Me, Myself, and...

Did you know that I actually happen to have several nicknames?

When I was still little, my parents called me "Verny" from Verena, coz of that I called myself "Eny".
Later on, after we returned from Australia, I lived with my grandma, and she preferred to called me "Maya" for some personal reason. So then, i grew up with most people calling me by that name, and there's still a few called me Verny. But the name Eny never showed up!

Primary school period, when usually you got picked up by anything that just pop into your classmate's mind. So, of course, the nick "Ayam" came up along the way, taken from "Maya" if you read it backwards. Some of my friends like Elma, Corky, Stanley, they still call me that, even make it more complete: Ayam Goreng - fried chicken it is!

Most of my bandung friends -thatz peers and house mates, calls me Maya, but one particular house mate call me "mbaMey", even though am not born in that month. Probably maybe becoz I call her "Ajung" instead of Betti :)

Bandung colleges prefer to call me by Verena, since there is two Maya at the office.
Jakarta office, and biz partners mostly called me Verena or some shortened it to "Ve".
But Vincent then called me Pepe, instead of Ve. (How about that, Windo?)

In church,... hmm a bit complicated. LifeGroup (LG) members called me "Maya", since Eduard, one of my former university friend, was the one who introduced me to that LG, but then there are also biz friends who attend the same church with me, who called me by the name "Verena".

"So, how do I call you?"
"either is fine, both are me anyway!"

Bung, Malaysia Trully Asia???

"Malaysia urges Indonesia to drop plans to sue over folk song" written in Jakarta Post. The folk song they were referring to is "Rasa Sayang ee", that actually is a Maluku folk song.

I was so pissed reading the article. The arrogant Malaysian Minister said that "The song has its roots in Malay archipelago which includes Indonesia, Malaysia, southern Thailand and Brunei, and is also sung by people southern Africa, and Sri Lanka." [quoted]

Of course la!!! Didn't he know that in the 60s, this was the most popular song (and the easiest one!) that was sung among students? Afterwards then it was chosen as an International Student's Song. So, that's why it is well known, even in Africa!!!

And this guy, a chairman from the advisory board of a copyright organization!!! Gosh!! Even worse, an Ambonese!! He said (in Harian Media Indonesia) that it's OK for the Malaysian to use that song, since the author is unknown. Omigod!!

"Londonderry Air" is an Ireland folk song, was sang during JFK's funeral since his ancestors are Irish. Even though the author is anon, and then the song was popular again in the US (the "Danny Boy" song) by Jim Reeves an American singer, still it's registered as Ireland Folk Song.
So, Bung, the anon part won't be a "big deal", as long as you understand the root of the song, and understand your own culture!!

NOW, why "Rasa Sayang ee" is a Maluku Folk Song, (Bung)?

Rasa sayang ee
Rasa sayang, sayang ee
Ee, lia dari jau...
rasa sayang, sayang ee..

It is SO common to use the word "ee..." in conversations among Maluku people. I bet there are no such dialects in Malaysia that uses this expression, like the one in "Rasa Sayang ee.."

The rhythm is definitely TOTALLY NOT a Malay style... c'mooon, where did a malay picked that kind of rhythm?? while visiting someone in Maluku??? Yeah, right! Pough-lease!!! You can do better than that.

So, stop this nonsense Malaysia!!
Be creative and pick your own song (and culture, and batik, whatever!!)
Don't use my Ambonese song!!


btw, you are all welcome to sign a petition regarding this matter at:
http://www.petitiononline.com/rasasyge/

Life's Beautiful Picture

Wonderful God

Beautiful is Your creation
You're glorious in every way
You surround us with
Your faithful love
And we can trust in all You say

Wonderful God
Wonderful O God

You are worthy of all glory
All honor and praise
All to You our God
Forever and always
You are worthy of our worship
And worthy of our love
We stand in awe of
All You are

You are love
You are life
You are all glorious
You are love
You are life
You are all glorious

Wanting To Win IS EVERYTHING

From Jean-Singapore

WANTING TO WIN IS EVERYTHING

---

Success is connected with continuous action.
It's largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.
You're not finished when you're defeated,
you're only finished when you quit.

