When situation is tough, people are difficult to manage, things getting political, I will SOAR like an EAGLE because God provided me opportunities to experience Him and SOAR with Him to the greater height.
Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
I have a habit of saying a prayer before I start driving my car. I know that will give me the extra protection on the road especially over here the Dutch drivers are ruthless and impatience.
Today as I drive to my office in the normal peak hour, I encountered 7 cars breakdown on the emergency lane and I witnessed a 4 cars chained accident that put the A4 to complete stop.
I thanked God that I have great flexibility in my job that I can start my journey only when the rush is almost over (if I arrange my appointment accordingly), but it is unusual to see 7 cars breakdown and an accident.
I also know that every prayer that I said when I turn on the engine has not gone in vain, but has mobilized the angels to watch over me and protect me from accidents. I have not take journey safety for granted, and a little prayer will remind my Father in Heaven to constantly shield me under His protection, so that I shall not die by live to testify the works of the Lord. AMEN!
I have been doing the SOL 2 homework the last 2 nights, two of the verses that strike me were both written by Paul in 1 Corinthians 19- Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible
1 corinthians 9:14 - In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
It is easy to say than done, Apostle Paul has definitely live up to what he has written, and as for me....time will proof it...
Today, I went back to office and was expecting that I am still unassigned and thus will initiate a conversation to take the entire December off (since I still have 50 vacation days) to travel, read my book or do nothing.
Much to my surprise, I was told that I am already assigned to another project and that is with one of the reputable and established bank in the Netherlands. The mission is to conduct an assessment to determine if consolidation of the Dutch, Belgium and part of UK HR operations is the way to go.
This is my job, it is always full of surprise and expect the unexpected, and AmazING!!
In FMC, we now called our G12 cell group as CARE group.
Cell is
About
Restoration
Encouragement
In short, cell group is a place for restoration and encouragement of souls. Hopefully with this new branding, the CARE group will be more approachable for non-believers.
This picture are made up of the members of my CARE group. From left to right, ME, Munce, Sylvia (Care leader), Sandra and Trees.
Tonight, we watched a movie on Veronica channel. The Nicolas Cage's 'The Lord of War'. I like the plots of the story, it reveals the life of an arm dealer and how Yuri (Nicholas Cage) can always escape from the law by being politically correct. I like this scene where Yuri's brother saw how a lady and a little boy was kill by the RUF and came to realization that those arm that they are selling will be used by the RUF kill the innocents later.
I greatly appreciate this film, and the fact that there are directors who are willing to make unconventional films with controversial truth which invite us to think about the implications.
After the appointment in city hall, I have to drive to
Today I went to the city hall to attend a ‘integration’ appointment of which I have to bring my Dutch language proficiency certificates that I have taken with the authority (which didn’t passed everything then) and I also brought along the one from famous language institute in the Netherlands of which I have demonstrated level 2.1. However, I was told that the one from Language Institute is not recognized by the integration law. I was speechless, and stunt…. the one week intensive course in the famous language institute costs a fortune and Princess Maxima herself also went to the same institute for her Dutch language skill and this institute is not recognized by the Integration Law. I couldn’t believe that as when I took the course, I have Norwegian and
What really raise my bar is that I was told I must take an exam of a higher level (level 3) and the officer refused to recommend me for level 2 exam. This is really unbelievable, if level 2 is the requirement, why should I do the level 3 exam? After all, I am here not to beg money from the government, in fact I have paid a high amount of tax each year. I am here to contribute to the Dutch labor market and rising up the new Dutch generations in my workplace.
I am completely pissed off by the officer and entered into a series of arguments and raise my objections in Dutch ( I am surprise that I could do that in Dutch pretty well) and in fact at the end the officer said according to her, my Dutch level is definitely above level 2, however, according to the law, I am required to ‘integrate’ and to do that by taking the level 3 exam in the coming 5 years. I am not sure on what aspect according to the Dutch law that I am not integrated in the Dutch society, perhaps because I have not asked for ‘social welfare’ from the welfare department. Perhaps I pay too much tax, or perhaps I do not have a low labor job but a management position.
The Dutch integration law is like a license to kill, of which it is meant to target a very specific group of people, however being a non-EU citizen, I become a victim. I am sure they are many of them out there like me, who work and contribute to the society but yet discriminated by the LAW.
Today I have been browsing the KLM website and surfing the web award offer. I am almost convinced that I am going for 3 weeks off in December and fly to Asia destinations such as
When I think of those destinations, I can’t help but already start thinking what I want to do, especially for
Hong Kong – This will only be an option if Johannes is traveling together, otherwise
Nagoya or Osaka – Japan, sounds adventurous, never been there before, don’t know the language and don’t know much about the country, will need a lot of time to read up should I choose any of the Japanese destinations. Never expand my footprints to this country but may be now is the time.
If my dream comes through, I will be away from beginning of December and be back just in time for Christmas.
Anyway, Lord, I submit my dream unto Your hands, may You bless my plan and may Your will be done.
