tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335860872024-03-04T21:11:30.499-08:00John YeoAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-34703642416317799372012-03-18T15:09:00.000-07:002012-03-18T15:09:11.685-07:00An entry of Purpose... after a looooong year of silence<div style="color: #351c75;">Its more than a year since I last blogged here. This past year, I have been so caught up in my role as an administrator facing many new challenges and frustrations, somehow, this message from Andrew is truly uplifting. .... Thanks Andrew. All I can say is, God has His good purposes and plans for each and everyone of us. In His Time.</div><div style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</div>Hi Mr Yeo<br />
<br />
I hope you are doing great! <br />
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I've been mulling day after day about my future career. And one career option that keeps coming to mind is the teaching career. I am seriously considering the teaching career as I do think I have the passion to impact lives and value-add to their lives. And I would like to let you know, honestly, that one of the real reasons, why I am so inclined to this teaching profession is because of you. You exerted a great influence on me when you were my form teacher in secondary one. You were more than a teacher, you were a mentor and a role model. You also had great aspirations and you go all out in all you do. To top it off, I loved the way you treated CIP projects. It showcased your genuine love for the less fortunate out there. Our class, 1e7 went all out to create a mega CIP project under your leadership, not just for fame or recognition sake, but for the sake of helping the society. This is particularly in line with what God commands us to do. Amen.<br />
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In terms of Boys' Brigade, you were again my mentor. I aspire to be like you, a fun-loving teacher, who makes learning no chore, but joy. And I hope to impact other students the way you have impacted me. I am a testimony of how teaching can impact the lives of others. And I would like to thank you for your positive influence on my life.<br />
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<br />
I would also like to seek advice and guidance regarding this career option. <br />
<br />
<br />
Cheers <br />
Andrew Seah<br />
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PS. You have in your own way affected more lives than you can imagine, as you have been a precious instrument of God <img class="emote_img" src="http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/images/blank.gif" style="background-position: 0px 0pt;" title="=)" /><br />
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<br />
F1. i inspire others to write narrative inquiries of their teaching practice and beliefs... but yet i can't even write a book for those I have inspired;<br />
<br />
F2. i train others and design research on creativity... but yet i can't even find answers to my fundamental questions on creative thinking;<br />
<br />
F3. i encourage principals to empower teachers with authentic assessment ... but yet this particular P just kept insisting the teachers must still give a defining grade with the use of rubrics; <br />
<br />
F4. i help teachers recognise the importance of Lesson Study... but yet i can't even lead those i have partnered for months to understand what it means to 'see' learning from students' point of view;<br />
<br />
F5. i bring educators to understand the liberating power of constructivism and learning by inquiry ... but yet my wife purchases packs of exams papers for my P1 son;<br />
<br />
F6. i desire teachers to appreciate that education can be imaginative and exciting ... but yet my son's P1 form teacher sends weekly email to us parents on decontextualised modes of assessment- test, spelling and 听写;<br />
<br />
F7. i demonstrate to Singapore teachers how to maintain a healthy lifestyle from my video in MOE OLIVE... but yet for months I have been walking with a limp;<br />
<br />
F8. i exclaim that technology can transform the way digital natives learn and interact... but yet i kept editing and self-sensoring my own private thoughts for fear of backlash someday with my digital footprints; <br />
<br />
F9. i tell others its important to help children know that its ok to be themselves ... but yet i dont even dare to share the contents of this entry for fear i stumble i others;<br />
<br />
F10. i give creative parenting talks to other parents ... but yet i had to succumb using the cane to discipline my daughter;<br />
<br />
F11. i long to carry my son the way i used to... but yet each morning he refuses even to say goodbye to daddy;<br />
<br />
F12. i love my parents my deeply ... but yet i do not have the courage to say "I love you";<br />
<br />
F13. i really want a loving relationship with my wife ... but yet I never seem to match up her standards of keeping my study room tidy;<br />
<br />
F14. i (used to) teach others the harm alcohol does to the liver as a bio teacher ... but yet I drown my sorrows in wine; <br />
<br />
F15. i lead worship in church ... but yet my own relationship with God is...broken.<br />
<br />
In short ... i am a failure. F!<br />
<br />
o ... one more F.... i have done well to help some local ministries and govt agencies take on innovation to a new level both locally and overseas.... but yet i detest the idea that i need to be back in green undergoing 20th C regimental training next few weeks for a force that claims to develop 21st C 'warriors'. So much for assessing performance indicators of success for NE! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-22959896897928729412011-02-23T12:26:00.000-08:002011-02-24T08:43:21.744-08:00A 'scholarly' disappointmentIts been so long since i have submitted any blog entries....been just so busy. At this moment of time, I am feeling a little adverse to words like 'reflection' or 'narratives'. Yet, I just need to 'pen' this down after the past 5 hours of toss and turn, on the morning of my 36th Bday. I am not sure how I will react to this entry years later but at least, I like to capture a glimpse of an important (failed) 'scholarly' aspiration.<br />
<br />
I had this wish for this new 'beginning'- to accomplish some good academic writing so that I can grow towards being more than a good teacher-educator but really to step onto path of being a scholar. But the email below from someone I respect was somewhat... devastating. Not sure why but this really seemed more painful then I can bear. <br />
<div style="color: #666666;"><br />
</div><div><b style="color: #666666;">Subject:</b><span style="color: #666666;"> </span><b style="color: #666666;">Your understanding and support please!</b><br />
<br />
<blockquote style="color: #666666;" type="cite"></blockquote><div dir="ltr" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;">Hi John,</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #666666;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I had an appointment with XXX to consult her on my application for XXX and XXX. She went through my files with me and pointed out to me that she found most of my XXX, especially the major ones, were co-authored with others, mainly with my XXX as the XXX in them. One important advice she offered to me was that I need to have more single-authored publications by myself to demonstrate by this year that I am capable of producing mature scholarship independently. My XXX under way this year are mostly around XXX to be co-authored with XXX and others. So I am writing to really seek your understanding and support in my editing alone the XXX as a token to show my capacity of independent scholarship. See the XXX that I finished as attached. I will definitely be supporting you to finish the XXX with you as the XXX. <span style="font-family: tahoma;"> I cherish our wonderful and productive XXX year dearly. Hoping you understand my current urgent need for XXX for securing my XXX as I am finishing up my XXX in a few months' time. </span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"></div>I just feel a terrible sense of ... disappointment? I have been very driven since end of last cohort as XX and I have had shared this vision of writing this book compiling some XXX from earlier classes and started our discussion and editing work. I do admit it's been hard to squeeze more time with the heavy XXX and preparing with the new course. But... To me, that vision was an important academic milestone. Something I have worked hard and really looking forward to. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Many questions in me... Yes, perhaps academic writing is really not my cup of tea. But then, who am I to ask for anything given I am just a seconded staff and I really ought be grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow and be mentored? I feel this extreme sadness within, though I really sincerely wish XXX well and success. </div><div><br />
XXX XXX XXX</div><div><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-51098656180259694252010-11-14T04:53:00.000-08:002010-11-14T17:00:18.732-08:00Some private thoughts on your final paper..<link href="file://localhost/Users/johnyeo/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">Dear 811 friend...</div><o:p></o:p>Yanping and I had a good time discussing til very late Fri night on how wonderful it was reading each of your NIs. Well, I went home to focus on my next 'presentation'.... well, side-track a little… I have been invited to speak to a group of 800 teachers on an area- creativity in education. Not to boast of how 'good' i am but to share on how 'weak' and scared i really am feeling right now. Somehow the fear of speaking to such a large audience has never been more overwhelming than this. Yet, somehow, just when I am still 'stuck' with thinking… what do these teachers want to hear on creativity… what would be helpful … what would be inspiring so that we can all be more creative teachers to inspire that creative difference in our children. <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">This tenuous thinking process strangely led to the question I asked you 2 weeks back<b>- “What is a GREAT teacher?”</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">I revisited the flipcharts and then my Facebook postings. Truth of matter is, I don’t have a 'model answer'. (and I so apologise esp if I have misled u to believing there is..) Yes, Kok Leong's group rightly pointed out Fri night that there will always have politically correct answers while with some hidden truths. Michael was upfront to say, "<i>perhaps John was not satisfied with our politically correct replies that’s why he posted on his facebook..</i>." Sorry but yes, I wasn't convinced that your answers were a clear distinction between Good and Great. I suspect one attribute of a great teacher is one who dares take <b><i>risk</i></b>- especially in our highly conformist system. I am not implying that having the courage to take risk is necessarily the best way... but from your all your NIs, I learnt <b>that RISK THROUGH PERSONAL COURAGE</b> is when you dare stand up for your students when others look down on these ‘losers’, risk is when you dare admit that we are not perfect teachers yet we need to live up to the expectations of others, risk is when your students (esp to the more 'challenging' classes like NT) make excessive demands upon your time and resources, risk is when you dare admit there are times we as teachers feel scared with what you have started, but gone ahead anyway.... risk is when, you know others will turn their back against you...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am also ashamed to say that I myself have never written a complete 18 pages NI before. <i> D</i>o you remember I asked you- Does winning some school or national award make you a GREAT teacher? Fact is, such awards do acknowledge your hard work. But yes,,, we give honor to the many other unsung heros. I was once awarded several awards too for a particular project on Service Learning... where I in my leadership position took the risk to give special 'rights' to do something that is different from all the other classes. I was questioned for my intentions by other teachers… but I went ahead nonetheless. This was a Sec 1 class that had MSG head over heels compared to all other classes. Yet, as the form teacher, I was saddened with this ‘high ability’ students who dare tell me in my face don't waste their time with unnecessary projects. Parents who say, let my child take a CCA take require minimal involvement as their are here to excel academically. In class, though a little fun loving, they lacked the camaraderie of other children. This was a class with an 'Attitude'! I wanted them to experience more important life lesson of humility and learning to work tog and CARING for others. I wanted them to experience that there is more than just academic excellence. I wanted this class to work on a mega-project work on Service Learning. They chose to raise funds for the Children Cancer Foundation (then, 'housed' under NKF) They worked hard to organise themselves, interacted with the cancer children and brought them to Jurong Bird Park and used their works to make into artifacts to raise funds through auction. Everything well as I planned and kids grew closer, genuinely caring for the less priviledge. In June, the NKF's TT Durai golden tap case was blown out and different ministries got involved. MOE gave a stern warning to stop all fund raising for NKF. My P called me to stop the project even though it was towards the end- right before the actual fund raising segment. I had to gather the kids and explained to them and of course to recognise their hardwork. Yet, magically, during the post SL reflection, the boy who once told me to don't waste time on non academic related project work matters, stood up and reminded the class why we did what we did. He said that while he was assigned to be Hafiz's buddy (the patient who needed to carry an oxygen tank everywhere he went) over the two days of interaction, he realised that he was so much more fortunate. This once proud and arrogrant boy said "Its not pity he wanted from us, its friendship" these words still etched in my heart til today. It was these words that got the whole class to tell me that I should not just stop this project so abruptly. I was beyond my wits. While the kids were crying becos each of them remembered the interaction they had with the patient buddy over the two days, I too was touched …but really I was beyonf my wits. After that sobbing session, the boy came to apologise for what he said at the start of the year… he shared that he was abused by his step father as a child and was often branded ‘useless’ by this step father. He told himself since than that he will work hard and not be looked down upon. He reminded so much of myself. If u remember I once shared that as a child I was violated physically near school compound and no teachers believed in my story becos I was a ‘bad boy’ who often fought with school prefects- I vowed to be a good teacher one day… and since then worked myself up both academically and in behaviour and rose to be a prefect… his convictions reminded me of who I was and why I wanted to become a teacher…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">AnywAY, the class by consensus said they will take over since they know that my P did not allow this project to carry on. As 13 year old sec one students of the top class, they secretly called for a Meet the Parents Meeting and asked the P along as they presented their revised plan so that they could finish what they wanted to do. They coerced the parents to gather permission and to convince the P they will finish up their project by a month and not let their grades drop at all. Scary to say, their revised plan was even more grand than what was initially planned for... I know I couldn't support it along and yes, poitically speaking, i should not. Some of colleagues heard about it and volunteered to help and gave their time over the weakends to be involved. Even other classes (both upper and lower sec classes volunteered to support this 'grand plan'). I really couldn’t do it at all and was fearful of the repercussions every step. Yet, in the end, it was the class, the volunteers- parents, other classes and my colleagues that showed me that it was possible. In the end, this story was featured in the papers, it won awards but the credit was not mind. Minister Vivien Bala… on stage whispered “you must have been a great inspiring teacher…” but you know, I knew in my heart, perhaps it was just a brief moment of greatness with a lot of risk at stake- for which I could have been suspended or sacked from MOE for defying higher orders. But intuitively, I think I knew i just had to do it even with the risk at stake. In that lesson session for 811, one of the things I was hoping, for which none of you said, but was reflected by someone else in my FB, was the need for group learning- peer development. You know why teachers segment work from friendship- why cant departments grow becos they want to see the best in students- and are willing to unpack what defines ‘best’? I tell you… with all the work in LS that I do in schools… I outright reject schools that say, help us to show that LS can improve results…. I m sorry… improving results is a by-product. John Yeo loves John Dewey … ok perhaps I am getting overboard and pls great teachers should not get runk... This is not my NI… </div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">The crux of the matter is….Why do you really need to bother about the final paper… let me explain from a personal perspective… I did my masters in US… I wanted to really learn how to be a great teacher (even though we are all created different) to inspire teachers to teach more creatively (because teaching is really sometimes a ‘wicked’ job)… and till this day, why I choice to b seconded to NIE even though I was given option to eb a school leader…. Becos I think teachers to recognize that their work is not in vain, tat we need to have research to encourage Singapore teachers to continue the good work we are doing. I was offered a teaching position with full scholarship in a US university… this to an Asian is a rare opportunity. To b reallllllllllllllllllllllllllllly honest, I miss being a classroom teacher, but I am clear why I m here. I believe strongly that research informs practice and we have so much good work going here in SG… I m jealous of the good work you are doing in the classroom but I know God put me here for a purpose… you know,,,, I lost my second child due to a miscarriage when I was in US… yet my good wife told me, if you believe in what you hope to do, then persist. It was a difficult decision then to stay on, I was a top student in my cohort and my research project was gaining so much traction yet…. I believe sincerely that the way this final paper was crafted…. with all my heart that this VISION paper will be something that its all worthwhile as you truly seek for your own navigator. Look beyond the grades and write it ONLY FOR YOURSELF.