Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Friday, March 06, 2009
On the art of chairing meetings
Sometimes, a simple act of summary and appreciation is helpful. I got to learn this.
"Thank you for sharing that, It helps me understand ... ..."
"So you are saying ... ..."
"I am glad to know that ... ..."
I think I was too curt in my last meeting. Live and learn.
WoW39: Take time to be polite. It beats the time spent repairing relationships.
"Thank you for sharing that, It helps me understand ... ..."
"So you are saying ... ..."
"I am glad to know that ... ..."
I think I was too curt in my last meeting. Live and learn.
WoW39: Take time to be polite. It beats the time spent repairing relationships.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
My idol: Anthony Thiselton
I just read this from Scot McKnight in Christianity Today.
"As I was reading The Hermeneutics of Doctrine a friend wrote me and said he had heard that Thiselton had died. I knew Tony had a stroke. Rosemary, his wife, wrote a short postscript to the Acknowledgments informing us that her husband "was devastated by a stroke." So I wrote to a friend at Nottingham, where I did my doctoral work and where Thiselton now teaches, and the friend told me that Thiselton had had a remarkable recovery and was now back at work. I am grateful and, Tony, I'm standing in line for your next dense book."
Phew! Anthony Thiselton is the absolute best in the field of hermeneutics. May the Lord keep his health well.
"As I was reading The Hermeneutics of Doctrine a friend wrote me and said he had heard that Thiselton had died. I knew Tony had a stroke. Rosemary, his wife, wrote a short postscript to the Acknowledgments informing us that her husband "was devastated by a stroke." So I wrote to a friend at Nottingham, where I did my doctoral work and where Thiselton now teaches, and the friend told me that Thiselton had had a remarkable recovery and was now back at work. I am grateful and, Tony, I'm standing in line for your next dense book."
Phew! Anthony Thiselton is the absolute best in the field of hermeneutics. May the Lord keep his health well.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Quote of the year: This too shall pass
Whenever I am faced with a difficult project, there is always a quote I remember. "This too shall pass". No matter how painful is an experience, it will always pass away. That has always gave me comfort and courage on all things I'm facing and what I must overcome. I am delighted to learn the context from Wikipedia.
One day Solomon decided to humble Benaiah Ben Yehoyada, his most trusted minister. He said to him, "Benaiah, there is a certain ring that I want you to bring to me. I wish to wear it for Sukkot which gives you six months to find it." "If it exists anywhere on earth, your majesty," replied Benaiah, "I will find it and bring it to you, but what makes the ring so special?" "It has magic powers," answered the king. "If a happy man looks at it, he becomes sad, and if a sad man looks at it, he becomes happy." Solomon knew that no such ring existed in the world, but he wished to give his minister a little taste of humility. Spring passed and then summer, and still Benaiah had no idea where he could find the ring. On the night before Sukkot, he decided to take a walk in one of the poorest quarters of Jerusalem. He passed by a merchant who had begun to set out the day's wares on a shabby carpet. "Have you by any chance heard of a magic ring that makes the happy wearer forget his joy and the broken-hearted wearer forget his sorrows?" asked Benaiah. He watched the grandfather take a plain gold ring from his carpet and engrave something on it. When Benaiah read the words on the ring, his face broke out in a wide smile. That night the entire city welcomed in the holiday of Sukkot with great festivity. "Well, my friend," said Solomon, "have you found what I sent you after?" All the ministers laughed and Solomon himself smiled. To everyone's surprise, Benaiah held up a small gold ring and declared, "Here it is, your majesty!" As soon as Solomon read the inscription, the smile vanished from his face. The jeweler had written three Hebrew letters on the gold band: gimel, zayin, yud, which began the words "Gam zeh ya'avor" -- "This too shall pass." At that moment Solomon realized that all his wisdom and fabulous wealth and tremendous power were but fleeting things, for one day he would be nothing but dust.
One day Solomon decided to humble Benaiah Ben Yehoyada, his most trusted minister. He said to him, "Benaiah, there is a certain ring that I want you to bring to me. I wish to wear it for Sukkot which gives you six months to find it." "If it exists anywhere on earth, your majesty," replied Benaiah, "I will find it and bring it to you, but what makes the ring so special?" "It has magic powers," answered the king. "If a happy man looks at it, he becomes sad, and if a sad man looks at it, he becomes happy." Solomon knew that no such ring existed in the world, but he wished to give his minister a little taste of humility. Spring passed and then summer, and still Benaiah had no idea where he could find the ring. On the night before Sukkot, he decided to take a walk in one of the poorest quarters of Jerusalem. He passed by a merchant who had begun to set out the day's wares on a shabby carpet. "Have you by any chance heard of a magic ring that makes the happy wearer forget his joy and the broken-hearted wearer forget his sorrows?" asked Benaiah. He watched the grandfather take a plain gold ring from his carpet and engrave something on it. When Benaiah read the words on the ring, his face broke out in a wide smile. That night the entire city welcomed in the holiday of Sukkot with great festivity. "Well, my friend," said Solomon, "have you found what I sent you after?" All the ministers laughed and Solomon himself smiled. To everyone's surprise, Benaiah held up a small gold ring and declared, "Here it is, your majesty!" As soon as Solomon read the inscription, the smile vanished from his face. The jeweler had written three Hebrew letters on the gold band: gimel, zayin, yud, which began the words "Gam zeh ya'avor" -- "This too shall pass." At that moment Solomon realized that all his wisdom and fabulous wealth and tremendous power were but fleeting things, for one day he would be nothing but dust.
