The Year In Review

-Image Courtesy of Family Photography-

I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. (Psalm 77:11)

During the last week of December, newscasters often look back at the significant events of the past year—the triumphs and failures of prominent people, natural disasters, economic challenges, and the deaths of celebrities and leaders. The most surprising events usually receive top billing.

If you reviewed the past year of your life, what would appear on the list? Has an unexpected event caused you to question God or to more deeply experience His goodness?

Psalm 77 chronicles the lament of a person in distress who felt as if God no longer cared (vv.7-9). “Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore?” (v.8). Yet, even in anguish, the psalmist said, “I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old” (v.11). The result was a renewal of trust and hope: “You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples” (v.14).

As you think back over this past year, why not write down the significant events in your life. Don’t be afraid to include your difficulties and disappointments, but remember to consider all the ways God has been with you.

During every difficulty, we can always find the faithfulness of God. -David C. McCasland, Our Daily Bread

Difficulties in our lives give us the opportunity

to experience the faithfulness of God.

By Faith

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

(2 Corinthians 12:9)

The date today, 28th December 2010 marks the 6th month since I last updated my blog in my First Year. (Referring to my previous post, the post mentioned in it will soon be uploaded).

I'm not sure how to describe it, but days here in my uni pass by like an event, at which a person sees it at a moment, turns away from it, and turns to it again, only to realize that the event has changed to a completely new one. That's how quick time flies here.

Without noticing, I've gone through three systems, the Cardiovascular System, the Respiratory System, and the Gastrointestinal System in my medical syllabusss. The next system, the Central Nervous System, said and proven by some (or perhaps many) that it's the most difficult and busiest of all systems, will be commencing next Monday.

Coming into my Second Year has not an easy one also. Classes, including practicals, can start as early as 8a.m. and end at 5p.m. Lectures can stretch up to 4 hours long. Lecture notes can pile up like a mountain if left untouched or unread for just two to three days. The amount of time to study, lessens as there are fewer hours left after classes end near sunset and before going to bed.

Nevertheless, praise God for His guidance and mercy. Though there are times of disappointment during studies, but God's word, that tells us that His grace is sufficient for us, and that when we are weak and weary, we can cast our anxieties unto Him(1 Peter 5:7), once again reminded me that God will make a way.

I celebrated my Christmas here for the third year now in my uni. Christmas this year, I rekon, was the busiest so far. With the choir practices, sign-language dance, and caroling, all of the days nearing to Christmas were packed and in and out we went from uni to church. Seeing how my church fellowship members worked together in all these Christmas events bring to mind on how amazing God's grace is for us that He brought us all together from different parts of the country and under His care, we form the body of Christ. No matter how small the things or role that we may be doing or playing, we are doing it for Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12-26) And that in all things, we should be glorifying God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Coming into my Second Year for four months now had really been quite a journey. But whatever it is, I believe that everything happens for a reason and that God is in control. I once heard from this Christian counselor on the question that haunt us so much, the topic on why is life so hard. His answer to this question, is profound, that God is shaping us the way He wants us to be, in other words, preparing us as believers of Christ, for our eternal home with Him.

Although the way ahead may be gloomy at times, that God may seem so far away when our prayers seemed unanswered, but we can definitely count on this, that He will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), that His love for us is unconditional (Romans 8:38-39) and that we are always under His watchful care (Luke 12:7). Just like a parent who watches his baby in the cradle through a door that is opened little at night, God will always be there for us to give us strength, eternal peace and incomparable joy though Christ Jesus, something that the world cannot provide.

Nearing the year 2011, may we as believers of Christ, like the apostle Paul, say together in faith,

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)

Turnover

After looking through the new blog backgrounds that Blogger is offering, I finally chose this one (as to date). The dried Maple leaves and the windy looking background reminds me of the verses in Isaiah 40:6-8 where it reads:

A voice says, "Cry out."

And I said, "What shall I cry?"

"All men are like grass,

and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.