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel sad. I feel sad that this is the last sem I am teaching 811, that I will miss the wonderful learning from each of you. Perhaps, unlike other modules where there is plenty of 'know-hows', just like Borko (2009)<impressed a="" apa="" can="" cite="" drank="" huh?="" in="" me="" still="" that=""> says a wicked problem has no one correct answer, that its contextually bound, dynamic and interrelated. May your time invested in the group project and final paper be a personally meaningful and fruitful learning experience. While I continue to think about how may I challenge these 800 teachers to greatness (I m not proposing that creative teaching as a mainspring of greatness)... yes, this was also part of my own vision paper- to inspire teachers to be more creative educators. I just like to thank each and everyone of you for such a wonderful learning experience for me in 811. </impressed></div><div class="MsoNormal">Before I close and perhaps to sober up to think about my 800 teachers presentation… teaching is an emotive work… why did you think I trick you into opening up and talking about the emotional labor of teaching in session 3… o my goodness…. Before I regret doing what I m doing…. Pls know I sincerely looked upon you as my friend n teacher in 811….</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sincere thoughts and blessings</div><div class="MsoNormal">JOhn</div><div class="MsoNormal">P.S. in Chinese… they say.. jiu hou tu zhen qin… after wine, is where find the most ‘real’ you. I know it’s a risk, but hey… I don’t really care… I just wish for each and every one of you to aspire greatness in what you can do and will do as a teacher and school leaders…. To me… there are just too few great teachers around. May 811 take you along for your journey of your Greatness.. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-21107874777410676472010-09-27T17:41:00.000-07:002010-09-27T17:51:19.245-07:00What has God got to do with Chicken Rice?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUf2K8hHXkTcA7CdlPTdx8qn1ju-OxnAyNRAw9lar3aOC1Y_LebdDksRjECh1r-nJPyx2iZ11jBTLni8oPR2dyvWxwtoq4veiPiuD3nNf8BbZ2xw9nsdcDAPPxytKXurmTFzTRUA/s1600/chickenrice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUf2K8hHXkTcA7CdlPTdx8qn1ju-OxnAyNRAw9lar3aOC1Y_LebdDksRjECh1r-nJPyx2iZ11jBTLni8oPR2dyvWxwtoq4veiPiuD3nNf8BbZ2xw9nsdcDAPPxytKXurmTFzTRUA/s320/chickenrice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I was talking to a close brother in Christ- Edmund Nai on prayer and I found it easy to ask him why I often felt so 'distant' from our heavenly Father. He asked me in return- "What do you teach about when someone asked you how to communicate effectively?" Interesting as I could sense where he was leading me with this abstraction exercise. I listed the following: <em>Need to be honest and real, genuine interest to discuss, keep an open mind, active listening, waiting, pacing, body language, willingness to accept no response, not be judgemental, etc</em>. The logic than became a clear fit for me- have I practiced the above if I was genuinely communicating with God. Wonderful points of reflection! Hearing God's voice was something we desired and he shared the need to have a strong desire and pure heart, laying aside our pre-conceptions and focus on communicating honestly with God as a process for spiritual growth.<br />
<br />
Before we closed, Edmund invited me to close my eyes and ask- <em>"What does God <span style="color: red;"><strong>FEEL</strong></span> towards me?"</em> I clarified- 'think' OR 'feel'? Yes FEEL was the focus. In order to 'feel close' as that should be nothing that can hinder us from the love of God since the redemption has already been paid on the cross. I was excited and ready, but was I really ready? I prayed and asked but somehow, was unable to clear the <strike><span style="color: magenta;"><strong>olfactory, tempting, </strong></span></strike> distraction- wonderful fragrance of chicken rice that someone was dining in a nearby place. Quite shamefully, I opened my eyes and confessed that I was distracted .... by the smell of chicken rice. Edmund in that instant shared that he actually felt the urge to remind me while I closed my eyes that sometime God uses the immediate images to speak to us- and this had nothing to do with the chicken rice then. He indicated that since what he felt was exactly how I was 'stuck' in that moment- perhaps that 'smell' was so distinct and it really did not happen by chance. And perhaps this was also God's creative way of speaking. I closed my eyes and asked again, "<em>God how do you feel towards me?". </em>This time, the smell reminded me of how much I delight in food and that immediately connected to how God delights in my happy giving- giving to others, to enjoy fellowship or simply being who I really am- a happy and creative individual. I found peace in this strange yet comforting sense of understanding and chose to accept it. The next moment I opened my eyes, the guy eating the chicken rice had already left. <br />
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This unusal yet powerful experience was a timely reminder that we serve a very creative God. While I often teach others to use the Visual Connections as a creative strategy to find new ideas, little did I know that God can use the same trick to enlighten me too! If God places in me a desire to seek for novelty, than the Father of all Creation can use this same disposition to creatively connect with us- in a way that is most easy, comforting and close to our hearts. Unusual yet, beautifully meaningful at a personal level. <br />
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<blockquote><em><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Creativity is the ability to look at the ordinary, and see the ... extraordinary. </strong></span></em></blockquote><blockquote><em><span style="color: blue;">Dewitt Jones</span></em></blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-29205172368879594202010-08-06T19:43:00.000-07:002010-08-06T19:43:36.598-07:00An interesting Facebook conversation from something so seemingly trivial<h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span class="UIIntentionalStory_Names" data-ft="{"type":"name"}"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="UIStory_Message" style="font-weight: normal;">I posted this on Facebook last week after a conversation with Joshua.</span></span></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="UIStory_Message" style="font-weight: normal;">On my FB wall, I wrote- <span style="color: blue;">Son just asked me-" 爸爸, u r a science teacher, can u tell me why my teacher say when we put our underwear in the freezer, it can help save the earth?" I m trying v v hard to defer judgement.... What should I say ????</span></span></span></h3><ul class="uiList uiUfi fbUfi" data-ft="{"type":"ufi"}"><li class="uiUfiComments"><ul class="commentList"><li class="uiUfiComment
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UIImageBlock_SMALL_Content"><a class="actorName" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=601121364" href="http://www.facebook.com/fredchong.sg">Frederick Chong</a> Tell teacher,"My daddy tried but he's no superhero still.."<div class="uiTextSubtitle commentActions"><abbr data-date="Thu, 05 Aug 2010 07:45:44 -0700" title="Thursday, August 5,
2010 at 10:45pm">Thursday at 10:45pm</abbr> · <span class="uiTextSubtitle comment_like_1221482"><button class="stat_elem as_link" name="like_comment_id[1221482]" title="Like this comment" type="submit" value="1221482"><span class="default_message">Like</span><span class="saving_message">Unlike</span></button></span> · <label class="uiLinkButton async_throbber"><input class="stat_elem" name="delete[1221482]" type="submit" value="Delete" /></label></div></div></div></li>
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UIImageBlock_SMALL_Content"><a class="actorName" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=748497641" href="http://www.facebook.com/yeojohn75">John Yeo</a> Good one Fred... Thanks for reminder. Now to go look for my red cape. Maybe my old and torn crocodile undies be helpful too... <div class="uiTextSubtitle commentActions"><abbr data-date="Thu, 05 Aug 2010 07:54:29 -0700" title="Thursday, August 5,
2010 at 10:54pm">Thursday at 10:54pm</abbr> · <span class="uiTextSubtitle comment_like_1221532"><button class="stat_elem as_link" name="like_comment_id[1221532]" title="Like this comment" type="submit" value="1221532"><span class="default_message">Like</span><span class="saving_message">Unlike</span></button> · <a class="uiTooltip
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<li class="uiUfiComment comment_1221711 ufiItem"><div class="UIImageBlock
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UIImageBlock_SMALL_Content"><a class="actorName" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=656743321" href="http://www.facebook.com/FROGjohn">John C Lim</a> i really would like to know what is the teacher's answer to that remark. If he/she cannot give an acceptable answer, MOE should need to answer parents what kind of teacher they had employed to <div class="uiTextSubtitle commentActions"><abbr data-date="Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:24:22 -0700" title="Thursday, August 5,
2010 at 11:24pm">Thursday at 11:24pm</abbr> · <span class="uiTextSubtitle comment_like_1221711"><button class="stat_elem as_link" name="like_comment_id[1221711]" title="Like this comment" type="submit" value="1221711"><span class="default_message">Like</span><span class="saving_message">Unlike</span></button></span> · <label class="uiLinkButton async_throbber"><input class="stat_elem" name="delete[1221711]" type="submit" value="Delete" /></label></div></div></div></li>
<li class="uiUfiComment comment_1221795 ufiItem"><div class="UIImageBlock
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UIImageBlock_SMALL_Content"><a class="actorName" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=731464494" href="http://www.facebook.com/lookang">Loo Kang Lawrence Wee</a> not everything people say is true. Decide and verify yourself the validity of that hypothesis<div class="uiTextSubtitle
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<li class="uiUfiComment comment_1222106 ufiItem"><div class="UIImageBlock
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UIImageBlock_SMALL_Content"><a class="actorName" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=656743321" href="http://www.facebook.com/FROGjohn">John C Lim</a> <div class="text_exposed_root" id="id_4c5cc68ae3c1c00da2bd0">allow me to rephrase. "kids are kids. they are in a learning mode. They will absorb what their teachers teach to be true. It is good that Josh will ask Teacher Daddy, but not all parents pay extra attention to what their kids learn, and for<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"> some when parents ask, they simply do not respond, so, the children assume what they learn in school is correct. My daughter will came home one day and argue with me about 'rain rain go away', because the tune was somewhat out of rhythm, i corrected her. Her reply was, 'no, teacher teach me is like that'. so, kids accept what their teacher teach to be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Of course if we are talking to a secondary school kids or jc student, they are already at the stage where they know how to judge whether the teacher is teaching or joking. but at early childhood teaching, for me, age between 2 up to, even primary school, primary 3-6, we cannot expect children to judge accordingly. So, if there are teachers who teach such things, we as responsible parents should be ask what kind of teacher is that? and we should also ask, whether Singapore is really in a state of shortage of teachers, when we should take in 'tom, dick and harry' to teach our children? (of course, i had known good responsible teachers but this one is a black-sheep among the white ones.)"</span><span class="text_exposed_hide"><span class="text_exposed_link"><a href="" onclick="CSS.addClass($("id_4c5cc68ae3c1c00da2bd0"), "text_exposed");">See More</a></span></span></div><div class="uiTextSubtitle commentActions"><abbr data-date="Thu, 05 Aug 2010
09:38:02 -0700" title="Friday, August 6, 2010 at 12:38am">Yesterday at 12:38am</abbr> · <span class="uiTextSubtitle comment_like_1222106"><button class="stat_elem
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<li class="uiUfiComment comment_1223706 ufiItem"><div class="UIImageBlock
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UIImageBlock_SMALL_Content"><a class="actorName" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=748497641" href="http://www.facebook.com/yeojohn75">John Yeo</a> <div class="text_exposed_root" id="id_4c5cc68ae45f81ba1b0ab">Wow... Thanks for the very thoughtful comment guys. Interesting it's all the daddies staging this discussion. I think it's a matter of perspectives. Firstly, from a child's perspective, did he interpret what the teacher said accurately? At <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">the very least, the teacher was highly successful in helping the child inquire about some scientific principles. There is a high level of logical reasoning involved here and I sincerely celebrate that the teacher was able to stir the curiosity of the young mind. Hypothetically, what does it mean to 'save the world'? Look at the quick connection Fred made immediately in his first comment. Rather then passing off as thinking it was a silly joke, is there value in verifying that question? Digging deeper, could there be certain excretory substance that contain some catalyst that can be activated below zero degree c? Ever wondered how Viagra, penicillin, or post-its came about? From a parenting perspective, I am more curious to ask my wife why she wanted Josh to ask me that question- was it stemming from an intent of ignorance, of wonder (and amusement) or of (loving) trust that the scientific father may know better??? Now I am really curious ....</span><span class="text_exposed_hide"><span class="text_exposed_link"><a href="" onclick="CSS.addClass($("id_4c5cc68ae45f81ba1b0ab"), "text_exposed");">See More</a></span></span></div><div class="uiTextSubtitle commentActions"><abbr data-date="Thu, 05 Aug 2010
13:43:48 -0700" title="Friday, August 6, 2010 at 4:43am">Yesterday at 4:43am</abbr> · <span class="uiTextSubtitle
