There's things that I don't really understand from today's sermon, like the implications from the part about us being the new Temple.
Looks like I'll have to think much more into this...
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Thursday, April 28, 2005
SC111 Professional Communications
Paper's coming up tml morn...
It's a weird topic, many times it's talking about reacting to others' sinfulness, with your own. Really really stupid.
Sigh...
It's a weird topic, many times it's talking about reacting to others' sinfulness, with your own. Really really stupid.
Sigh...
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Incoming!
In a few hours will be the paper for software engineering. All the best to whoever reads this on time (you must be crazy to read my blog at such wee hours in the morning!).
Three more papers to go, Software Engineering (later), Professional Communications (this Friday) and Computer Graphics in Design (next Wednesday), all morning papers.
Grrrraaaarrrrrggghhhh
Three more papers to go, Software Engineering (later), Professional Communications (this Friday) and Computer Graphics in Design (next Wednesday), all morning papers.
Grrrraaaarrrrrggghhhh
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
I am sinful (still)
And this will be the case always until He comes again...
I really have much to change, in the way I relate to people, although I don't know what yet. But currently it still is certainly irresponsible with regard to people of the opposite gender generally.
...
I really have much to change, in the way I relate to people, although I don't know what yet. But currently it still is certainly irresponsible with regard to people of the opposite gender generally.
...
Monday, April 25, 2005
SC207 soon
Spent the most of today afternoon studying (or at least trying to) for the upcoming paper this Wednesday. Still have a lot to cover, and can't seem to get much more in liao =S
Somehow....
Somehow....
Friday, April 22, 2005
BGR? MWR! Got diff meh? =P
For the sake of those who cannot make head or tail of some of my posts, and are truly concerned.
Yes, I am currently considering getting into a relationship.
If you know who the person is, then you know. Likewise, if you don't know who the person is, then you dunno lah. ;)
Am really thankful for the suggestions given by my friends, really, but after some thought, I'd rather not rush into this right now; and even if I were to regret, I'd rather not regret doing the thing that won't be helpful for the other party anyway.
It's probably easier to just decide on whether I like the person or not or even just whether I can live with the person, but being strangers in this world, there are other views and prioirities that need to be considered. Vaguely put: how we should live as God's people whilst in this world.
There's many questions which I'm unsure of (and of whether I need to be sure of them in the first place), like why this person and not this other person, or more importantly is it a good decision to start trying to get to know her better now?
Time is running out (regarding her), not that she's terminally ill or anything (duh), but that the chances to even meet as a normal friend/brother-in-Christ is going to be really really slim (*ah-hem*) soon.
But till then, I think I'll need to understand more about this before I try to consider this kind of thing, since I know that what I hold on to so far isn't concrete enough for me to make a decision, to serve another person as an expression of our godliness, or for the encouragement of such growth.
Aiyahhhhhhhhhhhhhh~~~~
Yes, I am currently considering getting into a relationship.
If you know who the person is, then you know. Likewise, if you don't know who the person is, then you dunno lah. ;)
Am really thankful for the suggestions given by my friends, really, but after some thought, I'd rather not rush into this right now; and even if I were to regret, I'd rather not regret doing the thing that won't be helpful for the other party anyway.
It's probably easier to just decide on whether I like the person or not or even just whether I can live with the person, but being strangers in this world, there are other views and prioirities that need to be considered. Vaguely put: how we should live as God's people whilst in this world.
There's many questions which I'm unsure of (and of whether I need to be sure of them in the first place), like why this person and not this other person, or more importantly is it a good decision to start trying to get to know her better now?
Time is running out (regarding her), not that she's terminally ill or anything (duh), but that the chances to even meet as a normal friend/brother-in-Christ is going to be really really slim (*ah-hem*) soon.
But till then, I think I'll need to understand more about this before I try to consider this kind of thing, since I know that what I hold on to so far isn't concrete enough for me to make a decision, to serve another person as an expression of our godliness, or for the encouragement of such growth.
Aiyahhhhhhhhhhhhhh~~~~
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Blur
If there's a warning sign that goes around with me, it'll say "Warning! I am blur!" Not that anything bad happened to me though.
Had a good talk, and found out more things than I ever can realise by my observation alone.
Had a good talk, and found out more things than I ever can realise by my observation alone.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
SC205 Digital Communications
Soon, it will be time for another paper. And I've just finished revising for it, sort of.