Monday, March 02, 2009
On Movies II
I last commented on the type of preferred storytelling in this entry. While I like movies with a message, it must never be in your face. Strangely, by being more descriptive, the movie becomes more prescriptive because of its ability to convince. I am happy to note that Letters from Iwo Jima is one such movie done to perfection. Without the use of too more gore, the story is strangely shocking to its audience because the questions on war is always there. There is a quote in the movie that is craftily done:
" Do what is right because it's right"
This quote comes from a letter from a mother to an American captive. Yet it was the same order given from a Japanese officer to his soldiers.
Both the American and the Japanese soldiers are "doing what is right", the American is toppling Japanese imperialism, and the Japanese in defending against American invasion. Yet it is blatantly obvious that they are fighting against each other when both are trying to do "what is right".
Shocker, isn't it?
WoW38: Keep the question hanging there. The point will be driven through in the end.
" Do what is right because it's right"
This quote comes from a letter from a mother to an American captive. Yet it was the same order given from a Japanese officer to his soldiers.
Both the American and the Japanese soldiers are "doing what is right", the American is toppling Japanese imperialism, and the Japanese in defending against American invasion. Yet it is blatantly obvious that they are fighting against each other when both are trying to do "what is right".
Shocker, isn't it?
WoW38: Keep the question hanging there. The point will be driven through in the end.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Are you an "Old Soul"?
I'm not sure when I first heard the term: old soul.
From Urban Dictionary: "A spiritual person whom is wise beyond their years; people of strong emotional stability. Basically, someone whom has more understanding of the world around them.
Some people even believe an old soul is a person whom has learned from past incarnations, or lives. They acquired certain knowledge from their past lives and apply it to their present life... thus gaining more wisdom than the average bloke. "
While I don't believe in reincarnations, I do think that people who reflect more about life, who relates more with older people and who has been through more suffering, reflects this "old soulness" in them. There is a strange pleasure in communication with such people. They "know" what is going on: what life is about.
Are you an "old soul"?
From Urban Dictionary: "A spiritual person whom is wise beyond their years; people of strong emotional stability. Basically, someone whom has more understanding of the world around them.
Some people even believe an old soul is a person whom has learned from past incarnations, or lives. They acquired certain knowledge from their past lives and apply it to their present life... thus gaining more wisdom than the average bloke. "
