Love Inspired, Faith & Hope Empowered

I've never realized but the lyrics to Saviour King is beautiful.

I love You Lord, I worship you,

Hope which was lost, now stands renewed

I give my life to honour this,

The love of Christ, the saviour king.

I love Easter Camps. Each year is always different and each year I learn something new. This year's theme was Engage, Embrace & Empower. Three very powerful words. Three actions I hope to adopt.

I'm impressed by how relevant this year's message is to me. I've been so so blessed to be a part of the LifeExpedition community. It has given me a space to grow spiritually, mentally and emotionally as a person. And also the opportunity to express my passion for dance, music and film.

After receiving so much goodness, it's about time I start giving back. For a while now, I've been wanting to invest into the lives of the younger generation in the community. Giving the other members in LifeTV a chance to lead the video productions is a start. But I'm sure I can do more.

Use me God as a vessel to shine your light in the lives of the people around me. To not be ashamed of my faith but wear it proud like a medal. Make me a person capable of leading and building this generation. To empower them to become people who are loving, brave and hopefully live their lives to its fullest potential. Believers and non-believers.

Teach me to live a Lifhe which is Love Inspired, Faith & Hope Empowered.

I pray for courage God.

To take the risks I've never taken before.

To fight for what's important.

To engage, embrace and empower.

BIG Prayer! But You are faithful God. AMEN!~

I think I'm getting lazy. Didn't even take a single picture at Easter Camp this year. Meh. There's always facebook.

Blessed Easter everyone!

~ let hope be renewed, let hope be renewed ~

Chains be broken, Lives be healed

Ok, I lied. Looks like I won't have time to share about all that before Easter =( But I'm glad I've shared my stories personally with a couple of close friends throughout the week. Right now I'm really pumped for camp. It's gonna be a blessed 3 days and I believe that God's gonna move in the hearts of many.

As Shin Yi have prayed over me today, "God will refine me through His flames", I receive it and anticipate God to work His will through me. So for those of you going off to Easter Camp, go with an anticipating heart. Good things will come your way.

Happy Easter everyone!

~ i'll pack my bags in the morning ~

Where Do I Begin?

I've got soo many stories to share but no idea where to begin. But for now, a sneak peek of what's to come.

Life* 101 Revisit.

Trying VS Living.

Dreams & Ambitions.

Powerless.

First Dates. First Date.

Reading the older posts on this blog, I've realised that I've grown. I'm no longer the kid who's struggling to find his identity. I think I'm comfortable with who I am and where I am at the moment. The moment is good. Very good.

So hopeful I get to share about all of this before Easter Camp!

What are you doing this Easter?

~ hmm... i need to take more pictures for this blog ~

You Could Be Your Own Spotlight

Super excited about Patrick Stump's new solo album, Soul Punk! Loving the new look & sound. Did you know that before FOB he was a drummer? Due to changes in the line-up he became the reluctant lead singer and began playing the guitar. Aren't we all glad he did.

Just bought his Truant Wave-EP. Totally un-FOB, but completely his own style. Prepare to be stumped!

~ check out his youtube channel for more ~

Congrats to Josh & Wennie!

Homies, 9th April 2011. Photo: Xin Long

~ it's a beautiful day ~

I'm A FOB... Fan

Probably my favourite song from their 2008 album Folie A Deux. Funny how I'm only listening to it now. Love how the video made many references to their old music videos. Can you spot them all?

The acoustic version of this song is just as good!

~ waiting on FOB come back! ~

Why Are You Running?

It's been a while since I had the chance to take the day off, walk around the city and be inspired. Melbourne City's a really nice place to shoot a video.

At the end of the day, this is what we came up with:

This was done spontaneously without any ideas of what to shoot. Hence, the open-ended story. But the point of this video-venture was just to have fun. So I hope you guys enjoyed watching it as much as we did filming it!

~ Expecting more to come? Me too! ~

Journey to the West

Genesis 33
¹⁶ So that day Esau started on his way back to Seir. ¹⁷ Jacob, however, went to Sukkoth, where he built a place for himself and made shelters for his livestock. That is why the place is called Sukkoth.

