New Year celebration in Bristol at 2000!!!

I wanted to write something about this tomorrow, 31.12.2005, but... I can't wait. haha.. so, here I am (since I won't be able to write anything tomorrow).

It was the most unforgetable New Year I ever celebrated! It was my last new year celebration in England before I came back to Malaysia for good. I still remember, it was right after Malaysian Christian Conference in Reading, I reached Bristol on 29th or 30th of December 1999. There and then, I was being invited by a group of friends, good friends to celebrate New Year!!!

Roads were closed in Bristol City Center. Hence, I reached my friends' place at Manor Hall, Bristol University, Bristol a few hours before the road closure. It was a cold day. A few of us were helping with someone moving from room to room and from cooking and making arrangement for the dinner. We were told, a special guest will be there that evening to join us for dinner. It was the Manor Hall's Warden, Dr. M. J. Crossley Evans.

We watched the TV the whole day it shows how every country in the world celebrated the coming of 2000. It was a huge event. I was so happy to have a group of good friends to celebrate the new year with me. I can hardly forget what happen that evening. Besides, chatting, eating, drinking and some singing to the Lord, we get together and pray for the years ahead of us as we departed from each other. My heart was feeling very sad to leave so many of them behind and especially one very loving friend.

When the clock reached 11:45pm, 15 mintues before new year, we can hear loud voices outside, car horns, fire- works and fire crackers, etc. On that moment, the warden came in to us and asked if we want to enjoy the greatest moment in Bristol on the first second of 2000. Of course we love to.

Allow me to discribe a bit about Manor Hall. Manor Hall is situated above a Hill, almost same level as Bristol Suspension Bridge ( http://www.clifton-suspension-bridge.org.uk/). So, when the Warden said he is bringing up to the top of the Hall, we were excited. It was very high.

By the help of my loving friend, I reached the top of Manor Hall. Before I stand still, I started to feel 'trembling'. Besides nervous, its freezing cold. It's Bristol and we were near the sea and we were on top of a building which is on top of a Hill. We can see the whole Bristol from where we stand. And just before we focus on the city view, we were shocked by a few fire works and fire crackers.... the clock turned 12am on 1.1.2000 and the fire works and fire cracker were relased by don't know how many people in Bristol. And the flakes and sparkes were just in front of our eyes. It was the first and only time I watched fire works and fire cracker without looking up the skies. It was so beautiful and amazing. Although it sounds like we were in a war, but it was so romantic and spectacular. We standed there for about 20 minutes and only we remember to greet our friends "Happy New Year!!!". We were too occupied by the wonder set in front of us. We stand there for almost 30 minutes and thereafter we went back to Manor Hall.

I don't know how Malaysia or any part of the world celebrated the 2000 new year. As for me, I think it is merely unexpectedly wonderful!

5 years has passed. But I still remember the scenes that I saw.

Ah.. some of you who gone through it with me know what I mean.

... Love ya all !!! and... Happy and Blessed NEW YEAR 2006 !!!!

Law II

It was this case of the late Moorthy Maniam that bother me these few days. It seems like the wife didn't manage to win the appeal. The case was between the wife of the late Moorthy Maniam and some strangers. At the end, those strangers won the case. We used to think the judicial system in Malaysia is safe and protective. Malaysian tends to think the law is created is to protect us and bring justice to us. But believe it or not, the system is not perfect. Not even the judicial system in any of the country in the world. I started to ponder how Law came into exist this morning.

YES. God (Yahweh) created the first law and the first judicial system back in Moses time. At that time, people of God follow the Law of God obediantly and never challenge the law as they fear the Lord. The Christianity hence has a very strong connection with the Judicial System. This, can be seen even in England today (although it is fading). However, the bad thing about all these today is that, people are trying to be smarter than God. People are thinking, they should be the one to creat all the law and enforce all the law they themselves created. Hence, people are changing the law of God. For example, in some of the country, the law now allow 2 persons who has the same gender to get married. And to my suprise, half of the population in the world agree and happy about the decision and they do not know this God or fear Him. I do not know if anyone still remember the 2 cities that was destroyed by the Lord ages ago. Or... if this is pleasing to God, then you are question about God's authority and wisdom of creating a male and a female in the first place.

TODAY, very few people fear the Lord. Not even the leaders of the church will fear the Lord. Some of them run the church for the wealth, the power, and the recognition of people, but not God and that, I hope they realise it soon and repent. My heart turn sour everytime I think of the wrong focus of those who serve as full time in the church. Some, I have no doubt that they follow the Lord and His teacher faithfully. But some, they do not even understand why they ended up working in the church.

As a lawyer, I do want to remind you that the law is created by the Lord, for the people to lives a better lives for the Lord. If you are to choose between following the law or God or the law of man, I hope you will choose wisely... !!

... to be continue

Law?

A friend just told me that his girlfriend (hereinafter referred to "my dear friend")was caught by a policeman for not stopping in the red traffic light. According to my dear friend, the policeman asked if she want a summons. If she did, they she will have to comply with the new police rules and go back to the police station with him. Besides that, the policeman did said something about paying him straight away, she will not need to go through all the hassels to follow him back to the police station.

As a lawyer, I do want to give you the following guidelines below in case you meet such a situation:

1. Look at the police number clearly and put it down in a paper if possible. Write down the location of the incident, the policeman's motorcycle's number and time of the incident.

2. If you happen to forced to go back to police station with the police, make a phone call to ur friend or brother or sister or just someone to tell them about this.

3. When you reached police station, do write the report yourself. If the policeman insist he write, you only sign when you finish reading and agree with the facts.

