(Slide show)
Friday, December 28, 2007
Christmas 2007 at Home
For the past few years (4 or 5?), we have been having Christmas dinner and exchange gift at our home with the ex-BBC team and friends who are mostly single.
This year, we had it on Sunday, 23 December 2007.
The menu was simple:
Lu Kenn’s special pasta (white sauce) – Best Seller
2 Large Pizzas from Dominoes
Potato salad by Yoke Kheng
Fondue by Aaron
Drinks – Shandy and Green Tea
Ice cream – Sweet corn and durian flavour from Bentong
Muruku by Sahaya
Turkey was very expensive this year, and so we didn’t get one. We wanted to get roast chicken but it was replaced with pizzas instead.
Dessert was really special this year – Fondue with strawberry, marshmallow, banana, and cheese biscuit. It’s the first time we had such an exotic dessert at home. Everyone including Jordan enjoyed it. The ice cream from Bentong was yummy too. I think Jordan was the only one who ate the Muruku. Hee! Hee! Hee! He loves it.
This is the first time we played Yahtzee together. The Yahtzee was a gift from Roy, Selvi and Reuel for my birthday. It’s an interesting game but rather long. We didn’t finish the game. Yoke Kheng was the only one who got a Yahtzee which is 5 of a kind. So, I shall declare her as the winner.
Gift Exchange
We had so many ideas on how we should exchange the gift this year, but none was adopted. Some like the idea of a treasure hunt in the shopping centre – hunting for our own Christmas gift. Hmm….but too much effort is required. One thing we all agreed is that, we should buy a purposeful gift for the person. So, in the end, Kenny drew lots for everyone because we couldn’t meet to draw together. We were then supposed to write clues for the person to guess the giver and the gift.
Here’s the list of the giver, receiver and gift (the giver is on the left):
Seng Chor – Christine (Sandals)
Christine – Kenny (Scripture Keeper)
Eva – Seng Chor (Soar Shaking Toy)
Alex – Aaron (Photo album)
Lu Kenn – Yoke Kheng (CD casing)
Yoke Kheng – Lu Kenn (T-Shirt)
Kenny – Eva (Body Shop gift pack)
Sahaya – Kevin (CD)
Kevin – Alex (HP Socks)
Aaron – Sahaya (Back Massager)
Hopefully, we can be more creative in our gift exchange next year.
I realized that we forgot to do something this year – taking a photo with our gift after opening them. Guess we were too excited trying to guess the giver. Ha! Ha! Ha!
============================================
Christmas 2007 Gifts
This year, we had it on Sunday, 23 December 2007.
The menu was simple:
Lu Kenn’s special pasta (white sauce) – Best Seller
2 Large Pizzas from Dominoes
Potato salad by Yoke Kheng
Fondue by Aaron
Drinks – Shandy and Green Tea
Ice cream – Sweet corn and durian flavour from Bentong
Muruku by Sahaya
Turkey was very expensive this year, and so we didn’t get one. We wanted to get roast chicken but it was replaced with pizzas instead.
Dessert was really special this year – Fondue with strawberry, marshmallow, banana, and cheese biscuit. It’s the first time we had such an exotic dessert at home. Everyone including Jordan enjoyed it. The ice cream from Bentong was yummy too. I think Jordan was the only one who ate the Muruku. Hee! Hee! Hee! He loves it.
This is the first time we played Yahtzee together. The Yahtzee was a gift from Roy, Selvi and Reuel for my birthday. It’s an interesting game but rather long. We didn’t finish the game. Yoke Kheng was the only one who got a Yahtzee which is 5 of a kind. So, I shall declare her as the winner.
Gift Exchange
We had so many ideas on how we should exchange the gift this year, but none was adopted. Some like the idea of a treasure hunt in the shopping centre – hunting for our own Christmas gift. Hmm….but too much effort is required. One thing we all agreed is that, we should buy a purposeful gift for the person. So, in the end, Kenny drew lots for everyone because we couldn’t meet to draw together. We were then supposed to write clues for the person to guess the giver and the gift.
Here’s the list of the giver, receiver and gift (the giver is on the left):
Seng Chor – Christine (Sandals)
Christine – Kenny (Scripture Keeper)
Eva – Seng Chor (Soar Shaking Toy)
Alex – Aaron (Photo album)
Lu Kenn – Yoke Kheng (CD casing)
Yoke Kheng – Lu Kenn (T-Shirt)
Kenny – Eva (Body Shop gift pack)
Sahaya – Kevin (CD)
Kevin – Alex (HP Socks)
Aaron – Sahaya (Back Massager)
Hopefully, we can be more creative in our gift exchange next year.
I realized that we forgot to do something this year – taking a photo with our gift after opening them. Guess we were too excited trying to guess the giver. Ha! Ha! Ha!
============================================
Christmas 2007 Gifts
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Invitation by eGenting Sdn Bhd
Free meal – breakfast, tea, lunch and dinner
Free accommodation
Who wouldn’t want to go?
On Saturday, 15 December 2007, I was invited by e-Genting Sdn Bhd to attend the Public Lecture and Presentation Night for the eGenting Programming Competition 2007.
The Public Lecture was conducted by Mr Jonathan Searcy, Senior Vice President, R&D (Systems), eGenting Sdn Bhd. He presented the solution to the competition problems. There were altogether 4 programming questions in the competition. Only candidates who return a credible response to at least one competition question will be eligible for the prizes. To find out more about the competition, you can click this link - eGenting. It includes the questions and sample answers to the competition.
Mr Searcy presented the solution for the most difficult question first, which was the 4th question on Air Pollution Monitor, involving image processing. For each question, he started with the dataflow, and then showed the code in either C++ or Java. Hmm…I can probably adopt some of his styles in my lecture as well.
