Merdeka!!!

Finally, exams are over!!! After 3 weeks of blood, sweat and toil, I finally survived unscathed!!! (over-exaggerating as always :) ) Truth be told, it was torture for me this time round, as I wasn't thoroughly prepared (as if I was prepared for the last few tests) but this time it was REALLY serious.. I did not revise most of my subjects.. As my mother puts, my mind wants to but my flesh doesn't cooperate.. I know.. I know.. Form 4 is not a honeymoon year, and I should take my studies seriously, but there are just so many obstacles and temptations and potholes along the way. Handphone, computer, television, etc. etc.. After this exam, I made a resolution to work hard next year and to at least spend some time during the upcoming holidays to study.. And I seriously hope that I can achieve it, that I am resolute and determined to accomplish it and not going NATO (No Action, Talk Only) as I'd always done.. Sigh..

I'm going to be involved in VBS.. For those who doesn't know, VBS stands for Vacation Bible School.. It is a holiday programme organised by my church for the kindergarten children, as well as the primary school kids.. Since I'm not musically talented and I don't have mad vocals like Samuel Tan (awesome dude!!), I can only involve myself in acting fir the childrens' amusement. This is a small way of devotion and commitment to God.. At least, that's how I see it..

Today, after coming back from school, I saw a message from Sern Wang.. He asked me whether I was willing to share my personal testimony in service this coming Sunday.. In my mind I was like, " I know it's good to share our testimony but I can't do it.. Not in front of a 85% adult congregation.. And I told Sern Wang I'm not capable of doing it.. Just not ready for such a big scale you know.. Maybe if YF still can la, but service?? No, most definitely not.. Sorry Sern Wang..

I'll update my post some other time then. Got to go.. Cheers..

Randomness

Yo, you earthlings out there!! Take me to your leader!! Always wanted to say that! Lol.. Well, since I'm free and not in the mood to study for my finals as I should,thought I'll just spend some time updating my blog..

Firstly,Happy Birthday to my friends Josh Tham, Karthigeyan and Kerryn.. May God continue to bless you and your family.. You are my friends and always will be.. Thanks for your friendship and companionship thus far.. I really appreciate them alot. And I sincerely apologise for any misunderstandings or and offending that I unintentionally did against you guys..

Secondly, congrats and kudos to Bro. Sern Wang for creating the new YFGGBP blog. Took a look at it, and it's pretty good. The link is http://www.yfggbp.blogspot.com . So make sure you guys drop by ya.. For those of you who are interested in posting some posts there, just inform Sern Wang and he'll tell you the username and password ya.. You can also enlighten yourselves with the vision and mission of the Youth Fellowship of Gereja Grace Batu Pahat (YFGGBP)..

Thirdly, all the best to my friends who are PMR candidates this year.. I know it's kinda late to wish you guys, but better late than never right? God bless you all.. Just do some extra exercises and you'll do fine. Don't be too anxious!

Fourth, congrats on a job well done for the recent mooncake festival held on the night of 3rd October(Saturday). Thank and praise God that everything went well and that the weather was beautiful as well. Thank God for the opportunity to fellowship and to know one another better. To all who were involved in the event, thank you for making it a success as well..

Fifth, I'm really looking forward to the year-end camps!!! I won't be attanding the NSCFL Camp, so I'll be helping out in theVBS for Sunday School. This is my little contribution to my Heavenly Father. The committee retreat is also waited anxiously by yours truly.. Speaking of committee.. Thanks to this year's committee members for their patience and cooperation.. Those who know me may know that I'm not very efficient in my work, but still thanks for your advice, guidance, and cooperation. I truly thank God for giving me this blessing to work with all these talented individuals, leaders and siblings in Christ. I vow that if I'm still eligible for a post in next year's committee, I'll improve on my work efficiency and other weaknesses, with God's help of course! As nothing was, is, and will be impossible for God..

Ok, this is my post for today!! It's not much, but at least I have updated my blog ya. Remember to drop by the YFGGBP blog when you have the time. And YF's programme for tomorrow is "Overcoming Failure and Sadness". Come and join us as we learn how to overcome the failures and sadness that we are bound to face in some points of our lives. I know for the youths, Sern Wang has already sms-ed you but I'm just reminding that's all. Well, ciao for now.. God bless and have a pleasant day ahead!

Go Taylor!!!