The most important quality essential to success is perseverance.
It overcomes almost everything, even nature.

You can have a fresh start any time you choose.
Failure is not in the falling down, but in the staying down.
It's not over until it's over.

If you've got the courage to stick it out, you'll attain your goal.
Winning isn't everything, but wanting to is.

If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again.

God is good ALL the time

Today's the last day of the month.
Last day to achieve the target.

Up till yesteday, I was short around 700pts, thatz like IDR 7M.
So, this morning, in my prayers, I thank God for fulfilling it, since this is HIS biz, not mine.
"This is YOUR biz God, You still need 700 pts to go!
If You want to use me as part of the solution,
I thank You in advance"

And guess what?
Today, i closed a 1000 pts!
MORE than I expected.
All because of HIM!

"Ask and it shall be given (abundantly!)"

You have it?

The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is
this: Decide what you want.

You must first establish your objectives
if you're going to accomplish anything in a big way.
Goals give you a place to start and a final destination.
People with goals succeed because they know where they're going.

Determine what you want.
Decide on your major objectives, targets, aims, and destination.
If you don't know where you're going, how can you expect to get there?

What are your goals?
What are you doing to reach them?

Plant your dreams, nourish and begin to live them.
The most important thing about a goal is, having one!.

*********************************** from a friend

Step out and Act!

The Land of Hope

Today's Scripture

“I've pitched my tent in the Land of Hope” (Acts 2:26 Message).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

********************************************************

Where have you pitched your tent today?
What are you expecting to happen in your life?
What kind of attitude do you have?

If you're focused on whats wrong, or whats not working, its time to dig up your tent stakes!
Its time to pack up your belongings and move out of the land of discouragement.

Move out of the “Not-going-to- happen” sub-division. Move out of “Can't-do-it-ville.”

Its time to leave “Self-pity Estates.”

Get out of those areas and move into the land of hope, faith, and expectation.
Maybe you don't quite know how to get there, but nows the time to start looking for that new place.

Open your heart to the Lord and ask Him to direct your thoughts and expectations.
The Bible says that those who hope in the Lord will never be put to shame.
You can trust God to order your steps.
You can trust Him to move you from the land of disappointment to the land of hope today!

Enuf

Never in my entire life that I would imagine myself sitting here watching a javanese dance performance!!
On TV, it looks totally bored. Very very slow.
In the old days, when there's only TVRI -no other choices, and the program shows javanese dance performance, usually we just turn off the TV. Better off doing something more exciting. No hard feelings, man! But on TV it doesn't look great at all!

But tonite, after dinner in Sekar Kedaton, I joinned the group and saw the performance.
Wow, totally cool! I mean, twas very elegant.

Hmmm. Am amazed with myself now.
Enuf.

Facts-and Science-Believer, this is for YOU!

From YAF-IES mailing list
by Kimberly Tan
**************************************************

Just last Friday, I was studying the Bible with a group of friends and learned that...

Even before man knew that the Earth "floats" in space, even before we've learned about the universe and discovered the galaxies...

JOB 26:7 He spreads out the northern skies over empty space, he suspends the earth over nothing.

For thousands of years, man thought the Earth is flat until Aristotle theorized that it might be round and in 1492, Christopher Columbus' voyage proved that our Earth is indeed spherical...

ISAIAH 40:22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and it's people are like grasshoppers

It was only lately that science has proven that the wind has weight...

JOB 28:25 When He imparted weight to the wind and meted out the waters by measure

Only when did the scientists discovered that the Earth has several layers and the very core of which is a ball of fire?...

Job 28:5 The earth, from it comes food, and underneath it is turned up as fire.

How amazing it is to know that these verses were written during B.C. even way before any of these proofs of science we're discovered, proven and accepted as facts.

Hope you enjoyed these little large details as much as I, as a facts-and-science- believer, was in awe of them, and in awe of our amazing God!

Today we serve Krispy Kreme..