While I don't believe in reincarnations, I do think that people who reflect more about life, who relates more with older people and who has been through more suffering, reflects this "old soulness" in them. There is a strange pleasure in communication with such people. They "know" what is going on: what life is about.
Are you an "old soul"?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
My most human devotion 恩典的可贵
马可福音 5:1-20 5:1他们来到海的对岸，格拉森人的地方。
5:2耶稣一下船，立即有一个污灵附着的人，从坟茔里出来迎着祂。
5:3那人经常以坟茔为住处；再没有人能捆住他，就是用铁链也不能；
5:4因为人屡次用脚镣和铁链捆锁他，铁链竟被他挣断，脚镣也被他弄碎，总没有人能制伏他。
5:5他昼夜常在坟茔和山中喊叫，又用石头砍自己。
5:6他远远的看见耶稣，就跑过去拜祂，
5:7大声喊叫说，至高神的儿子耶稣，我与你何干？我指着神切求你，不要叫我受苦。
5:8因耶稣曾对他说，污灵，从这人身上出来。
5:9耶稣问他说，你名叫什么？他说，我名叫群，因为我们众多。
5:10他就再三的央求耶稣，不要打发它们离开那地方。
5:11在那里山坡上，有一大群猪正在吃食。
5:12它们就央求耶稣说，打发我们到猪群去，我们好进入它们里面。
5:13耶稣就准了它们；污灵便出来，进入猪里去；于是那群猪闯下山崖，投入海里，约有二千，都淹死在海中。
5:14放猪的就逃跑了，去告诉城里和乡下的人。众人就来，要看所发生的是什么事。
5:15他们来到耶稣那里，看见那鬼附的人，就是从前被a群鬼所附的，坐着，身穿衣服，神志清醒，他们就害怕。
5:16看见这事的，便将鬼附之人所遇见的，和那群猪的事，都对人述说。
5:17他们就恳求耶稣离开他们的境界。
5:18耶稣上船的时候，那被鬼附过的人，恳求要和祂同在。
5:19耶稣不许，却对他说，你回家去，到你的亲属那里，将主为你作了何等大的事，并怎样怜悯你，都告诉他们。
5:20那人走了，就在低加波利，传扬耶稣为他作了何等大的事，众人就都希奇。
5:2耶稣一下船，立即有一个污灵附着的人，从坟茔里出来迎着祂。
5:3那人经常以坟茔为住处；再没有人能捆住他，就是用铁链也不能；
5:4因为人屡次用脚镣和铁链捆锁他，铁链竟被他挣断，脚镣也被他弄碎，总没有人能制伏他。
5:5他昼夜常在坟茔和山中喊叫，又用石头砍自己。
5:6他远远的看见耶稣，就跑过去拜祂，
5:7大声喊叫说，至高神的儿子耶稣，我与你何干？我指着神切求你，不要叫我受苦。
5:8因耶稣曾对他说，污灵，从这人身上出来。
5:9耶稣问他说，你名叫什么？他说，我名叫群，因为我们众多。
5:10他就再三的央求耶稣，不要打发它们离开那地方。
5:11在那里山坡上，有一大群猪正在吃食。
5:12它们就央求耶稣说，打发我们到猪群去，我们好进入它们里面。
5:13耶稣就准了它们；污灵便出来，进入猪里去；于是那群猪闯下山崖，投入海里，约有二千，都淹死在海中。
5:14放猪的就逃跑了，去告诉城里和乡下的人。众人就来，要看所发生的是什么事。
5:15他们来到耶稣那里，看见那鬼附的人，就是从前被a群鬼所附的，坐着，身穿衣服，神志清醒，他们就害怕。
5:16看见这事的，便将鬼附之人所遇见的，和那群猪的事，都对人述说。
5:17他们就恳求耶稣离开他们的境界。
5:18耶稣上船的时候，那被鬼附过的人，恳求要和祂同在。
5:19耶稣不许，却对他说，你回家去，到你的亲属那里，将主为你作了何等大的事，并怎样怜悯你，都告诉他们。
5:20那人走了，就在低加波利，传扬耶稣为他作了何等大的事，众人就都希奇。
这段经文是一段耳熟能详的故事。我每次都会被故事的戏剧性所震动。故事的主角除了耶稣，就是那位被污灵附着的格拉森人。那污灵众多，且大有能力，可以弄碎锁链。耶稣赶它们到猪群，两千多只猪就闯下山崖，掉在海里淹死了。这是何等惊心动魄的场面！
可是，我这次重新阅读这段故事的时候，却是被故事的一句话所感动。当耶稣要离开的时候，那人要求跟随耶稣。耶稣不许，却对他说了这句耐人寻味的话。“你回家到你亲属那里去，把主为你作了多么大的事，并他怎样怜悯你，都告诉他们。”想到这里，我才更深一层的明白这故事的重点。耶稣清楚地讲明他为什么会做这件事。那是因为怜悯。所以，故事的重点超越了离奇的情节。故事的焦点不是匪夷所思的奇迹。故事的中心应该带出神的怜悯。
这位格拉森人，因为众污灵的影响，是疯癫，是狂野的。他昼夜喊叫，用石头砍自己，锁链也绑不住。一般地说，对于这样的疯子，人人都会觉得可怕。这不是人，是凶猛的野兽。我们看到的是他按奈不住的举动，我们想到的是怎么避开他，怎么辖制他到最小的干扰程度。但是神看到的，不是可怕。神感受到的，是可怜。耶稣的一语惊醒梦中人，是啊，这人真可怜！
心魔的缠绕往往比肉体上的疼痛更为难受。我们观察忧郁症的病患者就能够体会心灵的折磨和煎熬的痛苦。这位格拉森人不只受到一个污灵的搅扰。这污灵名叫‘群’，意思就是一个五六千人的罗马军队。几千个污灵附在此人身上，那已经不是搅扰，那是蹂躏。就象一个战乱沦陷后的国家，这个人只剩下一个残骸，赤身裸体，众叛亲离，自我毁灭。这人代表了人面对强大的恶势力的无助。他也代表了被无情的征服后的窘态。他没有了自己，没有了生命。
然而，在人看来是无可救药的境况，在神却是起死回生的希望。此人是外邦人，住在低加波利也就是外邦人的地方，地点是墓地也就是最不洁净的地方，而且又靠近不洁净的猪群。这人简直就是处在离开恩典最遥远的所在。然而，耶稣却是遇见了他，为他施行拯救，把生命还给了他。老实说，若不是彻底的了解这个人原来的处境，看到神千里迢迢的来行大能，我以前还没有真正体会这人所领受的恩典的可贵。很有趣的，连喂饱五千人、平定风浪的耶稣本身都强调神在这里作了‘多么大’的事。
让我们在这大斋节期间，再次被神的爱感动。就象这人一样，把神在历史和我生命所作的大事于人分享。
操练：让我们学习神如何怜悯人。不以人的外表、举动论断他们，而懂得了解人心灵的创伤和需要。
Monday, February 23, 2009
Thoughts on the Oscars
I like the new presentation. I didn't enjoy the Hugh Jackman stuff though I am impressed with his abilities. But I thought the 5 male and 5 female presentors for the supporting roles were really meaningful. It gives a perspective of history and kudos indeed for a prize that is often awarded for the best actors and actresses.