He commented that the 3rd question on Merge and Sort was actually the easiest but surprisingly most student struggled in that question. The second question on The Bankcard Kid was attempted by most students. Overall, the programming standards have improved. More students provided credible answers.
To me, the questions were designed well but not easy. It is an open book competition, and students have to complete the questions on the competition day. The questions were very much relevant to the needs of the industry, and attempting the questions will help students to prepare for the real world. Even though I didn’t really understand much throughout the lectures (because I didn’t have the question), I have learned much about the competition and also the programming needs of the industry. It has prompted me to review my teaching style and look into specific areas of application.
Actually, without my knowledge, 4 of my students registered for the competition but none of them attended on the actual day. One of them couldn’t make it, and so the rest decided not to go as well. The competition was held on 22 September 2007. Hopefully, I can encourage more students to participate next year. I don’t mind going there again for free meals and accommodation. Hee! Hee! Hee!
I found out from the organizer that they got my contact from my ex-colleague. My students didn’t give them my contact. Initially, I asked for a special rate for the accommodation since I didn’t want to travel back late at night after the dinner. Surprisingly, the organizer said that eGenting can arrange for a complimentary room night stay – a deluxe room with 2 beds at the First World Hotel. Cool! Next, I told the organizer that Seng Chor would be coming along. They even invited him for dinner, and included complimentary breakfast for the next day. Super cool! Dinner was at the Genting Palace Restaurant, Genting Hotel. It was the normal Chinese sit-down dinner – just like a wedding dinner. What I enjoyed most was the shark’s fin soup and dessert.
We decided to take a break as a couple, and so we didn’t take Jordan along. Anyway, we will be going there again as a family this Friday. Seng Chor’s pilot instructor from Singapore will be coming over to visit us, and they have invited us to Genting. We will leave after dinner on Friday, and return the next day.
Scenes from Genting:
Free accommodation
Who wouldn’t want to go?
On Saturday, 15 December 2007, I was invited by e-Genting Sdn Bhd to attend the Public Lecture and Presentation Night for the eGenting Programming Competition 2007.
The Public Lecture was conducted by Mr Jonathan Searcy, Senior Vice President, R&D (Systems), eGenting Sdn Bhd. He presented the solution to the competition problems. There were altogether 4 programming questions in the competition. Only candidates who return a credible response to at least one competition question will be eligible for the prizes. To find out more about the competition, you can click this link - eGenting. It includes the questions and sample answers to the competition.
Mr Searcy presented the solution for the most difficult question first, which was the 4th question on Air Pollution Monitor, involving image processing. For each question, he started with the dataflow, and then showed the code in either C++ or Java. Hmm…I can probably adopt some of his styles in my lecture as well.
He commented that the 3rd question on Merge and Sort was actually the easiest but surprisingly most student struggled in that question. The second question on The Bankcard Kid was attempted by most students. Overall, the programming standards have improved. More students provided credible answers.
To me, the questions were designed well but not easy. It is an open book competition, and students have to complete the questions on the competition day. The questions were very much relevant to the needs of the industry, and attempting the questions will help students to prepare for the real world. Even though I didn’t really understand much throughout the lectures (because I didn’t have the question), I have learned much about the competition and also the programming needs of the industry. It has prompted me to review my teaching style and look into specific areas of application.
Actually, without my knowledge, 4 of my students registered for the competition but none of them attended on the actual day. One of them couldn’t make it, and so the rest decided not to go as well. The competition was held on 22 September 2007. Hopefully, I can encourage more students to participate next year. I don’t mind going there again for free meals and accommodation. Hee! Hee! Hee!
I found out from the organizer that they got my contact from my ex-colleague. My students didn’t give them my contact. Initially, I asked for a special rate for the accommodation since I didn’t want to travel back late at night after the dinner. Surprisingly, the organizer said that eGenting can arrange for a complimentary room night stay – a deluxe room with 2 beds at the First World Hotel. Cool! Next, I told the organizer that Seng Chor would be coming along. They even invited him for dinner, and included complimentary breakfast for the next day. Super cool! Dinner was at the Genting Palace Restaurant, Genting Hotel. It was the normal Chinese sit-down dinner – just like a wedding dinner. What I enjoyed most was the shark’s fin soup and dessert.
We decided to take a break as a couple, and so we didn’t take Jordan along. Anyway, we will be going there again as a family this Friday. Seng Chor’s pilot instructor from Singapore will be coming over to visit us, and they have invited us to Genting. We will leave after dinner on Friday, and return the next day.
Scenes from Genting:
Dining @ Al Nafourah
(Friday, 14 December 2007)
Le Meridien, 2, Jln Stesen Sentral, 50470 KL (Tel: 03-2263 7888)
The Hotel signature restaurant, the opulent Al Nafourah, is a contemporary Arabian Oasis with all the mystique of the Middle East at its most exotic - with private silken dinner tents, Moorish arches, ornate paintings, and richly woven carpets lend an enchanting ambience scented with spices.. After a feast of Lebanese cuisine, diners can enjoy intriguing belly dancing performances or draw flavoured tobacco from the bubbling hookahs on the terrace by the lagoon pool. Belly dancer performs nightly except Sundays.
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Setting: Featuring Tunisian, Moroccan, Lebanese and Turkish Cuisine.
Starwood Hotels
Our meal:
Green salad with olive
Appetizers – hot and cold
* Cold – Pita bread with 3 types of dip
* Hot – potato and curry puff
Main course - Fish and chicken
Dessert – Custard Egg
Tea
Rating:
The setting of the restaurant was awesome. I was impressed with the way they served our food – especially the rose syrup. It was poured from a special container carried on the back of the waiter. The sugar for the tea was served in a special way as well – like a lollipop.
How was the food? It was good. I enjoyed the dessert the most. We spent about 2 hours for the whole lunch. We really tried to finish as much food as we could. The portion for the salad and appetizers was big.
