managed to pass the marksmanship practice that day but my right hand was in pain after that. In terms of strength, I always thought my right hand was stronger because the muscles on my right arm are bigger than the left. However, I decided to switch to shooting with my left hand and surprisingly, it did not hurt at all afterwards. Problem is that I didn't do so well at aiming and had to retake the practice drills. Praise God that I managed to pass that.
Another problem that arose is during throwing of hand grenades. For the first practice, I decided to throw with my left hand despite the awkwardness of it. Sure enough, the dummy grenade did not go far. In fact it was practically a few feet away. My left hand throwing lacks the proper technique because I never really used my left hand for throwing things. On the next practice, I threw with my right hand and the dummy grenade flew far just fine.
I like to think that I'm ambidextrous and therefore not confined to a single master hand orientation. I theorize that my left hand is more nimble when it comes to the fingers hence writing and tooth brushing. My right hand is more adept at the palm area hence throwing, clutching, punching, slapping.
The point of all that? Just bored.
However, I sometimes doubt whether or not I'm really left-handed. Sure, I write with my left hand, but who ever made the rule that a person's master hand is based on which hand they use to write. Maybe there is no such rule but people are usually associated with their master hand by which hand they use to write.
That raises the question of those who claim to be left-handed but because for some reason were forced by parents (or grandparents) to write using the right hand. It's as if being left-handed was such a bad thing. Maybe that's the reason why right is "right"? The word itself suggests that being left is wrong because it's not right.
I sometimes question my master hand orientation. True, I write with my left hand and I brush my teeth with my left hand, and I play Time Crisis with my left hand but for other things, I seem to be comfortable using my right hand. I throw balls with my right hand, I use a spoon with my right hand, I use a mouse with my right hand - I seem to use my right hand more than my left. There are just some functions that I feel awkward using my left hand and vice-versa.
I tried shooting at the range with my right hand because using the left hand is so troublesome - we need to get a deflector thing if we use our left hand. Furthermore, I found out that my master eye is actually my right eye and not the left so if I used my left hand to shoot, I would be aiming with my "weaker" eye. I managed to pass the marksmanship practice that day but my right hand was in pain after that. In terms of strength, I always thought my right hand was stronger because the muscles on my right arm are bigger than the left. However, I decided to switch to shooting with my left hand and surprisingly, it did not hurt at all afterwards. Problem is that I didn't do so well at aiming and had to retake the practice drills. Praise God that I managed to pass that.
Another problem that arose is during throwing of hand grenades. For the first practice, I decided to throw with my left hand despite the awkwardness of it. Sure enough, the dummy grenade did not go far. In fact it was practically a few feet away. My left hand throwing lacks the proper technique because I never really used my left hand for throwing things. On the next practice, I threw with my right hand and the dummy grenade flew far just fine.
I like to think that I'm ambidextrous and therefore not confined to a single master hand orientation. I theorize that my left hand is more nimble when it comes to the fingers hence writing and tooth brushing. My right hand is more adept at the palm area hence throwing, clutching, punching, slapping.
The point of all that? Just bored.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Back Back Back
Everytime I come back I always blog about being back.
It feels like a long week.
I think I've become accustomed to sleeping out in the field. I just need a groundsheet and I'm all set. I still haven't done business in the field though. I don't know why everytime I go outfield I won't feel like doing business. It's not that I tahan, it's just that it doesn't feel like going. I'm the type of person where if business wants to be done, it will be done.
The CNY holiday is a timely break for us especially after having such a tight schedule. Thank God for the holidays! It's time for a well deserved break.
Next goal: IPPT from zero to silver.
It feels like a long week.
I think I've become accustomed to sleeping out in the field. I just need a groundsheet and I'm all set. I still haven't done business in the field though. I don't know why everytime I go outfield I won't feel like doing business. It's not that I tahan, it's just that it doesn't feel like going. I'm the type of person where if business wants to be done, it will be done.
The CNY holiday is a timely break for us especially after having such a tight schedule. Thank God for the holidays! It's time for a well deserved break.
Next goal: IPPT from zero to silver.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Back From The Field
Six days of living in the field. It was not as bad as I thought.
It was tiring but it was a memorable experience.
It's really hard to put it into words so just ask me personally if you see me.
Even though we book out today and had to go to Singapore Discovery Centre for NE, and still have to book in at 1830 (6.30pm) tomorrow, I'm thankful that we can even book out.
Going back to outfield on Sunday for Situational Test. Another three days of outfield. Yay.