The grass withers and the flowers fall,

because the breath of the LORD blows on them.

Surely the people are grass.

The grass withers and the flowers fall,

but the word of our God stands forever."

Based on John Wesley's Bible commentary towards these verses, he mentioned that :

The prophet having foretold glorious things, confirms the certainty of them, by representing the vast difference between the nature, and word, and work of men and of God. All that men are or have, yea, their highest accomplishments, are but like the grass of the field, weak and vanishing, soon nipt and brought to nothing; but God's word is like himself, immutable and irresistible: and therefore as the mouth of the Lord, and not of man, hath spoken these things, so doubt not but they shall be fulfilled.

Other commentaries such as the Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown Bible Commentary gives similar annotation.

This post is a prelude to my next post that's coming soon. It's been two months already since my last post and one could just see how time passes.

Max signing off for now! : )

The Cross

'He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He open not His mouth.' - Isaiah 53:7

As I went through Isaiah chapter 53 last night, my mind wondered off to the last moments Jesus and his disciples gathered in the upper room, His arrest and sentence, and the road Jesus took on the way to Calvary.

And then my mind wondered off to a painting (The Three Crosses) by Rembrandth, an etching he accomplished in the year 1653. In the painting, there are three crosses with Jesus in the centre and the two robbers beside Him. At the foot of the cross, one could see the different expressions of the people, with Mary, John and the centurion, who dismounted his horse, kneel beside the cross with arms raised, so overwhelmed by the event he just witnessed that he has instantly converted.

I read an explanatory on the painting and searched for a dark figure hidden in the shadows in the painting, whom art critics said that the person was Rembrandt himself, for he recognized that by his sins he helped nail Jesus to the cross.

Romans 3:23 reads: 'for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,'. We all like sheep, and have turned to our own separate ways (Isaiah 53:6). Because of His unconditional and everlasting love, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins to bring us eternal hope and that 'by His wounds we are healed.' (Isaiah 53:5)

We, like Rembrandt, are also standing beside the cross. But then remember what Jesus said as He hung on that cross: "Father, forgive them." Praise God, that includes you and me.

Like a Bullet Train

The speed of time - simply indescribable. Though today's the last day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, it's still not too late to say:

Happy Chinese New Year! : ) and Happy 元宵节!

Coming to a Ten

HAPPY NEW YEAR of 2010! : )

P/S: I'll be having my 2nd semester exam this coming Monday. Please pray for me. Till then, I'll try to find time updating my blog when it's over. Take care and God bless! : )

Nowhere Tickets

- image courtesy of rlv.zcache.com-

"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

We kept getting tickets to nowhere. We had finished a missions trip to Jamaica and were trying to get home. However, our airline was having problems, and no matter what our tickets said, we couldn’t leave Montego Bay. Over and over we heard, “Your flight has been canceled.” Even though we had purchased our tickets in good faith, the airline could not back up its promise to transport us to the US. We had to stay an extra day before boarding a plane that could take us home.


Imagine thinking that you are headed for heaven, but discovering that your ticket is no good. It can happen. If you trust the wrong plan, you will get to the gate of eternity but be denied entrance into heaven to live with God forever.


The apostle Peter said there is salvation in no one else but Jesus (Acts 4:12). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). The only ticket to heaven goes to those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ and His death on the cross as payment for their sin.


Some offer other ways. But those tickets are worthless. To make sure you’re going to heaven, trust Jesus. He’s the only way. — Dave Branon




Lord, I know I’m a sinner and cannot save myself. I need You as my Savior. Thank You for dying in my place and rising again. I believe in You. Please forgive my sin. I want to live with You in heaven someday.

Jesus took my place on the cross and gave me a place in heaven.

Be Still

image courtesy of worshippingchristian.org

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! - Psalm 46:10

As I sat in the dentist’s chair, I braced myself for the drilling that would begin my root canal. I was ready for the worst, and my body language and facial expression exposed my sense of dread. The dentist looked at me and smiled, saying, “It’s okay, Bill. Try to relax.”