It was indeed a memorable event for me – to spend the time with Jordan and Yoke Kheng.
Le Meridien, 2, Jln Stesen Sentral, 50470 KL (Tel: 03-2263 7888)
The Hotel signature restaurant, the opulent Al Nafourah, is a contemporary Arabian Oasis with all the mystique of the Middle East at its most exotic - with private silken dinner tents, Moorish arches, ornate paintings, and richly woven carpets lend an enchanting ambience scented with spices.. After a feast of Lebanese cuisine, diners can enjoy intriguing belly dancing performances or draw flavoured tobacco from the bubbling hookahs on the terrace by the lagoon pool. Belly dancer performs nightly except Sundays.
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Setting: Featuring Tunisian, Moroccan, Lebanese and Turkish Cuisine.
Starwood Hotels
Our meal:
Green salad with olive
Appetizers – hot and cold
* Cold – Pita bread with 3 types of dip
* Hot – potato and curry puff
Main course - Fish and chicken
Dessert – Custard Egg
Tea
Rating:
The setting of the restaurant was awesome. I was impressed with the way they served our food – especially the rose syrup. It was poured from a special container carried on the back of the waiter. The sugar for the tea was served in a special way as well – like a lollipop.
How was the food? It was good. I enjoyed the dessert the most. We spent about 2 hours for the whole lunch. We really tried to finish as much food as we could. The portion for the salad and appetizers was big.
It was indeed a memorable event for me – to spend the time with Jordan and Yoke Kheng.
Monday, December 24, 2007
I can swim!!!
I must announce this:
I can swim!
I can swim!
I can swim!
Praise the Lord!
==============================================
I had my second swimming lesson on Saturday, 22 December 2007. We went earlier to the club and arrived before 6 pm. The lesson was scheduled at 6:30 pm. I practiced on my own while waiting for the class to start - not much progress after 2 weeks.
The class started slightly late. The instructor – Jason was teaching the more advanced class – probably about 10 kids. Three of us waited for him at a different side of the pool. Nadia is 4 years old and Dylan is 6 years old. After awhile, Jason came over. He asked the 2 kids to jump into the pool with their float, swim to the other side, and then walk back. They were to repeat that 4 times. While the 2 kids were practicing, Jason came over to guide me. He observed as I tried my kicking. He noticed that my shoulder was still a bit tensed, and my legs were too straight. I needed to relax my legs and kick from my feet, and not the whole leg. I need to lower down my shoulders too.
As I was practicing, suddenly a group of kids came – probably about 6 of them. They also came to join the class. The class is bigger now but I am still the only adult. Hehehe! Jason asked them to do the same thing as the other 2 kids. I was still struggling a bit.
The breakthrough finally came. Jason asked me to do it slowly. I realized that I was rushing into it. He asked me to hold my hands straight and place them closer. Take a deep breath, and lower down my head slowly, and kick. I got better and better and eventually I float! My shoulders were not tensed. I was kicking the surface of the pool. I could hear the water splashing loudly. It was a beautiful sound indeed. Jason was encouraging and complimented me a few times. That was cool!
He asked me to practice a few more minutes, and then he would teach me how to move forward. I was thinking, “Wow! Sure or not?” (He went back to the kids.) One guy (an adult) later approached him. I think Jason was teaching him about breathing. Hmm….he may join the next class. He was still there when I left.
Okay, back to my lesson. I could float! Next, Jason asked me to walk over to a blue line in the pool. I think it was about 6 feet away from the side. I had to hold the edge of my float with my hands straight, lower down my head and kick. I did it! I couldn’t believe it. I could move forward with my float! I repeated that a few times, and tried to go further from the edge as well. Hehehe!
Next, I thought I was asked to do the impossible. Jason asked me to move forward without my float. “Without my float? Oh no.” I just need to stretch out my hands, lower down my head, and kick. He said just imagine that the float is there. Eh…okay. Just do it! And I did it, and I’m so amazed with myself. After trying a few times, I asked Seng Chor to come over. He was carrying Jordan. I swam for them. Seng Chor asked Jordan to clap hands. Hahaha!
I can’t breathe properly yet. So, I just swam after taking one deep breath. It was more than 10 seconds. It was getting late when I tried to practice on my breathing. Well, that will be the next lesson – breathe in before going into the water, and breathe out in the water through my nose or mouth. I did one last swim before shower – it was about 7:30 pm.
I am so excited. I never thought that I could swim at my age. The feeling is just so amazing. It feels like getting my PhD all over again. I felt a bit pressurized when one of my colleagues told me that normally people could swim in the third lesson. I was thinking to myself – “Wow! Can I do it?” “Maybe for me, it will be later because the first lesson was tough for me.” “I couldn’t even kick properly.” “I couldn’t relax myself. How am I supposed to float?” All the thoughts were negative thoughts. To prepare myself for the lesson last Saturday, I told myself almost the whole day this – “I can do all things through Christ!”
It was drizzling when we left the house. It also threatened to rain on my first swimming lesson. Hmm….I was thinking this is probably not the day. Hmm…nope…I shall not let the rain dampened my spirit. It didn’t rain when we reached there.
I really didn’t expect that I could swim that day. After what my colleague said, I thought maybe I could only swim after the 3rd lesson. Till now, I am still so amazed with myself.
I CAN SWIM! I CAN! I CAN! I CAN!
Praise the Lord!
I can swim!
I can swim!
I can swim!
Praise the Lord!
==============================================
I had my second swimming lesson on Saturday, 22 December 2007. We went earlier to the club and arrived before 6 pm. The lesson was scheduled at 6:30 pm. I practiced on my own while waiting for the class to start - not much progress after 2 weeks.
