Crash and Burn

Crash and Burn - From the album, Affirmation by Savage Garden


When you feel all alone
And the world has turned its back on you
Give me a moment please to tame your wild wild heart
I know you feel like the walls are closing in on you
It's hard to find relief and people can be so cold
When darkness is upon your door and you feel like you can't take anymore

Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone

When you feel all alone
And a loyal friend is hard to find
You're caught in a one way street
With the monsters in your head
When hopes and dreams are far away and
You feel like you can't face the day

Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone

'Cause there has always been heartache and pain
And when it's over you'll breathe again
You'll breath again

When you feel all alone
And the world has turned its back on you
Give me a moment please
To tame your wild wild heart

Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone

The Rose

"The Rose" - by Bette Midler
(Covers by LeAnn Rhimes / Westlife are nicer)

Some say love it is a river
That drowns the tender reed.
Some say love it is a razor
That leaves your soul to bleed.

Some say love it is a hunger
An endless, aching need
I say love it is a flower,
And you it's only seed.

It's the heart afraid of breaking
That never learns to dance
It's the dream afraid of waking
That never takes the chance

It's the one who won't be taken,
Who cannot seem to give
And the soul afraid of dying
That never learns to live.

When the night has been too lonely
And the road has been too long.
And you think that love is only
For the lucky and the strong.

Just remember in the winter
Far beneath the bitter snow
Lies the seed that with the sun's love,
In the spring, becomes the rose.



Kudos to Simon and Nick having this drilled in my head ;D

Walking in the Light

Ephesians 2:10
¹⁰For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.


Matt 5:13-16
¹³Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

¹⁴Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

¹⁵Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

¹⁶Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

John 5:15
⁵I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

If...

Output < Input...

it leads to... weight gain OR... Constipation :D



Are you "spiritually-constipated" today?

God Hears

Thank you dear God, for loving me and helping me through this episode...

I'm running after You...

How Can We Desire Sorrow?

I walked a mile with Pleasure;
She chatted all the way;
But left me none the wiser
For all she had to say.

I walked a mile with Sorrow,
And ne'er a word said she;
But, oh! The things I learned from her,
When Sorrow walked with me.

- Robert Browning Hamilton


Lifted this from Have A Little Faith. Interesting poem, and so true at times. Mistakes and trials come our way, and I guess we're allowed to slip into temporary sorrow to save ourselves from eternal regret in the future. Its all part and parcel of learning.

I Will Rise

I Will Rise - Chris Tomlin - From the album, Hello Love

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say, It is well

Jesus has overcome
and the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise
When He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise, on eagle's wings
Before my God
fall on my knees,
and rise...
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
when this darkness breaks to light
and the shadows disappear
and my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
and the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise
when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise, on eagle's wings
Before my God
fall on my knees,
and rise...
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing
Worthy is the Lamb!
And I hear the cry of every longing heart
Worthy is the Lamb!

And I hear the voice of many angels sing
Worthy is the Lamb!
And I hear the cry of every longing heart
Worthy is the Lamb!
You are worthy! You are worthy!
Worthy is the Lamb!

I will rise
when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise, on eagle's wings
Before my God
fall on my knees,
and rise...
I will rise....
I will rise....

Where Is Your Mansion?

Recently I watched The Blue Mansion by Glen Goei with Matthew & Dennis. It fascinated me ever since I saw the commercials and I really wanted to give this local-made production a try..

Well, as it turned out, I think I can say Glen Goei deserves recognition for his commendable effort. I have definitely developed a better impression of Singaporean films, and this has certainly raise the profile of locally produced movies. The last local-production I've watched was Cages in '06 or '07 when I was still in VJ. (Jack Neo films, etc not included).

However, though humourous (or lame moments, I should say) aplenty, and not forgetting the painful-draggy moments and a wierd twist, The Blue Mansion's theme - the whole of the overview of a typical wealthy, powerful family in the higher echelons of society, has shed some light on worldly possessions and etc.