And I love Steve Martin. He and Tina Fey were indeed the perfect match in comedy.
But the brilliant moment is this:
"
And I love Steve Martin. He and Tina Fey were indeed the perfect match in comedy.
But the brilliant moment is this:
"
Oh my God. This was, um. This was not an easy film to make. First off, I have to thank Cleve Jones and Anne Kronenberg and all the real-life people who shared their stories with me. And, um, Gus Van Sant, Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, James Franco, and our entire cast, my producers, Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, everyone at Groundswell and Focus, for taking on the challenge of telling this life-saving story. When I was 13 years old, my beautiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Texas to California and I heard the story of Harvey Milk. And it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life, it gave me the hope to one day live my life openly as who I am and that maybe even I could fall in love and one day get married.
(He chokes up, audience begins to applaud.)
I want to thank my mom who has always loved me for who I am, even when there was pressure not to. But most of all, if Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are less than by their churches or by the government or by their families that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights, federally, across this great nation of ours. (Wild applause from the audience.) Thank you, thank you, and thank you God for giving us Harvey Milk."
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Review: Dead Poets Society
I watched this show with great expectations and it certainly did not disappoint. There are many of these "great teacher" shows out there, but I think this one deserves to be the best of the lot.
Keating: "We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote from Whitman, "O me! O life!... of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless... of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?" Answer. That you are here - that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play *goes on* and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?"
Keating: "We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote from Whitman, "O me! O life!... of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless... of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?" Answer. That you are here - that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play *goes on* and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?"
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
On Persecution Games
It is quite common in church camp to play simulation games on the persecution of Christians. I am opposed to such games for a few reasons.
1. The simulation is a far cry of what real people have to go through, so I question the learning value.
2. If it is intended to be fun, why trivialize a very real and important part of our history?
3. The danger that goes with playing and running with the dark.
But my biggest concern has got to do with the psychological impact on the participants, especially the "persecutors". Thankfully, I now know the true backing of my fears: Standford prison experiment.
From Wikipedia: "In psychology, the results of the experiment are said to support situational attributions of behaviour rather than dispositional attribution. In other words, it seemed the situation caused the participants' behaviour, rather than anything inherent in their individual personalities. In this way, it is compatible with the results of the also-famous Milgram experiment, in which ordinary people fulfilled orders to administer what appeared to be damaging electric shocks to a confederate of the experimenter."
1. The simulation is a far cry of what real people have to go through, so I question the learning value.
2. If it is intended to be fun, why trivialize a very real and important part of our history?
3. The danger that goes with playing and running with the dark.
But my biggest concern has got to do with the psychological impact on the participants, especially the "persecutors". Thankfully, I now know the true backing of my fears: Standford prison experiment.
From Wikipedia: "In psychology, the results of the experiment are said to support situational attributions of behaviour rather than dispositional attribution. In other words, it seemed the situation caused the participants' behaviour, rather than anything inherent in their individual personalities. In this way, it is compatible with the results of the also-famous Milgram experiment, in which ordinary people fulfilled orders to administer what appeared to be damaging electric shocks to a confederate of the experimenter."
Monday, February 16, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
On Soccer
I have never been much of a sports fan since I don't do sports and I can't watch sports since I refuse to pay the exorbitant amount for the channel. However, reading Soccernet has become a regular habit of mine and slowly but surely I am following the drama that is the English Premiere League. There are a few teams that are worthy of fans, assuming that you don't live in England and hence cannot be a local supporting fan. The usual favorite in Singapore is Man Utd and Liverpool. If you like a winner, the choice is Man Utd. If you are the long-suffering type, Liverpool is the team for you. Either one is not for me. Just like in Music, I prefer the lesser lumineries. Chelsea, while consisting of the battling type (like Lampard), has an annoying owner. Arsenal while admirable for its focus on youth is too french for my taste. That leaves two choices eventually for me. Villa or Everton. Villa doesn't leave a deep impression for me, while admitedbly it has a good coach as well. The team that clicks with me is Everton.
Everton is a low budget team. One of the highlights for me compared to WestHam or ManCity or Tottenham or even Villa. Yet for the past few years, it has been performing well even breaking into the top four in one year. This is due to an excellent coach Moyes instilling hardwork and discipline into a promising team of fighters. The midfield is extremely talented with the likes of Cahill, Arteta, Osman and Pienaar. Graveson before leaving for Madrid was good too. So this team of hard workers with their never-say-die mentality ready deserves the admiration of its fans, and that's what I want out of a team. Not a success bought, but a victory earned.
"They'll have seen Sunday's win against Liverpool as a big step towards the title. Maybe the Champions League and FA Cup are becoming more important for them. They might even put out their strongest teams in those competitions now. But we're going there with no fear. We've got a belief about us now and we want to show that." - David Moyes
Go Everton!