Hey people!! I'm back!! Miss me?? Just joking.. Anyway, I think you all know about the latest craze in the music industry, which is Kanye West "graciously" crashing the award-winning speech of our favourite country music singer, Taylor Swift. All I want to say is Taylor fully deserves winning Best Female Video in the VMA's as she had an awesome year!! Taylor, if somehow you manage to stumble on this blog, may I say that you are truly brilliant and will always be an inspiration to youths and teenagers worldwide. Continue doing what you do best and we'll always be here to support you!!!

Speaking of Taylor Swift, I feel that it is only appropriate to give a tribute to this talented, ambitious and undoubtedly successful country singer.. Enjoy!!!

The first song has been rocking the airwaves for the past few months. It is a favourite among many and has shown the world how talented this girl is.. It is my honour to introduce *drum roll please* the song "You Belong With Me".. It has a catchy tune and easy to sing along to, so hope you enjoy listening to these songs..



You Belong With Me
You're on the phone with your girlfriend, She's upset
She's going off about something that you said
She doesn't get your humour like I do

I'm in the room, its a typical Tuesday night
I'm listening to the kind of music she doesn't like
And she'll never know your story like I do

But she wears short skirts, I wear t-shirts
She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers
Dreaming bout the day when you'll wake up and find
That what you're lookin' for has been here the whole time

If you could see that I'm the one who understands you
Been here all along so why can't you see?
You belong with me
You belong with me

Walkin' the streets with you in your worn out jeans
I can't help thinking this is how it ought to be
Laughing on the park bench thinkin' to myself
Hey isn't this easy?

And you've got a smile that could light up this whole town
I haven't seen it in awhile, since she brought you down
You say you find I know you better than that
Hey, Whatcha doing with a girl like that?

She wears high heels, I wear sneakers
She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers
Dreaming bout the day when you'll wake up and find
That what you're looking for has been here the whole time

If you could see that I'm the one who understands you
Been here all along so why can't you see?
You belong with me

Standin' by, waiting at your back door
All this time how could you not know that?
You belong with me
You belong with me

Oh I remember you driving to my house in the middle of the night
I'm the one who makes you laugh when you know you're about to cry
I know your favorite songs and you tell me about your dreams
I think I know where you belong. I think I know it's with me.

Can't you see that I'm the one who understands you?
Been here all along so why can't you see?
You belong with me

Standing by or waiting at your back door
All this time how could you not know that
You belong with me
You belong with me

Have you ever thought just maybe
You belong with me
You belong with me

Well.. That was the video as well as well as the lyrics so that you can sing along.. Ok, let's proceed to the next song.. "Love Story"!! This song also rocked the airwaves for a long time ( no complains here) and I hope that you will enjoy it too..



Love Story
We were both young when I first saw you
I closed my eyes and the flashback starts
I'm standing there
On a balcony in summer air

See the lights, see the party, the ball gowns
I see you make your way through the crowd
And say hello
Little did I know

That you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles
And my daddy said, "stay away from Juliet"
And I was crying on the staircase
Begging you, please don't go
And I said

Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone
I'll be waiting, all there's left to do is run
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess
It's a love story
Baby, just say yes

So, I sneak out to the garden to see you
We keep quiet cause we're dead if they knew
So close your eyes
Escape this town for a little while

Oh oh
Cause you were Romeo, I was the scarlet letter
And my daddy said, "stay away from Juliet"
But you were my everything to me
I was begging you, please don't go
And I said

Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone
I'll be waiting, all there's left to do is run
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess
It's a love story
Baby, just say yes

Romeo, save me
They try to tell me how I feel
This love is difficult, but it's real
Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess
It's a love story
Baby, just say yes

Oh oh

I got tired of waiting
Wondering if you were ever coming around
My faith in you is fading
When I met you on the outskirts of town
And I said

Romeo, save me
I've been feeling so alone
I keep waiting for you, but you never come
Is this in my head
I don't know what to think
He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring
And said

Marry me, Juliet, you'll never have to be alone
I love you and that's all I really know
I talked to your dad
Go pick out a white dress
It's a love story
Baby, just say yes

Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh

'Cause we were both young when I first saw you

Okay.. Erm, this will be the third and last song I'll put in this blog, as these are the 3 most heard of songs by Taylor Swift thus far, by me of course.. Of course, some of you may have listened to Tim Mcgraw or Fearless before, but I prefer these 3 songs so I'll put these 3 for the time being.. The last, but definitely not least, "Teardrops On My Guitar".. Enjoy! And may you guys have a great day ahead..