That Sunday, my Life Group was appointed for greeters on the 10 o'clock service.
Since we are also having a Life Group Weekend in church, I was in charge to coordinate the team to go down to the gallery after the service and serve people with Starbucks coffee and Krispy Kreme.

So, my head thinking about all this while I was greeting people who's attending the service.


Suddenly, an old lady came to me, and asked:
"Do you still have The Daily Bread?".

Couldn't hear her quite well since the praise and worship has already started, I asked her again, "Sorry, but I cant hear you!"

So, she repeated her question again, "Daily Bread. Do you still have it?"
"Oh, Daily Bread. No, today we serve Krispy Kreme, and it's down at the gallery" I replied confidently.
"NO..NO.." she said, "The book! Our Daily Bread Book. Do you have it?"

Then I realized that I did something totally stupid!!

She was thinking "very spiritual" about Our Daily Bread, the daily devotional book , and me on the other hand was thinking about my tummy: Daily Bread, the Coffee Shop!

Aaaaaaaagghhh.. **&*%$#%$#
How embarrassing!!

Who's Stealing your Joy?

Are you a people pleaser? Always giving, always encouraging, always rescuing?
God does not want you to sacrifice your happiness to keep somebody else happy.
That's what I call "a false sense of responsibility."
When you free yourself from that—and give those people to God—you'll not only have more time and energy, but I believe you'll be happier and better able to fulfill God's plan for you.

************from live like a champion, Joel Osteen

Bigger Problem, Bigger Grace

You and I don't have a problem that is too big for the grace of God. If our problem gets bigger, God's grace gets bigger.

Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.
Romans 5:20

My own reflection on this thought:
Isn't that really so?
You might ask that question after reading today's thought.
Yes, it is.
Even though it's hard for us to see, but actually it's true that God's grace would be bigger if we're facing bigger problems.
We can't see the result now, but we need to see it gradually.
Yes, I ask myself to endure when bigger problems come, because I know that God's grace is enough to see me through.

Not easy, but again, worth to try...

*from Sandra's friend, Fonny.

Am I in love with God?

Have you ever feel in love with God?
I mean, totally in love!

I don't think I am.
You know why?

I've been thinking how usually we acted when we fall in love.
Even when it's just "a crush", we can act beyond.
We tend to do most impossible thing to person.
Even the most stupid thing.
We tend to sacrifice things, just to make the him/her feel special.

What happens when you declare your love, after the crush?
We go beyond that. Sometimes sacrificing things, and goes over our most priorities.

So now, if we claimed we love God, in love with God, do we see ourselves doing the same thing?
Not just as simple as, "show God you love Him by obeying Him, and doing all His will".
For me now, it seemed like it's more of a "mind setting" and not came from the heart.

How about you?
Could you define yourself as totally in love with God?

If you are the same with me, this could be your prayer:
So God,
"a crush" is just fine,
but if You help me to go "totally in love" with You, would definitely be better!

Does God blesses bad coffee shops?

One day, a coffee shop owner came to pastor, invite him to come to his coffee shop to pray and blesses his business. The pastor agrees, and ask for the address.

So the following day, off went the pastor, looking for the particular street. He was lost for quite some time while looking for the road. So he decided to asked for direction. A guy then helped him to find the street, which turned out to be at the far end of a dark alley. The pastor couldn't even catch the coffee shop's board from the main street. Frankly, it's kindda like in a slump area.

Anyway, there he was in front of the coffee shop. He was not quite sure to get in. So he checked again for the billboard, just to make sure. Then he opens the door, and enter. Inside, he found that the room was pretty dark. He couldn't even see clearly. Only a few tables, with old table cloth. Some wooden chair, that doesn't look strong enough to carry human weight. The room has not much decorations, quite poor decorations if he may say.

There's a guy working behind the bars. So he approaches, introduced himself, and asked for the owner.
"Oh, welcome pastor. He's been expecting you. Please, take a seat. I'll fetch him for you. He's at the back, doing some work. Can i get you anything, coffee?"
"Ok, coffee would be fine. Thank you!"

So then, the pastor look for a table to sit down. It's kindda full with some dust. So he needed to clean it up a bit. "No problem," he thought, "i can handle dust."