The class started slightly late. The instructor – Jason was teaching the more advanced class – probably about 10 kids. Three of us waited for him at a different side of the pool. Nadia is 4 years old and Dylan is 6 years old. After awhile, Jason came over. He asked the 2 kids to jump into the pool with their float, swim to the other side, and then walk back. They were to repeat that 4 times. While the 2 kids were practicing, Jason came over to guide me. He observed as I tried my kicking. He noticed that my shoulder was still a bit tensed, and my legs were too straight. I needed to relax my legs and kick from my feet, and not the whole leg. I need to lower down my shoulders too.
As I was practicing, suddenly a group of kids came – probably about 6 of them. They also came to join the class. The class is bigger now but I am still the only adult. Hehehe! Jason asked them to do the same thing as the other 2 kids. I was still struggling a bit.
The breakthrough finally came. Jason asked me to do it slowly. I realized that I was rushing into it. He asked me to hold my hands straight and place them closer. Take a deep breath, and lower down my head slowly, and kick. I got better and better and eventually I float! My shoulders were not tensed. I was kicking the surface of the pool. I could hear the water splashing loudly. It was a beautiful sound indeed. Jason was encouraging and complimented me a few times. That was cool!
He asked me to practice a few more minutes, and then he would teach me how to move forward. I was thinking, “Wow! Sure or not?” (He went back to the kids.) One guy (an adult) later approached him. I think Jason was teaching him about breathing. Hmm….he may join the next class. He was still there when I left.
Okay, back to my lesson. I could float! Next, Jason asked me to walk over to a blue line in the pool. I think it was about 6 feet away from the side. I had to hold the edge of my float with my hands straight, lower down my head and kick. I did it! I couldn’t believe it. I could move forward with my float! I repeated that a few times, and tried to go further from the edge as well. Hehehe!
Next, I thought I was asked to do the impossible. Jason asked me to move forward without my float. “Without my float? Oh no.” I just need to stretch out my hands, lower down my head, and kick. He said just imagine that the float is there. Eh…okay. Just do it! And I did it, and I’m so amazed with myself. After trying a few times, I asked Seng Chor to come over. He was carrying Jordan. I swam for them. Seng Chor asked Jordan to clap hands. Hahaha!
I can’t breathe properly yet. So, I just swam after taking one deep breath. It was more than 10 seconds. It was getting late when I tried to practice on my breathing. Well, that will be the next lesson – breathe in before going into the water, and breathe out in the water through my nose or mouth. I did one last swim before shower – it was about 7:30 pm.
I am so excited. I never thought that I could swim at my age. The feeling is just so amazing. It feels like getting my PhD all over again. I felt a bit pressurized when one of my colleagues told me that normally people could swim in the third lesson. I was thinking to myself – “Wow! Can I do it?” “Maybe for me, it will be later because the first lesson was tough for me.” “I couldn’t even kick properly.” “I couldn’t relax myself. How am I supposed to float?” All the thoughts were negative thoughts. To prepare myself for the lesson last Saturday, I told myself almost the whole day this – “I can do all things through Christ!”
It was drizzling when we left the house. It also threatened to rain on my first swimming lesson. Hmm….I was thinking this is probably not the day. Hmm…nope…I shall not let the rain dampened my spirit. It didn’t rain when we reached there.
I really didn’t expect that I could swim that day. After what my colleague said, I thought maybe I could only swim after the 3rd lesson. Till now, I am still so amazed with myself.
I CAN SWIM! I CAN! I CAN! I CAN!
Praise the Lord!
Friday, December 14, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Christmas Decorations at Aeon Bukit Tinggi Shopping Centre
“The AEON Bukit Tinggi Shopping Centre is a shopping mall built on a 26-acre land with a built-up area of approximately 2.1 million square feet. Also popularly known as Jusco Bukit Tinggi, the shopping mall is located in the vibrant and modern township of Bandar Bukit Tinggi, the hub of southern Klang in the state of Selangor, Malaysia.
The RM350 million (approximately US$104 million) shopping complex was opened on 24th November 2007. Touted as the largest AEON (JUSCO) shopping centre in Malaysia and South-East Asia (and third largest in Asia), the shopping complex has over 5,000 car park bays.
The AEON Bukit Tinggi Shopping Centre has a gross lettable area of approximately one million square feet. Restaurants, cafes, specialty and services stores, food court, leisure and entertainment stores, cinemas, sports and book stores can be found in the mall.”
From wikipedia
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%86ON_Bukit_Tinggi_Shopping_Centre)
The RM350 million (approximately US$104 million) shopping complex was opened on 24th November 2007. Touted as the largest AEON (JUSCO) shopping centre in Malaysia and South-East Asia (and third largest in Asia), the shopping complex has over 5,000 car park bays.
The AEON Bukit Tinggi Shopping Centre has a gross lettable area of approximately one million square feet. Restaurants, cafes, specialty and services stores, food court, leisure and entertainment stores, cinemas, sports and book stores can be found in the mall.”
From wikipedia
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%86ON_Bukit_Tinggi_Shopping_Centre)
Friday, December 07, 2007
My Spiritual Gifts Assessment
My score is in brackets. The maximum score is 12.
My highest scores are:
Administration (9)
Artistry (8)
Hospitality (8)
Leadership (8)
Music—Vocal (8)
Teaching (8)
Writing (8)
Faith (7)
Knowledge (7)
Pastoring (7)
Service (7)
I thank God for blessing me with these Spiritual Gifts. May I be a good steward of these gifts to glorify Him.
============================================
Administration (9): the gift that enables a believer to formulate, direct, and carry out plans necessary to fulfill a purpose. Biblical References: I Corinthians 12:28, Acts 14:23.
Artistry (8): the gift that gives the believer the skill of creating artistic expressions that produce a spiritual response of strength and inspiration. Biblical References: Exodus 31:1-11, Psalm 149:3a.
