It's been a long long time I've updated. I'll be completing my studies at NIE soon and will be going out to schools to teach. At last, a TRAINED teacher!

For this last lap, I'm learning a foreign language, Malay. Rather interesting and exciting. It's coming to about 3 months into the course and I'm still trying to figure what some of the words are. The most difficult of the language I find is the IMBUHAN, all the 'ber' and 'me'.

Hmm, I'm also taking Statistics level 3 for this semester. Rather interesting as we are able to do analysis of data in real life examples. Cool! Examples include whether age distribution affects the type of people living in our neighbourhood. We also did an example on whether smoking affects the amount of wrinkles on our face.

Well, it seems that there are still many things to be learnt and I'm looking forward to the day of graduation. Might consider doing Masters after that. Guess would leave it to God to guide me in this area. Whether I should continue my studies or go out to teach. I guess the day will come and I would have the answer.

Trusting in God always,
Amen

Hi everyone. I'm back after a long time. It seems like I'm Missing In Action (MIA). It's been a long time since I've updated my diary.

I'm now embarking on my final semester at National Institute of Education (NIE) when school term reopens on 3 Jan 2005. Back to the days of queing up and waiting for the bus at Boon Lay Interchange. Kinda have mixed feelings about next semester. Feeling happy because I am graduating soon. Feeling a little sad as I kinda miss the campus. (There's bound to be some feelings and emotions attached to a place where you spent your education, right?) Also, I'm gonna miss all my friends who will be going out to schools to teach in a few months time upon graduation. Kinda miss all the time we spent together studying, meeting deadlines of group projects together and taking exams together. Fond memories indeed.

I've also managed to get my driving licence on my 3rd attempt. Thank God for it! Now I need to get Dad to let me drive the car else I'll think I'll forget the skills in due time.

Well, I guess it's time for me to some updating on my website. It's been quite a while I've made some changes to it.

Some Reflection Points
Sermon Notes (19 Sep ’04)
Title: Crisis in my Life
Speaker: Pastor Ben

It has been 3 days since the new school term starts. Having to juggle between school work, ministry, family, friends and personal commitments have made me realize that I am extremely vulnerable in all these things. Furthermore, I am having an Algebra test tomorrow. Preparations for the test were almost done and I want to thank God for granting me the wisdom and focused mind when I was doing my revision.

Yesterday was a rainy day and I was feeling rather restless. Didn’t have the right mood to focus on what I was doing, especially after one full day of lectures and tutorials. However, I am extremely grateful that God sustained me throughout the day. I can really sense the Holy Spirit telling me to pay extreme attention to the things that the lecturer was saying. It was then that I hear the lecturer say, “I’ll derive the proof for this formula for one case and I’ll expect all of you to derive the proof of the formula for the second case.” I could not believe my ears at first but after thinking through what the lecturer had said, I reckoned that she is giving us hints on what to study for the examinations. Praise the lord for keeping me awake. I could imagine the outcome would be if I chose to doze off during that lecture. I am so glad that God is indeed so real in my life.

Throughout this week, I could feel myself being prideful over certain things. Perhaps it was due to the reason that I know the concepts already and find it rather a waste of time listening to advice or suggestions. Just yesterday, during Algebra tutorial, the lecturer was going through some questions with us and as I knew how to do them, I decided to switch to the “off” mode and not do anything. However, I was reminded by the Holy Spirit about a verse in the bible. Philippians 2:3. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility. Consider others better then yourself.” It was then that I realize that I was not having the right attitude and found that there are still some points to pick up from the lecturer or anyone in the area that I’ve already know. By being humble to listen to others, I found that I actually missed out some points and the way of presenting my answers were incorrect. Also, during shepherding last week, my shepherd reminded me of a verse in Proverbs 4:23. “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of my life.” This verse has left a great impact in me throughout these 2 weeks. Indeed, I was always seeking for the correct words to say to my friends whenever we were in any conversations. It has indeed made me more aware of what I’m about to say, how am I going to say it and why do I want to say it. I would also want to thank the Lord for helping and guiding me in choosing the correct words to say.

I was also placed in a tight situation yesterday with my friends as they were discussing what Maths modules they would take for the next semester. I found myself wanting to discuss with them but then decided to take a step back to listen to what they have discussed. I must thank God for helping me choose this decision for I know that God is in control of my life and He would guide and at the right time, He would help me make the best decision which I can glorify Him.

As I continue to seek God this week, I just want to commit everything in my life to God for nobody else is higher and mightier than Him. Thank you God for everything! Just could not help but found that I’m falling in love with God.

