HAKUNA MATATA!!!

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

The more you SURRENDER, the more the FAITH.

I’ve recently made a call to a friend. I shared with him about the problem that I’m facing right now. Words of encouragement, he gave to me. Followed by a prayer for self-control, wisdom and understanding.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I’m going through a really huge test of faith. And I really really thank you guys a bunch for keeping me in prayer. Thanks guys. Love y’all. Its strange how I’ve been having mood swings occasionally. One moment I’m down, and another, I see myself dancing before God. Then back to being emo again. And then back to the dancing. Can assume that the fact that you guys have been praying has lifted up the burden in my heart and filled the void with joy?

When you call upon God, he listens. He doesn’t answer immediately, but He does take immediate action. One of the ways is by working around with the people. Check out this email I got.

We need to learn to thank the Lord for closed doors just as much as we do for open doors. The reason God closes doors is because He has not prepared anything over there for us.
If He didn’t close the wrong door we would never find our way to the right door. Even when we don’t realize it, God directs our paths through the closing and opening of doors. When one door closes, it forces us to change our course. Another door closes; it forces us to change our course yet again.
Then finally, we find the open door and walk right into our blessing. But instead of praising God for the closed door (which kept us out of trouble), we get upset because we ‘judge by the appearances. ‘ And in our own arrogance, or ignorance, we insist that we know what is right.
We have a very present help in the time of need who is always standing guard. Because He walks ahead of us, He can see trouble down the road and HE sets up road blocks and detours accordingly.
But through our lack of wisdom we try to tear down the roadblocks or push aside the detour signs. Then the minute we get into trouble, we start crying, ‘Lord how could this happen to me?’
We have got to realize that the closed door was a blessing. Didn’t He say that ‘No good thing will He withhold from them that love Him?’
If you get terminated from your job – don’t be down, instead thank God for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves - it might be a better job, or an opportunity to go to school.
If that man or woman won’t return your call - it might not be them, it might be the Lord setting up a roadblock (just let it go).
One time a person had a bank he had been doing business with for many years tell him ‘NO’ for a $10,000 loan. The Lord led him to call another bank. That bank approved a $40,000 loan for him at a lower interest rate than his own bank had advertised.
I’m so grateful, for the many times God has closed doors to me, just to open them in the most unexpected places. ‘The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.’ (Psalms 37:23)
The Mountain top is glorious, but it is in the Valley that I will grow!
Always Remember God gives you…
Enough Happiness to keep you Sweet
Enough Trials to keep you Strong
Enough Sorrows to keep you Human
Enough Hope to keep you Happy
Enough Failure to keep you Humble
Enough Success to keep you Eager
Enough Friends to give you Comfort
Enough Wealth to meet your Needs
Enough Enthusiasm to make you look forward
Enough Faith to banish depression, and
Enough Determination to make each day a
better day than the last..
Life must be lived forward but can only be understood backwards. Commit to the Lord in whatever you do and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:3)

He will continue to open and close doors for you. ‘Rowing harder doesn’t help if the boat is headed in the wrong direction’

God’s plans are perfect. His timing is perfect. What He has in mind is what is best for us. I’ve known this too well in my mind. Its about time I applied it into my heart.

So I returned to the old phrase, “Let go, let God.”

My Mum even shared with me: “Why are so worried if you have God with you? He will take good care of you.”
The first thing that came to my mind was an image of a mother holding her baby gently in her arms. The baby, sleeping quietly and comfortably. The mother, watching over.

Picture God or Jesus wrapping you tight around His arms, holding and walking with you. All you have to do is to not turn away.

I’m trying not to be stubborn. I’m trying not to be ignorant. I’m trying not to worry too much. And I’d best be not trying to break down any closed doors God has prepared in my life. I’d better off follow the open ones right in front of me. And by writing this, I better walk the talk.

^‘Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?” ‘- Hebrews 13: 5-6

‘Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.’ – Proverbs 3:5-6

Again, I’m back to the basics. Faith. Did I mention that if I had a daughter, I’d name her Faith?

I’m being flooded with tears now. I think I’ll stop.

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Found 3 places to work. Nando’s, Sushi King, or Pizza Hut?

And my FAITH shall be my eyes
BShia

Intercession

Guys, please help. I’m having a really troubled heart here. I dunno how much I can hold on. I wish something could be done, something I could do, but even I don’t know what now. I appreciate if you keep me in prayer; I’m being devastated here.