Monday, April 18, 2005
....
Sad, but almost expected at the rate things were going.
====================
Singapore gives nod to two casinos
By Joanne Leow/Hwee Goh, Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said Singapore will have two integrated resorts with casinos.
One will be built at Marina Bayfront and the other on Sentosa island.
They will be ready and operational around 2009, after a proposal is chosen by the end of this year.
With the two integrated resorts, Singapore will attract investments in the order of $5b.
And the economy is expected to create some 35,000 jobs, including 10,000 positions within the integrated resorts themselves.
Speaking in Parliament, PM Lee said that when the casino idea was first mooted, he was personally against it.
But the environment has changed, particularly in the tourism industry.
While Singapore's tourism numbers have been increasing, its market share in the Asia Pacific region has been falling from 13.1% in 1993 to 6% in 2002.
The tourism sector in Singapore has also not kept up with the growth in the rest of the economy, with its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reduced by half -- from 6.1% in 1993 to 3% in 2002.
The Prime Minister said that realising the ideas to make Singapore a place that has buzz 'is not so easy' and that Singapore could not stand still.
He also said that Singapore could not afford to lose out in the tourism game as many jobs are at stake, even Singapore's position as an air hub.
Many cities around the world have been reinventing themselves, including New York, London and Paris, and Singapore could not stay still, noted Mr Lee.
Besides tourism and jobs, another key consideration for giving the go-ahead to the integrated casinos is the quality of the proposals received.
Those who put in the proposals have said that the resorts will be their flagship projects for Asia.
Some even preferred two projects, because this would create critical mass and attract more visitors.
This showed they were not competing for a finite local market.
They intend to grow the market by bringing in new visitors to fill their integrated resorts.
In giving the go-ahead, PM Lee also gave the assurance that the casinos would only be a small part of the integrated resorts.
"We are not aiming to become like Las Vegas or Macau, where gambling is the main industry. We will not allow casinos to sport garish displays on the facades and have jackpot machines everywhere from the lobby to the toilets. An integrated resort will be as decent and wholesome as a SAFRA resort or an NTUC Club. The gaming area will be separate," said Mr Lee.
The gaming component is expected to occupy no more than 3% or 5% of the total area of the integrated resort developments, which will also have a wide range of world-class leisure and entertainment choices.
Though gaming will be a small component, it will be an essential part of the integrated resort projects, thus making them feasible.
And because of this, there is no need for the government to give grants or subsidies to the resort operators.
Safeguards will also be put in place to 'protect' Singaporeans, like a high entrance fee for locals and no extension of credit to them.
Coming back to the integrated resorts, the one at Marina Bayfront will be at the new downtown being built in the city called Marina Bay.
The casino at this resort will be restricted to less than 3 percent of total floor area.
This resort will target those taking part in meetings, incentive tours, conventions and exhibitions market - dubbed "MICE" - and are likely to be big spenders.
The resort will be larger than Suntec City and with more retail space than Ngee Ann City on Orchard Road.
The integrated resort on Sentosa island will cater to families and be large enough even to have a whale swim around.
It will be the size of the Singapore zoo and Bird Park combined.
Gaming activities at the Sentosa integrated resort will be less than 5 percent of the development.
In announcing the decision to have the two resorts in an hour-long speech in Parliament, Mr Lee painstakingly explained how the Cabinet changed its long-standing policy against having a casino.
He said: "We cannot stand still. The whole region is on the move. If we do not change, where will we be in 20 years' time? Losing our appeal to tourists is the lesser problem. But if we become a backwater, just one of many ordinary cities in Asia, instead of being a cosmopolitan hub of the region, then many good jobs will be lost and all Singaporeans will suffer. We cannot afford that."
"After I took over as Prime Minister, the Cabinet discussed how to proceed. The public feedback showed clearly that some Singaporeans had strong views against the proposal. The Ministers themselves were evenly split. Some accepted the arguments for the integrated resorts. Others thought it sounded too good to be true. They also shared the qualms of the public about the social impact," Mr Lee added.
"They asked: are the promised spin-offs real or fluff? Are the economic benefits worth the social and law and order fallout? What safeguards can we put in to discourage Singaporeans from gambling? If we discourage Singaporean gamblers, will investors still find the project viable?"
PM Lee was skeptical too.
To get a better idea of what they were dealing with, the Cabinet asked for the full concept proposals, and the quality of the plans swayed the Cabinet.
