Update

Hi guys/girls,

Just an update. As of this moment, I will not be blogging much except when I have events and/or thoughts which I feel like writing. Thanks

2010

You know, even as the year draws to a close, we always look back and think of what we have done in this past year and what we hope to accomplish in the next year. But how many times have we thought about what we have NOT done which we should have?

Looking back at the year 2010, its been difficult for me. There have been many changes and to be entirely truthful, disappointments. To me, 2010 was a year filled with disappointments more than happiness. Thats not to say that I didn't have wonderful times in the year, it is just to say that those disappointments are what has impacted me throughout this whole year. Sometimes, I wonder, what have I done in this year that defines who I am and what I am to become? I sometimes find myself asking, "Who is Jonathan?" Sometimes I feel like I have been doing too many things at one time that I have not properly examined who I really am.

As said earlier, 2010 was disappointing to me. I found myself wanting to just escape it all and just give it all up. (Am I going through depression? o.o) But, after spending the last few days in reflection and thought looking back through the year, I have seen something which truly encourages me. Every single time that I fall down, every single mistake, every disappointment, big or small, I now see that God is with me. I know some of you may ask, "How do you know? Does God really exist?" Well, say as you might, but to me, He is as real as can be. The God whom I believe in, Yahweh, is real. I have seen God's hand picking me up at times when I really felt down, when I felt there was no one there, yet God has always been there to me. It amazes me that I have been able to pick myself up time and time again. It once again serves to show me that God is always there for me, whether I realize it or not, and that He is watching over me each and every day of my life. This is not to say that I won't face anymore disappointments, no. Disappointments and discouragements will still come regardless of circumstance. But I know that I can always trust in God to pick me up and be by my side no matter how hard I fall. In Him I have found peace and encouragement.

As the Psalmist says "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" - Psalms 23:4
So to does Jeremiah, who says, "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

There are many more verses that I could quote which have served to be my encouragement and hope in times when I feel down but I feel that you get a sense of what I am saying. You guys may have your opinions on whether God is real, yada yada. But to me, He is so real and truly, He is God everlasting. I end here with a final verse and a song:

"For God so loved that world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" - John 3:16

Your Grace Still Amazes Me - Phillip, Craig, and Dean

My faithful Father, enduring Friend
Your tender mercy’s like a river with no end
It overwhelms me, covers my sin
Each time I come into Your presence
I stand in wonder once again

CHORUS:
Your grace still amazes me
Your love is still a mystery
Each day I fall on my knees
Your grace still amazes me
‘Cause Your grace still amazes me

Oh, patient Saviour, You make me whole
You are the Author and the Healer of my soul
What can I give You, Lord, what can I say
I know there’s no way to repay You
Only to offer You my praise

Bridge:

It’s deeper, it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
It’s deeper it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
than anything my eyes can see

All Bible verses are taken from the New International Version (NIV).

Alviss Kong: True Lover or an Idiot?

Having just read about Alviss Kong and his suicide, I feel compelled to write this post. I wonder why.

First, he committed suicide because his girlfriend had broken up with him after being in a relationship for 4 months. He jumped off a building after posting on his Facebook that he was going to do it.

Well, what are my thoughts on this?

First, I think he is a douchebag. For the simple reason that he does not think before he acts and the reasoning behind his actions are superficial. I mean, come on, how many times have people broken up with each other yet moved on and found a life partner? Personally, I think he may be suffering from some kind of disorder or such but I would not be in the proper place to say this as I do not know him.

I doubt he ever considered his family and friends but instead made his decision over the fact that he was not in a relationship. So what? There are many people who are not in a relationship but are happy. By doing what he did, it just shows you that he is irresponsible, somewhat idiotic, and self centered. There is a post, i think it was on his blog that said he was rejected 5 times and still chased after her then finally getting her (at least that is what i gather from http://joshuaongys.com). He said there that he was afraid he would never fall in love and from that post I guess you could really see who he was as a person.

So in this regard, I say now, Suicide is NEVER the answer. This is a bad example to all those who are thinking of following suit. My condolences to the family as they are probably in shock now over what had happened. But I have no sympathy or respect for one who is so self centered such as him who commits suicide for such a selfish reason. So goodbye.




