Mi Choza De Nipa: 2007

I am not King Solomon; I don’t even come close to a 1% of his stature or wisdom, but let me state my case anyway.

In my observation, I see that there is a folly going on in the church, and lest I be found to be simply judgmental,

let me convey my message in its raw form, and you be the judge – as to whether I am right to call it folly, or not.

There is one who almost always without fail able to stand up at any part of the worship service, except on one part,

which is of much importance to the church growth and expansion – giving of tithe and offering. Isn’t that a folly?

We see many young children growing up so fast, that they are already getting mature and nubile,

and all the other kids are following right behind in their maturity, both physical and spiritual.

But, on the other side of the balance, there are those going right into middle age, getting near or past 40,

and they still think that they are the same youthful creatures, so much engrossed on cressing the way they do

15 years ago, being mindful of their physique, and trying every means to keeping the same figure, and keeping

to their company who think the same things, and never mind the rest. Well, would you call that something else than folly?

And there are those who confuse title with position. This is very confusing, really. If I work with the word “manager”

in my title, then I’m in the crowd, and it doesn’t matter what actually is my position in my job. I can be the “floor manager”,

or I can be the managing director, so what? So long as there is the word “manager” or “managing” or “manage” in my title,

I’m lookep up to. And that, I think, is a very clear folly.

And there are those who would want their husbands to be in the same stature as another’s husband. Why can’t we get through

these vanities? Never mind if our man is suffering the burden of the job requirement, so long as I can say that… oh, what a folly!

And some call a fellowship a fellowship, only if, you go with them It seem to be short of saying, “I am the fellowship…”

Isn’t this folly in its basest nature?

Why do we still have these follies in the church? May God forgive me for being the loudmouth, but only through this blog.

Hunt for Movers

Today, I was asking friends of contact #s for the movers that they engaged when they moved house.

I got a few names and numbers, and when I started canvassing, I found that the price of the service

of the different companies are almost the same; that would include the haulers (2 men up).

There’s one who charges $150 for the truck, and for each hauler, $50; at least 2 would be needed.

Another charges for $250/trip. Then there’s the other mover who charges $300/trip, with succeeding trips

on a pro-rated charge, full will be $300, halfload truck = $150, and so on. This group charges an additional

$25 for the up/down movement if you are not on the lift level. Not sure if that is per storey. At most,

you’d be paying $75 more.

At the end of the list, there is a hare-lipped lady who would seem to be the best deal, but the price, I still don’t know.

She’d be dropping by at our place today lunchtime to see the items to be carried, then give the quotation.

All agreeable, both on the items to be carried and the price to be paid, then we are done!

A week more, and we are at the new place already.

The Name of the Lord be praised!

Hallelujah!

Friday, December 07, 2007

A Week to Go!

In a week’s time, we will be getting the keys to the new house!

Having packed most of the things that are not in use at home,

there are still many things that needed packing. Those that are being used,

or are still being used now and then, we are putting in a box, but not sealing it.

We’ve got the 2 display frames from the shop, one simple painting from Myanmar,

and it was a very cute piece for the kitchen, and the other, a cross-stitched ballet dancer,

done by househelp hands who had the talent, and, being simple, it will be just nice

from the kids’ room.

Well, not to say more, here’s to say “¡Es hora ya!”

¡Toda la gloria al dios!

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

The Package has arrived!

My wife called around 3.30pm to say that the package from Ireland has arrived.

And although it was only a small item, it was indeed beautiful!

I’ve dropped my Irish friend a note to let him know that we have got the item he sent,

so that he stops worrying. Well, the post is early, in that he estimated about 10 days;

the parcel arrived in about 7 days only!

It was heavy, so that has warranted some scrutiny and inspection from the Post office;

the box is a bit opened up – perhaps to check what was inside. That’s OK, as this check

is necessary for security purposes.

What else can I say? God’s goodness is pouring down, through friends!

May I be a channel of God’s blessings as well.