Instead of building an altar for God at Bethel (Genesis 35), like Jacob, I too was stuck at Sukkoth. I really really like my old apartment. It was the epitome of convenience and I've grew very fond of its neighbourhood. However, things never goes the way you want it to.

So you've got two choices, whine about it or embrace it.

I reckon this move was timed perfectly. It was time to move out of Sukkoth and not necessarily to Bethel, but towards a new beginning, a new neighbourhood. Change is always difficult but we learn to adapt - I'll learn to adapt.

This may be a wee bit late but time for some new year resolutions:

1. Sleep earlier! - doesn't apply when rushing last minute assignments.
2. NO CONCERTS THIS YEAR!
3. Cultivate closer relationships with people from my housechurch and Flare.
4. Listen to what people are saying (sometimes I just don't).
   
5. Read the freakin bible.

It's only the start of the semester but there seem to be heaps of stuff going on. I guess that's uni life. Full of Extreme Drinking and Clubbing.



... and studying.


~ oh, I really did move to the west ~

Moving Out

Some people dread moving out. Out of comfort, out of familiarity. But sometimes, it is necessary. It teaches us to clear out the junk and cherish what's important. Yes, it may be sentimental and at times challenging but it's all part of growing up.

Sorry that I haven't been blogging recently. I guess I'm getting a little bored of blogging *gasp* so what now? Hmm I'll still write a new post every now and then, but I'll keep 'em short and sweet. maybe.

So yea, I'm back in Melbourne after bumming around for 2 months back home. I actually miss bumming around. Alas, all good things must come to an end. So now I'm packing my stuff and getting ready to move into a new place (cause the owner wants his apartment back & is kicking us out).

Just about a week left for this summer holiday. Let's enjoy it till the very end, shall we?


Oh! And I've been listening to Community OST. It's nice~


~ videomaking-itch is satisfied... for now ~

Ah Kong, Zai Jian

On the 27th December 2010, my grandpa passed away.

Before he passed away, I got the chance to see him one last time. I donno why but I felt sad when I shook his hand to say goodbye that last time. Maybe it's because mum's been talking about death since I got back. I guess we all sort of expected it sooner than later. He passed away 3 days later.

Ah Kong was the strongest man I knew. He even walked up the stairs all by himself before laying down to rest. 97 years is a long time for a man to live and I'm glad he passed away peacefully.

I was never close to ah kong. I barely knew the guy and never had a proper conversation with him. The fact that I couldn't speak a word of teochew didn't help. But I did had one conversation with an uncle who came to my ah kong's funeral. I didn't get his name but he told my that he used to work with my ah kong and that it was ah kong who gave him a proper education. When he told me this, I could see the gratitude in his eyes. I doubt that I would ever meet that uncle again but to hear about my ah kong making a difference in the lives of the people around him, that's precious.

I simply don't understand why my mum hates sharing about family and relatives. Every time I ask about something family-related she would simply wave-off my question or refuse to answer. There are the rare occasions where she would share but other than that, she rather I don't ask anything. But of course, I'm just gonna keep pestering her.

It was great to see the entire Lee family (mum's side) together after such a long time. But to reunite under such circumstance was quite unfortunate. All my nephews and nieces are all growing up so fast. To think that these kids are one day gonna be MY kids' cousins. Hmmm just a random thought that came about. So ah kong's funeral was pretty much a bittersweet experience for me.

On behalf of your children, in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, we thank you for being a part our lives and we're gonna miss you. God, I thank you for ah kong and for the life that you have given him.

I'm gonna miss you. Ah kong, zai jian.


~ I wonder if I'm gonna see ah kong in heaven ~

Imma feeling reflective - Part 1

This year has been a crazy year. It probably the first time I've ever been so active in well, everything. Church, dance, uni, video - allow me to blog intensively about each one of them.

Dance
Story time. Did you guys know how I ended up breakdancing? Back in my CCGS years, I remembered having a sudden interest in dancing. It was probably due to watching my previous church dance team perform. So I told myself that I was gonna learn "hip-hop" when I'm in Melbourne.

>> Fast forward to Melbourne 2009.

I had a friend who's been learning dance at the Melbourne Music Academy (which is currently under renovations, I think). This friend of mine happened to be a high school friend from Perth and I vaguely remember sharing with him about my interest in dancing. From there, one thing lead to another and I tagged along to one of his classes. Cools I'm on my way to learning "hip-hop".