Discernment (5): the gift that motivates a believer to seek God's will and purpose and apply that understanding to individual and congregational situations. Biblical References: John 16:6-15, Romans 9:1, I Corinthians 2:9-16.
Evangelism (6): the gift that moves believers to reach nonbelievers in such a way that they are baptized and become active members of the Christian community. Biblical References: Matthew 28:16-20, Ephesians 4:11- 16, Acts 2:36-40.
Exhortation (6): the gift that moves the believer to reach out with Christian love and presence to people in personal conflict of facing a spiritual void. Biblical References: John 14:1, II Timothy 1:16-18, III John 5-8.
Faith (7): the gift that gives a believer the eyes to see the Spirit at work and the ability to trust the Spirit's leading without indication of where it all might lead. Biblical References: Genesis 12:1-4a, Mark 5:25-34, I Thessalonians 1:8-10.
Giving (6): the gift that enables a believer to recognize God's blessings and to respond to those blessings by generously and sacrificially giving of one's resources (time, talent, and treasure). Biblical References: II Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 21:1-4.
Hospitality (8): the gift that causes a believer to joyfully welcome and receive guests and those in need of food and lodging. Biblical References: Romans 12:13, Romans 16:23a, Luke 10:38.
Intercession (3): the gift that enables a believer to pray with the certainty that prayer is heard and when requests are made, answers will come. Biblical References: Matthew 6:6-15, Luke 11:1-10, Ephesians 6:18.
Knowledge (7): the gift that drives a person to learn, analyze and uncover new insights with regard to the Bible and faith. Biblical References: I Corinthians 12:8; I Corinthians 14:6, Romans 12:2.
Leadership (8): the gift that gives a believer the confidence to step forward, give direction and provide motivation to fulfill a dream or complete a task. Biblical References: Romans 12:8, John 21:15-17, II Timothy 4:1-5.
Mercy (6): the gift that motivates a believer to feel deeply for those in physical, spiritual, or emotional need and then act to meet that need. Biblical References: Luke 7:12-15, Luke 10:30-37, Matthew 25:34-36.
Music—Vocal (8): the gift that gives a believer the capability and opportunity to present personal witness and inspiration to others through singing. Biblical References: Psalm 96:1-9, Psalm 100:1-2, Psalm 149:1-2.
Music—Instrumental (1): the gift that inspires a believer to express personal faith and provide inspiration and comfort through the playing of a musical instrument. Biblical References: Psalm 33:1-5, Psalm 150, I Samuel 16:14-23.
Pastoring (Shepherding) (7): the gift that gives a believer the confidence, capability and compassion to provide spiritual leadership and direction for individuals or groups of believers. Biblical References: I Timothy 4:12-16, I Timothy 3:1-13, II Timothy 4:1-2.
Service (Helps) (7): the gift that enables a believer to work gladly behind the scenes in order that God's work is fulfilled. Biblical References: Luke 23:50-54, Romans 16:1-16, Philippians 2:19-23.
Skilled Craft (6): the gift that enables a believer to create, build, maintain or repair items used within the church. Biblical References: Exodus 30:1-6, Exodus 31:3-5, Ezekiel 27:4-11.
Teaching (8): the gift that enables a believer to communicate a personal understanding of the Bible and faith in such a way that it becomes clear and understood by others. Biblical References: I Corinthians 12:28, Matthew 5:1-12, Acts 18:24-48.
Wisdom (6): the gift that allows the believer to sort through opinions, facts and thoughts in order to determine what solution would be best for the individual believer or the community of believers. Biblical References: I Corinthians 2:6-13, James 3:13-18, II Chronicles 1:7-11.
Writing (8): the gift that gives a believer the ability to express truth in a written form; a form that can edify, instruct and strengthen the community of believers. Biblical References: I John 2:1-6, 12-14, I Timothy 3:14-15, Jude 3.
Written by:
Neal Boese and Patricia Haller
Produced by the Division for Congregational Ministries
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
http://www.elca.org/evangelism/assessments/spiritgifts.html
My highest scores are:
Administration (9)
Artistry (8)
Hospitality (8)
Leadership (8)
Music—Vocal (8)
Teaching (8)
Writing (8)
Faith (7)
Knowledge (7)
Pastoring (7)
Service (7)
I thank God for blessing me with these Spiritual Gifts. May I be a good steward of these gifts to glorify Him.
============================================
Administration (9): the gift that enables a believer to formulate, direct, and carry out plans necessary to fulfill a purpose. Biblical References: I Corinthians 12:28, Acts 14:23.
Artistry (8): the gift that gives the believer the skill of creating artistic expressions that produce a spiritual response of strength and inspiration. Biblical References: Exodus 31:1-11, Psalm 149:3a.
Discernment (5): the gift that motivates a believer to seek God's will and purpose and apply that understanding to individual and congregational situations. Biblical References: John 16:6-15, Romans 9:1, I Corinthians 2:9-16.
Evangelism (6): the gift that moves believers to reach nonbelievers in such a way that they are baptized and become active members of the Christian community. Biblical References: Matthew 28:16-20, Ephesians 4:11- 16, Acts 2:36-40.
Exhortation (6): the gift that moves the believer to reach out with Christian love and presence to people in personal conflict of facing a spiritual void. Biblical References: John 14:1, II Timothy 1:16-18, III John 5-8.
Faith (7): the gift that gives a believer the eyes to see the Spirit at work and the ability to trust the Spirit's leading without indication of where it all might lead. Biblical References: Genesis 12:1-4a, Mark 5:25-34, I Thessalonians 1:8-10.
Giving (6): the gift that enables a believer to recognize God's blessings and to respond to those blessings by generously and sacrificially giving of one's resources (time, talent, and treasure). Biblical References: II Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 21:1-4.