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UIImageBlock_SMALL_Content"><a class="actorName" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=601121364" href="http://www.facebook.com/fredchong.sg">Frederick Chong</a> <div class="text_exposed_root" id="id_4c5cc68ae49ac3f0edda0">I can't help but think everyone is over-analysing this simple statement. 1. Cold gonads, less thinking of reproduction, hence less over-population.<br />
2. Cold gonads, prolonged sensation of feeling cool, hence less need for air-conditioning (t<span class="text_exposed_hide"></span><span class="text_exposed_show">hink electricity, heat, fossil fuels)</span><span class="text_exposed_hide"><span class="text_exposed_link"><a href="" onclick="CSS.addClass($("id_4c5cc68ae49ac3f0edda0"), "text_exposed");">See More</a></span></span></div><div class="uiTextSubtitle commentActions"><abbr class="timestamp" data-date="Thu, 05 Aug 2010
20:25:47 -0700" title="Friday, August 6, 2010 at 11:25am">23 hours ago</abbr> · <span class="uiTextSubtitle comment_like_1226151"><button class="stat_elem
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UIImageBlock_SMALL_Content"><a class="actorName" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=607899911" href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=607899911">Allan Yeo</a> wow i need to hang out with all of you more. Science out of my area and after reading this post, i've already learnt so much more about my freezer<div class="uiTextSubtitle commentActions"><abbr class="timestamp" data-date="Fri, 06 Aug 2010 05:52:49 -0700" title="Friday,
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</ul><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Sometimes you really never know what social media platforms like FB can do in terms of knowledge co-creation. From the above discussion, there was so much to learn about critical and creative thinking and more importantly, how people can read/ misread information. All said and done, I am lurving it!</span></span></span></h3>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-44961440826473371502010-07-06T19:01:00.000-07:002010-07-06T19:02:24.678-07:00The Brick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-Hz9XrK9qCXZpIzrdxutAynQnVnQbqemoooGSBogNfL5Y8_y6JCkiWyfOjkqFErszQ9xiXGBLZcAk6Hin3vnp-YiR5vWBTWnSr7G9-upW2YrdOoRd87jpAZ93aoj7oRpFQXbJQ/s1600/brick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-Hz9XrK9qCXZpIzrdxutAynQnVnQbqemoooGSBogNfL5Y8_y6JCkiWyfOjkqFErszQ9xiXGBLZcAk6Hin3vnp-YiR5vWBTWnSr7G9-upW2YrdOoRd87jpAZ93aoj7oRpFQXbJQ/s200/brick.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The following story received was an encouragement during days where I felt constantly 'heated' while roving on the roads. I was 'hateful' of so many different drivers- those zooming past recklessly, those far too slow-and-steady type, the lady drivers who don't seem to give a hoot of external road conditions. I always ended feeling angry. I may only drive a humble red Honda jazz but this still serves as a timely reminder. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door!<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"></div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver </span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">a parked car shouting, 'What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money Why did you do it?' The young boy was apologetic. 'Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do,' He pleaded. 'I threw the brick because no one else would stop...' With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. 'It's my brother, 'he said 'He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up.'</span> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, 'Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me.'</span> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. 'Thank you and may God bless you,' the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy! push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.</span> <span style="font-size: small;"> <br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;">It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message:</span><i style="color: #073763;">'<span style="color: #741b47;">Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention</span>!' </i><span style="color: #073763;">God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #c2feff; font-size: 18pt;"></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #28feff; font-size: 36pt;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-10783655597785913592010-06-08T21:51:00.000-07:002010-06-09T00:25:51.049-07:00Its so hard to say Goodbye 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qWnKMImuyG1AHEpnbiqNAiNTJTA6lFknhyphenhyphenC0HS3_Aa76AcjzP12_q66DcyUzj9ioiJG74B5OAOJp7-X-FOYCPzC-rLFChH21ADpO-Me89uFY8aWUW_CifOmr8hZh_E6w5eMzzg/s1600/IMG_0963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qWnKMImuyG1AHEpnbiqNAiNTJTA6lFknhyphenhyphenC0HS3_Aa76AcjzP12_q66DcyUzj9ioiJG74B5OAOJp7-X-FOYCPzC-rLFChH21ADpO-Me89uFY8aWUW_CifOmr8hZh_E6w5eMzzg/s320/IMG_0963.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxS3EiIVJ8Qv7iiDpc-KliBuZJxf8uQ-pd4Te3Gzc-uWudcAKyw02Y9GbqKun1GCMrMIyDqjua30mzA_VRJhHidrBfjY0F32lbe5_43d2JtNUH2jegCh645A0yq3CEFvlTfc8F6w/s1600/IMG_0964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxS3EiIVJ8Qv7iiDpc-KliBuZJxf8uQ-pd4Te3Gzc-uWudcAKyw02Y9GbqKun1GCMrMIyDqjua30mzA_VRJhHidrBfjY0F32lbe5_43d2JtNUH2jegCh645A0yq3CEFvlTfc8F6w/s320/IMG_0964.JPG" /></a></div>From a very special group of fun loving yet hardworking students, the poster and the shirt were some of the most sentimental farewell gifts I received many years ago. Unfortunately, the poster needs to be taken down from my study room after all these years. Thank God for technology and how Blogs can help preserve memories....<br />
<br />
Sigh... This was indeed a very special class to me. The unforgettable 2N1. They were initially a pretty tough bunch to motivate them to learn Science during Sec 1. However, getting to know their interest better, I realised that the best strategy was simply to find wacky themes that were related to the topic I was teaching.<br />
<br />
I can vaguely remember some of the topics:<br />
<ul><li>Using <i>Super heroes</i> on learning about the physics topic of Forces (yes, I wore a red underwear outside my pants to class);</li>
<li><i>Frying Chay Tow Kway</i> on learning about Heat Changes and </li>
<li>Playing with <i>Lego bricks</i> to build sperms and eggs to learn about sexual reproduction.</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOWSnZWJK0Fa0lk06gMRzAd9iGVEaECwPTj7fGaW3Vw2afZhr-WMGV-WnB3fyH5jEBKa6UQEkvMEiAEFAYrEe0GsPB1JIhZAYttXfFnv_KjvCQOnMqdwahkxMYe47fa7O6t9xXA/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOWSnZWJK0Fa0lk06gMRzAd9iGVEaECwPTj7fGaW3Vw2afZhr-WMGV-WnB3fyH5jEBKa6UQEkvMEiAEFAYrEe0GsPB1JIhZAYttXfFnv_KjvCQOnMqdwahkxMYe47fa7O6t9xXA/s200/IMG_0967.JPG" width="158" /></a></div>It was definitely pretty wild to teach science back then with such crazy ideas. Thankfully, I managed also to 'wow' them.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4pVynNk1KHuZKOgzEGHBhgF14pdLUAxUpQKqm7MFljPq0w0Ma8nWxIr03DAOq2YSmzOC7CMJnbHPZDo-OTdyr8o8ghch3zDJMbzZ1jzpCFfjs_Uu-IXbN2x2wlQ5Bhft_RP2lg/s1600/IMG_0968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4pVynNk1KHuZKOgzEGHBhgF14pdLUAxUpQKqm7MFljPq0w0Ma8nWxIr03DAOq2YSmzOC7CMJnbHPZDo-OTdyr8o8ghch3zDJMbzZ1jzpCFfjs_Uu-IXbN2x2wlQ5Bhft_RP2lg/s200/IMG_0968.JPG" width="150" /></a> Shortly after I left the school, the class appeared on the local news ...<br />
http://www.gazotube.com/pN0zS9XgWoQ.html<br />
<br />
BUT little did I realise, I was also 'posted' onto youtube ...<br />
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNHrrvoGxE4<br />
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjj912yQpSE&feature=related<br />
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNrDEi6Dd54&feature=related <br />
<br />
<br />
As the students have all graduated and moved on in their lives, I can but only cherish such fond memories of the days I was still a classroom teacher! 2N1 rockx!!!<br />
<br />
From<b style="color: red; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Super Yeo</b>... presenting my 2 little Super Heros!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNUxYajlj7DuUXClNokuA4zBspx2ydb5tjAOP5bwG1J8U342_-CBN6w4ou0_k1CtiK1CBcIrEYKEjzLYHtBNUzMsRRvYqUls1MzXHFHRsV7fHikebMDdO4cHkijZDslOC1NGQ9Q/s1600/IMG_0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNUxYajlj7DuUXClNokuA4zBspx2ydb5tjAOP5bwG1J8U342_-CBN6w4ou0_k1CtiK1CBcIrEYKEjzLYHtBNUzMsRRvYqUls1MzXHFHRsV7fHikebMDdO4cHkijZDslOC1NGQ9Q/s320/IMG_0956.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHCPyT-kKr5fqHe_df5Gi1AEg6XaHM5Gnj3EYahBI3n1705z-yOEI8vlS-tOTR783go1z0TKP-675OZbsz8eSbgrN-6ponB1ih78fujwD92sIRD76thiUq_M9BagSmc9s80K7AA/s1600/IMG_0957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHCPyT-kKr5fqHe_df5Gi1AEg6XaHM5Gnj3EYahBI3n1705z-yOEI8vlS-tOTR783go1z0TKP-675OZbsz8eSbgrN-6ponB1ih78fujwD92sIRD76thiUq_M9BagSmc9s80K7AA/s320/IMG_0957.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaWmdloePgfGVCeUAm2Ui7ZTUPLSGkhFdS3LLb9dT8YLpEirahOxQNHPaBvJPEi3G64XjAJ_H3_oMdqNy68VQlMJTux_8-piAM_FZfPg9HLx8783FpfmO3-0f2wUbnPqXoINjvQ/s1600/IMG_0958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaWmdloePgfGVCeUAm2Ui7ZTUPLSGkhFdS3LLb9dT8YLpEirahOxQNHPaBvJPEi3G64XjAJ_H3_oMdqNy68VQlMJTux_8-piAM_FZfPg9HLx8783FpfmO3-0f2wUbnPqXoINjvQ/s320/IMG_0958.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqA5ppU6BpKm3m51kDCOK58aOx2dgp9_zOZUttCmjZhykTvA4S5fOzLWcnRNcMhuns-QB6JRda0SHQXviN-1zxHLBZ-bN6Q8x97qm67FbYAMZQZGVBQB33eNQCsyOxx6zMJQ_Uiw/s1600/DSC05653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqA5ppU6BpKm3m51kDCOK58aOx2dgp9_zOZUttCmjZhykTvA4S5fOzLWcnRNcMhuns-QB6JRda0SHQXviN-1zxHLBZ-bN6Q8x97qm67FbYAMZQZGVBQB33eNQCsyOxx6zMJQ_Uiw/s320/DSC05653.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFO5_eZWCZ4I6pjKNso_u-rGU85kTFuoK9Agi1ACx04ksLjfo-mfNpPmMXJYl6ONtuk1GrMC7J5RR_0JGglo8ohsA-G4OH9etHZuVzO4Tv3Zy0LLBLYbJPFyUm3UiwCiEbommzA/s1600/IMG_0333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFO5_eZWCZ4I6pjKNso_u-rGU85kTFuoK9Agi1ACx04ksLjfo-mfNpPmMXJYl6ONtuk1GrMC7J5RR_0JGglo8ohsA-G4OH9etHZuVzO4Tv3Zy0LLBLYbJPFyUm3UiwCiEbommzA/s320/IMG_0333.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSeaQj1KZE7XO8ITHw72YAcwRN0tesuzHq0w21Z-YoVFeiXPNlhyphenhyphenDpRqgVIenWer8AfoQwt3C3UwOWvdol8q3X8AD25zPysi3ghe9SV5BQOgbIq7SiUkofPKezCBBuDNxTntyLRg/s1600/IMG_0335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSeaQj1KZE7XO8ITHw72YAcwRN0tesuzHq0w21Z-YoVFeiXPNlhyphenhyphenDpRqgVIenWer8AfoQwt3C3UwOWvdol8q3X8AD25zPysi3ghe9SV5BQOgbIq7SiUkofPKezCBBuDNxTntyLRg/s320/IMG_0335.JPG" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-35729023452371138432010-06-08T11:51:00.000-07:002010-06-09T00:29:39.662-07:00Its so hard to say Goodbye 1<div style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Torn between NOKIA and IPHONE</b></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I loved my Nokia-s!!!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyVL5xsc1uw0gcqEelVARuEbGfYHqGWLJAtGjk1W0FngS7NhKkQV2kXHw4KllNQ_fWznsHYvlS_JlhPqfCH3d8jY53Wg0wFFKNjwig7oqagRvzE4l7nl-SBQ-XyXn6BoVAPnO9w/s1600/IMG_0966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyVL5xsc1uw0gcqEelVARuEbGfYHqGWLJAtGjk1W0FngS7NhKkQV2kXHw4KllNQ_fWznsHYvlS_JlhPqfCH3d8jY53Wg0wFFKNjwig7oqagRvzE4l7nl-SBQ-XyXn6BoVAPnO9w/s320/IMG_0966.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Was deleting Air Supply's "<i><b>Goodbye</b></i>" from my list of ringtones and the lyrics lingered. After more than 15 years of sticking faithfully to Nokia, I have decided to abandon ship for a new found love- iphone.... <i>(now waiting to lay my hands on iPhone 4).</i> However, with my last Nokia E63 I had a habit of collecting some of the more meaningful/ interesting/ crazy/ encouraging/egoistic sms-es. Here's my attempt to re-capture them before I bid these memories a final sayonara..then re-adjusting to the new sms interface in iphone.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My Favorite SMSes - Stored Memories in Nokia</b><b> <span style="font-size: small;"><i style="color: #cccccc;">(in nearly chronological order-bkwds)</i></span></b></span><br />
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<div style="color: black;"><i><b>From my wife- On my ups and downs from June 2009 to May 2010......</b></i></div><blockquote><span style="color: blue;">"Pls also honor your work by doing well too. Love you" </span><br />
<div style="color: purple;"></div></blockquote><blockquote><span style="color: purple;">"Hubby, you got 2 lots of dbs@ 15.30 and 1 lot @15.02" </span></blockquote><blockquote><span style="color: blue;">"After what u did, I m falling very much in love with you again" </span></blockquote><blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMvtFnTirbftnWwPtdUIY4sC2sj4kL9LUUeI-opQTezeVBTW9T9I6GGyNELZtv6ZOBzD_6uXaBv0tqDFFtCzM-ga1pO4XOcK43K0boF8H_vTTNiQOip1RTjFdDnxGFYzNXVmg6A/s1600/van+n+i" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMvtFnTirbftnWwPtdUIY4sC2sj4kL9LUUeI-opQTezeVBTW9T9I6GGyNELZtv6ZOBzD_6uXaBv0tqDFFtCzM-ga1pO4XOcK43K0boF8H_vTTNiQOip1RTjFdDnxGFYzNXVmg6A/s320/van+n+i" /></a><span style="color: purple;">"We are alright. Yr son didn't want to speak with you. I guess he is upset and misses you. He told me he feels like crying in school but didn't. Then he told me he's a good boy." </span><br />
<div style="color: blue;"></div></blockquote><blockquote><span style="color: blue;">"You are most welcome. I stayed up to wait for you although sleepy. Because I missed you and your supper... ha ha" </span></blockquote><blockquote><div style="color: purple;">"Don't be. Whatever difficult times and impossible, we (with our helper) have coped through those times. There is no mountain too big to move. You can do it and will be bk to SG next wk. Why don't you go out and hav some fun... lonely and freedom days for you going to b over soon. We love you. Joanna is better already. Thank God!"</div></blockquote><div style="color: black;"><b><br />
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<b><i>From F* (NIE MLS student, I/2010)- On my teaching style ...</i></b></div><blockquote style="color: blue;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-TqI4CD6blLSpFtbsTdt5sguAilE39HTMrLceZxwmJvejza4i8hgWhjJ62B67PsY79XYh4c7Y5WXujIu1k1FWtzp9gKgOOcg2lK1M4hN9zDQyBPUhtT6diQcMwNAgKV0Ucrxjw/s1600/DSCN2310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-TqI4CD6blLSpFtbsTdt5sguAilE39HTMrLceZxwmJvejza4i8hgWhjJ62B67PsY79XYh4c7Y5WXujIu1k1FWtzp9gKgOOcg2lK1M4hN9zDQyBPUhtT6diQcMwNAgKV0Ucrxjw/s200/DSCN2310.JPG" width="200" /></a>"I've always thought u have your unique ways of connecting with people. And beyond the intellectual facade, you are a very interesting fellow- a very real person with good witty humor." </blockquote><blockquote style="color: purple;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8L6iDSlLlnCuJGp3VXcH_D3XPCqLNGUM_iZEoAq5RFuapyIqViPG3HlUZYrE3CaLj90KgfGGQxzNQ0vrqHshJNFAm7I6SJq4MrnSZ-p-Eqf_mBB5uh8wqGfRA0texAzCVqYqIdA/s1600/DSC05644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8L6iDSlLlnCuJGp3VXcH_D3XPCqLNGUM_iZEoAq5RFuapyIqViPG3HlUZYrE3CaLj90KgfGGQxzNQ0vrqHshJNFAm7I6SJq4MrnSZ-p-Eqf_mBB5uh8wqGfRA0texAzCVqYqIdA/s200/DSC05644.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>"You are amazing. What you shared in class earlier was so enlightening. Thats what made you stand out as our tutor! Oh... $ the big flashy smile... how do you keep that smile when you are teaching a half-dead class from 6-9pm???"</blockquote><div style="color: black;"><b><br />
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<b><i> </i><i>From L*, MEd student in 811 (HOD, Sports School, I/2010)- Writing his Narrative Inquiry ...</i></b></div><i></i><br />
<blockquote style="color: purple;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWRB_NVCfg6X2uKeXNi5hwyW4dNhvrZ7GFL-QCvYJiQnA_fu-WQMxRrUEVNcWaPwWGEF-JyQocmIJjA4Dyo9fxkFOVtqfyDnbLV4PH5zwmkCo_r5T-1uYg8kAaDubuKIu0B7UBQ/s1600/IMG_0386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWRB_NVCfg6X2uKeXNi5hwyW4dNhvrZ7GFL-QCvYJiQnA_fu-WQMxRrUEVNcWaPwWGEF-JyQocmIJjA4Dyo9fxkFOVtqfyDnbLV4PH5zwmkCo_r5T-1uYg8kAaDubuKIu0B7UBQ/s200/IMG_0386.JPG" width="200" /></a>"Thanks for the email encouragement ..."Overwhelmed by complexity" is what I'm facing now...it is much easier to comment on pedagogy or critique research than to confront myself (and back it up with literature)"</blockquote><br />
<i><b>From Z*, MEd student in 811 (LH, B** Pri, I/2010)- Drawing courage to confront a professional dilemma ... </b></i><br />
<blockquote style="color: blue;">"It has always been a privilege to be challenged by you... thank you for always provoking us to think in so many more dimensions. After yr class last night, I realised that my students are the ONLY reason left for staying in the service. I may decline the promotion but at least I am clearer why. Thk u John"</blockquote><br />
<i><b>From K*T*, MEd student in 811 (Dover ITE)- Just a random question I guess...</b></i><br />
