Be Glorified! (2 Thess 1:12)

This song by Don Moen kept resonating is my heart for the past two weeks... Be Gloried! Today, my devotional scripture reading is on 2 Thessalonias 1:12 which also focuses on the there... may the name of Jesus be glofied in you! What does this means? Listen carefully to the lyrics of the song...

 

With every beat of my heart
Every song that I sing
Every prayer that I pray
Every offering I bring
In every thought that I have
Every word that I say
Oh, be glorified (yeah, yeah)

From the start of each day
'Til the end of the night
Let me bring praise
Let me bring light
Lord, I offer my life
As a sacrifice
Be glorified (yeah, yeah)

This is my prayer
It's the cry of my heart
Lord, I want my life
To reflect who You are
Oh Lord, please stir up the fire
And burn everything
'Til all I desire is You

With every breath that I take
In everything that I do
Let me lift up Your name
And bring honor to You
Let the words of my mouth
Only speak truth
Oh, be glorified (yeah, yeah)

This is my prayer
It's the cry of my heart
Lord, I want my life
To reflect who You are
Oh Lord, please stir up the fire
And burn everything
'Til all I desire is You

This is my prayer
It's the cry of my heart
Lord, I want my life
To reflect who You are
Oh Lord, please stir up the fire
And burn everything
'Til all I desire is You

With every beat of my heart
Every song that I sing
Every prayer that I pray
Every offering I bring
In every thought that I have
Every word that I say
Be glorified (be glorified), oh, oh
Be glorified (be glorified), oh yeah
Be glorified (be glorified), oh Lord
Be glorified

In everything I say
Everything I do (be glorified)
In every situation
Every conversation (be glorified)

It's my prayer (be glorified)
Be glorified

I Believe There is More!

"I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God." Ezekiel 11:18-20

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Happy New Year! What is your wish for the new year/decade? I am not sure about you, but what I asked from God is an undivided heart and a new spirit. Hence, my meditation over the last few weeks of 2009 focused on the above verses in the Bible.

This time last year (31 Dec 2008), I reflected on how God has filled my cup till it overflows. http://happyvalley-prof.blogspot.com/2008/12/he-fills-my-cup-till-it-overflows.html. Yes, I have been blessed abundantly... Another year on, I am still overwhelmed by how much God has blessed me and my wife... BUT "Since you are already so blessed, since your cup is already overflowing..." some may asked, "..., what is there to look forward to?" Well, I still believe there is more. What resonates in my heart this new day is a song declaring, "I BELIEVE THERE IS MORE". Written and sung by Don Moen, who shared the following in his blog:

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“People everywhere are sensing that God has more for them to do. They are tired of the “status quo” lifestyle. My friend, I really do believe God has more for you to do. He has more for me to do. We have to be willing to step out by faith into the “new thing”, whatever it is that God has put in your heart. This certainly does not mean what you have done to this point is insignificant. I believe it was all preparation. God is NEVER finished with us and no matter what the enemy tries to tell you, God has more for you to do. I am thinking I need to write a book about this. There is so much here.”- Don Moen

It is a beautiful song with inspiring lyrics:

You have been good to me (x2)
You have been gracious
You have been faithful
Meeting my needs
Lord, it's so plain to see
You have been good to me
I have been given so much I can't even
Begin to thank You

Chorus:And still I believe there is more
I believe there is more
I believe
So I open my hands to receive
All that Your love has in store
Lord, I believe

Everything I have done
All that I've said and sung
Lifting Your story, giving You glory
That's just the beginning

Father, I know there is more
Power to heal and restore
Miracles, wonders, blessings unnumbered
Love never-ending

(Chorus) Exceeding abundantly
More than our minds can imagine
Love overflowing
You are bestowing
Day after day after day

Lord, I believe; Lord, I believe; Lord, I believe

Faith Prayer for 2010: So, as we move into the new decade, join me to believe that there is more to your life! Let's open our hearts and lift our hands to receive - All that God's love has in store for us. Love overflowing. Love never-ending. More than our minds can imagine. Lord, we believe!

