Month: January 2009

新年快乐 万事如意

spring_festival_coupletsTo all Chinese friends, A Happy and Prosperous Lunar New Year and May the Blessing of Deuteronomy 28 be over you and your family throughout 2009.

To our non-chinese friends, today is the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year. Chinese from all over the world celebrate this festive occasion. This is one of the most celebrated holidays amongst the chinese. The Lunar New Year is celebrated for 15 days. Over the next 15 days, chinese will spent time visiting families, relatives & friends. One of the most important event during the Chinese New Year is the Reunion Dinner. This dinner takes place on the eve of Chinese New Year. This is where family member gathers and have dinner together as a family.

The Lunar New Year is no difference to me after I became a believer, (more then 22 years ago) I still celebrate this special occasion with my family. However,being a believer, there is one thing that I notice that is practised by many chinese families is the display of SPRING FESTIVAL COUPLETS (pic on the right). Traditionally, the chinese will stick these RED couplets around the main door of the house. It is believe to bring luck and prosperity to the family.  I always wonder what is the story and origin behind this practise.

Remember in The Passover in the bible? 

Exodus 12:12-13 (New International Version)

 12 “On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn—both men and animals—and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. 13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.

Isralistes are told to apply blood on the door post on the night over the passover. So when God sees the blood on the door post, he will passover over you.

Today, Jesus is our ‘blood’ he died on the cross and paid for our sins so that we will not be judged for our sins, for the wages of sin is death. God sent his only son to die on the cross for you and I. Today…we live and boldly declare that the blood has redeemed us from the wrath of God for our sins. Jesus is our passover Lamb! Thank God for his mercy! 

Some Background on Chinese Customs/Mythology: The Spring Festival Couplets(pic) is believed to be put up to ward off evil. It is believe that during the early days, there is the animal (known as ‘Nian’ which means year in chinese) that terrorise villagers. So in order to ward of this animal, the villagers display red cloth just to scare the animal away.

Is this pure co-incidence ? 

There are some games in which cheering for the other side feels better than winning.

This story tells us that life is more then winning. I certainly believe that you can win more in life if put a heart into the things that we do each and every single day that we are blessed with. This is one great story that will perhaps inspire you to do something for someone today. That someone that you have been taking for granted…that someone that you may have neglected. LIFE IS CERTAINLY MORE THEN WINNING. Live it Today!  

The Love of God is amongst us! Go and bless someone today! :)

Lunch on Friday…

Today we decided we’re sick of the food around Changi South, Bedok & Tampines. So we decided to head east to Katong, yes you are right, for the Famous Katong Laksa. I was told 49 Katong Laksa was the original stall many years back and since then, whenever I crave for laksa, i’ll head on down to 49 East Coast Road for the famous/original Katong Laksa. By the way, there are several stalls of Laksa along the same stretch. One notable one is the 328 East Coast Rd Laksa just across the road to 49. 328 Laksa seems to have more customers…don’t ask me why, I have not tried it either. For the benefit of our overseas friends, this is how Laksa looks like. laksa2_200It is made up of white floor noodles and a type of curry (consist of Laksa leave, coconut milk, shrimp) like gravy and top with cockles and prawns. This is one of the favorite dish among locals. You have to try this when you’re in Singapore. This dish can be found in many food centres in Singapore but not all come as close as the orginal in Katong Area.

Anyway, from the expressionless look on the faces of my colleagues, i can tell that they don’t find it exceptionally delicious as compared to the ones they might have tasted before. Hmmm….not my fault, I have been eating this since I was introduced to this stall years back :P

Anyway, after we had Laksa, we walk across the road to Katong Mall for dessert. This wasn’t as planned. We saw Awfully Chocolate on our way to Katong Laksa….so my boss excitedly proclaims that “we will come here for dessert”. In my mind, I was thinking…wow I love the banana chocolate cakes, good one! but I know I am also on a lose weight “dietry programme” and I can’t afford to over eat…at least not for lunch :P By the way, I seriously think their Banana Chocolate Cake is Heavenly! You must try it!!! 

As i walked towards the store, I find something amiss…I do not see any display of cakes! All I can see is a ice-creme fridge! Guess what….they do not sell cakes by the slice at this outlet!!! Wala!!!! I can huge disappointment all round. So we settled for Chocolate Ice-creme instead. 4 of us ordered a scoop each… the ice creme is so RICH! Simple and yet so yummy! Managed to take 2 shots of the ice-creme with my E71. Here is how it looks like….errr…enjoy :P

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Verse for the Day

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” 
– Hebrews 10:24-25

Internet Radio App on Nokia E71

How cool is that…when you update to the lastest firmware version 200.xx.xx.xx, it comes with a new app, i would call it a killer app, Internet Radio from Nokia. 

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Tested it and found the quality is pretty good. No problem with intermittent connection as mentioned by some users (intermittent connection could be due to user’s internet connection). You can use the search functions to look for Internet Radio Station and they even have a list of Popular stations like the UK Top 40. Try it Try it :) Enjoy and have a great weekend people! God Bless.

nokia-internet-radio-appThis is how the Nokia Internet Radio Webpage looks like just in case you are looking for it. Click on the link above and wala! You’re there. Drop me a commnet if you need help with it ya!

Grace Flows In Worry-Free Areas Of Your Life

ps: if the video doesn’t work, go to this URL http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEgNqDcMXYE

John 14:26-27 (New International Version)

26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.