Teardrops On My Guitar
Drew looks at me,
I fake a smile so he won't see
That I want and I'm needing
Everything that we should be

I'll bet she's beautiful,
That girl he talks about
And she's got everything that I have to live without

Drew talks to me,
I laugh cause it's so damn funny
That I can't even see
Anyone when he's with me

He says he's so in love,
He's finally got it right,
I wonder if he knows he's all I think about at night

He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star
He's the song in the car I keep singing, don't know why I do

Drew walks by me,
Can't he tell that I can't breathe?
And there he goes,
So perfectly,
The kind of flawless I wish I could be

She'd better hold him tight,
Give him all her love
Look in those beautiful eyes
And know she's lucky cause

He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star
He's the song in the car I keep singing, don't know why I do

So I drive home alone,
As I turn out the light
I'll put his picture down and maybe
Get some sleep tonight

'Cuz He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar
The only one who's got enough of me to break my heart
He's the song in the car I keep singing, don't know why I do
He's the time taken up,
But there's never enough
And he's all that I need to fall into.

Drew looks at me,
I fake a smile so he won't see

GC ( Gospel Cafe)

Yo guys!!! Whats up dudes and dudettes?? Hope you all are enjoying your holidays.. Sorry for the absence from this blog for so long.. Well, let's just say I've been busy.. Homework, photo sessions, tuition, autograph sessions, church, practices.. You get the point^^

Well, the hols had been okay for me so far.. Didn't go out anywhere fun (unless you consider tuition fun), most of the time stayed at home to play RoN on the computer or to finish my Harry Potter marathon(2 and 3/4 books to the finish line.. Why finish line?? Marathon.. Get it??? Oh, what the heck!)

At least I have a programme to look forward to and that is (drum roll...) Gospel Cafe!!!! Or GC in short.. Well, this is a fairly new church evangelistic-style programme as it was only initiated last year.. Gospel Cafe 2008 was kinda hectic, as we held it at the foyer in church, and the youths were in charge of waitering, making the drinks, performances, or easier to be said, EVERYTHING! And so, Sern Wang as well as the 2009 committee decided that GC 2009 will be held at Witchery Ider(beside Square 1) this year.. This year's GC will be more laid-back, relaxed and comfortable kind as this year our aim is to evangelise and to draw more friends to Jesus Christ!!! We did not manage to accomplish this objective last year as most of the guests came in big groups and the youths were too busy to fellowship with their friends.. And when you are in big groups, you tend to talk about EVERYTHING, except the main thing..

So this year, each youth is only required to bring a maximum of 2 friends so as to keep the attendance under control.. This will also make evangelising easier as well, as each youth can focus on their friends, and not their friend's cousins, their friend's cousin's cousin, and their friend's cousin's cousin's cousin as what happened in 2008.. And this year,the youths will also have more time to evangelise, as it will not be jam-packed with performances compared to 2008(only a mime, and maybe a video presentation), and also because we won't be waitering and serving drinks and all.. But nevertheless, it will still be a fun-filled and exciting programme that should not be missed if you are able to make it..

The mime this year is inspired by a drama performed by a church in America.. The drama can be found in Youtube, but what for go so far, if you can see it here..



Well, it's not 100% based on this video, we did make some changes.. However, it stil features a star-studded cast featuring: (drum roll again please...)

Wong Hui Yee as the victim that was eventually saved by Lord Jesus Christ..
Eugene Gan portraying Lord Jesus Christ..
Yours truly as head devil or leader of the damned, whatever you wanna call him..
Hong Caleen, Lim Regine, Jason Ng, Kek Ling Ching, Esther Kam and Fiona Bhaskran as the little devils, followers of the leader of the damned or whatever you wanna call them..

So for those who have been invited by the youths, make sure you drag yourselves to Gospel Cafe 2009, if God has so graciously made you free and available on 30th August (I would say tomorrow, but 30th August sounds more formal and official), 8.00-10.00pm.. Hope to see you there!!

Signing out,

-Jonathan-

Youth Sunday 2009

Hi everyone.. I'm back!!! Sorry for the long absence.. I know I haven't been updating my blog for a very long time, but well, at least I'm here now right?? Well, honestly I didn't really have the time to sit in front of the computer and type my hands off updating my blog.. Form 4 is not as carefree as Form 3.. I'm still looking for that culprit who said that Form 4 is a honeymoon year.. Wait until I find him.. So my sincerest apologies to one and all..