Through The Years

"Through the years, you've never let me down
You've turned my life around, the sweetest days I've found
I've found with you ... through the years."

My wife celebrated her birthday last weekend. We had a quiet dinner at Chalk, a supposedly french/italian restaurant located at an old school compound at Mt. Sophia. I picked the restaurant after reading the following review on the HungryGoWhere website:

"Chalk is definately a hidden gem located on Mt Sophia. Awesome food, awesome people and awesome environment. Great value for the quality food you are getting and it is definately an experience that's worth spending every penny on."

I booked a table in the air-con section, but we decided to sit outside on the deck as the evening was quite cooling. Ambience wise, it was pleasant and nice. The service staff was also very friendly. But the food was just average... In total, we spent $83... for seafood bisque ($15), rocket salad ($8), duck confit ($29), 12" pizza ($18) and fondant cake ($13). But we did enjoyed each other company; away from the hustle and bustle of daily routine.

In celebration, I dedicated the song "Through The Years" sung by Kenny Rogers for her. The words are very meaningful for a couple who have been through the years:

I can't remember when you weren't there

When I didn't care for anyone but you
I swear we've been through everything there is

Can't imagine anything we've missed

Can't imagine anything the two of us can't do

Through the year, you've never let me down

You turned my life around, the sweetest days I've found

I've found with you ... through the years

I've never been afraid, I've loved the life we've made

And I'm so glad I've stayed, right here with you

Through the years

I can't remember what I used to do

Who I trusted whom, I listened to before

I swear you've taught me everything I know

Can't imagine needing someone so

But through the years it seems to me

I need you more and more

Through the years, through all the good and bad

I knew how much we had, I've always been so glad

To be with you ... through the years

Its better everyday, you've kissed my tears away
As long as its okay, Ill stay with you

Through the years

Through the years, when everything went wrong

Together we were strong, I know that I belonged
Right here with you ... through the years

I never had a doubt, we'd always work things out

I've learned what loves about, by loving you

Through the years

Through the years, you've never let me down

You've turned my life around, the sweetest days I've found

I've found with you ... through the years

Its better everyday, you've kissed my tears away

As long as its okay, Ill stay with you

Through the years!

Husband

Today, is BMW DAY! It is the 18th anniversary of my proposal, "Will you Be My Wife (BMW)?". Refer to last year's posting "Memories of Love" on the significance of 28 Nov 1990 to Singapore as a nation and to us as a couple: http://happyvalley-prof.blogspot.com/2007/11/memories-of-love.html

file photo: 3rd wedding anniversary (1995)

Not long after we were married, my wife gave me a small card, which is now framed and placed in my office. Entitled Husband, the card reads,

photo: State College (2008)

A good man

is hard to find,

a good husband

harder yet.

But I found both

and married him,

the best I ever met.

He's given me freely

the best years

of his life.

So I happily commit myself

to being his loving wife.

.

A romantic song which I have chosen to mark this 18th BMW anniversay is "It Might be You". The song ends with the chorus, "Maybe it's you..., maybe it's you..., I've been waiting for all of my life." Sung by Stephen Bishop, it was the theme song of the 1982 film Tootsie, starring Dustin Hoffman and Jessica Lange. The song became a popular song played at weddings during the 1980s. Below is the lyrics of the song and a video clip

.
Time...

I've been passing time watching trains go by,

All of my life...

Lying on the sand, watching seabirds fly

Wishing there would be

Someone waiting home for me...

Chorus:

Something's telling me it might be you

It's telling me it might be you...

All of my life...

Looking back as lovers go walking past...

All of my life...

Wondering how they met and what makes it last

If I found the place

Would I recognize the face?

[click to play, but remember to pause the IMEEM background music first].

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Chorus:

Something's telling me it might be you

It's telling me it might be you...

All of my life...