4. Make yourself clear that you want to see the Inspector. And do tell the inspector of what happen to you.

A traffic offence doesn't need you to go back to the police station with the police. "GOING BACK" to police station means arrest. What warrant an arrest? Only when you involved in any criminal offences. So, be smart. When the policeman asked you to follow him back to the police station, you can ask him " Am I being arrested"? I am sure he will panic for a while.

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What's the different between England and Malaysia in terms of law? I think... that the people in England (hereinafter referred to as " the English") are aware of law and the enforcement is strong. Here in Malaysia, most people just have the attitudes of "Don't care" about the law and the enforcer themselves are not very clear about the law and its enforcement.

To be better...

1. Education

2. Awareness

3. Enforcement

are very important. For those who really wanting to know more. May I urge you to take initiative to read up reports and cases and even text books. Malaysia's future can be better if we know how to observe the law and the enforcement is strong. ie. use the roundabout correctly. hahahaha..

... to be continue

Failure v. Success?

It was this friend of mine who bought a new apartment that bring forth the thought of "what's the meaning of life" to my mind yesterday! People are accumulating their wealth, properties, money and so on once they have finished with their degree/studies. Most of my friends, they are now married, had a few children, have their own business, properties, money and so on... and they are being seen by everyone else as "successful". Some of them, I do know they are already a millionaire since the age of 24 or they are the senior manager of some well known, top firm and company in the world.

After looking at them and looking back at myself. I am certainly a failure. I do not have a single cent in the bank, I do not have a job, I do not have any property, I do not have anything except some studies debts. ... I am ultimately, a failure!!! When I came to this point, I feel so depress and wonder why am I in this position today. Why did I want to strive on to be a lawyer after the first failure? Why did I step out from being a Legal Executive in a leading company in Malaysia to go through a year of pupillege? Why did I have studies loan to pay? ... etc. etc. I was so depress yesterday.

That was the thought came across me when I trying to sort out some papers to be filed to the High Court of Sabah & Sarawak in the State of Sabah to be admitted to the Sabah Bar. This is the second Bar I am getting in one year. There was 11 Exhibits and all those were my certificates and testimonies and so on. Am I a successful person?

As a very conservative women, I truly believe a married women would be a successful person. But me, I think I am contradicting my own thinking with what I had achieved so far. And that, have really brought me such 'depression'. I tend not to look at my present situation and look further... especially when many came to me and greet me, congratulate me on my success, etc... but I just cannot feel the joy and how successful I am. ... I AM DEPRESS!!!

This morning as I woke up, the Lord once again reminded me these:

1) Everything is in His hand and I should not worry about anything;

2) I must remember the reason why I study Law in the first place and why I "need" to be a lawyer in this country;

3) That if I am successful in fulfilling His plan and following Him to the end, I am a 'successful" person;

4) I shall please the Lord but not the man;

5) While I am fulfilling the Lord's plan, although I will or might bring unhappiness to my loves one, I shall go on without fear; and

6) He is faithful and just at all time.

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It was in my Form 6, I remember... that God placed in my heart in serving Him "full time". I made my committement to serve Him "full time" since then and I even work "full time" for a few months before I moved on with my studies to be a lawyer. I decided to continue to study after knowing that God doesn't really want me to work "full time" in the church, but something else. I know I am not good in studies, I am not from a wealthy family and I might have difficulties in many ways to become a lawyer. Some friends do know how I struggles with life during my time in England and how I got through CLP. Some friends also know how God blessed me in so many ways. I remember, it was between 1999 and 2000 that the spirit of God spoke to me in many ways to ask me to come back to Malaysia and become a lawyer in Malaysia. It was not a very easy decision to make as I was just about to send in my application for the Bar in England. But I was strongly moved by the spirit of God and I was committed since then to come back to Malaysia. I still remember, it was in the Malaysian Christian Conference in Reading, England in 1999 that the book of Jeremiah spoke to me. I was then being reminded of His calling once again.

A friend asked me why this blog is called "Godly Lawyer". Well, I guess... it's because of His calling !!!

During Christmas!!!

It was 24.12.2005 morning, I have decided to go out with my dearest dad and mom for breakfast. We went out at around 7:30am, to a place, famous of its' "sang nyuk men" (fresh pork noodles). As we arrived, I saw a table with no one, so I was rushing and reached there first, but from no where, it came a man (well, at that point, I still treat him as a man) and he didn't care much and sat down at the table. I was looking at him like... "hello...I think I am here first". But he didn't care much... he continue to make his order and ... wow....... that really make me angry... this is how a "man" treat 2 elderly people and a lady?? I started feeling a bit angry. I don't mind if he treat me that way, but he was treating that not only to me, by my parents. I almost said something to release my frustration and anger. But my dad came along and said: "let's go to other place". So, we did. We went to another shop. In that shop, we met friend who paid for our breakfast and the shop owner who shared to us about Christmas and how God blessed her family, etc. After all, we had a wonderful breakfast!!!

On 24.12.2005 evening at 9pm, we all went to the church for the Christmas Eve's service. It was really wonderful!!! It was the first Christmas after 10 years. I sat with my cousin and he asked me how long I have not been celebrating Christmas at home... and he said he has been here at least 4 years already. Wow... !!! time flies... and I really enjoy the service. I met a lot of people, and we all shared wonderful time together. It was fun and joyous!! After I reached home at 11:30pm, I called a dearest friend in England and we talked for almost an hour. It's almost 4 years now that we didn't talk to each other. It was the best gift for the christmas I would say.