That isn’t easy to do. It is actually very difficult to try (requiring effort and exertion) to relax (requiring an absence of effort and exertion). Try and relax just don’t seem to fit together—not only in the dentist’s chair, but in the spiritual realm as well.

Far too often I don’t limit my efforts of resistance to visits at the dentist’s office. In my relationship with Christ, I find myself not pressing for God’s purposes but for my own interests. In those moments, the hardest thing for me to do is “try to relax” and genuinely trust God for the outcome of life’s trials.

In Psalm 46:10, we read, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” In the moments when my heart is anxious, this verse reminds me to “be still, and know.” Now, if I can only put that into practice and rest confidently in His care, I’ll be at peace. — Bill Crowder

Lord, we know that true rest can be found only in You. Help us to end our striving and to trust that You will provide. In Your loving arms we find rest. Amen.

God knows the future, so we are safe in His hands.

Help from Above

-image courtesy of cedarcreekchurch.com-

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

In just about 2 weeks time, I'll be having my first assessment exam. Medical life is a total new experience for me, in which I believe the others feel the same. During the past few weeks, my group for our assignment (elective subject) went high and low to gather information from different sources. More works are underway and are to be passed up in the coming weeks. The cafe is overflowing with students who returned from their holidays (plus the other students). During this period of time, flies are at their highest activity rate as you could see a large number of them flying and stopping on things they could spot.

At present, the weather is just at its optimum temperature, though it may be really hot sometimes. Being a student among the approx. 200 students in my batch, I'm getting used to it already. The lecturers are excellent in their lectures and lab sessions. Classes are as usual, starting at 8 a.m. and ending mostly at 7 p.m. (with some breaks in between). The study area, surprisingly, is heaty at night due to some air-conditioning problem at which I decided to go and check the main switch out to see if there's anything that I could do. To no avail, the main switch is on but the air-conditioner doesn't seem to work. Nevertheless, outside is much, much cooler.

Getting caught up with so much work and activities, I often pondered over the time spent with God. Faith, I realized, is truly important in putting Jesus first in our life and surrendering our life to Him. When I am in deep troubles and facing things that I cannot do, I believe that He will be with us and that we should halt in our footsteps and be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). During my Christian Fellowships, I learn to gain strength by God's help to move on in life and with prayers and thanksgiving, for with our mere mortals' capabilities we cannot succeed, but with God, nothing is impossible. Through prayers and study on His Word, I saw how Job praised God although his life was almost destroyed in his ultimate test of faith. I saw how Paul's letters brought comfort and strength to the early churches in times of prosecutions. Though the end seems near, the early Christians placed their trust in His name- Jesus Christ.

Thinking of it, all things come from Him and we should continue serving our Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind. Jesus died for our sins on the cross and rose from the dead, having triumph over sin and death. Each one of us is given a chance believe in Him and to return to our Heavenly Father's arms. For there is nothing that could separate us from the love of God. And that 'we love because He first love us' (1 John 4:19).

God's grace is sufficient for me, I am wholly His, and for that, I desire to offer my body as a living sacrifice for Him and for His glory.

Please continue to pray for me in faith, wisdom, health, and education.

Take care and God bless! : )

Life

- image courtesy of upload.wikimedia.org -

'Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.' (Psalm 136:1)

This coming Monday will mark the starting of my fourth week as a medical student.

My classes are on-going mostly in the morning, from 8-12 pm, with 1 or 2 hours break(s) in between. I would have my lab sessions in the afternoon. For most of the days (except for 2 of the days), my classes would end at 7 pm.

The lecture hall is freezing cold sometimes (combined with the cool weather), and with a hundred+ students in the hall, it's almost impossible not to 'close' your eyes for just a while. But many thanks to the lecturers, they keep us awake for most of the time. Classes are quite interesting and the lab sessions are enjoyable.

