ALL ABOARD!!!

Looks like SOMEBODY’S been busy updating the VBS blog.

It all comes back to Jesus
BShia

Well you can tell by the way I use my walk; I’m a woman’s man, no time to talk.

Before I move on to anything else:

Joker la you, Yumey.

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Photos from RETRO NIGHT!!!

The rest can be viewed from Yumey’s or my sister’s FB.

We’re takin it out OLD SCHOOL

Josh Van Buerle. Eating before saying grace. Tsk tsk tsk…

The guy whom we all suspected farting inside the swimming pool

Ohm nom nom!!!

Behold the living legacy of Michael Jackson that is Joshua Ng.

And which one you of suspected I wore HIGH HEELS when I was young!?!?

Sam, you DO NOT touch the HAIR.

We bring shame to the Retro name.

So what did we was makan, danced a little, makan, played Wolf, makan, played the “lying game”, makan makan makan.
Then the group began to split….

Between the camwhorers which of course, is the group with the most photos…

And the Singstarers. The group that can make you go deaf.

Ming spoils Retro Night with his HipHop-ness. Do bear with the many poser pictures of him on my sister’s album.

And we all wrote a little appreciation card to Dr. Pete and family for having us use their home for Cell every Friday night.

Remember: Don’t drink & drive.

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So have all of you kids got your passports to ride aboard the Boomerang Express?!

Staying alive,
BShia

Don’t Delay; Pray Right Away!

Prayer has become such a crucial necessity in my life. Especially during my heart-aching moments. I would lock myself up in my room. Kneeling and crying. Flipping through the most random pages in the Bible to google up an encouraging verse. It feels like some kind of foe grabbing hold of me tightly, choking my heart with sorrow, and occasionally anger and I’m just desperately searching for a weapon to defend myself with. What better way to defend yourself against the devil’s lies and schemes?
The Word of God.

Matthew 6:31-33, John 16:24, Proverbs 4:23… Just some of the few verses I’ve been clinging on to. It wasn’t enough somehow. Don’t get me wrong here, I’m not blaming it on the Word here or anything! Because when it comes right down to it, my heart was still ignorant. Still consumed by so much agony. That seed of agony has somehow grown to a shoot of doubt. And that’s just a glimpse of my weak heart and faith. For so long, I’ve been dragging this heavy heart full of burden along everywhere I go, displaying a blurnut look on my face, lost in a world of my own, daydreaming, walk around aimlessly… No, wait. Walk around aimlessly? I do that even when I’m not sad. XD

There I was walking around aimlessly AGAIN around MPH yesterday. I’ve been strolling that place quite frequently. Despite how I’ve been feeling, there has always been a deep cry within my heart, screaming out for more of God; Oh, how much I need you right now… I don’t want to waste the days of my youth with so much sadness… Lord, please HELP, I don’t know what to do anymore!!! And when you call Him, He answers.

What in the world!? Just as I was pacing the floor walking around aimlessly AGAIN, I passed by some bookshelves with a those border/ signs on them saying: Christian Living. You can bet I was amazed! I was always knew MPH had section specially allocated for Religious Views. I never knew there was a section for “Christian Living”! A mini-Salvation/ Canann Land! It was my source of hope. And YES, I love these kinds of books. That’s why I was so excited!

After looking up and down around the shelves, I found a special book called: Promises from God’s Word. You can always rely on God’s promises! The book basically consists of Bible verses, and believe me, that’s all it is! The real deal though is the fact that they have been compiled according to the different “promises” that God has made with us, all recorded from the Bible itself. A handy book for prayer and pastoral sharing.

Then I found another verse under the “God Promises When I Feel…” page.

^“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”- Phillipians 4:4-7

Or at least in the version written in the book that I found was slightly different:

“Always be JOYFUL in the Lord! I’ll say it again: BE JOYFUL! Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. NEVER WORRY ABOUT ANTHING. But in every situation, let God know what you need in PRAYERS and REQUESTS while GIVING THANKS. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond ANYTHING WE CAN IMAGINE, will guard your THOUGHTS and EMOTIONS through CHRIST JESUS.”