While he was waiting, the guy, who turns out to be the only waiter there, came and brings him his coffee. "Here you are, sir. Please enjoy your coffee! My boss will be with you in a second!"

After thanking the waiter, the Pastor pick up the mug, and starts zipping the coffee.
"Ugh, it tastes totally bad! What kind of coffee is this? Never had a bad coffee in my entire life!"he thought. But then, there's nothing he can do. He can't just spit it out in front of the waiter. What should he do?

While figuring out, suddenly the owner came.
"Hi Pastor! Thank's for coming. I hope you didn't have much trouble finding my coffee shop."
So, he starts telling him how he jumps into this coffee business, why he loves it so much. That's why he wants the pastor to pray for it and bless his business.

The Pastor listens carefully to his stories, but in his mind he has his own conflictions!
"How am i supposed to pray for him? This is a terrible coffee shop. The location is not strategic. The exterior is bad, interior is worse. And the coffee itself tasted bad. Totally bad."

But then, he knows he still has to pray and ask blessing from the Lord. So, he started to pray anyway. "Dear Father Lord, i pray for this man. You know his heart. You know his plans with his business. Please bless his business, Father. In Your Mighty name, we pray. Amen."

End of story.
So, what do you think God will do? will HE bless this man's coffee shop?

again about [TRY]

I just chat with my friend Vera, about my Define [TRY] posted blog.
Why when we said "I'll try.." usually we don't even bother to TRY.

Basic thing is that, human doesn't like to commit. So, if there's no written contract, no declaring vows in front of God, priest/pastor, congregations, etc., usually we tend to bail out.

Think the last time you bailed out your suppliers?
usually you DO try to do the best that you can.
Bailed out your boss?
no way, coz there's a written contract, job description, etc. lined up at the back of your head.

How about bailed out God?
Hmm... many people do sometimes, including me. With all our small mistaken steps. Why? coz there's no written contract with God-it's just about our trust and faith.
Some even go for the extreme way: ignore HIS being.

So, even just for God, we're brave enuf to bailed out, what's "I'll try to be there..." compare to that? I'll bet, we've bailed out that, many many many times....

Well, wanna try to change the paradigm?
Do commit on small things, including the [TRY] part

A friend in need is a friend in deed

In ‘Locking Arms,’ Stu Weber wrote a story which happened during the World War I: “Two buddies were serving together in the mud and misery of that wretched of European stalemate. Month after month, they lived out their lives in the trenches, in the cold and the mud, under fire and under orders.

“From time to time, one side or the other would rise up out of the trenches, fling their bodies against the opposing line and slink back to lick their wounds, bury their dead, and wait to do it all over again. In the process, friendships were forged in the misery. Two soldiers became particularly close. Day after day, night after night, terror after terror, they talked of life, of families, of hopes, of what they would do when (and if) they returned from this horror.

“On one more fruitless charge, “Jim” fell, severely wounded. His friend, “Bill,” made it back to the relative safety of the trenches. Meanwhile, Jim was laying and suffering beneath the night flares. Between the trenches. Alone.

“The shelling continued. The danger was at its peak. Between the trenches was no place to be. Still, Bill wished to reach his friend, to comfort him, to offer what encouragement only friends can offer. The officer in charge refused to let Bill leave the trench. It was simply too dangerous. As he turned his back, however, Bill went over the top. Ignoring the smell of cordite in the air, the concussion of incoming rounds, and the pounding in his chest, Bill made it to Jim.

“Sometimes later he managed to get Jim back to the safety of the trenches. Too late. His friend was gone. The somewhat self-righteous officer, seeing Jim’s body, cynically asked Bill if it had been ‘worth the risk.’ Bill’s response was without hesitation.

“‘Yes, sir, it was,’ he said. ‘My friend’s last words made it more than worth it. He looked up at me and said, ‘I knew you’d come.’”

