Tranquility: The Peace Within

Aye, it's Transition Week for the 3rd year Monash MBBS students, or rather, it's coming to an end very soon. For my fellow meddies and I, it's been a long, although not-so-eventful week. Being introduced and exposed to a true clinical/hospital setting for the next two years at least has spurred mixed feelings in the hearts of many here. The majority of students here are determined to breeze through Year 3, absorbing as much information as they can while hoping that their brains don't explode on them in the process. I know that there are some who feel ready to take the new challenges ahead and try to handle whatever the world throws at them, including myself =D Still, there are the rare few who are thankful for the simple fact that they barely scraped through Year 2 and hope that they would be able to do likewise this year.

Whatever or however each of us feel inside, one thing is for sure. This is the road we chose. This is the milestone of our careers. We are here for many reasons: for some they may be for the benefit of the greater good; while there are others who are here for their own personal gain. Yet, whatever the reasons may be, the facts and protocols remain the same. As future doctors, there will be times when we have to endure whatever hardships our superiors throw at us, face difficult and tough-to-love patients, be faced with deadlines and pressure from work... and sometimes all these things may challenge our own values. The life journey of every fellow medical student here has intertwined at this crossroad in our lives, and how we handle the next few years will have a great impact on the kind of doctors we will be in the future.

Personally, I feel that no matter what happens to me this year and the years after, it happens for a reason. Somehow, I believe that everything I've been through in the last 21 years is what God intended for my life and that it has shaped and 'moulded' me into the man He wants me to be. And for that, I find a sense of tranquility even at this "mighty mountain" before me. Even though I know not what the future holds or what lies beyond that long winding road, I truly have this aura of peace inside, knowing full well that the One True God is with me. Tell me, how can one not find confidence and assurance in that fact? =)

Thence, to all those who are struggling through life's circumstances now, be it at home, the workplace, personal life, finances, etc... I urge one and all to persevere and take heart in Him who is above all things. The Author and Perfector of our faith is greater than anything the world can throw at you... in the past, present and future! Yeah, I really hope this simple reminder can reach out in time to those who really need that simple word of inspiration. All glory be to the Lord God Almighty!

Soli Deo Gloria!!

~Tim~

Here's a Quickie 4 U!

Ahhh, some of you folks may be wondering why Yours Truly is on holiday, yet he never updates his blog as frequently as he should =p What's he been up to?? Before he begins anything, he'd like to thank all those who have been asking or expressing their concern as to how things have been for him here in good ol' JB... you know who you are! *hugs*

Well, here's a quick summary of what's been happening in his life since he last updated his blog. To begin with, he's been sleeping much LESS than expected during this last month of the holiday term before Year 3 of med school starts all over again. To be honest, his days, on average, begin at 11-ish and usually end at 2 to 3 at night. Yeah, enjoying whatever free time that he has left is the point... after all, what are holidays for if not to do what you never got the chance to during studying periods?

He (proudly) finished both Resident Evil 5 (on both Normal and Veteran modes) and Batman Arkham Asylum during the past one week or so. But it's only during long holiday periods when the gamer within him is unleashed for all to see and challenge! Now for the next few days, he's gonna keep himself occupied with Dragon Age: Origins!! =)

On another note, he's been doing more "home-gyming" and swimming lately. Just today, he bought an 80 ringgit 5-in-1 workout bar that can be used to do chin-ups, pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, dips, crunches, off-the-floor crunches and leg lifts... I guess they should call the 8-in-1 bar instead. Definitely worth the money! Oh, and the best thing is, it's very portable too!! =D

From the social point-of-view, he just got back from meeting up with his primary school classmates. Yes, for him and this special group of friends, it's already a norm to meet up at least once every year (and more times if possible) =.= If he can remember correctly, his memory tells him that he and this bunch have been doing it since Form 1 after Standard 6 where everyone parted ways. Besides that, mingling in with his church mates in S'pore has been a breeze and he has God to thank for that! XD

Yup, there it is... the update from Yours Truly! Stay tuned for more to come! Owh before I forget, I'd juz like to wish a special brother of mine, Daniel Koh, a Blessed 21st Birthday!! All the best to you this year ahead as we venture through clinical years together! Take care and God bless bro!!

~Tim~

Looking Back @ 2009; Ahead @ 2010

Well folks, I don't know about you guyz, but it's been an awesome 2009 for me! There's juz so much to thank God for the year that juz passed by, and hopefully 2010 will be more or less the same (although I wouldn't mind if it was better!).

The Word of God says that we should count our blessings, naming them one by one. Phew, I don't even know where to begin. This post will be as short and sweet as possible and not my usual-length posts, which some of my frenz/readers complain are "essays" *ahem at Yin* =p

Well here it goes then...