Looking back in time, Medicine is very different from that than any pre-university and school-related studies. In degree, the slides could mount up to a hundred and a chapter could be finished (lecture) in an hour's time. Thick, expensive books are essential (though it may not be so for some) to add up to the lectures and tutorials.

Rain pours down almost every hour here (since last week) in Kedah. Though it may appear to be a trouble (especially for those students who do not have an umbrella, and I'm currently one of them too), I prefer it to be this cooling than being under the scorching heat. The cafeteria food is much much better compared to the time I first entered. Facilities are ever ready and the surroundings are beautiful. Not much haze is seen here in Kedah, very different from the haze-invaded states. Clubs are set up for students to participate. From the time I graduated as a foundation student here, the town still looks much the same to me- food, clothing, groceries, transportation, you name it- the prices offered are much lower than what I would have to pay back in KL or other metropolitan cities.

Praise God for His grace and for the people whom I see are growing together in Christ. It is truly wonderful and a joyous moment to see old time friends hanging around again after so long.

The years to becoming a graduate medical student are going to be challenging and remembering on how my lecturer once said, it is like waves at a rough sea. Praise God and glory unto Him once again for my scholarship and for my family who help and guide me for the past 19 years. Thank God for giving me you- mom and dad, bro, sis-in-law and sis. I must say again that no words can describe my feelings towards to all of you! Love y'all!

Lord, I just want to thank you. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins, that I may have a new purpose driven life in you. Thank you for providing me everything I have in life. Your grace is sufficient for me. May all glory and praises be unto your Holy Name. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

P/S: Please pray for me in health, faith and education. I may blog less as my timetable is quite pack. Till then, take care and God bless!

First Week

- image courtesy of nhm.ac.uk-

"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass ... Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." (Psalm 37:4,7)

My batch's orientation ended today. Last night's orientation was the best (eight station games were ready for us). Our seniors are friendly and also humorous in some ways. Others were jokingly trying to ask us to accomplish some 'No-Way!' tasks. Nevertheless, I believe my group and my batch mates enjoyed ourselves very much and got to know each other better. Though it seemed that my group's cheer was somewhat awkward in the first place.... our group cheer and teamwork improved a lot more as we moved forward. There were winnings and losings but it didn't matter much, cause after all, games are meant to have some fun. We realized how important leadership and teamwork are and the power of brainstorming. We were given limited time to complete each section game before moving on to the next station. I reckon that the best game was the Water Game (what I call it). We all got the chance to work and had fun together with our seniors!

The orientation (Games- last night) ended approximately at 10p.m. . By then everyone was really tired cause we hadn't take our dinner. Cutting the story short, I later went back with a 85%-exhausted body and had a shower and got ready for bed. Soon after my head rested on the pillow, I was in Alice's Wonderland. It was goooood to finally rest after a hectic yet memorable day.

Till then, my classes are starting next week. Please continue to pray for me (faith, health, and my education in medicine).

Take care and God bless! Jesus loves you! :)

'Sakura'!

- image courtesy of Evangelheights -

Thus says the Lord, Your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go." (Isaiah 48:17)

My three months of holiday is coming to an end. I'll be back to my campus once again next week. There are lots of memories in times like these that will be cherished! Praise God that everything went well!

Just about two to three weeks ago when I'm on my way home, I saw some trees beside the road with flowers covering almost the whole of it. The trees look somewhat like cherry trees. It was a beauty. So I decided to just a stroll along the pathway the next day and capture this rare scene.

I read from somewhere that the flowers usually bloom during this period of time. Others say that it is due to global warming that this blooming could happen in Malaysia.

At first sight of the flowers, my mind wondered off to the blooming Sakura in Japan. Sakura means Japanese flowering cherry in English. Some of us may prefer to call it cherry blossom . Both are actually right, depending on how you use it.

Thousands of tourists and locals flock Japan early in the year for cherry blossom viewing. It is very fascinating and thoughtful. Cherry blossom can also be found in the US and Europe.