As much as the world offers a plethora of possessions and assets, are we really content? Will greed and gluttony triumph in the end? Will you be so obsessed with building an empire, that your family becomes dysfunctional, waging domestic wars amongst the people we call our 'loved ones'? Will you trample on others just for the sake of building a company, only to see it crumble under your feet when you have departed? I have come to realise that we should be content with whatever we have; it isn't sin to want more, but making it an obession is.

Worldly possessions count for nothing, as all will turn to dust when the Lord our Saviour makes his final descent. Instead, Lord, help me to focus on wanting mansions of glory in your Kingdom, knowing that we in the end, we will not trudge but run along the streets of gold that you have prepared for us, and into your warm embrace.


In the Bible it says,

John 14

¹Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

²In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

So, is your mansion on Heaven or on Earth?

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.." - Matt 6:33

Seek and ye shall find. Knock and the door shall be open unto you.

Book List To Be Cleared

1. Have A Little Faith by Mitch Albom

2. The Pact by Jodi Pocoult

3. Keeping Faith by Jodi Pocoult

4. Freakonomics

5. Superfreakonomics

6. The Undercover Economist

7. Tulip by Duane Edward Spencer

8. So What's the Difference? by Fritz Ridenour


yup, gotta finish all before I start working in bout Feb next year. Heh.

My Passion

My Passion - From the album, Alive Forever by Travis Cottrell

You alone are my passion forever.
Song of my soul,
Desire of my heart.
You alone are my passion, my treasure.
I love You for all that you are.

To the ends of the earth I will follow.
There’s nothing that I will not do.
You alone are my reason for living;
Jesus my passion is You.
Jesus my passion is You.

You alone are my passion forever.
Song of my soul,
Desire of my heart.
You alone are my passion, my treasure.
I love you for all that You are.

To the ends of the earth I will follow.
There’s nothing that I will not do.
You alone are my reason for living.
Jesus my passion is You.
Jesus my passion is You.

My Life.
My Love.
My God.
You are my Life.
My Love.
My God.
My Life.
My Love.
My God.
My Life.
My Love.
My God.

To the ends of the earth I will follow
There’s nothing that I will not do.
‘CauseYou alone are my reason for living
Jesus my passion is You.
Jesus my passion is You

My Life.
My Love.
My God.
You are My Life.
My Love.

Everything I do
Everything I have
Every breath I breathe
Everything I do is all for You.



Lord, I sing this as a prayer.. I want to be able to love you, just as you have always loved me unconditionally.

Healing Rain

Healing Rain - From the album, Healing Rain - Michael W. Smith

Healing rain is coming down
It's coming nearer to this old town
Rich and poor, weak and strong
It's bringing mercy, it won't be long

Healing rain is coming down
It's coming closer to the lost and found
Tears of joy, and tears of shame
Are washed forever in Jesus' name

Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain

Lift your heads, let us return
To the mercy seat where time began
And in your eyes, I see the pain
Come soak this dry heart with healing rain

And only You, the Son of man
Can take a leper and let him stand
So lift your hands, they can be held
By someone greater, the great I Am

Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain

To be washed in Heaven's rain...

Healing rain is falling down
Healing rain is falling down
I'm not afraid
I'm not afraid...

My the healing rain pour down on our dried and harden hearts...

"My NS Experiences"

I would say that my NS experience had progressed in phases, allowing me to mould my character through the smorgasbord of opportunities it had provided for me; much akin to the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly eager to fly high.

It was a sight to behold. There I stood, queuing up for the space in the bus that I would be so acquainted with for the next nine weeks. My heart felt a gush of a mixed flurry of emotions; touched that my friends had bothered to send me off in the wee-hours of the morning, disheartened after looking at some of the similar downcast faces of my soon-to-be comrades, and a fleeting sense of exhilaration yet worry knowing that I was stepping into an unknown world that awaited me.

