love afar

God, WHY do I always like girls who are beyond reach?

Urghh...

Tradition and us

Something I shared with my church today.

One of the concern I had when coming over to Australia to study was whether I would be able to adapt to the huge change of lifestyle from Malaysia. How would the Aussie culture be? Will I be able to adapt and accept it quickly? How will it clash with my Christian background?

My other concerns were, which church should I attend? And if the new church I was going to attend be the right one for me? What if God asked me to attend a traditional church which sings hymns played by an elderly on an pipe organ? How would I from a charismatic church background adapt? No reference to this church or anyone

What is tradition? 

Cambridge Dictionary defines it as a belief, principle or way of acting which people in a particular society or group have continued to follow for a long time. The many traditions make up a culture. People make traditions. Because PEOPLE, affect the way things work in the society. 

And when outsiders come into the group, they are influenced too. They conform to the way people in general behave. We, behave the way, You behave. Like HUGGING, I like the HUGGING culture here. The two girls I hang out with, loves the loving husband culture of the church. Doesn't put much pressure on the guys. Nope.

To elucidate the formation of tradition, here is a monkey illustration. There were four monkeys in a large cage with a pole in the middle. On top of the pole was a bunch of bananas. The 4 monkeys were kept there for some time and soon, they became hungry. They decided to climb the pole to grab some bananas to eat. But when the monkeys climbed to the half way point, freezing water was sprayed at all of them and they quickly hop off and ran for cover. 

Confused, they wondered what just happened. So they waited for a while, then decided that one of them should try climbing again. The volunteer, bravely set off for the pole. AGAIN! The freezing water was sprayed at all monkeys as soon as the monkey climbed halfway. 

After a while. The monkeys no longer dared climb the pole. But as time past, the monkeys became hungrier, one of them decided to have a go. When the brave monkey got near the pole, the other three quickly ran up to beat the monkey, to prevent him from climbing. Out of fear of being sprayed with freezing water. 

Soon, one of the monkeys was taken out and a new one came in. Inexperienced, when the new one decided to climb the pole for food, the other three veteran monkeys, pounced on him, beat him up. That happened each time the new monkey climbed the pole and soon, the new one conformed to the ways of the group. 

A little while later, one of the three veteran monkeys were replaced with another new monkey. The same thing happened, when the newest monkey tried to climb the pole, the two veteran monkeys, joined by the experienced monkey will beat the new one up. 

The same happened with the third replacement. And when the fourth replacement came, all the monkeys knew that they are not to climb the pole where the bananas are for the fear of being beaten up. 

That is tradition.

So what happens when a radical comes along? Lets open up the Book of Mark, Chapter 7: 

1The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and 

2saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were "unclean," that is, unwashed. 

5So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, "Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with 'unclean' hands?"

What is happening? Verses 3 and 4 explains: 

3(The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. 4When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.)

How did Jesus reply?

6He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:
   " 'These people honor me with their lips,
      but their hearts are far from me.
 7They worship me in vain;
      their teachings are but rules taught by men.'

HUH? What is Jesus trying to say?

8You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."

14Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. 

15Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.' "

Why?

18nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him 'unclean'? 

19For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body."

20..."What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' 

21For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 

22greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 

23All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' "

That is just one example of tradition which Jesus challenged. Other examples include:

1. Mark 7:10-12 When the Jews used the excuse of giving to God to NOT honour their parents.

2. Matthew 12 Jesus' disciples picked grain and ate during Sabbath. You are not suppose to do that on the day of the lord. 

3. Matthew 12 Jesus healed during Sabbath a man whose hand has shrivelled. 

What does Jesus say about traditions and law?

Was Jesus there to break all the traditions and laws? No, he is here to fulfil them! Matthew 5:17 

So what are traditions for? Jesus quoted Hosea 6:6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
        (and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.), 

It does not matter what we do, how we do it or when; but it is crucial why we do it and who we do it for, who we do it with. Something which I only began to understand better, that when you love and care for somebody, you would want to spend time with that person, no matter what it is you are doing. 