I feel that I am again favoured and blessed to be in my particular company in BMTC. I think we have the nicest sergeants among the whole company. It's not that they don't 'tekan' us but because they're really a good mix.
Our Platoon Commander is this serious looking guy but he's actually quite funny. He is serious when it matters and seems so mature even though he's the same age as me. He's really inspiring too. He taught us that "Tough times don't last but tough men do" and that "The Easy Path is Boring but the Harder Path is Exciting". His aim is to have the whole platoon aim to want to be in command school by the end of BMTC and he's been successful. He's only left with the single recruit who is really sian of army. Although I have some doubts of my own about command school.
I doubt I'm cut out for OCS or SISPEC. But I know that wherever I go, I'm there because God brought me there and he will bring me through it.
Sergeants are seriously under appreciated. They play important roles in the army. They are the ones who have the most contact with the recruits and have a greater chance of impacting them. However, I do understand that being an officer involves a lot of paperwork so it's up to the specialists to do most of the hands-on.
I don't mind becoming a sergeant. Maybe someday I'll pass on some of the basic knowledge of being a soldier down to other recruits.
Our Platoon Sergeant is one of the funniest of all. His motto is "Work Hard and Play Hard". When it comes to slacking, he says slack all the way but once it gets down to business, better do it seriously. I think it's a good philosophy.
We have one sergeant who has this stern look on his face but he's actually quite the kid. He has this air of "coolness" about him. Very hard to describe in words. Must show some actions so ask me if you see me.
Another sergeant is really very nice. He's the kind of person who does not like to "tekan" and is very friendly. Maybe if I become a sergeant I'll be more like him. We call him Sergeant Veggie because he's a vegetarian.
The platoon and the section is really quite good too. Not too many weirdos. Generally friendly.
Yup. I'm at the right place at the right time again. Thank you, Daddy.
It was tiring but it was a memorable experience.
It's really hard to put it into words so just ask me personally if you see me.
Even though we book out today and had to go to Singapore Discovery Centre for NE, and still have to book in at 1830 (6.30pm) tomorrow, I'm thankful that we can even book out.
Going back to outfield on Sunday for Situational Test. Another three days of outfield. Yay.
I feel that I am again favoured and blessed to be in my particular company in BMTC. I think we have the nicest sergeants among the whole company. It's not that they don't 'tekan' us but because they're really a good mix.
Our Platoon Commander is this serious looking guy but he's actually quite funny. He is serious when it matters and seems so mature even though he's the same age as me. He's really inspiring too. He taught us that "Tough times don't last but tough men do" and that "The Easy Path is Boring but the Harder Path is Exciting". His aim is to have the whole platoon aim to want to be in command school by the end of BMTC and he's been successful. He's only left with the single recruit who is really sian of army. Although I have some doubts of my own about command school.
I doubt I'm cut out for OCS or SISPEC. But I know that wherever I go, I'm there because God brought me there and he will bring me through it.
Sergeants are seriously under appreciated. They play important roles in the army. They are the ones who have the most contact with the recruits and have a greater chance of impacting them. However, I do understand that being an officer involves a lot of paperwork so it's up to the specialists to do most of the hands-on.
I don't mind becoming a sergeant. Maybe someday I'll pass on some of the basic knowledge of being a soldier down to other recruits.
Our Platoon Sergeant is one of the funniest of all. His motto is "Work Hard and Play Hard". When it comes to slacking, he says slack all the way but once it gets down to business, better do it seriously. I think it's a good philosophy.
We have one sergeant who has this stern look on his face but he's actually quite the kid. He has this air of "coolness" about him. Very hard to describe in words. Must show some actions so ask me if you see me.
Another sergeant is really very nice. He's the kind of person who does not like to "tekan" and is very friendly. Maybe if I become a sergeant I'll be more like him. We call him Sergeant Veggie because he's a vegetarian.
The platoon and the section is really quite good too. Not too many weirdos. Generally friendly.
Yup. I'm at the right place at the right time again. Thank you, Daddy.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Field Camp
I'm going field camp tomorrow! Will be away for 6 days. Every little thing becomes a cause worthy of thanking daddy God.
Even a cooling breeze or a chance to rest shows how good God is. He's really taking care of me and watching over me. God is good.
Praise the Lord, John is doing well.And the lord's hands are upon him.
p/s: Sorry for the late update.=)
Even a cooling breeze or a chance to rest shows how good God is. He's really taking care of me and watching over me. God is good.
Praise the Lord, John is doing well.And the lord's hands are upon him.
p/s: Sorry for the late update.=)
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