..

Bridge:

So many quiet walks to take

So many dreams to wake

And we've so much love to make

I think we're gonna need some time

Maybe all we need is time...

And it's telling me it might be you

All of my life...

..

I've been saving love songs and lullabies

And there's so much more

No one's ever heard before...

.

Chorus:

Something's telling me it might be you

It's telling me it might be you... All of my life... (3x's)

Maybe it's you... Maybe it's you... I've been waiting for all of my life.

When You Believe

Chicago: Here I come again. Later tonight, I will be traveling to Chicago to attend a Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) symposium. In addition to having a joint-paper presentation by my co-author on Asian REITs, I have been scheduled to discuss (critique) a research paper by a top Dutch professor. This will be a good opportunity for me to unwind and catch up with old friends and meet new friends, all of whom are academia bound by a common research interest. The cost of my trip, including air fare, accommodation and airfare, is borne by the host. This will be my second trip to Chicago.

photo: The first time I visited the wind city was in January 2007.

I will return to Singapore on Oct 28. In the meantime, here is a video clip of a song "When You Believe" to go with my Oct 14 posting on "Miracle on S'pore Street". Sung by Mariah Carey, it is the theme song for the movie Prince of Egypt. I find the lyrics very meaningful as it articulates how we feel sometime.

"Many nights we've prayed, with no proof anyone could hear. In our hearts a hopeful song. We barely understood. Now we are not afraid. Although we know there's much to fear. We were moving mountains, long before we knew we could."

There can be miracles, when you believe. Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill. Who knows what miracles you can achieve. When you believe, somehow you will. You will when you believe.

(click to play. First, set the Imeem background music to pause.)

In this time of fear. When prayers so often prove in vain. Hope seems like the summer birds. To swiftly flown away. Yet now I'm standing here. My heart's so full I can't explain. Seeking faith and speaking words I never thought I'd say.

There can be miracles, when you believe. Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill. Who knows what miracles you can achieve. When you believe, somehow you will. You will when you believe.

photo: Me and I

They don't always happen when you ask(Oh). And it's easy to give in to your fears (Oh...Ohhhh). But when you're blinded by your pain. Can't see your way straight throught the rain. Small but still, resilient voice. Says love is the relief (Ohhh).

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There can be miracles (Miracles). When you believe (Lord, when you believe). Though hope is frail (Though hope is frail). It's hard to kill (Hard to kill, Ohhh). Who knows what miracles, you can achieve. When you believe, somehow you will(somehow, somehow, somehow) somehow you will. You will when you believe.

You will when you. You will when you believe. Just believe...in your heart. Just believe. You will when you believeeeeeeeee!

The Little Things

"In relationships, the big things are the little things" - Covey.

(1) little things like open the car door (our first car)

The little kindnesses and courtesies are so important. Small discourtesies, little unkindnesses, little forms of disrespect make large emotional withrawals.

I would like to share the lyrics of a favorite song of mine, "Always on My Mind" sung by Willie Nelson. It is a rather sad country song which reminds us not to take our loved one for granted... little things we should have said and done, but we just never took the time. Although they may be on our mind, it is still better to do the little things to confirm and reassure our loved ones that they are indeed on our mind, always.

(2) little things like buying her flowers

Little things I should have said and done

I just never took the time
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

(3) little things like giving her a surprise card

Maybe I didn't treat you

Quite as good as I should have

Maybe I didn't love you

Quite as often as I could have

.

(4) little things like going on a picnic (s'pore zoo)

Little things I should have said and done

I just never took the time

You were always on my mind

You were always on my mind

(5) little things like a simple BBQ (our first one at UDMC chalet)

Maybe I didn't hold you

All those lonely, lonely times

And I guess I never told you

I'm so happy that you're mine

If I made you feel second best

Girl I'm so sorry I was blind

You were always on my mind

You were always on my mind

.
Tell me, tell me that your sweet love hasn't died

Give me, give me one more chance to keep you satisfied, satisfied

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You can watch & listen to a beautiful rendition of the song at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8jW_p6WyLM .