Faith in God always,
_________________
HJ

Mood:  a-ok
Was raining almost the whole day and I was feeling rather restless. The thought of sleeping kept on coming into my mind but I must thank God that he sustain me through during the lectures and tutorials.

Also, it has been rather fruitful today as I managed to clear my Statistics concepts with my lecturer and studied with my friends in preparation for Algebra test. Found out that there were still some concepts unclear. Terms such as basis, kernel, range, dimension, nullity all surfaced up during the discussion. It was indeed a battle between the terms as many of us tried to figure out the definitions. Anyway, we got it all sorted out. Thank God!

I must also thank Jincheng for helping me to reformat my laptop. Thanks bro! It's indeed nice to see a "clean and brand new" laptop again! =)Now, have to install the anti-virus, get the internet connection done up, do a bit of fixing up here and there and it should be a-ok. Targetted time for laptop to be fully recovered by this weekend.

I'm also reminded of God's prescence today as he guided me in my studies and revision. I feel really blessed on how God provided me with the strength and energy to carry out the plans I had for the day. For God is my everything and he is more than a friend to me! Thank you Lord for all the things that happen today.

Faith in God Always
___________________
Humble servant..HJ

Mood:  cool
Today is the start of school after one week term break. Had been going to school since last week to catch up with my studies. So the momentum is still there. Didn't feel that lost! Praise the Lord!

Anyway, will be having Algebra test this Thursday. Preparations almost done except for 1 more topic left to revise.

My tuition for my students has changed from Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to now Monday, Tuesday and Saturday. That means I would have more time to do my work and revision. Hee...must really make use of the time that I have.

Will be meeting my Statistics lecturer tomorrow to clarify some tutorial concepts. The lecturer recapped about double integration in Statistics today as we embarked on a new chapter, Joint Probability Distributions. Wow! Double Integration! Cool! Simply love it! Hee! It suddenly dawned on me that two of the Maths modules which I'm taking this semester requires Integration and Differentiation. It's really exciting to know how major Differentiation and Integration has a role to play in Maths. (Aiyoh... read my blog also want to promote Maths!)

Anyway,I'm blessed with a mooncake from my tuition kid this evening as he gave me a mooncake shaped like an ingot ('yuanbao' in Chinese). He told me that after I've eaten the ingot, I would be weatlthy and knowledgeable in teaching him more. How sweet and thoughtful of him!

Gonna catch an early rest tonight. There's still assignments, tutorials and revision for tests yet undone. Learning to place my trust in God has now been my priority in doing almost anything for God is great! Amen!

Hallelujah!

Mood:  down
I've not been feeling rather good these few days. Been rather moody. Perhaps it's due to the pressure from school work and also not enough rest. Been doing projects, assignments, meeting up with friends etc.

Also, have not been updating my blog for nearly a month now. Lots of things happen during this 1 month. First, I went for my water baptism at Garden Hotel on 5 September. Have been thinking about my baptised name. Names such as Daniel, Timothy, Philip, David, Caleb, Joshua, Peter all flashed across my mind. Will be praying to the Lord and asking Him to help me choose the right name for my life is in you, Lord.

Second, I failed my driving test. It's my second attempt at driving. Same number of demerit points as before. 44! Hmm.. learnt a lot from the test instructor this time round. He was extremely patient and clear in explaining to me the reasons why he didn't passed me. It is also a time for me to reflect on what God want me to learn from this test.

Third, I've not been myself and could feel myself going back to my old self. I must really thank God for allowing me to share my problems with Zhiyong, Xiaozu and Jincheng. Not also forgetting Edmund and Nicholas who is also there for me. You guys are simply the greatest! Thanks brothers.

Recently, I've been feeling moody. My tuition kids were not paying attention when I was teaching them. It's been really a headache and I am thinking of ways to get their attention. Any suggestions??

Anyway, despite all these "storms" which I'm about to go, going, or had gone through, I would just like to go back to the time when I first accepted Jesus Christ in my life. Just wanna be like a baby once more, crying out loud to the Lord for help and advice. For in every circumstances, God is always there for me.

Trusting the Lord always. =)

What a week!
Mood:  d'oh
Been running a lot this week. Was at the NIKE Real run at Sentosa on last Sunday (15 August) with Jincheng (Brother in Christ), Zhiwei (Jincheng’s friend) and Hsiu Yuan(NIE friend). It was the first time I entered for such runs and the route was rather challenging as to a total of 10km was broken down into 2 km on sand, 2 km uphill and 6km either slope or flat terrain. I was extremely exhausted after the run and my head was throbbing due to lack of sleep. I must thank God for sustaining me through the activities that day.