On 25.12.2005 at 8am, we went for the service. We were all entertained by the Senior Citizen's Cell group's presentation (Dancing) and Children (miming). It was fantastic... and I enjoy it so so so much... !!!!!! At night, mom cooked something so delicious...... to replace the Turkey, she baked some chicken and potatoes and mushrooms. Wow... delicious!!!!!!

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Although the "man" on 24.12.2005 we met did annoyed us a bit, but God turned that incident into a blessing to us after that. We believe, this Christmas, God once again showed me His love, His faithfullness, His blessing to us and our family! This Christmas did in many ways has reminded me on the greatest GIFT. I didn't receive any special gift from anyone, but God did blessed me with the greatest GIFT ever since I was born, JESUS CHRIST!!!

This is truly the most wonderful Christmas I ever had for the past 5 years.

I am really considering coming back for Christmas again next year!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

YO..... it's Christmas this Sunday!!!!! I am sure I won't see you until after Christmas. So, allow me to take the opportunity to wish you have a blessed and merry Christmas!!! May you find the true meaning of Christmas and embrace it in your heart forever.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

BOLD FIGHT!!!

It was a fight between Christianity and culture!!!!!!!

It was months ago that I was informed by a friend (christian) that she is getting married on 26.12.2005. Both families of the bride and bridgroom are not christian, but both of them are. Their families stood very firmly on certain issues, including getting married in church. Hence, they came out with the idea that, they will compromise of not having a marriage ceremony held in church, but on return, they will not burn any incense or knee or worship their families' gods. Everyone are happy ever since on it. (If possible, you shouldn't compromise on this at all).

There are many members in the cell disagree with what they did of course. Some said they should have insisted on getting married in church, etc. etc. And if you are a christian leader, I am sure you have more to say on this.

As cell group leader and members, we all nevertheless give our full support to both of them. We celebrate together with them and we even do practices to present a song to them on their wedding day. Besides that, we agree to wake up at early as 6am on 26.12.2005 to be their 'zhi mui' and 'heng dai'. When things reached this stage, we almost forgot about the 'compromise' they took. We almost forgot about the fight we are having. We almost forgot who our opponent is. And right at this time, yesterday... which I was having fun with my friends from Faith Christian Center, Kuala Lumpur at the Church Staff Quater, ... issue arised!!!!

The bride's grandmother and uncles and aunties arrived in Tawau. They were having nice and wonderful, delicious family gathering dinner. During that time, the grandmother said something about worshipping the gods and so on with everyone and besides worshipping, she said she is asking one of the uncle bring all the ancestors' spirits to the wedding and so on. Asking the bride's family to give a space to them, etc. According to her, this is one of the culture in their family. At first, the bride didn't say much except saying: "If you all want this to happen, you all do it, but do not includes me and my husband". However, the grandmother was angry and since she is a very respective person and served as a 'queen' in the family, when her anger arose, everyone started to panic and wonder what will happen next. To avoid all these, the bride went up stairs... God knows what she was doing there... PRAYING HARD!!! And when she return after an hour, she still heard the conversation on the same topic goes on and there and then, she spoke out and make her stand FIRMLY again. It was a bold fight and it needs lots of encouragement and boldness from the Lord. But we believe, she fought well last night!!!!

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To me, we fight almost every moment of our lives. I tend not to compromise with the Evil one at all. Although sometimes, it goes against my will and it might bring harm and 'unhappiness' to myself. But what are all these compare to the Lord? Who can lives without the Lord? Who can have happiness without the Lord? ...

Let me remind you that, my purpose of living is to serve the Lord and to glorify His name!!!

- SP, I am praying hard for you and AF. -

Christmas??

Picture taken by Vin Miles


IT was two weeks ago that my uncle shared with us about how a Christian country celebrated Christmas!!! It was suprising to know that although a christian country has the freedom to celebrate Christmas but yet, they failed to do it in a "RIGHT" way...!!!!

TODAY, to many people in the world, they only know Christmas is an occasion for the christian and due to the 'western culture' and 'western influence', may celebrated Christmas in their 'own ways'. Many of course adopted the 'traditional western ways' and the story of Santa Claus, Christmas Tree, Gift giving, Roast Turkey, and others. But did anyone realise the true meaning of Christmas and why is there a story of Santa Claus and Gift giving, etc?

If you are a Christian, you will understand the real meaning of Christmas. It is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Yes... it's birthday celebration!!! At or about 2000 years ago, Jesus was born and the gift giving is simply adopted from the Wise Man who gave GIFTS to Jesus. And of course, JESUS is the GIFT for the mankind. Without Him, we would be receiving this SPECIAL GIFT from the Lord!!!

This Christmas is the only one in this 9 years that I am celebrating at HOME with my parents. I almost forgot how Tawau is celebrating Christmas. Besides the church, streets and people in Tawau are very quiet. Unlike England or some other western country which usually decorate the BEST way they could to celebrate Christmas!!!! Although there is some restriction in our country, but ... we should still celebrate Christmas by remembering the birth of Jesus Christ and what He did for us.

Crystal???

This is not Crystal... but ice... isn't it nice? It's taken by Mike Keen!

Well... that reminded me on God's creation !!! (thanks, Mike)

These few months, it has not been easy for me to wonder what I should do and how I can improve my life and my parents' life. Parents are living in fear, thinking that they will not be able to have more income. And me, I am on my last week of my pupillege, to get my second Bar. I consider myself blessed despite all the failure, all the successes I went through although at some point of time, I do think... I am still a failure!!!