Follow-up:

So, what are you waiting for? Go and tell your loved one that he (she) is always on your mind. Hold him (her). Make him (her) feel that he (she) is the best, not second best. Take every chance to keep him (her) satisfied. Treat him (her) good. Love him (her) well. Little things you should have said and done. Take the time now to do it, before it is too late.

When it's All Been Said and Done

In the midst of turmoils surrounding him, a psalmist declares,

"God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way. And the mountains fall into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam. And the mountains quake with their surging. Be still and know that I am God... The LORD Almighty is with us; The God of Jacob is our fortress (Psalms 36:1-3; 10-11).

Scary, isn't it? The way the financial crisis in the US is unfolding, that is! All through yesterday, my wife was so worried about her insurance savings with AIA. Should she terminate the plan or not? I even received an e-mail from a professor from down under who jested that the way things are developing, he would have to work to 100 to recover his pension fund assets.

photo: scarecrow, Ohio, US (2007)

I am reminded of an e-mail a concerned student sent to us when we were still in the US last year. Attached to the e-mail were links to three video clips on youtube. In each clip, an expert was seen giving his prediction on the future of America. If I recall correctly, in one of the clips, a financial guru made a prediction that the US financial markets will go into a major catastrophy by year end (2007). He went on to say that the downfall will be worst than that experienced immediately after Sep 11. And the only event that could trigger this would be a terrorist attack on the US soil on a very very massive scale! As a result, my student was very concerned for our safety and sent us the e-mail asking us to consider leaving the US.

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The following e-mail from the concerned student came about one month into our sabbatical in the US:

Dear Sir, Is it possible for you to be back? I have a very bad feeling about you being in the States right now!! I am very afraid that these prophecies could turn true. I believe they (terrorists) are striking New York. My eyes kept on twitching like it never did before.

After discussing over the content of e-mail with my wife, we replied:

Dear ...., I would like to thank you for your concern about our safety in US. Yes, I agree with you that the threat of terrorism is ever present. However, after discussing with my wife, we do not feel the necessity to go back. We both feel that dangers and death are undeniable certainties in our earthly life. As Christians, we hold the belief that heaven is a much better place than earth. As we are assured of our place in heaven, death is not really a lost to us as we are just moving on to a better place.

Hence, “if we perish, we perish”... Hope you are doing fine with your studies. Take care and keep in touch.

Well, 2007 came and passed! The timing and the cause may be off, but the US financial market is indeed in a major meltdown now. One by one, the giants are falling down. No one would have ever foresee the demise of Lehman Brothers, AIG, Merrill Lynch, ...
Whilst my wife and I can't say that we are prepared to die, we did discussed some years back, how we would like our funeral to be conducted. We both agree that it would be a celebration of our life and we each selected a song, our so called "funeral song".

Mine is a entitled, "When It's All Been Said and Done," sung by Don Moen. The tune is solemn but nice. But what I like most about the song is that the lyrics are very meaningful. Hence, it is not only my 'death' song, but it has also become my life song!

When it's all been said and done

There is just one thing that matters

Did I do my best to live for truth?

Did I live my life for you?

...

When it's all been said and done

All my treasures will mean nothing

Only what I have done

For love's rewards

Will stand the test of time

....

Lord, your mercy is so great

That you look beyond our weakness

That you found purest gold in miry clay

Turning sinners into saints

....

I will always sing your praise

Here on earth and in heaven after

For you've joined me at my true home

When it's all been said and done

You're my life when life is gone...

There is a recording of this song on Youtube. Be patient, wait for the song.

To play video, please click below but remember to turn off or pause the background IMEEM music first.

.reflection: there is just one thing that matters!

You Decorated My Life

Today marks the 17th anniversary of our engagement... ...