Hospitality (8): the gift that causes a believer to joyfully welcome and receive guests and those in need of food and lodging. Biblical References: Romans 12:13, Romans 16:23a, Luke 10:38.
Intercession (3): the gift that enables a believer to pray with the certainty that prayer is heard and when requests are made, answers will come. Biblical References: Matthew 6:6-15, Luke 11:1-10, Ephesians 6:18.
Knowledge (7): the gift that drives a person to learn, analyze and uncover new insights with regard to the Bible and faith. Biblical References: I Corinthians 12:8; I Corinthians 14:6, Romans 12:2.
Leadership (8): the gift that gives a believer the confidence to step forward, give direction and provide motivation to fulfill a dream or complete a task. Biblical References: Romans 12:8, John 21:15-17, II Timothy 4:1-5.
Mercy (6): the gift that motivates a believer to feel deeply for those in physical, spiritual, or emotional need and then act to meet that need. Biblical References: Luke 7:12-15, Luke 10:30-37, Matthew 25:34-36.
Music—Vocal (8): the gift that gives a believer the capability and opportunity to present personal witness and inspiration to others through singing. Biblical References: Psalm 96:1-9, Psalm 100:1-2, Psalm 149:1-2.
Music—Instrumental (1): the gift that inspires a believer to express personal faith and provide inspiration and comfort through the playing of a musical instrument. Biblical References: Psalm 33:1-5, Psalm 150, I Samuel 16:14-23.
Pastoring (Shepherding) (7): the gift that gives a believer the confidence, capability and compassion to provide spiritual leadership and direction for individuals or groups of believers. Biblical References: I Timothy 4:12-16, I Timothy 3:1-13, II Timothy 4:1-2.
Service (Helps) (7): the gift that enables a believer to work gladly behind the scenes in order that God's work is fulfilled. Biblical References: Luke 23:50-54, Romans 16:1-16, Philippians 2:19-23.
Skilled Craft (6): the gift that enables a believer to create, build, maintain or repair items used within the church. Biblical References: Exodus 30:1-6, Exodus 31:3-5, Ezekiel 27:4-11.
Teaching (8): the gift that enables a believer to communicate a personal understanding of the Bible and faith in such a way that it becomes clear and understood by others. Biblical References: I Corinthians 12:28, Matthew 5:1-12, Acts 18:24-48.
Wisdom (6): the gift that allows the believer to sort through opinions, facts and thoughts in order to determine what solution would be best for the individual believer or the community of believers. Biblical References: I Corinthians 2:6-13, James 3:13-18, II Chronicles 1:7-11.
Writing (8): the gift that gives a believer the ability to express truth in a written form; a form that can edify, instruct and strengthen the community of believers. Biblical References: I John 2:1-6, 12-14, I Timothy 3:14-15, Jude 3.
Written by:
Neal Boese and Patricia Haller
Produced by the Division for Congregational Ministries
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
http://www.elca.org/evangelism/assessments/spiritgifts.html
A Silver Star for my Christmas tree
I finally bought a Star for our Christmas tree. Initially, I was deciding whether to buy something cheap and reasonably nice. Think, think, think…Eventually, I told myself that even though the tree is set up only once a year but it's for a lifetime. So, I should get something really nice (not just reasonably nice) and unique. I think I love what I’ve got – a special Silver Star. The price is quite ok – worth it!
(Oh, my sis is the one who put up the Christmas decorations. She even put a light inside the Star. Cool, eh?)
All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth!
This Christmas song All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth is very meaningful to me this year. I will share the details in my next post. Hehehe!
================================================
(Extacted from
www.carols.org.uk/all_i_want_for_christmas_is_my_two_front_teeth.htm)
The words and lyrics for All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth are by Don Gardner. The first publication of the Christmas song All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth was in 1946. The words of the Christmas song were parodied in the UK in the sixties, at the height of Beatlemania, when a British comedienne named Dora Bryan recorded "All I want for Christmas is a Beatle". Every generation there appears to have a humorous Christmas song released like All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth. One cannot help wonder what future generations will make of the lyrics!
Every body Pauses and stares at me
These two teeth are gone as you can see
I don't know just who to blame for this catastrophe!
But my one wish on Christmas Eve is as plain as it can be!
All I want for Christmas
is my two front teeth,
my two front teeth,
see my two front teeth!
Gee, if I could only
have my two front teeth,
then I could wish you
"Merry Christmas."
It seems so long since I could say,
"Sister Susie sitting on a thistle!"
Gosh oh gee, how happy I'd be,
if I could only whistle (thhhh, thhhh)
All I want for Christmas
is my two front teeth,
my two front teeth,
see my two front teeth.
Gee, if I could only
have my two front teeth,
then I could wish you
"Merry Christmas!"
================================================
(Extacted from
www.carols.org.uk/all_i_want_for_christmas_is_my_two_front_teeth.htm)
The words and lyrics for All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth are by Don Gardner. The first publication of the Christmas song All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth was in 1946. The words of the Christmas song were parodied in the UK in the sixties, at the height of Beatlemania, when a British comedienne named Dora Bryan recorded "All I want for Christmas is a Beatle". Every generation there appears to have a humorous Christmas song released like All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth. One cannot help wonder what future generations will make of the lyrics!
Every body Pauses and stares at me
These two teeth are gone as you can see
I don't know just who to blame for this catastrophe!
But my one wish on Christmas Eve is as plain as it can be!
All I want for Christmas
is my two front teeth,
my two front teeth,
see my two front teeth!
Gee, if I could only
have my two front teeth,
then I could wish you
"Merry Christmas."
It seems so long since I could say,
"Sister Susie sitting on a thistle!"
Gosh oh gee, how happy I'd be,
if I could only whistle (thhhh, thhhh)
All I want for Christmas
is my two front teeth,
my two front teeth,
see my two front teeth.