To God be the glory! Amen!

Getting Used... after so long...

As the time draws near for our transfer to the new house, the emotions are mixed:

There is, first and foremost, the exhaustion from all the thinking and fixing, packing

and boxing of things that we will be bringing over. And it is really a surprise to know

that we’ve been keeping things, particularly old documents, that we no longer need,

but wouldn’t take out from the cabinets or boxes, open up, and review, then decide to

throw away – if not for the move. And one thing to note as well, the old house is already

so dusty and dirty in many parts that we don’t normally and usually trod into – again,

if not for the move.

We are doing the throwing away so that we don’t bring those unwanted items to the new house.

And, we are doing the clean up, as the inspector will be coming over to check here and there

the old house, before they take back the keys to the current flat we are renting. Once cleared,

we are ‘free’ from any access or responsibility to the old flat.

Well, it is about 2 weeks now that we are getting used to staying up late at night doing these

chores. And we let the kids stay up late also, simply so that they know what we are doing,

and that they can’t sleep anything with all the noise and movements moving here and there,

sealing boxes now and then. We let them watch some movies, enjoying also their vacation.

Well, in some spare time at the office, or while waiting for some jobs to finish, I fill up some

coupons for the lucky draw in a store which we got when we bought some new furnitures

for the new house, some basic items only, and I am, at times, getting confused on which

address to write, but after filling up some 10 coupons, I’m getting used to writing the new

mailing destination. And oh, everytime I think of the blessings we got from this new house,

I can’t imagine, or not think enough, or thank the Lord enough, and have some doubts,

or questionings if this ‘early occupancy deal’ we struck with the current owners is really true…

Aside from saving a lot of rental fees, and renewal fees, we’d have some time for the kids to

make adjustment living in the new place, before 2008 school year begins. Praise God!

A couple of times I have tried the 856 bus from Yishun to the new place, and it takes about

5 to 10 minutes speedy bus ride travel. From the new place to Woodlands interchange, boy,

that is a different story! It is about 45 minutes! But hey! From the new place to Yishun

interchange, that will be a quick ride, and I’m presuming that all the factory workers and

construction workers have slighted off long way before the bus reaches our place. If that

is true, then it will be a vacant and spacious bus when it stops by our place. That is another

plus point!

To end, I would like to quote this passage from the book of Proverbs, reminding myself as well,

“The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.” – Prov 10:22

Oh, that my blessing and blessings the Lord give, that I may be a blessing to others as well.

And may God spare me all the troubles! Amen!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Foreign Language offering in Primary Level

I was hunting for a French school that provides parttime tuition/classes for primary school students.

My wife and I have decided to change the language that our daughters are taking, and that French,

we thought, would be a better option, if not the best.

It is a disappointment that MOE does not support foreign language studies in primary school level.

Of course, going through the list that came from the primary school admin, it wasn’t just of much help

going through the list in the internet. Most of the so-called “language schools” or “language centers”

that I’ve called to check only offer either English or Chinese. Makes me wonder what the name stand for.

Anyway, I got one, but oh the price that they are asking for a 32-hour class: S$1,600 for a one-on-one tuition.

We remembered that some of our friends also had their kids take up French instead of Chinese. So we got

The name of the school, and I was able to call in, ask a few questions from the lady who is not so accommodating,

And was relieved to know that their classes of 12-hour/term was only charged at about $200 bucks.

To be exact, it only costs $152/term, each term runs for 8 weeks, and each week, only 1.5hours class duration.

But, my frustration, again, is that a mother told me that they don’t really care about the child learning the language.

Even if the child fails in the French language study, so long as the foreign language grade does not interfere with

the major subjects grade, it is OK. I don’t know how to explain it, but it is like taking up something, not learning it,

so long as it don’t affect other things that the school standing is based on. Never mind the money, time and effort

that is put in to learn the foreign language.

