Changing Seasons

Been too busy and caught up with other stuffs to blog about deep, meaningful, profound thoughts. But just to summarize what's been happening of late:

Friday
Had lunch together with Wince & Si Hua. It was our long anticipated 2nd date and it was great. Same time, same place, same table. After lunch, we decided to do the 40hr famine together. Wince and Si Hua went without their eyesight, I went without listening to my tunes and with impaired-hearing.

Dinner with Greg, Ann, Sam, Ian and Chris at Surf N Turf, Brighton. Japanese buffet! The food wasn't mind-blowing but satisfactory. Thanks for driving us down Greg!

Saturday
Jeanette's graduation. Went for dim sum at Dragon Boat, China Town. Honestly, I don't think I spend enough time with my housechurch. So it was great just being together with them, joking around, sharing life and celebrating our friend's milestone. Shin Yi introduced us to this cool bubble tea place after lunch. Can't remember the name but I'm definitely going back there.

Sunday
Broke fast together with Wince and Si Hua after church. Had the chance to share about our revelations after. Since 40hrs wasn't enough for me, I decided to go for another week without my tunes and Youtube. Lately there's been so much noise around me, I think I need to be quiet and focus on what's important once again.

Lunch at Golden Leaf, Harbor Town. Dim Sum meals for two days in a row. Nice~ And the dim sum at Golden Leaf was really really good but pricey.

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In between all those activities, I've been working and practicing for a dance gig tomorrow. This will be my 1st performance with Flare Dance so do come and watch me screw-up my steps! Will be performing during lunch time at North Court, Union House.

Currently working on 3 different video projects. One for an international student film festival, another for Family Day this coming Saturday and another for Aun. Just the other day Greg introduced the possibility of taking my passion to another level. Lots of ideas, lots of opportunities but also lots of effort and time included. Will definitely sleep on in.

One week of holidays is too short! I've got 7 assignments to do and 3 due the week back. Uni life is just way too happening. Am I pushing myself a tad too much? I think so too =(

In the midst of ALL this, I'm busy working out my faith, struggling with relationships and chasing my dreams. Geez, give a guy a break.

Anyways, expect me to blog about those last 3 things next time around.

Selamat Hari Merdeka dan salam sejahtera.


~ Mann, blog posts without pictures are boring! ~

Congrats to Mr & Mrs Su!

Zak & Winn's wedding (21st August 2010).
It was beautiful.
Love the yellow.
All the effort put into the video was worth it!
I want to get married.

why do birds suddenly appear,
every time you are near
just like me, they long to be,
close to you

~ love songs have found meaning again ~

Living with Determination

Had another eventful weekend.

On Friday the 13th Aug 2010, two men were killed right next to where I live. At that time I was happily working away oblivious to what has happened. It was only when I took the trash out did I realized that something was amiss. A pair of choppers were flying about the area but I brush it off as being "normal news coverage".

Here's the news:
http://bit.ly/9fPaq2

Is it wrong that I'm not startled?

That incident got me thinking about life & how easy it is to lose it. Hmmm pretty heavy stuff. I won't blog about this cause the moment has past (decided to put it up anyways, rather that leaving it in the drafts folder). But I'm glad that each one of us who were nearby are safe. Thank goodness =)

On a lighter note, Isaac's bucks was on yesterday. Went Go-Karting before proceeding to the "formal" side of things. What ever happens at bucks night stays at bucks night. But I'll tell you this - it was..... interesting. After that night, there was definitely a sense of brotherhood among all of us and oh so many inside jokes. Oh, it was a pretty educational too.

Week 5 is gonna be the the most stressful week thus far. 4 assignments due while in the midst of juggling work, band practice and video editing. I'm definitely stretching myself too thin here. Help me to live this week, Lord. It's not enough just struggling to survive and going through the motions. Your grace is sufficient. AMEN!~


~ egak! a post with no pictures!? this is madness!! ~

Snowed

Listening to Snow Patrol and enjoying a lazy afternoon. Snow Patrol is pretty awesome. Can't believe I didn't appreciate their music when I was younger. Anyways, finally a brief pocket of time for me to fill this space with more memories.

Last Friday, Chris and I spent the entire day shooting a video for our friends' wedding. As tiring as it was, we had fun doing it. This is definitely the most important project we've ever worked on. Which means no room for error. The success of this wedding rests upon this video. Ok, maybe not, but still, very very important for us to get it right! Definitely can't wait to see the end product. So stay tune.

