Category: Walking With God

PTF


Parent-Teacher Fellowship. Just a trivia on our live. Maybe not. It’d be fun in any case. This afternoon after church and the AGM of the church, we meet (again) at Ben and Kristen’s place for a BBQ lunch. We’re there to talk about Youth fellowship stuff, to know what they have planned for our kids. Ben and Kristen are an amazingly energetic and generous couple. Just last night a whole bunch of us were at their house for dinner (I brought an eggplant-prawn-chilli dish, which went down well). To have another bunch in their place for lunch this afternoon sounds like the endless round of entertaining which Malaysians do only during festive seasons, and that with help from domestics around. Anyway, while cooking the eggplant dish yesterday, I had also marinated a stack of chicken fillets for the BBQ. It’s BYO meat but Theresa recokns we shouldnt just BOO (Bring Our Own). She’s probably right, so the 1.5 kg of chicken fillets should do it! Hopefully the overnight marinate of herbs, spices and seasoning make it good.

The AGM – I hope we talk a bit about the pastor issue. We havent had one for over a year now and I dont know how long more we can or should do that…

Oi Oi Oi


At about 1.45 yesterday, I started to pack my stuff to leave for the day. I laid out the flag across my filing shelf, put the clip-on koalas back on the edge of my monitor and put the kangaroo with a boomerang and the kookaburra next to the keyboard, as close as possible to the positions they were in when I got in earlier that morning. I had to catch the 1.55 tram to get to Glen Iris at 2.20, where I have to then catch the 2.23 train back to

Mount
Waverley and wait for Theresa. We were supposed to wait there by about 3pm, where we would drive to the Dandenong regional office of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, hopefully in time for the ceremony. I was going to take the pledge and be officially declared an Australian Citizen. When I got in to work in the morning, the boss and some other colleagues had laid out all these native animals and a huge flag at my desk. Almost everyone on the floor had known I was going to be “made”. It only started with an innocent request from the boss for the afternoon off to attend the ceremony but it then struck me how significant this event was, as everyone who heard came around to congratulate me and the ladies brought in lamington and other Aussie grub in the morning for the occasion. It was a pity that kiddo had gone to a school camp on Tuesday, as it would have been really nice to have her with us yesterday. Anyway, Theresa and I made our way there and joined the other 41 pledging parties and their guests as we waited for the ceremony to begin. We were all seated in a few rows of chairs, with a portrait of the queen in front, next to a lectern. There were little Aussie flags hanging across the ceiling and framed photos of the official crest/coats of arms, in various spots. Someone sounding like John Williamson was singing songs like Waltzing Matilda in the background, until the Minister of Immigration, Kevin Andrews, had this template speech read out by a valium pumped bureaucrat who then lead us in our pledges. One pledge for God fearing soon-to-be citizens and another for the poor atheists. We were then presented with our certificates, and then all joined in the anthem singing. After the ceremony, we were invited to sign up for the electoral register and on the way out, we were each given a native shrub to plant for commemoration. Hopefully our citizenship lasts longer than the plant as in my hands, that poor shrub is likely to suffer a short, poor life.We went home and as the weather got suddenly a lot colder, we went out to this restaurant in
Vermont, for a mini celebratory dinner. My VB wasn’t due to the occasion earlier in the day; I had genuinely acquired a taste for this stuff. I still thought Tiger Beer is the best tasting beer but that stuff is now in the imported category whereas Victoria Bitter remains the working class – read: cheap – beer. Theresa, not having decided to become a citizen, ordered a satay chicken and I frowned not because I didn’t like satay chicken, but thought you’d order it only in a Malaysian restaurant, not an Aussie one badly named “What’s a Name”. I had the restaurant specialty, a breast of chicken rolled up with salmon and crab meat, with a white sauce with pepper corns. It didn’t go well with the VB but I was hungry, so it tasted great. Theresa’s satay chicken turned out well too, so dinner was very nice.

**************************************************We headed for church after that, for the prayer meeting. There were some prayers for some members who were ill but the strange bit was most of the prayers concentrated on “claiming victory” and having the blood of Jesus cleansing the sick, and having his stripes heal our wounds. I couldn’t understand that and told Theresa so, on the way home. Those people had physical illness. One of them was going to see a specialist the next day. Why hadn’t we prayed for healing, for that specialist and for God’s presence and peace to abound, more than those other prayers? When someone is ill, does it mean he is living in a state of defeat, so that the victory won by Christ on the cross is somehow less real in that person’s life? Does it mean he sinned, as why then was it prayed for that person to have the blood of Jesus on him for cleansing? Isn’t that person forgiven in any event, without requiring a prayer to that effect? Didn’t Jesus’ wounds heal us of the result of sins, instead of healing us of our physical ailments? I still don’t get our church as far as these things go. By the time we got home it was almost 10pm. We changed, stretched out in front of the heater and television, and I poured myself a nice glass of red (Aussie of course) as I end an extraordinary day in the ordinary way. I missed Kiddo, and am looking forward for her to get back tomorrow.  