<blockquote style="color: purple;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJo0GDiy2PW0JeFsTcPZCuAzMkjB6qaoXwars4YeRhrZLAILQ6JR0_1cvEUIt18tkc62MynoSZ_2PQ-DbTQb8CxDnVCvJM_Y2ayLeBQv5q74HD6yUbDfRmFbc7ivNjh3LdBw3bqQ/s1600/DSC06158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJo0GDiy2PW0JeFsTcPZCuAzMkjB6qaoXwars4YeRhrZLAILQ6JR0_1cvEUIt18tkc62MynoSZ_2PQ-DbTQb8CxDnVCvJM_Y2ayLeBQv5q74HD6yUbDfRmFbc7ivNjh3LdBw3bqQ/s200/DSC06158.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>"If d bottom line for bizs is profit, what is d bottom line for public schs?"</blockquote><br />
<i><b>From M*, MEd student in 811 (Pre-school business owner) - Her reflection of the class...</b></i><br />
<blockquote style="color: blue;">" Definitely its a learning journey we take together. But self-disappointment is somethg th needs to b addressed in the process. It was a pleasure to cook for you all. Won't take up any more of yr time... Anyway, ur feedback and post essay thoughts gave me some ideas on how to further my business. Thks...Sleep tight" </blockquote><br />
<i><b>From T*, (MLS student) ... (something i can't really remember) ....</b></i><br />
<blockquote style="color: purple;">"Refer to the tree metaphor you drew in class. Maybe u r at a stage of deciding whether u shd grow a new branch?! Or graft another species?!"</blockquote><br />
<i><b>From J*, MEd student in 803 (Nanyang Poly lecturer) -Group's presentation ...</b></i><br />
<blockquote style="color: blue;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhke3a4up3g0a9gqBnoPWQKeKWXxBTcZ0qqB89Lktn1QWUOb1jV_6uMHfzo96-l2WjN41pLA_PqCUWIun7YejN_mLkCxUSMNxFCZs7y5kpOCoz6eQNjJGOsTZUtjtmH_xd9PPXnaA/s1600/IMG_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhke3a4up3g0a9gqBnoPWQKeKWXxBTcZ0qqB89Lktn1QWUOb1jV_6uMHfzo96-l2WjN41pLA_PqCUWIun7YejN_mLkCxUSMNxFCZs7y5kpOCoz6eQNjJGOsTZUtjtmH_xd9PPXnaA/s200/IMG_0114.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>" Thank you john for being sensitive. Honestly, I realised thgs didnt turn out as we planned. The grp spent many hours trying to find our how we can put our journey together. I enjoyed the process n realised my own gaps in my professional learning, n d gifts i brought to d grp learning. Just a qn, my ideas about a future curricula i admit is radical, bt i wake up every morning knowing deep in my psyche that this is my purpose in life. I just dnt know whr to channel this belief towards. There are far too many challenges leading my dept... I wish you can be our advisor, can?"</blockquote><br />
<b><i>From Siew Huey - How CPS revealed some deep 'Ahas'... </i></b><br />
<blockquote style="color: lime;">"Oh I also wanted to thank you for the insight - that we should focus on creating solutions that we have direct control over rather than attempting to change our clients. I'd been taking that latter approach and frankly, it has been very exasperating. So basic yet so easily overlooked!"</blockquote><br />
<div style="color: black;"><b><i>From Helen, student I taught 10 years ago in Temasek Poly- Hopelessly 'jia lat' at work ...</i></b></div><blockquote><div style="color: purple;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdZMScEqJMULjqOJ_48AGrd40q1dYGjgGWZzKEeMxthFtZSqHd6OC2orPuDO3WCEXaOaoDwD11td6g6LQhjYY3WMbjDltmDxGgF4Lm2Dpmlf1bqXnWjyFtbawAXkePUwhgnM3GQ/s1600/DSC08460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdZMScEqJMULjqOJ_48AGrd40q1dYGjgGWZzKEeMxthFtZSqHd6OC2orPuDO3WCEXaOaoDwD11td6g6LQhjYY3WMbjDltmDxGgF4Lm2Dpmlf1bqXnWjyFtbawAXkePUwhgnM3GQ/s200/DSC08460.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>" Dear God, bless uncle john with extra grace to go thru this, extra productively to faster complete the work, extra strength to carry on, extra rest to feel refresh and extra joy to replace any depressive feelings and extra dose of your presence too! In Jesus name we pray, amen! :) Jia you... ha3. I'm also saying tat prayer for myself as well, while tearing hair liaoz..."</div></blockquote><br />
<div style="color: black;"><b><i>From Kay Yen (NUS buddy, Zoo-mates, my best man, Josh's presch P) - Joshua-my son...</i></b></div><blockquote><span style="color: blue;">" ... and so Joshua said, "Are you strong Mr Kayne?". "I think I am.", I replied. "I think I'm stronger, because I'm wearing power ranger cloths today." :) </span></blockquote><blockquote style="color: purple;">"Your boy has yr creative streak, and shows consideration for others too. Think he got good alleles man. Good job dude. I believe he can rise to the occasion."</blockquote><i><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiw7tk8DsrAgqa0IBVvvg4DYR7lTkGtKhEmgk3LENdFEVTTTRt3HRUHJcYhDFild6akTL46fF5hNCCW4JjdTKzib1-972wdlVqxZpWTkquRQ0C4MHHJZObT-Xt0u3rBX73-E39w/s1600/IMG_0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiw7tk8DsrAgqa0IBVvvg4DYR7lTkGtKhEmgk3LENdFEVTTTRt3HRUHJcYhDFild6akTL46fF5hNCCW4JjdTKzib1-972wdlVqxZpWTkquRQ0C4MHHJZObT-Xt0u3rBX73-E39w/s200/IMG_0300.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><i><b>From Carol, Godly sis since MOE 07- Our 'unofficial' marriage and family counsellor ...</b></i><br />
<blockquote><div style="color: blue;">" You can pray! There are many things we cannot do but only He can! Esp when it comes to issues dealing with the hearts of our spouses. Have faith! We can move mountains if we hv faith as small as a mustard seed. Speak to the mountains of hopelessness and hostility and command them to be removed in the name of Jesus. U r the spiritual head of ur home, and u hv been given much power by God to lead ur family. Ur children need ur spiritual covering. This is spiritual warfare at work. Visualise a peaceful morning at home- Everyone waking up with a smile. U praying for each one after breakfast. It may involve u being more involved with the morning routines. Or there may be children's christian music in the bkgrd to help build energy into the kids and the home atmosphere. Or reward the family with a treat when there is peace. Many creative ways to set up the home to achieve the outcomes u want. It all starts with prayers and vision :>" </div><br />
<div style="color: purple;">"Remember to <b>PUSH</b>... Pray until Something Happens, my fren."</div><br />
<div style="color: blue;">"Hi John and Van. It's always a pleasure to hang out with ur family. U r blessed with great kids. Its a huge milestone when our kids enter P1 and I had my share of anxieties. I was reminded that my kids are not mine, but His. We r but stewards, specially picked by Him to raise the kids. He entrusted into our hands. So, he will give us wisdom and guidance on how best to raise His kids. He will plant the right pp in our paths and open the right doors at the right time. So long as we stay close to Him and lean on Him. He has blessed me in my parenting journey and He'll bless you too. Cast yr cares on Him." </div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><i><b><br />
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<i><b>From Carol - Parenting Talk on Creativity...</b></i><br />
<blockquote><div style="color: blue;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCD9PF7EI4jb3T2NTSs7e6btYQ2CKZlEFZ3HPRQCFYGaHzWVxWC68FkfBto_h-x89Y22U_bANqcb0olrX1pLXZWB7lYpVDxvbT_HMsr3r_erBP5HJ0g7rR2m0sveo6LAyWtMYluw/s1600/29876_10150170843855650_702800649_12438495_4931525_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCD9PF7EI4jb3T2NTSs7e6btYQ2CKZlEFZ3HPRQCFYGaHzWVxWC68FkfBto_h-x89Y22U_bANqcb0olrX1pLXZWB7lYpVDxvbT_HMsr3r_erBP5HJ0g7rR2m0sveo6LAyWtMYluw/s320/29876_10150170843855650_702800649_12438495_4931525_n.jpg" /></a></div>"I m planning for another parents meet-up at Grace Kids. Is there anything in ur heart tt u wish more parents should know and tt u cld share with them on? Nurturing creativity? Thinking skills?"</div></blockquote><br />
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<i><b>From OTT (ex-colleague in CPDD) - Review on creativity workshops & Apple-s...</b></i><br />
<blockquote><div style="color: purple;">" Bro, how r u? Just 2 let u know that the creativity workshops were well received. I did 2 runs. Btw, this message was sent from my new iPhone, impress? Thinking of getting a MacBook now, leaving the pc camp, middle age crisis, I suppose...."</div></blockquote><br />
<i><b>From Vara (ex-colleague from LL1) - God's blessings for my new job...</b></i><br />
<blockquote><span style="color: blue;">"As you begin a new season of yr life I pray for you God's blessings. May you find favor with oyur leaders and your peers and may you grow to be a blessing to others in yr new workplace." </span><br />
<div style="color: blue;"></div></blockquote><blockquote style="color: purple;">"Psalms 84:10-12. If God has said no, He has a good reason. Trust Him :)" </blockquote><i><b><br />
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<i><b>From Martin (ex-colleague from LL1)- 'OP' during a CPDD seminar...</b></i><br />
<blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaJQr9Ay3pRKHeuhSSZvCxmI1nZeG9fajt6HFYmUunLZ_nB8rQjpLGZWbh4YeSyvqVVORBaEw2n_ggm0gZ0zogq52L9LrFvWV2ctl-GbItIFFc8faQ-YG8iMkbnsydvroIu1Lnw/s1600/DSC08368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaJQr9Ay3pRKHeuhSSZvCxmI1nZeG9fajt6HFYmUunLZ_nB8rQjpLGZWbh4YeSyvqVVORBaEw2n_ggm0gZ0zogq52L9LrFvWV2ctl-GbItIFFc8faQ-YG8iMkbnsydvroIu1Lnw/s200/DSC08368.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="color: blue;">" Fluency: ME- Clearly comfortable with language but some mumbling and slurring at end of sentences. Awareness of Audience: EE- Excellent eye contact, appropriate hand gestures, effort made to scan and address whole room, friendly, and confident. Dullness of content not his fault" </div></blockquote><br />
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<i><b>From Cindy (ex-colleague from LL1)- Challenges in Action Research... </b></i><br />
<blockquote style="color: purple;">" I've been struggling with same qns. I think like what we agreed, motivation to succeed (leading to hardwork on students' part) is the basic reqmt w we hardly can observe from lack of commitment to task. WE team works cos the blending of diversity needs boys to hold onto their beliefs, views, and bring them to gp. That's why we even hardly observe friction due to difference in opinions cos this lack of creative abrasion may b necessary to bring about productivity n that may lead to creative products due to synergy from interaction. Th said, it illuminated for us some essential reqmt for WEteams for education n this ripple effect observation in itself is results for our initial hypothesis."</blockquote><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3-Lj-rASfaxo6JW_ui-hp_oxYlxFm_fJgtLYo15dr84MkB3dRIRFWRK8Gj_rLNxb-5DKuunkRQJhWMGdMhpXWit-ydcIlLTKk9v3DLrjIQX4WpKWZ-CP1cyQ3TKywGCT1flciA/s1600/DSC06673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3-Lj-rASfaxo6JW_ui-hp_oxYlxFm_fJgtLYo15dr84MkB3dRIRFWRK8Gj_rLNxb-5DKuunkRQJhWMGdMhpXWit-ydcIlLTKk9v3DLrjIQX4WpKWZ-CP1cyQ3TKywGCT1flciA/s200/DSC06673.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><i><b>From Lyvenne (ex-colleague from CPDD) - Missing me?!!#! ...</b></i><br />
<blockquote style="color: blue;"><div>"I think you and yr team did such a great job your presence was sorely missed. Thank you for re-energising the whole CPDD... you sure kept Ms Ho dancing and leaping..."</div></blockquote><b><i><br />
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<b><i>From a G* (P of a eastern top sch) - Managing teachers and credibility...</i></b><br />
<blockquote style="color: purple;"><div>"This is my pet peeve... I will be like "Do yr job well b4 we talk about welfare. Cos those who r great relationally in my sch tend to suck at credibility! One reason why sending me bk to *** is not a grand idea cos I have a reputation as the empress dowager even as a HOD. Anyway I v stressed... am curious abt upping my social part. Those are some of the issues I struggle wif w is y i tend not to place emphasis on social when the so called 'core' isnt done. But then again, you are somewhat correct- to others, the 'core' might be the social aspects."</div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKndn6H3tWAPD7xICyAoEJhmOA-pbExxNJKBe1dIEpzKpiOtdRS9oeTV0alLv6xQjxQLFq5O88BENaGcGl1_bzHiXs2cp-b4Y7v1EjYloF3oK-MPwU2ruDzJiyIlQ9G6rkUillQ/s1600/stone" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKndn6H3tWAPD7xICyAoEJhmOA-pbExxNJKBe1dIEpzKpiOtdRS9oeTV0alLv6xQjxQLFq5O88BENaGcGl1_bzHiXs2cp-b4Y7v1EjYloF3oK-MPwU2ruDzJiyIlQ9G6rkUillQ/s200/stone" width="200" /></a></div><i><b><br />
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<i><b>From Mark (SH, St Gabs Sec)- Stoning....</b></i><br />
<blockquote style="color: lime;"><div>"If no pebbles, cannot appreciate ripples. Somebody has to be the stone. I kinda fit that description well. Today I super stone."</div></blockquote><br />
<i><b>From JJ- Thoughts creativity and brainstorming ...</b></i><br />
<blockquote><div style="color: blue;">"Visuals serve as powerful reminders of basic trigger point- explicit about its edge. Celebrating the experience rather than product (high touch) invite clients to experiment n create their own experience. Cold stone ice cream- this is where u get to invent yr ultimate indulgence. Same raw materials but mixes in somthg original n memorable... co-creation and empowerment." </div></blockquote><blockquote><div style="color: purple;">"Changing the behaviours of small parts of experience can make big difference- So what r we generalising about behavioural preferences? Eg. Turning public toilet exp inside our- see thru 2-way mirror. Defining element is the experience." </div></blockquote><blockquote><div style="color: blue;">"What's the big deal w style over substance? Selling a mood n sensibility wrapped with design, story telling and humor. Results- market appeal proved its point. SO what's dull? Its only as dull as yr imagination."</div></blockquote><br />
<b><i>From Ai Noi (ODD)- Thoughts on Workshop...</i></b><br />
<blockquote><div style="color: purple;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHsnNxzjfY5_YZuzNGuV9-VAKlpwadBoUn1tVKiCcA0qCJUaqHDJ4vKvs_qLL0USsl9D32sITX8_7ZyFTh-agRE1HIARUWWYG7zOoLkVUZpSCjTc2fqHFClKGV1KJtJIfxU-6Yg/s1600/DSC02914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHsnNxzjfY5_YZuzNGuV9-VAKlpwadBoUn1tVKiCcA0qCJUaqHDJ4vKvs_qLL0USsl9D32sITX8_7ZyFTh-agRE1HIARUWWYG7zOoLkVUZpSCjTc2fqHFClKGV1KJtJIfxU-6Yg/s200/DSC02914.JPG" width="200" /></a>"ha3.. can see dat u were tired after the workshop. :) U gave new light to the common tools, thats my greatest takeaway. Dat there is more than 1 ay of using and lookg at these tools. Also discover we share some similar perspectives towards curriculum and pedagogy. Many of folks commented that you are highly reflective person and yr experience really was v helpful to all of us.. thanks!" </div></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshKhk2ApXUWpscq1LBPTVte33kpXllsbwk7h3FCzuy6BAoKrwp7UNwkoxu9Ohcmjl5P63AvsLR9W4_nHRNC7Ft9O_K37ikSVxWhX5RzuWZlHkd88WBZ-EWyqLlJKypj2XoC784w/s1600/P2270026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshKhk2ApXUWpscq1LBPTVte33kpXllsbwk7h3FCzuy6BAoKrwp7UNwkoxu9Ohcmjl5P63AvsLR9W4_nHRNC7Ft9O_K37ikSVxWhX5RzuWZlHkd88WBZ-EWyqLlJKypj2XoC784w/s200/P2270026.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<i><b>From Peggy (TN)- Joint consultation with SCGS...</b></i><br />
<blockquote style="color: blue;">" Thanks John.. I leArnt so much just watching u in action. I particularly like yr composure n professionalism. I think i m ADHD type of tr. U r v reassuring to e trs. Good content knowledge and if since u could use so many strategies of engagement, u got all the lady trs go ga-ga over you. U win liao."</blockquote><br />
<i><b>From Edwin (old old friend and creative collaborator) -Library book...</b></i><br />
<blockquote><div style="color: purple;"> "Can you pl help me borrow a book 'Curriculum Theory: conflicting visions and enduring concerns' by Micheal Schiro. I can come to Punggol to get the book from you."</div></blockquote><i><b>From Moses (my other creative collaborator)-... I can't remember ...</b></i><br />
<blockquote><div style="color: blue;">" Was riding on the shoulders of giants. Or maybe as they say, great minds think alike. And fools seldom differ. Ha3!"</div></blockquote><i><b>From Dianna L (old dancing partner in Synergy NUS)- Secret research ...</b></i><br />
<blockquote style="color: purple;">"What r u, edwin and moses plannin- sounds mysterious and exciting. Anways, be awesome! Vincent is holding a health talk, come if you can"</blockquote><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCBoQjobWmLGAp-AkMaYoL-R04lkyN4M2ztDWSxXmx-c7Il8El_VtLm1fHJsiZW51tGPHvSgcKmTLKw10fXEz9EdON8kaSHMfgg5ulm1_KtfmPiVIq6BGmFFUFWpzWX89gWB0bw/s1600/photo(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCBoQjobWmLGAp-AkMaYoL-R04lkyN4M2ztDWSxXmx-c7Il8El_VtLm1fHJsiZW51tGPHvSgcKmTLKw10fXEz9EdON8kaSHMfgg5ulm1_KtfmPiVIq6BGmFFUFWpzWX89gWB0bw/s200/photo(2).jpg" width="150" /></a><i><b>From Yan -On something v interesting but I can't remember the context ...</b></i><br />