Well, today I would like to talk about Youth Sunday, an annual event held by my church.. It is named Youth Sunday because on this occasion every year, the youths are given the opportunity to conduct the Sunday service.. Every year it will be held in the month of July-August, depending on the church's schedule.. This year's Youth Sunday is a little weeny bit different from the previous ones, as this year the youths are required to wear formal clothing.. So, glad to say that everyone looked handsome and pretty during this year's Youth Sunday..

Being a painstakingly frank,straightforward and honest person (who doesn't know when to shut up at times), I'll tell you how I felt.. This year everything went well on the real day.. It was disastrous during the previous practices and rehearsals, including the final practice last night.. I told myself and those who were willing to hear me, that if I were Sern Wang, Joshua, Gabriel or Joanna, I would lock all the doors of the sanctuary and not let anyone go back until everyone was serious or well-rehearsed.. I'm not blaming anyone in particular, because I myself contributed to the disastrous results.. However my plan did not work as firstly, I'm not in any position of power and secondly I'm not Sern Wang, Joanna, Joshua or Gabriel.. I'm Jonathan.. Just so you know..
At the end of rehearsals last night, Sern Wang said and I quote, "We're putting alot of trust in God this year." I totally agree.. I thought Youth Sunday 2009 will be a disaster because from what I observed during practice, we were rehearsing as if Youth Sunday was months away.. I often shook my head in disappointment when I saw people not singing along, or people forgetting their lines, or people chattering when they were supposed to be singing (I myself am guilty to for some of these things) and I constantly said to myself that Youth Sunday this year was going to be a flop..

How wrong was I.. How terribly, horribly, vegetably wrong.. I didn't realise that when I woke up and prepared myself to go to service this morning.. I was convinced that Youth Sunday was a goner.. So I just prayed a short prayer to God to bless everything and that everything will go well and according to His will, that the youths will perform to honour and glorify His name.. After i prayed, I felt a feeling of confidence and assurance creeping into every vein in my body.. I didn't know if it was because I was looking into the mirror(I seldom get to wear my long-sleeved shirt..) or was it because God was working in me and telling me not to fret..

So slowly I learnt to let go of my anxieties and panics.. Everyone did their respective jobs brilliantly.. Kudos to all!!! Gabriel as the chairman led the service well, Jayn did a good job in worship, the stewards and ushers did their respective jobs well.. Even the choir singers and drama actors sang and acted well.. I specially want to mention a few people here.. They are Yi Ke, Caleen, Jing Yee, Edrik, Ah War and Felicia.. The first five are for perfecting a dance that they have just danced fully the previous night, and Felicia for being able to replace Melvina at such a short notice.. Bro. Joshua delivered a powerful and meaningful (and indeed very "chim") sermon.. All in all, as Sern Wang said, 9.5 out of 10..God was gracious indeed..

Our efforts were not in vain as the youths were treated to Pizza Hut after service.. We waited like crazy for the pizzas to arrive because all stomachs were rumbling, and when they finally arrived, when it barely touched the table, all the plates were gathered beside it.. I know it sounds like we have not eaten for ages, but hey, who doesn't like pizza??? Even petite little Yi Ke took 5 slices.. Unbelievable!! If you have seen her before, you will think that I'm joking, but sadly it's true.. God is great indeed..

Well, when it reached 1.++ pm, it was time to go home.. Everyone was filled up, happy and satisfied.. Indeed, it was a God-blessed day in each and every way possible.. From the weather right up to the delicious, hot and oven-fresh pizzas.. (Poor advisors.. They needed to pay OVER RM500 for the meal..)What I learnt today was God is magnificent beyond words.. Each and everyone of us who were involved in Youth Sunday can testify to that.. If you trust Him and let God lead and guide you through the difficult and doubtful times in life, He will grant us a peaceful mind and a assuring heart.. I know it's true, because I've experienced this miracle today..

Micheal Jackson.. You'll always be alive in me^^

I knew something was wrong the moment I on my radio yesterday morning. Almost every English radio station was playing Micheal Jackson's songs. Then I heard the terribly, horrifying news. He was no longer in this world any longer. He passed away in the wee hours of 26th June, due to cardiac arrest. My heart dropped and I was in shock. One of my favourite singers and performers of all time is no longer around. Below is a short history regarding this legend.

