A reminder

Something I learned today from:

Psalms 37:4 --> "Take delight in the lord, and he will give the desires of your heart.  

Psalms 37:7 --> "Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act.

Desires  are the offspring of intimacy with God

Hearing His voice..

A man from a quiet farm was working at a noisy construction site one day. He heard some sound of crickets fighting so he asked another man working near him. 


"I wonder where those crickets are?" said the farm man.


"What crickets? I don't hear anything... Are you crazy? Its so noisy here!" said the other man.


Both of them walked across to what seems like a leave and lifted it up, only seeing a pair of crickets fighting there.


The other man asked him" How did u managed to hear that ?!"


The farm man said: "I'll tell you something. If I dropped a coin at Manhattan from where u came from, everyone around me would turn straight away to hear the sound of that coin because they're so familiar with it"

Like the sheep able to recognise the voice of the Shepard and a baby boy able to recognise the voice of his mum in crowded environment, I was taught today that I can hear God's voice too if I learn to recognise it by spending time with him and getting so familiar with it.

This has been on my heart since beginning of the year and I'm not giving up until I tune to that spiritual resonant frequency of hearing from Him.

Thanks

Got a scare today when I started up my computer. That's what u get when u give your family password to your computer. They send nice stuff and blow it up on your computer screen.

Thanks Mei Yen.

tried

I have tried...I really have...

But it's making me a worst person...

Maybe it's time to go somewhere else...

closed doors...

I guess God is answering my prayers...

Today's technical test at zeacom was quite a failure if you ask me.
Didn't know how to compile it properly. I guess as much as I know that programming is
getting more important these days, it isn't exactly my forte coming from a mechatronics
background.

I was suppose to get a call from Xlerate yesterday. But seems like they forgot to call me.
But even if they offered me that position, I somehow feel that I don't have the peace to work there.
Maybe because i'm racist (they're 80% indians) , or perhaps knowing that they pay low and also expect me
to learn things myself because the company's too small. Even though I know that there are advantages working
in a small company, I also do know that working in a small company, and also in an area which I wasn't specialised in isn't the best move to make.

Whatever the case, I'm still praying for open doors to the place and jobs that he's taking me to and providing to me respectively.

ps: I guess it's time to seriously get my working visa to Australia sorted.

Trust

Trust, something once broken, it will take time and effort to earn it back.

I completely trust you...
Unless i find out something that is other wise. =)

Being apart hasn't been easy.
It requires lots of patience, determination and perseverance.
On top of it all, complete honesty and trust fuels the 3 requirements above which keeps the momentum going.

Thanks for being honest!

Interview IV

Zeacom
http://www.zeacom.com/
Yesterday I kinda over prepared for my interview since my interview was only like 15 minutes short.


Apparently the interviewer at zeacom forgot that he was suppose to have an interview with me that day, until my friend reminded him. It was a cruisey interview, and I should really thank God for otherwise. My fisher and paykel healthcare interview was 2 hours long. I'm just suprised how different time range of interviews can vary so much.

Xlerate
http://www.xlerate.co.nz/

Woke up this morning at 8 when my mum came into my room to wake me up to help change the tyre. That was just when the CEO of xlerate called me up for a chat and asked me to drop by for an interview. I had to ask for a later interview time so that I could change my car tyre for the first time. (Youtube "how to change tyres did wonders with this) Anyway got it done and went to for the interview at 12.

The company was a small company with a lot of indians there. My parents would say that I should be careful working in that environment =p But they were nice people. Both co founder of the company interviewed me there. Apparently I'm the first mechatronics engineer to apply a job there. The company is made completely out of software engineers. To be honest, I'm not sure if it would be a good place for me to work in. Thinking about it positively, I could use this as a stepping stone to improve my programming skills but at the same time neglecting the opportunity to work in a company where I could improve my industrial automation skills. But I reckon I would be one heck of a mechatronics engineer if I became really good at software ( and also electronics and mechanical) Dad reckons that it will be good for me, and that I should consider it properly and maybe leave the company maybe end of next year before going over to Australia.

Thoughts...........

Still a little confused of what to do...
Even though I still wanna see what God thinks (but haven't exactly heard about it yet) about the whole thing, I'm going to add another way how I pray..praying for wisdom. For James 1:5 says" If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him" 

As a young man finally feeling the potential burden that he'll be carrying in the future as a husband, father and leader, I want to be a successful person, a respectable person... 

The very first full time job that I'll be taking will lead me basically to where I might end up for the rest of my career (hopefully not). Both interviews pending so far are purely software but I've spent the pass 4 years studying mechatronics which involves other 3 discipline. My interest lies in that and that's why I changed course from mechanical to mechatronics during my 3rd year in university. My electronics knowledge increased a little while working with fisher and pakyel healthcare as an intern. And  now I'm heading to pure software if I decide to take the job....what next down the road?pure mechanical ?