Gee, if I could only
have my two front teeth,
then I could wish you
"Merry Christmas!"
Monday, December 03, 2007
Terazza Brassierie with Mediterranean setting
Located on ground level of Sheraton Subang Hotel and Towers, this distinguished restaurant is set in a Mediterranean environment overlooking the beautifully landscaped swimming pool and marquis lawn. It can cater up to 192 diners.
Dr Cabokia 30+ Birthday Celebration
Sunday, 2 December 2007 was my 36th birthday. Yup, I am 3 dozens years old. Because I don’t look my age, I gladly tell others whenever they asked me. Most of the time, they got a shock. I even look younger than some of my students. Hehehe! Some think that I am still in my mid twenties. It feels wonderful indeed.
I love to have birthday that falls on a Sunday. Why? It’s great to be among the people that I love – my church members. Yesterday, I felt privileged when the Worship Team played and sang the birthday song for me as I entered the church. How sweet! I haven’t been wearing dress to church for a long time. Yesterday, I felt good and I wanted to look good. So, I wore a floral dress that I bought about a year ago. I was complimented and greeted by almost everyone. Even Uncle Chan – the oldest member of the church remembers my birthday. Actually, I share the same birthday as Charmaine – she’s such a sweet young lady. We greet each other every year. :)
For lunch, I had 2 roti canai with dahl in the church. I enjoyed it very much. After resting for awhile at home, Seng Chor, Jordan and I went to 1 Utama to do some shopping. Seng Chor bought 1 pair of working shoes from Jusco. I bought swimming gear from Arena – a blue float and a pink goggles. I also bought 2 VCDs for Jordan – Pocoyo and Thomas & Friends. He enjoyed watching Thomas & friends very much.
Seng Chor and I bought something special for each other – a pair of stainless steel ring. I was surprised by his initiative to buy the rings – his and her. The exchange of ring is like the renewal of our marriage vow. Hehehe!
As we shopped, we bumped onto Nai Kyn and Yoke Teen at Popular Bookshop. So, we went to Old Town White Coffee. I ordered my favorite ice blended coffee (Mocha flavour) and fire polo bun (also my favourite). It’s wonderful to eat my favorite food on my birthday. Jordan fell asleep immediately after drinking ¾ of the orange juice which I ordered for him.
We went home at 5:30 pm, and had to get ready for dinner at Sheraton Subang. Dinner reservation was at 7 pm. Jordan was still sleeping when we arrived at the hotel. We used vouchers to get a complimentary dinner and a celebration cake. It was supposed to be a 4-course Italian set dinner with soup, main course, dessert and tea/coffee. However, on arrival, the waiter told us that we could choose to take the buffet instead. Of course, we grabbed the buffet. More food, more fun! Jordan got to eat a bit of almost everything we ate – fish, kidney bean soup, sausage, papaya, rock melon. Actually, he spat out almost everything as well – ketupat, tomato, bread. What he ate most was the yam ice cream. He also enjoyed playing at the mini playground outside the restaurant.
After dinner, we walked around the hotel to look at the Christmas decorations. The Ginger Bread House was extremely cool. I took a lot of pictures of it. The miniatures are awesome.
We took the complimentary cheese cake home to celebrate with the family – Eva, Alex and Lu Kenn. Jordan enjoyed the cheese cake the most. He finished the small piece of cake that I gave to him and wanted more. He even licked his fingers at the end. I really enjoy looking at him eat.
What a blessed day! I thank God for all the wonderful blessings. Family, friends, and students, thank you all for the sms and email greetings. Thank you, Seng Chor for planning the dinner, and the birthday gift – a rugged wallet.
I love to have birthday that falls on a Sunday. Why? It’s great to be among the people that I love – my church members. Yesterday, I felt privileged when the Worship Team played and sang the birthday song for me as I entered the church. How sweet! I haven’t been wearing dress to church for a long time. Yesterday, I felt good and I wanted to look good. So, I wore a floral dress that I bought about a year ago. I was complimented and greeted by almost everyone. Even Uncle Chan – the oldest member of the church remembers my birthday. Actually, I share the same birthday as Charmaine – she’s such a sweet young lady. We greet each other every year. :)
For lunch, I had 2 roti canai with dahl in the church. I enjoyed it very much. After resting for awhile at home, Seng Chor, Jordan and I went to 1 Utama to do some shopping. Seng Chor bought 1 pair of working shoes from Jusco. I bought swimming gear from Arena – a blue float and a pink goggles. I also bought 2 VCDs for Jordan – Pocoyo and Thomas & Friends. He enjoyed watching Thomas & friends very much.
Seng Chor and I bought something special for each other – a pair of stainless steel ring. I was surprised by his initiative to buy the rings – his and her. The exchange of ring is like the renewal of our marriage vow. Hehehe!
As we shopped, we bumped onto Nai Kyn and Yoke Teen at Popular Bookshop. So, we went to Old Town White Coffee. I ordered my favorite ice blended coffee (Mocha flavour) and fire polo bun (also my favourite). It’s wonderful to eat my favorite food on my birthday. Jordan fell asleep immediately after drinking ¾ of the orange juice which I ordered for him.
We went home at 5:30 pm, and had to get ready for dinner at Sheraton Subang. Dinner reservation was at 7 pm. Jordan was still sleeping when we arrived at the hotel. We used vouchers to get a complimentary dinner and a celebration cake. It was supposed to be a 4-course Italian set dinner with soup, main course, dessert and tea/coffee. However, on arrival, the waiter told us that we could choose to take the buffet instead. Of course, we grabbed the buffet. More food, more fun! Jordan got to eat a bit of almost everything we ate – fish, kidney bean soup, sausage, papaya, rock melon. Actually, he spat out almost everything as well – ketupat, tomato, bread. What he ate most was the yam ice cream. He also enjoyed playing at the mini playground outside the restaurant.