His real name is Michael Joseph Jackson. He was born in Gary, Indiana, USA on 29 August 1958. His entertainment life started when he and his brothers formed a group called "The Jackson 5" in 1969. At 1971, he began his solo career while still being a member of the group. Self-proclaimed as the "King of Pop" in subsequent years, his 1982 album, entitled Thriller is the world's best-selling record of all time until now and four other solo studio albums are also among the world's best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and History (1995).

Besides being a singing sensation,the late King of Pop popularized and created complicated dance techniques such as robot and moonwalk. His famous moonwalk has made him also a dancing sensation. Millions of people around the world would go wild whenever he did his moonwalk. Many performers tried to copy and imitate his moonwalk,however, i am sure, many people would agree, Michael Jackson's Moonwalk is the best of all (: Original is always the best^^

His songs like Beat It, Thriller, Smooth Criminal, Billie Jean, Earth Song, You Rock My World were instant hits and still are. Although in a certain point of his life, he faced his share of scandals, but let's see him as who he is, a singing and dancing superstar and phenomenon.

Although he is no longer with us, but his songs and dance moves will always be remembered and loved until the end of time. Micheal, rest in peace, and you will always be loved by all. The legendary King of Pop will forever live in our hearts. We love you,Micheal,now and always..

Yo guys!!!!

Hey my friends.. Sorry for not posting for such a long time.. Busy ma.. Don't know who in the right mind will say that Form 4 is honeymoon year lor.. Must be either a liar or a lunatic.. So much homework, tuition, stress and yet they say it's honeymoon year.. Sheesh!!!

Anyway, today was my school's open day.. Went to school as usual.. Helped my form teacher to put up some mini-curtains.. Then after that went down for perhimpunan.. Don't understand why we should have perhimpunan on Open Day.. Guess the teachers have nothing to do, no books to mark, no students to punish.. Sigh..

The Open Day officially started at 7.41am( officially start means the second the teacher sits and gets comfortable on the chair).. Then 7.43am, my mum came. It's not surprising that she came so early.. She has school today.. Then waited for Adrian and his mum to finish with the teacher, then it's my turn.. Well, the teacher didn't say anything, except that I like to argue and challenge her views, but that's a good thing ( Hallelujah!!!).. No, i didn't bribe her.. At first I wanted to ( by pasting a RM100 cheque behind my mid-year exam paper, but then my conscience told me otherwise.. YA RIGHT!!).. Well, this teaches me that we can escape from things without bribing or boot-licking.. After taking my report book, Mum sent me home and she went to school..

Then, I text-ed Sern Wang to ask whether I can have the honour if having breakfast with him. He agreed.. Then we went to a nearby 'mamak stall' to have 'roti canai'.. He paid, of course.. Duh!!

Then, went with him to church to help carry chairs, amplifier and keyboard for his preparation for his Young Adults meeting tonight.. Was sort of glad that I was able to break some sweat ( haven't done that for a LOOOOONNNGGG time already).. Of course the church van did all the transporting. Sern Wang's SLK ( Small Little Kancil) cannot possibly haul all that stuff..

Then, while we are on the way to our destination, Sern Wang called for backup, in the form of Derrick.. He was available because his school is having Open Day also today.. so Sern Wang detoured a while to go and fetch Derrick, then only we went to U. Pan Nam's clinic..

After reaching the clinic, we had to carry the things up 3 floors.. I repeat, 3 FLOORS!!! Well, mostly, they did the carrying.. Being the sloth that I am, I only carried the less heavy things like the amplifier and the keyboard.. Hey, don't shake your heads.. At least I contributed right? After the heavy lifting, Sern Wang treated us with a Slurpie and a Lipton ice-tea from 7-11.. Thanks Sern Wang..

Now, I'm sitting in front of my computer, writing this blog, and looking at my friends entries as well.. I'm also quite upset today because of two things.. Firstly, I saw what someone wrote about me in his blog.. I'm not really upset that he said bad things about me, because I deserve it. I'm upset because they can't get over what I did.. God, grant me strenth and perseverance.. Secondly, i'm upset because Michael Jackson passed away.. The King of Pop, the creator of moonwalk.. I'm going to miss him.. He and his songs are classics and legendary, and will always be.. To me, at least..

Ok, I'm going to stop typing here.. Share with you guys again some other day lor.. Got to go now. Ciao and have a nice day!!