Work


t has been a little crazy at work this week. While it has been interesting and challenging, I have not had this much work since left KL. For the first time, I have had to battle deadlines. Of course, a lot of it has to do with the fact that I still leave office relatively early – between 6.30 and 7 on most days. I think I put undue pressure on myself in terms of getting home early. I keep telling myself I want to hit the sack no later than 10.30, preferably by 10, That means if I don’t get out of the office by 7, I wont have a comfortable 1.5 hours each night, which is just about enough to give me a half-hour legs up with a glass of wine to unwind and get ready to sleep. I usually need about an hour for dinner and cleaning up, washing up my gym gear, making lunches, packing away my stuff and maybe catch half hour or so of reading my email and read 1 or 2 of my favourite websites. If only I don’t wake up at 5 in the morning, the pressure would be eased, I think. The schedule would all just have a little more room. But then that would just let me leave office a little later each day and make me a little lazier to get to the gym in the morning. I don’t know. I think I’d stick to my present regime, unless I am absolutely required to put in more hours to finish my work.

Actually, things have been going okay at work. This is an extract of an email my boss sent around (late) last night:

 

            “All, I also want to let you know that (the MD’s) first comment to me during our monthly 1-1 meeting today was that he thinks that you are all doing an excellent job.  He discussed my performance as well but actually spoke about each of you individually and made the point that as a department we are going ‘really well’, which I understood during the conversation to mean very effective and cohesive.  His view was formed based on the very positive feedback he received from the business – (the MD) said he went out and asked for feedback about the service each of us provides.  That reflects well on me, and for that I would like to say thanks.

 

Looking forward to receiving your KPIs, so you each have proof of just how hard you are working. “

Maybe that was just a psychological ploy to push us harder and set some really high KPIs. I don’t know. If I play along, would it be suicidal and/or counter-productive? I don’t want to have to play the game of career versus God and family again, having left all that behind in KL. On the other hand, if I play it down, the boss may think I’m not getting with the program and setting too low targets for myself? I am after all, on contract and do I want to give them a reason to look at someone from HK for a long term placement here, or do I want them to like me well enough to say – Ian’s it? I am the incumbent here, and how much should I leverage on that?

Really though, I do like this place. The people here are gracious (mostly), nice (mostly), hardworking (almost always) and smart (mostly). I have not had any major faux pas so far (I think) and save for some old habits and residual Malaysian flavour, have fitted in reasonably well (again, I think).

I know, the lessons of end 06/early 07 suggests I should focus on God and just get on with it. I know my present work is not the be-all and end-all stuff. Yet, work has always been important. Important enough to make me miserable if I don’t have any, or if it doesn’t satisfy. I need to turn on a different switch and let God be the satisfier of my soul instead, and turn the focus around to see God as the object of my life – not work, not satisfying my soul even. Just to pursue God and his purpose as the be-all and end-all. If he provides work while I’m at it, then so be it. Maybe with that, I’d actually be able to work better. Not for its own sake, but as His tailored version, for me, of the “here am I, send me” bit.

Lunch with TT


TT Quah was a successful businessman. He became a mobilizer for missions and took on a full time role to serve God. He has been heading the Gospel Avenue missions outfit and is an edifying speaker.

TT and his wife have been friends since Alex, a great mate from Klang, first introduced us over 6 years ago. Today, he spoke again, in our church. I think our church benefited a lot from his sermons. A whole lot more than say, Dr Low’s. Dr. Low…is… Dr Low. I never felt comfortable with his tendencies towards prosperity gospel and his “bicycle faith” nonsense (it is nonsense, to me … just see my blog title…).  Anyway, I hope TT takes on a whole lot more significant role in ICC. I really hope he does.

Old friends in Melb, Working Soon, hopefully


Yesterday was a busy day entertaining old friends who were/are visiting Melbourne. David Chiang and his whole family were here but left yesterday night. I had lunch with them. Alex on the other hand, arrived yesterday and I caught up with him over a few beers at Shine, after which he came over to our house for dinner. He came with Kwang (his oldest boy) only, as they were school hunting. Both families would be coming again later in the year to settle in Melbourne for good.

Last night, while chatting with Alex at home over a very good red (Penfold’s St Henri Shiraz), CQ called again about starting work in his firm. I really have to think about this. AIG is also close to making an offer, and I’m supposed to see the departmental team members for coffee tomorrow morning. Apparently, the MD had cleared my appointment a week ago, and they are in the process of doing reference/background check and if those go well, would proceed to draw up a contract. I guess this weekend would be a time of prayer and decision.