Last Saturday, a bunch of us went for a day-trip to Mt Buller.


















At first I wasn't interested about going to the snow at all. But 2 days before the trip, I suddenly felt like I didn't want to miss out. Which is strange because I usually have no qualms about missing out at all. Glad that I went cause time spent with these guys are the most fun I have in Melbourne.

Snowboarding was awesome! The chairlift and gondola rides were awesome! Even this funny thingo that they stuck between our legs to bring us up the slope was awesome.
























Excuse the level of excitement but yea, I had heaps of fun. Looking forward to going back to the snow. Maybe next time.

Special thanks to Aaron for planning the trip, driving us up and preparing an excel spreadsheet for our expenses! Thanks to Greg for a crash course on snowboarding and for covering for my expenses.

Caught up with the Lodge bunch again last Sunday. This time Vui Yung was down in Melbourne. What's up with everyone visiting Melbourne this year? Not that I'm complaining cause it's a great excuse for everyone to get together =) Had pizzas for lunch at D.O.C on the corner of Drummond and Faraday Street. The wild mushrooms pizza was my favourite.

As you can probably tell, I'm having heaps of fun in Melbourne. Maybe a bit too much. Lots of upcoming events to look forward to. Lots of assignments and datelines to meet. Pray that I'm able to manage my time well and focus on what's important.

Have a good rest of the week friends. Don't let the cold get you down.


~ first paycheck from Yahweh AG. Victory! ~

Here's another pop song for all you to love

~ let's dance to this song HEY! ~

1st August 2010

Gal 2:20 (NIV) I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the Body, I live by faith in the Son of the God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Yup, that's right! I got baptised on my 20th birthday. Coming out from the water, I felt refreshed. Not just physically, mentally and emotionally, but spiritually as well. This was definitely one of the biggest and boldest step I've taken in my entire life thus far. And I'm glad that I had everyone behind me, supporting me and praying for me.

Who knew a simple conversation could trigger a domino effect. Thanks to Krystal for agreeing to have the baptism during my birthday and for putting my words into action. Really appreciate it and I definitely have no regrets getting baptised at all. Thanks to Ps Tim for teaching and clarifying what we were actually getting ourselves into. And for dunking me into a watery grave(together with Krystal). Thanks to Ellie for preparing warm water for the baptism pool (I would have love to stay underwater for a little while longer).

What really helped and enlighten me were the conversations I had with a couple of people during the week before baptism. Mainly Elisa, Ann, Winston and Aun. Thanks guys for sharing and listening to my rambling. And to everyone who was there to witness my baptism, thank you! Really appreciate it! =)

Finally, I'm glad that I was baptised together with 3 other people. Kel, Lydia and Winnie. It was great doing this together with you guys. To just share and be part of our journey of growth. It was really meaningful getting baptised with my bro too. It really is a testimony of our faith and I'm pretty sure that my parents are able to see this. Congratulation for our baptism guys!

"For my 20th birthday I had KFC for dinner at an Asian Grocery." - Julian Tay 2010

haha I just had to say it. I'm sure that there aren't many people who would have the opportunity to say that. As sad as it may sound, I really enjoyed my day. I didn't plan to celebrate my birthday this year anyways. So it was great having 2 surprises from the peeps from Life* Expedition. Thanks to Greg for the Lemon Cheesecake! Love it~ and Shinyi's dom for the 2nd cake! Even the little gifts made my day.

Thanks to Sue lee for the flower.
























And Si Hua for the wristband. Loving the yellows!



















For those who texted, called and wished me through facebook, thanks guys! Funny how I felt so touched from reading the bday wishes posted on my wall. I guess words of affirmation really is my love language (for receiving). Take note ladies ;)

One thing I'm sure of is that I owe the big guy in Heaven for blessing me so abundantly. For my family, friends and this very life that I have. Thanks for watching over me for the pass 20 years and may you continue to do so for many more decades to come! May I learn to continue cherishing this life that I have and use it for your will. I love you God and today I choose to surrender my life to you once again. AMEN!~

To those of you who are interested about what I shared during baptism I've included the testimony and a little bit extra. Cause I didn't prepare a proper script in time for the baptism!