My current desire is to be Shannon soon. I also desire to go to Australia, a country which is more vibrant and better opportunities. I have decided to apply for a working visa subclass 476 which will cost me approximately $AUD600 (including the IELTS test)before I lose my chance of doing so. This is because I'm only allowed to apply for this visa 2 years after I graduate. This could potentially lead to my migration to Australia with a PR status where I could also sponsor Shannon and/or my family. 

My plan has been changing (so many times) but currently at this point in time, I was thinking perhaps I should stay in Auckland until just before end of next year and get as much experience as I can get from either software companies. Then from there migrate to Melbourne and join Shannon. That time I would have a good foundation and experience in software programming. With electronics experience gotten from fisher and paykel healthcare, I could use these two to lead me into a mechatronics role which I will be hoping to get.I'll be successful and earn way better wages in Australia.

But again, thats my latest 'solid' plan so far. There was a time recently that I doubted God that he would bother to reply my prayers that I have been offering to him. But even David said in psalms 55:17 Morning, noon and night, I cry out my distress, and he hears me.Also, the bible says "Commit your work to the Lord,and your plans will be established." I hold on tight to his promises that as a child of God, He will take care of me, in His time. He'll bounce me in the right way even if I did take the wrong turn at the junction ( but just hope I don't do that)

A reminder for myself LOL!

ps : I love you and thank you Shannon, for your encouragements and wise words even in those previous moments where I just felt so lost....  

Please continue praying for me...

Interview preparation III

After a confused (and a little depressing) week, I got a call from zeacom asking me for an interview on thursday 2 pm....

I'm still confused where I should go... you know where my heart is God. But help me discern ur voice!!

Shut this door like how you have shut the door for fisher and paykel if you're taking me other places. At the same time, please speak to me! Like anyway would be cool (Maybe through a speaking donkey or something lol!!) and confirm with me the job and country that you're taking me into (or not)

I was disappointed with God a few days ago because I was pushing him to give me an answer. I said I trusted Him but at the same time I wanted him to tell me exactly where He wants to take me. Deep down inside me, I knew that I did not completely trust Him...because my inner debate was "if you don't tell me where you're going to take me, how am I going to prepare for it ?"

until I realized that it was in His timing and not mine......

I wanna just thank Ai for sharing a daily devotion by Rick Warren:

'I trust God, but I'm wiped out!' by Rick Warren

I believed, so I said, 'I am completely ruined!' Psalm 116:10 (NCV) "Circumstances cannot change the character of God. God's grace is still in full force; he is still for you." Did you know that admitting your hopelessness to God can be a statement of faith? Trusting God but feeling despair at the same time, David wrote, "I believed, so I said, 'I am completely ruined!'" (Psalm 116:10, NCV) This sounds like a contradiction: I trust God, but I'm wiped out! David's frankness actually reveals deep faith: First, he believed in God. Second, he believed God would listen to his prayer. Third, he believed God would let him say what he felt and still love him. Focus on who God is—his unchanging nature. Regardless of circumstances and how you feel, hang on to God's unchanging character. Remind yourself what you know to be eternally true about God: He is good, he loves me, he is with me, he knows what I'm going through, he cares, and he has a good plan for my life. Raymond Edman said, "Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light." When Job's life fell apart, and God was silent, Job still found reasons to praise God: That he is good and loving. (Job 10:12) That he is all-powerful. (Job 42:2; 37:5, 23) That he notices every detail of my life. (Job 23:10; 31:4) That he is in control. (Job 34:13) That he has a plan for my life. (Job 23:14) That he will save me. (Job 19:25) Trust God to keep his promises. During times of spiritual dryness you must patiently rely on the promises of God, not your emotions, and realize that he is taking you to a deeper level of maturity. A friendship based on emotion is shallow indeed. So don't be troubled by trouble. Circumstances cannot change the character of God. God's grace is still in full force; he is still for you, even when you don't feel it. In the absence of confirming circumstances, Job held on to God's Word. He said, "I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread." (Job 23:12, NIV) This trust in God's Word caused Job to remain faithful even though nothing made sense. His faith was strong in the midst of pain: "God may kill me, but still I will trust him." (Job 13:15, CEV)   You're amazing, Ai

Job Dilemma

I'm really confused of where God is going to take me...

I realised that I qualify for an Australian working visa for graduates (visa 476) and I would only be able to apply for this visa within the two years after graduating from university. After that, it would be seriously hard to apply for a working visa as I would require sponsorship from an employer who thinks i'm worth sponsoring.

