Matthew 1:18 ~ 25

"This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, and angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" - which means, "God with us"

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her untill she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus."

Happy birthday to you Jesus!

Christmas is finally here and we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Everyone knows the story, of the baby born in a manger in Bethlehem, and of the shepherds who heard "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!", and also of the wise men who came from the east to bring gifts to honour Jesus Christ.

A friend once asked me, "why is it that we have to give presents to people during Christmas?" My answer was, because it was on this day that God gave us His one and only son, to be destined to die on the cross, to save their entire mankind from the penalty of our sins, eternal death. Because of this, we celebrate, we give gifts because God has given us His son for our salvation.

Christmas is a time when we generously give, and graciously receive.

The most important present, thats given to all of us, is salvation. Salvation through Jesus Christ. And I really thank God for this precious gift that He has given us way way before I was even born.

It is because of God that I am who I am today, that I know the people I know today. I remember the times when He kept me from going wayward during my backslidden secondary school days despite of all the temptations around me, the time when He preserved my life in the car accident which snapped my bike into 2, the time when He made me go into junior college knowing that its the best for me, despite of me wanting to go into polytechnic, and the times when He gave me the wisdom to go through my examinations, helping me to get into university, when He was with me during my days in Army, when it seems like no one else was by my side, when He put me in the unit that I am in, knowing that its the place which I will enjoy working, and indeed I am enjoying myself, and also when He helped me to earn the contract, given to only 2 people in the unit. For all these, I thank God, and all glory be unto Him.

And of course, I also received presents from many of my precious friends! To Jovin, Aunt Candy, Dixon, Trina, Luke, Stephanie, Melvin, Sylvia, Linton and Michelle, Samuel, Yinlai, Wendy, Lilin, Lilian, Shuting, Zhiwei, Singdee, my Sister, Jeff.... not sure if still got more, sorry if I forgot a name, thank you guys so so much for the wonderful gifts!

Had an amazing fellowship at... Cassourina road? Not sure how to spell it, but its at Thomson Road, with an amazing gang made up of *drum rolls* Dixon, Yinlai, Shawn, Aik Khim, Jovin, Aunt Candy, Jiayan, Jiani, Wenyi, Samuel. Yes, I am the only person from Region B who is there. And oh, its also very interesting that there at least 2 other groups from Evangel who were at the same place we ate at!

And, last but not least, Christmas this year is extremely special. Thats because a small sleepyhead came into my life, turned it upside down and brought, oh, so much joy to me.

Keep smiling people, because thats what I've been doing this Christmas :D

"Heroes", the christmas event for HOF this year is coming up and everybody is working non-stop to find their costumes, make their costumes, squeeze out every single ounce of brainjuice they have for the ideas. I am not spared from this crazy wave of non-stop work either. Researching for ideas for the G12 costumes, allocating characters to every single G12 member, plan and organise the evangelistic wednesday for home christmas, making sure everything goes as per planned. This is what happens when your G12 leader got video to concentrate on, and your G12 assistant leader goes on a trip to China, and then to Malaysia.

Anyways, while doing these things, a little idea popped into my mind. "Heroes". What makes someone a hero? Some famous heroes include: Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Captain America, Ironman, just to name a few. We all agree these people are heroes, but what exactly makes them a hero? Lets look at some common qualities they have.

• They all come and save the world from villains.
• They will save the world even if it means putting their life on the line.
• They wear a good looking costume, a few of them are made of spandex.
• They have strong and muscular bodies.
• They fight really well.
• Theres always a damsel in distress for them to save.

Can't think of much. I remember a phrase from the movie "The Dark Knight" that says 'you either die a hero, or you live long enough to become a villain.'

To me, however, to be a hero means alot more than just saving the damsel in distress. Its alot more than just putting on a spandex costume or a cool looking outfit and going around beating bad people up. To me, a hero is more than a muscular body or the ability to fly around the world in 1 second. Thats because I know someone who is really a hero. And let me tell you about him.

"Heroes", if we read it aloud, it can also be read as "He rose". Who rose? You may ask. Jesus Christ. He is the true blue, real and authentic hero of the world. No, he is not muscular. No, he does not wear a spandex costume or a cape. He simply saved the entire world from eternal death. Thats what makes Him a hero.