I want to grow old loving you
......................There’s nothing I would rather do,

................................... Than to live my life in love with you – BMW

The fun that being with you brings,
...........Our memories made of little things,
.. ............... The talks we have, the jokes we share,
........................... The hugs, the kisses here and there.
........ ........................... What better reason could there be,
.......................... ................. To ask you to grow old with me!

file photo: Club Med, Cherating

Love is a journey through the years;

A journey two folks take together;

hand-in-hand through wind and weather.

Our Prayer: My loving and generous God, I sense your love all around me and specifically, in the person You sent for me to love and to share my life. May we strive to enjoy the journey together.

Our Song: YOU DECORATED MY LIFE
(Sung by Kenny Rogers)

All my life was a paper once plain, pure and white

Till you moved with your pen changin' moods now and then

Till the balance was right

Then you added some music, ev'ry note was in place

And anybody could see all the changes in me by the look on my face

...
And you decorated my life, created a world where dreams area apart

And you decorated my life by paintin' your love all over my heart

You decorated my life

(click to play... listen to only first 3 minutes)

....

Like a rhyme with no reason in an unfinished song

There was no harmony life meant nothin' to me, until you came along

And you brought out the colors, what a gentle surprise

Now I'm able to see all the things life can be shinin' soft in your eyes

And you decorated my life, created a world where dreams are a part

And you decorated my life by paintin' your love all over my heart

You decorated my life

American Idol

Still on the topic of tv, American Idol is now into Season 7. I don't follow the American Idol show, neither does my wife. Nevertheless, we managed to watch part of it last week. I was working in the study room when she called out for me, "come and see what's on tv" (If you have been married long enough, you would have learnt that it is wise to drop what you are doing and respond immediately when the wife calls :). The 8 finalists were singing one of our favorite gospel songs, "Shout to the Lord!". I like the ending, "Nothing compares to the promise I have in You!"

...

To play, click on the video. However, you may want to switch off the background music first (use pause button at the Imeem music on the right-hand sidebar).

....

My Jesus, My Savior
Lord there is none like You
All of my days, I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love
...

My Comfort, My Shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You

Shout to the Lord, all the earth
Let us sing. Power and majesty, praise to the King.
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name

...
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands
Forever I'll love you, forever I'll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in YOU!

....

Nothing compares to you
I shout your praise
Nothing compares to you
Nothing compares to the promise I have in YOU!

..

This was the song that made Darlene Zschech (a pastor from the Hillsong church in Sydney, Australia) into an international celebrity (at least amongst the Christian community). We used to sing this song frequently in our church in Singapore but I don't remember having sung it in Calvary Baptist, State College.

...

We all idolize something or someone, be it God, or a pop/movie star, or maybe a soccer player, etc. The free online dictionary defines IDOL as: an image used as an object of worship; someone that is adored, often blindly or excessively. So, who is your idol?

Just For You

Date : April 1, 1990

Place : Singapore River (behind Liang Court)

Question : "Will You Be My Girlfriend?"

......... For You .......

Just to look in your eyes again

Just to lay in your arms

Just to be the first one always there for you

Just to live in your laughter

Just to sing in your heart

Just to be everyone of your dreams come true

Just to sit by your windows

Just to touch in the night

Just to offer a prayer each day for you

Just to long for your kisses

Just to dream of your sighs

Just to know that I'd give my life for you.

For you all the rest of my life

For you all the best of my life

For you alone, only for you.

...........................

................

Just to wake up each morning

Just to you by my side

Just to know that you're never really far away

Just a reason for living

Just to say I adore

Just to know that you're here in my heart to stay.

For you all the rest of my life

For you all the best of my life

For you alone, only for you.

Just the words of a love song

Just the beat of my heart

Just the pledge of my life,

my love for you.

- John Denver -

COLOURFUL

An Endless Song

This happened to me a while back. One fine morning, as I was walking briskly to school, I suddenly heard a noise from behind. Apparently, a stranger was calling me. I stopped, looked back, and saw an elderly man. I waited for him, and guess what were the first words he said to me?

