Sista's Graduation

@ Perth Convention Centre - 27th Aug 2011

Happy Graduation sis! May this be a stepping stone for you to pursue your interests and reach for greater heights! Currently in Perth, spending time with the family and visiting old but familiar places. Making good use of "30 Hearts". Can't wait to show you guys what I can cook up with this new toy. Yea, I do miss Melbourne. Just a little.

~ mm listening to Sara Bareilles ~

30 Hearts

Life has always been about pleasing my parents. Getting good grades, being a good boy.

Life has always been about pleasing others. Don't talk back, don't ask questions, just do. 

Life was... simple.

When did life become so complicated?

My parents wishes for me to live a happy, comfortable life. 

Which parents wouldn't? 

I would want the same for my children too. 

So what seems to be the problem?

Money. 

And I'm sure that deep down inside, each and every one of us agrees that money = happiness + comfortable life. You need money to feed yourself. You need money to support your family. You need money to socialise. You need money! And you need more of it! But is money really the problem?

When did life become so complicated?

When I stopped getting good grades?
When I stopped being a good boy?
When I began to question?

No.

Life became complicated when I began to yearn for more. 

Surely, there's more to life than pleasing others.

Surely, there's more to life than earning money.

Surely, there's more to life than "getting it right".

I've been caught in between the limbo of chasing my dreams and pleasing my parents for far too long. I have the understanding, I have the willingness - and now the capacity. It's time to take flight. 

I'm gonna please my parents by chasing my dreams. 

How that's gonna work out, I don't know. But some things are worth fighting for. I pray for who ever that's reading this, may you find something worth fighting, crying, breaking the rules for. Cause we deserve it. As much as we deny, shy away from it, we very much deserve to chase our dreams and hope for greater things. Never tell yourself otherwise.

HA! What bold statements. But that's, well.... my revelation. 

21st [Take 2]

Thank you for believing in me. 

For all the encouragements and prayers. 

Thank you for your generous hearts.

For investing into my passions and dreams.

I am truly blessed to have you all in my life.

Thank you.

Love,

Jules

~ holding onto 30 Hearts ~

Celebration

.... rhymes with graduation!

"He does eye things"  - 13th Aug 2011

Ms Bachelor of Arts - 15th Aug 2011

Shout out to Chris Law, Mich Lim, Melissa Wong and Cherie Voon.

Am honoured to celebrate this milestone with you guys. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavours. Cheering you on. Congrats!

~ more celebrations to come ~

Love Wins

Just finished reading Love Wins. Incredible book.

Love Wins talks about Heaven, Hell and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived. Rob Bell's views on these topics challenges the common belief of the Christian faith. And it's a book riddled with questions.

Questions we fear to ask.
Questions behind the questions.
Questions no one has the right answer to.
Questions we wouldn't otherwise..... question.

This book has garnered tonnes of controversy. But for someone to finally ask these questions out-loud and share his honest views on them, that takes guts. I like this Rob Bell guy. I rather you find out for yourself what's written in this book rather than sharing it here. It's definitely a book worth reading.

With that said, I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone. This book is by no means the answer to life's biggest questions but may it inspired and give you a new perspective on life itself.

__________________________________________________________________________

Now for me to jot down snippets from the book for my own reference:

So when the gospel is diminished to a question of whether or not a person will "get into heaven," that reduces the good news to a ticket, a way to get past the bouncer and into the club.

The good news is better than that. (Rob Bell 2011, p.178)

As Paul writes in Philippians 3,
"Let us live up to what we have already attained." (Rob Bell 2011, p.188)

Forgiveness is unilateral.
God isn't waiting for us to get it together,
to clean up, shape up, get up -
God has already done it. (Rob Bell 2011, p.189)

"It's only when you lose your life that you can find it, Jesus says." (Rob Bell 2011, p.190)

Ahh Matthew 10:39, we meet again.

God's gonna do something.


~ look at me referencing like a good boy. wheee ~

Something's Brewing

Matthew 10: 37-39 (NIV)
37 "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

I think God's trying to say something.

Been watching the Planetshakers Conference 2011 DVD together with the housechurch and today we were watching Reggie Dabbs' sermon. Interesting how this verse that he brought up resembles what Pastor Tim shared about two weeks back.

God's trying to say something.