Not enough? Want something like super powers? Well, He's got it too. Feeding 5000 people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, thats pretty impressive. Turning plain old water into the finest wine anyone can taste. How about silencing the storm by rebuking the wind? Or walking on water? Or healing the blind and the lepers? Or even reviving those whom others have declared dead? Is that not super enough for you?

Okay, a hero must be noble as well. Sacrificing himself to save the world would be the best right? Well, you got it. Thats exactly what Jesus did. He sacrificed Himself and died on the cross so He could take on the sin of the entire world, past present future, so that He could save everybody from eternal death. He did this despite the fact that the very peope He is trying to save were the ones who ridiculed Him and were the ones who put Him on the cross. What else could be more noble than this?

Maybe you are looking for the "WOW" factor, something that truly distinguishes this hero from any other. Heres one for you. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He died on the cross, only to be raised from the dead 3 days later, after which He ascended to heaven. Isn't that wow enough? Its definitely wow enough for me.

So let me say this. Personally, Jesus Christ is my hero. He saved me from eternal death. I don't need anybody in a red cape flying over and scoop me out of a bad situation because I know one thing. I know that when I'm in a bad situation, Jesus Christ won't be coming down to scoop me out of it. Instead, He will be there with me, to see me through it. Thats my hero. Is He your hero too?

Just finished watching Bleach episode 197, and I loved the dialogue between Kuchiki Byakuya and the no.7 Espada Zommari Leroux.

Byakuya: You are the arrogant one, Espada. But fear not, you won't lose because of it. You'll lose purely because of the gap between our powers.

Leroux: Arrogant? Me? What makes you say that? You may be my enemy, but you are also of the captain class. I believe we are on the same level, and have been trying to behave as such. There is no arrogance in that.

Byakuya: Arrancar... the fact that you consider yourself to be on the same level as myself is being arrogant in itself.

Leroux: I see.. I can tell it is in your nature to be appallingly arrogant. So be it. Then I am forced to humiliate you untill you relinquish that pride.

Cutting the story short, a fight ensued and Leroux was subsequently trashed by Byakuya. I am not exaggerating by saying trashed. So much for being on the same level.

Its World Aids Day today. So in view of that, I shall post some Aids awareness for everyone. Aids, acronym for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is a set of symptoms and infections caused by damage to the human immune system. This damage is due to a virus known as HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus. When someone is said to have HIV, he just has the virus, not the symptoms. When the person has Aids, he is in the condition when his immunity system is so weak that he can't fight off normal illnesses anymore. They are 2 DIFFERENT THINGS.

HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid or breastmilk. Well, HIV can therefore be transmitted through sex, breastfeeding, through blood transfusion, or sharing of needles infected with HIV. It is therefore very important to note that HIV cannot be transmitted through air or by body contact.

In view of this, precautions must be made so as to prevent the further spread of HIV. This include, practicing safe sex. Meaning, insist on wearing a condom if you are going to have sex with a random person (not your spouse). Thats because condom is 99% capable of preventing the bodily fluids from getting to you. However, I say its better NOT TO HAVE SEX WITH A RANDOM PERSON. Stay faithful to your spouse, and have sex only after you get married. I think thats the safest.

Also, do not share needles, or blades, or anything that has come into contact with another person's blood as these might be contaminated with HIV. You don't want to be a victim for no apparent reason.

People with HIV can still be healthy if they respond early to treatment. However, many people can't come to terms with having HIV and would thus need the support of his family, friends and the people around him.

Many people discriminate people with HIV, but they are humans too. They have a soul too. And HIV won't even spread like SARS. Let us be more understanding towards them, giving them support, because thats what they need the most.

I found some videos about Aids, just to get the message across.

Lead me to the Cross

SINGAPORE: 2 girls and 1 man were nearly murdered by a man wearing tight shorts at Yishun MRT station at around 10.30pm last night.

It is believed that the group of 2 girls and 1 man was alighting from a train at Yishun MRT station when they noticed a man wearing a pair of extremely tight shorts that was showing off the shape of his bottom. It is also reported that the man was wearing a very tight singlet as well.

According to sources, it is believed that the man in the group, Mr Nod Gna, started speaking gibberish as he couldn't control his laughter.

