Faith and fatalism

Read this from Guidance and the Voice of God, just to share with you all:

(From chapter 5's summary, pg 48)

In the Bible, 'faith' is not fatalistic. It is not sitting back and letting God do it all. Faith is an active relationship of trust and dependence and it is expressed in thousands of ways. If we trust God's power and love towards us, then we will pray to him for our needs and thank him for all that he gives to us. We will listen to what he says and obey it. We will confidently follow his directions, knowing that they lead heavenward.

What hit me was that although not all of us hold that kind of understanding of 'let go and let God', but many (including myself) can improve in living out the implications of what we say: 'I trust God'.

Hope (and pray) to change in this area... =)

Succesfully failing

The one thing that I never fail to do, is failing to do what's right.

True, I may do the right thing from time to time (and even that isn't the product of my own efforts), but in the end, perfection's not on this side of the resurrection, and much less to be found in my life.

To all whom I've not wanted the best for when doing things, I'm really really sorry. I certainly need God to continue to change me, and for me to use my brains a lot more.

Prayer and the Voice of God

Another book is out! A guide on Christian prayer, for 'new convert' and 'old bird' alike. You can take a look at the first chapter at the page also. One more book added to my to-get list...

Another book to seriously consider getting is Guidance & the Voice of God, would be good to read it for myself/have a copy or two afterward after so long...

The taxi driver

Took a cab down to work a couple of days ago, as I was running late for work, and I had a lot to do.

In the course of our conversations during the ride (which was started and ended with which is the better way to Tiong Bahru from home, by CTE or by Farrer road? Farrer road's better, btw) we talked abt his son and daughter.

The (older) son is relatively uneducated, works by driving for people (cranes or something like that) and doesn't get paid much, but the taxi driver really brightened up when he talked about him, because the son really is able to talk to the dad and all.

On the other hand, the younger daughter's more well educated, is a police force scholar, currently holds a 4-5K job in her mid twenties, gives a portion of her salary to her parents regularly and all. But the taxi driver doesn't even get to talk to her properly, doesn't really know what's going on in her life and all, and doesn't even care to use the money that she gives.

I've a long way to go in terms of being able to talk to my mum (and in the process take care of her) like this, with God's help...

Programming E-Books

For those who want to learn programming by yourself, here's a possible source to start from. Sorted by (programming) language.

Easter gathering

On the evening of Good Friday, we had a dinner gathering at Justin's place. Just to share some pictures that I took with my (horrid) phone camera...

Chen preparing his Tom Yam soup. It was really good =)


Peixian cutting bread for the soup.


The potato thingy that Justin made.


Our 3SG.


Andrew Leong also cooked!


Tom Yum soup..hot?


Yifen trying to prepare to.... Ok, forget what I said.


Amos the 'main chef' there ;)


After the meal, the mad lively singing that ensued...some sang, some relaxed...





And at least one couldn't help but dance there =P

How to put on a Band Aid so it stays on all day

YouTube - How to put on a Band Aid so it stay on all day.

Japanese innovation...for those who ever needed to use plasters ;)

Ergonomics

From the Google doctor's blog, a post about ergonomics (ignore the weird picture at the top of the post =P ) :

A few tips are the following:
--Breaks should be taken every 30-45 minutes for at least 5 minutes. If you need assistance there are free downloadable timers that will help remind you to do so.
--Stretch your arms/hands/neck/back during the breaks. This yoga site demonstrates some samples exercises. Other sites are listed below.
--Posture alignment should be maintained. Don't slouch in the couch with the laptop.
-- Work station should be reviewed initially and with each transfer.
Adjust chair, monitor, keyboard, mouse, laptop. Alternate keyboards and mice periodically.
--Shift your gaze from the computer screen to the distance. Don't forget to blink!
--Limit non-essential computer usage. This may be heresy but give the surfing/gaming/emaling/text messaging a rest.
-- If pain occurs or persists, see your doctor who may recommend wrist brace, ice packs, anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen, cortisone injections, physical therapy, and most importantly rest to allow healing. Do not procrastinate in addressing your symptoms. The sooner the better.

Some sites that may be helpful:
Harvard RSI Action
RSI exercises
RSI Page
Safe Computing Tips
Alternative and Ergonomic Keyboards
Alternative Pointing Devices

Have been greatly encouraged to see how God's word can change lives, as well as give strength for His people to live lifes His way, bearing up under immense pressure from the world that hates Christ and all who are in Him.

May the (painful, but much needed) lessons stay embedded in my heart, and may my heart not turn as rotten as it had, ever again, with God's help.

Something nice

Both the movie, and the company ;)