<blockquote><div style="color: blue;">"Btw, I told ed abt yr wish to have another kid. He says u dun hav to wait 40yrs or when u r 40. Just wait another 40days."</div></blockquote><br />
<i><b>From George Lim (Crusade bro in NUS) -Temptation ...</b></i><br />
<blockquote><div style="color: purple;">"Its not easy, and we have to keep trying. There are 3 phases to temptn: 1. your heart desires. 2. you try to rationalise whether or not to yield to it. 3. you test it out... once pass phase 2, chances are there is little turning back. So, once you recognise you're in phase 1 or 2, quickly curb it. No temptation has seized us except what is common to man. God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. Lets FLEE from Temptn tog!" </div></blockquote><br />
<i><b>From Carol - .My struggles during my studies ...</b></i><br />
<blockquote><div style="color: blue;"> God is stretching u and thru the process strengthening u. Its also a chance for everyone in family to grow and better understd their capabilities. Be assured that everything is under HIS control. He has a good plan for you and yr family. Stay the course my fren. "</div></blockquote><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI3TrfdF-2yXJ7Qh0enEzi1dRZTemUxoIoRSpPx53zKwUhpZSj1QuGFBZ2PY0gulbTLrvzFahZ1OdRo7vCV8h9a2sGRZKRqZp0_iD0m7QcG1RwOmYYNPk1v1eyK958080kXWQvQ/s1600/100_0843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI3TrfdF-2yXJ7Qh0enEzi1dRZTemUxoIoRSpPx53zKwUhpZSj1QuGFBZ2PY0gulbTLrvzFahZ1OdRo7vCV8h9a2sGRZKRqZp0_iD0m7QcG1RwOmYYNPk1v1eyK958080kXWQvQ/s200/100_0843.JPG" width="150" /></a><i><b>From Weixiu - More on struggling abroad during my studies...</b></i><br />
<blockquote style="color: purple;">"Be strong k? He will take care of u - Josh will grow up to be a man like u taking care of mum and sis"</blockquote><br />
<i><b>From Hong Li - Family disputes...</b></i><br />
<blockquote><div style="color: blue;">"A word for both you and me. Deposit your love bank, not withdraw. Van love john for God. John, listen to your wife for God. Not easy for both of you. But I know God's miracle will happen in your marriage. Let your marriage work out in Christ. Pray for one another and the children."</div></blockquote><br />
<i><b>From Ban Heng (Friend and colleague in RVHS)</b></i><br />
<blockquote><div style="color: purple;">"I guess relationships take time to build. I am learning to let God take the centre focus, and direction of our lives. Treasure all that you have and hav that total dependency upon Go to have real contentment and peace and rest."</div></blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-74663957543052452612009-12-28T20:34:00.000-08:002009-12-28T20:34:03.848-08:00Being a Christian parentAs my ex-preacher (now a missionary) shared her struggles with bringing up her adopted baby in China, I am again tugged in my heartstrings for parents with similar challenges. Below is my reply to her capturing some of the recent thoughts on this issue.<br />
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Hi LK...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKEtOx7A9cfODaUI7txmxNuJRfQJqHJEKERtAW3YvgDW5XpFcTmKqm8xudLQ93of3ke0WB8gU3YpqPL9ZBjDmJ9Nv5lIqRsQwo2C6O7mSCzCLPEsKz9faLRtnBc-65So3o6YVVw/s1600-h/DSC05726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKEtOx7A9cfODaUI7txmxNuJRfQJqHJEKERtAW3YvgDW5XpFcTmKqm8xudLQ93of3ke0WB8gU3YpqPL9ZBjDmJ9Nv5lIqRsQwo2C6O7mSCzCLPEsKz9faLRtnBc-65So3o6YVVw/s320/DSC05726.JPG" /></a>Last week I tried something you wrote in your last letter. I bought a Christmas cake so that I could bring some cheer to my Joanna and Joshua. Like what you wrote, I shared the Christmas story again before we sang the Happy Birthday song to J.ith the kids. That said, that night was good as the kids were attentive. Sadly, I was not able to move on... to the growth and development of J. Several reasons really- I was away the second night to continue the story, third night kids were 'sick' of the cake and perhaps the story part II and III. sigh. But thanks to you, I am glad it was a start that I could take the opportunity to keep talking more about J. with my two precious little j-s. HOwever, I think the kids got it that Christmas is not about only presents and party, cos at least for my Joshua, he was quite 'in-tune' during the church's Christmas celebration.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5yQaAqR_AjUL-yMO1Kdkh62fxTZfwyNJxTNUQ5mddQLJt0du0zipMDp4WYc31VItDShwoC36AmRT41AloX7mF1f9GPbilJR9gzfhP0j4EIiYvv-_LyY2oPnEkTWfveK9UKoyJw/s1600-h/DSC05575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5yQaAqR_AjUL-yMO1Kdkh62fxTZfwyNJxTNUQ5mddQLJt0du0zipMDp4WYc31VItDShwoC36AmRT41AloX7mF1f9GPbilJR9gzfhP0j4EIiYvv-_LyY2oPnEkTWfveK9UKoyJw/s320/DSC05575.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Your two recent letters spoke to me as well cos little joanna was quite ill last weekend and it always strikes the heart of any parent with such instances. Didn't help that I was praying for a friend's son who was born on 12 Dec but had to be hospitalised since then. I am thankful God answered prayers cos baby Aden finally went home on the 28 Dec! Reason I am sharing this is that I am thankful God brought you on this journey of parenthood. Its never easy and when you shared about how you felt like the Israelites unhappiness in the wilderness, that really spoke volumes of our humanity and how often I personally struggled to hold onto our heavenly Father's hands. As Wenwen continue to grow, I know that the many surprises and joy will fill your heart just as it does sparkle that love for Vanessa. Right now, she is undergoing the phase of the kids' "stickiness" to her.... (makes me wonder too how not impt the role of papa is). I think thats where the test of motherhood is while the kids are still young. Am happy too to read of your alibi's fellowship. Maybe its an age thing but this sort of company and just knowing that there are close friends whom you can bond with in terms of exchange of parenting tips sure helps. Be grateful for them just as I am always grateful to the 'mother club' in our service. At least it keeps my wife sane for a few precious hours! You know, its a bit hard to remain 'Christian-ly' in our fits of fury and frustrations (and now I know why God kept giving us chance after chance). I completely (and helplessly) empathize with Van on the moments when she just needs to let 'steam'. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGnaOVTC4J-YLlTWFyX8y5mCs5QqAJfqEgUv13hVz7KMJnWeBDY-n8nR1T_PKQLFF8n2nbrmWe1LRIfccOlAaZxCk-nQojFlXxBmQj0pvCg4HaCWxmPCqK6c_ur1H90QHu_DNgw/s1600-h/DSC05736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGnaOVTC4J-YLlTWFyX8y5mCs5QqAJfqEgUv13hVz7KMJnWeBDY-n8nR1T_PKQLFF8n2nbrmWe1LRIfccOlAaZxCk-nQojFlXxBmQj0pvCg4HaCWxmPCqK6c_ur1H90QHu_DNgw/s320/DSC05736.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>On Christmas morning, my cell group planned for a get-together. I was both looking forward to the event not only for the fellowship but also to draw near to our Father that morning. In fact, on the way there, I even told Joshua in the car that God spoke to me to encourage Josh to seek him as J said to do unto those who need help. Alas, on the way, I knocked into a motorbike and the instant of being caught with my car plate noted by an on-looker left me frightfully running away after shifting the bike back in position. So much for getting ready to worship God and leading the rest into a time of fellowship. While strumming the guitar, I felt so 'unreal' and the topsy turvy feeling was very distracting. On the way back, after praying with Van, we decided to do the right thing and go back to put a notice on the bike to ask the driver to call me. We prayed for a 'kind' driver and true enough, God again answered our prayer and the driver returned call and was kind enough to settle with some repayment. We were glad we did the 'right' thing.<br />
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Anyway, welcome to the parenting club and don't despair in your parenting journey ok. Fact that you are doing all these in PRC is already something deeply admirable and highly respectable. Praying for you and your family!<br />
<br />
Blessings<br />
<span style="color: #888888;">JOhn<br />
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-9214657169632315092009-10-18T19:08:00.000-07:002009-10-18T19:22:25.157-07:00Was it my procrastination that led to a lost opportunity?I was very disappointed with myself last Saturday. An idea that I have been conceiving for months to create a Facilitation Tool kit and market it commercially went 'Boomz' upon realisation that a similar product was released very recently in US. With the past few sessions of workshops for different clients and schools, I realised that there was immense power with non-verbal visualisation that I harness during brainstorming with groups. That said, I was ready to collaborate with a SK who is a pretty cool photographer. We brainstormed several ideas to make this kit a holistic package for various purposes and were excited with how we could develop this commercially. We were ready to submit our joint proposal for a entrepreneur award with funding to prototype our concept. Over the weekend, I felt that my months of excitement and ideas just went down the drain when I read what the newly released package had to offer- the same ideas that I had. Can I re-focus to develop something better? How might I work on the new idea now that I know what are the various resources I have?<br /><br />Thanks to Kerry Flowers- for your timely dose of humor.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQJ9Zg5XjcxR5fzExAQqJOpMfzJHqwg_PBnPTMtDguIdtuIGDAKoW-7Sdl99xmMDlbD0ZUfHbzcgKNLvlr0Nf9Bt2ht8h8owqcgQPIMo_3RMfuneb1lN7gYI3ICznXWLi0ewVVg/s1600-h/-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 367px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQJ9Zg5XjcxR5fzExAQqJOpMfzJHqwg_PBnPTMtDguIdtuIGDAKoW-7Sdl99xmMDlbD0ZUfHbzcgKNLvlr0Nf9Bt2ht8h8owqcgQPIMo_3RMfuneb1lN7gYI3ICznXWLi0ewVVg/s400/-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394130189898923714" border="0" /></a><br />I guess I just have to wait for Noah to come back to pick me up...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-65968519014643929062009-09-28T19:31:00.000-07:002009-10-18T20:31:50.401-07:00Know thy style<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iM0Z3MFlFnUmhLaFJxDdAi3Hyz-0hkVS1VTZb2XiCRcfsUObxyg957vaYrvHMDBHDJgUDYSg_KNXqNE8tkQ3GuHUC4CefMj9W7hEQB2DAzVnk1qv3O2TUyMnb_U_-OkxhwobaA/s1600-h/10053983A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iM0Z3MFlFnUmhLaFJxDdAi3Hyz-0hkVS1VTZb2XiCRcfsUObxyg957vaYrvHMDBHDJgUDYSg_KNXqNE8tkQ3GuHUC4CefMj9W7hEQB2DAzVnk1qv3O2TUyMnb_U_-OkxhwobaA/s320/10053983A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394139241115150978" border="0" /></a><br />One of my personal highlights of 2009 was to be invited to speak in a Global Brain Summit in Vail. After the last couple of workshops/talks in China, Hong Kong and Malaysia, I was wondering if God would be stretching me further in this new role. Yet, I know that with every single presentation I present, the amount of pre-work invested was tremendous. Take for example this talk in Vail. As I recalled, the 5 days prior to arriving in Vail, I was up every single night working and re-working on my slides while giving up on a much needed sleep, not to mention overcoming the jetlag from the 24 hours of flight from Spore to Denver. That said, I knew that my hardwork did payoff afterall as the social red brain was gleaming with joy from the feedback of the participants. Yet, I was searching for something deeper, if God will is for me to bless others with the words I speak. I needed to find an alignment: <span style="font-style: italic;">Who am I really onstage and offstage? What do I have to offer- more than inspiring others with my passion and my ideas? </span><br /><br />As I was seeking an answer, a friend offered some insights. In an email conversation, we talked about several issues and learning points. Here's an excerpt from my conversation with a dear friend, Edd Brown <span class="gI"><span class="go"><edd@influencerising.com><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> (thanks EDD!)</span></span></span>:<br /><br /><div style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">You are a great and enjoyable spirit. Your zest for life is infectious.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_LO4V5gyRxPI0kAyywqS1VUm0Kwt0Jpa1QgaViMo5WoXG4HKCWxNXsirrhl7lcE3ka-J82Vde4CzxpXrDIewZaMIZu9P-vYdnKaUAEFwRcTlXMExGbGDPexTopMAv0IOsWKTdg/s1600-h/-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_LO4V5gyRxPI0kAyywqS1VUm0Kwt0Jpa1QgaViMo5WoXG4HKCWxNXsirrhl7lcE3ka-J82Vde4CzxpXrDIewZaMIZu9P-vYdnKaUAEFwRcTlXMExGbGDPexTopMAv0IOsWKTdg/s320/-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394138804555768802" border="0" /></a><br />You have a great presentation style. Let me quickly say that what I liked is that you took who you are in regular life and put it right up on stage. You were not a different person on stage as many presenters are. You have a natural gift that draws people to you off stage- and you were able to carry it with you on stage. </div><div style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /></div><div style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Off stage, you project a joie de vivre while simultaneously projecting confidence, warmth, competence, passion, respectfulness for others, and a belief in what you are doing. You are able to convey that on stage as well. That is so rare!<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">(Brothers-in-arm: Joshua, Colin, Edd, Perry, and me)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span><br /></div>As I continue to ponder on my style, regardless of the format, I always seek to teach creatively. And what is more important to me is to plan my delivery to not only keep the participants' attention but to design in such a way to cause learning and retention of content to take place.<br /><br /><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Don't just throw the seed - grind it, bake it, slice it, and put a little honey on it."</span> - Charles H. Spurgeon<br /></blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-5437136786119375402009-09-16T03:42:00.000-07:002009-10-18T20:36:55.196-07:00A prayer of His Fatherly ProtectionBefore I left for US, I was very anxious and sad that I will be leaving my wife alone to care for the two kids, especially when my domestic helper was granted her well-deserved Hari Raya leave. Yes, I was the undeserving one actually, but the opportunity to speak in an international conference was too good to resist. Yet, as the days drew closer, I was wondering if I was really irresponsible to have accepted the invitation while leaving my dear wife to fight her own battle.<br /><br />This prayer was from a fellow sister-in-Christ from MOE. It reminded me that our heavenly Father will be there, in whatever circumstances.<br /><br /><em><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Father, I want to thank you for the Dads out there like John. His heart is for his wife and children. Purify him and deepen his love for them as you so often do for Dads when they are away. May he he be faithful to take the time on the plane, in his hotel room to be still before you and hear Your guidance for him.<br /></span></em><br /><em><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Be Vanessa's strength. May there be many joyful moments of extra closeness as she takes over the usual tasks done by their helper. May she and her mum draw closer together as they care for the little ones. May this be a chance for Vanessa to increase in ideas and confidence in caring for the kids as is so often the case when there are stretches of 24/7 with them.<br /></span></em><br /><em><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Please protect the little ones. Please, by the power of your Holy Spirit, teach John new ways to pray for them as he thinks about them from far away. Please keep them from illness and injury. Thank you for Joshua's spirit of helpfulness and his parents' wisdom in giving him this washing uniform task. May he and his mei mei grow in wisdom, in stature and in favour with You and with people.<br /></span><br /></em><em></em><em><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">In Jesus' Name,<br />Amen</span></em><br /><em></em><br />To Lucy, thank you so much for speaking the prayer straight to my heart. It not only affirmed me then, it also encouraged me to continue to be a good husband and father, for the rest of my life!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-78000014075470179392009-09-03T20:00:00.000-07:002009-09-03T21:36:45.054-07:00Wise words from a poetic friend- Joe MoreiraThe following emails from a new friend- Joe Moreira, managing editor of Ocean Geographic, are truly uplifting and amazingly pierced directly into some of my innermost thoughts and emotions. Reading them over and over again somehow mysteriously renewed some aspirations and ignited some of my deepest reflections.