ThunderStorm

You know that times are bad when women are boycotting dating and marriage. Till death do I stay single: South Korea's #NoMarriage women Everyone, please treat every human with respect and dignity. Is that so difficult to ask?

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. - Philippians 1:18-21

After having just recently experienced my first major heartbreak, I was reminded, not once but twice by wise council, to count my blessings. It was in this period that I realised that I had not been alone in my struggles and that God had been the provider of my strength in my weakness. He sent guardian angels and defenders by my side to aid and support me. He gave me the much-needed push through uncomfortable situations to overcome my pride, insecurity and unwillingness to ask for help from others. He had granted me multiple breakthroughs during my first love relationship - overcoming my shyness in making conversation with the opposite sex, the discovery that I could actually love someone (and what it means to love someone sacrificially like Christ did, even if it means giving up my deepest carnal desires for the sake of upholding goodness and pure intentions for one another). I realised that despite my difficult family circumstances, I had taken my parents for granted with the faulty ...

Do you relate to the male or female in this video? I am surprised that this video has not gone viral yet, or maybe it did and I missed the ride. Anyway, I think it aptly summarises the differences in how people approach conflict: emotionally logically It is somewhat similar to what some people describe as left-brains (logic) and right-brains (emotion), despite how flawed this concept is.

You see Marvin's stupid new flagpole in his yard? That's you. Steady pole in the ground. Everyone else around you is like the flag, changing direction as the wind shifts. But not you, you're keeping everything in place. But the pole gets no attention. We salute the flag, but not the pole. - Jessica This is one of those rare heartwarming moments where Jessica encourages Louis. It's a beautiful metaphor reminding us to appreciate the unsung heroes who have supported us in the background.

🎼I am the thorn in your crown But You love me anyway I am the sweat from Your brow But You love me anyway I am the nail in Your wrist But You love me anyway I am Judas' kiss But You love me anyway See now I am the man who yelled out from the crowd For Your blood to be spilled on this earth shaking ground Yes then I turned away with a smile on my face With this sin in my heart, tried to bury Your grace And then alone in the night I still call out for You So ashamed of my life, my life, my life But You love me anyway Oh God, how You love me Yes You love me anyway It's like nothing in life That I've ever known Yes You love me anyway Oh Lord, how You love me🎶

<< No spoilers >> Although I have neither heard about the original series nor its subsequent remakes, this Japanese version has been very realistic and convincing. The lead characters delivered authentic performances and their interactions have been a blast to watch. There were several episodes which were extremely frustrating to me, partly because some circumstances seemed very contrived to create ongoing tension between the characters, and partly because of obvious relationship red flags. Nonetheless, it can be said that that certainly reflects how people tend to overlook the red flags whenever their course of action results in their instant, though temporary, gratification. In any case, I was pleased with the ending and definitely enjoyed this series. I might consider watching the other versions for a better comparison.

<< Spoilers for Moonlight Drawn by Clouds Season 1 >>

I felt that I needed to post this in response to a friend who replied jokingly saying that he/she's going to hell in response to an article that I shared on my social media account about being discouraged by friends who left their Christian faith behind: I'm sorry that you felt offended by what the article said. That was not my intention. However, it upsets me to see you use such critical and condemning words on yourself. Perhaps you are using sarcasm to hide your inner thoughts on your self-worth, but I assure you that God knows your heart full well and loves you regardless of how you feel about the state of your soul. Jesus' death and resurrection paid the price of all our sins and allows us to live free and abundant lives, and empowers us to flee from the persistent voice of self-condemnation and sense of worthlessness. I would urge you not to use the term 'hell' lightly if you do not believe in its existence or the weight it carries for fellow believers in...

I'm loving the soundtrack that played at the end of Season 7, Episode 2 - '99' by Elliot Moss. Elliot Moss - 99 (Official Music Video) There is just something about Sherlock, Joan and Marcus' friendship/kinship that is so sublime. It's the same vibe I get from the SPN cast. It's the mutual trust and respect, the shared understanding that you would sacrifice your own good for the benefit of another, that you would have each other's backs no matter what.

This is just my opinion, so take it with a grain of salt. 1. It starts at home or within the extended family from young. Every child needs a role model/mentor figure, not an enabler, but someone who guides them towards independent problem solving. Don't coddle them too much but praise the child when they display empathy and generosity. 2. If there are no role models at home, then the school staff and students are depended on to support and develop the children's resilience and teach them to choose their friends wisely. 3. Finally, it takes the rest of the community to raise the child, just like in the kampung days. If your child is often getting into trouble with the community, parents should not bail their child out from negative consequences or punishment. Stay calm and inform your child's teacher or seek external agencies for professional counselling and advice.