That last sentence on the verse got me crying and laughing to myself. I think the people who saw me might think I’m going cuckoo. I don’t know how much more convincing I can get here, but I know one thing for sure. God’s great love does not end when He displayed it on the cross. He saved you from the clutches of death; He can deliver you from any problem. He won’t leave you rotting when you come to Him carrying loads of problems now, would He? All you have to do is ASK.

No, I admit, I’m not advanced in Bible-verse memorizing. But hey, its all learning experience.

I couldn’t feel much of the painful feeling in my heart as I did before no matter how pften I think about the problem. For those of you who don’t know, I tend to think to much; hence the daydreaming. You could say there’s a guard in front of the door of my heart, defending it from any torments from my own mind.

I feel a lot better now. Praise be to God. The way I see it, there’s only one thing that needs to be done now: Walk the talk. O.O

Our God is a God who saves
BShia

WARNING: Fragile

Oh man. I’m having some of the most craziest mood swings lately. Before this post, I actually have 2 more other drafts waiting to be updated. But for some reason, I didn’t have the right mood to do it. Nuts this is crazy… What’s the matter with me? Its like I don’t have that zeal to blog anything interesting. And here I am now feeling doubtful about writing this post!

One thing I know for sure, I can’t afford my own emotions to manipulate me in my daily living. Emotions, sprouted out from my own thoughts. Shia, the daydreamer. And yet, already I have received comments and complaints about the way I’ve been behaving. And to think, all I want is to be myself and live. Well, looks like this is where self-control comes in. And or maybe so much more than that. Boy, do I have a weak heart.

I was actually planning to attend Emerge this weekend. But wonder of wonders: I’ve no transport nor permission. APYAC is definitely out of the list seeing how I don’t even have the money. All this in the midst of when I really really want to experience so much more of God. Just to be in His presence, eager to hear what He has to say about what I’ve been going through and what I should or shouldn’t do. Look at that? That’s where my faith comes in again.

Perservering here!

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My recent Youtube search: How to throw a football. Jo got a new one while in Aussie. Throwing it ain’t easy I’ll have you know!

And for those jolly good ol’ times watching this over and over again:

Sorry, not sure what to post here!

*cough cough*
BShia

Seek Him, Love Him, Fear Him

Julian and I can be a little lame sometimes. Sorry, Chooi Si

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In other news:

Lord, I need You. So badly… Less of me, more of You.

Because nothing on earth is as beautiful as You. XD

All I want is You, Lord
BShia

NOW

During our last worship practice, Tommy introduced me to another so called “syiok sendiri” song.

We Shine by Steve Fee

He intends to use this song for camp. If that’s the case, I’d best be working on that crazy riff during the intro of the song. I’m loving the upbeat of the lyrics on the verse and the bridge. The chorus could be a little better, but still, strong choice of words. I won’t complain though since song-writing ain’t easy.

This song spoke to me: I have been living in my sorrow and pain for too long now. Its time to rise and shine again. Time to unleash the bubbly person I used to be. I only pray for opportunities. Just a chance to prove myself. Not for my own glory of course. No way am I gonna misuse any God-given opportunities.

Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
But to Your name give glory
Because of your loving kindness, because of your truth. – Psalms 115: 1

I’m actually blogging this from my Dad’s office. So here I am now using his laptop. After Facebooking, Twittering and checking my mail, doing all sorts of nonsense then out of the blue I simply turned my head left and I saw this paper stuck of the wall saying:

If you plant honesty, you reap trust
If you plant goodness, you reap friends
If you plant humility, you reap greatness
If you plant perseverance, you reap contentment
If you plant consideration, you reap perspective
If you plant hard work, you reap success
If you plant forgiveness, you reap reconciliation
So be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you reap later.

