Nice Groove...

This is a rather unusual blog piece I'm going to write today. I am going to highly recommend a wonderful R&R dining.
I have just celebrated my anniversary with my dearest better half last Saturday. I have been searching high and low for a nice, quiet, romantic place to dine and wine. After all the searching, I decided to have a go at a jazz restaurant a little way out of town. I reserved a place for two via email and suggested to the restaurant if they have any suggestions as we are celebrating our anniversary.
As I did not receive a response to my email, I assumed that my email did not get through.

Nonetheless, we arrived early for dinner prior to the live jazz performance. To put it simply, dinner was fabulous. Each of us ordered the set dinner. I had some sort of grill fillet fish, my sweet dear had grill chicken. The tasted fantastic, comparable to the French fine dine hotel chefs. I'm no food critique, but trust me when I say the food IS good.

After stuffing ourselves with good food and a glass of fine Grasshopper cocktail, the music began soon after at 10pm. To our surprise, the Strollers (6 piece voices and Band) dedicated the first song "You're beautiful tonight", to our anniversary. Topping the romantic performance, we were served with an candle-lit ice-cream chocolate brownie. Talk about exceeding customer satisfaction!!
As we were leaving, not only did the staffs extended their courtesy for our visit, but to my delight the band members bid farewell to us too, by name!! It's the little things in life that makes it so darn interesting. And I for one am the type of person who takes interest in details such as these, where people actually do care enough to try to remember names.

To cut the story short, we had a great time, thanks to the hospitable staffs at Groove Junction and the performing band that night. Your simple efforts and smile made our day and our anniversary a night to be remembered.

I highly recommend this place to those who needs a smiling face and a place to rest and relax to frequent.

In a nutshell, this place has class(nice ambiance), good food(yummy!!yummy), wonderful staffs(smiling and courteous) and well, free parking(that's a bonus) to top things up.

Grooving....

Dave D Saved

Happy December!!

December has arrived! Every year, this month signifies the beginning of the end of an old year. A mark of earth's tireless and complete revolution around the sun. This time of every year, we are reminded to count our blessings through the year, and make plans for the year ahead.

Perhaps, this is one of those year where many around the world are rather pessimistic with the coming of the next 365 days, with much to concern over. Starting with the world wide economy landscape that has been threatening to collapse moving to political instability in many nations the world over.

However, I am always encouraged by sages that reminds us that what goes up must come down, and vise verse. Warren Edward Buffett puts it in this way: Be fearful when others are greedy, be greedy when others are fearful. He's talking about the stock market of course. But it does reflect the same sentiments. All things will circle upward again, in time. And at all times, we can always find something positive and good that we could do to benefit ourselves and others.

God in His wisdom created and maintained the earth's orbit around the sun so that here on earth, we witness the sun rising every morning and setting every evening. This is an assuring thought that we can anticipate a better tomorrow no matter what goes on today. Tomorrow is going to be a new day, a new beginning.

Leave me a note if you have experienced a better tomorrow, tomorrow will ya?

Dave D Saved

Why Why Why God?!?!

Well, it's been almost 2 weeks since my last blog. I must confess, I've been putting off writing again, simply because I was feeling lethargic...

Over the weekend, I went to the RBC Members Open Day with my better half. After browsing through some books, the agenda continued with 2 sessions of message from a Pastor Sim (I think) from Singapore.

We had a good and refreshing time, not to mention lots of fun and laughter during the 2 sessions. Here's a brief summary from the first session:

Sermon taken from Genesis 6-8: The Noah Story
For some reason, this is a passage rarely preached on the pulpit. Most of us remember this passage from our Sunday School days. However, little did I realize that the historical events that took place almost 4000 years ago relates to the End of Days, when Christ will come again. In Noah's time, God NEARLY annihilated the earth, cleanse it from evil and terror, save Noah's family of 8(including himself). The Bible spoke of Noah as a "righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God." These 3 character was what set him apart(incidentally, to be set apart = holy) from the rest of the world that was destined to destruction.