I skipped a year, but, no matter, here goes. [A Buzzfeed Video Challenge] Let your songlist play randomly. Record the first 7 songs you hear. Here's mine: 1. Opening song as you wake up lisa - Will (A reminder of university days where one is a wandering soul, unsure of the future.) 2. On your way to school or work June - Pride of Tomorrow (What a light-hearted and optimistic song for D-Grayman. I truly hope it's not simply false hope for the exorcists.) 3. Hanging out with your friends Sayuri - Mikazuki (What a sad song. :'( ) 4. When you're around your crush Fiction Junction featuring YUUKA - Akatsuki no Kuruma (Slow burn.) 5. When you hit a rough patch Chad Kroeger - Hero (It's somewhat apathetic but I agree with this part: "I'm not gonna stand here and wait.") 6. When you overcome an obstacle Fleurie - Hurts Like Hell (Jake/Katie, noo...! :'( ) 7. Closing credits Thirty Seconds to Mars - Th...

Random reflection for today: For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? - Mark 8:36 English Standard Version (ESV)

https://ymi.today/apologetics-sg-19/ Session 1: How can a loving God only save some? Common questions about Christianity: How do we know that the bible is reliable and hasn't been corrupted by humans? What is the nature and moral character of God? How does God love us? What does it mean to be saved by God? According to Jesus, to love God is the ultimate purpose of our life. To love others is the next step. A fish that leaves its aquatic habitat will die. The violation of natural laws results in natural consequences. The issue of free will and the brokenness of mankind. Living for man's approval means living a life of insecurity. Why didn't God instead create beings that can only choose to do good? Good and evil are abstract concepts that exist only because a moral distinction has been made between the two. In order to have the freedom of choice, free moral beings have to exist. We do not have all the information in contrast to God, therefore we are not qualifi...

Thank you for the much-needed gift, dear sis. I must admit that for most of my life, I have had to suppress my emotions because they were negative and non-beneficial to the people around me and I felt guilty for feeling those things. Every time I see the way my parents treat each other, my wounds reopen and I feel grief all the time that I rarely ever felt hope or happiness. What I have learnt so far: It is natural to feel emotions because they flow from the heart. These emotions can be directed to feel rightly by recalibrating our hearts to value things rightly.

Major props to CNA for their thorough research and insightful documentaries. It is sad to see the current state of the world yet heartening to see citizens who are stepping forward to speak out for justice. Channel News Asia: Videos On Demand Deciphering the Philippines Genesis 4:10 (NRSV)  And the LORD said, "What have you done? Listen; your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground! James 5:4, 7-8 (NRSV)  Listen! The wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Psalms 69:33 (NRSV)  For the LORD hears the needy, and does not despise his own that are in bonds. Proverbs 15:29 (NRSV)...

Here are some scenes that packed X-men DoFP with incredibly emotional punches and encouraged me to never give up hope even in dire situations. Logan: I don't know how long I've got here, but I do know that a long time ago, actually, a long time from now, I was your most helpless student, and you unlocked my mind. You showed me what I was, you showed me what I can be. Charles Xavier: Just because someone stumbles, loses their way, it doesn't mean they're lost forever. Sometimes we all need a little help.

If I could give my friend one advice, it's this: "If you CAN do something about the problem, then there's no problem. If you CAN'T, then it's not your problem to solve. Delegate it to someone who CAN." Worrying only takes away your health.

Just wanted to reply to a vent that was lamenting that God demands obedience yet threatens to punish us to hell. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 2 Pet 2:9-13 9 ...the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. 10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings; 11 yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord. 12 But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish. 13 They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Hell wa...

Daily verse for today:  1 Thess 5:17 ...pray continually... Encouragement from cell group today: If we persist in prayer, aligning our will with God's will, we can be confident in His providence and be assured that He will act according to His perfect timing.

Tong Ling Fei  is such a hoot. Better than Hakuouki, and has an added tinge of fourth-wall humour. Props to the subber TheLoneRogueWolf for the added meta-humour.

It is indeed a real Good Friday. I finally see where movie directors get their inspiration from. Major burn.

This verse really spoke to me today. So often when we get hurt by someone else, we get all riled up by the speck we see in another's eye, failing to see the plank in ours. Just as much as someone has hurt us, we ourselves have hurt others too. And if we keep running away to avoid our confrontation with God, we are choosing to uphold our pride over mending the relationship (and we know the saying where pride comes before a fall). Where can we go where God is not there? Nowhere. God loved us so much that He would forgive our sins if we would come to Him, humbly admit to committing those sins and turn away from them. It's not as easy as it sounds in reality, but we have the Holy Spirit's guidance and prompting in our conscience that encourages us to do so. Contrary to what the world says, God urges us to confront Him at His Word daily.