Now that I have decided to leave the firm here in Tawau and venture my life in KL, it is also not very easy as life would be difficult in KL and money earned can simply be gone in a split seconds. Good and strong discipline is very much needed there. But that's not my concern at the moment. My only concern now is to get a good pay job. There was once, during my pupillege in one leading firm in KL that I told myself not to go into a leading firm anymore because of all the stress I was getting. However, I am re-considering it due to the needs of my family and myself. Hmm...it's not a very easy decision to make to be honest. In making that decision, it really means I probably have to stay day and night in the office, trying to get my works done on time.

However, I am leaving all these into the hand of my God, my Lord who has been truely faithful to me and my family!

I pray earnestly that He will provide me the BEST job, in a BEST firm , according to His Will!

Last Weekend!!

It was few years ago that I had the opportunity to visit this old lady at the Rectory called, the late Chu Ma Ma (Archdeacon's Mother-in-Law). It was the conversation between her and my mother that caught my attention as the late Chu Ma Ma spoke a Mandarin with a very strong Shanghainess slang and my mother is not very good in Mandarin. However, that did not stop them from communicating. It was so suprise that they can talked about almost everything with 2 different dialects.

It was 2 to 3 weeks ago, on one lunch time that dad was telling me that Chu Ma Ma was admitted to hospital. She fell down. Everyone was worried about her. And it was last week, that I was told, she passed away! So, yes... last saturday was the late Chu Ma Ma's funeral.

During the funeral, we were shown about her history and how she raised the children, etc. etc. Archdeacon Albert Vun also shared about how gracefully she lives in her old age in serving the Lord! I still remember one of the sharing that Archdeacon Albert Vun shared, about offering. After 2 weeks of not being able to attend church (admitted to hospital), when she return from hospital, she passed a few envelopes with her offering and tithing to Archdeacon Albert Vun, saying that she missed that. We can see how much she devoted and committed into the Lord!! Even though she was sick, but she still remember the Lord!!!

Her, as a living testimony, her faith, her committment and her devotion to the Lord has really touched my heart!!

I will surely remember her always!!!

Encouragement!!!

IT was my 1st year and 1st Sunday in Bristol that I was brought to a very nice church called Chrsit Church, Clifton. It's just about 5 minutes walk from the Bristol University and Bristol Suspension Bridge. The church is huge and nice!

I was so amazed by the structure of the church and also the people who are serving in the church. There's Ochestra in the church. The music were played nicely and it's impressive at all services. Congregation sings hymns and short choruses enthusiastically at all time. Almost at the end of my first visit, I saw this old lady... seated in front role of the Ochestra, playing violin. I don't know how old she is, but she is old. But each bows she played, it's as swift as those younger than her. That was the first time I saw her and believe it or not, she never absent in playing the violin for the church and God. Her faithfulness to God and committment she devoted to the group has always been an encouragement to me.

This is her. My Encouragement!!!

So, tell me, is it difficult for you to serve the Lord?

Experience Lawyer?

It is this incident that strike my mind to define the meaning of an experience lawyer.

I was asked to draft a simple cause papers. I drafted it during my 9 months pupillege in KL. Hence, I know it is this "A" way of drafting. I look through the file, and found that, there's document "B" to be attached together with "A" which is done by a KL lawyer. I know exactly what it is. However, my boss insisted that a document "C" is to be included. I wonder for a way when I was told by my secretary. The reason because, there is nothing to be put on "C" anymore because all the necessary explaination already put in "B". I guess my boss did not realise it because he didn't know what document "B" is. Why is that? Well, the simple reason is that because he only practice in Sabah all these while and he is stubborn and proud, thinking that what he know is the BEST already. No...don't caught me wrong. I am not saying he is not good... I believe anyone who has experience for 6 years or more is really good in their drafting and work.

My dad reminded me that, he is experienced. But I am asking my dad this question: If someone is working in this small town and drafting the same kind of documents for 6 years, would it make the person a good and experience lawyer?

In the above incident, my boss asked my secretary to tell me to follow the Practice Direction. Wow... I have no mean of discharging myself from following the Practice Direction. However, I am also would like stress that Practice Direction is only a guidelines and not a Rules of law hence, we shouldn't follow blindly. In the Rules of High Court 1980 is clearly stated that only document "B" is needed and I do not understand why we need "C" and honestly, I never come across any Practice Direction which said we need both documents.

After I done some research and check through all the documents again, I found out that all these while, Sabah is not following the Rules of High Cour 1980 strictly. They are having their 'local style'. So, when we receive document "B" from KL, they really do not know how to deal with it. They get confused!!!

To me, a good lawyer is not someone can only make money with their "same drafting experiences", but someone who has wisdom and understanding. I know as a junior lawyer, my drafting is still very inexperience, but I do not need all the unnecessary "wrong teaching". That reminds me on a really good senior of mine. To me, he is really an experience lawyer, although he is in his 5th year. That's because of 2 simple reasons: 1. Humble 2. Confident. He is someone who doesn't really afraid of failure and learning process. Whenever I ask him some questions which he didn't know himself, he will take the troubles to check it out with me. He is not afraid of troubles to teach and guide. He won't laugh at our mistakes. He brought me out for various trials and teach me some ways of dealing, drafting, and even handling meetings and meeting with clients. He listens to us and always humble himself by discussing every matter with us, although he know he is correct and we are wrong. Well, he explains what we did wrong by showing us not only the cases and Practice Directions, but also the Rules and the reason stated in the Rules. In simple, he teaches me how to use my brain and my knowledge instead of just following blindly. Well, this senior of mind, I truely consider him as an experience lawyer!

Of course, I cannot make comparison between a Sabah lawyer and a KL lawyer.. simply because the Sabahan are more relax in their practices. But yes, I am of the opinion that to be a good and experience lawyer, someone should not follow certain precedence but someone who has wisdom- from the Lord!!