I had a funny dream recently. I vaguely remember the setting of the dream. We, a girl I knew and myself, were sitting against a wall, chatting (I think). It was an open area, probably outdoors.

She was holding a knife. 

Just a tiny one, almost pen-sized. As she showed me the knife, she told me, "You're the only one who knows about this knife."

That was when the dream ended and a new one began. I dreamt that YahwehAG had opened a branch in Kuching and that it had four cashiers. Bliss.

I digressed. 

How I interpreted the dream: That girl has what it takes to hurt me. 

God's saying something? Nahh must have dreamt about knives because of all the cooking I've been doing of late. Or maybe it's just a reference to Alice: Madness Returns. 

Alice's got a knife!

I'll let my dreams be dreams.

~ still processing my thoughts ~

The Words Of A Dying Man

Pastor Tim has been preaching from the book of 2 Timothy for the past month. He appropriately entitled the series "The Words Of A Dying Man" as it was the last letter that Paul wrote before he was beheaded. Poor guy.

A couple of things/questions that I took away, thus far:

Number one - Am I able to love God more than my family, friends, above all else? 

No.

It pains me to say it, but No, I don't think I can. Really? Can you love God more than your mum, your dad, your wife, your MacBookPro or your need for control? Can you love God instead of loving the things He does? What does it mean to love someone/something that isn't tangible, out-of-sight and at times just seems so far away? Can you? How?

Faith.

But how much? 

Matthew 17:20 (NIV)

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

The Bible knows best.

Number two - Hold On, Guard It, Be Strong, Entrust them with Truth.

Sounds like the most awesome tag-line to a movie. Hence, the movie-esque poster. Unfortunately, I don't remember anything else from that sermon. I should start taking notes again. Before Tim ended the sermon last Sunday, he briefly mentioned the 40 day fast. Too quick! It's amazing how fast the year has gone by. Alas, we can only, and we should, press on. Hmm still finding time to gather my thoughts. It'll come soon enough.

~ time to pick up my slack. ~

Thank You

Keep It Real

The first time I watched Clara perform was 2 years ago at Cafe Crema. Since then, I've become quite a fan. Clara Rhoden is a powerhouse. I love how her vocals are accompanied with equally powerful lyrics. Lyrics which are genuine, honest and real! Clara's music is, at the very core, rock. So for those looking for something heavier or music which doesn't explicitly talk about sex, booze and partying, you might enjoy this album. My favourite songs from this album are "Real Again" and "One More Chance".

"Clara's debut album Keep it Real is a challenge to us all to live unreservedly and wholeheartedly as the people God made us to be." - clararhoden.com (Biography)

Check out her website and listen to her previews here. It's not too late to join the real revolution!

~ in support of melbourne's local music scene ~

21st

I think everyone's expecting a long-winded, warm-felt post - but for now, a photo will do. Thanks to Kel for organising and everyone who came along for the free pizzas. It was fun. We should do this again.

~ today begins the first day of the rest of my life ~

New Horizons

Check out the view! It's been three weeks since we moved to the new space. We're settling well but I'm still getting used to the distance. Cycling is no easy feat and the frequency of trams traversing the docks is scarce. But it's all just a matter of getting the timing right and building stronger legs and buttocks! Hmm.. getting the timing right will be much easier (and less painful). 

Uni - I'm loving my 3 day, 13 hour week this semester. To make things sweeter, I have great lecturers and the units are much more stimulating, in contrast to last semester (dry and boring). Currently taking Alternative Animation as a elective. A much needed outlet to explore and expand my artistic side. With all the extra time at hand, I'm planning to make it a habit to revise and keep on top of my uni work. Praying for wisdom to use my time wisely.

I pray for spiritual growth this semester. With all that's been happening, I've finally come to the point where I can say, "yea, this is important and this is what I want". It's no coincidence that I got dragged into a discussion about spiritual growth with Pastor Tim and a few others. Oh, the random things I get into. Love it!

Spiritual growth. Let the adventure begin.

~ anyone lovin' the new header? i know i am! ~

Worship - A Drummer's Perspective

Had the chance to share last Sunday. Have you guys felt the same way before? Yes? No? Maybe? I don't care? Hopefully this sharing will inspire and challenge you.

Today I'll be talking about worship - worship from a prespective of a drummer.

What is worship?