Prior to enlistment, relatives and close friends alike had been trying to advise me to take this new chapter of my life with utmost positiveness. 10th of January, 2008 read my watch. Unlike most of my peers whom, I assume, would have had a sumptuous "last supper" with their loved ones and close friends the evening before, mine was spent in NUH. Leaving behind a brother who was just about to brave through a surgery for pneumothorax, my initial enthusiasm to excel in the army had been naturally affected. But when the nation calls, we have to respond.

The BMT phase was admittedly a culture shock for me. There I was, in the bunk of Pegasus Coy, Platoon 4, Section 2, desperate to break the ice between the others which were quite a diverse bunch of people. However, before I knew it, I managed to establish a strong rapport with my peers, and sense of camaraderie quickly emerged as we enjoyed going through thick and thin as one platoon, one entity. After what seemed like a month of Sundays, confinement week was over. Unforgettable experiences at live firing, field camp and SITEST soon ensued. Through encouragement from my peers, family, friends and through prayer, I managed to tide through the short stay in Tekong as a recruit. Another defining moment was when my whole family managed to attend my Graduation Parade and put on my soaking-wet jockey cap, to complete my set of drenched Smart No. 4, marking my competence as a trained fighting-fit soldier.

I like to think of my 9-month bumpy journey in OCS as a cocoon - something that at times felt like eternity, but nonetheless a necessarily long one. After the short-lived block leave that we were given, my initial days at OCS, Sierra Wing ruffled my feathers; as if being thrown at the deep end of the pool, again. The pace of training was also much faster, leaving little room for error, lesser tolerance for making mistakes. However, through cadet appointments given, it provided plenty of opportunities for me to practise giving clear and concise instructions, and to get used to being responsible for the well -being of others.

Being posted to Delta Wing for my professional term and being trained as an Infantry Platoon Commander was the most daunting and trying time of my NS life. This part of the journey had not been a smooth-sailing one. There were times where I felt unsettled, nearly depressed, with the rigours and intensity of the physically demanding really taking its toll on my weary and now burnt-out body. Giving up was really tempting occasionally, as I fought an internal battle to press on toward the goal of commissioning and thereby becoming a leader in the SAF. My ego and pride took a beating as the instructors there set high standards and expectations of us. In the process, I was really humbled and we were taught through the tough and hard way. Turn out after turn out, "Charlie Mike" after "Charlie Mike", the Officer's Creed started to become more than a mundane chant that we kept repeating during a water parade.

Going out to the field for mission simulations and exercises reminded me of the famous tagline of the movie, Black Hawk Down; to "Leave No Man Behind". As well as when SFC (Sergeant First-Class) Hoot said "People ask me why I like this job... Its about the person next to you..." Those really set me thinking of the importance of caring for my fellow comrades, fighting as one platoon because their lives are as much in my hands as mine in theirs.

Reflecting on my Brunei experience, especially during the Jungle Confidence Course, it really showed me the importance of teamwork and peer motivation, and also to find that inner fighting spirit to push forward as well as to do our loved ones proud. Never had I been pushed to my break-point so much prior to that unforgettable experience. I sorely missed my family and friends so much I felt that I had taken them for granted too much in the past. I started to appreciate the finer things in life. Trekking up and down, paying the price for mistakes even though it might not have been mine per se, it was a real test of proving my mettle and worth.

Life, as English philosopher Thomas Hobbes once put it, "is nasty, brutish and short". Its only when you embrace the reality that life has its ravines and knolls, that you'll learn to face adversity in a more positive way. I came out of this experience a stronger individual - both mentally and physically.