This year (and last year where applicable), I've been blessed because:

• Despite living away from home, I still had the support from family members like my aunt in KL, and the occasional visits by my relatives from JB
• My parents sort of "upgraded" my Honda Accord to a Honda CRV for my 21st b'day, making it my most expensive present yet =D
• I've had the privilege of getting to know many wonderful people in KL, some of whom I can call close friends who have blessed me with their company, insights and social support... you guyz know who you are =)
• I had 3 separate 21st b'day celebrations that I will remember for as long as my brain can store memory of them =D
• I enjoyed holidays with friends and family at local tourist hotspots like Tioman, Redang, Penang, Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, etc.
• I had the opportunity to serve in FGT in the transport and evangelism ministries; also established bonds with the youth leaders and pastors there >.<
• The gift of tongues manifested within me even greater this year, and I've never felt more Spirit-led
• I was given the chance to exercise my gift of encouragement on many occasions to different people I encountered (God juz works in so many ways to build us all up =.=)
• I had the opportunity to give back to the community when I donated blood to the local blood bank
• Last but not least, my hard work paid off when I passed Year 2! All the sweat, blood and tears shed were not in vain. Ultimately, all glory be to God Almighty, who is in control of everything!

Of course, there are many other little things to be thankful for, but as my brain's capacity is overloaded with medical information and jargon from 2 years of med school, this list will have to do.

2010 is a new year, and like all new years, resolutions are made. I've made some already, most of them confidential and hence shall not be stated here. Have you made yours?

To one and all...

Happy New Year!!!

~Tim~

Final Sojourn Southbound & Acknowledgements

Aye folks, as you may all well know, Yours Truly has left KL and is now back in his hometown to stay for at least the next 2 years or so. He left the capital city of Malaysia yesterday with a heart that goes out to the many friends that he had made there over the past 2 years. Apart from being "emo" on more than 1 occasion juz before he left (although being emo for him is a rare thing altogether), he is really grateful to have established bonds with so many people there... something he'll cherish forever. Hence, the following are acknowledgements and a form of gratitude to the people he loves there... divided into 3 main groups of people (with some overlapping into other groups but will not be repeated here). Read on to see if you're in it! =p

For starters, let's go with my fellow Monash medical students first: Grace Tay, Jun Yet Wong, Rachel Ooi, Sarah Chan, & Nicholas Hee. Yes, I know that I'll be seeing all of you in a couple of weeks time and for the next 2 years but these are the wonderful people who've been by my side through thick and thin for the past 2 years! Looking forward to attending Monash Clinical School with you guyz! Besides the common things, I am thankful to:

Grace: For making me laugh when I'm around you; for those occasional, happy, inspiring SMSes; & initiating the Snowflake outings that all of us will sorely miss in JB

JY: For the DotA/L4D(1&2)/basketball sessions; and being able to talk freely about certain personal things (e.g. those guy-guy talks; relationships)

Rachel: For being my listening ear, for the sound advice, and for the asking about how I was from time to time

Sarah: For being able to talk about personal and private matters and for entrusting me with them; for showing me the way to UM during the Physio quiz =)

Nick: For bringing out the creative side in me during the time when we were "making" your b'day present; for being someone I can relate to in more than 1 way although we don't speak much

Next up, we have the dudes (& dudettes) of FGT, a church I will always consider to be my "home" in KL. Like they say, the church is not the "building", but the "people". No doubt I received many blessings, gifts and talents here from God e.g. the gift of tongues, the ability to evangelize via EE, the opportunity to serve in the transport ministry, etc.; but more importantly, I will always remember the people who have made this church an entity to remember! Gonna miss you guys loads! I thank God for:

Suyin 'Kaede': My dearest friend in FGT, who has been by my side through the ups and downs; someone I can laugh at who will also laugh with me (or at me :p); someone I can talk to whom I know will always give good, sound advice; someone I can debate with about certain (sometimes nonsensical) issues; a reliable person whom I can trust and confide in; and someone whom I believe has the potential to be a great spiritual leader wherever she goes *hugs* Oh, she was also the BossLady at the "Watchtower"... rawr!

Wilson Soo: My fellow "co-pilot" and best bro in church; someone who can make me laugh and vice versa; and my trusted companion to the CCs in KL (FTZ, Medan, Blitz). He is also a founding member of "The Legacy". Although he is a new believer, I foresee that he has latent yet hidden potential within him. Oh, and thanx for that wonderful home-made bookmark, bro!

Leo Koo: Although I've only known this 'uncle' for 6 months or so, I can see that he has a special calling to serve where the Lord is leading him, the 365 Youth Ministry. Thanx for entrusting me with your concerns and problems, and I will continue praying that your servanthood will bear much fruit.