On Tuesday (17 August), I went to the gym for a workout. Didn’t wanted to run initially but the treadmill was rather tempting so I gave in to it and started running 3km after doing some weights. On Wednesday (18 August), I took part in NTU X-Trail challenge with Anthony (NIE friend) for yet another 6km. Must really give praise to God that it was a fun and enjoyable run! My soles are feeling rather painful after all these runs. Felt like thousands and millions of needles poking on my soles when I am walking. The impact after the run must be rather great because until today, I am still feeling the pain and have been walking rather slowly for lessons. A lesson to be learnt: “Know thy limits”

On Thursday (19 August), I went for my so called “first” driving lesson after I failed the first time. Got 44 demerit points! My skill in parallel parking has dropped and I reckoned I need to have more practice on it.

A few updates on school. School had started for almost a month already and everyone is now in the momentum for studying. Quizzes, tests and assignment deadlines are coming up and I just had a quiz on Operations Research on Tuesday (17 August) during lecture. Almost stunned by the questions but I managed to experience God’s calmness during the quiz. I also had a chance to mark my own paper during the tutorial. Although I got full marks for this quiz, the style of my presentation was not rather similar to that as my lecturer. As what my lecturer said, it is better to follow his style of presentation to get the full marks. The reason he gave was that for this module, everyone will pass but it is difficult to get an A for it due to marks lost for the presentation. Hmm…Guess it’s time for me to reflect upon my way of doing things.

I will be having a quiz on Statistics and a test on Mathematical Methods next week. Yup, both of them will be on the same day and it will be back to back. Will be having Mathematical Methods first followed by Statistics Quiz. Also, the deadline for one individual opinion paper for the module CEM 231 is on Wednesday.

I’ve been involved in ministry work since school term starts. Really want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to serve Him and his people. It’s really a joy to serve Him! Also, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all graduated teachers who made an effort to come down to NIE despite their busy schedule. It’s really encouraging and heartwarming to see all of you guys coming back. Really want to thank God for all of you!

Hmm… Enough for the day. Guess it’s time for me to study. As most people will say, “Chao Mugger!” but who cares!

Tired… Exhausted… Drained… Sleepy…

Just finshed the presentation today. It’s really like a stone being lifted away. Was having sleepless nights over this presentation and I really want to thank God for giving me the strength to sustain me through despite my tiredness. Slept at around 3 am yesterday. Was telling myself to wake up at 6 am but I guess I was too tired and woke up at 7 am instead!

Anyway, was glad that the presentation was over. It’s time now for typing out the group seminar report. Will be meeting my group members tomorrow. I must admit that we really learnt a lot of things from this presentation. One of the most important factors is our time management. Nonetheless, I must thank everyone for putting up such impressive presentation despite all our tiredness. I would also like to thank all those who sent their wishes and blessings to me for the presentation today.

I am now feeling very exhausted and drained and I found myself nodding subconsciously during the tutorials and lectures today. It’s really hard to keep myself awake and I must confess that I almost fell asleep during one of the lecturers. Must really thank God for jolting me out of my sleep. Hallelujah!

I guess it’s time for me to catch up with some rest. *Yawn* (Eyes hardly could keep open.)

Went down to the Esplanade yesterday to catch the fireworks display. It was simply breath-taking and spectacular! Every shot of fireworks that is fired into the air was followed by squeals of joty and excitement from the crowd. I must agree that the fireworks display is rather short but I really enjoyed myself today! Anyway, it’s Singapore 39th birthday today and many Singaporeans will be flocking down to the National Stadium to celebrate the nation’s birthday. I would be joining in the celebration also. Yeah!

It has been rather busy for me these few days. There’s one group presentation coming up for one of my modules on Wednesday. I just want to tell my group members to press on despite the tight schedule that we have. It will be all over soon. Gambate! I’m sure all of us would be satisfied and put in our best during the presentation. Jincheng was at my house discussing till 0230h. I must agree that it had been a rather fruitful discussion. I just want to thank and praise God for keeping both of us awake despite our tiredness!

Hallelujah!

Just a short one today.

Had a Mathematics Quiz today at 0830h. The quiz was on differential equations and I was staying back in school to finish up whatever tutorial problems I had. Left school at around 2200h. I am extremely grateful to Sarah, Edmund and Jincheng who prayed for me for the quiz. However, I’ve managed to get a score of 42 out of 45. Lost 3 marks just like that. Sobz. Will need to study and score in the next quiz or test.

Next week will be a busy week as I’ll be having a group presentation for one of my modules, Teacher and Society. My statistics lecturer might be giving the class a quiz next week as well but it’s still not confirmed.

Hmm… think I should go and start work on my tutorials already. Thank God for a wonderful quiz this morning and also for everything! Hallelujah!