I have learned to just live through difficult times, and knowing that God doesnt necessarily attend to our needs when we feel He should.That does not necessarily undermine my faith in Him – in fact, I tend to think that it was a tough lesson which was aimed for one to be like Daniel’s 3 friends (Shedrach & 2 Ors), who would serve God no matter what, and especially if He doesnt deliver us from our immediate woes. He is God. If we’re to be His children, it is total faith in Him, even if He doesnt appear to be tending to our needs. I think the timing of Beram’s Cat and Dog theology was near perfect.

Cat and Dog Theology


Cat & Dog Theology - Book CoverBeram Kumar spoke in our church on the “Cat & Dog Theology” series, a few weeks ago. He was there again today, on the second instalment. Some notes may be found here

While the principles were familiar, its lessons are especially relevant and challenging for me at this point. God doesnt exist for my needs. The irony is that this lesson has actually provided comfort to me, in that instead of expecting God to meet my needs (no matter how “benign” and “selfless” I may think these needs to be), I  now have someone to articulate in my church (at long last), a principle to counter the expectation that God’s favour is a matter of course. There are lessons in pain and suffering, and that principle should have been clear as day. The prevailing thoughts in our church however, has been closer to the teachings of the prosperity gospel and I have struggled with that. God exists for His own sake. He made us and saved us for His glory, not ours.

Surprised


Work

Surprise surprise, the firm sounded like they are willing to significantly bridge the gap. I am still unsure if I want to join this firm but this was a job which was first available over 3 months ago now, and like Theresa said, it could be the case of the guy sitting on the roof waiting for God to rescue him, and waving away all means of escape sent his way.

So, tomorrow I see them again to see where this takes me.

Old Home, James Cameron & Prayer


Kiddo and Theresa left home about half an hour ago, both headed for the city. Kiddo’s having her music exam. She seemed calm so that was good.

Church

Theresa and I attended the church prayer meeting last night, after a hiatus of almost 3 months. I was put off then, as increasingly, praying in tongues overwhelmed me. Those praying in tongues were so loud I couldnt concentrate. And, I couldnt understand what they were saying so I couldnt follow and join in their prayers either. That gave me the excuse to stop attending.

Last night was a bit better. I had told a couple of leaders why I stopped attending and I dont know if that had anything to do with what happened last night. There were still some praying in tongues, but they were a lot less intrusive and distracting. I think the intensity was much lower. I came away feeling better, like I really have connected with God together with my fellow believers.

Work

As the meeting was about to start last night, my mobile rang (or rather, it vibrated…). I ignored it, and later, found out it was from that law firm I had turned down over 2 months ago. This was the third time they have called. I turned it down because it was an Asian firm, and typically, offered poor pay and long hours. They left a message to call back. Theresa thought I should, but I think it may be pointless. The gap between what was put on the table and what the industry rate is, is so wide I cant see how it can be bridged. I think I’d just call anyway, hear them out, and tell them no.

Klang, Malaysia

Kit Siang had this entry, which outlined the stupidity and/or corruption of the Klang Town Council. It wasnt written by him. It was written by a bloke called Z. Ibrahim. I doubt that person is Zaid Ibrahim the lawyer.

What Z. Ibrahim wrote was precisely how I felt when I was in Klang in December 2006. The traffic conditions, and my fears for the worsening prospects, confirmed my aversion to ever returning to live there. To my dismay, some Klang residents appeared to be pleased with all the mindless development taking place there. Cant they see it really is a case of killing the goose that lays the golden egg? Klang has been prosperous because it has the country’s premier port. All these “developments” would choke its role as such a port, no? I am both reliefed and sad at what’s taking place there. Here’s an extract from that piece:

The Berkeley section of the “highway” is now choked with not only incoming traffic from KL but also from hundreds of motorists and customers who attend functions and gatherings at the Hokkien Association Building and two Chinese seafood restaurants on either side of the highway which have been miraculously given licenses to operate.

In addition three completed condominium complexes, the Regency, Dynasty and Pelangi condominiums all exit at this section and worse still the “highway” now has to contend with the new but still not completely open giant Centro office complex. Shophouses and residential homes are being built at the old Chinese Maternity Hospital site over and above the already existing Government Clinic Complex – all still within this stretch. If you think this is incompetent town planning there is unfortunately more….

New Threat – Prima Klang Avenue Office Complex

As you crawl past the upgraded Jambatan Kota and pass the MPK building on your right and the Land Office Complex on your left, the “highway” suddenly takes an acute turn. On your left at this turn what used to be Bukit Kota has now been slashed to make way for Klang’s newest office complex – Prima Klang Avenue.