Abel Cheah: My CF KG leader, this year's Youth Camp commandant, my "Angel" at the CF Camp this year... born leader with the gift of leadership... what more is there to say that we don't already know about him. A strong-willed & committed brother-in-Christ, too bad ladies, he's already taken! =p Sigh, was looking forward to the showdown or re-enactment of "Angel" vs "Mortal" at this year's YC. Oh, and he's also my L4D2 buddy! =.=

Ryan Teoh: He was my EE Trainer last year; drove me to the shop where I bought an uber-AWESOME mask for the FGT Christmas Dinner, and is also a fellow DotA player.

Wui Jia: My co-trainer when we were training 2 others in EE. Continue persevering in your faith girl... the battle may be tough, but the rewards in heaven are great for those who have faith and exercise it.

Kar Kien: The "funnyman" of FGT's 365 and fellow brother-in-Christ, FKK will be remembered as well no matter where he goes to precisely because of "The Kar Kien"! =p With both his eyebrows inverted inferomedially (sorry medical jargon has to be used here =.=), this "dude" (I'm starting to doubt his gender ever since this year's camp =p) is a trendsetter in his own right!

Terence Tan: My fellow super-duper hardcore gamer friend... Enough said! Appreciate the fact that you consider me to be one of the greatest blessings in your life this year! =)

Evonne Teoh: Who could forget the person who introduced me to FGT in the first place? =p Sweetheart of both med school & 365, one that is loved by many and hard to forget. She is the person with whom I share the most mutual friends with on Facebook lolz... and that is due to the fact that she is actually in all 3 groups of people!!

Lame: My fellow Cell leader in FGT --> Future pastor with a great potential and a huge heart for people. And yes folks, that IS his name... Lame! (pronounced lah-may)

Ps. Richard & Louisa Evans: Last but not least, our very own youth pastors deserve much credit for their efforts in doing God's work and reaching out to many people all over KL and it's satellite cities. Personally, they have been my mentors throughout the 2 years I spent in KL, and I will treasure knowing them. The greatest thing I learned from them is integrity. God bless them and their family! Will be looking forward to their next visit to FGT JB in the months ahead!

Finally, there are the people from the CF in Monash who in one way or another, have made an impression on me:

Kenson Low: Fellow bro, CC companion & founding member of both "Watchtower" and "The Legacy". Had much fun with you at the CC, at parties, at CF, and those late night dinners and suppers! Thanx for seeing me off yesterday... Really appreciate it! Thanx also for the invitation to extend my stay in KL next month... We'll see how it goes yea. =)

Andrew Chua: Once joked to almost the entire CF that this fella, Li Wen & I were family juz because we shared the same surname! Fooled some people and got a laugh over it! Known to many as "The Bear" and known to some as "Boomer", if his fake Irish accent doesn't kill you, his weight on your abdomen surely will! =p Oh and never leave your Facebook account on whenever he's around, he'll make sure you suffer!

Jared, YY, Cheng Hong, Jarrod: These guys (and a girl) never backed down from a game or two of L4D2 and were one of the last few people from CF that I managed to catch a game or two with.

Japheth Chew: Known Japh since last year's CF Camp. Has a heart for God and a zeal that I hope will burn for as long as the Lord wants it to burn. He is also the new CF President... also a founding member of "Watchtower". Enjoyed the time we baked Shepherd's Pie & lasagna at your place during the "Anti-Ball party". Really appreciated your prayer for me the other day when you came over to collect your guitar.

Karl Edward: Only got to know him better towards the end of the year but he's a cool guy to be around with, partly because of his sense of humour. The last founding member of "Watchtower" and it was saved on more than 1 occasion thanks to this brother-in-Christ. =_=

And finally, last but not least, there is a special group of people to whom I will forever be eternally grateful for... my aunt and her family. If you're reading this MKKK, THANK YOU for helping me settle into a new environment in KL, for helping me get the furniture when I had to move to Sunway last year, for sending your maid to help clean my place, for providing that extra cash every month, for sending over food and drinks from time to time, and for inviting me to stay over at your place many times over the past 2 years.

Well, that's about it, folks. To all the people mentioned above, you have been a blessing to me in one way or another, no matter how big or small. Likewise, I hope that I was one-to-remember to each of you too. For all those whose names are not in this post, it's not that I have forgotten you intentionally, there's juz not enough space to put in every single person I know in KL... don't worry, you will be remembered still lolz! To one and all, I pray that the Lord will make His face shine upon you and give you all peace. I know the road ahead is unpredictable with many trials and tribulations to come, but I pray that each of you will know where you stand, and stand strong no matter what the world throws at you! Before I end this long post of gratitude, I'd like to leave you and all my readers with a piece of Scripture, taken from Colossians 3:12, "As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."

Enjoy your holidays while you can and Blessed Christmas & Happy New Year to one and all... in advance! =D

Blessings,

~Tim~

When Life Seems Seemingly "Impossible"

I know for a fact that EVERYONE has encountered at least one "impossible" situation before in their lives... a situation that mirrors desperation... an experience that beckons to be erased from the cascades of time. Each and every human that exists or has ever existed in this fallen world has faced struggles, hardships, trials, tribulations, temptations, and the like throughout their life. There is the famous saying that goes, "What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger".