Even so, when the Cabinet met and decided on April 9, the decision was not unanimous.
It became obvious when other Ministers spoke during Monday's parliament sitting that they had struggled with their personal convictions on the casino issue, but set these aside in the interests of Singapore.
Mr Lee said the Cabinet's split views reflected the sentiments of Singaporeans.
He acknowledged the social fallouts from having casinos and promised safeguards.
For instance, there will be a high entrance fee for locals - $100 a day or $2,000 a year.
The money will go to the Totalisator Board to be used for charity.
A system will also be set up to prevent those in financial distress or on social assistance from entering the casinos.
A National Council on Gambling will also be set up to address addiction problem and there will be programmes to treat pathological gamblers.
The government has also made clear that it will support and fund programmes to increase public education against gambling.
It will also continue to work with religious groups to help those who could be adversely affected.
Now that the decision has been made, PM Lee urged Singaporeans to move on to help make the integrated resorts a success.
Indeed, some who argued vociferously against the casinos seem likely to close ranks and accept them.
Said Fong Hoe Fang from the Family Against The Casino Threat In Singapore: "They have listened and considered the issue, yes. But it is still a shame and a pity that for 40 years we said 'no' and now we blinked. Most Singaporeans would close ranks now, it's in their nature. Still, I would expect some reactions for the next few weeks."
Bishop Robert Solomon, vice president of the National Council of Churches of Singapore, said: "We are disappointed we are going in this direction. On our own part, we need to educate members on the casinos, the dangers of gambling, and perhaps develop services and help train members to help those with gambling addiction, and promote family values." - CNA/ir
====================
Singapore gives nod to two casinos
By Joanne Leow/Hwee Goh, Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said Singapore will have two integrated resorts with casinos.
One will be built at Marina Bayfront and the other on Sentosa island.
They will be ready and operational around 2009, after a proposal is chosen by the end of this year.
With the two integrated resorts, Singapore will attract investments in the order of $5b.
And the economy is expected to create some 35,000 jobs, including 10,000 positions within the integrated resorts themselves.
Speaking in Parliament, PM Lee said that when the casino idea was first mooted, he was personally against it.
But the environment has changed, particularly in the tourism industry.
While Singapore's tourism numbers have been increasing, its market share in the Asia Pacific region has been falling from 13.1% in 1993 to 6% in 2002.
The tourism sector in Singapore has also not kept up with the growth in the rest of the economy, with its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reduced by half -- from 6.1% in 1993 to 3% in 2002.
The Prime Minister said that realising the ideas to make Singapore a place that has buzz 'is not so easy' and that Singapore could not stand still.
He also said that Singapore could not afford to lose out in the tourism game as many jobs are at stake, even Singapore's position as an air hub.
Many cities around the world have been reinventing themselves, including New York, London and Paris, and Singapore could not stay still, noted Mr Lee.
Besides tourism and jobs, another key consideration for giving the go-ahead to the integrated casinos is the quality of the proposals received.
Those who put in the proposals have said that the resorts will be their flagship projects for Asia.
Some even preferred two projects, because this would create critical mass and attract more visitors.
This showed they were not competing for a finite local market.
They intend to grow the market by bringing in new visitors to fill their integrated resorts.
In giving the go-ahead, PM Lee also gave the assurance that the casinos would only be a small part of the integrated resorts.
"We are not aiming to become like Las Vegas or Macau, where gambling is the main industry. We will not allow casinos to sport garish displays on the facades and have jackpot machines everywhere from the lobby to the toilets. An integrated resort will be as decent and wholesome as a SAFRA resort or an NTUC Club. The gaming area will be separate," said Mr Lee.
The gaming component is expected to occupy no more than 3% or 5% of the total area of the integrated resort developments, which will also have a wide range of world-class leisure and entertainment choices.
Though gaming will be a small component, it will be an essential part of the integrated resort projects, thus making them feasible.
And because of this, there is no need for the government to give grants or subsidies to the resort operators.
Safeguards will also be put in place to 'protect' Singaporeans, like a high entrance fee for locals and no extension of credit to them.
Coming back to the integrated resorts, the one at Marina Bayfront will be at the new downtown being built in the city called Marina Bay.
The casino at this resort will be restricted to less than 3 percent of total floor area.