A few months ago, my grandpa passed away after a long struggle with prostate cancer. Our family knew the end was coming, and got ready. When the day came, we were still caught unprepared, and grieved. As the Chinese/Buddhist family background dictates, the tradition for honouring the dead is a lengthy and complicated process. As an ignorant younger generation Chinese Christian, cut off from all family contact other than the handphone and regular but brief e-mail updates, I was utterly lost as to what needs to be done.

Should I wear black? Or should I wear a bright colour? Should I pray? How do I pray? What about my family? What about my grandma? How would she cope? How would they cope? What needs to be done? To fight this grief? So many questions; so little answers. 

A clearer picture of what needs to be done came a few months later when a CD arrived via post. My aunt and uncle has compiled all the photos into CD and sent it over. Showing parts and pieces of the entire funeral and grieving procession. One thing that stood out was, grandma was smiling in many photos. So were my dad, aunt and uncle. Many of my relatives and friends were too. 

I am quite sure the funeral rituals played a big role in why people were smiling. One of the reasons was, it brought people together. Even neighbours and friends whom you have not seen for ages. Apparently many of church friends visited grandma during the two days of funeral. And the togetherness allowed people to catch up and encourage each other. Tradition became a side issue. 

Just a few days ago, my friend's college mate and his family were killed in a traffic accident back in Malaysia. There was nothing much he could do being so far away from home. He was simply devastated. A couple of us, spent some time with him over a couple of days. Neither could we do much for him. But it surprised me pleasantly, that he felt appreciative of the time spent together, for being supportive.

God feels the same way too. God doesn't care what you have done, or NOT done. But when done it in mind of Him, and His Grace and Joy, that would be the greatest thing you can do. Matthew 18

20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Let us not be dictated by the standards of man and the world but by what pleases God. Paul, who wrote Colossian 2:

8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. 

Surely there are times when we are compelled by our colleagues or friends to do things that we are uncomfortable with. "Oh, it is Uni Night, lets head down to the pub for a drink. It is a Uni Tradition." And some of them could be critical of the ways we live as followers of Christ. Nevertheless, we can still engage our friends, classmates or colleagues at a different time or from a different standpoint. 

To sum it up, Peter once shared this quote from Gorge Bernard Shaw "A rational man adapts to the society, an irrational man makes the society adapt to him, thus are we depended on the irrational man for the world to make any progress"

Just like Jesus, He was and is one really influential man. Jesus was irrational and radical to the Jewish society in so many levels. He followed the standards set by the Law (of God), fulfilled it and managed to set a newer and higher standard.

BUT, that is not Jesus' goal. He came to bring the good news of God's love for us and die on the cross for us. A big portion of His ministry was to spend time with people around him.

Let us be a follower of Christ doing things or following a tradition, not because it is there; but because we are compelled by the way Christ has lived. Let us pray: Lord, may the traditions and rituals that we live by be of Your way. Let Your standard of Love, Mercy and Righteousness be our guide. Use us as an instrument for Your Kingdom, that all may know of Your promises. Amen.

Ouch..

Am I in such a sorry state,
That a 17 year old girl,
Would consider me old,
And needs to be saved,
By taking the initiative,
Joining the ranks of aunties,
To match-make me,
With my new housemate,
Or any lady she could see?

Oh,
Are you beyond hope?
Or bound to eternal single-hood?
Is what she wondered aloud.

Dear me,
Am I really,
Really in such a sorry state?

Farewell

He was a kind man who has reached his end at approximately 1515 hours today. Born in the year 1919, he has lived a long a fruitful life. Sharing all his has to others, without counting the cost or return in investment. Only hoping for a good companionship.

Thank you for everything, Ai Yeh. Rest in Peace.

Closure

The general atmosphere for the last two days of presentation for our class was of a relaxed, resigned, rejuvenated, and to some extend, rejoice. The long toil for 2nd semester has finally come to an end. 


Well, kind off. History test on the following Tuesday and it will be nearly 4 long months of summer break.