Noah was a righteous man. Meaning that he did what was right in the eyes of God, not following the practices of the world around him

Noah was blameless among the people of his time. Meaning that the people around him recognizes that he does no evil (even though they may think of him as a complete nutcase when he was building the ark).

Noah walked with God. Meaning that he spent time with God, in God's holy presence. Knowing the heart of God, perhaps to a very intimate level. I mean, you don't just go walking with someone you're not comfortable with everyday.

In Noah's days, God cleanse the earth by water.
However, with Christ's coming on judgment day, the book of Revelations tells of an end for those who are not in the book of Life will be by fire.

Some interesting research on the ark Noah built could be found here: http://www.genesisfiles.com/NoahsArk.htm

The second session was an interesting piece based on the book of Job
Sermon taken from Job 38-41: God's Answer to Suffering
In a nutshell, Job was a righteous man after God, blessed with many good things...until it was ALL taken from Him in a flash. The 3 most important things that most of us could identify with, Family, Health and Wealth. When Job cried out to God, complained and sighed, God finally responded in chapter 38. God was also rather long winded in His respond(least my other half complain I am always long winded). But contrary to what most of us would do, God DID NOT comfort Job by explaining Himself, or the reason behind Job's sufferings. Instead, God answer Job's questions with many many more questions. Scholars counted it to 77 questions. I'm not verified that, but if you have, please leave me a comment to let me know. It really baffles my mind and touched me heart the way God dealt with Job. When Job sobbed to God about his pains, God gave him something else to consider.
Just some extracts from what God asked:
* Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? (Job 38: 4)
* Who marked off its dimensions? (Job 38: 5)
*Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear with its cubs? (Job 38: 32)
* Do you give the horse his strength or clothe his neck with a flowing mane? (Job 39: 19)
* Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom and spread his wings toward the south? (Job 39: 26)

God in His wisdom allows us to go through suffering for our own sake. When we consider how Great and Big our God is, our sights are set straight. Only then can we see things from God's view. We may never understand sufferings or the reasons behind them. But we can trust that our God, the God who formed the earth millions of years ago is the same God who loves and cares for us as our earthly parents does.

My goodness, I don't dare imagine God answering me when I ask him my own silly and trivial questions!!
Indeed, where was I when He formed the heavens and the earth?

A good question to ponder as I bid you goodbye and God bless...

Dave D Saved

Why God Allows Pain

This is one good explanations of why God allows pain and suffering ...

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed.
As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.
They talked about so many things and various subjects.
When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said:
"I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer. "Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist.
Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people?
Would there be abandoned children?

If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain.
I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things."
The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.
The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.

Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard.
He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber:
"You know what? Barbers do not exist."
"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber.
"I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"
"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because
if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me."
"Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist!
That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help.
That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

In Christ Alone

"What heights of love, what depths of peace,

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!"

Indeed!! Christ has overcometh!! My fears of the uncertain future (Career, financial needs, relationships, family, unsaved people I love) are stilled...and I shall not be in want...for I trust and rely on Christ alone.

"No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny."

WOW!! Jesus controls my destiny...what else do I need to worry about? Tomorrow, Christ STILL commands my destiny...as He did today...as He did yesterday...

In Christ Alone Worship Video with Lyrics

Trusting God

Of late, I have been struggling in my mind about my finances. I have always been a prudent person, thanks to my mom who has instill in me even since I was given pocket money for breaks in school. As such, I ALWAYS had money in my accounts. I had managed to save thousands on the day I graduated high school.
However, of the past few months, I had been spending and also been investing my money in the equity market. As you might know, the market has not really been bullish lately. Nonetheless, I'd like to view my investment as a long term plan. But the money is no longer liquid. In addition to that, I was caught in a credit card fraudulent transaction when I lost my card and some unscrupulous person used it for over a thousand bucks. AND I HAD TO PAY FOR IT! According to the bank's fine prints, that is.
Okay, that's to give you a background of what's been happening in my financial life. I have trained myself over the past 2 years to learn to live and let live. Worrying is not for me, I decided. Leave it to God, I decided. This time, it did NOT come so naturally. Yes, I trust God, but still I worry at the back of my mind. I keep wondering where the money is going to come from come next year when I make a trip to Australia with my girlfriend. At the back of my mind, I was calculating where the money is going to come from if I were to marry my girlfriend.