The trio then started laughing among themselves and couldn't stop laughing even after they exited through the gantry of the MRT station. It is then around this time that they nearly lost their breath due to excessive laughing.

One of the victims, Miss Aerdna Gnohk reportedly experienced abdominal pains and had to sit down to ease off the pain for nearly a minute. It was also noted by eye witnesses that the other girl in the group, Miss Nilil Gnohk was speaking in a very heavy chinese accent with Mr Nod Gna.

The man wearing tight shorts left the scene and could be not be found. The group then left the station shortly after.

No injuries were reported in this incident. Authorities have issued an advice to all readers to try their best to control their laughter when they see anything funny so as to prevent themselves from losing their breath.

— JNA (Jelly News Agency)

After much persuasion, my dad has finally given in to my request. He decided to give me the Sony portable DVD player, so I can watch my favourite shows while I am on duty! Well, I am definitely pleased. And to my surprise, I found out that this portable DVD player could also hook up to the TV so you don't have squint your eyes to watch on that little screen. So now, the portable DVD player has doubled up to become my room's DVD player! No longer the need to watch DVD on my computer when I migrated the DVD player to the living room. I am very pleased indeed.

说好的幸福呢 - Jay Chou

My heartiest congratulations to...

Zihao! For his posting to BMTC as a recruit instructor! Nature, green trees, green leaves, green men, green vehicles. Being back onto the Pulau Tekong. Recruits, jungles, route march, training, camo cream, field pack.... ah, don't you just miss that island... Enjoy your posting there Zihao! Coz you are gonna be there till you ORD!

And, Melvin! For his posting to... *drum rolls* Guards Recce! Everybody repeat with me... "Guards Recce". I shall not go into his job details, but well, it is definitely challenging :D "Ready To Strike" is the Guardsmen motto, and I am sure glad you are ready to strike, Melvin. Haha, and even if you are not, you had better be!

Oh oh, those 2 postings are really good ones for those who don't know. Helps you to realise your potential, trains you up physically, helps you to be a model soldier ya! Haha, so don't look at me as an example of a model soldier, I don't even know if I am even close to being a soldier now :P

Delirious? - History Maker

And yes, today is the cat's birthday.

Happy birthday to Peiyi! My sister of 19 years. And of 19 years old.

One day, a boy who has a bag of marbles proposes a trade with a little girl who has a bag of candies. The girl gladly agrees. But as the boy gets out his marbles, he realizes that he can't bear to part with some of them. Rather dishonestly, he takes three of his best marbles and hides them under his pillow. The boy and girl made the trade, and the girl never knew he has cheated her. But that night while the girl lies fast asleep, the boy has no peace. He's wide awake, pondering a question that nags at him: "I wonder if she kept her best candy too?"

Do you want the best from God?

Have you given your best to God?

Superb story. I remember I posted a similar story on the blog in the past. But I want to post it again. This is a story about a father and son, Dick and Rick Hoyt. Although being born different due to cerebral palsy (lack of oxygen to the brain), Rick didn't give up in life, and his father Dick is doing all he can to help him. Rick was put through college, and many other things a normal person would do, and he completed them. Even things normal people don't do, he completed them as well, such as triathlons. Lets not give up on the small things in our life alright. Let me quote Winston Churchill during a seemingly hopeless war in the WWII, "Never, never give up."
God is always there to rescue us, have faith! A picture speaks a thousand words, a video millions.

"Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership. " - Colin Powell

Superbly said.

Woke up in camp on Wednesday morning, looked out the window towards the camp compound and asked myself "What in the world am I still doing here?"

Looking at my pals ORD, and having to report for duty the day after my expected ORD, its not helping to boost my morale by any bit. Its a decision that I made though, so I better make this 6 months more worthwhile.

I looked further and the sunrise shone into my eyes. Well, at least God is still faithful. Thats good enough for me.

And oh yes, happy birthday to you Christine. 19 years old.

Praise and thank God!

After 2 days of struggling, scanning, deleting, uninstalling, installing, my computer has finally recovered. Put up alot more security for the system now. Pray that such things never happen again. :D

Really really thank God!

Well, went to watch "Quantum Of Solace" just now. Just to let everybody know, I am not exactly a Bond fan, so I haven't watched "Casino Royale". Basically, what happens is this: The movie started and I have no idea whats going on, there were alot of fighting, guns, explosions (BOOM), women, party, flying an aeroplane, jumping off aeroplane, more fighting, more guns, more explosions. And at the end, I still have no idea whats going on.