Attitudes!!!

... last night, I finally had the opportunity to rest after a few nights of caroling. It's refreshing!!! Mom went out for caroling and she brought back a 'news'. Well, I didn't manage to tell my parents about the offer to join as partner in this current firm by my boss. And believe it or not, my mom heard it from someone else last night. ...

Sometimes, I just cannot understand why people in Tawau can lives without privacy and they can't seems to lives without trying to intrude other's life. I think that's their attitudes of LIVING?

On the first week of my arrivial in Tawau, a friend told me how things happen badly towards her due to the attitudes of certain people in Tawau. I think in Tawau, there are 3 groups of poeple, i.e. the christian leaders, the christian and non-christian. However, after much observation, I noticed that's not the case. People in Tawau can only be categorise into one group: GOSSIPER!!! Yes, and to my suprise, at most time, it is the Christian leaders that are the one who GOSSIP the most. That, ultimately have disappointed many.

Well, I am really not in the position to judge others as I believe at most time, I am not very encouraging or edifying as well, as a christian leader . However, these are my conclusion so far after a 2 1/2 months' observation.

1. People in Tawau really TOO FREE.

2. People in Tawau doesn't really know what they want and what's beneficial to them.

3. People in Tawau's only entertainment is to gossip.

4. People in Tawau always think they are the BEST.

5. People in Tawau do not understand what is good/bad.

6. People in Tawau lives too comfortably and do not understand the meaning of 'suffering'.

7. People in Tawau are arrogant and do not know how to admit to their wrongdoings.

8. People in Tawau do not know how to distinct between gossips and encouragement.

Now.. even a church in Tawau would tend to think they are the best and everyone should folllow their ways. That's not humility. That's arrogant. They teached others not to be arrogant and not to judge others, but yet, many times, they do the 'Nos' themselves.

Yes. I am disappointed but I really hope everyone to acknowlege their own wrongdoing and improve it. Especially those christian leaders. I do hope we improve ourselves and distinct ourselves from other groups. I think that's the challenge we all should take up as chrsitian leader in this community.

- discouraged -

What a day!!!

This morning as I woke up, I couldn't really open my eyes and even now, I feel the pain in my eyes. I am sure I didn't have a good sleep last night. But what's bothering me, I wonder... Could it because I went to sleep late last night? ... doesn't seems so because I went to bed earlier than the usual schedule. ... ???

Anyway, I dragged my food and soul to the office and when I reached, the door was not open. I wonder where are the clerks... they were late. Reached my room, switched on the PC and I found a friend in England was online. Chatted with him for a while. Well, to cut the story short, he is a Medic. And he just told me he is persuing his Master in Science now. I always like medicine but I do not have the qualification to enter into that professions. So, I always think being Medic is somewhat a higher calling from God. But he just reminded me that, that's very wrong because there's no such thing as higher calling as everyone should serve wherever they are and not wherever there is a need. Although the world is in need of Medic, but that doesn't mean Medic has a somewhat higher calling. I think he made a valid point. No matter who we are and what we do, we should serve the Lord with all our heart, our soul, our mind and our strength. Thanks, Patrick, for reminding me!

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Ghoosh.......I received 5 pages of fax yesterday afternoon, asking me to pay RM350 for a one day course in KK, Sabah Law Association on 07.01.2006. It's compulsory. So, I have no choice but to book my flight. Hopefully, I can ge some Planter's chips back from KK. hahaha..

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LATEST UPDATE! - Dilemma -

Well, this is it. I sort of told my parents about me going back to KL after being called to the Sabah Bar. Mom was not very happy about my decision. To her, it's better for me to stay in Tawau (Home) so that I can save more money and lives a better life. But I think dad did manage to persuade mom for me as he know I won't be so much happy if I stay in Tawau. I can earn an "easy money" if I am happier with working life. So, they are not preparing for my departure.

My boss asked me about my decision yesterday. As he is a Christian, I told him frankly that I am not very sure if that's a calling for me to go back KL. But I can feel that 'this place is not where I should be right now'. He is very understanding and he even encouraged me to pray harder and to seek His will. But yes, as I know he's worry about getting a partner to secure as Bank panels, I did tell him to continue with his plan if he want. I don't mind him using my name, add me as his partner if he wish to do that. Well, I think he is ok with it.

Now... MY ONLY DILEMMA is of course to find a job in KL. As I told you, my ex-boss in KL did offer me a place. But I really wish to do something else, other than what he offer me. I wish to do some Intellectual Property/Cyber Law/ Information Technology Law/ Litigation. Therefore, I really hope there is one or two firms in KL will give me the opportunity. Praying hard for it. And I hope I can secure some interviews in January so that I can start working in February 2006.

So, if you ask me what's my joblist for today, it's to furnish my resume and pray!

...

Christmas Caroling !

Last night, my cell group bring carols to 2 families. It was fun and we had a good time sharing and ministering. It has been for a while now that I didn't play acoustic guitar and the 'feel' of being a guitarist again made me feel a bit nervous. Hence, I did not play very well for the 1st visit. Nevertheless, I thank God for the opportunity to serve Him as guitarist again.

2 nights ago, I had dinner with my uncle from Kota Kinabalu(KK). He and his family were here in Tawau because of the wedding of a friend. During the dinner, we did mentioned about the way people are celebrating Christmas these days. He mentioned that although Canada is a christian country, the words such as Christ, Jesus, or Christmas Carols, Hymns are not suppose to be mentioned. Unlike Malaysia, we do have the freedom to put "Joy to the world" as background music in our shopping center. That reminded me of my time in England, where we only sang songs like "Joy to the world", "Silent Night", etc in church and not on the streets. Therefore, we should consider ourselves as blessed to be able to visit families on this Christmas season, to share the gospel and bring goodnews to others. So, let us give our best for caroling!!!