Another more pressing and important matter is that...well, I've been backsliding of the past few months. Church has not been very encouraging, and I have not been very consistent in my attendance. Praying becomes more of a routine rather than a conversation. In a few words, God seems far away.
But I struggle. I struggle to keep God in my life. I am not about to give up, although I really feels like it. I ask God to hold me close, yet I wasn't ready to give Him much of my time. I ask God to keep me from evil, yet I wasn't ready to give my life up to Him. I told God I knew He still loves me, yet I wasn't ready to love Him back in return. I keep struggling back and forth with my weaknesses and sins. Day after day I keep struggling. And I'm really tired.

Minutes ago however, I remembered to read Our Daily Bread, a daily devotion material from RBC Ministries. Guess what? The Bible verse for the day is "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. —Matthew 6:34". It also talks about God providing for the wandering Israelites after they came up out of Egypt. God provided manna for them, but only enough for the day. Instructions were for them to collect ONLY as much as they needed for the day. No more, no less. Similarly, it reminded me to take my finances and my struggles with my sins and weaknesses once day at a time. God will provide sufficient "manna" for me day by day.

Lord, I ask that you will renew my strength, as you will renew those who will be reading this blog. As I wait on you, I claim the fulfillment of your Word that "they who wait on the Lord shal renew their strength, they shall rise with wings like eagle, they shall run and not be weary, walk and not faint". Thank you Lord for constantly providing and loving me. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

Dave D Saved...Once again

How Great is Our God

Boy, I'm so "inspired" to blog and post this up when I saw this video clip from YouTube. Time after time, I forget. How GREAT is my God. How awesome is His love. Yes, I have gone through dark times. Yes, I am going through challenges. But all is GOOD because my Savior LIVES. All is GREAT because I know, all things work for good to those who loves God. And I'm learning to love Him, all over again. I wish indeed all will see, How Great is My God...



Age to age He's the same,
Time is In His hands!!!

Boy oh boy!! Suddenly I feel the surge of excitement that my God...MY GOD has time in His hands...What worries and troubles will I need to crack my head thinking about when MY GOD has time in His hands. And age to age He's the same...He parted the Red Sea, raise to life the dead, fed five thousands with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes!!
So since He does all that in the past, there's no reason to believe He'll not do the same for me. But I know also that Jesus before feeding the five thousand, gave thanks FIRST. To acknowledge He is Lord of ALL with a heart of gratitude perhaps is the "secret" not only to the soul's salvation, but also in accomplishing the impossible and succeeding in my short time here on earth.

I hope you will also find this song an encouragement to your soul.

God loves you too.

Dave D Saved

Footprints in the Sand

A good reminder...

Back from a Rest with a Joke to share...

I feel like I have to apologize to my friends and those who follow my blog...if any...heh heh....

I was on a on a "sabbatical", taking time off to just slack...Life has been...well, sort of uneventful...except for the recent development of interest in trying out various ways to earn an extra buck and also learning a little more about the FOREX market. Australian dollar is dropping like flies...

Well, just as a warm up, I thought I'd just share an interesting story about "thinking out of the box". It reminds us not to judge a book by its cover. For all you know, it's not EVEN a book!

A Chinese man walks into a bank in New York City and asks for the loan officer. He tells the loan officer that he is going to China on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $5,000.

The bank officer tells him that the bank will need some form of security for the loan, so the Chinese man hands over the keys to a new Ferrari parked on the street in front of the bank. He produces the title and everything checks out.

The Loan officer agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan. The bank's president and its officers all enjoy a good laugh at the Chinese for using a $250,000 Ferrari as collateral against a $5,000 loan.
An employee of the bank then drives the Ferrari into the bank's underground garage and parks it there.

Two weeks later, the Chinese returns, repays the $5,000 and the interest, which comes to $15.41. The loan officer says, 'Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multi-millionaire. What puzzles us is why you would bother to borrow $5,000? The Chinese replies: 'Where else in New York City can I park my car for two weeks for only $15.41 and expect it to be there safely when I return.'