Define: [TRY]

These are the definition of TRY, which i looked out from Cambridge Dictionary Online:

try (ATTEMPT)
verb [I or T]
to attempt to do something:

Keep trying and you'll find a job eventually.
If I don't get into the academy this year, I'll try again next year.
I've tried really hard but I can't persuade him to come.
I'm trying my best/hardest, but I just can't do it.
[+ to infinitive] I tried to open the window.
[+ ing form of verb] Perhaps you should try getting up (= You should get up) earlier in the mornings.

try
noun [C usually singular]
an attempt to do something:

They might just have a place left on the course - why don't you give it/have a try?
This will be her third try at jumping the bar.
You could ask him if he's willing - it's worth a try.

trier
noun [C] APPROVING
someone who tries hard to succeed in what they do, even if they fail:

She's a real trier, I'll give her that.

The interesting thing about it, if u see all the definitions, it always have a positive thing.. people do their best, even though at the end it didn't work out. That's "trying"!

BUT
that's what the dictionary says!

what about the reality?
When people says they'll try, usually it's just a polite way to say, "hey dude, am not interested!"
"I'll try to come" usually means, am not coming.
"I'll try to do it" means, am not gonna do it.
"I'll try.."
"I'll try.."
"I'll try.."

SO,
i found out a TRUE DEFINITION of the word "TRY".
Few days ago, I watched Oprah Show, and she had an author guest, who was defining what TRY means to him.
TRY or TRYING means: Failing with honor :)

so, just skipped the positive thing that I mentioned above, and just go to the failing part! :)

Come to think about it, itz totally true. When people said they'll try to come, most of them wud never turn out! Worst case is, they never even consider to come on the first place.

So..

TRY
failing with honor

"I'll try to come.." means, "am not coming.."
"I'll try to do it..." means, "am not gonna do it..."

This is totally the true definition! :)

Hmm ... what do you say?

Beginning Today

Beginning today...
I will no longer worry about yesterday.
It is in the past and the past will never change.
Only I can change by choosing to do so.

Beginning today...
I will no longer worry about tomorrow.
Tomorrow will always be there, waiting for me to make the most of it.
But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without first making the most of today.

Beginning today...
I will look in the mirror and I will see a person worthy of my respect and admiration. This capable person looking back at me, is someone I enjoy spending time with and someone I would like to get to know better.

Beginning today...
I will cherish each moment of my life.
I value the gift bestowed upon me in this world and I will unselfishly share this gift with others.

Beginning today...
I will take a moment to step off the beaten path and to revel in the mysteries I encounter.
I will face challenges with courage and determination.
I will overcome what barriers there may be which hinder my quest for growth and self- improvement.

Beginning today...
I will take life one day at a time, one step at a time.
Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my positive self-image, my desire to succeed or my capacity to love.

Beginning today...
I walk with renewed faith in human kindness. Regardless of what has gone before.
I believe there is hope for a brighter and better future.

Beginning today...
I will open my mind and my heart.
I will welcome new experiences.
I will meet new people.
I will not expect perfection from myself nor anyone else: perfection does not exist in an imperfect world. But I will applaud the attempt to overcome human foibles.

Beginning today...
I am responsible for my own happiness and I will do things that make me happy... admire the beautiful wonders of nature, listen to my favorite music, pet a kitten or a puppy, soak in a bubble bath...
Pleasure can be found in the most simple of gestures.

Beginning today...
I will learn something new; I will try something different;
I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer.
I will change what I can and the rest I will let go.
I will strive to become the best me I can possibly be.

Beginning Today, And Everyday.

What Maya Angelou learned?

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, live does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."

"I've learned that, you can tell a bot about a person by the way he/she handles three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."

"I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."

"I've learned that, making a 'living' is not the same as 'making a life'."

"I've learned that, life sometimes gives you a second chance."

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."

"I've learned that, whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."

"I've learned that, even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."

"I've learned that, every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."

"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

on an interview with Oprah on her 70+ birthday

The Movie 303

Saturday evening,after attending Meinar's wedding, me and my buddies went to see the 303. It was totally cool. I LOVE the pictures!! Even though itz color-manipulated and heavily computer- generated, itz so totally cool! The movie itself for me was heart beating.

Enuf about the movie. I got better stuff to tell.
The most hillarious part. My friend just share this with me, what one of his friend's experience while watching this movie.