Without further ado, here are the photos that I took that day:

These were the two tress that caught the eyes of many passerby. There were only two distinct flower colours: purple-pink and white.

Branching out together.

Flower petals and leaves on the grass floor: Still maintaining its best sight.

Dry leaves and petals on the fence wall: Creating a must-shoot opportunity for photographers.


White 'Sakura' reaching out to the sky.


The purple-pink flowers were very competitive.


But when I saw how the white ones performed, I concluded both were absolutely great to see and capture.


An up close.


Beautiful, isn't it?


The whole scene.

Till then, I'll most probably blog again when I returned to West Malaysia and after everything is settled.

Please pray for me in faith, health, studies and people around me. Take care and God bless!

Jesus loves you! :)

Night of all Nights

- Image Courtesy of Ikonreflect Wordpress-

'Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.' (Psalm 119:105)

Gearing up my DSLR, I head out into the hot Monday night (July 27th). I was caught in a heavy jam along my way to the Kuching Waterfront (along the Sarawak River), where there would be a float procession and a display of fireworks (in conjunction with the New Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building/ Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) opening ceremony by DYMM Yang di-Pertuan Agong). Preparations at the Waterfront were being made earlier to welcome the VVIPs (Sultans and Ministers) and most honorably, His Majesty the King of Malaysia, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin. Police and roadblocks were everywhere for security purposes. Even as I am writing this post, a helicopter just flew past my house and sirens can be heard in the distance. Sarawak is honoured to have the 218th Rulers’ Conference held at the DUN on July 29 and 30.

The New Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building/ Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) boasts a cost of RM 300 million and has become an iconic landmark in Sarawak. Peculiarly for the citizens of Kuching, it is indeed a joyous and proud achievement. Upon reaching there, I used my telephoto lens to capture the moments without wasting much time. Surprisingly, despite the H1N1 cases that are spreading like wildfire, there were still many people. As far as I could see, none were wearing masks. Praise God for the good weather that night. Though it drizzled, it didn't last long. At the first thought of rain, the crowd quickly dispersed. This gave me a chance to stand at the 'front line', or what I call it 'my first-hands-on' to have a better view to shoot this spectacular event.

Here are some of the pictures I took that night:

Above: A beautifully lit float and the famous Fort Margherita in the background.

Peekaboo! : The Melanau sun hat-shaped roof State Legislative Assembly Building behind some trees.

All of the Above: A series of floats sailing past (approx. 21 in all) and 'harbouring' in front of the DUN just in view for the important guests.

Ghostly: Crowds at Waterfront (passing and stopping-by)



My first firework abstract.


The photos below are some of my very first firework shots. With a few lessons learnt from this experience, I hope to do better next time. Thank God for this wonderful opportunity.

The fireworks lasted for at least 15 minutes or so before ending the night with a powerful yet graceful blast, in which it then turned into a shower of delicate sparks.

Here's a video (above) of the fireworks from YouTube. (Credit: jackie6138)

Colours: Floats lined up for a clearer public view.


Lights on Water (all of the above): Close-ups of some of the floats.


Majestic: The New State Legislative Building from a further perspective.


Calling it a night: The dazzling State Legislative Building overlooking the passenger boats at the Sarawak River harbour.

The Pride and Joy of Sarawakians: The New Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building/ Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Sarawak.

Zooming-in: A close-up view of the main entrance of the building.


Lone Float: Stopping for a long night ahead.


Spectacular: A scenic view from Waterfront.


National Heritage: The Astana, official residence to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, the Governor of Sarawak.

Cool and Comfortable: Marquees set up for the VVIPs.


Beautiful and Fragrant: Fresh flowers surrounding the marquees.

A Panoramic View of the Sarawak River.

Last but not least, this photo above shows a part of Kuching City (the building pictured is the Hilton Hotel), in which I will update more of it in the near future.

Till then, take care and God bless.

Jesus loves you! :)