Here's the funny part. I went to MMA excepting to learn "hip-hop" but when I got there my friend told me, "Oh yea, this is actually a breakdancing class." He had brought me to the wrong class. But how different could it be, right?

"It's a little different," he added.

He lied.

So that's how I (accidentally) picked up breakdancing.

>> Fast forward to Melbourne 2010.

I haven't been as consistent as I hoped to be but I still enjoy breakdancing. But if I really wanna get better and learn power moves, I'm gonna need to train regularly. One thing for sure, I don't plan to stop dancing anytime soon. Not forgetting Flare Dance Ensemble. I'm really loving the new bond I've made with the people from the club. Can't wait to dance with them again.

For more on my 2010 dance shenanigans click here.

Studies
Year 2 is no cake walk. I've always find it hard to believe how a person can be so stressed out from their studies. This year, I learnt the meaning of stress. It was probably my fault for getting too caught up in so many activities to the point that I started neglecting my studies and assignments. I seriously thought I was gonna fail 2nd semester but by grace, I did much better than expected! 2Ds, 1C & 1PA is pretty good compared to 4 fails.

I seriously owe a bunch of people a BIG thank you for spurring me on during the times I was just so stressed out and at the point of giving up. Winston Chua for being my late late night study buddy. Thank you for the tenom coffees, a sofa to sleep on and chopsticks for my snacks. Really appreciate it bro.

Aileen Sim for praying for me the day before my first paper. I really REALLY needed that. During the month leading up to the exams, a giant ball of stress has been gradually building inside of me waiting to devour my very being (ok, this may be slightly exaggerated). That single prayer dispersed the presence of said stress and gave me hope (this isn't). Crazy I know but wow! Thanks, Aileen!

To my Geomatics' buddies, for being supportive even though we were all rushing our individual assignments. I think after all those last-minute sessions, a sense of camaraderie has been cultivated within all of us. Let's work harder next year, shall we? I don't ever wanna rush last-minute datelines with you guys ever again. See you in 3rd year!

I'm sure there are more people I should be thankful for but I rather not say names in case I miss someone out. Special mention to Gloria (Jeans).

>>> Moving along

This year, I struggle with the fact that I have no passion for my course (re: Study Woes). Most of my close friends would know the reason for my undertaking of Geomatics. So to cut a long story short, it was the only course I could enter with my below average TEE score of 68.6%. Not my proudest moment and one that I'm very sensitive about. Hmm.... but I'm feeling better now.

So what if I fall short? There's nothing wrong with me.

If I'm not happy with my course, why don't I change? Well, things aren't that simple. But one thing's for certain, I'm gonna finish my current degree. After that, let's see how far "passion" can take me.

Weee~ what a wordy post. Congrats on reading till the end! That must mean my rambling isn't as boring as I make it to be.... or maybe you're just bored. Go read a book, write a song or something. It'll do you good.

IT'S SO FLUFFY!!!!

~ stay tune for part 2! ~

I'M RIDING A ROBO FISH!

~ imma feeling reflective. hmm. ~

A Weight Off My Chest

Ok, I know I said that I was gonna share about my revelation from the 40 days fast BUT in the end I decided not to. That's because some things are better left unsaid. But I'll tell you one thing.

God spoke.

Each time that God speaks, His words are always concise, straight-to-the-point, true and painful. One way I discovered how to tell whether God is speaking to you. It always comes with an enlightenment and a sense of peace.

I was enlighten. And at peace.

It's been more than a month since the end of the fast and it hasn't been easy. Alas, the Christian journey is a journey of FAITH. Faith to believe that God is good and that He knows what's best for me. Most of the time I just want to satisfy my own selfish desires but teach me to refrain.

Chris Willis shared one Sunday about idols (desires). This was what I had scribble down, "We hold our idols in our hands & it's not a bad thing. But if we close our hands & refuse to let go, it becomes an obsession. God, doesn't like that. He's gonna keep prodding & telling us, "Hey, I'm all you need."

I've been clinging onto an "idol" for far too long. Teach me to cling onto You instead.