This resort will target those taking part in meetings, incentive tours, conventions and exhibitions market - dubbed "MICE" - and are likely to be big spenders.
The resort will be larger than Suntec City and with more retail space than Ngee Ann City on Orchard Road.
The integrated resort on Sentosa island will cater to families and be large enough even to have a whale swim around.
It will be the size of the Singapore zoo and Bird Park combined.
Gaming activities at the Sentosa integrated resort will be less than 5 percent of the development.
In announcing the decision to have the two resorts in an hour-long speech in Parliament, Mr Lee painstakingly explained how the Cabinet changed its long-standing policy against having a casino.
He said: "We cannot stand still. The whole region is on the move. If we do not change, where will we be in 20 years' time? Losing our appeal to tourists is the lesser problem. But if we become a backwater, just one of many ordinary cities in Asia, instead of being a cosmopolitan hub of the region, then many good jobs will be lost and all Singaporeans will suffer. We cannot afford that."
"After I took over as Prime Minister, the Cabinet discussed how to proceed. The public feedback showed clearly that some Singaporeans had strong views against the proposal. The Ministers themselves were evenly split. Some accepted the arguments for the integrated resorts. Others thought it sounded too good to be true. They also shared the qualms of the public about the social impact," Mr Lee added.
"They asked: are the promised spin-offs real or fluff? Are the economic benefits worth the social and law and order fallout? What safeguards can we put in to discourage Singaporeans from gambling? If we discourage Singaporean gamblers, will investors still find the project viable?"
PM Lee was skeptical too.
To get a better idea of what they were dealing with, the Cabinet asked for the full concept proposals, and the quality of the plans swayed the Cabinet.
Even so, when the Cabinet met and decided on April 9, the decision was not unanimous.
It became obvious when other Ministers spoke during Monday's parliament sitting that they had struggled with their personal convictions on the casino issue, but set these aside in the interests of Singapore.
Mr Lee said the Cabinet's split views reflected the sentiments of Singaporeans.
He acknowledged the social fallouts from having casinos and promised safeguards.
For instance, there will be a high entrance fee for locals - $100 a day or $2,000 a year.
The money will go to the Totalisator Board to be used for charity.
A system will also be set up to prevent those in financial distress or on social assistance from entering the casinos.
A National Council on Gambling will also be set up to address addiction problem and there will be programmes to treat pathological gamblers.
The government has also made clear that it will support and fund programmes to increase public education against gambling.
It will also continue to work with religious groups to help those who could be adversely affected.
Now that the decision has been made, PM Lee urged Singaporeans to move on to help make the integrated resorts a success.
Indeed, some who argued vociferously against the casinos seem likely to close ranks and accept them.
Said Fong Hoe Fang from the Family Against The Casino Threat In Singapore: "They have listened and considered the issue, yes. But it is still a shame and a pity that for 40 years we said 'no' and now we blinked. Most Singaporeans would close ranks now, it's in their nature. Still, I would expect some reactions for the next few weeks."
Bishop Robert Solomon, vice president of the National Council of Churches of Singapore, said: "We are disappointed we are going in this direction. On our own part, we need to educate members on the casinos, the dangers of gambling, and perhaps develop services and help train members to help those with gambling addiction, and promote family values." - CNA/ir
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Money is important
Taken from here.
=====================================
NTUC chief says casino debate is about creating jobs
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE : NTUC's Secretary-General Lim Boon Heng said the big casino debate was really about jobs.
He estimates that up to 10,000 jobs could be created if Singapore builds two casinos - one at Marina and the other at Sentosa
There will also be several thousand more jobs created in hotels and shops around the island.
Mr Lim, who was speaking to reporters at a union event, said he personally would rather not have a casino, but it is an option that has to be considered.
As a tourist destination, Singapore has been losing some of its shine.
In order to revitalise this mainstay of the economy, it is hoped that an integrated resort with Disney-like facilities and a casino could help bring in more tourists.
Mr Lim even brought up the possibility of two casinos - one at Marina and another at Sentosa.
These could then pump up the jobs - not just at the resort - but provide work in related areas for taxi drivers, restaurant owners and hotel workers.
Mr Lim said: "So, the debate should be about job creation for Singaporeans. The problem is - can we do all this without the casino? That is the issue.
"Those who want to develop this facility say they will invest big money if they are given the casino licence, so we have to weigh that factor carefully."
Mr Lim said experience had shown that several theme park operators have tried and failed, without a casino, to bring in the cash.