Everton is a low budget team. One of the highlights for me compared to WestHam or ManCity or Tottenham or even Villa. Yet for the past few years, it has been performing well even breaking into the top four in one year. This is due to an excellent coach Moyes instilling hardwork and discipline into a promising team of fighters. The midfield is extremely talented with the likes of Cahill, Arteta, Osman and Pienaar. Graveson before leaving for Madrid was good too. So this team of hard workers with their never-say-die mentality ready deserves the admiration of its fans, and that's what I want out of a team. Not a success bought, but a victory earned.
"They'll have seen Sunday's win against Liverpool as a big step towards the title. Maybe the Champions League and FA Cup are becoming more important for them. They might even put out their strongest teams in those competitions now. But we're going there with no fear. We've got a belief about us now and we want to show that." - David Moyes
Go Everton!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
FFoB7: Removal of Sandal
What is going on with Ruth 4:7-8? What kind of disgusting practice this is that business transactions are sealed by the removal and handing over of one's shoe? Can you imagine how much single shoes you end up with as a businessman?
"Sandals were the ordinary footwear in the ancient Near East, but they were also a symbolic item of clothing, especially in the relationship between the widow and her legal guardian. This may have been due to the fact that land was purchased based on whatever size triangle of land the buyer could walk off in an hour, a day, a week or a month (1 Kings 21:16-17). Land was surveyed in triangles, and a benchmark was constructed of fieldstones to serve as a boundary marker (Deut 19:14). Since they walked off the land in sandals, the sandals became the moveable title to that land. By removing the sandals of her guardian, a widow removed his autorisation to administer the land of her household. Land transfers in the Nuzi texts also involved replacing the old owner's foot on the land with that of the new owner."
- The IVP Bible Background Commentary
"Sandals were the ordinary footwear in the ancient Near East, but they were also a symbolic item of clothing, especially in the relationship between the widow and her legal guardian. This may have been due to the fact that land was purchased based on whatever size triangle of land the buyer could walk off in an hour, a day, a week or a month (1 Kings 21:16-17). Land was surveyed in triangles, and a benchmark was constructed of fieldstones to serve as a boundary marker (Deut 19:14). Since they walked off the land in sandals, the sandals became the moveable title to that land. By removing the sandals of her guardian, a widow removed his autorisation to administer the land of her household. Land transfers in the Nuzi texts also involved replacing the old owner's foot on the land with that of the new owner."
- The IVP Bible Background Commentary
Monday, February 09, 2009
On teaching Acts
I really enjoy what I do. There is great satisfaction working through the biblical text like understanding the mathematical proof to a scientific law. Despite the human element involved in the biblical revelation, and perhaps precisely because of it, there is great beauty in the way revelation is unfolded. I covered Acts 2: 14-40 and I think what the gospel is is now a brave new world for the youths. In that sense it is really fun. The fun of interpreting history.
WoW37: The key to understanding Acts is "theology interpreting history".
WoW37: The key to understanding Acts is "theology interpreting history".
Friday, February 06, 2009
On communicating in forums
How much is it you actually have something to say? or You just want to listen to yourself talk? I' ll readily admit I cannot tell the difference myself most of the times.
I find this from Questionable Content forum pretty interesting.
Quote: "Blanket posting is frowned upon unless you actually have something of value to add in every single thread you are responding to. We really want to keep our post quality up, even if that means keeping the post quantity down. Think before you post." - qtownstegy
I find this from Questionable Content forum pretty interesting.
Quote: "Blanket posting is frowned upon unless you actually have something of value to add in every single thread you are responding to. We really want to keep our post quality up, even if that means keeping the post quantity down. Think before you post." - qtownstegy
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Music Recommendation
It seems like 韦礼安 is finally entering into the music scene. This guy is a talent and has a taste much like my own. I have sampled a few of his new songs and I like them a lot. They seem to be a good mix between 方大同and the usual easy listening Chinese pop. While I like them, the former can be too sophisticated and hence largely sound the same (like in classical music) and the latter is too plain for me who prefer a little twist in harmony. I'm definitely buying his CD when it arrives in Singapore.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Humor in the sermon
My latest message received favorable reviews because of its humorous quotient. In many ways, I do enjoy making people learn through laughter. It is a way to connect with people, and to hit them with truths when their "defenses" are down. But frankly I do have a problem with such sermons. The problem lies in the reality that most people enjoy low-brow humor, while I enjoy jokes that tickle at the intellect. A survey of the usual LiangZhiQiang fare will reflect this clearly. What's next?
I think the best way is to continue at the level of the audience and then progress higher from there. First create a culture that sermons can be "enjoyable" too. Then, improve the taste of the audience by exposing them more knowledge in which the deeper humor is dependent on. Lastly, do a bigger layup so that the punchline is expected.
"Humor is merely the Trojan Horse, so as to get in under people’s radar." - NT Wrong
I think the best way is to continue at the level of the audience and then progress higher from there. First create a culture that sermons can be "enjoyable" too. Then, improve the taste of the audience by exposing them more knowledge in which the deeper humor is dependent on. Lastly, do a bigger layup so that the punchline is expected.