Why do we worship?

How is playing the drums worship?

Is worship just 2 fast songs, 3 slow ones?

Is worship how fast or how loud u can play the drums?

Is worship coming to church early to practice for Sunday mornings?

If worship is just doing that, I reckon I do worship very well.

I've been serving in the worship team for the past 2.5 years. Each time I'm scheduled to play, it's definitely something worth getting excited about. I'm excited to play the drums. I'm excited to play together with friends. I'm excited to try out that new song. I'm excited to worship.

Two Sundays ago, I reached a listening point. This was after playing the drums for 8 Sundays in a row.

"I'm tired".

Tired meaning i was lazy, i wasn't excited, i wasn't worshipping. This is where things get dangerous, so listen up!

When u begin to worry more about how good u sound, rather than being sensitive to the spirit, beware. When u begin to think that u're just putting on a *show*, beware. And when u become good enough to rock up on stage and just wing it, beware. *Cause u're gonna end up tired*

So it was good that I realised this sooner than later. And when i did, i had to ask myself, "Jules, why do u play the drums?" and ultimately, "How is playing the drums worship?" I find it easier to worship by singing cause u're using words. But with the drums, all u're using is *beats*

I remember Sam telling me once. Everytime he hits the 'snare', he pictures hitting the devil in the face. Pretty cool right? And that got me thinking about what it meant to worship drumming.

This is what i got.

I think that by playing the drums i'm ushering in the holy spirit. Pushing back the demons that encages us. Lifting up the spirits of those who are downcasted with worries and regrets. Creating a space for people to lift up their hands and proclaim:

"You are stronger, you are stronger"

"The same power that conquered the grave lives in me!"

And if i can do all that just by hitting a few drums, i will gladly use this talent to glorify God.

Today i want to encourage and challenge you guys to find out for urself what it means to worship a God we call father, saviour, the almighty. Doesn't matter how u express it or if u're up on stage or not, ask urself, "Why do u worship?"

If you're not sure where to start, just picture hitting the devil in the face. Thanks for listening and don't get tired.

Love,

Jules

~ discovering worship in the norm ~

See You Soon. Young.

It's hard to describe what I'm feeling right now. Excited? Not really. Nostalgic? Maybe. Worried? A little. Results are coming out next Monday. I've yet to receive any email from school saying that I've failed. So that's a good sign yea? It's funny how easily my faith waver over such matters. I've worked the best I could, now all I've gotta do is have a little faith. Pray with me, I need it.

BIG changes up ahead! We're packing our bags and moving out once again. New beginning, new neighbourhood. But as always, I'll adapt - we'll adapt. It's been fun playing house with Winston. Alas, all good things must come to an end. Thanks for all the meals, late night conversations and the lulz. Be good. God's watching you.

~ off to the docks ~

My Thoughts You Can't Decode

Had the privilege of filming and editing JoshuaPuiMusic new music video. Was having difficulty synching the video with the music because of a fatal mistake. I forgot to have the music playing while we were filming. Lyrics were wrong and the tempo was off but that's where the magic of editing comes in. All in all, I think it turned out ok. Lesson learnt - the next one will be better!

~ Woohoo! Holiday well spent. ~

Little Ewan

Date: 28/06/11 - 26hrs old

First time holding a new-born child. Very precious. Congrats to Kenny and Krystal! Eammon's now a big bro. Can't wait to see these boys all grown up. Though I reckon the same can't be said for most parents.

I pray for divine protection over baby Ewan. That he will grow up to be a man after God's heart. I pray for the Loke family. That they will continue to grow from strength to strength in your grace and mercy. I thank you for their guidance and may they continue to inspire and speak love into our community. Amen!~

~ imma need to work on my baby handling skillz ~

What Now?

Exams were 50/50. There were some good ones, some not-so-good ones. All I can do now is wait and see. Annual Dinner is happening again tmr! Gonna be fun.

Still waiting on Jo to post up the newest promo but this will do for now.

Winter break will most likely be occupied with moving in and furnishing the new place. But that's alright cause I'm really excited about finally settling down. It'll be... good. Other plans for winter break? Hopefully a couple of video-ventures, maybe some night rides around Melbourne, read a book, get a haircut. Will be nice to rest and still be productive at the same time. Just gotta find the right balance.