Letting you know that this happened in WestEnd-UK. So, he was in this theater, and everybody is ready to watch the movie "303".
In the corner, sits this gay couple, cuddling each other while the ad starts to role. And then, the moment the movie started..
hey, they realized that they're in the wrong theater!

So, instead of just stayed clam and walked out quietly, they started shouting on their way out, "stupid movie, stupid movie.. bla bla bla"

One of the audience, who totally feel annoyed with these guys attitude, jump out of his seats, grab the nearest guy's shoulder, and scream at this guys face, "this is not stupid!...THIS IS SPARTA!" and start smacking him!!!

So, the poor guy, went down flat, rolling along the aisle. Ending this, was a big applause from the whole audience.

Hahahahahaha. Sorry, for him. But this is TOTALLY funny!

My friend said, he envy his friend for not witnessing this total one of a kind event.

At the end, he shared, the police did come, but of course, "Leonidas" has already fleed. :)

Copeeeeeeeet!

An announcement on my friend's YM! catch my attention:
"seumur-umur, baru kali ini gw kecopetan T_T (first time in my entire life that i got mugged!)".. Poor girl! So then, i click on her name, and asked for details: where? when? how? how come? I kept on typing all of these questions. I thought it happened like a few days ago. Apparently, it happened just now around 3.15pm in one of the mall in Bandung -BSM. She lost two of her mobile. And, like most other place in Indonesia, when you get robbed, no chance will you get it back. It would just be a hopeless case. Even though the security promised to look on their camera, but well, don't put your hopes high, girl!

Once, my mom experience a similar case, also in Bandung. She was just standing there, waiting for a cab, and then she felt her bag seems heavier. When she turned back, there was this guy standing behind her, and his hands was in her bag!! Could you just believe that?? He was trying to reach for her purse. Oh my gosh!! Seriously!! And when she turned and yell at him, that guy just walk out, like nothing happened.

You wanna know the most amazing part of this story? There was actually a police standing near by, and my mom was going to report this to that noble policeman. But guess what? the moment my mom came by, he just stood there, say nothing, and doing nothing! GOSH!

Go For It!

"When obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal; you do not change your decision to get there."*Zig Ziglar

thank's Wiling!

Something to share

One day, when I was a freshman in high school,
I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school.
His name was Kyle.
It looked like he was carrying all of his books.

I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a
Friday? He must really be a nerd."

I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my
friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.

They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping
him so he landed in the dirt.
His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him.

He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes
My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around
looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.

As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks."

They really should get lives.

"He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!"

There was a big smile on his face.
It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.

I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.
As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen
him before.
He said he had gone to private school before now.
I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.

We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books.
He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.
I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends
He said yes.
We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I
liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books
again.

I stopped him and said, "Boy, you are gonna really build some serious
muscles with this pile of books everyday!"

He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends.

When we were seniors we began to think about college.
Kyle decided on Georgetownand I was going to Duke.
I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a
problem.
He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football
scholarship.
Kyle was valedictorian of our class.
I teased him all the time about being a nerd.

He had to prepare a speech for graduation.
I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak

Graduation day, I saw Kyle.
He looked great.
He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school.
He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.
He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him.
Boy, sometimes I was jealous!
Today was one of those days.

I could see that he was nervous about his speech.
So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!"
He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and
smiled. "Thanks," he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began

"Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through
those tough years.
Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly
your friends...
I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best
gift you can give them.
I am going to tell you a story."

I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the
first day we met.

He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.
He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have
to do it later and was carrying his stuff home.

He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.

"Thankfully, I was saved.
My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable."

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told
us all about his weakest moment.

I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful
smile.

Not until that moment did I realize its depth.

Never underestimate the power of your actions.
With one small gesture you can change a person's life.
For better or for worse.




God puts us all in each others lives
to impact one another in some way.

Look for God in others.

A Good Oops! :)

JavaJazz, a one looking forward to go event.

So, i did plan to go. Booked ticket with my cousin Indira, who's one of the committee -can get 50%discounts, good deal or what?