"Humor is merely the Trojan Horse, so as to get in under people’s radar." - NT Wrong
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Down with the Flu
My nose is constantly stuck, though I'm thankful to Actifed that at least they are not running. This makes breathing difficult, and it seems to make me tired much more easily. This is compounded by the problem of not sleeping well because of the constant discomfort. I'm thinking of getting a flu jab soon.
This reminds me of a story. When I had my operation to correct my jaws, they bound my teeth together to fix the positions. Unfortunately, all the bleeding and sinus issues had led to a lethal combination of bloody blocked nose. So every breath of air required a tremendous amount of effort. These were my exact thoughts for every single seconds after I awaken from my operation:
"Should I take a long breath or 2 short breaths?"
"long breath or 2 short breaths?"
"Long breath or 2 short breaths?"
"What's that smell? I think the patient beside me just farted or pooped in his pants."
"God, I'm ready, take me away."
"long breath or 2 short breaths?"
This reminds me of a story. When I had my operation to correct my jaws, they bound my teeth together to fix the positions. Unfortunately, all the bleeding and sinus issues had led to a lethal combination of bloody blocked nose. So every breath of air required a tremendous amount of effort. These were my exact thoughts for every single seconds after I awaken from my operation:
"Should I take a long breath or 2 short breaths?"
"long breath or 2 short breaths?"
"Long breath or 2 short breaths?"
"What's that smell? I think the patient beside me just farted or pooped in his pants."
"God, I'm ready, take me away."
"long breath or 2 short breaths?"
Monday, February 02, 2009
Project Completion
I have finished the drama series QinShiHuang. I would say it is pretty good. I particularly enjoy the research that I did while watching the show. As I like to tell people these days, with the internet, there is no more ignorant people, only lazy people. I learned about feudalism, legalism and Confucianism.
On feudalism, I think it is a very bad system. It works for as most one generation. But once the infighting enters, well, you get the warring states. Legalism is great to total control, but it is hard to draw the line at moderation. As for Confucianism, the premise that people are born good, basically needing only education as guidance is a hard pill to swallow. For everywhere we see depravity, especially on the rich and educated.
So, what is the best form of governance? My personal preference is still on balance. We work hard on education, but we should not be overly naive about human weakness. The leader should aim to be transparent and not overly obsessed about power. Yet, to reduce conflict, it is still important to show who's in charge.
Question: What is your preferred form of leadership and governance?
On feudalism, I think it is a very bad system. It works for as most one generation. But once the infighting enters, well, you get the warring states. Legalism is great to total control, but it is hard to draw the line at moderation. As for Confucianism, the premise that people are born good, basically needing only education as guidance is a hard pill to swallow. For everywhere we see depravity, especially on the rich and educated.
So, what is the best form of governance? My personal preference is still on balance. We work hard on education, but we should not be overly naive about human weakness. The leader should aim to be transparent and not overly obsessed about power. Yet, to reduce conflict, it is still important to show who's in charge.
Question: What is your preferred form of leadership and governance?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
My latest project
I have just started on a new VCD series on Qin SHi Huang.
I just love such drama serials on great characters and Qin Shi Huang is just such a character. Also notable are characters like Li Si and Lu Bu Wei. Drools. I do have a fascination on intelligent people with great foresight and vision. I guess most people are drawn by such leadership.
On the other hand, it is necessary to be reflective on oneself. It is all the more poignant for a Christian, and a study of Judges makes the entire relfection all the more interesting. Are we called to be great? Can we just ends to justify means? What is character? All good questions to think about.
WoW36: There is no single person. The king must be the king for the kingdom.
I just love such drama serials on great characters and Qin Shi Huang is just such a character. Also notable are characters like Li Si and Lu Bu Wei. Drools. I do have a fascination on intelligent people with great foresight and vision. I guess most people are drawn by such leadership.
On the other hand, it is necessary to be reflective on oneself. It is all the more poignant for a Christian, and a study of Judges makes the entire relfection all the more interesting. Are we called to be great? Can we just ends to justify means? What is character? All good questions to think about.
WoW36: There is no single person. The king must be the king for the kingdom.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Review: The devil wear prada
I don't really do reviews since there is much better ones around. I will hence just do a random collection of thoughts.
1. It's not bad, but honestly, the expectations were much higher. It's supposed to be one of those intelligent comedies, but in the end, it's just a feel good one. Still, it's much better than a bad comedy.
2. I don't find Anne Hathaway pretty. It seems strange, but I think everybody has a different sense of what is beauty. And something about her face seems wrong to me.
3. I like Stanley Tucci. He seems to be able to carry any role he plays. Amazing talent.
4. I like memorable quotable quotes. I don't recall any in this movie except one. "She says you are her biggest disappointment. And I would be a fool not to employ you."
1. It's not bad, but honestly, the expectations were much higher. It's supposed to be one of those intelligent comedies, but in the end, it's just a feel good one. Still, it's much better than a bad comedy.
2. I don't find Anne Hathaway pretty. It seems strange, but I think everybody has a different sense of what is beauty. And something about her face seems wrong to me.
