Godliness with contentment

1 tim 6:6: But godliness with contentment is great gain.

A profound message that brings with it a great challenge. To be content is a fine balance between complacent and ambition, a state of mind. Perhaps, it is truly the ultimate goal to being happy.

Then we ask, is this another case of practical versus idealistic? We always say we will be content once we have 'sufficient' means to lead the lives we want; normally characterised by having enough to not worry about finances.

However, contentment alone is not complete, the most important part is godliness. The Bible speaks about false teachers and the love of money (1 Tim 6:3-5) and true enough we often find ourselves in the pursuit of improving ourselves. In light of this, economists rightly assume that we have 'unlimited wants', and an innate desire to have more if we are able. Just remember, don't forget to improve our inner self, our walk with God.

Nella Fantasia

8:58am. Good morning world. Good morning Singapore.

Feels like I have taken such a long, roundabout journey to finally be back here. This is the place where I first stepped out to see the world in a different lens. Though there were sad and happy moments, this is the place where I built some crucial foundations to propel me further.

If I had stayed on in Malaysia, I'd never be exposed to the broad opportunities possible for the determined. It's not that there aren't any good opportunities at home, it's just that the level of exposure is so much higher here and the playing field is of a totally different standard. And with that experience, I set my eyes on higher aspirations - to go 'overseas' for my tertiary education.

Studying abroad was almost like an impossible dream; I was not among the star performers of my college days and certainly not in the shortlist of prestigious scholarships that sends you to top US or UK universities for study. And one fine afternoon, mum saw an ad for a scholarship to study in Australia; and the rest is history.

I had my fair share of uncertainties going to Australia for study. Prior to joining university, I had developed a dislike for economics, I also just had enough money to last me for 4 years. Thanks to the fantastic teaching staff, it became my favorite and best subject, earning me a book-prize, a job and some extra money.

Singapore was also the place I came closer to God. Maybe I had more chance to explore, but my journey with Him was certainly an important one. While in Australia, there was Hillsongs and Metro CLC to help me grow in my walk with God, and really I have experienced his grace and mercy many times.

Life was great in Aussieland. Great food, almost-carefree lifestyle, lovely weather, big room, large open spaces, no overly crowded trains. Somehow, I think I have become complacent. Perhaps it's the effect of living in a developed country.

I'm glad I'm back in Singapore. It's time to revisit my launchpad. Time to strip away the luxuries of life and gain a new understanding of the meaning of simple living. Also, learning to chase after God again, and being passionate about what I do.

I woke up this morning watching a video about someone living alone without family, and without much means, and yet still singing passionately - because he is passionate about singing. He was singing Nella Fantasia ("In My Fantasy").

It's time to go back to square one, start from ground zero, and step-by-step turn fantasy to reality.

thoughts about living

2 days ago, i had a chat with a senior person and many thoughts (and questions) came to mind.

honesty. or is it stupidity. although i strongly belief that honesty comes first, i sometimes question the boundary between coming clean(a.k.a being honest) and telling too much ( well, being stupid). does holding back information means a person is lying? you could claim that you didn't "lie" as nothing was mentioned, but how is withholding information different from lying? well, if you think about it, a person tells a lie to cover up a situation, with an intent to avoid attention or to give a different informative signal (consider case when your actions are contingent on knowing whether an event happened or not).

another issue is career. are the tried and tested paths always correct? to what extent should one challenge the 'norm' in career development? what if there is no turning point? As a Christian I believe God has His ultimate plan for me in the Book of Life, and he guides me and does not let me go too far off. But how does one counsel another person on this matter. Is the God perspective the only perspective? what are the arguments to challenge this notion?

the idea of certain types of people gravitate to each other. 'great minds think alike' and 'fools seldom differ' are two common sayings. is this the reason for a widening income gap? or social wellbeing? to what extent can an individual be trained to do something, or trained to learn how to think.

*headache*

edit: should stay focused. do everything and anything possible to achieve my goals. and don't change goals too often.

When your eyes are black, your heart is red

But when your eyes turn red, your heart will turn black too.

turning point

Last Sunday was my first visit to church in 2011. In fact, it was my first time to church proper when in Malaysia. God truly answers prayers - in the same afternoon my parents were able to hear from my family friend about God. Praise God! More seeds planted :)

An all important meeting this Friday. Let's see what God has in store for me. A little nervous, yet confident that He has the BEST plan for me.

If God is for us, who can be against us?

- Romans 8:31 NKJV

Christmas sermon of 2010: Pastor challenged us to make 2011 a turning point in our lives. Still discerning God's plans for me this year. Is it going to be Malaysia? back to serve in my home? or will I be sent away again. Must keep seeking opportunities.