You may hate me but I am only stating what this person seems to be.

Updates

Hi guys/girls

Sorry haven't been updating my blog since who knows when, but been really busy with assignments and tests and so on. Probably won't update till sometime next week once I have the time =) Stay tuned, a major update coming soon ;)

What now?

I guess it’s true what they say about knowing a person. A person is identifiable through the actions that he or she does. Isn’t that so true that the things we do shape the very essence of our lives? If that’s the case, then life is something we should treasure greatly is it not? Then, the question is, what are we doing with our lives? Do we just sit around and wait for things to come to us? Or do we sit alone studying or working looking up the ladder but neglecting the people around us? Do we strive for everything which we cherish, be it big or small, that what we do is to achieve fulfillment in our lives?

Isn’t that what life is all about? Living it to the fullest and striving for the best that we can whilst looking forward to the future in anticipation of greater things to come. Each one of us, regardless of gender, race, or age, has only one chance to live. You cannot ask for a second chance to redo what was done. Some say that always keep an eye on your past and be wary. But what is that if you don’t look to the future? Are our lives such things that we only look back in hope of undoing the mistakes we have made? Or is it that we should look to the future and hope for greater things whilst giving it all we have? Should our lives be filled with greed, hatred, prejudice, and power? Or should life be filled with happiness, joy, friendship, love, and so many others? The things that we choose to do in and the way that we are, it is all by our choice. People may say that, “Oh, it was luck” or “They made me do it” but yet, at the center of it all, isn’t it governed by the decisions that we make? Do we take responsibility of our lives? Or are we letting others do it for us?

What is the purpose of me saying all this, you may ask. To me, it is the fact of life that is the purpose. Life is given to us and it can be taken from us at any moment. Therefore, it is precious to me and I do not intend to waste my life any longer dabbling in things which do not build me in stature and maturity. I may be young but better to realize this young before it is all too late where life will then be filled with regrets. Each and every one of us only has one shot at life. I have made my choice, what is YOURS? Do not waste this wonderful opportunity that has been given to you.

Nobody asks you to have a perfect life, just to give it all you've got with no regrets.

New Stuff :D

As the title states, I got me some new stuff! Wohoo xD
Hahaha. My dad just got back from the US and bought back some stuff for my family. My bro got some stuff that he asked for and so did I xD

Let the pictures do the talking:

Capo, Strings =)

Wallet!! xD

Clothes =D

Chocolates and Dried Fruits :D

Just a short post to keep my blog updated until after exams =x

Wants and Needs

        Ever had something you wanted so bad that you would be willing to sweat blood just for the sake of having it? That thing which dominated your thinking such that the decisions you make are based off that one thing? Well, I have or am experiencing something like that albeit much less dramatization and more inhibited. The item which I want most at this point in time is this:

Courtesy of Google Images and Yugatech.com

        The Nikon D3100 =) Actually, not really. What I really want is a DSLR camera. Any DSLR will do though I have one which I am specifically targeting. Well, you may ask, ''Why do you need a DSLR?'' The simple fact is, I don't. Which is why I said its a want. I have a prosumer camera which is the Canon G11. It is a good camera but I feel limited by it's flexibility which cannot compare to that of a DSLR. I mean, the G11 is great no doubt, but a DSLR is even better.

        However, with that being said, I always ask myself, '' Is it really necessary to have a DSLR?'' Sometimes, walking down the street, I see plenty of people holding DSLRs. But I ask myself, '' If the camera is what makes the picture, then why aren't many of us who own DSLRs professional?'' Understood that the camera has a bearing on the picture quality, but that is only a portion of what a great photo is about. I dare not even say that the equipment is 50% of what a great photo is about. Most of the time, a great photo, and in that respect a great photographer, is perspective. Nothing can be achieved without perspective for perspective is what you and I see the world through. The perspective of a photographer is what differentiates a good photographer from a great one. It is not all about equipment, more of the ability of the person using it.

        So back to the question, do I really need a DSLR for a camera? The answer is no. I would love to own one and I have not stopped saving for it. But I feel that photography is more to me about how I see the world and what story I would like to tell.

p/s. Anyone willing to sponsor me? :P (tongue in cheek)