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >3rd Sept. 09<br /><br />Hi John!<br /><br />How lovely to hear from you! Was a tad disappointed when I did not hear from you, for you certainly aren’t from the common ‘civil service’ mould; it’s not flattery bro, it’s the truth and you know it, for you struggle with this ‘mould’ whenever it makes its pass every now and then. Anyway, it was my desire, not your failure and indeed ‘late’ as it were, it is still infinitely better than never. Thank you John<br /><br />Well you were a refreshing change; no airs, what you see is what you get, full of earnest enthusiasm and not caught in the brownie points syndrome. Well my good man, I’m no sage but perhaps as my dear late mom used to say, ‘like a dog you slog around the clock, but with little to show at the end of it all.’ (in malayalam of course)- and I would respond, ‘for it is not the end yet mom’!<br /><br />Don’t worry unduly about remembering all the ‘magic’ that we convey with the greatest of sincerity to the world around us. If we do, then we will need to stop at the first ‘magic’. Life I suppose Is about living, not the fear of failing or forgetting. Nature is so kind and well programmed, that when we deviate or falter, she has a way of waking us up or pulling us back, without ever restraining our freedom! Such a wonderful working model given to human kind, but for want of power over another, we keep ignoring or rejecting this natural model of excellence for our own fallible ones of comparatives and competition.<br /><br />Am in the middle of editing our next issue which must go to print by Saturday – and thus this reply so late in the day. Was working out my talkset for China Airlines which I will record later at 1030 hrs and chanced upon Lou Pearlman, the guy who became the boy band mogul after his success with the Backstreet Boys – responsible for so much ‘success’ and discovering talent that the world would have completely missed; and yet it all started in the evil heart and fraudulent mind of Lou Pearlman! History is littered with such anomalies, but nature judges not. It simply goes on, and evolves. However, humans do.<br /><br />Being involved now in the ‘environment’ scene I am amused as I’m equally irked sometimes with all these ‘causes and campaigns’ that sprout like mushrooms everywhere. Veiled in goodness, but sourced in mindless fear. Yet to publicly decry this would be equally foolish, which I do declare from personal experience. Being ‘right’ need not necessarily be right. But pragmatism without morals is no better either; then the end will always justify the means however ruthless or cruel. This is not new to you John; I’m merely echoing what I sense in you. We will fail by our own rules; but nature never punishes us; it’s but a perception. She is there to always to redeem us if we will let her; guilt is an alert for the moment inviting us to lift from fear to love, not to live in eternal damnation.<br /><br />You are good man John with a good head on strong shoulders with a big heart in the right place. Your children will teach you more than you would’ve learnt from scholars and paragons; another one of nature’s quirky gifts. I wish you great joy being the parent.<br /><br />Cheers mate!</span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Joe</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">4th Sept 09</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">My dear John,</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Despair not, your very kind words have redeemed you from my earlier disappointment! Ha x3.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Was rather bushed last night and decided to rest my tired and aging body; and awake this morning to a lovely email from you. Thank you John.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">That we allow the greatness within each being, human or otherwise to manifest in our lives is perhaps the fundamental secret of the child that escapes the adult; and we were all children sometime in our lives. Fortunate then you are that this secret has not escaped you.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">My congratulations on your new post at the NIE. Rick Warren's (Purpose Driven Church/Life) interpretation of Moses' calling to the burning bush, and God bestowing upon him the powers he needed for the given mission through what he held in his hands....the shepherd's staff, comes to mind. Often while we pursue and strive to reach the glittering stars above, sometimes we forget the beautiful flowers at our feet. Well at least that will not be your folly, for you know what you hold in your hands. My best wishes John!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">I came with nothing into this world John, and will probably leave with nothing too; i own nothing. You are free to take and use anything as you wish John; that you have found purpose for my rambling thoughts, i'm honoured as i'm humbled. Enjoy the blogging. In his book, The Element, Ken Robinson's interesting observation of the 10000 hrs or more chalked up by the paragons in any given field, does bear some truth. An erstwhile pathway then to your writing endeavour. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Well my dear friend, before i ramble on again, it leaves me to wish you well and enjoy the gift of parenthood, which is no accident. Much awaits, and it starts with the little act of recognising the greatness in everything around us. The great day ahead awaits the great person who chooses to live it. Live it bro!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Cheers</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Joe</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-92219295699865538072009-09-02T09:02:00.000-07:002009-09-02T09:20:52.401-07:00Vanessa's 34th Birthday disaster<div><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEc4ZC8fsZTNq3eV8hmhEaq1U-qV-IZL3wkOvbCxpHTv2-Ds3BRV8jxn8lKEf7OrZnvAXBEWWC8y-5jZ_4VAmV-KL_7DCybQ92jLi1fjYFXJXBfeW0B1bmAffzhoqI08hN5g-0w/s1600-h/DSC02876.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376901847141887362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEc4ZC8fsZTNq3eV8hmhEaq1U-qV-IZL3wkOvbCxpHTv2-Ds3BRV8jxn8lKEf7OrZnvAXBEWWC8y-5jZ_4VAmV-KL_7DCybQ92jLi1fjYFXJXBfeW0B1bmAffzhoqI08hN5g-0w/s200/DSC02876.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WUL_T90cdAa52veNonprjjEFiwilwI8MeA2irzUW-5fhYyJ9TXyCW7Md-1RfCqySRsHnKqOyK4IGIqQeJ6NjGhSZY5DfkvD6bqPrRaZNRqK7HbW7HPbv_L6z7UG4SyPX_irfCw/s1600-h/DSC02879.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376901850140292194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WUL_T90cdAa52veNonprjjEFiwilwI8MeA2irzUW-5fhYyJ9TXyCW7Md-1RfCqySRsHnKqOyK4IGIqQeJ6NjGhSZY5DfkvD6bqPrRaZNRqK7HbW7HPbv_L6z7UG4SyPX_irfCw/s200/DSC02879.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwdtEMKeJmMl8h48MHzDB6_2dUezAzFAhpnYM1u_IaHQyaGYupdFvKLFTzgLE7gtvBJ4H8R9iGrLu7dDEfE8lBw-euHOL8Ql-n9t6efH_pxM_wLio_xFYCPML5XHeh2nzMX21lg/s1600-h/DSC02881.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376901862561775618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwdtEMKeJmMl8h48MHzDB6_2dUezAzFAhpnYM1u_IaHQyaGYupdFvKLFTzgLE7gtvBJ4H8R9iGrLu7dDEfE8lBw-euHOL8Ql-n9t6efH_pxM_wLio_xFYCPML5XHeh2nzMX21lg/s200/DSC02881.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGmZ9qZ5fLhcVcX3SJ53g4xne98b-gsDuCswJQcjlhLOzFMEFf8pZPHpbYDu3pGPMJjELW4dsKcnZVHv7qKDtEdSY4GvIA4UIVjyNZzXd4MfDNGlT7iuBkGxQFlc0yUy-Dwqxnw/s1600-h/DSC02884.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376901869588318754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGmZ9qZ5fLhcVcX3SJ53g4xne98b-gsDuCswJQcjlhLOzFMEFf8pZPHpbYDu3pGPMJjELW4dsKcnZVHv7qKDtEdSY4GvIA4UIVjyNZzXd4MfDNGlT7iuBkGxQFlc0yUy-Dwqxnw/s200/DSC02884.JPG" border="0" /></a> The cake above looks like it went through quite a bit of knocking and slamming. Thankfully for the plastic wrapper around it, the shape is still pretty much intact.</div><div> </div><div>Vanessa needed to visit her client in KL and attend the client's company function on her 34th Birthday. Joshua and I decided to follow her to KL, to celebrate her birthday. And to give her a surprise. In the end, it was more of a surprise to me than to her really.</div><div> </div><div>While Van was busy meeting her client and preparing for the dinner, Joshua and I were enjoying ourselves in a movie marathon in the cinema beside the hotel. It was definitely much cheaper to watch movie in KL than in Singapore. We watched Harry Potter first followed by Transformers 2. In between we had Kenny Rogers for dinner and my, have the standard dropped so badly in KL that will be my last Kenny Rogers in Malaysia. (interestingly, my first ever Kenny Rogers was in KL more than 10 years ago and I will always remember the first taste of the fantastic corn muffins) After dinner, Joshua and I bought a cake and ordered to a bouquet of flowers for Van. Now, the disaster began when he fell asleep during the second movie and simply refused to wake up. Poor me had to carry him and pick up the cake and the flowers. Alas, luck was not on my side. The door that linked the hotel and the shopping centre was locked after 10pm. Man, I never felt more burdened then that evening where I had to carry both my son as well as the gifts. After walking round and round to find the next shortest route back to the hotel, I even pondered whether I should throw away some of the baggages, yes, even Josh. LOL....</div><div> </div><div>Finally I found the exit and was so thankful for a moment when I saw a cab. However, that idiotic taxi driver simply refused to drive us back to the hotel as he claimed that it was only right behind. Man, who says CASH is KING??? Rubbish! Although deceptively close by, the two buildings are not exactly well connected and I had to make such a big detour. Finally, I was so exhausted I had to halt a car in the middle of the road to beg them to drive us round the corner.</div><div>Strangest thing of all was, Joshua throughout my agony refused to wake up and the moment we alighted at the hotel, he opened his eyes. I felt like strangling him in that instance.</div><div> </div><div>Of course, the rest was history. And from the photos, you probably guessed that he was the 'shiokest' of us all.<br /></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-32798280990320913942009-06-22T14:40:00.000-07:002009-06-22T15:34:55.490-07:00A confession: Trapped in a world of Self-Deception<em>This entry is dedicated to a special Angel- BH.</em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hyphenhyphenU7wSY_smiLJoCL_gJvpEO-pK4IBU3s3qQIWSbdA8sJCfBhgNMvvPxUxIV1EoP0-LjQg1GBqiEAxDbhpCE4TOStCGtDRXAOFsxKe4miC9WtNIkjCINhmN7yLoO1Eqy5NZm4tw/s1600-h/ME+in+the+mirror.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350270719528019874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hyphenhyphenU7wSY_smiLJoCL_gJvpEO-pK4IBU3s3qQIWSbdA8sJCfBhgNMvvPxUxIV1EoP0-LjQg1GBqiEAxDbhpCE4TOStCGtDRXAOFsxKe4miC9WtNIkjCINhmN7yLoO1Eqy5NZm4tw/s320/ME+in+the+mirror.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Dear me<br /><br />The Petronas Twin Towers of in KL. 4 am on a cold Tuesday morning. A cluttered mind.<br /><br />Think God has put this work trip for a greater purpose- not so much to mediate the tension at home but for you to take time to reflect, and plan how you should be a better person. You have been terribly 'lazy' and an irresponsible soul have you? You do realised that the you have unknowingly fulfilled the lust of the flesh. What has gone into your mind, resulting in not looking after this body- yes, lazy and self-indulgence.<br /><br />Mo Mo wrote about his attempts to reach out to the lost souls. You were humbled in your deepened understanding that love and forgiveness go hand in hand. Thanks to an Angel- BH, you realised <em>(and thankfully admit)</em> that you have long forgotten the sweetness of truth- God's words. <em>Face it,</em> for the past months, you have lived a lie- a self deceiving illusion that you still know the truth. Honestly, the indulgence of your life- internet, food, sleep, and even work, have made you become more estranged from the word of our heavenly father.<br /><br />BH's sharing of his divorce led you to realise that you need to start taking charge again. You don't need an Adam Khoo- you need to go back to God's words! The growing pride so silently creeped into your life that you thought everything was fine. But wait, your family relationships took a strain, and you even lost consciousness of watching your eating habits. These were clear signs that something is not quite right- something inside you. The little sins that so easily slipped into your life had become a heavy burden. For example, the slip of the tongue with an easy curse coming out were granted an OK. That led to conveniently finding more excuses to "fulfil the lust of the flesh" (Gal 5:16)<br /><br />You yearned once again for the promise of being able to "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with teh yoke of bondage" (Gal 5:1) At the heart of it all, you are humbled to know that the Father beckons to draw you back, to enjoy his forgiveness, and restore the relationship with Him.<br /><br />At the departure gate on Sunday, the tearful beast in you was shouting out WHY IS IT THAT EACH TIME BEFORE I TRAVEL, THERE WILL BE SO MUCH UNHAPPINESS AT HOME? Think, it all started with a major breakdown with your father when you left for Hawaii in Sec two. Then the spiral cycle seemed to repeat thereafter. Perhaps, the emptiness of leaving home and stress of being all alone accounts for part of the reason. You felt so upset that you felt hypocritical to profess that you miss your family. Yet, you were really a good husband and father, the least you could do was to be a better help to your tired companion.<br /><br /><em>Right</em>... so you questioned the value of LOVE. Rightly so. What should love really should be? Did you really "walk in love, as Christ also hath love us" (Eph 5: 2) Thank God you were humbled when you challenged your 'loving' assumptions - by the benchmarks spelled out in 1 Cor 13, clearly you were in a state of self-denial.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;">Love is patient; love is kind and envies no one. Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude; never selfish, not quick to take offense. There is nothing love cannot face; there is no limit to its faith, its hope, and endurance. </span><br /></strong><br />At first you blamed SA Tan. You claimed it was his way of disrupting my preparation to lead worship. <em>(thank God you didn't give in and walk away that Sunday morning)</em> The blame game is always so easy- just point your fingers. But the Spirit was gentle to rebuke and used the song <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">'People Need the Lord'</span></em> to remind you that - YOU need the Lord. Interesting too that the sermon reminded you that when God binds a man and a woman in marriage, the Word remains in them.<br /><br />As the sun is about to rise, you realised that you do cherish this moment. May you always remember that just as our Father extends his arm of forgiveness, may you never forget Paul's invitation to "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." Gal 5: 16<br /><br /><br />Thank you for being honest and courageous<br /><br />yourself<br /><br /><br />p.s. The pic was specially selected as a reminder that the sting of hurt to your vain ego during YOGOC wkshop. LOL!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-74975110988680838902009-06-13T15:44:00.000-07:002009-06-13T16:40:20.272-07:00My Paper Presentation "Incorporating Thinking Tools to Enhance Facilitation of PBL"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrILDoO0JfAizlhJ56Ymst8TLOtxJ3VqrSIS1j4qbUV8q6EM-gpu4u1qTmOS4lkpTIsW3ovrsHl8vMkXu6MVUFw7KGwNhLPtswLT5zsMlYAXntEAlw6Y2nLOueYnv4LYb51CCxgQ/s1600-h/DSC01802.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346959021845788818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrILDoO0JfAizlhJ56Ymst8TLOtxJ3VqrSIS1j4qbUV8q6EM-gpu4u1qTmOS4lkpTIsW3ovrsHl8vMkXu6MVUFw7KGwNhLPtswLT5zsMlYAXntEAlw6Y2nLOueYnv4LYb51CCxgQ/s200/DSC01802.