Lemme share with you guys a song I wrote. It would probably shed some light upon what I'm trying to communicate. Whether you get it or not doesn't matter to me. This post is meant to serve as a reminder to me. Of a decision I've made and.... growth. Personal growth? Hmm maybe.

Lyrics:
Some people say that love's a game
Some people people say you have to win
Some people say that love is blind
But who's to blame when hearts are burned

A love that can't be fooled
A love that pure and true
A love that can't be fooled
A love that pure and true

There are those who play the game
But there a those who choose to lose
It a choice you have to make
To sink or swim, to do or die

A love that can't be fooled
A love that pure and true
A love that can't be fooled
A love that pure and true

It was fun while we were young
But now's the time where we must part
I don't want to lose myself
Be another victim of blind romance

A love that can't be fooled
A love that pure and true
A love that can't be fooled
That's what I want for you

by Julian Tay at 4:04pm
30th Nov 2010

____________________________________________________________________

Woohoo! First post from Kuching. ever. Maybe I'll blog over the holidays from back home. Should be a good way to spend my time.

Well folks, that's it for The October Issue #2. (Better super late then never?)

Will blog about what's been happening real soon!


~ clearing the draft folder once more ~

Project YouTube

I thought that I would have more time to blog during the holidays. I guess I was wrong!

Last Sunday we had a special thanksgiving for the leaders in my community. I was given another video opportunity but this time, it was to honour my Clan leader, Krystal.



I believe that videos are powerful mediums capable of invoking thoughts and emotions within the viewers. But to think that a video I made was capable of doing so frightened me (that was before I realised how awesome it was). It touched me to see the community and Krystal so touched by the video and that I was able to bring a few laughter to their Sunday morning.

I may not be sure about where I'm going with all this but I'm gonna continue making videos. It's always encouraging to receive compliments for our efforts. Afterall, I do enjoy entertaining and making people laugh. Who knows? Maybe one day this "talent" will be used for greater things. Just maybe.

On an unrelated-but-sort-of-related-note, I finished reading this book called, The Alchemist. To quote from the book, "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

Hmm... well first I'm gonna need to know what I want and how serious I am about wanting it. Dreams will remain dreams unless I chose to pursue them. And that's where faith and courage steps in. Alas, faith and courage doesn't come easy for me, especially in the areas of love and career.



May be I should become a K-pop artist and find love in a foreign country.

Nahhh.... just joking.

The video above came about from a certain individual's enthusiasm after discovering this article: MBC lauches global audition program with Youtube.

So basically it's a voting contest where the winner gets a chance to win some cash and earn a debut supported by MBC.

Here's the link for the voting:
http://ytasianidol.appspot.com/gallery#
Find us under Country: AUS / Genre: ROCK
So do "like" the video if you like it!

A LOT of effort went into recording and editing this video, so kudos to Chris for doing most of the work! It was tiring but definitely heaps of fun. Glad that Project Clockwise was able to "re-unite" for this occasion.

Alrighty! It's been a long day and sleep awaits. Goodnight friends and pleasant dreams!


~ 40 days fast revelation up next! ~

Flare Dance Ensemble

Flare had their annual performance a couple of weeks back and it was awesome!

Tenth Avenue, 21st - 23rd Oct 2010

I only took part in the breakdancing piece. Would have liked to be part of the other pieces if I had more time. Nevertheless, I had fun and it was an enjoyable experience. For a bunch of amateur dancers, I reckon we put on a decent show. Thanks to everyone who came and show their support! Hope you guys had a great time.

"You are my shootin' star"

More performance pictures here (Flickr).
To watch the piece I was in click here (Facebook).

After the final performance, we had an after-party at Little King Eatery (wee~ free food!). That night, they did the whole appreciation thing where they gave out certificates to all the members. Mann it was such a teary moment. Totally wasn't expecting it, but it was... touching. Seeing people cry for their friends and for their passion. Haha that was probably the first time I saw so much crying in a non-church environment, what more in a restaurant! It was different but man it was great.

De' Dream!

That night I saw something special in each one of them. That Flare members weren't as trashy as some of us (including myself) take them to be. But they are selfless, caring and loving individuals. We may have different beliefs, culture and lifestyle but we all share the same passion.

Flare goodies.

