peace . love . joy

WE ARE SINGAPORE

There was a time when people said that Singapore won’t make it, but we did.
There was a time when troubles seemed too much for us to take, but we did.

We built a nation strong and free
Reaching together for peace & harmony

This is my country
this is my flag
This is my future
This is my life
This is my family
These are my friends
We are Singapore
Singaporeans

Singapore our homeland
It’s here where we belong
All of us united
One peple marching on
We’ve come so far together
Our common destiny
Singapore forever
A nation strong & free

We, the Citizens of Singapore,
Pledge ourselves as one united people,
Regardless of race, language or religion,
To build a democratic society based on justice and equality
So as to achieve happiness, prospertiy and progress for our nation.

We are Singapore
We are Singapore
We will stand together
Hear the Lion roar!

We are Singapore
We are Singapore
We’re a nation strong and free
Forevermore!

it's been 1 week and 1 day since Singapore celebrated her 42nd birthday. spirits are high, morale is good, and singapore flags are still proudly displayed in schools, from balconies and fences of houses and on the walls and parapets of HDB buildings.

taking a look at the songs that have been penned and melodies sung especially for national day celebrations, a change in style has definitely been observed. even in terms of presentation (think MTV) of the song, the style and emphasis has changed..or has it?

of all the songs, this one, "we are singapore", has struck a chord with me, and i'm sure, many others as well. i like how the melody, simple and innocent, breathes life and soul to the body of lyric. perhaps it's because it's about what i hold dear, very dear - family, or as stitch would put it, ohana. the video that was filmed to accompany this song has a very nostalgic feel about it. my memory is hazy, but i think it was done in color. however, everytime i call up this memory, the video that plays over and over again in my head is played in sepia. familiar smells of my maternal grandfather's (long since gone from this world) home, waking up after a sleepover at his flat in kembangan at 7 in the morning, hearing a rooster crow in a distance, walking to the table and watching him prepare a chicken floss with butter sandwich for me..familiar sounds of my fellow childcare (kinderworld at toh crescent, now demolished to make way for a new private estate) playing with me in the painted wooden playground, frolicking during water play time in our underpants, watching it being filled and bloated with water then being squished out of our pants accompanied by laughs and shouts of pure joy and ecstacy..familiar feel of pushing bark off the large protruding root of the old tree at loyang 6 toa payoh (tree's now gone, i think)..familiar sights of the night sky kissing the dark sea off the coast outside the runway of changi airport and hearing the deafening road of the airplane jets as they take off and zoom above our heads..all things i associate with my childhood..all are called up when i hear that song.

singapore is indeed walking forward, stride by prideful, cautious stride. that, i think can be said for certain about our economy. but what about our social and political aspect? i think politically, no matter what others, or even myself may say, we are doing fine - we've an obviously capable government, who obviously has our and their welfare at heart, what more could we ask for? let's not look at ideologies here, not about communism, varients of the kind, or of democracy. personally, i dont think any type of ideology is entirely feasible in the real world. both communism and democracy have admirable and of course, idealistic goals, but it is my belief that both are not do-able. they are utopians, granted different, but in a dream world where one society is governed by either one of the ideas, in the purest of forms of the idea, they would be magnificent. but as i said, i dont believe the purest of forms of each are attainable. as such, we've to settle for, dare i say, "second best".

who says "second best" is not good? just because it has the word "second" in front, does it mean anythg? perhaps since the best of ideology is unattainable, "second best" has become the "best". i have no qualms about the way singapore is being run by the PAP, simply because i've no problems with it. i'm here minding my own business, listening to mom and pop say "go get a good education, girl. get a uni degree at the very least", living my life (or is it mine?) with no terrible trouble or friction with the government. hence no problems. it isnt in my interest to meddle in "affairs of the state" nor is it in my interest to enter politics, that area shall be left to those who "care for the political sphere of singapore", or so they claim, perhaps it's just man's carnal nature to compete and emerge the victor in the scuffle that each wants to enter for the sake of winning, each thinking he's the best, each thinking he is right.

the sphere that i care most about amongst the others is the social. granted i'm not the "social-est" of beings, but it is the one arena of life that i find intriguing - it is the one that always changes, is never predictable, and yet, it is fundamentally the same and therefore forseeable. singaporeans..sigh..what are singaporeans? is it a breed of human-kind that can be distinguished from others by some test or characteristic? i dont know. what i see day to day are a bunch of people who dont know where they're headed. some claim that they're headed for university, but after that, where to sailor? some claim they're headed for distant shores, what are you seeking there, vagabond? is it to seek a life that you think you can stamp your name on in bold lettering? you feel that in singapore, your life is being institutionalised and you want escape. is that it? well, surprise, wherever you go, you will find institutions. you cant evade them. life, the moment it is conceived in the mother's womb belongs never solely to you. it belongs to you, and many others, for some, including the entity God.

what are we? who are we? where are we going? how are we going to get there? why are we here, where we are, in the first place?

take a look at this year's national day speech by PM lee hsien loong. what do you see?

i see a future for this country if the world doesnt end tomorrow.