Today while talking to a friend, he said that he could hook me up with an interview with his company because it's a small company and he knows the people there. Just say if I do get this job, I would lose the opportunity to go to Australia. Shannon would most likely be influenced by my decision to work in New Zealand. And say if I do decide to switch jobs middle of next year so that I can take this chance to go Australia, Shannon again will be influenced by it. Unless I take some risks which could jeopardize this relationship we have.

At the same time, I have always thought of moving to Australia because of such nice place it is. I always told myself that I'm still young and I've been living in New Zealand for far too long . 8 years in a quiet country feels terrible. I want to see what's out there, at least by starting with Australia. But there's no guarantee that I'll find a job there. At the same time if I decide to take any jobs in New Zealand, I basically give up the chance I have to go to Australia.

Where do you want me to go Father? I'm really desperate for answers or any signs... Just make them clear so that I'll do whatever is needed to in preparation...

Yucky hands

After helping out Pastor Dan paikea and Josh Dennis, I went to Ser chung's house to visit him and also savage some components from his printer before he throws it away.

Spent some time disassembling the whole thing and got my hands really dirty in the process. The printer had left over inks which smeared over all my fingers. I couldn't wash it off and I think it's going to remain there for a while LOL...

ps: tried alcohol and soap but it didn't work!

Closed Door

Today, Richard told me that he needed to talk to me...
I knew it was about his job at FnP.
What i didnt know was, when he told me he didnt get the job, he really meant it.
I thought he was trying to pull my leg again.
But he wasn't.
He told me the truth.
The door was shut.

I didn't know what to say... except: it's ok. hugs.

Lord, You've shut all the doors.
What is next?
Where should Richard go now?
Lord, we believe You are our provider.
You are our comforter.
So Lord, when things don't go our way,
we wanna thank You for reminding us that You are in control,
and that we should wholly depend on You.
Father, at this very moment,
I pray for Your divine intervention upon Richard's life.
Father, continue to lead him and guide him.
May You grant him favour.

Father, You are the great and mighty one, the great I AM, Your name is high above every other name. And we just want to acknowledge that and Your sovereign power. May Your will be done in our lives.

Disappointed

I just got a call from fisher and paykel healthcare....

Seems that I failed my interview.... I didn't get the job.

Feedback was that I was really close on getting it. Just that technical side of things didn't really go that well. Maybe it's just been too long since I was at uni... =(

Whatever the case, I've done my best....that's all that matters...

Time to move on and let God guide me....

Lunch Grace

Just had a thought after preparing lunch today.

One of my family members came and asked if lunch is ready .After spending 1.5 hours in the kitchen I was hoping some sort of 'thanks' but there was none. lol.

Not the point of my post but it brought me to the thought of grace. When Jesus took the pain for us on the cross, he suffered tremendously. He was perfect and innocent, yet he was whipped so brutally 41 times or more so that . He knew that there at that beating post every stripe they lay upon him was the price he would pay for our healing. Understand this, He experienced in his body fully every disease that has been or ever will be. He felt the pains of Cancer as it ate away at his flesh. He cried as the crushing blow of heart disease reeked through his body. Blood diseases, Sicknesses of every kind. He actually experienced them all so we by his stripes can now be healed. He paid the price for our healing. Many had experience the beating post before him and after him. What was different about Jesus was that he took every sickness and disease upon himself. He pained and wreathed in agony for your right to divine health.

In that injured condition, he carried the cross which weights approximately 76kg (from some source) to Calvary. Imagine some of us only having a minor cut on our finger and we take a day off school cause it was too much pain to bear to hold a pencil! Jesus was tortured to wear the crown of thorns made by the Roman officers. Imagine the humility He had to bear!

On the cross, he suffered. His hands, leg and body was pierced. He suffered a slow and painful death. Yet He did not show anger or hate and cried out, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." Speaking of Grace ....

Jesus did not demanded a thank you or an appreciation or else he wouldn't have died for us. It was out of pure love. The bible says He loves us. But yet, if we showed appreciation to our Father even for the little things He had done or will be doing for us, I wonder how happy and appreciated He would feel !

Anyway just a random thought for I had for lunch grace.. LOL

I am EXCITED!!!

1.) Richard is going on a short mission trip to the Philippines.
2.) After his short mission trip, he is going to be in Malaysia for 12 days!!!!

How cool is that?

I actually do wish I could join him for the short mission trip...
Anyway, I'm still excited for him on his first mission trip overseas!!
On top of that, I'M GONNA SEE HIM EARLIER THAN I EXPECTED!

Prayer list:
1) Richard's job
2) My skin problem
3) Richard's finance for the short mission trip
4) My studies
5) Our relationship

sensitivity

I realised that I can be sometimes over sensitive and over reactive to certain things certain people around me do to me..