Good morning church. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Julian. Before I take the plunge, I think it's better if I tell you a bit about myself so you'll know where I'm coming from. I was born into a non-christian family. Even so, I've always believed in a God. But as a child you don't really know what you believe in and things don't really make sense anyways. The first time I attended "church" was at a Youth group back home. At that time I was just attracted by the "youth factor" where there was fun, food and friends.

Only 2 years ago in Perth did I felt a tugging in my heart and a hunger to know this God even more. And that's when I chose to seriously pursue this God. You may think that there was a lot of drama before coming to accept Christ, but the truth is, the drama began after choosing to follow God.

Suddenly I was made aware of lots of things. As nice as the warm fuzzy feeling of worshiping God or the spiritual highs you get at times, there are forces all around us fighting for our attention and distracting us from living a Christian life. For example, the knowledge of good and evil(KOGAE), idolatry and my sinful human nature.

And now for the big question.

"Why am I getting baptised?"

Up until this morning, I was still asking myself that question. "Why am I getting baptised?" Being a Christian I never questioned the fact that one day I would get baptised. The only question was, "What was I waiting for?" Through the conversations I had with a couple of friends during the last week I realised something. I realised that I wasn't afraid of getting baptised but I was afraid of life after baptism. I was afraid that after coming out of the water, nothing would have changed and that my promises would mean nothing.

I guess I was afraid of letting myself down and being unable to live up to the expectations of others. But you know what, it does matter. There is only one pair of eyes you should be worried about and that's God's eyes. Fall as much as you want and don't beat yourselves up because of your sins - God has no problem forgiving you.

So why am I getting baptised?

Today I choose to renew my faith in a God who is greater than my idols, my fears and my uncertainties. I will fall and I will lose sight of you but let today serve as a reminder of the promises that I've made, an affirmation of my faith in You and a public declaration to everyone present that I choose to follow you for all of my days. I won't be ashamed and I will shine for you Lord. I love you God.

Let's do this!

So here's my question to those who are yet to be baptised,

























"What are YOU waiting for?"


~ 20, baptised & looking forward to the future. This is gonna be fun! ~

Silent Comtemplation

Shine - Amp

This song is dedicated to folks who are heavy laden.
Driven by a hoax that the world provokes with a couple statements.
Do whatever you want in your life and live as you please.
Hedonism is the end and knowledge is the means.

We're created in His image,
God began a work that He will finish, bro this ain't a gimmick.
We were once separated; living as a desolated
race, wasting our praises on idols. Now we're feeling vacant.

But thank the Father for Jesus who was spit on,
shunned by His kids, skin whipped, but did no wrong.
The Son took my wrath cause he was the perfect lamb
sacrifice; now I'm in the light and on the narrow path.

Redeemed through His blood, forgiveness of sin
We gotta understand that we have been adopted.
Riches of His grace and mercy overflow so we will go
and shine for Christ using our gifts and more! (OH!)

We will shine.
We will shine.
Lord, we will not be ashamed.
We will shine.
We will shine.
Lord, please cast our fears away.

Given abilities to bring the gospel vividly
Explicitly without vagueness or ambiguity
A chosen generation set aside to sow and reap
Radical movers for the Kingdom, wake up from your sleep

Passion's defined as the state of being acted on
By external forces, so where is passion from
Some outer force is driving you toward the goals you set
Notice you have the ability, so goals are met

The parable of talents, each one was given some
According to his ability, the task was done (Matthew 25:15)
The Lord begins to stir passion inside of you
According to your ability for good works in Christ prepared for you (Ephesians 2:10)

The Spirit's living and giving the ammunition for fishing;
The Great Commission, condition the hearts who listen; (Matthew 28:18)
Rendition of Scripture written through talented exposition
Break complacent dispositions, sold out for Christ who's risen!

We will shine.
We will shine.
Lord, we will not be ashamed.
We will shine.
We will shine.
Lord, please cast our fears away.

I know its not for me that I am given this,
but still my pride, my sin it's hard to let it go.
may i not be a lamp that's hidden by it's shade
but a sound-full of love and air-full of praise Lord

Break me down and build me back up and fill me
with purpose, motives aligned with yours.
I'm afraid to give everything to you,
so please let me shine.

(Bridge)
We're gonna shine with everything we got!
We're gonna shine with everything we got!
We're gonna shine with everything we got!
We gotta stop putting the gospel in a box yo!

~ lemme enjoy this moment... just for a little while ~