"Hi, I noticed you were whistling.

You know what, I have not heard that for a long time!"

My short reply to him was, "Isn't it a beautiful morning? I know of no better way to start the day by singing and whistling." The elderly man, who appeared to be a professor in PennState, replied, "people just don't whistle anymore". I wasn't sure if that was true. I haven't seen it myself but I am sure there will be a lot of cheering and whistling going on in the stadium during a football match or downtown, during the weekends, where you'll probably find guys whistling at "pretty women walking down the street".

Anyway, from that brief encounter with the elderly man, I realized that I, indeed, do sing and whistle a lot - mostly to myself, and particularly when I am walking, exercising, swimming or driving. I guess it has become a habit, something engrained in me, which I do automatically without even realizing it. Even at home when we are relaxing, my wife and I like to listen to CDs. Music is pretty much a big part of our daily life.

....

It has also never occurred to me why I sing, but I suppose if you examine the lyrics of most songs that have ever been written and sung, they are inspired primarily by two emotions, either "happy" or 'sad". Interestingly, both emotions are related to a greater theme and one of the most important aspects of life, which is "LOVE".

...

Creame brulee I torched for my BMW

Acknowledgement: Once again, I would like thank my blog consultant for showing me how to embed music into this blog. From that, I also learnt to embed videos. ..

..

Now, I will be able to share some of our favorite songs. For a start, allow me to share the lyrics of a song which I heard recently. I like it because it helps to articulate the reason for my singing. When I first heard it for the first time in church a few months ago, I quickly took out my note book and scribbled down the lyrics. It was a long song but I managed to note down the important parts ... There is an endless song, echoing in my soul, I hear the music ring... How can I keep from singing? ... I know that I am loved... and it makes my heart want to sing... I can sing in troubled times. Sing when I win.

...
I have managed to find a video clip of it on youtube. See below. Click to play. (However, you may wish to turn off the blog's background music first (located at the right-hand side of this blog). Overall, a boisterous performance, which seems more like a pop concert plus a karaoke sing-a-long!

THERE IS AN ENDLESS SONG

Echoing in my soul

I hear the music ring

And though the storms may come

Still i am holding on

To this rock i (will) cling

How can I keep from singing your praise

How can I ever say enough

How amazing is your love

How can I keep from shouting your name

I know I am loved by the King

And it makes my heart want to sing

..

I will lift my eyes

In the darkest night

I know my Saviour lives

And I will walk with you

Knowing you see me through

And sing the songs you give

Bridge: I can sing in the troubled times

Sing when I win

I can sing when I lose my step

And fall down again

I can sing cause you pick me up

Sing cause you're there

I can sing cause you hear me lord

When I call to you in prayer

I will sing til my last breath

Sing for I know

That I'll sing with the angels

And the saints around the throne

Matt Redman/Chris Tomlin/Ed Cash

Copyright © 2006 Thankyou Music/sixsteps Music/worshiptogether.com songs/kingswaysongs.com & Alletrop Music/CopyCare

Inspired by the Robert Lowry hymn 'How can I keep from singing' c. 1860

Christmas isn't Christmas

It’s Christmas morning! I woke up at 7.00 am. No, I didn't run downstair to check if Santa has left me a gift! Instead, I went through my usual morning routine - switch off the night lamp, wash my face, make myself a cup of hot mocha, and go down to the basement for a quiet time of reflection, bible reading and prayer.

Photo: Courtesy of allthingschristmas.

What are we doing later today? The Ambrose family has invited us over to their home to spend the day and have a simple meal together.

This morning, it occured to me that we've celebrated Christmas in England, S'pore, Australia and now in the US! Our observation of the celebration in the US:

• The festivity is prolonged; starting from Thanksgiving in Nov, and ending with the New Year’s Day in Jan. A lot of the fun is in the anticipation part, tree trimming, shopping, baking, caroling, and waiting!
• Thanksgiving is focused on the family meal (turkey). The highlight of Christmas is the gift exchanges. During Thanksgiving, every supermarket went on sale, but during Christmas, it is the retailers’ cash registers that are ringing continuously.