I’ve read that one of the main tactics of the devil is “wearing out” God’s people. Weakening their faith is one way to put it. I’ll be honest, I’m facing that right now. As humiliating as this sounds, I’m weak. I’ll admit it. My faith is being tested now even as I type this post. And NO, I’m not strong enough. I can’t endure this pain much longer.

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.- Proverbs 4:23

I’m writing this post for a reason: Prayer is powerful. Every prayer is a powerful weapon. And I believe it. Picture it this way: prayer resembles a sword. Depending on how serious the prayer is determines the sharpness of the edge of the blade. Whereas the faith in believing that prayer to happen is much like the type of metal and material used to forge the swordd into a sturdy one. Yes, I’ve made up this metaphor. I’m being imaginative here somehow.

I’m trying not to sound so selfish. But really, I’ve been suffering for too long. From what or because of what I won’t say, if you don’t mind. Just pray for strength, as I’ve mentioned, I’m very weak; or anything else relevant for that matter. Is it not mentioned that when 2 or 3 gather in agreement in His name, the Spirit is there with them? Can you imagine the number of blades that can be forged through unity in prayer?

Yeah sure, this post may sound really silly like it or not. Nonetheless, I really really really REALLY appreciate if you would respond. Thank you and God Bless. Love you guys.

BShia

The Hand-Sanitizing Factor

So I was viewing some old photos on Facebook. Yeah looking back at the times where I become a tag victim multiple times. And also viewing back at some of the silliest, lamest comments. XD. Not forgetting, the good times…

Hiking at Bukit Gasing

Before watching Up. Shaun, Li Na, and Chooi Si wanted to make a “grand opening ceremony”. Until this genius barged in.

The dancers of the Christmas play. The DUDES.

KLANG PAN MEE!!! Superbly awesome texture! Oooh ooh!!! AND THE LIVER! I love liver yeah.

4 Delta. Caryn: The roses among the thorns.

FBC Youth Lock-In 2009. Isaac died… Chooi Si was the murderer

Random visit to Toys R Us

The USJ Frogging team. XD

VBS ‘08 Recreaton Team. There goes Peter Yu…

Frisbee with Cell. Nick and I were peeing?

Last time, I couldn’t ride a bike. But now I can!!! Woohooo!!!

FBC Rooftop Rendezvous. The comments on Facebook are hilarious. Or at least I find it.

Chrismas 2008… I’ll explain this some other time.

VBS 2008. That kid needs to be chained up.

VBS 2008. The parrot mascot.

And I saved the best for last:

No idea. I have NO idea.

All this. And SO much more.

Inward Building, Outward Reaching
BShia

If we win, we’ll praise You. If we lose, we’ll praise You.

I’m struggling.  I hanging on a thread here. Everyday, its feels like my heart and my mind is resembling much like a battlefield now. I don’t care how this battle is going to be won. I’m more concerned of when.

Its amazing how God never gets sick and tired me crying & kneeling on the floor in my secret place. How faithful our God is. Has that ever occured to you?

No, I’m not planning to throw the towel yet. I can only rely on God to lead me to the right direction and make the right decisions. God’s not done with me. Not yet.

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Well, I can’t have you pondering too long about what in the world am I blogging about. Ah, well. As I promised before, here’s some photos of the new FBC Subang!

I’m starting with the man in the mirror.

I know. It looks like some kind of college.

Calculate the rotation of the basketball court? Clockwise by 90′ degrees.

Askherlater? Elevateher?

To the carpark area. Looks a bit like a cave down there.

Or not

As much as I am excited over all the new facilities, there’s one thing that kept striking the back of my mind. That is, the fact that there’s a lot of work to be done. The building has increased in size to about 3 times now, but the congregation will, no surprise, decrease in number. Sure, we’re starting all this from a scratch, but it will all count once we’ve combined both our efforts together with the grace and will of God to build HIS church.

As I look upon how much has change in this church, I was reflecting at how much God has changed me as well. Not in a physical sense. I’m still skinny yeah.

A never-ending process, since nobody’s perfect. But izit not mention that we should strive to be perfect just as our Heavenly Father is perfect?

I think I’ve bet with you guys that I may cry when I’ll see the building. I didn’t on the day I went. But I think I’m going to now.

The church will  hold its first worship service on the 3rd of January 2009. Until then, we gotta be prepared. I’ve gotta be prepared. Not to sound selfish; just the fact that I have a lot of things to reconsider. Things that I may have thought about before, just never been put into action. Its about time I did.

Greater things have yet to come,
Greater things are still to be done,
BShia

“Daddy, I don’t want anymore toys!!! All I want is JESUS!!!”