These past weeks have been a major throwback to Mulan's training montage. My assignments have been brutal but I hope I'm taking them in stride. I think I've been binge-eating comfort food as a result. (Am I the only one who occasionally nibbles on crumbs of sugar, salt and cheese?) Anyway, back on the topic of leadership. Behind the success of a great team is a noble captain, one who leads by example and assumes full responsibility for the team's development and performance, never blame-shifting when things go wrong. Although Shang was exasperated by the team's initial lack of skill, he rolled with the punches and successfully got his team physically and mentally fit to complete the mission. On a sidenote, while I am happy that Disney's Mulan (2020) is in the makes, I am nervous about the removal of some characters and introduction of new ones. So does this invalidate the Disney canon of Mulan (1998)? I hope not.

So I kinda broke down in tears rather unexpectedly in front of my classmates today. I think I had been feeling rather stressed by the consecutive project  deadlines and had been repressing much anxiety. They all rallied together to comfort and encourage me. I feel really grateful and blessed that these kind souls, despite being all foreign students in a strange land with their own clashes in personalities, put aside their differences and extended such grace and empathy to someone in a completely different background from them. May God bless their hearts and satisfy their spiritual thirst for meaning in this world.

Dear you, :( I'm sorry that you feel like life is meaningless. It is never a straight path but is one filled with twists and turns, highs and lows. If you keep looking for the end of the road, you may miss all the roses alongside the path. Remember to appreciate the people and things you have at present before they are gone. Remember that not everyone in this world has access to food, water, clothes, shelter and the internet. If you believe that saving others is a worthy cause, then it means that you value the God-given sanctity of life. Value yours and the power you hold to empower someone else. Don't give up. With lots of love, Future you

These are some strategies I use to help me have a restful sleep. You can test them out and see if they work for you.

This post is for those who struggle with internal and external critics who destroy your self-confidence and create anxiety in you, whether knowingly or unknowingly.

Every year, when there is a new release of the latest season of PR, I would try to dip my toes back into the series to get in touch with my roots. This year is no different. While I still have mixed feelings about PR changing hands of parent companies every time, I hope that each season brings something positive and memorable to the series. After watching Beast Morphers episode 1, I thought that the plot borrowed elements from RPM (computer viruses vs a government agency), In Space (frozen rangers), and Ninja Storm & SPD (3 v 2 dynamic), some of my favourite series, which worries me that the producers might be setting up really high expectations for old-time fans. I hope that the writers put a different spin on those plots and keep it fresh for the younger fans without dumbing down complex life issues. Anyway, I still look back fondly on PR and am filled with gratitude that the series challenged my past assumptions of (inner and outer) beauty and continued to empower ...

In my recent foray into literature, I was introduced by a lecturer to the works of Geoffrey Hill. In articles, Hill was stated as the greatest modern poet alive. Sad to say, he passed away in 2016. R.I.P. When I read some of his poetry, I immediately felt the soul of a kindred spirit. Hill was known to be a man who struggled with depression and the lack of confidence in penning down his thoughts. He seemed like a perfectionist who would not be satisfied with his poetry until he found the precise words to pen down. His fear of making mistakes prevented him from publishing more poetry in his youth, but for some untold reason, he was unshackled from his fear in his later years and plenty of poems were published. What discovery did he make that enabled him to blossom? Was it a renewed purpose and faith in God? I hope so. However, it is regrettable that his poems make it difficult to infer Hill's stance regarding his personal beliefs. In his interviews, he seemed more interested i...

Just recently, I was asked which person in history, dead or alive, I would most like to meet and why. These are my top 5 choices: Jesus Christ (At the second coming. And that means living in God's eternal kingdom a.k.a. heaven/paradise. And finally getting answers to all of life's questions.) Paul/Saul (The reformed persecutor of Christians in the bible who wrote majority of the New Testament books. One of the greatest redemption stories yet.) Joseph, son of Jacob (A dreamer who was despised and sold to Egypt by his brothers, he chose to obey God and forgive them. God rose him through the ranks from prisoner to governor.) Moses (First-hand witness to the parting of the Red Sea and all the other miracles performed by God.) Leonardo da Vinci (One of the greatest minds of the Renaissance era. A talented polymath who inspired me to learn and explore as much as I can. If only I could speak his language. Can't wait till he hears that a turtle was named after him.) ...