Interesting. What are you and I planting today?

Let’s turn that frown upside down
BShia

Don’t forget: I am the proof of your existence. I am your living legacy…

You know the verse saying: You are the salt and the light of the world. We were sent to impact lives, being a lving testimony to one another. Spreading the love of Christ, being the reflector of His image. Displaying the glory of our Lord through our service, by acts of faith and love.

For the past 4 years, I’ve met some of the most inspiring men and women of God. I really thank God for these souls. If it weren’t for them, I can’t imagine where I’d be right now. All of you are just equally awesome.

I’m gonna list a few of them here. NO not because they’re the best of the best. NOT because they are the ones who guided me all the way most of the time. NOT because they gave me the best of hope and encouragement during my downside moments. And of course NOT because I admire them more. Its NOT a competition after all. Let’s consider this to be more of an appreciation. And that I feel grateful for these people. The ones who have guided me in many and new ways in my walk with Christ.

Bear in mind though, they’re not perfect. We’re only human after all.

Pastor Gurmit Singh

Ah yes, and what an impactful pastor he is! He prophesied about me twice, but I’m not sure if he knows that I’m the same person. Those prophesies gave me yet another reason to live for Christ, something to look forward to for my future. Then again, the future is not written in stone, and anything could happen. Enthusiastic, and highly focused on his ministry, he continues to impact young lives. If you get the chance to meet him, do ask him questions! A lively pastor, with the classic phrase that ceases to fail to get people’s attentions: “FIRE!!!”
God bless Pastor Gurmit.

Pastor Dan Lian

I only met the guy twice but he taught the FBC-ers a new point of view of worship during his visit. This Aussie pastor serves in City Life Church Melbourne. He encouraged us to practice this at home: Lock yourself up your room, turn on any Christian woship songs from any CD or so, and WORSHIP. Singing, dancing, guitaring, you name it. It really edifies the Spirit within you, and allows you to keep focused during the worship since, you know, you’re the only one there in your room. Put it this way: You’re standing in this empty room and God’s throne is placed right there in front of you. What are you gonna do about it? Your first motive should be worship of course. And since no one is right there next to you, the time spent would be personal. Sounds just like prayer ain’t it? You should try it. XD
God bless Dan Lian.

Chris Tomlin

No, I’ve never met him in person. Still, after countless times worshipping in my room, his songs have been a great aid. Don’t get me wrong, there are other Christian music which I still listen too. I would recommend you some of his songs to you though. Surely you’ve heard at least 1 or 2 of them in church or so. I’m still addicted to Let God Arise. That song never gets old to me, eventhough I’ve listen to it dozens of times. Man, do I sound shallow. Anyways, who could forget the time of worship led by Chris during Passion Kuala Lumpur last year eh? Truly a man gifted to lead God’s people into worship.
God bless Chris Tomlin.

Sophie Lau

Sophie Dophie! Never will she fail to keep her friends smiling. Once the CF President of SMK Seafield, she has the ability to bring forth happiness and joy to people, despite the troubles they’re facing. Happened to me once before. XD. She served as a Sunday school worship leader before, due to her sanguine nature. Not to mention VBS. She loves funky music with a groovy beat to it, or at least anything that could excite her. But of course when it comes to Christ, her focus shifts. At times even in the midst of all she is currently going through, be it good or bad, she would stop and think: Where is God in all of this? Do you see Him from where you are right now? God longs for a fellowship with those He loves. Acknowledging His very presence in every aspect of our lives is the least we could do! Let God join in the fun! Sophie now studies theology in London. Surely God has prepared something incredible in store for her future.
God bless Sophie Lau.