Going out with the Malaysian students in my class for dinner last night made me realised that I will be abandoned by them when they all fly home for the end of the year. Which means should something happen, they can easily narrow down to the only Asian in town.*


Right, like that ever happens.*


Four months. What can happen in 4 long, hot summer months? The subgroup of the dinner group (huge group of 10+ pax) agreed that the whole year past too fast, and the shock of going into 3rd year next year. Even the recent (Malaysian student) arrivals thought that this semester just blinked by. Two hundred and fifty three blinks roughly to be exact.


Hmm...


By the way, my dear Ben Luffy,  I am a closet geek, speaking only to suit the occasion.

*Cultural Joke: Even Asians will suspect Asians first should 'something' happen. Later proven to be an untrue stereotype as one Australian mentioned that they too, can be randomly accused by bozo(s) after a few drinks... 

Hole

Whenever I try to explain myself,
And it does not sound right,

My secondary school friends will laugh,
My sister will roll her eyes and frown,
Walt will hand me a shovel,
Pat will animate and subtly go,


Chug,



Chug



Chug


Lately I have been given an upgrade.
A 16 year old girl offered a better solution,
The services of an excavator,

Should help me dig my own grave. Faster.

Pwnd?

Food

Warning: Contains ugly photo. Really.


In protest against the Architecture Faculty's expensive Bollywood-theme dinner ball, we decided to have our own little dinner after a long talk by a Professor Jane Rendell, who gave a rather extraordinary and profound talk on Decentralising and Recentralising. Which happens to mean... z.zzz.z .z.z z. 


Anyway, she does have a website which renders a picture of what her talk meant to a Level 2 architecture student's mind. That is definitely more interesting than the previous link.


Returning to the topic, we (Malaysians) invited our (2 Nepalese and 1 M'sian) friends over for dinner. And since they cooked dahl (something like this), it made dinner multicultural. For dessert, we had a round the table talk of different types of vegetables we hope to plant in our garden, and, Nepalese dishes that they should cook for these culturally unaware Malaysians. 


Anyway, this jolted a haunting memory of a dished cooked a few days ago when a house mate decided to spice up the rice we usually have. If indeed you are a brave soul to have stayed so long, take a guess of what ingredients were used.

The end result is scary. The smell, downright deceiving. The taste, marginally poisonous. The texture, semi-liquid, and the sight, nightmarish.


Which incidentally, dug up a memory once thought lost in the cobweb filled corner of the mind, of a cross-continental fight with United Airline back in 1999 from San Francisco to Orlando, Florida. And since it was nearly a 5 hour flight, they served passengers something to eat. Indeed it is something as it did look similar to the photo above. And the "plopping" sound it made when pressed with a spoon echoes somewhere in the ear.


Of course, it has been nearly 10 years ago since then. I am quite sure they have improved their menu significantly. There was no way of verifying this since I never flew with them since the return trip...

Hazardous Combination

Father's Day, Pastor, Pride and Prejudice, Bicycle Seat. That is.

A few weeks ago in one of the Uni's Christian Group meeting, we had a fervent discussion about watching classic movies. The Pastor's wife (of this Christian Group) gladly recommended that we watch Pride and Prejudice (not the 5-hour 6 episodes version, although she has it) to the silent protest of the Pastor. He prefers a more 'manly' movie.

Poster above: Taken somewhere from the Internet.

And thus, to celebrate Father's day last Sunday, we gathered at the Pastor's house for dinner and classic movie on top of the hill.

Not a bad idea.

However, a combination of bad planning and being a cheapskate, it was indeed a challenging journey from my house at the bottom of the valley. The alternative to walking at that time was my friend's bicycle.

Pic above: Father Killer

A bad bicycle seat can make one relive the journey even after two days it has ended. The sensation still lingers at the back of your mind and at the crotch. My friend told me upon returning his bike, was to get used to it.

The movie was indeed interesting. Sure, Keira Knightly was in the movie, which is a huge plus, but the beautiful Georgian and Victorian architecture. Makes one wish and desire the opportunity to reside in one of those babies.

Perhaps I should watch the movie again. This time I would pay more attention to the story. And Keira Knightly.

If you don't know Keira Knightly, click here.

If you don't know where I stay, click here.

Age vs Maturity

Age does not denote maturity level.