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div><em>Friday 12th June 09-</em> </div><div><strong>Random Thoughts on my very First Paper Presentation</strong> </div><br /><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><br /><div><em>In preparation:</em></div><br /><div>First paper presentation- Incorporating Thinking Tools in PBL. Republic Poly's PBL conference on What are we Learning about Learning. Revisited the slides at 3am in the morning. Added TLLM's PETALS to provide context. Helps a little to add some credibility to mention that this was a refined work building upon my Masters project.Re-capped what Irene and I have envisioned to do with our paper. Included thoughts on future steps with currrent research projects with NHHS on metacognition. Irene's lovely slides saved the day. <br /><br /></div><div><em>Stress and Tension:</em> </div><br /><div>Very mind boggling experience presenting to a sea of researchers. Attending the earlier concurrent sessions were not exactly most ideal in preparation for my own session. Indications by senior management of Temasek Poly's, RP's SPAS, Australian's school administration attending my session of course, added to the stress level. Was highly critical and skeptical of some presentations. Validity and Reliabilty issues. Rita Roop was definitely one good cheer and a good dose of encouragment! Other presenters' weaknessses = my strengths/ For fear of 'difficult' questions- maximise my 25 min sharing so that less questions could be asked? Almost freaked out when I only prepared 40 copies of my presentation handouts. Student assistance helped print 30 more. My tag with the following - Ministry of Education, Singapore - definitely did not help. A Bishan Park Sec principal said, "I have been waiting for your presentation so that I can use it with my teachers". Glad that the two presentations before me were not too bad. Glad that I inserted a nice photo of me and josh with my email address to 'cushion' any difficult questions at the end. Doesn't help being the final presentation of the day. Encouraging email from Sue: "It will be great! Enjoy!!!!"</div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5e69gTnzQoWUCYrmhpOv3H_P-06ONFFE1lexohiGTgwqXi6fcPKtiMqxrilRdqLgDOeF5zzdPOPWOEsiAIQGUBfSJhdLJ5IY92R8EdK0kFs3TfdFRwmFKB90dlaFnUwWfJQFzWg/s1600-h/DSC01804.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346959017031844450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5e69gTnzQoWUCYrmhpOv3H_P-06ONFFE1lexohiGTgwqXi6fcPKtiMqxrilRdqLgDOeF5zzdPOPWOEsiAIQGUBfSJhdLJ5IY92R8EdK0kFs3TfdFRwmFKB90dlaFnUwWfJQFzWg/s200/DSC01804.JPG" border="0" /></a><em>The Moment:</em><br /><br /><div>Took to the stage - trying to look confident. My jokes went "plapped" - prob too 'localised' for an international audience. Could not understand what the Indonesian was asking. Intended some long pauses during the presentation just to see the reactions of the Think my energy and enthusiam helped to wake up some of the sleepy heads. Was wondering: what on earth was she busily writing even though she had my slides. Glad that I pre-empt with statement: these are my thoughts as a practitioner with much room for further research. Plan to maximise my sharing was great. TIMES UP placard was flashed repeated when I was on slide 20 out of 28. First comment from audience: "Thank you for the very rich sharing...." Question One: Would you use all the tools in one go (my immediate thoughts: was that a trick question?) Question Two: Does your tool give everyone a fair chance to contribute. (glad I gave an anecdotal reply with how the affinity diagram gave a introverted student a chance to tell of his story) One of the toughest questions: Can your thinking tools be used for RP's 'One Day, One Problem' model? (definitely food for thought)</div><br /><br /><div><em>Thereafter:</em><br /><br /></div><div>People rushed forward to ask for a copy of my soft-copy slides. To give or not to give? I wished they engage me with more "tell me more about your ideas" question. The Australian P asked, are there more tools? The Malaysian presenter asked, how up-to-date are your tools and which of these were more business related? Another comment: "it would have been even better if your session was for a longer workshop so that we can learn more about the tools." Natasha- An old long-lost classmate came forward and waited patiently for me. Sue commented ang mo asked "so where is the control group" (my response: <em>??!!*)@I#@)$)_@).</em> A fitting compliment: A very thought provoking piece with some nice contemporary ideas. Felt a sense of "lost" and "wonder" Got a sms from Irene: How goes?</div><br /><div>Wasn't it a delightful experience?</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-17487101428403381962009-04-18T09:26:00.000-07:002009-04-18T11:28:38.796-07:00The Dragon is Thirsty<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326097153285879266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmm-AiLEEqxhWjxLaicfEsQvNWeJGCpEvzwEib-PV9lPMMTn6zlmubRUoVyxFMp0_ZAJ-K1-khXPVa7CLXEgdWfGkc7GmTpi0rmsVj5Wje0U0G26OhGKPoFb-_WpggcMgeRZXb7A/s400/DSC09327.JPG" border="0" />With my usual gung-ho spirit, I innocently accepted the assignment early this year to speak to different key personnels of various enterprises in Hong Kong and China. Before I left, I told Joshua and Joanna that daddy is only gonna be away for 5 very short days, yet deep down, this verbal assurance left me wondering if that was really so. <div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>A very humbling learning experience indeed, a friend commented that I was flying in aeroplanes and taking trains as if I was taking a cab ride from Buona Vista to Punggol. Indeed, I arrived Hong Kong by noon on the 16th March and delivered my maiden presentation on <a href="http://create-teeth-buzz.blogspot.com/2009/04/stimulating-creative-flow-with-toys.html"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">'Innovation and Creativity: Unlock the Creative Potential of your Company to Overcome Economic Challenges'</span></strong> </a>by 2pm. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYkRNnnFoueJM6FYJhgfFPMHm5W1SoH3C8BYdz2XhpPj-N28JAoz7USPfjtFF_rd4A1ZCsbHP_ezuBvmcMLRaFDfx0dU-GW4aODogYbMAUCjVyccmZkJjQcpZ00JDzbmTfFL_Zw/s1600-h/DSC09048.JPG"></a>The challenge of addressing a group of senior executives from companies like 3M, China Aeronautical, Sky Technology, Fujikon International, etc, was simply mind-boggling. That said, in my opinion, it was a good start basing on the responses and feedback of the participants. The other comfort, it was delivered in English. By 7pm, I was rushed to the Hong Hum train station for a 3 hours journey up to Guangzhou. The journey continued with rushing from airport to airport on a daily basis from Chongqin then to Beijing and Tianjin (both cities in one day) and then to Shenzhen before rushing through customs back in Hong Kong 5 days later.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyS9lMF5DCF4nvb6nA6ZtTs5Fn1VzJG69R03mVxw0NS2Nbfv-jV1IdhvTtTC4xSn0juC1qwqjuqc1ET58z_YPwHG6w4V590btTn1C4yM-p7t6f9oLQwlmR4YgAz3LbDkb5aeW6g/s1600-h/DSC09057.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326094649858876834" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyS9lMF5DCF4nvb6nA6ZtTs5Fn1VzJG69R03mVxw0NS2Nbfv-jV1IdhvTtTC4xSn0juC1qwqjuqc1ET58z_YPwHG6w4V590btTn1C4yM-p7t6f9oLQwlmR4YgAz3LbDkb5aeW6g/s320/DSC09057.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />That said, I must admit, it was a good stretch, in more ways than one. Not least of which, it has at least afforded this wide eyed 34 year-old a ringside view of China's rapid changes. Compared to my previous trips to China, the landscape has very much changed in a short span of 5 years. It was no longer so much a culture shock as a business shock, particularly in their strong business models and quality management matters. Today, the business environment in the cities I spoke in has advanced so rapidly, it left me wondering how long would it take for the whole of China to advance beyond what Singapore has accomplished in the past 40 years. </div><br /><br /><div>The biggest (<em>and most horrific</em>) challenge is to speak fluently in Mandarin. Thank the good Lord that ACS had kept <strong><em>C</em></strong> in the Anglo-<span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>CHINESE</strong></span> School, despite how ACS-ians are infamously known for our competency (or lack of) in our mother tongue. Thank God for a wife who knows my every weakness and thus got me a Bestas electronic handheld dictionary on the birthday this year. Everywhere I went, I felt like it was the most precious <strong>武功密集</strong>. I was religiously translating and rehearsing my talking points every waking hour, especially after some vehement feedback. With all honesty, I value 'honest' evaluations like "老师有时用中文不能完全表达意思", or some even more blunt 'request' to "改善语言表达能力". Apart from the fact that the Chinese speak speak Putonghua, I struggled constantly to un-learn translating words from English phrases. </div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1R5oDYI7zeAaYmMJAYxPAHpI4CXo6n_WOMELQALG5GVkPIm08D7JJQxeaZzD4x6RqaI3CMENIYh0TOULRfMa4A5Lllz5nbuqOK27_XKxSswHMKkRBcre0mxBVIr2OWbRuSaBKcw/s1600-h/DSC09256.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326094648910377938" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1R5oDYI7zeAaYmMJAYxPAHpI4CXo6n_WOMELQALG5GVkPIm08D7JJQxeaZzD4x6RqaI3CMENIYh0TOULRfMa4A5Lllz5nbuqOK27_XKxSswHMKkRBcre0mxBVIr2OWbRuSaBKcw/s320/DSC09256.JPG" border="0" /></a>The consultancy firm that hired me assured me that the task would be an easy one since we Singaporeans are highly regarded for our "law-abiding-ness" and our strategic East meets West approaches. I was shortlisted for the task primarily because of my Masters from US as well as my other business ventures and experiences. Yet, during my in-depth discussions with the participants, it was obvious that the knowledge I had may not be directly applicable when dealing with the mainland businesses (less resistance though from HK). The 'stretch' here takes on a new level where I need to constantly adapt and adjust to meet the local needs and their expectations. In addition, acceptance did not come automatically even after "boasting" about my credentials and experiences in businesses. Some outrightly pointed out that my my young and boyish looks (o Lord... do preserve my youth) was an instant disadvantage and one even jokingly commented that I ought to dye my hair white the next time I return. </div><br /><br /><div>Jokes aside, I thank the good Lord for the opportunity to witness how Singaporean needs to open our eyes and be less complacent of our achievements. What we achieved in the past decade, in my opinion can be easily superseded by a double or even triple jump with how fast the China's gates are opening up to the rest of the world. I have not ready solutions to how we can even try to 'catch up'... new innovative programmes/models? Education as a fast way to build capacity? Government to take the lead to make bolder political moves for further partnerships? A friend I confided in even suggested that it may even come a day where we are imported as 'foreign talents' to be chauffeurs, tutors, nannies to the Dragon babies. </div><br /><br /><div>For now, I thank God for the an overall positive feedback considering my many fears and weaknesses. On a scale of 1 to 10, the report card says it all for the following seminars.<em> (Shenzhen had a different feedback form)</em></div><div><br /><u>Course applicability 内容适用性</u><br />Hong Kong- 8.09<br />Guangzhou- 7.47<br />Chongqin- 7.5<br />Beijing- 8.63<br />Tianjin- 8.00 </div><div><br /> </div><div><u>Content organization 内容编排</u><br />Hong Kong- 8.27<br />Guangzhou- 7.31<br />Chongqin- 7.94<br />Beijing- 8.75<br />Tianjin- 7.71<br /></div><br /><div><u>Activities, Discussion, Practice & Case Study 活动、讨论、练习及案例<br /></u>Hong Kong- 8.55<br />Guangzhou- 7.5<br />Chongqin- 8<br />Beijing- 8.75<br />Tianjin- 8.41 </div><div> </div><div></div><div><u>Further Comprehension 对内容有深入认识</u><br />Hong Kong- 7.91<br />Guangzhou- 7.06<br />Chongqin- 8.38<br />Beijing- 9.00<br />Tianjin- 7.35<br /></div><br /><div><u>Presentation Skill 表达技巧</u><br />Hong Kong- 8.81<br />Guangzhou- 7.83<br />Chongqin- 8.00<br />Beijing- 9.00<br />Tianjin- 8.06</div><div><br /><u>Ability To Simulate Participants' Involvement / Interactivity 促进学员参与</u><br />Hong Kong- 8.45<br />Guangzhou- 8.25<br />Chongqin- 8.19<br />Beijing- 9.25<br />Tianjin- 8.94 </div><div><br /> </div><div><u></u></div><div><u>Applicability to Business Needs课程适合工作需要</u><br />Hong Kong- 8.09<br />Guangzhou- 6.97<br />Chongqin- 7.06<br />Beijing - 8.00<br />Tianjin- 8.53 </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div>And since it was a seminar conducted in Chinese, the following feedback were really very heartening.... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gNKKiCqLLijE8j4Mq98PtN0RZ-tdKLqLXMWzD0C8XSut0mheJkdDY6iudxPzmoiDYFsSSXNk_tFL6-UWExfaaYZYLQrq_DP2xYpmRZmSne51w5q0N8olMKiiWdVRCiQ3Rp4v_w/s1600-h/DSC09191.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326096460538999746" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gNKKiCqLLijE8j4Mq98PtN0RZ-tdKLqLXMWzD0C8XSut0mheJkdDY6iudxPzmoiDYFsSSXNk_tFL6-UWExfaaYZYLQrq_DP2xYpmRZmSne51w5q0N8olMKiiWdVRCiQ3Rp4v_w/s400/DSC09191.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br /></div><div><em>- 觉新颖但广告意识强</em></div><br /><div><em>- 创新的灵感来自于身边的任何细节,善于思考</em></div><br /><div><em>- 很适合目前创新型发展的理念,建设细致的工具和技巧</em></div><br /><div><em>- 通过互动引出结论,道理应让人留下银翔</em></div><br /><br /><div>As my good old school motto says it best...<strong>The best is yet to be</strong><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">愿一切荣耀与赞美归给上帝!</span></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><em>(just wondering when I will ever be able to start blogging in chinese.... LOL)</em></div></div></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-10263822776622951512009-04-03T20:58:00.000-07:002009-04-03T21:03:53.631-07:00My EQ... on Facebook? QUite accurate indeed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfr8W1xesqjy8LxfZNvvFxx4EyHz4WSoojkuO67qgAgw7hEl5v7D2yQZ1kQ0yRebQ8XCDNiwT0pHCPjOZTVzznSs5dLcpcl6HmrQpVAVIQtg08IfNr4zJCG0RsTOydlljF03S3Xg/s1600-h/quiz_11_result_47.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320681518338700562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 100px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfr8W1xesqjy8LxfZNvvFxx4EyHz4WSoojkuO67qgAgw7hEl5v7D2yQZ1kQ0yRebQ8XCDNiwT0pHCPjOZTVzznSs5dLcpcl6HmrQpVAVIQtg08IfNr4zJCG0RsTOydlljF03S3Xg/s320/quiz_11_result_47.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>Facebook has a certain magnetic appeal in getting people to respond online... the frightening thing about it- to share (or more explicitly-to make public) private personal information. Yet, highly intrigued to find out whats my EQ- its an easy trap to 'play along' ???? </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>John took the quiz <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/kq_whatisyoureqemoti/?ref=nf">What is your EQ (Emotional Intelligence Quotient)? </a>and the result is <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/kq_whatisyoureqemoti/?ref=nf">Your EQ is 128</a> </div><div><br /><blockquote>You usually have it going on emotionally, but roadblocks tend to land you on<br />your butt.On an average day, you're quite happy, together, and content. You live<br />your life well.Your emotions aren't always stable, but you can go along with the<br />ups and downs pretty well.You tend to be motivated, energetic, focused, and<br />level headed.You see the world pretty rationally, and you don't tend to over<br />dramatize things. When things are bad, you know they eventually have to get<br />better.</blockquote></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-55149335653495655062009-03-28T00:51:00.000-07:002009-03-28T01:02:54.843-07:00Whats ahead?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezA9vRtEblPZR9TxdHbDFeg_xT7fN4N8Rpz_LTW5M2reJxMCt0dEKYHdJ4OuvmuJflatlQYQhwwpVTcpaG3C8-NPneq6bqYaLZ_oy8O44uNhiaaqTHW9elfxXyHlJwv4H-8UWpQ/s1600-h/DSC09311.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318145113302654770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezA9vRtEblPZR9TxdHbDFeg_xT7fN4N8Rpz_LTW5M2reJxMCt0dEKYHdJ4OuvmuJflatlQYQhwwpVTcpaG3C8-NPneq6bqYaLZ_oy8O44uNhiaaqTHW9elfxXyHlJwv4H-8UWpQ/s320/DSC09311.JPG" border="0" /></a> I am at a new crossroad of my life... stuck in search of new directions, nothing to propel me towards any specific doors of opportunity (especially in times like these), I lay in silence praying to my Father who has guided me faithfully all these 34 years of my life.<br /><div></div><br /><div>The following paragraph from the http://parallelmind.wordpress.com/ touched my heart as I thought of what would essentially be considered of value years down the road.</div><br /><div><br /><blockquote><br />The new paradigm is one of individual creativity and freedom. Creativity<br />and freedom cannot exist inside an environment of fear; they can only grow<br />inside a matrix of love and openness. The new paradigm will not have the kind of<br />security that comes from amassing great stores of money, or from building a<br />fortress against unseen enemies. Instead, we will find security in our<br />relationships and the quality of our lives. Our assets will be counted not in<br />cold hard cash, but in the measure of our integrity, in the health of our<br />children and society, in the quality of our goods and services, in the<br />inventiveness of our ideas, in the consistency of our friendships, and in the<br />honesty of our partnerships.