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It's yesterday afternoon that I received a news from my dad that my granduncle in Canada passed away. ... I guess I only saw him a few time. But his laughter and jokes remain in my mind all these while. He is 90 years old. So I shall take this opportunity to send my deepest condolences to his family, ... my family.

*** end ***

Amazing!!!

2 of my friends said it's quite amazing that I can have such a busy life in Tawau, but that's the fact. I was so pre-occupied with things during the weekend. Let me start with Friday evening, 09.12.2005.

It was FRIDAY, hence I was required to be in church for the Christmas Eve's Choir practice. Hmm... it was about 4 weeks ago that I was asked to help with the choir. Right after the practice, I was out with a few friends for a drink in this new place which has the KL style, called May Garden. I reached home around 11:30pm.

The next morning, on Saturday, 10.12.2005, I woke up around 9am, went out with my dad to do some survey on handphone. The main purpose of all these because my mom need a phone as she is going to travel herself to KL soon. Dad and I walked around the town until 11am. I then went to church for Billingual Service worship practice and dad went home. Right after the practice, I helped the Girls' Brigade Malaysia 3rd Tawau Company with their drill and I only reached home at 5:30pm. At 6:20pm, I reached church again and played bass guitar for the prayer meeting and stayed for the service until 9:30pm. About 8 to 10 of us went to 'yam cha' after that and I only reached home at 11:30pm.

On Sunday morning. As usual, my parents and I arrived at church for the Hakka service at 7:45am. Right after the service, we went for a good lunch. Thereafter, I went to church for Christmas Choir practice at 11am. Finished at 1:30pm. Went to a church member's house, play Disneyland Monopoly until 4pm. Then went out and play Captain ball in the church compound until 5:15pm. Went home and again out for dinner with parents and uncle's family from KK at 6:45pm. After the dinner, we went to my cousin's place at 9pm to 10pm and thereafter, I continue my schedule to go Yam Cha with 2 of my good friends.... Reached home at about 11:30pm.

Indeed, it's a very tiring and fruitful weekend. In addition to that, I did manage to get a new handphone, Sony Ericsson K300i. YOOHOO....!!! ... and .. hehehe... my uncle, let me use one of his car, Avanza as long as I need it. So.. yeah..........!!!!

Well, that's my weekend. ...

Today, I was given 3 files to do. Wow... most of the things boss asked me to do, I have 0 knowledge of it... so, yup. I better start doing.

- :) -

What a day...

Well, it's Friday again... and I thought in my mind that today is Saturday. Guess I really looking forwards to the weekend. But came to think about it, I don't really have any special plan for the coming weekend. Except... may be to get a phone for my mom. haha....

Let me tell you what happen yesterday morning. My usual practice for every morning is to read the newspaper before breakfast. So, when I got up yesterday, I read the newspaper as usual and when I was turning to the last page, I saw a notice... and when I continue to read, Ghoosh...I found that I know the deceased... It's my friend's mother who passed away on the day before yesterday. OH NO!!!!! I can not believe my eyes because I saw the deceased and met up with her 2 to 3 months before I came back to Tawau. I still remember how happy she was when she saw me and my friend months ago. She has not seen me for quite a numbers of years, say about 8 years and me and my friend were decided then to visit her at her place after we 'yam cha' with her daughter. We chatted, we smiled, we updated each others, etc... But suddenly, I saw the notice on the newspaper and I was really shocked. ... well, I called my friend in KL, asked if she is alright. Ghoosh.........funeral is today... 10am... I can't be there... !!! But she will be in my prayer. - SAD-

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This morning, woke up late but dad and mom already prepared some nice breakfast on table for me. Foods that's only Tawau has. hahaha.... Came to office and when I arrived, my boss told me he got free tickets from Airaisa last night, easily. Wow... that's struck my mind to call Airasia to confirm my booking/buying. So, as soon as I switched on my PC, I called Airasia... and I holded the line for exactly 15 minutes. A guy with a sleepy tone picked up my call and confirmed my booking for me. HOW WONDERFUL!!!! Though the process was really annoying, but at the end, I succeeded. hohohohoho... !!! Yup... I got 2 tickest for my parents for FREE... hahahahahahahahaha....!!!! - HAPPY-

Hmm... but.....since then, I am so free... and started to feel a bit bored. Wonder in my mind, what I should I do for the rest of my day in the office. I guess I am going to read some Rules... so that I get them store up in my mind forever. hahaha...

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Ghoosh............I tried to work out with some budget for next year and after much calculation, I found that I might really need to try to get into a big firm to be able to survive. goodness...!! Now, I am really wondering if one of this 2 firms that's in my mind would want me...... No matter how, I shall try. ...

OH NO... you are not going to believe this... if nothing goes wrong, I will be called to the Sabah Bar on 13.01.2006. Hmm... my mom won't be around, not sure if dad will want to join me in KK and also take the honour to robe me.... anyway... that makes my application and plan more complicated. Anyway, I should pray harder and harder and harder..........

<2 days>

Oh NO!!!! I missed yesterday's opportunity to publish something on this blog. Erg... must be too busy with something. Well... let me tell you what happen yesterday...