Last Saturday, we went to the mall to buy a gift. We were amazed! The mall, which is usually deserted, was packed with shoppers. There were queues everywhere, even in the toilets! Not unlike Singapore. So, if you asked us, we prefer "Thanksgiving" to "Christmas" in the US.
Photo: Edible ginger bread/candy house
Here, there is no Boxing Day! Americans spent the Christmas day unwrapping the gifts and saying polite “thank yous” to uncles and aunties for their gifts that they may not be too excited about, but still having to pretend that the gifts were just what they had wished for! (My guess is that gift wrap was invented by someone who is giving a present that he doesn’t wish to be around when the recepient opened it later :-) .

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There is no church service on Christmas day. Instead, our church had a carol and candlelight service on Christmas eve. We sang the usual Christmas carols but was disappointed that our favorite Christmas carol was not sung. In fact, I realized that it has not been on air over the radio. Perhaps, it is not a song that is familiar with the Americans (I have to check this out).

Anyway, I checked you-tube if it has a video clip of the song, but no. From my web search for the lyrics, I realized that Disney has a version of it in an album on Christmas but the song has been shortened (and modified...):

Christmas isn't Christmas,
Till it happens in your heart,
Somewhere deep inside you,
Is where christmas really starts,
So, give your heart to people,
You'll discover when you do,
That it's Christmas ... really Christmas... for you!

Can you spot the difference? See the original version below.

Christmas isn't Christmas,

Till it happens in your heart,

Somewhere deep inside you,

Is where Christmas really starts,

So give your heart to Jesus,

You'll discover when you do,

That it's Christmas … really Christmas… for you!

Disney has substituted “people” for “Jesus”! Truly, this reflects how much the world has commercialized Christmas. For Christians, Christmas is about celebrating the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Every family have their own Christmas traditions… well, for me and my wife, ours’ is a simple one … we sing the carol (the original version!) together on Christmas day. We don’t exchange gifts but wish each other “Jesus” because we know that when we wish our spouse “Jesus”, we have wished him/her everything!

Anyway, if you are interested, here is the remaining part of the song …

Jesus brings warmth like a winter fire,

A light like a candle's glow,

He's waiting now to come inside,

As He did so long ago,

Jesus brings gifts of truth and life,

And makes them bloom and grow,

So welcome Him with a song of joy,

And when He comes you'll know, that..

Christmas isn't christmas

'til it happens in your heart.....

So, over this Christmas, we wish you "Jesus". That He will bring His gifts of warmth, light, joy, truth and life into your household. Like the shepherds and the wisemen on the first Christmas,
we hope you will welcome Him with a song of joy!

The First Snow

The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event.

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Winter came early... We woke up this morning with a beautiful sight of brilliant white snowflakes plummeting down from heaven. Snow everywhere, covering everything in sight. I love snow: No matter how filthy the world appeared yesterday, it now looked white and pure. The filth of yesterday has somehow been magically covered by the white manna. This reminds me of a saying, "kindness is like snow - it beautifies everything it covers".

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Psalms 51: 7-12, similarly, compares God's forgiveness and grace. Regardless of what mistakes I have made in the past, He can and will give me a clean slate, a fresh start.

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"Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow... Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me... Restore to me the joy of your salvation.

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Upon returning home from the church, we went out to the backyard to take some photos. By now, the snow was around 1 inch thick. Instead of raking leaves, which I had originally intended to do today, I found myself having to shovel snow instead.

Note: As part of the community responsibility, each household is required to clear any snow on the pavement in front of their house.

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Side view of the house with the car porch.

In the backyard with house behind us.