<br /></blockquote></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-3946758394791077112009-03-02T12:38:00.000-08:002009-03-02T13:38:55.642-08:00The story of a pen...and ugly people<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkw4P_7CPMOfQ0qaTEivugdZ7uZgXg2tQ8o-zBVhWlTyv8GNYUOaidk-buK4CxZtymXQR7YG9umgEkeLHECRV7rElrjhF9HBzNXqwgOVlHFT0PGJecrVqoUMuihCNRa_26705Hw/s1600-h/DSC06175.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308702601507036066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkw4P_7CPMOfQ0qaTEivugdZ7uZgXg2tQ8o-zBVhWlTyv8GNYUOaidk-buK4CxZtymXQR7YG9umgEkeLHECRV7rElrjhF9HBzNXqwgOVlHFT0PGJecrVqoUMuihCNRa_26705Hw/s200/DSC06175.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I held up a <em><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">pen</span></strong></em> ... about to write. </div><div align="left">Suddenly this pen remnded me of a story: one that illustrated the many facades of man's thoughts and the complexities around what kindness means.<br /><br />Recently I witness something that was very disturbing in a hawker centre. A crippled and slightly autistic young lady was moving around slowly in Kovan selling pens for a dollar each. I bought a pen and continued to observe her and her interactions with others around. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Fact is, I got increasingly upset with how some unkind people simply shoo-ed her away, the way you would react to an irritate fly. One lady even turned her son's face away as the child wondered how they ought to respond to her. Did the girl deserve such a degrading response as even she suffered from leprosy? In her quiet ways, she was not persistent in selling her products and she simply walked away, expressionless. In my weak attempt to help her, I intentionally stepped forward before that mother and tried to donate some money to the girl. She surprised me with the rejection of the donation and pushed a pen into my hand. Was it blatant ignorance to my act of sympathy or a deliberate act to preserve her pride? None-the-less, I respected her decision.<br /><br />Upon reflection, I only wished that even as there may be black sheeps among us, the kind hearted Singaporean spirit will prevail to discern and reach out to those who are genuinely in need. Yet in my heart, I was wondering if we still understand what makes our society a gracious one.<br /><br />Out of curiosity, I decided to text some friends by sms to hear their point of view. Below were their replies:<br /></div><blockquote><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>My wife:</strong></span> <em>Don't be sad. Just help within our own means cos maybe they have met so many to determine who's genuine.</em><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong>Mr GY:</strong> <em>Good on you that you cared! Take it easy. I guess those people are stressed by current climate.</em><br /></div><div align="left"><strong>Ms CL:</strong> <em>She wants to do real work and so will not want to take money without selling her product. Yes, people are ugly and they need to know God. </em><em>I would say buy pen if that gives you peace. Meeting people's needs is the first step in sharing the gospel in a practical way.</em><br /></div><div align="left"><strong>Ms SN:</strong> <em>John, you encouraged me with your act. Ugly Singaporeans are everywhere. Even we are guilty at times. We just dun c the underbelly of S'pore enough. At times, I feel so lost too that I realised I am so unreal. Can't take the mask off, I am ugly too...</em><br /></div><div align="left"><strong>Ms YH:</strong> <em>Despite her handicap, she is making a honest living. Well, you can't change those who rejected her but at least you did make a difference in her life.</em></div><div align="left"><strong>Mr CH:</strong> <em>What makes you think she really needs your $? Maybe she is part of a big syndicate? How much can a selling a pen, or a packet of tissue help her? Sometimes kindness does not pay. Maybe the people saw your act and may think otherwise about your intentions. Is that girl pretty?</em></div><div align="left"><br /></div></blockquote><div></div><div>The above responses were simply overwhelming. Not only because of the contrasting range of emotions and thoughts, but how a single situation may provoke very different perspectives. Indeed, this is a case of how natural checks and balances are already in place to maintain the core of our social fibre. Perhaps thats where individual creativity of making new connections can better our society as a whole. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-14301769160028800462008-12-10T17:10:00.000-08:002008-12-10T17:38:09.714-08:00Visionary thinkingMy morning quiet time led me to reflect the importance of vision. Hybels (1994) offers 3 definition of vision as an important character quality.<br /><br />Vision is<br /><ol><li>a God-given ability to see posible solutions to the everyday problems of life;</li><li>the ability to see beneath the surface of people's lives</li><li>the ability to catch a glimpse of what God wants to do through your life if you dedicate yourself to Him. (Hybel, 1994, p.23)</li></ol><p>Indeed, it was refreshing to study the biblical context of vision through the conversation of Jesus with the rich young man in Matthew 19:16-30. Questions that triggered me to think about my vision include:</p><ul><li>Do I see myself obeying all of the commandments? </li><li>Am I willing to give up everything, i.e., my earthly possessions, to bless the poor and/or to submit to follow Christ as he beckoned with "Then come, follow me"? </li><li>At what cost?</li><li>Do I put my faith in God and fully surrender to the hope of "with God all things are possible" (Mat 19:26)?</li><li>Am I willing to be the last as Jesus reminded the disciples that the "many who are first will be last and many who are last will be first" (Mat 19:30)?</li><li>Does Jesus see me as a potential heir of the eternal life?</li><li>How do I honour God in the way I live my life?</li></ul><p>Hybel provided an interesting analogy that if we fix our eyes on our problems, then its like spending our whole life spinning our wheels and cursing the mud. Conversely, if we cultivate vision and explore ways to deal with them, then "not only will you avert all sorts of discouragement, but you will also discover how much creativity and wisdom God wants to give his children who look to Him for help." (1994, p.23). Praise be to God for allowing us to come to Him and trust Him to open or close doors as we follow the vision He plants in us.</p><p>The promise that Jesus provided points towards a simple formula- Create the vision by claiming that all things are possible with God. Ask Him for wisdom and head out in faith. </p><p>Reference: </p><p>Hybel, B. (1994). <em>Character: Who you are when no one's looking.</em> England: InterVersity Press. </p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-39249608068428278852008-10-06T17:52:00.000-07:002008-10-06T18:21:34.385-07:00Tipping the Balance of Time ManagementThe encouragement below is from Stavros- my room mate back in Buffalo. A remarkable young chap who joined the program right after his marriage and straight off his honeymoon. I shared with my Stavros my recent dilemma of finding a right balance with work, family, masters project and time for personal reflection. Stavros rightly pointed out how creativity is needed to manage this turbulent state of doubt and insecurity. For lack of a better picture, this is one of the most memorable moments we shared with Nate in your parents' place and the wonderful spread of great Italian breakfast... <em>Thanks Stavros for your constant blessings!</em><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254212481870292354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiI3u4gY9ilIPTBLrKD5LhUTgMnpsjXOYAAwPqi3yMPRzzijU20Uge5KdRgee2bhtuDCcVCEH-azBjZXjrdmhDcThfhSsSvsTh_qp4h8od_U3uyEOzsLkjkU2ccsn2VVjVyXagA/s320/DSC05599.JPG" border="0" /><br />When I'm feeling sad i think of a lesson I learned from Tony Robbins. He says that at any given point in time we are making 3 decisions;<br /><br /><ol><li><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>What am I focusing on?</strong></span></li><li><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>What does it mean? </strong></span></li><li><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>What am I going to do about it?</strong></span><br /></li></ol><p>If you find that you are feeling overwhelmed and focusing on that, then you must decide what that means to you. Maybe it means that you are in the process of making great strides in your career, or maybe it means that you are making a sacrifice of your time for other priorities like family. So what are you going to do about it? will you remember that it it is all worth it and give your self a boost of energy. Will you determine that you need more reflection time and take it for yourself?<br /><br />Just remember, it is all up to you. You make your own reality, the universe is merely conspiring to bring it to you. <strong><span style="color:#990000;">Choose wisely and consciously. you deserve the best.</span></strong><br /><br />At times I also feel a little overwhelmed by this transition. It is sometimes daunting to think i have no car, no job, not even a bed right now.<strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"> </span><span style="color:#333300;"><not></span></em></strong><span style="color:#333300;"></span><hey,><hey,>But for the moment I am choosing to focus on the challenge at hand and the rewards it will bring. the fact that i'm scared only means that i'm scared and that it is perfectly normal. So what i'm going to do aboout it is keep winning small battles. Get the cable to work. Find a car. Make a few phone calls about work. Keep making progress on my school work.<br /><br />I hope i can keep a strong mind about it. I pray for your & my best outcomes and journeys.</p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><em>Reply to my blessed friend: Thanks for the timely reminder. Yet, if you may allow me too to encourage you...you have a supportive wife, great parents and a lovely Bungalow on St Thomas Island! Wonder why my thoughts drifted into seeing you as the Next James Bond! LOL</em></span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-84692632971300759462008-09-09T11:52:00.000-07:002008-10-06T18:22:55.937-07:00Will I become too distracted to Listen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlOwyc3CyKtDjYhUw3c5Bop2hgSAXSdTczTtEAaJe-ufN1KPrHOYz6XQAlqb2raKV8TLy3FtMtlSfIcozQdWEMCuMk2aAb8VNegkj0kru4t_Ne4LBmEVyP2CEFrH2row-C0DJSg/s1600-h/DSC00968.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244105831118645906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlOwyc3CyKtDjYhUw3c5Bop2hgSAXSdTczTtEAaJe-ufN1KPrHOYz6XQAlqb2raKV8TLy3FtMtlSfIcozQdWEMCuMk2aAb8VNegkj0kru4t_Ne4LBmEVyP2CEFrH2row-C0DJSg/s320/DSC00968.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Perhaps the pace of society goes by so fast, we sublimely loose some of the most valuable things around our lives. One of which I notice is that we rarely give or recieve the gift of truly listening. Yet, if we claim that <strong>'time is the new currency'</strong> then does that mean that both time and money are precious in our sight? I think its not about the money, but rather about the time commitment required.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I recieved a call recently from an ex-student's mother. Over the phone she cried bitterly on how she failed as a mother. She struggled as a divorcee to do her best at work so that she could provide the material needs for her son. Her struggle led me to recall another online conversation with a dear friend in UK. I quote: <em>"Yes, communication in families and now across the world (facilitated by the Internet) should underpin the change that is coming. Market forces alone will not fix things and adequately respond to those societal ills to be found across the globe." (<a href="http://thinkx.ning.com/profile/JohnYeo#chatter-2083458:Comment:5233">http://thinkx.ning.com/profile/JohnYeo#chatter-2083458:Comment:5233</a>)</em></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As I heard my inner voice fearing a future where I myself may blindly become estranged to my children, I stopped to reflect what are the interventions I can proactively take to prevent that from happening today. The birth of 'Structured Fun Learning' (see entry of 28 Aug in <a href="http://joanna3117.blogspot.com/">http://joanna3117.blogspot.com/</a>) with Joshua was in my opinion successful with him looking forward to the time we spend together each evening. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This came about I started asking myself from the pespective of a repentent father who had been uninvolved in my children's growth. The questions I postulated led to deeper thoughts..</div><ul><br /><li>How has the gap between me and my family widened?</li><br /><li>What went on in their lives and who are those they choose to confide to?</li><br /><li>HOw often do I spend one-on-one time together?</li><br /><li>What were some of the best conversations I've had with them?</li><br /><li>Did I help them to understand the critical issues/dilemmas of thier lives?</li><br /><li>What will I say 10 years later when we step out of the house in the morning?</li><br /><li>What are some of the best conversations I've had with them?</li><br /><li>What did I learn about them from the small talks and did I "hear" the deeper issues that could have been on his/her mind?</li><br /><li>What was unique about that time together?</li><br /><li>Why was it easy for me to talk?</li><br /><li>How can I create an atmosphere appropriate for parent-child bonding? </li><br /><li>How can I proactively plan for interaction time together?</li><br /><li>How can I be more responsible and how do I push for accountability?</li></ul><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244105829478867714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZGy4tYAhZVqF9thyphenhyphenvmkEbrtZFQDewRS9D8kuzDAI3joG3Q_AL7i25eFYmEl5a8kZaB5wdOmzpQHJTuoj1uAjeS-YwwgAP-KvjtpYndRwMlBsao7KkzhROmr5D1jwIOrYRDB8dQ/s320/DSC01522.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>I am glad I pondered upon the above questions. The rules, though seemingly simple, are fundamental in shaping work-life balance. The harsh reality of survival, tends to tip this balance to a side that may bring about irreversible consequence. May the wisdom of the Holy Spirit lead us husbands and/parents into daily knowledge of the importance to just stop and listen.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33586087.post-77128782916173801412008-09-04T21:01:00.000-07:002008-09-04T21:06:50.312-07:00My Vision, Mission & Anchors<blockquote><span style="color:#000099;">“… the creative person also is a self-actualized person – a fully functioning,<br />mentally healthy, forward-growing human being who is also using his talents<br />to become what he is capable of becoming.” Maslow, 1968</span></blockquote><p><em>My vision is to spread the cause of creativity to empower myself and others to live a more purposefully driven life!</em><br /><br />My mission follows for the next five years to enjoy the liberation and fulfillment by explicitly thinking out of the box to create greater fulfillment and meaning through building strong connections with God, people, education, parenting, and blogging- deeply centred on values.<br /><br />Having articulated my vision and philosophy, I have encapsulated them into the following 3 states of personal ‘mindfulness’ (Boyatzis & McKee, 2005):<br /><br />• <span style="color:#003300;"><strong>Consciousness-</strong> <strong><em>Self-actualization:</em></strong></span> To enjoy the process of deliberating, working through challenges, and building small steps of successes by bringing ideas into fruition;<br />• <span style="color:#330099;"><strong>Connections</strong> - <strong><em>Synthesis and meaning making:</em></strong></span> Through collaborations and co-creations by strengthening relationships and driving new directions of work both within the Ministry as well as in personal areas by helping others to see ‘new meaning’ of common interest;<br />• <span style="color:#330033;"><strong>Communication- </strong><strong><em>Simonton’s 5th P of Persuasion:</em></strong></span> To be the catalyst that help other discover “ideas that are so good that they change the ways others think” (Runco, 2007) through networking, curriculum partnerships and blogs.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466634234036010702noreply@blogger.com0