In the early morning, I came in office thinking I will be very free today as I cleared my work assigned to me the day before yesterday. I was having my peaceful morning until 11am, where my boss called me in and passed a file to me. It's RESEARCH!!! God knows how much I love research... my boss gave me the research and asked me to visit the Court Libruary to get some information. Well, my leg refused..... hahaha.. and ops... my boss is in the court libruary now... hahahaha... Well, not that I didn't do anything. I searched the online engines and now I have about 20 cases to read. OK.. just when the clock turn 12pm, I heard a loud alarm sounded outside the office. I rushed out after my colleague said there's a car crashed to the road blocker and hit the car opposite. Smoke came out from the car, a girl was trying to open the car door and she couldn't. The car locked inside and out. She was in despair... Among 20 + people surrounding the car, one person rushed to his shop nearby, brought out a metal and broke one of the window of the car, open the doors and people start trying to get the driver out. Not long after that, an ambulance came by and rushed the driver to the hospital. Just when I was watching this dramatic circumstances, a friend from KL texted me... telling me that, Air Asia is giving out 200,000 free seats and suggested that I should check that out. Without hesitation, I did and ... I have been trying to log in since then ... but yes... guess the web is sort of congested at the moment... so... still trying.. still trying...!!!

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Right after lunch, I was talking to my parents and I really hate it when they raise the issue of me, not being RICH after a long fight. I hate it because they are not supportive with me going into pupillege and what I am doing. Hmm... as if I don't really want to be rich now. I suffer every moment all these while also. Can't they understand that? I think that's the main reason why didn't I try to discuss my future with them anymore. Yes. I didn't tell them about the offer my current boss is offering for me. And I didn't also tell them my plan of going back to KL to join other firms and not my ex-boss's firm, etc, etc. I think I am just tired talking to them, since they are not being understanding and pressurising. ... well...............that reminded me on what I want to walk away from home 10 years ago. ...

I thought after a long while, I would miss my family and I will be closer to them. But.. NO.. I was wrong. I shouldn't expect so much......it's just so disappointed. Hai... well? .. i am just an alien in this family. ... ghoosh!!! I hate those feeling... I can't deny that they do love me... but I just don't like the 'discourage' and 'disappointed' feelings that they unintentionally transferred it to me... if you know what I mean... well...........although I love them... but I think, to maintain that, living together is not a good idea... I feel that I am closer to them when I stay apart from them... really!!!

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Money....

Sensitive issue all the time. ... I was thinking to join my ex-boss's firm, getting a fix amount of money and spend most of my time serving the Lord, etc... But when I come to think of the issue of money ... I think I better re-consider of going into a "better" firm...

A friend reminded me that it is not easy to be a Godly lawyer and that... has really reminded me of what's the most important thing of my life. I always thought that money is not as important as God and I should serve Him first ... But what I am getting now a day just lead me to change my preceptions on this matter. I am asking myself, shall I just go and work in this law firm that I might cause me to work on Sunday? Didn't I fight not to attend Brickfield because I didn't want to sacrifice my Sunday with the Lord? And after such a fight.. what did I get? Disappointment ... discourages... etc, etc. hai... yes, indeed, it's really not easy to be a Godly lawyer. It's really like asking for "ABC panas".

I really don't like all these feelings...........

- upset, discouraged, disappointed -

"My Father's Business"!!!

I was in the discussion with a friend about "my Father's business" about a week ago. And that, has made me conclude that, as a lawyer, I might not be in the position of helping with my "Father's business". Allow me to put it this way. My dad and my brother are priest. They are wearing a white robe while I am wearing a black one. They got people married and I got them divorced. ... Oh NO!!!!

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It was this thought of what a Christian lawyer's status is in this society that bother me since the beginning my career. Just when I was decided to leave all my 'good life' behind me and enter into the legal professions, a good friend of mine gave me a Christmas present, "Live your passion, tell your story, change your world" by Rob Reccord and Randy Singer.

I still remember, it was the first day of my work in this law firm just opposite KLCC. I started my day by reading the frist chapter of the book, there, I came across this passage call: ON MISSION: Called to make a different. In it, it reminded me that the Great Commission is not issue just for Pastor, Priest and full time workers, but also to everyone. Hence, the POWER is universally available and the CALL is universally applicable.

I would like to quote the 8 principles for fulfilling your life's calling in this book for you this morning to encourage you and myself:

1. God has been PREPARING a UNIQUE PLAN and calling for your life since before you were born.

2. God calls you to a LIFE-CHANGING relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.

3. God calls you to PARTNER WITH HIM in a life-changing mission that is bigger than you are.

4. God repeatedly will bring you to CROSSROADS OF CHOICE as He forges and equips you for His mission.

5. God calls you to be ON MISSION with Him RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE - starting now.

6. God reveals His mission through His word, His Spirit, wise counsel, and His work in CIRCUMSTANCES AROUND YOU.

7. God guides you and provides for you to carry out your mission ON STEP AT A TIME.

8. When you answer God's call and fulfill His mission, you will experience His pleasure and inevitably CHANGE YOUR WORLD.

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2 nights ago, as most of my books are not with me (they are all in KL), I took the book up and read it again before I sleep ( after a while, this is the only book left). Again, I came across this passage and it reminded me that, althought I am not a Pastor, or a Priest or a full time worker in the church nor wearing a white robe, but God choose me to be a lawyer, a christian lawyer which I believe, to fulfil the plan He has for me and to this society.

I have already went through many crossroads of choices and I believe, He has equipping me for His greater missions in future. Hence, I am bearing in mind this 8 principles for fulfilling my life's calling as a christian lawyer.

How about you?

Weekend!

I was not require to work on saturday. So, on last saturday, I went to 'Yam Cha' with my parents. Thereafter, we went for some shopping. And there and then, I was reminded on one incident.