i see a future that the sentimental and emotional me cannot accept because it cannot recognise the new. sometimes out with the old, in with the new is not the best policy. sometimes, the old has to die for the new to come. but is it the only way? or rather is it the best way to move the king? what are the risks? does it mean that if the benefits far outweigh the casualty number, it is correct or justifiable?

the songs that we sing during the national day celebrations, does it reflect a similar shift in emphasis of the government? shift in the focus of interest. a shift in a strategy to "survive"..

our singapore is morphing to become a "global city", a "city of opportunities", a city filled with "moments of magic". a place with, i would venture, enough opportunities for the population, a more or less comfortable lodging for majority of the people compared (i admit it may not be the best yardstick with which to measure) with that of say, ethiopia or timor or in some parts of china, that is the singapore we now know. but a country with a good economy, boasting of a in-corruptable government is not a nation. a nation consists of the people, the people held together by the "social glue", the people having a strong and solid sense of the presence of a community. is that the focus of this year's theme song? because the government is afraid of the countrymen forsaking the country? on a side note, is it utterly essential for singapore to become a nation?

is there really "no place i'd rather be" than here, in "my country"?

singapore. what is your history? what is your future? what are you?

singapore, our homeland, it's here that we belong..

we are singapore.

school's started for both NTU and NUS students. SMU!! ure next!! mwahahahaha =D

this week's the second week of school for us NTU sizzlers, and can u imagine? i'm alrd behind time because my teacher freaked me out by being unclear of presentation dates on the edveNTUre website, and i've work to catch up on for caroline.

taking 5 subjects again this semester:
Classical Social Theory
Organisation and Organisational Change
Sociology of the Lifecourse
Genes R Us
Western Film History

one. Chee Han's back, with longer hair (a lil shorter than mine..i hope) and a deeper voice. taking my tutorial class for CST. as i said during class, after a slight hesitation as i am not used to being addressed "meg" esp in a deep voice that i cant recognise, this course looks promising! because i love studying theories of the Dead White Men (apologies for any hints of racism detected, no offense)! i esp love MARX!! i think it's because he's the first guy i came across amongst the others during history class in secondary school. and i like the idea of communism*.

*i didnt say it will work, nor that i will guarantee my participation in any form of activity promoting this ideology. i just said i like the idea.

two. prof Tan Joo Ean is taking us for OOC =] i really like her. she reminds me so much of my mum - loud (enough), confident..cool..though i'm not too sure abt my sentiments on this module, i'm pretty sure i shall enjoy it, well, ,,it" being listening to prof Tan talk during lectures.

three. no comment on this new lecturer for SOL. aside from that...nevermind...think mingwei, just...worse...(no offense mingwei!)

four. i really pity prof Dr. Gerhard Grüber! the first lect ytd for genes, my goodness! everyone was so chatty! the poor guy had to try to lecture above the din, man! plus ppl were walking out of the Lt like nobody's business. what's your problem, people?? how'd u feel if you were him?? he even brought bubbles, BUBBLES, the pretty purple bacteria, and thought up interesting illustrations for the lecture!! granted the lect was a lil dry (but for me, i know it's cos i've studied this before) but it's no excuse! at least show him some respect! sianz..really felt like standing up and asking everyone to shut up..

five. FILM HISTORY!!!! 40% worth of presentation and thesis paper due next week, wednesday =] .. =( ..
i like watching the short sequences and learning abt the pple and studios =) not to mention the lecturer's not too hard on the eyes either, HAHA..okay, now i'm sounding like a bimbo, but who cares?! i'm not hurting anyone..am i?

congratulations! you've just finished reading a rubbishy-update-post! tune in next time for a more solid-meaningful-reflective post.

Adios, amigo-mio!

Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.

Who am I?
That the bright and morning star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart.

Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.

I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.

Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.
I am yours.

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again.

Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.

I am yours.
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am yours.
I am yours.

sijia introduced this song to me during our GoFish leaders' retreat frm the 20th - 210707.
Casting Crown's "who am i?"

truth be told i know who i am. but i'm still in shock and in awe about my identity.

i cant understand how God, our God, can love us. i cant understand why of all the creatures that may exist in this ever-expanding universe He chose to reveal Himself to us, to love us, to call us His children.

i'm full of imperfections, full of bad points. full of pride, full of anger, full of injustice. how can the Holy One love me?

bible doesnt say why He loves us. it simply states that He loves us.

interesting, huh?

if u can recall, this theme of unworthiness and gratefullness has infested my thoughts thru and thru. since the time i consciously made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses up til now.

i believe God has shown me the why He loves us. but it's still amazing.

last year, during YMLC, (i blogged this before), during worship, God gave me a vision. an image of a man with His daughter. no surroundings. just the 2 figures.

God loves us simply because we are His children. His creation. period.

there is no why or what we've to do to earn it. it just is.

like when i painted my first still life picture (which my mum threw away =( ). i loved it. it wasnt perfect, wasnt the brilliant billion-dollar work of art i'd really like it to be. but i loved it. it didnt do anythg to earn it. it simply came into being. and with that call to existence, so did my love for it. that's all there is to it.

i think it's like that with God.