I must be crazy for thinking about taking up Flare again next year. Crazy because there's a high level of commitment and that the annual performances runs through RMIT's swotvac period. However, I think I have a calling there. To get out of my comfy little bubble and be the light in the lives of these people. When I first started out at Flare, I just wanted to perform. But now, I want to be in Flare for the people. I really care for them and will love to journey and foster deeper relationships with them.

Flare Cast 2010

Woohoo! Flare 2011. Looking forward to it!


~ still a couple more "stuff" to blog ~

Back on the Tube!

Exams are over, I is merry. End of the 40 days fast too. Planning to make my time in Melbourne a productive one. Gonna get out and do stuff rather than just sit around at home reading manga and watching Youtube. Gonna blog about some "stuff" too. But for now, let me Youtube.

Probably the BEST SHOWCASE I've seen thus far. Gotta love the Koreans. So much energy and fun to watch.



Been catching up on my Wongfu as well. Just realised how many videos I've miss out on in just the span of 40 days. Love this music video. I just might buy the album.



JANE LUI! She's a musical genius. Go check out her channel here. Love how the video's so raw and just watching her bust a move, great fun!



Pokemon live-action!? Wicked!




~ btw, the October issue's not over yet! ~

Sentimental Blues

Feeling sentimental. Yea, exams does that to me (not really).

2 papers down, 3 more to go! Almost there Jules. No slacking off!

All the best to everyone having exams. God Bless.


~ Day 39. Tmr marks the end of the 40 days fast. ~

De' Dream

Just a teaser of what's to come!

Exam commences tomorrow! Thanks to everyone for their prayers and encouragement. See you all at the finish line.

~ mada mada! ~

We're Not At The End But We've Already Won

Woohoo! So Paramore was in Melbourne on Wednesday and a bunch of us went to catch them live at Sidney Myer Bowl. The concert was awesome! So so glad that I went and kudos to Chris for getting us awesome seats. We were seated pretty close to the stage and had a good view.

Opening Act - The Jury & The Saints

Relient K. 2nd time watching them live.

Funny Story, after the concert that night, I accidentally deleted all the photos I took from my camera. That was until Isaac came to the rescue. With the use of a photo recovery program and a SD card reader, he managed to recover most of the photos that was deleted, including those from years back. Mann, what would I do without a tech wiz like him. So big big thanks to Isaac!

Paramore opens with Ignorance

I've always been a fan of Haley Williams Paramore, so watching them live was one of the coolest thing ever. It's quite amazing that they've been doing this for 6 years but they're still so young. Their drummer, Zac Farro is only 20! I'm gonna be as good as him starting now. Ok, maybe not now but soon enough!

Close-up cams on the big screens

The level of energy as they played each song was pretty high. Love how Haley was running all over the stage and doing her little dance. Jeremy was swinging the bass all over the place too. That made it hard to take good pictures but I'm cool with that. Haley was really good at getting the crowd pumped and she is hot! .....Go Haley!

Paramore's acoustic set

The most epic moment of the concert. 2 actually.

Epic moment number one:
When Haley stormed onto the stage wearing an ironman mask and rocked the drums to Taio Cruz' Dynamite.

Iron-Haley!

Epic moment number two:
When Jeremy Davis side-flipped over Josh Farro, while they were both still playing. No pictures for this one but there's a clip of it on Youtube. Will put it up after my fast is over!



Edited (Fast's over, clip's up!)

Where The Lines Overlap

What was great about the concert was that Paramore played all of their popular songs and yes, they sounded awesome live! Maybe even better than their albums. So excited to see how far their passion for music will take them. They're still so young and capable of accomplishing so much more. Rooting for you guys! Heheh after that concert, I feel like I'm already friends with them. Anyways....

The Only Exception

Can't wait for them to come back to Melbourne! Heheh I'm most probably definitely maybe gonna watch them live again. Let's keep supporting awesome bands like Paramore to keep their dreams alive!


~ Haley is hot! ~

Goodnight Company

This album has been keeping me company for the past week. Amazing vocals and music arrangement. A very very talented lady she is. Check out her Youtube channel and do yourself a favour by downloading her album. And guess what?

It's FREE!

http://www.janelui.com/

But it's always good to leave a tip ;)


~ end of year 2, hopefully ~