After dinner, we walked around the hotel to look at the Christmas decorations. The Ginger Bread House was extremely cool. I took a lot of pictures of it. The miniatures are awesome.
We took the complimentary cheese cake home to celebrate with the family – Eva, Alex and Lu Kenn. Jordan enjoyed the cheese cake the most. He finished the small piece of cake that I gave to him and wanted more. He even licked his fingers at the end. I really enjoy looking at him eat.
What a blessed day! I thank God for all the wonderful blessings. Family, friends, and students, thank you all for the sms and email greetings. Thank you, Seng Chor for planning the dinner, and the birthday gift – a rugged wallet.
First Swimming Lesson
I had my first swimming lesson at the Kelab Golf Negara Subang (Subang Country Golf Club) on Saturday, 1 December 2007 – one day before my birthday. The sky threatened to rain that evening. It drizzled but it didn’t pour. Phew!
We arrived at the club at about 6 pm. The class doesn’t start until 6:30 pm. Jordan had his second fun time in the swimming pool. The first was at the Berjaya Redang Resort. Initially, he was a bit scared. After awhile, he got braver and was walking in the children’s pool. He fell into the water twice, so, got frightened a bit but was ok again.
At 6:30 pm, our friend, Patrick introduced me to the instructor. Patrick’s son, Dylan was in the same class as I am. He is 6 years old. There was another little girl in the class – also about 5 – 6 years old. Only 3 of us in the class - I was the only adult. Hehehe! The name of the instructor is Jason. He’s quite tall, slim, dark and not bad looking. He should be younger than me.
The other 2 kids have already learnt before. They can swim already, whereas I can’t even float! The first thing that the instructor asked me to do is to put my entire head into the water. I did it twice. Next, I was asked to hold my breath in the water for as long as I could. I was not fully relax, and only managed to hold my breath for about 5 seconds. Then, he taught me how to breathe out in the water through my nose. I was supposed to create bubbles through my nose for about 4 seconds. Firstly, I should hold my head up slightly, then, take a deep breath using my mouth. Secondly, lower my head into the water, and breathe out through my nose, creating bubbles at the same time. Dylan was really good at it and he even tried to teach me. Hahaha! It was uncomfortable for me because I was having a runny nose on that day. So, I was actually blowing mucus into the pool. Hahaha! I practiced that for a few times but still not so good at it.
Next, I got to do some kicking. With my hands holding the edge of the pool and my head in the water, I tried to kick as much as I could before I ran out of breath. Most of the time, I couldn’t kick to the surface. I managed to do it only once or twice. The instructor seemed happy with it. I need to keep my head down, straighten my leg and kick from my feet. My arms should be straight as well, and hold them close to my ear. He also asked me to count in the water. I should hold my breath for at least 10 seconds. There are just too many things to remember. He noticed that my shoulder was quite tensed. He asked whether my shoulder was aching. I replied that my arms are slightly painful. I was not fully relaxed – this is my main problem. When my whole body is fully relaxed, then only, I could kick better. I think I was thinking too much about what I need to do. Probably I tried too hard. Well, I still can’t float yet. At least, I have learnt some breathing and kicking techniques, and my kicking did improve at some point. It’s still a long way to go. The lesson was conducted for 45 minutes. My next class is on 22 December 2007. Hmm….where can I practice?
My new swimming gear - float and goggles
We arrived at the club at about 6 pm. The class doesn’t start until 6:30 pm. Jordan had his second fun time in the swimming pool. The first was at the Berjaya Redang Resort. Initially, he was a bit scared. After awhile, he got braver and was walking in the children’s pool. He fell into the water twice, so, got frightened a bit but was ok again.
At 6:30 pm, our friend, Patrick introduced me to the instructor. Patrick’s son, Dylan was in the same class as I am. He is 6 years old. There was another little girl in the class – also about 5 – 6 years old. Only 3 of us in the class - I was the only adult. Hehehe! The name of the instructor is Jason. He’s quite tall, slim, dark and not bad looking. He should be younger than me.
The other 2 kids have already learnt before. They can swim already, whereas I can’t even float! The first thing that the instructor asked me to do is to put my entire head into the water. I did it twice. Next, I was asked to hold my breath in the water for as long as I could. I was not fully relax, and only managed to hold my breath for about 5 seconds. Then, he taught me how to breathe out in the water through my nose. I was supposed to create bubbles through my nose for about 4 seconds. Firstly, I should hold my head up slightly, then, take a deep breath using my mouth. Secondly, lower my head into the water, and breathe out through my nose, creating bubbles at the same time. Dylan was really good at it and he even tried to teach me. Hahaha! It was uncomfortable for me because I was having a runny nose on that day. So, I was actually blowing mucus into the pool. Hahaha! I practiced that for a few times but still not so good at it.
Next, I got to do some kicking. With my hands holding the edge of the pool and my head in the water, I tried to kick as much as I could before I ran out of breath. Most of the time, I couldn’t kick to the surface. I managed to do it only once or twice. The instructor seemed happy with it. I need to keep my head down, straighten my leg and kick from my feet. My arms should be straight as well, and hold them close to my ear. He also asked me to count in the water. I should hold my breath for at least 10 seconds. There are just too many things to remember. He noticed that my shoulder was quite tensed. He asked whether my shoulder was aching. I replied that my arms are slightly painful. I was not fully relaxed – this is my main problem. When my whole body is fully relaxed, then only, I could kick better. I think I was thinking too much about what I need to do. Probably I tried too hard. Well, I still can’t float yet. At least, I have learnt some breathing and kicking techniques, and my kicking did improve at some point. It’s still a long way to go. The lesson was conducted for 45 minutes. My next class is on 22 December 2007. Hmm….where can I practice?
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