My house mate came home last night rather displease with a classmate who took his joke very seriously and made a scene in the middle of class. House mate claims the issue has been settled but noted that although the other guy was slightly older but did not behave like one.

It hit me today that in a different manner that, despite me being a follower of Christ for some 7 odd years now and I still behave like a weed that sways easily. I had a Bible study with a new Christian the other day and we discussed about what it is like to follow God's will: having faith.

Long story short, the past few months I have been struggling in several areas: being obedient and being a God's lover. And I realised that I am still far from being mature in many ways, despite being a 7 year old Christian.

Oh, God. Have mercy on me. Remove all my selfish desires. May my heart follow You forever!

Sigh..

Money vs Rain

Two things they always say about students: Not enough money, not enough food, and not enough brain.

Second semester has just started and a few of my year 3 seniors are about to graduate with Bachelors in Environment Design. Some have made plans to continue studying, some to change subject, many to go back home to work. Mostly due to item number 1 mentioned above.

I spoke to one of my local (Australian) classmate the week before and he was down to AUS$80 (roughly RM240) for the next 2 weeks or so. And he gets no allowance from parents. That is one of the many stories people share when money is mentioned. Many have opportunities to earn while they study but some have unfortunate circumstances.

I guess I am fortunate enough that my parents and relatives sponsor my studies. Makes me want to save on everything I can. Right. Thank God for providence.

Now, to the weather. It has been raining cows and blowing elephants the past few days. With winter leaving and spring approaching in September, the orcas will come in for the kill.

I had a taste of what was to come in Spring when a friend called me from Malaysia one night. It was raining and blowing and I had no key to enter the house. The front porch of my house is so small, it is equivalent of standing under an umbrella during a cyclone for 30 minutes. And walking around with strong wind can provide the experience of drunk walking without alcohol.

Makes you wonder how Spring would be like...

Shower

Do you (yes, you tropical fishes) always wonder why people do not shower/bathe very often when they live in cold countries (e.g. Australia and England)? Is that a reason why Europeans especially French perfumes are so popular? Is that why deodorants are very popular products here in Australia?

I am not sure.

But one thing I know is that I have managed to stay in the same clothes for 4 days without smelling THAT bad. At least I can't really smell myself that well. All thanks to the wonderful winter in Tasmania. Here, you do not sweat as badly as in the tropics. And when there are no such thing as a proper toilet with shower within 15 km of the camping site, cleaning yourselves is a great challenge. Keeping warm is a challenge. Not smelling bad is a walk in the park.

Keeping dry in a camp site is a big challenge especially when the tent you borrow is not simple to set up. Wind, within the Tasmanian forest next to the beach is still very strong. We were camping nearly 450m away from the beach with shrubs and some trees around did not stop the wind from blowing rain water in to my tent.

Trees are not that helpful.

And when you get all moist and sticky from the cold weather and dew condensation, it is nearly impossible to clean up. So, one has no choice but to wipe yourself dry, or die trying. Otherwise it is very not cool to have cold feet.

Right. Time to shower. A hot one. After 4 days at least.

Weather. Again

For those who plan to study, work, or live in Tasmania, especially those who come from tropical countries like Malaysia. Be warned.

It is has been so cold here the past few days that you can see the water vapour coming out from your mouth, in my house. Yup. The silly heater I got does not heat up my room. Only my legs. 

It was so cold the past few days that my hands became so stiff that I cannot draw and write my assignments even with the silly heater on. Graahh!!

OK. Time to sleep. In the cold. Thank God for really effective quilts and the lovely sweaters available. Hehe..

Cheers!

Food for Thought..

Girl housemate (GH): You guys eat a lot!

Boy housemate (BH): No lah, we eat like usual!

Me: ...

GH: You guys eat like cows like that, the portion I eat is less than yours. Mostly vegetable like deer.

BH: But both eat grass.

GH: Where got? Cows eat grass and worms. Deer eat leaves only.

Me: Cow eat worms? Aren't they parasites?

GH: Yeah, in the end they are still eaten by the cows, right?

BH: Doesn't the deer eat grass too? Then the "worms" will enter its stomach mah.