Yoong John Yen

While making an effort to tone his physical body in my Dad’s gym, he also strives in his spiritual life. A man after God’s heart, he has left FBC for Harvest Generation church to continue his walk with God. We still keep in touch though. Skilled when it comes to spiritual advice; eg. Worrying will get you no where etc. A born leader, always making sure everything is in check. He has a gift a brilliance and is highly analytical. He’s prepared to learn new things relating to Christ. I think I’ve mentioned about him before in one of my previous posts so I’m being a bit repetitive! My apologies!!! Currently he’s presenting me with some good motivational books. Any recommendations, do see him! He plays a game called Warhammer, which is kinda like a board game with small tiny characters which you can paint by yourself? I dunno… That’s what I think it is…
God bless John Yen.

Ng Ming King

When it comes to bluffs, scams or the typical “Just joking la!!!” Ming would leave us pissed. To avoid having fallen into his traps, look out for the “Ming face”. Serving as our Cell leader and Youth leader for FBC Subang, he is eager to hear from others and is ever ready to guide the people with their walk with Christ. Someone you can definitely trust. Eventhough he tends to trick people, YES, you can trust him, I’m sure. Do come to him for advice FBC Youth because he is there for a reason! He is just longing for a chance. What’s more, it will be a good growing experience for you and Ming. So both parties will benefit. MUTUALISM!!!
God bless Ming King.

Nicholas Yeo

Nuts, where do I even begin with this guy? Let’s see… I first met him when on the way to church to help out for the VBS deco 2 years ago. After finding out  that he lives nearby my place, we decided to play frisbee together at the USJ 4 park and thus the FBC Frogging Team was born. The CF Vice President for the year 2009 has a knack to hang out with people. When he first came to FBC, from what I’ve heard he used to be VERY timid. But after socializing with some of FBC Youths crazy bunch, look what has become of him now? He has a unique laugh and scream. And is afraid of my dog. He plays a role as a comforter, always there to give you encouragement. Someone I can hold accountable to, especially in my most personal points of life. My current gay partner. You know if you think I can get sugar rush at times, you should see this guy in action. Super hyper, uber crazy. Its no wonder he has lots of friends. XD. Just don’t let him get carried away when throws the frisbee at you! This dude is highly gullible and always falls for Ming King’s bluffs. Its hilarious seeing him react after finding out he has been conned though!
God bless Nicholas Yeo.

Mr. Jacob Matthew

Let’s think again. How often can you find a teacher, as in a SCHOOL teacher being a man so on fire for God and His people? MJ is definitely one of a kind out there. I can’t imagine how much he has been a blessing to both the teachers and students of SMK Subang Utama. You know who you can turn for spiritual advice when you’re stuck in all of the mayhem in school.This man values wisdom. If you could ask anything from God, ask for wisdom; as did King Solomon. The teacher advisor for the CF of SMKSU has the readiness to face any challenge. I remembered some time around this year, a bunch of us were packing up our technical items back into the storeroom after CF one Friday. While we were locking the last of the keyholes, the key itself broke. I won’t say who broke it. XD. While indulging in the jaw-dropping moment, we approached MJ and told him about the matter. And MJ, remaining cool and calm replied, “No problem”. Come to think of it, it wasn’t really a huge problem, at least after we found out MJ had an extra key… ==. MJ is a blessing; a BIG and RARE one. DON’T TAKE THAT BLESSING FOR GRANTED!!!
God bless Mr. Jacob.

Jeremy Ong

I met this dude when I was in Form 1. He hasn’t even reached puberty that time yet, and already he has a great sense of maturity. He is well concerned about matters involving the CF, our current generation of Christians and other related issues. A skilled musician. Not long ago, we had this man-to-man, heart-to-heart talk, discussing about our common interests. Mostly, its about personal stuff. Tch… Men you see? Currently serving at Subang Jaya Gospel Centre alongside his gay partner Samuel Wong. He is amazed by our current Form 1 generation. What he said was true: It did remind us of how we were back then. Enthusiastic and zealous whenever there’s any activity involving the CF. We should never neglect our passion for Christ. That ignition within our hearts to go all the way for Christ in an effort to glorify His name and His name alone. As I’ve mentioned, he’s very matang. But that doesn’t mean he’s not fun to annoy. If you so happen to pass by the school corridors one day and you see him stranggling and tickling me, you know what recently happened.
God bless Jeremy Ong.