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Application: Snowflakes remind me today of two important things. Firstly, to give thanks to God for His gift of salvation. Secondly, to sprinkle snow on others through little acts of kindness. Even in places which do not have snow, such as tropical Singapore, we can still show a little kindness. Stop and lend a helping hand. Those who are old enough will recall a Glen Campbell's song "Try a Little Kindness". There is a good rendition of it by the Wilburn Brothers on UTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0Wz-Wb5nPc . The lyrics go like this, ...

If you see your brother standin' by the road
With a heavy load from the seeds he sowed
And if you see your sister fallin' by the way
Just stop and say you're goin' the wrong way

You've got to try a little kindness
yes show a little kindness
Shine your light for everyone to see
And if you'll try a little kindness then you'll overlook the blindness
Of the narrow minded people on the narrow minded streets

Don't walk around the down and out
lend a helping hand instead of doubt
And the kindness that you show every day will help someone along their way
You've got to try a little kindness...You've got to try a little kindness...

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For Christians, here is a good snowflake reminder, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32)

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We are Singaporeans!

"Human nature is such that we like to congregate with folks who like what we like. We’re inclined to hang out with people whose interests and perspectives resemble our own. We bond with fellow pilgrims who march to our beat. We tend to commune with people who share our common beliefs. "

http://www.gracecentered.com/birds_of_a_feather.htm

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"Birds of a feather flock together"

Last Friday, Singaporeans studying, working and residing in Happy Valley came together for a "makan" session. This is their third gathering this semester but it was our first. We were out of town when the first two sessions were held. There were around 20 people at the gathering. Not surprisingly, the main focus was the food, pot-luck style. My wife contributed chicken curry puffs. It is always a delight to attend such gatherings.

During my stay here, I have been asked a number of times whether I will consider staying on and working in the US?

Well, no matter how much we are enjoying our time here, Singapore is still home! Where my heart resides. Most Singaporeans do not have a say b'cause they are citizens by birth! Me? I am a Singaporean by choice!

For dessert, the hostess, Bee Yan (econ professor) prepared "tang yuen".

We missed this year's national day parade as we were already in State College by August 1. Nevertheless, we each bought a national day t-shirt with the wording "Singapore 1965" to remind us of home and also that, as foreigners, we are Singapore's ambassadors in another country.

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My favorite national song is "We are Singapore", particularly the first stencil, which I sometimes personalize it by substituting "Joseph" for "Singapore". In a certain way, Singapore and I are alike, We are over-achievers, given our troubled history, insignificant size, and lack of natural resources. Yes, there was a time when people said I won't make it. "How can someone with a B+ grade survive in an A* environment?" But we did! More than just surviving, we excelled through hardwork and God's grace.

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"But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me - and not without results. For I have worked harder than all the others, yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace." - 1 Corinthians 15:10

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We are Singapore

There was a time when people said
That Singapore won't make it, but we did
There was a time when troubles seemed too much
For us to take, but we did
We built a nation, strong and free, reaching out together
For peace and harmony

Chorus 1:

This is my country, this is my flag

This is my future, this is my life

This is my family, these are my friends

We are Singapore, Singaporeans

Singapore our homeland, it's here that we belong

All of us united, one people marching on

We've come so far together, our common destiny

Singapore forever, a nation strong and free

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( Repeat Chorus 1 )

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We the citizens of Singapore

Pledge ourselves as one united people

Regardless of race, language or religion

To build a democratic society

Based on justice and equality

So as to achieve happiness

Prosperity and progress for our nation

Chorus 2:

We are Singapore, we are Singapore

We will stand together, hear the lion roar

We are Singapore, we are Singapore

We're a nation strong and free forevermore

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( Repeat Chorus 1 & 2 )

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We are Singapore, Singaporeans ( X 2 )

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© Ministry of Information, Communications & The Arts

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Christians & Government: The bible instructs us to co-operate with the authorities and be responsible citizens:

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"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established...

For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you... But if you do wrong, be afraid...

Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who gives their full time to governing." (Romans 13:1-6)

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