3. I like Stanley Tucci. He seems to be able to carry any role he plays. Amazing talent.
4. I like memorable quotable quotes. I don't recall any in this movie except one. "She says you are her biggest disappointment. And I would be a fool not to employ you."
Friday, January 23, 2009
Carrots, Egg or Coffee Bean?
Here's a wonderful story I read online: (So which one are you?)
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she said, "Tell me what you see."
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she said, "Tell me what you see."
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A Singaporean food blog
If you are thinking of giving me a treat, well, here is a place that sounds really good.
I have been reading this blog for quite some time. I like the style of its writing, the gracious Christian tone and the community of genuine food lovers. I don't mind joining a group of food adventurers if it is on a tight budget.
I have been reading this blog for quite some time. I like the style of its writing, the gracious Christian tone and the community of genuine food lovers. I don't mind joining a group of food adventurers if it is on a tight budget.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tough Projects
There are some easy stuff and some tough stuff in ministry. For me, talking to strangers is tough, writing a meaningful sermon is easy. Naturally, it would be the exact opposite for many other ministry workers. That's because we all have different strength and weaknesses.
My strengths include:- comprehension, flexibility, innovation, resourcefulness, compassion and passion.
My weaknesses include:- carelessness, introvert personality, laziness, physically weak, youthfulness and pride.
It is great that I work in a pastoral team vastly different from me, such that we complement one another in achieving our ministry goals.
WoW35: Use teamwork to make up for your shortfall in gifts.
My strengths include:- comprehension, flexibility, innovation, resourcefulness, compassion and passion.
My weaknesses include:- carelessness, introvert personality, laziness, physically weak, youthfulness and pride.
It is great that I work in a pastoral team vastly different from me, such that we complement one another in achieving our ministry goals.
WoW35: Use teamwork to make up for your shortfall in gifts.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
On Obama
Well, sorry to say, I fell asleep half-way during the inauguration speech. It was just too late, and me too tired. It was good while it lasted, but perhaps one too many high sounding words. It was good to inspire the people to go forth, especially in times like this. But I think I caught the gist of it, and slowly drifted to dreamland.
It's no secret that I am an Obama admirer. I think he is intelligent, reasonable and genuinely concerned about peace, social justice and freedom. It helps that he is oratorically excellent and he has great EQ. Personally, I think he would do great to show a new face of Christianity. One that is pro-science, pro-dialogue, pro-equality and pro-action. Let's hope to bury all the past divides on homosexuality, evolution and abortion, and work towards the ideals of the kingdom of God.
"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
It's no secret that I am an Obama admirer. I think he is intelligent, reasonable and genuinely concerned about peace, social justice and freedom. It helps that he is oratorically excellent and he has great EQ. Personally, I think he would do great to show a new face of Christianity. One that is pro-science, pro-dialogue, pro-equality and pro-action. Let's hope to bury all the past divides on homosexuality, evolution and abortion, and work towards the ideals of the kingdom of God.
"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness." Obama
Thursday, January 15, 2009
WoW34: A Worship Team is like a Sports Team
It just occurred to me the many similarities between a worship team and a sports team, and how much the music director has to work like a sports coach.
1. The idea of covering up for one another.
2. The need for love for one another and the passion for the subject.
3. The way to go about encouraging and transforming.
4. The application of skill and training and discipline.
I am attending a course on sports psychology, but all I am thinking of is the stuff I need to work on my worship teams.
1. The idea of covering up for one another.
2. The need for love for one another and the passion for the subject.
3. The way to go about encouraging and transforming.
4. The application of skill and training and discipline.
I am attending a course on sports psychology, but all I am thinking of is the stuff I need to work on my worship teams.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
More on Movies
This is what I did. I went to Rottentomatoes and searched the database by "best of" year. I looked at the titles that is above 85%. Any popular movies, I have not seen, I note them down and try to watch it.
It has been hugely rewarding so far for me. I skip the badly-reviewed ones, and only save time for the good ones. Of course, I mainly go for animation, drama and comedy.
One good one is The Iron Giant. It is an old animation but an interesting tale about the friendship between a robot and a boy. The robot is actually a fighting machine but lost its memory, and became a playmate for the boy. During the process, the boy taught the robot about the ability to be who it wants to be, not what IT is designed to be.
Hogarth Hughes: [to the Giant, in battle mode] It's bad to kill. Guns kill. And you don't have to be a gun. You are what you choose to be. You choose. Choose.
It has been hugely rewarding so far for me. I skip the badly-reviewed ones, and only save time for the good ones. Of course, I mainly go for animation, drama and comedy.
One good one is The Iron Giant. It is an old animation but an interesting tale about the friendship between a robot and a boy. The robot is actually a fighting machine but lost its memory, and became a playmate for the boy. During the process, the boy taught the robot about the ability to be who it wants to be, not what IT is designed to be.
Hogarth Hughes: [to the Giant, in battle mode] It's bad to kill. Guns kill. And you don't have to be a gun. You are what you choose to be. You choose. Choose.