GH: Deer where got eat grass? They eat leaves only. And don't have worms one.

BH: ...

Me: ...

- - - - - - - - Q & A - - - - - - - - 

1. Do cows eat "worms"?

2. What constitutes as eating?

3. Can one intentionally eat something so small? Does that mean we eat bacteria and viruses too?

4. Do we eat "worms"?

Lovely day for thought provoking, mind boggling, mentally challenging questions. Cheers!

Nightmare

What a nightmare!

I dreamt about her,

The second time since I got here.

It wasn't the type in which I woke up in sweat,

But it is the one filled with the feeling of dread.

In my dream I saw her,

Walking in a dodgy area,

Not somewhere secluded and dark,

But like Genting Highlands theme park.

Holding hands with joy,

It seems like she has a boy.

Everywhere they went,

I followed as close as I can.

Twist and turn in the crowd,

I lost them in the cloud.

High and low I search for her,

For she is someone I hold dear.

In the end I sat in despair,

Because she is not to be found anywhere.

Is this a sign I ponder,

That I lose to someone younger?

That boy is just 12 years old,

Or so I was told.

In my dream I am a loser,

What bummer.

It will be all right. There is Easter bunny and chocolate eggs to munch on. Yumm...

Right.

Dear Naj,

Now, walk your talk. Unless, of course, you are all talk.

The Weather

When we talk about Australia's weather, we think of heat waves, dry hot sun, low to almost no humidity dessert. Well, those frogs (in the well), would have only thought of the vast desert and forest fires that we hear about in the news (in Malaysia). Poor people who lost things and love ones due to that.

Not in Launceston! It was summer the other way round. Arriving on the last few days of February, the weather was low cast and cold. Same like Melbourne during the two days stopover. Windy and chilly too. If there was a thermometer around, it would say -15˚C. Wait, or is it without the negative sign? 

Anyway, now it is officially autumn (slow news report. It was since 1st March), the wind is even stronger, water is colder, rains more regularly, cloudy and overcast more than sunny. Eh. Yeah. Here is proof. 

Looks like Cameron Highlands eh? Well, on other days, it looks like this.

Yeah, weather extremes relatively compared to Malaysia. Brrr.... Hope it looks like that tomorrow. It is laundry day. No one to wash my clothes for me. And fold it. And keep it..

I need a maid.

Tasmania

Yes, just started to study here. In Uni Tas.

Autumn just started. Very cold. BbbrrrRRrrrbrr..

=)

Wooot!! Since 28th Jan. That is bad.

But that is because this dude is saddened by the feeling of being annoyed at the confusion of getting mad from being distressed of not overcoming jealousy of a friend's happiness.

Nah, he is just confused.

On other note: by God's grace and mercy, June has recovered from dengue. And thanks to insurance, her medical bill is on RM 65 *ching ching* after 6 days in the hospital. This is a warning to all. Stay away from mosquitoes. They are bad stuff which makes you like flies more.

Cheers!

What's New?

I guess not blogging for a long while has its perks. More work can be done, trying to finish my finals, more time spent looking at other things, time to spend with friends, getting involve in new relationships etc.

It is 2008. 2007 ended with a fizz. Like a firework presentation where so much preparation put into it, and when launched, speed into the sky and "ding". Voilà! Many things did not end the way I hope it to be. I am not married, I have not graduated, and I have not landed in a big job which would quickly make me a millionaire.

The past few weeks taught me how to be reliant on God's strength and His standards. Very easy to say it now, I still have no idea how it really feels like now when I looked back at it. But I can appreciate it base on the things that has happened and recall how on planet earth I managed such impossibility. And the people who helped me along, God bless their souls!

The thing I appreciate most when looking back would be all the relationships I built the past year. It is good to know many more people on deeper level. It is also good to rebuild old connections, getting to know and or bumping into old friends.

So for this new year, things are developing rather quickly. I will try to update more often. Maybe with the possibility of a rare chance somewhere some time in the near distant future that I might not deny beyond reasonable doubt that I will update before CNY.

Cheers =)

Sold

She smiled,
We talked,
For a while,
Now I am sold,
Does she know?