Indeed, even in the Word of God, the apostle John must have heard a dozen complaints from his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. The believers under his leadership faced very real issues: The government was against them - taking their businesses, separating their families, even killing some of them. It must have been a temptation for them just to pull back and pull up short. However, John reminded them (and us) of the surpassing value of knowing Christ.

There are times in life when doing God's will seems like it's too hard, maybe even impossible beyond human understanding. Nevertheless, we can be encouraged knowing that there is eternal hope that is worth sacrificing everything for. In this post, I'd like to illustrate that truth via the account of the following man:

George Atley, a young Englishman with the heart of a hero, was engaged in the Central African Mission. He was attacked by a party of natives. He had with him a Winchester repeating rifle with 10 loaded chambers. The party was completely at his mercy. Calmly and quickly, he summed up the situation. He concluded that if he killed them, it would do the mission more harm than if he allowed them to take his life. So, as a lamb to the slaughter he was led; and when his body was found in the stream, his rifle was also found with its 10 chambers still loaded.

Remember folks, what happens on Earth is never the end of the story. The people thought they had silenced the influence of George Atley. Little did they know that his honorary sacrifice had exemplified his commitment to the cause and that selfless act has encouraged millions throughout history!

When life seems too difficult to bear, when it seems that God is calling you to sacrifice beyond what you think you can, just remember the eternal hope that you have in Jesus Christ. Like my favourite verse in the Bible, Proverbs 3:5-6 states... Just place all of your trust in Him and see the seeds of your faith bear fruit, my friends. =)

~Tim~

How Would YOU Define Success?

I wonder how many people have actually taken a moment to sit back and think about how they would define success, let alone measure it. Think about the following questions and come up with your own answers in your heads:

What drives you?

What makes you tick?

Does success in one aspect mean that it would pave the way for future endeavours, perhaps in other aspects?

Would you strive to be even better than you are now, even if you are already the best at what you do?

Most importantly: Is God involved in your success?

I like what my fellow meddie, Daniel Koh, winner of the Manhunt event at the recent Emerge youth conference, had to say when he was given the chance to answer that question in the title of this post, in front of a 500-strong crowd during the Q&A session. Unlike the other male contestants, he kept his answer short and simple, but direct to the point he was trying to make.

Bro, if you're reading this, I'm proud of you, and I'm sure the rest of MUMedS is as well! Always knew you had it in you. This is what he said:

"To me, success is measured by staying power. It's not just about being a one-hit-wonder. It's about taking the long road and staying there. Take for instance, Madonna, who has been in the music industry for decades. Yet even today, she is still as good, if not better, as she was 20 years ago. The world can see her passion and dedication. Thank you."

So folks, let me ask you again, "How would YOU define success?"

Happy Hols!!

FEATURE: Kate Voegele - Lift Me Up

The lyrics to this song are beautiful, and fitting, for a time like this when everyone is in the midst of sitting and preparing for their exams. It's the time of the year when motivation of any sort is most welcomed.

So folks, sit back, relax, and unwind on my blog while being treated to one of the most passionate and soulful voices that you will ever hear! This one's from Yours Truly to you!

(The song will auto-play after it has finished loading)

This road is anything but simple

Twisted like a riddle I've seen high and I've seen low

So loud, the voices of all my doubts

Telling me to give up, to pack up and leave town

Even so, I had to believe

Impossible means nothing to me, yeah

So can you lift me up,

Turn the ashes into flames

‘Cause I have overcome

More than words will ever say

And I've been given hope

That there's a light on up the hall

And that a day will come

When the fight is won

And I think that day has just begun

Somewhere, every body starts there

I'm counting on a small prayer,

Lost in a nightmare

But I'm here, and suddenly it's so clear

The struggle through the long years

It taught me to outrun my fears

Everything worth having, oh

Comes with trials worth withstanding

So can you lift me up,

Turn the ashes into flames

‘Cause I have overcome

More than words will ever say

And I've been given hope

That there's a light on up the hall

And that a day will come

When the fight is won

And I think that day has just begun

Oh, lift me up

Oh, lift me up

Oh, lift me up

Lift me up

Lift me up

Oh, Lift me up

Down and out is overrated

And I need to be elevated

Looking up is not enough

No, I would rather rise above

So can you lift me up,

Turn the ashes into flames

‘Cause I have overcome

More than words will ever say

And I've been given hope

That there's a light on up the hall

And that a day will come

When the fight is won

And I think that day has just begun

Oh, oh, oh, just begun

Lift me up, yeah, oh, oh, oh, yeah, now

Oh, oh, lift me up

Lift me up

Lift me up