What more can I say? I may be talking ahead of time…

High-Definition Systems

I’ve always been fascinated with technology, and the way that it progresses these days.

Unlike before, which is a crawl, and breakthroughs are really breakthroughs,

compared to today’s progress and development, it is already measured in leaps and bounds.

One particular area I have just been checking is TV and home theater systems. About 2 years ago,

Plasma and LCD TVs were introduced to the market. DVD players were simply labeled as

Either interlaced, or progressive scanning type. Of course, that time, TVs were already coming

In the big sizes: 37”, 40”, 42”, etc.

Today, we have the HD systems: HDTV, HD-ready TVs, Blu-ray disc player, standalone up-scale converters,

etc., etc. 7 years ago, the systems were bulky, not to mention the price. These days, almost everything

electronics is coming in smaller and more compact, and with more features and functions.

That being said, I was surprised to see a 5.1 system that includes the DVD player with upscale/upconversion

function, with 6 speakers included, and of a prices that is a fraction of what was 7 years ago. Of course,

the best match for a high-def TV is a Blu-ray disc player, but have you ever seen a HD disc around?

If you did, how much is it? So by reason of a whooping and sensible practicality, a DVD player with

an upscaling/upconversion feature is all that you need to be able to play all your DVDs and get a

compatible video output that suits your HDTV.

There’s Samsung, about S$200 for a DVD player with upscale function, then they have the 5.1 set

that goes for about S$700, and then there’s the 9.1 set that goes for about S$1.2k. Panasonic has the

5.1 wireless system, and is also retailed at about S$1.1k, Philips having 2 sets: 5.1 set A for about S$500,

and 5.1 set B, with a better surround sound handling and aesthetic design of moving speakers, about S$800.

Then there’re also the Pioneer systems, the prices I can’t remember. But the point is, there are many choices,

and it is up to you to pick your preference.

As for me, I’m looking at a standalone DVD player with an upscaling function, to match my old home theater system,

which is, after 7 years, still sounds as good as new. Without looking at the set, you can’t tell it’s been that old.

I intend to keep that set, so all I need is the player with upscale feature. And of course, to match my smaller TV,

I’m looking at the cheapest Samsung set. In 2 or 3 years time, new technology will again be marketed,

so what is all the point of getting a very expensive set, that is going to last you 2 or 3 times its expected

life cycle, when all around you the technology is already different, that is, differently new?

Thursday, November 22, 2007

First appointment!

As quickly as the resale application was submitted, so it is with the confirmation

of the first appointment date: 14-Jan, at 10am. With that is a BIG relief: we’re in.

Our race is eligible to buy a flat in that block, and this is going to save us all trouble,

if in case we are not eligible, and have to do all the flat-search all over again.

We’re just waiting for the letter to have the first appointment schedule in B&W.

And when it comes, we’d sure be confirming with the owners of their plan to

relinquish their house to us, even before completion date, even before

first appointment date. Estimated discussion is by next week, the last week

of Nov, and it is also our last week to find out whether we are renewing our tenancy

in the JTC flat, or not. If all things proceed as expected, we’d terminate our contract

on the current flat we are renting, and we are spared from the renewal fees, and the

rental fee, which is higher by about $300 starting Jan-2008.

That is a lot of blessings from the Lord!

A few more days, and we will know – even now, we are rejoicing in the Lord.

He has spared us additional expenses…

Praises to our God alone!

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Flat Resale Status

We are now in the final phase of our 2^nd attempt on flat resale activities.

First attempt having failed due to the issue of ethnic integration imbalance,

we now have found a new flat, decided to buy it, and have done checks,

and having found that the restriction doesn’t apply at the new block,

went on to pay the downpayment of only $300, pending the document

coming from the housing board indicating that our first attempt is cancelled

due to the race ratio issue. The next day after, the letter arrived, and I got back

the desposit and the valuation report fee from the owner of the first flat; unfortunately,

the administration fee is already paid off to the housing board, so there is no way that

it can be refunded – the service has already been rendered, whether application is

successful or not.