I must admit I’ve feeling kinda down lately. Not sure why. Its like you’re so confused and sad and angry? Unsatisfied? Regretful?

Well, I’m glad this song brought my spirits back up.

But seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6:33

Your only job? Just be faithful.

I thank God for reminding me this again. It all comes back to Jesus! VBS, ya dig?

There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise

BShia

Saviour of the World

I really wanna thank God for my mother-to-son talk last night. Its been so long since  we actually had this kind of pep talk. Too long in fact. I must admit now for the past few years I haven’t been much a good son. I guess I’ve really surprised my Mum these couple of months. The glory goes to God of course, I’m not gonna take any pride. Never will I take advantage of my  Mum’s love for me ever again.

Last night, we were actually talking about matters involving God and church and such. Something different for change. The best part? Talking about something where we both share a mutual interest. Who would’ve thought that sometimes your best inspiration of Godly men and women could be your own Mum? I’m just ashamed I’ve never noticed this particular person. And we’re both living under the same roof!!!

I’ve always knew my Mum had a strong connection with God. Seeing her handle the cooking, washing, sending us to school and sometimes, dealing with family members with their egos and anger management, us taking her for granted, and yet all this with so much patience and love? How could this go unnoticed? If you’ve been tracking me on this blog, yes, I’m getting addicted to Christian-inspirational books and all. The same goes for my Mum. Although I never knew she has one whole drawer stacked with them. @.@

Last night, we had a chat about my Dad’s past as well. I won’t say much on it here. There’s just so many things I’ve discovered. Things I never knew duh. Let me just say just one little thing that shook me: I actually have 3 grandmothers in total.

Once again, I’m gonna praise the Lord for renewing my relationship with my Mum. Would you believe it, I’m actually cooking with her now? LOL-ness.

I won’t exactly clarify what got me to make such a huge turn in my life. Let’s just put it this way. God has been working with the people around me. I’m not gonna list any of them here. But each has contributed in a very special way. What’s more is that all glory goes to God.

And there’s more to it than that. Not just matters involving my parents. Go figure. Ah, my ultimate breakdown has let me to my turning point.

Now all that leaves is my Dad.

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Yes, I have been going to Di91tal Mall quite often. If you’ve been tracking me on Twitter. Anyways, as often as I have been going there, I’m really stunned by what I’ve been missing this whole time. This is what is on 6th floor:

Check out the architecture of the swimming pool! Looks like Sunway Lagoon?

Bridgie-Majiggy

Pathfinder

For kids

Jacuzzis ROX

The overview

Oh yeah, I found this:

Pamela, is this where you got your blog title from?

God is on the move
Are you with Him?
BShia

Ego Conqueror

Its finally out!

Ribuan terima kasih kepada:

God Almighty for the amazing opportunity
Julian Lau’s assistance + supplying the camera
Josh Lew’s assistance
Dylan Seow’s assistance
My sis for helping me out with the arrangement of the videos

And to all those who contributed (or think that you have) to the video:
Nicholas Yeo
Jocelyn Lau
Uncle Brian Lee
Denise Cheong
Wei Zhen
Ming King
Serinnah Van Buerle
Rebecca Tan
Irene
Peh Callie
Lee Ju-Hann
Dylan Seow
Julian Lau
Peter Yu
Rachael Van Buerle
Mark Tan
Eugene Ong
Chok Chooi Si
Siow Nat Li
and the ever lame, hesitating, doubting Thomas Yap

Surely, this video would be nothing without your help. Really appreciate them guys!

FBC Youth Camp 2009

Theme : Die Hard, Live Free (Discipleship based-theme)
Camp verse: “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’ “- Matthew 16:24
Date: 17th – 20th December 2009
Venue: Pines Resort, Fraser’s Hill
Speaker: Justin Wong

Early bird: RM120
Late bird Full Payment: RM150

Register with Elsheba or Wei Ren.

Early bird registration closes 1st Nov.
Registration for camp closes 29th Nov.

Don’t delay FBC-ers!

Ah Fraser’s Hill. Pines Resort. That’s where it all started… for me.

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Btw, which of these pictures should I put in my moral folio? This one,

or this one?

‘If people left a gathering talking about what a wonderful sermon the preacher gave or how beautifully the singers sang or how awesome the band was, the gathering had FAILED. But if people went home saying things like, “Isn’t God great? He met me tonight in such a wonderful way,” the gathering was a SUCCESS.’

To God be all the GLORY
LET GOD ARISE!!!
BShia