We all know what Germans are like, don't we? Well, this is my experience with German so far. They are :
Terrifying Efficiency
Public Transport is almost always on time in
Sprechen Sie Englisch?
The stereotype is not too far wrong on the English-speaking question, a lot of Germans speak very good English but refuse to speak it L.
Horrifying Systematic
I have been working on producing some kind of project plans for my client, but I have been challenged to the minute detail. Almost every single estimate that I derived I provide supporting evident or mathematical algorithm to back it up. Estimation derived base on 'previous experience' is not acceptable in
Isaiah 35: 1 – 4
1 The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them,
And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;
2 It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice,
Even with joy and singing.
The glory of
The excellence of
They shall see the glory of the LORD,
The excellency of our God.
3 Strengthen the weak hands,
And make firm the feeble knees.
4 Say to those who are fearful-hearted,
“ Be strong, do not fear!
Behold, your God will come with vengeance,
With the recompense of God;
He will come and save you.”
Since yesterday after Pastor Victor preached about this key scripture, I have been having this impression of blossom in my mind, despite of a busy day, the image of blossom and overladen keep flashing over my mind, occupying my thought from time to time. I don't really have an interpretation yet but I believe God is saying that I am entering into a period of overflowing, just like the scripture says that one will not be just happy but OVERJOY! That the excellency of our God will be glorified.
~~~~
AMEN
I must admit that this year party didn’t match my excitement, anticipation and expectation. Perhaps last year was too great, this year is not bad but just lack of theme, the venue is too empty and the food is nothing to match what Kurhaus’s offered last year.
Most the Asian colleagues (including me) hang around the Asian lounge at the start. The karaoke has a very bad sound system.
Throughout the night, we were being served with typical Dutch snacks to the extend that one can eat ‘from the wall’ free. Many people walk passed the kiosks and stare at the food unbelievably, but forced to accept if one is hungry, just help yourself ‘from the wall’. Picture above where Johannes eats from the wall.
Tonight is my company annual party, this year the party will be taking place at World Forum Convention Center in Den Haag. The theme is taken from one of the six of our company core values 'One Global Network'. It sounds a bit boring but still pretty excited about this extravaganza event. The outfit is ready and let's wait and see what happen to night 
.
Just as I am to send the last email, and then pack my lab top and go to the airport, instead of pressing save and exit on the power point presentation, I accidentally exit without saving.
There gone my 4 hours of good work, on all the content that I have created in the morning GONE...in a split second. 
. I don't know what to say, perhaps just not my day. On the bright side, I thanked God that the knowledge in my mind has not lost and thus I can reproduce the work again. I re-create the document at the Frankfurt business lounge, and got home continue with the final touch, and the document is now ready and sent.
Lesson learnt, never press
The famous shopping street Ziel, which seems to be must go and must experience place. It is laid with stones/tiles pedestrian pathway that linked 2 major underground stations, a perfect stroll for window shopping. A couple of big malls such as Galeria Kaufhof, Karstadt and Zeil Galerie, a massive Douglas Cosmetic store and giant Peek & Cloppenburg, of course among others the usual names that can be found in The Netherlands. The German is definitely fanatic about Christmas, most stores are either already in Christmas decoration or in the midst of setting it up.
Taken in the mid morning, the clear sky and the grey cloud are battling in the sky
Taken at around 4pm, when the sky getting darker, the tower on the left is Messe Turm (256.5 meters high)
Taken at around 6pm when I set out to down town, the reflection on the window is the Messe Turm, another pride of Frankfurt.
That’s what all the Frankfurters call their beloved city as ‘Mainhattan’. Today, I got the privilege of working from hotel since the client is too busy to handle the train strike that just initiated by workers union in
As the result of staying in the hotel room, I witnessed the skyline changes from morning to night; I couldn’t help but just captured every single changes of the day.
After all, is Frankfurt really another
I managed to sneak out during the lunch hour to the city center. I took underground to Römer again as I couldn’t really see the old town last night. Now I can see it clearly, pretty Germanic, heavily timbered architecture. Some times I fancy that more than the modern skyscrapers. I hanged around the old town for a cup of coffee, and enjoyed people watching. There seems to be a lot of Japanese and Mainland Chinese tourists in
Apfelwein - Frankfurt famous apple wine, but the weird taste really put me off.
The savory and half fermented taste almost made me throw out after the first taste. I wonder if it really should taste like that… It tastes like left over night warm beer… Not sure if that is the right description but for me that is the best describtion.
What a disappointing experience...
Tonight I have the chance to check out
I didn’t do much as it is already evening when I set off but I stopped by the historical old town of
Today I am home alone in the client’s office in
Food verdict: I ordered a chilly soup based seafood noodles (some kind of Wagamama style), the portion was miserably very small and it’s expensive for the price I paid for lunch.
Well, you have seen the night view of
This morning I almost missed my flight to
My German colleagues are very hospitable and friendly. They even offered to have dinner with me and explain a bit more about the city (not work) to me.
I got to be here for 2 weeks and thus I will surely have enough time to enjoy and explore this city.