We paid ahead of time the remaining option exercise fee, totalling $5000,

and we have also given the administration fee (2^nd time) and valuation report fee,

to make sure that steps are taken without delay. Yesterday, I took an urgent leave

in the afternoon, went down to the bank with my best half, signed the new papers

for the bank loan offer, and we’re done.

Today, the house owner’s agent is going through our documents, and once verified OK,

Will submit the resale application, through a system he said is called “ResaleNet” –

only registered users can submit resale applications through that system.

It would seems to sound like ‘The Matrix’ to me…

What else can I say?

A few things:

1. The top-up cash then was 16k; it is 15k now – cheaper by 1k.

2. The valuation then was 282k; it is 280k now – lower by 2k.

3. Bank LO then was 253,800; it is 252,000 now – lower by 1.8k.

We can occupy the flat even before the first appointment date.

This is something that we have been thinking over and over again, praying and praying

for wisdom whether to take the owner’s offer, who will be vacating their flat at an

appointed date, whether or not there are buyers, as they will be moving in to the

husband’s father’s flat, who is already alone – they will be looking after the old man,

who also lives in a big, big house all by himself. Talk about getting old and alone, eh.

We’re already going around some stores, looking at some appliances that the flat doesn’t have,

Going around places where some items we compare prices, etc., etc.

The amount we saved, we’re still using to furnish some items for the new house.

Oh, the agent just called and confirmed that all our documents are OK and complete.

He will be submitting the resale application, and the first appointment date is either

the 11^th of January, or the 14^th of the same month. These are already the best dates currently.

Of course, I reminded him of what he mentioned before that he’d ask somebody from their team

to monitor if any resale applicants will suddenly cancel their appointment, and reschedule,

then we’d grab whatever earlier date they’d give up. That is, if there will ever be.

God is good. And sometimes, when he pours His blessings, we tend to act like children:

always doubtful, unprepared, unbelieving, unyielding.

May the Lord God increase our faith. For His glory and praise alone.

Amen!

Monday, November 19, 2007

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Monday, November 12, 2007

All about leadership and teamwork

A slideshow on leadership and teamwork…

Thursday, November 08, 2007

DIRECTIONS HOME

DIRECTIONS HOME

I really like this one. Someone spent a lot
of time on this...