As for Operation C*rry, now isn't the right time. It's all new and exciting but I should be clear about my motives and hope for all this. It's never a bad thing to play it safe yea? Of course, there will come a time where risks must be taken. When that time comes, what ever the outcome may be, may I find peace and clarity.

(Oh don't you just love it when I'm all cryptic. You can't decipher me you stalkers!)

Despite the bitterness of uni, overall, it's been a good semester. But that's a blog post for another day. For now, lets savour the ice-cream.

~ holidays make me reflective ~

Waking up Strong in the Morning!

Still kinda bumped about Silverchair's "Indefinite Hibernation". Would have loved to watch them live. But it's good that they're happily working on their own projects at the moment. Thanks for all the years of music and looking forward to what these guys have in store.

Having a paper later in the afternoon and one more on Wednesday! Kinda getting lazy BUT I must persevere! Just like what my high school motto says - Learn, Persevere, Succeed. Hmm kinda lame but it makes sense.

~ almost there! ~

Legacy

I love the idea of legacy. The handing down of a property, a seed, an idea, a hope or momento by a predecessor.

Or in my case, a pair of drum sticks, a bow-tie, "Project Clockwise" and a bicycle.

People come and go but these things will remind me and keep me close to them. When I play with the drum sticks, it'll remind me of my time back in Zion. When I wear Aun's bow-tie (or do my top button up), it'll remind me of a mentor who is selfless and ever presence. When I play together with Project Clockwise, it'll remind me of Guo Jin's vision to teach and build-up other musicians. When I cycle down the streets of Melbourne, I'll remember what Keith said about God rewarding the generous heart.

I love the idea of legacy. I wonder what kind of legacy I'll leave behind one day.

Anyways, here's me signing off with a quote I very much agree with.

"I would rather fail in a cause that will ultimately succeed than succeed in a cause that will ultimately fail" - Wilson, Woodrow T.

~ what kind of legacy would you wanna leave behind? ~

Things are Looking Up

It's been an interesting past 2 days, so I better put this down before I forget.

I've realized that I've been selfish. Selfish that I'm only concerned about what I want. I fail to see the bigger picture. The plan has always been to finish my current studies and enter the workforce while pursuing my passion on the side. But what's the point of completing a course if I'm not interested in it? I would just be wasting my time, my energy and wasting my parents' money.

I've been selfish. Chasing my dreams without caring about what my family thinks. I know that they want what's best for me. For me to have a stable career, to be able to provide for myself. Studying Geomatics is definitely the "safer route" and I should be thankful for the fact that I even have an education to begin with. I've been blessed with so much and yet I choose to satisfy my own selfish appetites.

I've been selfish. It's about time I learn to appreciate what I have.

I pray that I'll learn to enjoy what I do. God, help me find meaning in the things I do, every assignment I submit, every exam I study for. I believe with Geomatics, one will be able to do so much good. Help me believe that with Geomatics, I'll be able to do much good. I thank you for friends on this journey. Friends who share my burdens, friends who listen to my whining, friends who encourages me. I thank you God and may I too be a blessing in their lives. Amen~

________________________________________________________________________

It's crazy! The moment my mindset shifted, good things started to happen, one after another. Reminded me about what Eugene shared in church last Sunday about "The Advancement of God's Kingdom". About having to renew our minds daily and that Heaven is as large as our minds allow it to be. Listen to the podcast here.

So even though I didn't do well for my 1st paper and forgot to bring my keys to work, it's be a good 2 days. Looking forward to many merry days ahead. It may be the start of Winter but Spring doesn't seem to far off.

2 papers down, 2 more to go! Hurray for a one week break.

~ don't let ur mind restrict what God can do ~

Hey June!

May was a tiring month. But the worst is (sorta) over. Now to conquer my exams and after that, rest. Rest sounds nice. Looking back at May, it wasn't too bad.

Ran 50ks with the lodgians. Team BackByMidnight!

Mini-golf with the Clan.

Worked together with Meld to produce this video:

ProjectClockwise!

Performed at The Swept Away Fundraiser Concert:

Just a run down of events that happened over the past month. I'll probably share about more intellectual and deeper issues after exams. Then till, stay safe & study smart!

~ consolidating feelings ~

Limit Break

BIGGEST. WEEK. EVER.

Let's mosey.

~ don't lose focus! ~