Did wake up early.

Get money from ATM for the tickets later.

Go to early service at 830am, afterwards attending the Breathe of Gospel at 10am.
The program was fun, mostly filled with praise and worship. Nice to know that many singers still are a faithful believer. Blessed them!

Afterwards, have to cleared the area, since they're gonna do sweep the area for the next program which will started around 2pm.

So, since my sista and parents wants to go and buy errands first, so i decided to stayed outside have my late breakfast on the B&F area, next to the first checking point, with Indira. Assuming, they'll have two checking points like before during the Breathe of Gospel Program. Means, i'll still need my tickets later to enter the 2nd checking point.

Nearly 1pm, suddenly one of my cousin's friends were surprised to see me still inside the locations, since the sweeping has finished. Oops! That means they've missed me :)

Well, still assuming we have to enter the 2nd checking point, we just kept on chatting.

1pm we decided to leave the B&F area, entering the hall. The gates were there, but no one bother to check on my tickets. Hmmm...? what's happening??

Turned out, there isn't even a 2nd checking point. All had already been done at the main gate. WOW! so am in.

note: I did attend to buy tickets, but apparently they missed me on the B&F area. So, since am in... well... ;) the rest is history :)

STRANGE, ISN'T IT?

Isn't it strange how a 1 dollar bill
seems like such a large amount when
you donate it to church, but
such a small amount when you go shopping?

Isn't it strange how 2 hours seem so long when
you're at church, and
how short they seem when you're watching a good movie?

Isn't it strange that you can't find a word to say
when you're praying,
but you have no trouble
thinking what to talk about
with a friend?

Isn't it strange how difficult and boring it is
to read one chapter of the Bible,
but how easy it is to read 100 pages of
a popular novel or ZANE GREY book?

Isn't it strange
how everyone wants front-row-tickets to concerts or games,
but they do whatever is possible to sit at the last row in Church?

Isn't it strange
How we need to know about an event for Church 2-3 weeks before the day so we can include it in our agenda, but
we can adjust it for other events in the last minute?

Isn't it strange how difficult it is
to learn a fact about God to share it
with others,
but how easy it is to learn, understand,extend and repeat gossip?

Isn't it strange how we believe everything
that magazines and newspapers say,
but we question the words in the Bible?

Isn't it strange how everyone wants a place in
heaven, but they don't want to believe, do, or say anything
to get there?

Isn't it strange how we send jokes in e-mails
and they are forwarded right away,
but when we are going to send messages about God, we think
about it twice before we share it with others?

IT'S STRANGE ISN'T IT?

Now that you've read this message,
forward it to anybody that you
consider a friend, family member or foe.
If you don't do it not only
you will deprive
yourself from being blessed,
but you will also do that
to others who may need
God in their life.

(From YAF-IES mailing list)

Flooding in Jakarta

From a friend, foreigner, a life time experience :)

**************************************

It's been an exciting 24hrs and counting.

As I was about to pack for my trip home last nite, 1.30am, the electricity was down. I thought it'll be ok in the morning, so I decided to pack then as it's too dark in my room to pack.

It was raining the whole day yesterday.

When I woke up today, the whole area around Benhil, behind BRI Nu Skin, which was where my home was, was flooded. Knee-deep to waist high, in most areas.

The electricity is still down.

My local mobile ain't working. (Gotta use my SG line to sms).

Was told some parts of the Toll Road to airport is flooded.

I needed to walk knee-deep to BRI to catch a cab to the airport, if there were cabs to be caught.

Decided to wait for the rain to stop (it was still raining) and the water to subside, before trying for the airport again.

Was in BRI, Nu Skin, waiting out this hopefully once-in-a-life-time experience. (At least there's internet and electricity there.)

It's too late to fly off to Batam now, last ferry is 9pm.

Didn't wanna risk missing the ferry after all the hoo ha.

Called my landlord. Found out that the waters has gotten into my room!

What a day! And it ain't finished!

Will go to the airport tomorrow morning, early, to catch a flight out!

Indonesia! Memorable! That's what you are!

Aiza