Came back this evening after a very satisfying dinner at Kovan. Went into the lift with a young malay family (parents and a small boy). The small boy hit "6" on the number pad and I proceeded to hit "8". Then the mum, I suppose is mum, said "How come you never ask uncle which number he want?" The small kid looked at me and I looked back. Which part of me looks like an uncle? I am only 20!! 20, mind you. Do I really look so old.... Geez.

Anyway my pc is hit by an array of viruses and trojan horses. I am in hot combat with them right now. Dear friend Ying Lai has identified one of the viruses as the "Sauccer" virus. No idea if I spelt it right here. Basically it causes my PC to shut down every time I connect my system to the Internet. Cool eh, somehow I managed to contain that one, and Norton Antivirus is helping me to fight off many others as well. Soldier, this is war!

Was having dinner with my mum at the coffeeshop when my mum's friends, an auntie and an old uncle, came over and started a conversation with me. *entire conversation is in cantonese and kindly translated by me.*

Auntie (A) : "Going back to camp ah?"

Me: "Yup"

A: "NS pay not very high right? My son gets only like $500++.."

Me: "Quite ok la. Depends on what you do lo. And your rank."

Uncle (U): "He's a 3 stripes leh (3rd Sergeant)"

A: "Oh? My son is 2 stripes in police (I think is corporal). So how much 3 stripes get?"

Me: "Abit more la. Less than $1000 still."

A: "Got at least $900?"

Me: "Ya... around there."

A: "Oh...."

U: "3 stripes not bad leh. Not very easy to become. Pay also better lo."

Me: "Ok lah..."

*Auntie walks off*

U: "So what you do in the army?"

Me: "I'm an engineer."

U: "Combat engineer?"

Me: "Yep, combat engineer."

U: "Wah, very xiong one leh. Need to build bridges one."

Me: "Heh, not quite lah, now quite high-tech already. Besides, I am not the type that build bridges."

U: "Oh, then what type of combat engineers you do?"

Me: "Other things lo. Not building bridges."

U: "Combat engineers got alot of types one ma, what type are you?"

Me: "Just other things lo. Heh."

*At this point, uncle becomes very emo and his face became sad*

U: "Oh... now got alot of things cannot tell other people already..."

Me: "eh... ?"

U: "Now is like that already la.... become secretive..."

*Uncle walks off* *I went ?!*

What a very emo uncle. Dunno is spy or what...

Saw this picture on Yahoo! News. And this is the caption:

"A sign at the Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch railway station in Anglesey, Wales. Translated from Welsh: St Mary's church in the hollow of the white hazel near to the rapid whirlpool and the church of St Tysilio of the red cave. Welsh officials mistakenly erected a road sign that read "I am not in the office at the moment" after a translation mix-up."

Thats a really LOOOOOOOOONG name for a railway station! You can try to pronounce the name.

Its pronounced as

Llan-vire-pooll-guin-gill-go-ger-u-queern-drob-ooll-llandus-ilio-gogo-goch.

"Hi mum, I am at the Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch railway station, come and pick me up!"

Today, something interesting happened at Heart.Sports. And it caught my eye.

Basically, brief of situation. Some guys were playing basketball and this guy had a little tumble and fell over in pain. Ok, not so very interesting, it always happens. But what caught my eye was that his girlfriend (I am not sure if she is or not, but she looks like she is his girlfriend) ran over and held his hand while other people were treating his sprained ankle. And she held his hand all the way when he was screaming in pain. This caught my eye.

Its been awhile since I saw this. This innocent act of love. And this basic foundation of a relationship - to be there for your loved one when he/she needs you. To be honest, it touched my heart. Even though she knew nothing about how to treat a sprain, or how relief her boyfriend of the pain, she held his hands and ensured him that everything is ok. And even if its not ok, she'll be there for him.

And as the rest carried him to the side and went on with their game, she was still with him at the side. Ensuring him that everything will be fine.

I stood at one side and pondered about it. How sweet. Don't you wish there will be someone who will be there for you when you are in need? Who will hold your hands and tell you everything is going to be alright? Sweet.