Chu Joshua (the guy on the right of course)

Back in my early days as a Form 1, he was known as the CF President of SMKSU. If there’s anything bigger than his size, its his PASSION. When it comes to serving our Lord, he would only give one thing and one thing only: His very BEST.”My God deserves the BEST”. Who could ever doubt Joshua’s preserving passion towards the God we worship? Though studying in Switzerland now, his Spirit remains burns bright hot, perhaps even hotter than before. During his return to Malaysia around the middle of the year, he reminded the CF Committee about how important our passion is towards our priorities in serving. That very passion is what drives us to go all out for God and we would go against all the odds. Its always important to keep that fire burning! God gave and gives you the best. Shouldn’t you too?
God bless Chu Joshua.

Tan Hsien Zern

I only met this guy last year; we were in the same group during CF Camp. I’m glad that I’m able to know him better within a short period of time. He may appear silent at times, replying most of your questions with a nod while giving a peculiar look. Don’t be fooled, he can get hyped up easily. He has a highly contagious laugh, which I still think deserves the Best Laugh Category in Gemala’s FiftyXFifty! He also serves in Subang Jaya Gospel Centre. If he were to be  given a task and fails or so to say, did not turn out as he expected, he will get frustrated, regreting that he could’ve done better. Sure, we make mistakes, nobody’s perfect. But that gives no reason why we should give up. One thing I learned from this guy is that we should strive for perfection, eventhough it seems impossible, as I’ve mentioned nobody’s perfect. Nonetheless, with that urge to go all out and giving it our all when serving God, at least, one day, when we look back, we can say without regrets nor doubts: I have fought the good fight.
God bless Tan Hsien Zern.

All these people, and so many more… God bless you all.

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Nuts, I really should organise my schedule more wisely. Kelam-kabut! Naaarghh… So let’s see… There’s VBS, Youth Camp… Etc etc… And APYAC although I haven’t even got the money for the registration fee yet. Oh well, considering it a God-willing opportunity once again! One which I will not take for granted if I got the chance.

“See that big space in front of that pulpit there, the one used for altar calls? That’s where it all began.”

BShia

HAKUNA MATATA!!!

I was @ Choy’s place on Thursday and I finally get to watch this: FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN COMPLETE

Its no different from the first movie, only that they’ve added new scenes, effects and such. The plot is still, more or less the same. Although, the producers improvised the story in such a way to make it a lot more interesting. Like how did Cloud find Denzel. Ooops my bad. I won’t spoil anything more. The movie has slighty more gore btw. Nonetheless, the high-definition quality of animation is a lot more stunning and realistic compared to the previous movie, complete with those gravity-defying battle sequences.

For all you Final Fantasy VII fanactics out there, I’d recommend you watching this. However, from how I see it now, you have several options. Either you could take the trouble to download this which may consume a lot of time or willingly spend RM150++ or so on the original Blue-Ray disc sold in most video stores. In addition, don’t support piracy? Or maybe you could break in to Choy’s house if you’re that desperate to watch it. XP

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For some reason, I feel happy. LOL. Eventhough there are problems in my hands that I will have to deal with, I’m actually feeling grateful either way. Sure, I may not have this, or I don’t have that, and I really really wish I had that right now, I’m feeling swell (Mickey Mouse impression). Just simply bearing in mind the thought of “God watching over me and providing me with everything I need” has put me to a lot of ease.

“I feel lighter. Maybe I loss weight after all that Dilly-Deli.”

If God ain’t answering your prayers when you ask of Him,
maybe He has something better for you in mind…
BShia

Dad’s advice: Brandon, there’s a time and place for everything!