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It was 3 weeks ago, before I went to Kota Kinabalu (KK) for a Hearing on 18.11.2005. A friend asked me for a favour, that's to look for some sort of snack by a cartoon character, Mr. Peanuts. Ghoosh.... I cannot remember there's such a brand until my friend mentioned about it. She told me there's a shop in KK which is selling its products. I asked all my friends around and there, I found the name of the said snack. PLANTERS. I searched the whole KK and I only managed to find the NUT & FRUITS of Planters, but not... the snack she wanted. As I went back to the same shop the second time, I met a friend who is working in that shop. She told me, the product I was looking for was just sold out. We were all so disappointed with my finding.

So, I guess the most effective way is to find out from the internet. I found it... yes, I found it today... It's a product since 1906 and the snacks I was looking for is produced in 1976. I can't believe it....

I was so happy and I told my friend in U.S to get some for me when she come back later. Thank God she promised. hahahahaha... so, yes... this is going to make my day!!!

Check it out, check it out... http://www.planters.com

Finally, it's Friday...

Ghoosh... I don't know why I keep on feeling it's Saturday today. Hence, I refused to iron my clothes, I refuse to go to bed, I even refuse to wake up this morning. ...

Anyway, this morning, as usual, my dad drove me to work. We did our usual chatting and we were following the traffic jam (don't ask me why there is a traffic jam every morning in this small town, I can't figure it out myself. I suspected it's the bad town and road planning) and when we came near one of the church by our right hand side, there was a car in the left lane of the road tired to cut into our lane, but giving not a single signal. He just turned and it almost hit our good, faithfu, rather old Honda Civic. I was shocked by the sudden movement of the car and since my dad, who's in his 60s was driving, he was quite fast in his reaction to turn the car to avoid being hit by the car. I look at the car, it's Proton Saga, red colour, bearing registration number ST2xxxE. I was shock one because of his sudden turn, two, his car was putting some car stickets to 'advertise' Jesus, God, that he is a christian and he was driving in such a danger, careless and reckless manner. I started to wonder if he really aware of what he is doing.

In December 1999, right after Chriatmas, a friend (Thian Poh) and I attended a conference in Reading, England. This conference is Malaysian Christian Conference, mostly known as MCC. I met quite a number of people there. Mostly Medical Doctors and Lawyers as these are the majority groups that are not willing to come back to Malaysia after a few years of venture in England. I still remember the main topic of the conference. We went through the whole book of Jeremiah during the 3 days conference and we all were being reminded to go back to our country to help the people of our own country. It was the last day of the conference and one of the Revd. drove us to the train station. While we were travelling to the train station, the Revd. started the conversation about whether we should observe the law on earth. He gave the opinion that if we said we are observing the law of God, we should also observe the law that God given to us in the earth. He reminded us that breaking the law of the earth will mean we also breaking the law of God. To no suprise, we all agreed. But suddenly he asked if all of us is observing the traffic law. All of us were stuned.

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I think we all did not think observing the traffic law in Malaysia is breaking the Law of God. In Tawau, suprisingly, you can see a few small size roundabout. I heard many complain about the building of such small roundabout by the authority. Honestly, I don't think many understand the usage of a roundabout. The roundabout, let me remind you, it is a LAW. It determine which party goes first and who's next. However, sadly, not many people understand and yet, they point their fingers and blame the authority.

As I was thinking about the traffic law in Malaysia, I was quite disappointed by a few parties who constantly breaking the traffic law themselves and at the same time, asking the citizens of Malaysia to observe the Law.

1. The public transport. Everybody knows the public transport, i.e. the taxi and the buses does not observe the traffic law. I don't understand why the authority did not stop them for possessing their driving license though. I strongly opined that those who breaks the law shall be punished.

2. Suprisingly, the authority themselves. i.e. the Army who are riding motocycles, even the police cars, police motocycles. I am sure they are bound under the law, but it seems that they won't get a summon if they do break the law because they claimed themselves 'on duty'.

3. Parents. I need to blame the parents really. For not being a good example to show their children of the seriousness of the traffic law.

I don't know how serious you take into observing the law of God. But if you are really serious, may be you should be reminded of the seriousness of breaking the traffic law, which is the law of God as well. By being a Christian, I do hope you give a good example to the others instead of following someone's bad example. Althought it sounds 'stupid' to observe the traffic law, but... think for yourself: "What Will Jesus Do"?

I am BORED!

This morning, I am just feeling a bit too relax and I am feeling BORING in the office. Boss did not come in this morning. He did called and ask me to get something done by tomorrow. Well, those thing, I can simply finish in 1 hour time. So... really feeling boring now...

Woke up late this morning. Well, I should say, my dad woke me up as I think I was just too comfortable and I didn't want to wake up. Then, rushed out... saw a new Savvy broke down in the middle of the road, wanted to help, but don't know how to. Came in office, ate a 'nasi kuning', sort out some files, talked on phone with 2 KL friends and now, thinking what to do next.

A friend shared what he achieved for this year in his blog and that strucked me to think of what did achived so far. Well...

2005 is a challenging year for me. I took up the courage to leaves all my career, finances and potential good future life behind and got myelf enter into a rather torturing, challenging, 'financialless' life. To many people, this is not worthy. To me, I can say, this is another time, I experience the faithfulness of God again. Honestly speaking, I really don't know how I got through all these 11 months. Although it's still another month to go, but I know He will be here with me still. So, what did I achieved so far? Well, being called to the Bar twice. One in Malaya and one in Sabah. Other than that, I don't think I achieve anything else.

... depress ...