Entering the gate of TFT, as fresh young second-lieutenant, I felt a strong sense of nostalgia. Flashbacks of time I had spent just under a year ago came like a gust of wind. This time, I was stepping in as a commander, and more responsibility would be bestowed upon me. I got what I wanted - to go back to the place where my roots and foundation had been cemented. Inspired by one of the platoon commanders in my days as a recruit, I came back with goal of emulating him - to be a leader that would inspire and be positive role-model to motivate them to excel in the army and provide a platform for a memorable and meaningful NS experience. I learnt to be firm and strict when the situation called for it. In terms of relationships, I learnt to work effectively with my subordinates and my superiors. Getting to work with my best friend as a colleague was a bonus. I clearly enjoyed my job as a Platoon Commander thoroughly. Although I initially tried turning down the challenge of being a Coy 2IC, griping about its jobscope and preferring to be a PC, I soon came to terms with it. Without regret, I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to try out something I wouldn't otherwise been given the chance to. I have definitely had positive takeaways from this experience.

All in all, I chose to think my past two years not as an "NS liability", but more of an opportunity to develop and shape my character to become the more resilient and independent person that I am now. As the butterfly now flutters and approaches the end, I would say that this long and arduous journey has been one worthwhile spent. I walk out of the journey a better individual, ready for the challenges ahead in the future. To quote the old adage, "army transforms us from boys to MEN".


Pardon the errors. The helmet has destroyed some braincells.

You Belong With Me

Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me - Fearless

You're on the phone with your girlfriend
She's upset.
She's going off about something that you said
'Cuz she dosent get your humor like I do...
I'm in the room
It's a typical Tuesday night
I'm listening to the kind of music she dosen't like
And she'll never know your story like I do'

But she wears short skirts
I wear T-shirts
She's cheer captain
And I'm in the bleachers
Dreaming about the day when you wake up
And find what you're looking for has been here the whole time

If you could see that I'm the one who understands you
Been here all along so why can't you see, you
You belong with me

You belong with me
Walkin' the streets with you and your worn-out jeans
I can't help thinking this is how it ought to be
Laughing on a park bench, thinking to myself
Hey isn't this easy

And you've got a smile that could light up this whole town
I haven't seen it in a while since she brought you down
You say your fine
I know you better then that
Hey whatcha doing with a girl like that

She wears high heels
I wear sneakers
She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers
Dreaming about the day when you wake up
That what you're looking for has been here the whole time

If you could see that I'm the one who understands you
Been here all along so why can't you see
You belong with me

Standing by and waiting at your back door
All this time how could you not know
Baby...
You belong with me

Oh'
I remember you drivin' to my house in the middle of the night
I'm the one who makes you laugh
When you know your about to cry
And I know your favorite songs
And you tell me about your dreams
Think I know where you belong
Think I know it's with me...

Can't you see that I'm the one who understands you
Been here all along
So why can't you see
You belong with me

Standing by and waiting at your back door
All this time
How could you not know
Baby you belong with me
You belong with me

You belong with me

Have you ever thought just maybe
You belong with me

You belong with me...



Cool song...

East to West

Casting Crowns - East To West - The Altar and the Door

Here I am Lord and I'm drowning
In your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me
I yearn for peace and rest
I don't want to end up where you found me
And it echoes in my mind
Keeps me awake tonight

I know you've cast my sins as far
As the East is from the West
And I stand before you now
As though I've never sinned but today
I feel like I'm just one mistake away
From you leaving me this way

Jesus can you show me
Just how far the East is from the West
Cause I can't bear to see the man I've been
Come rising up in me again
In the arms of your mercy I find rest
Cause you know just how far the East is from the West
From one scar[r]ed hand to the other

I start the day the war begins
Endless reminding of my sin
Time and time again
Your [T]ruth is drowned out by the storm I'm in
Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away
From you leaving me this way

Jesus can you show me
Just how far the East is from the West
Cause I can't bear to see the man I've been
Come rising up in me again
In the arms of your mercy I find rest
Cause you know just how far the East is from the West
From one scar[r]ed hand to the other

I know you've washed me white
Turned my darkness into light
I need your peace to get me through
To get me through this night
I can't live by what I feel
But by the truth your word reveals
I'm not holding on to you
But your holding on to me
Your holding on to me

Jesus, you know just how far
The East is from the West
I don't have to see the man I've been
Come rising up in me again
In the arms of your mercy I find rest
(The arms of your mercy I find rest)
Cause you know just how far the East is from the West
From one scar[r]ed hand to the other(x2)

(Just how far, the East is from the West) (x3)

From one scarred hand to the other

And I've Been Thinking...