Monday, January 12, 2009
On Movies
I have recently started to get back on track with movie watching. To me, watching movies is an educational pursuit. Movies are like a well developed thought experiment. By introducing characters, plots and scenarios, we learn to question ourselves in the scenarios.
A movie I watched yesterday is the most recent Red Cliff II. In the novel, the Romance of the 3 Kingdoms, the battle of Red Cliff is a battle of wits. That is the reason I love it so much. But in the movie, it became a battle of integrity. Zhou Yu is portrayed to be a man of peace, a defender of country and family and lastly a honorable fighter. While Cao Cao is a man after world domination, lustful and treacherous in sending the epedemic across the battlefield. Sadly, the movie failed to convince. In twisting a situation of war into a platform to discuss peace, John Woo is doing nobody a service. We failed to marvel at the ingenuity of the book, and we fail to emphatise with the tragedy of war victims. Movies like Good Morning Vietnam and Black Hawk Down, with a down to earth descriptive story-telling, strangely gives more compelling cause to the bleakness of war.
Is there a lesson to be learnt here?
Wow33: Sometimes, the message is more compelling by being more descriptive than prescriptive. Let the facts speak for itself.
A movie I watched yesterday is the most recent Red Cliff II. In the novel, the Romance of the 3 Kingdoms, the battle of Red Cliff is a battle of wits. That is the reason I love it so much. But in the movie, it became a battle of integrity. Zhou Yu is portrayed to be a man of peace, a defender of country and family and lastly a honorable fighter. While Cao Cao is a man after world domination, lustful and treacherous in sending the epedemic across the battlefield. Sadly, the movie failed to convince. In twisting a situation of war into a platform to discuss peace, John Woo is doing nobody a service. We failed to marvel at the ingenuity of the book, and we fail to emphatise with the tragedy of war victims. Movies like Good Morning Vietnam and Black Hawk Down, with a down to earth descriptive story-telling, strangely gives more compelling cause to the bleakness of war.
Is there a lesson to be learnt here?
Wow33: Sometimes, the message is more compelling by being more descriptive than prescriptive. Let the facts speak for itself.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Advice on marriage
This is from Dooce:
"Our therapist has been paid a lot of money to teach us to tell each other,
hey, stop treating me this way,
you're not meeting my needs,
I feel this way when you act like that."
Those are 3 lines we should teach in every marital counseling.
"Our therapist has been paid a lot of money to teach us to tell each other,
hey, stop treating me this way,
you're not meeting my needs,
I feel this way when you act like that."
Those are 3 lines we should teach in every marital counseling.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
My favorite movie
To all my fans of this blog, my favorite movie of all times is Groundhog Day.
As I was searching for good movies on Rotten Tomatoes by year, I came to 1993 and found my favorite movie listed as one of the best of that year. I thought, "hmmm, let's see what the top critics think of it." 100% fresh, my friends. I couldn't agree more. But the most pleasant experience is reading how top critic Roger Ebert comment on this movie 15 years after he first critiqued on it. Check out his latest review.
In the 2008 Jubilee Youth Camp, one of the groups did a similar skit based on the same premise. It was still well rated, but I now understand what made the difference after reading Ebert's review.
As I was searching for good movies on Rotten Tomatoes by year, I came to 1993 and found my favorite movie listed as one of the best of that year. I thought, "hmmm, let's see what the top critics think of it." 100% fresh, my friends. I couldn't agree more. But the most pleasant experience is reading how top critic Roger Ebert comment on this movie 15 years after he first critiqued on it. Check out his latest review.
In the 2008 Jubilee Youth Camp, one of the groups did a similar skit based on the same premise. It was still well rated, but I now understand what made the difference after reading Ebert's review.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Question of the Day
Which is the bigger moral?
The morality of choosing life over death? or
The morality of choosing death so that another might live?
The morality of choosing life over death? or
The morality of choosing death so that another might live?
New Webcomic recommendations
I found a new hilarious Webcomic: Jesus and Mo
It is clever and insightful, and I firmly believe Christians can all do better not to take themselves too seriously.
Try this one:
It is clever and insightful, and I firmly believe Christians can all do better not to take themselves too seriously.
Try this one:
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Happy New Year
I'm back at work and slogging a project. It's not the best way to spend a holiday season, but I'm not complaining. Studying the word is always self-rewarding.
I have finished a book called Yes Man by Danny Wallace. It's funny and reflective and I think it's definitely worth a read. It's not too deep, but I think that's fine. It doesn't pretend to be complex and profound either. It is a good thought experiment with a good dash of fun added. Life can be as simple as that.
Two quotes:
Coincidence does not exist! La casualidad no existe!
Yes to Everything! Si a todo!
I have finished a book called Yes Man by Danny Wallace. It's funny and reflective and I think it's definitely worth a read. It's not too deep, but I think that's fine. It doesn't pretend to be complex and profound either. It is a good thought experiment with a good dash of fun added. Life can be as simple as that.
Two quotes:
Coincidence does not exist! La casualidad no existe!
Yes to Everything! Si a todo!
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