I don't like it nor do I condemn it. But maybe it'll be better if I can reduce it down a notch. It's just inappropriate for a guy to be so sensitive! LOL. a little is good but too much, and you're a hard person to talk to and socialize with.

Anyway, just another aspect to work on.

ps: maybe because music is in my blood ? lol..perhaps....

Woman's conference

Shannon's gone for a woman's conference for the weekend.

Hope she's having a blast!

BEAUTIFUL WOMAN 2010 from planetshakers on Vimeo.

A thought....

It's been almost a week since my trip and I haven't got the chance to see Shannon yet (I miss her).

Just thinking about my previous trip to Melbourne, I thought it was really worth it. It was an important trip to experience her true nature and personality apart from what I know of her through msn. The thing about our case was that I was attracted to her when she came over to visit Auckland. It didn't start off as something mutual but somehow it got where we are right now.

Looking back now, I realised that without the trip, I wouldn't have been able to know the real Shannon. We definitely have a lot that we like about each other, but we also had some that we didn't like about each other. There were definitely joy and laughter, and there were definitely irritation and disappointments.

I've got a lot to share about my trip when I was in Melbourne. So whenever I get the chance with my busy schedule I think I'll take the initiative to chuck them over here in this area. This trip is something that could help other guys out there in our same situation and also remind both Shannon and me what it was all about during that short awesome period.

As I'm typing this post right now, we're 'officially' together. We're starting a relationship which won't be easy at this stage but we believe it's worth giving a shot at. There's always a risk at everything we do. But knowing that even though we're far apart right now, we are committed to this relationship. We have also commited this relationship to our Father in heaven that if things were meant to be everything will go well. Just like what pastor Lisa told me when I was asking her if it was alright if I started a relationship with Shannon. She said "just go on ahead... You'll know when things are meant to be. It's like driving. You'll continue driving pass the Green traffic lights until you reach the Red traffic lights. That's when you know when to stop. But whatever you do, always surrender and commit it to the Lord! He'll turn the lights green for you if it His will, so fear not!" ( However, It doesn't mean giving up easily just because of a small argument. That's just lame! you know what I mean....)

So there you go. It's definitely going to be a challenge. But we are giving it a shot. We are excited about what God has in stored for us and know that He cares, loves us, and will definitely see us through this relatively short walk on earth.

 

Longest interview ever!

So as I was mentioning before I had an interview to go to this morning. Thanks for the prayers I got from friends and love ones...and especially my beloved one who called me so many times DURING my interview lol! ( u know who u are )

It was my longest interview ever... A total of 2 hours 15 minutes !! 

First 45 minutes was about my previous projects involved and my personality. 
I thought I did not bad since I answered mostly everything confidently with a smile.

Next 30 minutes was about solving a design problem on the spot.
I thought I did crap especially it was nearly a year since I left university.

Remaining time was showing me around the process development site and checking my observation.
I thought I did 'so so' since I could answer some questions and not all of them.

But it is a relief that its now over. I can now focus on applying for more jobs locally and over in Melbourne. Life group friends are praying for me and I know that I can trust God for the best. I slept well last night after committing my interview to him. I have prepared my best with this limited time I had, so I'm just going to leave everything for him  now. Praying for confirmation if I do get the job and if its His will.

Interview Stress

Both Richard and Sui Li are having job interviews tomorrow...

I know Richard is pretty stressed because of it.. not too sure about Sui Li.

Anyway, I hope they would both do very well tomorrow.

All the best!!!
You've got my moral support!

interview preparation II

I have passed through the first interview process automatically because I am working as an intern in fisher and paykel. Tomorrow is my second interview and I'm just cramming whatever I've learn in the pass 4 years in university. Hope I can remember important stuff with my 'great' memory and answer those personality questions convincingly...*gulp*

I'll give it my best shot with this limited time I have left. Whatever the outcome is, I'll just trust Him. My father will know what is best for me if I trust him and surrender my job application to Him.

Please pray for me tomorrow... would definitely need it. Thanks !!

Richard's Trip to Melb

Melbourne City.

One of the night we spent at the city.

We met one of Richard's close friends that night - Joan King.

If I was given the chance to turn back time and change things.

I wouldn't change anything from the time Richard was here till he left.

We had disagreements.

There were moments (actually loads of them, initially) we were both upset.

We had doubts.

There were times we feared.

 But through it all, we learned so much about each other by just simply spending time with each other and hearing what close ones say.

 Wise words from older and experienced people:

~Be patient with each other.

~Learn to tolerate.

Love is a choice.

Not a feeling.

My prayer is that God would continue to guide us each step of the way.

 p.s. finished some online lectures and scored full marks for my online assessment!! *grins* Hence had some time on hand to blog. 

=)