CAN'T FIGHT THIS FEELING (Reo Speedwagon)

I can't fight this feeling any longer.
And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow.
What started out as friendship,
Has grown stronger.
I only wish I had the strength to let it show.

I tell myself that I can't hold OUT forever.
I said there is no reason for my fear.
Cause I feel so secure when we're together.
You give my life direction,
You make everything so clear.

And even as I WANDER,
I'm keeping you in sight.
You're a candle in the window,
On a cold, dark winter's night.
And I'm getting closer than I ever THOUGHT I MIGHT.

And I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
It's time to bring this ship into the shore,
And throw away the oars, forever.

Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
And if I have to crawl upon the floor,
Come crashing through your door,
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore.

My life has been such a whirlwind since I saw you.
I've been running round in circles in my mind.
And it always seems that I'm following you, girl,
Cause you take me to the places,
That alone I'd never find.

And even as I wander,
I'm keeping you in sight.
You're a candle in the wind,
On a cold, dark winter's night.
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might.

And I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
It's time to bring this ship into the shore,
And throw away the oars, forever.

Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
And if I have to crawl upon the floor,
Come crashing through your door,
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore.

Less is More?

Today's Newpaper reported a certain Callie Rogers, who had hit the covers of nation-wide newspapers as the second-youngest winner of the lottery in the UK at the age of 16, had gone from everyone's hero and idol to a zero. Now, 6 yrs after that seemingly fortunate day she struck the 1.9 mil pounds cashprize, she is now a bankrupt.

That set me thinking... Does having more necessarily make you happier? Does owning more possessions and power make you happier? In essence, in this day and age that we live in, is having 'more' necessarily more? Or... does having less mean a more fulfilling life?

Yes, the short-lived, fleeting feeling of happiness with money and worldly possessions is great.. But that is all but the right path in the pursuit of REAL joy and happiness.

Let us want less from the world and more from God...

Right Here Waiting... For You

Oceans apart day after day
And I slowly go insane
I hear your voice on the line
But it doesn't stop the pain
If I see you next to never
How can we say forever

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

I took for granted,
all the times
That I though would last somehow
I hear the laughter, I taste the tears
But I can't get near you now
Oh, can't you see it baby
You've got me goin' crazy

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

I wonder how we can survive
This romance
But in the end if I'm with you
I'll take the chance

Oh, can't you see it baby
You've got me goin' crazy

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

The Officers' Creed

I am an officer of the Singapore Armed Forces.

My duty is to lead, to excel, and to overcome.

I lead my men by example.

I answer for their training, morale, and discipline.

I must excel in everything I do.

I serve with pride, honour, and integrity.

I will overcome adversity with courage, fortitude and determination,

I dedicate my life to Singapore.

I can still vividly remember the times this creed became real and meaningful; running around the parade square with the tyre and jerry cans each, during the runs up 'CTE' in Sarimbun FIBUA, during JCC, during torrid route marches, and during PAC.

Beware the Slow Fade

I love Casting Crowns. Though sometimes I think that their music is a little too rockish.. But I've grown to love them because the wonderful and meaningful lyrics they manage to pen. Can totally identify with them. Thank God for such great work!

Here's one that really struck me at my lowest point.

SLOW FADE

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see



i really meant those words, with all my heart, that day...

The Start of Something New

I have decided to post and blog again. Since there's so much time right now for this next yr, what better way than to post again! :)