His love just is that - His love.

no matter how much we struggle, how much we bicker amongst ourselves, how much pain we cause Him, He still loves us. and that's pretty amazing, wouldn't u agree?

i've never forgotten that.

no matter how far i walk along the road with my Saviour, no matter how mature others say i've become, i've never forgotten that undeserved, unearned love God has for me.

this love is the stumbling block to unbelievers - because they cannot accept it.
this love can also be a stumbling block to believers - because they cannot believe it and feelings of unworthiness overcome them like a tsunami, drowning them in its depths and fierceness.

but this love can be a magnet to both groups of people - because we keep seeing that we need it and receive it with tearful thankfulness.

to me, i believe we are unworthy of this precious yet everlasting gift.
but everytime we are tempted to turn away in shame, know this - God is not ashamed of you.

you belong to Him.
the Holy Spirit He has sealed and marked you with is in you and will testify for you.
"The Holy Spirit who lives in us is really, in a sense, an expression of God our Father's smile, His favour, His pleasure. God is proud of you. He loves you. In Fact, when He goes with you" wherever you journey, "He says to others through you life, " Hey, this is My child. He has My name. His name is Christian." ( OJ, 25 July 2007, "we belong to Him", Crawford W. Loritts)

just like my love for my painting, so is God's love for us - it simply came into existence when we were created.

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs -- heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
~ Romans 8:15-17

who am i?

My name is Megan "nique". and i belong to God, saved by the blood of Jesus. receipient of His love, grace, mercy and teachings.

who are you?

i've been struggling a little..okay, fine! coupla inches more than just a little..

i've been sinning, and i KNOW i've been sinning. i know exactly what the sin i commited was.

and even though i keep coming to God again and again, on my knees to say i'm sorry and to ask His forgiveness, i feel bad. get this, He replied me. He said "okay". God said "okay" to forgiving me. and i'm just so stunned. i always knew it'd be that easy for Him, but i never did comprehend just how easy it was for Him to forgive.

"okay."

and everytime i ask for forgiveness, and receive it, i ask for strength to try again. not try again, as in sin again! but try again as in not sin. start all over. well, not ALL over, but frm that instant.

thg is, i just keep sinning. same thg. all over again. and it's so hard! to know ure forgiven is wonderful! but to keep sinning, trying hard to REPENT is difficult =(

and i was reminded time and again about what i've learnt from TTB leaders' retreat\camp, and again, yesterday during quality time with God.

is your theology one that pushes you away from God when u fall, or brings you back?

does what you know about God make you run away and hide when you sin, and i say WHEN you sin because, heh, we all sin.
or does your knowledge and relationship with God draw you closer to Him when that happens?

you might tick the second idea without a second thought, but lemme tell you, so did i.

and here i am, finally understanding what that question is asking. comprehending the weight of the idea those words carry.

the struggle. is it all worth it? what are we struggling for in the first place?

are you sure what you believe in is real?

it all comes back to your faith. faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. (Heb 11:1)

hold on to your faith. to the good allegiance you have established with the LORD our God. remember His statues, His works, Him.
not just what you read in the Bible, remember what He has done for you. His daily blessing, His words of encouragement, His miracles.

the LORD, our God is real.

i believe.

without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Heb 11:6)

and having faith in God, we can please God who deserves and is worthy and is being praised. the Bible is full of ways in which we can please Him. He also speaks to us, each of us, individually, to tell us how to please Him. for instance, Eric Lyddell, an Olympic class runner, said "God made me fast, and i feel His pleasure when i run."

pleasing God also includes coming to Him to ask His forgiveness for the sins we commit knowingly and unknowingly and the good we did not do. for If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him recieves forgiveness of sins through His (Jesus') name. (Acts 10:47)

yes, we can please Him, but why struggle? if He forgives us if only we ask, why struggle?

my dear children, i write this to you so that you will not sin. but if anyone does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense -- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. we know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands. the man who says, "i know Him," but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in Him. this is how we know we are in Him: whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did. (1 John 2:1-6)

we struggle because we love Him. we struggle out of love and because of Love. we struggle because we live in a world who does not know Him..yet

when we struggle, and fall, we will rise again, for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity. (Proverbs 24:16)

"when God convicts us of our sin, it's not to drive us to despair, but to send us into the open arms of Jesus.
that's really what the 10 commandments is all about: to show us our need for Jesus."
(OJ, July 17 2007, "the heart of the matter", Greg Laurie)

so though the world is full of temptations, and our own mind has a "dark side", struggle AGAINST them! take no part in their activities! But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Tim 6:11-12)

Finally, brothers (and sisters!), whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pur, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or recieved or heard from me, or seen in me (Paul) -- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Phil 4:8-9)

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. (Phil 4:13) for His power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor 12:9a)

the birthday girl and her bouquet and banana chocolate =]

Uncle Peter's Durian cake

<- A.Mag cutting her cake (nb. she wanted the flowers there beside her, hehe =D)

Uncle Peter attempting to slice his rock hard cake~! ->

US~!!

US again =D (after dinner)

*courtesy of Daena

Have a blessed day, y'all