Even at sprawling Downtown East where Mr Lim was speaking, it is not the games but jackpot machines that are a financial lifeline for the club.
So important are the earnings in the small jackpot room for the running of the club that were it not for these machines, the NTUC Club would have to be subsidised by up to $1 million from other sources.
Mr Lim said: "I do not like gambling. I wish we do not have to have a casino, but if we can only revitalise our tourism and hospitality sector then maybe it is a price we have to consider."
The government will announce its decision on Monday. - CNA/de
===============================
(emphasis my own)
I don't know what it translates into for you, but to me it does say "money is a higher priority as compared to possibly our country's morals"
At this rate, we probably know the decision already.
It is true, nations around generally legislate downward, never the other way around.
=====================================
NTUC chief says casino debate is about creating jobs
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE : NTUC's Secretary-General Lim Boon Heng said the big casino debate was really about jobs.
He estimates that up to 10,000 jobs could be created if Singapore builds two casinos - one at Marina and the other at Sentosa
There will also be several thousand more jobs created in hotels and shops around the island.
Mr Lim, who was speaking to reporters at a union event, said he personally would rather not have a casino, but it is an option that has to be considered.
As a tourist destination, Singapore has been losing some of its shine.
In order to revitalise this mainstay of the economy, it is hoped that an integrated resort with Disney-like facilities and a casino could help bring in more tourists.
Mr Lim even brought up the possibility of two casinos - one at Marina and another at Sentosa.
These could then pump up the jobs - not just at the resort - but provide work in related areas for taxi drivers, restaurant owners and hotel workers.
Mr Lim said: "So, the debate should be about job creation for Singaporeans. The problem is - can we do all this without the casino? That is the issue.
"Those who want to develop this facility say they will invest big money if they are given the casino licence, so we have to weigh that factor carefully."
Mr Lim said experience had shown that several theme park operators have tried and failed, without a casino, to bring in the cash.
Even at sprawling Downtown East where Mr Lim was speaking, it is not the games but jackpot machines that are a financial lifeline for the club.
So important are the earnings in the small jackpot room for the running of the club that were it not for these machines, the NTUC Club would have to be subsidised by up to $1 million from other sources.
Mr Lim said: "I do not like gambling. I wish we do not have to have a casino, but if we can only revitalise our tourism and hospitality sector then maybe it is a price we have to consider."
The government will announce its decision on Monday. - CNA/de
===============================
(emphasis my own)
I don't know what it translates into for you, but to me it does say "money is a higher priority as compared to possibly our country's morals"
At this rate, we probably know the decision already.
It is true, nations around generally legislate downward, never the other way around.
(How to title this?)
Never knew a lunch can also turn out to be stressful, heh heh.
I guess by now I'm very well known for making people wait: my roommate before going for lessons, my study partners, my friends, and yeah, even others (no guys of course!!!) in "matters of the heart".
I don't know whether to be thankful or what for the many "concerned" friends around that are pretty much interested in this, and are trying to help (although it could be their want for gossip topics also. Hahaha).
Both soft and "hard" approaches being used already, it would be blatantly closing my eyes to things to not decide on what to do soon, although deciding to not do anything is a decision also.
=S
Looks like I'm more of a runnner than a delayer.
That aside, it was good to meet my "shifu" ("teacher", who never taught me much by the way) and another friend this morning in service, and to fellowship with them over lunch.
I guess by now I'm very well known for making people wait: my roommate before going for lessons, my study partners, my friends, and yeah, even others (no guys of course!!!) in "matters of the heart".
I don't know whether to be thankful or what for the many "concerned" friends around that are pretty much interested in this, and are trying to help (although it could be their want for gossip topics also. Hahaha).
Both soft and "hard" approaches being used already, it would be blatantly closing my eyes to things to not decide on what to do soon, although deciding to not do anything is a decision also.
=S
Looks like I'm more of a runnner than a delayer.
That aside, it was good to meet my "shifu" ("teacher", who never taught me much by the way) and another friend this morning in service, and to fellowship with them over lunch.
Friday, April 15, 2005
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Marketing: Down
First paper down, and it was pretty simple =)
If only my core papers will be as simple as this one haha...but it won't for sure...
On a side note, was really quite happy when I got a note from a friend (nothing scandalous here don't worry), I hope I'm not going mad?
Time to studyyyyyy.....