Last night our church FMC Delft celebrated 12th year anniversary. The journey of 12 years is not long but has not been easy. The Theme of 2008 has been revealed – The Glorious Year. The night is celebrated with praise and worship, sermon, various presentations such as singing and dances. Of course it ended with dinner.
This afternoon we attended the Ladder of Success - Presentation and Certificate ceremony. The 9 students are divided into 3 groups. Each group presents a topic and the 3 distinct topics are
(1) Moving in the Vision
(2) The growing church
(3) Unlimited Harvest
These people are now equipped to be the Ambassadors for Lord Jesus Christ.
The ladder of success is based on the G12 movement from MCI in Bogota, Columbia, where the Spirit of the Lord is pouring out with great awakening. Our church is affiliated to G12. Click here to find out more about G12 www.g12.com
Today we need to attend a graduation ceremony for the Ladder of success program, of which Johannes’ cell leader is one of the graduates that have completed the ‘SEND’.
Instead of buying the ready made bouquet, I decided to pick and choose one myself. I chose two paradise birds and cabbage like flower with a few leafy leaves. That’s it, simple but special, above all, paradise bird is very tropical, it should brighten up the gloomy autumn day.
With this bouquet, we hope to bring him the best wishes and success in the LORD.
Two days after I returned to work, I started to feel nose block and finding myself hard to concentrate on my work. Well, it must be autumn and the month of the year that most people get sick easily and I am one of them.
Report sick at work since wednesday, the fever and headache has gone but the nose block is still quite persistent.
Dear Lord, You are Jehovah Rapha - the Healer, heal me and I will be healed. In Jesus' Name.
I have live here for almost 4 years now, I still never like the autumn and especially the moment the clock is set to winter time. Autumn is always melancholic, not that I want to think of it this way, but the wind, the cold, the wet and the dark also reconfirming my perceptions. I am still learning to like autumn. I captured the ‘colorful’ foliage in front of my house after the
When I see this beautiful water coloured like sunset, I give thanks to God in my heart for I know He wants to give me the very best memory as our Malta trip is drawing to and end.
However, what we never expected is that He also gives us a beautiful sunrise. This is the God we are serving, always give us the very best and He is full of surprise, journey with Jesus is never boring.
God bless Malta!! If God allows, We will be back very soon.
~~~
I am not sure if the window of Portomaso is inspired by the Azure window in Dwejra, Gozo. But what both have in common is the window design, similar in design yet unique in its own way. Azure window is a creation of nature whilst the Portomaso is man-inspired modern design. When I look through the Azure Window, I am amazed by the creation of God, the sea, sky, endless cliffs and landscape. When I look through the Portomaso window, I see yachts, marina, a world of material. If this is a parables in the bible, which window would you choose? A window that reminds you of your creator or the window that indulge in material world?
Notes: Portomaso is a prestigious area in St. Julian's where the Hilton hotel, luxury apartments together with a marina and yacht heaven are located.
Finally I rediscover my hobby in drawing and sketching. Perhaps it is due to the many old and rich architectural design of Malta that inspire me. May be the timing is just right or perhaps I just happen to have time to sit down, enjoy the beauty and start drawing what I see in front of my eyes.
Hopefully I will continue to sketch many pages to come.
This photo is taken at Silema and where can see the beautiful harbor view of Valletta and that's what I am drawing.
one thing that is hard to comprehend in
One of the specialties of Mdina is the glass work. These are colorful handmade glass that come in the shape of vase, plate, bowl, clock or even display item. Although there are Gozo glass,
This is the one and only Maltese soft drink. The color looks like Cola or root beer; it has a relatively strong and unique herby taste. A slice of orange to it will make Kinnie even more refreshing and distinct. Just a taste of it I already fall in love with Kinnie. Unfortunately Kinnie is not easily obtainable outside Malta. So I am going to miss Kinnie...
One thing I started to realize at the end of day 2 is that fresh fruits and vegetables are limited in , otherwise we will have a hard time in finding the fresh produce.
Today we joined a day tour to another sister island of Malta called Gozo.
Gozo Channel
We took a ferry from Cirkerwwa to Gozo’s Mgarr. The journey from Qawra to Cirkerwwa itself is very panoramic and pass by Buggiba,
Ggantija Temples – located on the crest of the hill south of Xaghr, this is a really Gigantic megalithic temples dated between 3600 – 3000 BC. Historians have no clue why this is built and how those stones were carried up to the hill and by whom, as the largest stone weight around 57 tone.
Dwejra - The two highlights of this area is the Azure Window and the
Azure Window – a huge natural arch in the sea cliffs. In the rocks in front of it is another geological freak called the Blue Hole a about 10m in diameter and 25m deep that connect the open sea through an underwater arch. Again I am impressed by my Creator of Heaven and Earth of such a beautiful master piece.
Ta’Pinu Church – Also situated in Gharb, the Basillica of Ta’Pinu which is now
The church is built in Romanesque style with pale golden stone, this is a relatively new building compared to the ancient history of Malta .
The Citadel at