,//// \\\\, ___________
*'o oo`* /__/ _/\_ ____/\
```)"(''' | | | | | | | || |l+-+-+-+-|
,,.-*o' ,,.-*~*~*-.,, `o*-. :oo *~*~*-..,,

As for me and my house, we will serve the
Lord.

DIRECTIONS TO OUR FATHER'S HOUSE.
Make a Right onto Believeth Blvd.
Keep straight and go through the Green Light,
which is Jesus
Christ.
There, you must turn onto the Bridge of Faith
, which is over
troubled water.
When you get off the bridge, make a Right turn
and Keep
Straight.
You are on the King's Highway - Heaven-bound.
Keep going for three miles: One for the
Father, One for the Son,
and One for the Holy Ghost.
Then exit off onto Grace Blvd.
From there, make a Right turn on Gospel Lane
Keep Straight and then make another Right on
Prayer Road
As you go on your way, Yield Not to the
traffic on Temptation
Ave.
Also, avoid SIN STREET because it is a DEAD
END.
Pass up Envy Drive , and Hate Avenue
Also, pass Hypocrisy Street , Gossiping Lane ,
and Backbiting
Blvd.
However, you have to go down Long-suffering
Lane , Persecution
Blvd. And Trials and Tribulations Ave.
But that's all right, because VICTORY Street
is straight ahead!
AMEN!!!!!

SEND THESE DIRECTIONS TO YOUR FRIENDS AND
FAMILY SO THEY WILL
NOT GET LOST.

Life is God's gift to you.
The way you live it............is your gift to
God

Monday, November 05, 2007

Motivation vs Intent

I was in a meeting yesterday, and it was to understand certain issues that has been creeping up

over the past couple of weeks. Some folks are coming in late. Some folks that came early the week before

are coming in late the following week. Some folks are continuously coming in late for practice. Some folks

who can’t make it to the practice don’t even bother to look for replacement – a task that should not be borne

by the scheduler already. Songs are not learned. Even if they are, they are not committed to memory.

These, and a lot more!

I was keeping quite for the most part of the meeting, in that I was thinking to myself, “these are not new problems…”

These have been the same issues over the years.

With these classic examples, what I read in the book “Read Right” by Dr Toddler proved true, once again:

1. There is a big difference between motivation and intent. We can be moved to act, but the quality by which we complete the task, then, now and in the future, is determined by our internal standard, purely internally intentional, not motivated.

That is all that I can say. Give it another 6 months, and wait what will be the next discussion be.

Hopefully, the items are already different.

They can be exactly the same after all…

May God help us.

A Good Deal... or is it?

My wife and I are discussing what we should do, to circumvent our current situation:

1. The rental contract for the current flat is ending 31-Dec.

2. The advice to renew/terminate rental contract can’t be later than 1-Dec.

3. We are allowed to get the keys and occupy the resale flat starting 16-Dec.

4. The valuation report will not be out until 2nd week of Nov, at most.

5. The re-application of bank loan for the new flat can’t be done without the valuation report.

6. The bank loan re-application may be fast, but it will still take some time, perhaps 2-3 days.

7. The resale application can only be submitted by 17-Nov, to mark the year 5 of the building.

8. First appointment letter may be out by the last week of Nov, to be optimistic.

9. Date of first appointment may be end of Jan-2008, not week 3 of Dec; more transactions, less workforce.

10. Resale Completion date may be end of Feb-2008.

11. Renovations can’t be done until completion date is over.

Conditions:

1. To occupy the resale flat prior to completion date, at least the first appointment letter must be on hand.

2. There should be at least 1 week after the owners have vacated the unit before we move in.

3. Even if we move in, only a couple of items should be brought in.

4. The 1-week “slack period” is to allow the flat some fallow time; after the week is over, we will have some “cleaning time”, before moving in. of course, we will open up the flat and let the air in and through the house within the 1-week period, so that nothing untoward happens, like something unintentionally left gets rotten, and you discover only after a week… or something like that.

5. Let the first appointment take place, before we move in. As there is a possibility for the resale to be rescheduled, rejected, or cancelled, due to one or both parties not appearing at the first appointment, this is an event that must take place before we can move in, safely, into the flat.

Concerns:

1. The first appointment letter is a must; can’t allow the prior problem of putting in the full deposit, then getting a rejection/cancellation notice from the Board that our race is ineligible to buy in that block. Also this is already check beforehand, we’ve decided to be doubly sure that the resale is not going to hit a problem – we must have the first appointment letter on hand.

2. Even with the first appointment letter on hand, there is still a possibility of any party (seller/buyer) not appearing on the first appointment. When that happens, the resale can be rejected/cancelled by the Housing Board, at their own discretion and judgment. This, again, is a major problem. Well, the party at fault will be charged in court, unless the reason is legally valid and accepted, but that will put us, as the buyers in a very problematic situation: we would have no place to stay.

3. Having no place to stay is worse than having to pay a thousand dollars rental.

In all of these, I can relate to David’s cry, when he said in 1 Chron 21;13, “David said to Gad, ‘I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.”

Although the Lord has given us a very good deal, with men able to put their hands into it, and change the situation, I would rather wait until it a a clear green light, rather than being in a situation that would allow evil to triumph.

May God grant us compassion and clear mind to handle the situation well.

To Him be the glory alone!

Mi Choza De Nipa

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Meanings & Life's Pathway

Monday, December 17, 2007

We've got the keys!

Monday, December 10, 2007

Folly in the Church