Remember those little Smiley buttons you guys received during CF last Friday?

While mine was still attached to my shirt, I threw it into the washing machine. And it ended up like this…

Don’t worry. Jesus still loves you. XD

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Seems that looking for a job at this time now is gonna be real difficult. Either there’s no more vacancies or the time allocation for work just wouldn’t suffice my schedule. Plus, people from other schools are about to complete their exams. Its my own fault anyway for not considering this earlier. Lesson learned.

I’m gonna let this be a God-willing situation now. Unless I’m able to find a fitting job, I’d better start planning and occupying myself during the holidays. I’m aiming for a memorable one. From what it seems, its gonna be my last before next year. I’ll be devastated if I should let this go to waste. Any ideas where to work people? The payment is not an issue for me.

Well, ask and you shall receive so that your joy would be complete.

Pray like we’re Breathing
BShia

Fresh Fire

For the past few weeks now I’ve been experiencing the most awful pains. It feels like something stabbing and throbbing my heart at the most random moments, causing me to have mood swings. Boy, if physical pain is bad, then what do you say about spiritual pain?

Last night, while I was having a sleepover with some friends, something made a huge blow in my heart. Yes, I’ve been suffering for quite some time now. But this pain was so strong, I couldn’t have one moment of peaceful slumber. Something kept striking my heart and tormenting my mind.

I’ve known for a long time now: the Christian walk with God is not a race, therefore, not a competition. But rather more of a relay or a marathon. Where how fast you go is not a factor, nor is your speed.

Last night, I was reflecting on my past. The memories. The mistakes I made. The pain. Then to the point where God found me to guide me in beginning a new chapter in life. But nothing came to fruition. How was I impactful to people I thought? How have I blessed others? Am I being the reflector of God’s love and glory as we should be through my days of my life and times of service to Him? Am I leaving behind a legacy?

Then onward to another question. The big “WHY? behind the WHAT?” Yes, I have been serving. In the church. In the CF. But for what purpose? What was the reason I’m doing all of this? Is there an ulterior motive? Doing things for my own glory? Doing all those things blindy and mindlessly? If not, why aren’t I bearing fruit? Is it not God’s timing?

All the thoughts in my head. I’ve been thinking too much. I felt horrible, guilty and selfish. There I was at a point where I wanted to give up. Forfeit myself from this marathon. I couldn’t take much more of the pain and sorrow. I wanted to give up.

The way God called and ignited the fire in my heart again to continue to do His will was kinda hilarious. I was thinking about the good ol’ times I had with my jogging buddies. We see each other quite often, so you can imagine how many times we jog within a week. Although most of the time we end up hurting each other when playing with our frisbees. There was one day we had our usual jog. I got exhausted instantly. Perhaps I’m becoming more lethargic I thought. Hence, my skinny figure. And then a good friend jokingly said,”C’mon Brandon! Let’s go! Team FBC man! You can do it! Jesus went all the way man!!!”

JESUS WENT ALL THE WAY

What can be more painful than what Jesus went through? Not just the physical pain, but also the spiritual pain. We don’t know for sure what was going on in His heart that time, but He was having a hard time going through it, can we assume? Plus, praying to the point where His sweat became blood. And yet, He survived. He lives. Even today.

It was still too early to throw the towel I thought. So what if I fail? Is it not better than doing nothing at all? How will we ever learn and grow without making mistakes in our Christian lives? You’ve known all of this, don’t you Shia?

Early this morning, I was the first to wake up. The rest of my buddies were still having their “happy hour” in dreamland. I seized the opportunity to pray.

Still struggling here. But its worth every last second. I can’t wait to reach the finishing line of this marathon.

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I was comparing my writing styles for my blog a few days ago; looking back at my previous posts. Man, so much has changed. 2009 is gonna end soon can you imagine? Its like, 1 minute is equivalent to 30 seconds now.

Renewed
BShia