If only my core papers will be as simple as this one haha...but it won't for sure...
On a side note, was really quite happy when I got a note from a friend (nothing scandalous here don't worry), I hope I'm not going mad?
Time to studyyyyyy.....
iDoll?
Taken from Matthias Media website:
iDoll
April 07, 2005 AD
A US toy company is putting the doll back in idol, with a “Jesus doll that quotes the Bible at the push of a button”, says this report from the LA Daily News (via christdot.org).
I could describe the historical unlikelihood of the ‘blue-eyed Jesus’ depicted, but instead I think I’d prefer to just quote the company’s founder: “We are targeting the inspirational market, to do good things for children, something that adds to their quality of life and doesn’t corrupt their minds.”
I personally can’t see how distributing dolls which depict the ruler of the universe as a children’s toy doesn’t corrupt minds. One also wonders if one of the Bible passages quoted is Exodus 20:4-6.
Noticed by GuanThe Denominational Selector
Link's taken from Barn's blog (who took it from SK's blog), although I'm not sure how they calculate the thing in the first place, etc:
1: Presbyterian/Reformed (100%)
2: Congregational/United Church of Christ (93%)
3: Anglican/Episcopal/Church of England (78%)
4: Baptist (Reformed/Particular/Calvinistic) (76%)
5: Eastern Orthodox (73%)
6: Church of Christ/Campbellite (71%)
7: Anabaptist (Mennonite/Quaker etc.) (69%)
8: Baptist (non-Calvinistic)/Plymouth Brethren/Fundamentalist (63%)
9: Methodist/Wesleyan/Nazarene (63%)
10: Roman Catholic (60%)
11: Lutheran (58%)
12: Seventh-Day Adventist (56%)
13: Pentecostal/Charismatic/Assemblies of God (50%)
1: Presbyterian/Reformed (100%)
2: Congregational/United Church of Christ (93%)
3: Anglican/Episcopal/Church of England (78%)
4: Baptist (Reformed/Particular/Calvinistic) (76%)
5: Eastern Orthodox (73%)
6: Church of Christ/Campbellite (71%)
7: Anabaptist (Mennonite/Quaker etc.) (69%)
8: Baptist (non-Calvinistic)/Plymouth Brethren/Fundamentalist (63%)
9: Methodist/Wesleyan/Nazarene (63%)
10: Roman Catholic (60%)
11: Lutheran (58%)
12: Seventh-Day Adventist (56%)
13: Pentecostal/Charismatic/Assemblies of God (50%)
D-Day
My first paper on Principles of Marketing comes tomorrow. All the best to all who reading who are having exams.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
The Day
Staying in during the weekends to study for the upcoming exams, I attended the 11.15am service at ARPC this morning before coming back to study.
This weekend they had their baptisms/confirmation & transfers, and certainly was a thing of note to me: Have been to many baptisms in different churches (like Brighton, Wesley, and my church PLMC) to witness the baptisms for both my friend's and relatives alike, and also the others that were conducted regularly at my own church. The one today certainly was the clearest I've seen so far, both in explaining the baptism itself, and also the way it was conducted as a result of that understanding.
Was initially curious as to why Chris Chia explained the gospel using slightly different words, but thereafter I realised it was because there were also non-believers there also, and that it's certainly the basis for the christian baptism (also it was a chance to let them hear the gospel explained briefly in a nutshell). Thereafter the way the baptisms (adult and infant, of which I never knew the meaning behind it) and confirmations were explained briefly along the way, along with a short word from each individual and the procedures itself. Although some of the sharings were a little shocking, but I do hope (& pray) that they'll come to a correct understanding, if their understanding of certain things are wrong as shown from their speech. But not to be overly worried about it, for God will save those that He will in His timing.
(To Sern Khoon, in a sense there's no need to, but congrats anyway on your transfer ;) )
The only ones that I remember enough about were the one I went for at Brighton and my own ("impromptu") baptism within my own congregation though.
The one at Brighton was quite, community-bonding based. In fact, too much emphasis on that (and also the experience thing) at the expense of what should be the real focus.
Mine was an "impromptu" one, with the (radical?) pastor giving the call to whoever wants to be baptised after one of his sermons. Nothing wrong with that in itself, except that I never did get the meaning of my baptism, until I started to study the Word together with a few others. I believe that the church leaders do understand about baptism, but somewhere along the line, it certainly would've been better if it was taught clearly or simply, even during baptism classes.