This complex spanning more then 4 acres and “perched on the highest point of Klang” with “four-storeys of shops and six-storeys of offices” apparently offers “an exciting mix of shops comprising food and beverage stores, entertainment outlets, fitness centre, banks and an entire level dedicated to automotive showrooms. Wide frontage and spacious corridors create a pleasant environment for leisure and relaxation.

All these come together to make Prima Klang Avenue an innovative one-stop hub, complemented by a scenic landscape with relaxing and majestic water features” …or so says the developer in his brochures.

The complex of course offers ” easy access via Jalan Jambatan Kota and Jalan Kota, the center of the business areas, putting it nearby the Klang Municipal Council, Klang District Office, banking institutions and PUAS, as well as a walk away from the upcoming new government administration offices.”

No doubt this will add up “to a steady traffic flow of some 400,000 people a day in this vibrant business area.” !! Scheduled for completion in mid-2008, Prima Klang Avenue promises to be the pulse of the heart of Klang town. Does the MPK know the consequences and ramifications of 400,000 people ending up at this critical part of the highway hardly a kilometer after Jambatan Kota and 300 meters before the Port Klang/Banting interchange?

You don’t have to be an Einstein to realize that traffic will virtually stall for motorists who slow down to gain entry into this new complex. Worse still the sharp curve is currently already a frequent site for traffic mishaps, what more with traffic flowing in and out.

Even if the developer had been overly optimistic and only 100,000 people converge at the complex and assuming that only 5% come in cars, that is 5,000 cars for the allocated 800 car park-lots the developer has reserved. The spillover to the highway will paralyze the KL-Klang Highway.

This would mean traffic which already now backs up to the Sungai Rasa toll gate will now be backing up to UITM. This would also mean that Klangites will either have to spend an additional hour or more on the road trying to get home or leave office two hours later just so this complex can be built at this spot where traffic is narrowed down?

You might just as well close the bridge down! Approving and building such a huge complex at this juncture of the highway is akin to building a pesticide factory next to the Klang Gates Dam!

James Cameron’s story on Jesus’ Tomb Find

Ben Witherington has come up with another piece to nail it even firmer. The tomb is not the one Jesus rose from.

It’s the Afterlife, Stupid.


Every now and then, Cecilia, the warm and friendly sister in our church, would come up to me and ask me to help distribute the bread and grape juice for the communion. This morning, she asked again. I really didnt feel like it, but she really is such a warm and friendly person so I said yes. I only barely made it to church. My heart wasnt there. As I looked at the screen on the wall and read all those words to those songs, I agreed, mostly, intellectually. Emotionally, I felt as cold and dead as a dead salmon in a kodiak bear’s mouth.

Jason, the “pastor’ of our church, prayed something to the effect that someone would feel God’s presence and work in his life. I thought that prayer may have been meant for me, as he had called me on Friday, and I declined his invitation to dinner or discussion of any kind. He knew I was having a tough time. Maybe it was just my ego and his prayer could have been meant for someone else. I cared little, as I have concluded that Jesus is all about saving our souls. He is solely about our salvation, and our concerns here on these terrestial shores, should be exclusively on the afterlife. Yes, we have to in the meanwhile, live this life and carry on with the waking up, working out, working, eating and all the other stuff we normally do. But that is all humbug. That is all meant to play second fiddle to the main show, which is getting ready for the real thing. So, what – you are sick? Hang in there, it’s all gonna end anyway. You’re heartbroken after a messy divorce? Never mind, just hang in there and God would be your companion for life in no time. Tired of trying to live this life more meaningfully? Try forgetting this life and concentrate on the next instead, and you’d be a lot fresher for it. At least that’s my conclusion – the Bible is all about the next life. God cares. He loves us. He is concerned about us. The big context is – it’s all about the afterlife, about our salvation in THAT life.

So, yes I agree with everything Jason and TT Quah (preacher for this morning) said, with the big proviso that it is all about our salvation, about the afterlife. As far as this life, this here and now business is concerned however, … like the mob would say, “forget about it”. Just enjoy your life if you can, and que sera sera.

Bye, Homegroup


I’ve just emailed a couple of my church leaders, telling them I would not be attending tomorrow’s Homegroup meeting. For the same reason that I now feel inadequate to discharge the role of a husband/father, I am also not able to discharge the role of a Homegroup leader/coordinator. I had, a few weeks ago, asked to relinquish this role and tomorrow would see some conclusion to it. The leaders should see to it. I asked the Lord for help; He has chosen to remain asleep. For now, maybe, but I do need Him now and I get no help. Mac is more reliable.