Sermon was on passage from 1 Peter 1:3-9, certainly a great assurance of our salvation, and what our lives here on earth will be like till He comes again =)
Am really encouraged to see what God is doing in the lives of men and women around =)
This weekend they had their baptisms/confirmation & transfers, and certainly was a thing of note to me: Have been to many baptisms in different churches (like Brighton, Wesley, and my church PLMC) to witness the baptisms for both my friend's and relatives alike, and also the others that were conducted regularly at my own church. The one today certainly was the clearest I've seen so far, both in explaining the baptism itself, and also the way it was conducted as a result of that understanding.
Was initially curious as to why Chris Chia explained the gospel using slightly different words, but thereafter I realised it was because there were also non-believers there also, and that it's certainly the basis for the christian baptism (also it was a chance to let them hear the gospel explained briefly in a nutshell). Thereafter the way the baptisms (adult and infant, of which I never knew the meaning behind it) and confirmations were explained briefly along the way, along with a short word from each individual and the procedures itself. Although some of the sharings were a little shocking, but I do hope (& pray) that they'll come to a correct understanding, if their understanding of certain things are wrong as shown from their speech. But not to be overly worried about it, for God will save those that He will in His timing.
(To Sern Khoon, in a sense there's no need to, but congrats anyway on your transfer ;) )
The only ones that I remember enough about were the one I went for at Brighton and my own ("impromptu") baptism within my own congregation though.
The one at Brighton was quite, community-bonding based. In fact, too much emphasis on that (and also the experience thing) at the expense of what should be the real focus.
Mine was an "impromptu" one, with the (radical?) pastor giving the call to whoever wants to be baptised after one of his sermons. Nothing wrong with that in itself, except that I never did get the meaning of my baptism, until I started to study the Word together with a few others. I believe that the church leaders do understand about baptism, but somewhere along the line, it certainly would've been better if it was taught clearly or simply, even during baptism classes.
Sermon was on passage from 1 Peter 1:3-9, certainly a great assurance of our salvation, and what our lives here on earth will be like till He comes again =)
Am really encouraged to see what God is doing in the lives of men and women around =)
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Advise on photo-taking for CVs
Lol.....
Link's taken from Mr. Brown's blog, the initial portion of the post sounded okay, until....
Look at the post yourself if you want to find out =P
Link's taken from Mr. Brown's blog, the initial portion of the post sounded okay, until....
Look at the post yourself if you want to find out =P
Monday, April 04, 2005
Dying part 2
Slowly but surely, my mind is going.
Not that I'm going mad or anything (it could be so actually, come to think of it), but I'm not thinking anymore, doing things just out from what I feel like doing at that moment, and ending up wasting time on excessive gaming.
Yes, you read it right, gaming. How much worse can it get? Being reduced down to just satisfying myself for the time being, all the time. No different from a person who refuses to submit himself to God who has revealed himself fully in His word and Christ, or worse, an animal.
But if there's anything I should get back to most importantly, it's continuing to renew my mind with the gospel, and also to spend my "processor time" on the things that are important, not on excessive "relaxation". Not for the "comfort" that I may feel when I do listen or read or even just go to church, but for the continued growth toward maturity, for Christ's sake.
Thank God for giving us His word of life, and for faithful preachers like CC.
Not that I'm going mad or anything (it could be so actually, come to think of it), but I'm not thinking anymore, doing things just out from what I feel like doing at that moment, and ending up wasting time on excessive gaming.
Yes, you read it right, gaming. How much worse can it get? Being reduced down to just satisfying myself for the time being, all the time. No different from a person who refuses to submit himself to God who has revealed himself fully in His word and Christ, or worse, an animal.
But if there's anything I should get back to most importantly, it's continuing to renew my mind with the gospel, and also to spend my "processor time" on the things that are important, not on excessive "relaxation". Not for the "comfort" that I may feel when I do listen or read or even just go to church, but for the continued growth toward maturity, for Christ's sake.
Thank God for giving us His word of life, and for faithful preachers like CC.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
CoolTechZone::Google doubles GMail storage to 2GB
CoolTechZone::Google doubles GMail storage to 2GB
I wonder when will I ever have to clear up space on my gmail account if this carries on, lol =D
I wonder when will I ever have to clear up space on my gmail account if this carries on, lol =D
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