That's all from me for now...Gonna go get back my Ferrari...

Returning to the Father

The past few weeks, if not months has been tough for me. It did not come in a flash, nor did difficulty come in large portions. However, over a period of 2 to 3 weeks, I was left dried as a raisin. I felt a barrier between me and my father in heaven. I hardly talked to Him, except the occasional prayer of thanksgiving and blessing for the food, which was engraved in my habits since young.

I knew in my heart that God is still there, watching over me. I am still thankful for his graces and care. However, I just didn't have the mental strength nor spirit to draw myself close to His open arms.

At that time, it did not occur to me to think through the situation, much less work out any problem. I just felt like just doing the things I wanted to do. What did I want to do, you ask?? Hhmm...let's see...I watched a whole lot of crappy movies, DVDs, facebooked religiously, slept randomly, and spoke nonsensically.
One of the first sign of trouble was FEAR. I began to realize that I feared for my future. I felt insecure about my career, and the future is bleak dark. I fear for my sweetheart's career in research too. Options became confusion very quickly when we had to figure out whether she should attempt to pursue her doctorate degree off Malaysian shores or locally, and whether I should follow suite to pursue my master's degree. Of course, the deeper we dwell into it, the more option surfaced and the more confused I got. With statistical probability coming into play about my chances of getting a full scholarship with an option to work to continue paying off for my commitments here in Malaysia and the family and friends we leave behind, my mind was really "boggled".
Well, you get the idea.
Besides career, I was also discouraged with the ministry I was involved in church. The young adults ministry started a few months back, but of late, even with renewed effort we were not able to sustain the group. Without constant reminders, attendance dropped to zero, even those charged with specific tasks. I was quickly reduced to nothing.
The community of the church I was attending wasn't very encouraging either. I realized that I don't really have "tight" friends within the community. Don't get me wrong, the church I attend are filled with very friendly people, not to mention workers who strive endlessly to serve God in the church. Perhaps it's just the age barrier, or perhaps sometimes, it's just ain't the right match of keys and lock.
However, today, I can claim that my God is a God of His words.
He DID NOT leave me NOR forsake me.
He DID NOT test me beyond what I can bear.
I went to church last Sunday. I know I wanted to hear from God, even though physically I was tired and sleepy(due to lack to early rest on Saturday nite). And so, God gave me the courage to come back to Him. Little by little, I told Him how much I NEEDED Him in my life. I came to realize that all the things that I worried about over the past 3 weeks, were exactly the same and were already there 6 weeks back.

The only difference was, 6 weeks back, I had God in my life. I had His peace. Nothing seems to ever bother me. Future? Career? Ahh..what the heck...God has my BEST INTEREST in His heart. The God who feed the birds in the skies, clothes the flowers in the field which withers overnight, found me my lovely Honda City Evie, will surely take care of my needs, better than I could ever dream of hoped for.
But when I was kept away from my dad in heaven, I guess it separated my life from God, and consequently my faith. Thus the saying "Knowing is NOT believing", but "Believing IS knowing".
I want to testify here that My God Lives.

So to you, my friend reading this, take heart for it is no coincident that you read my blog, especially reading all the way to this very sentence(as I am long winded, I know), that God has allowed for circumstances, and a willing heart(yours) to read this and know as I know, that He is God.
If you want to find out about what I know about this God, please send me a message. I will get back to you ASAP.

God Bless....

A Father's Love

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
* Philippians 4:13 (New International Version) *

- godtube

The Apostles' Prayers

After a long silence, I was prompted again to write when I read through today's Our Daily Bread devotion. It was on the passage Luke 11, where Jesus thought His disciples to pray. However, someone once noted that the prayer was wrongly labeled as "The Lord's Prayer", as it did not really apply to the Lord, but rather to the Apostles. As Jesus never sinned, He needed not ask for the Father to forgive His sins.
Long story cut short, here's my view on the Apostles' Prayer:

* "Our Father, which art in Heaven"
- The Lord of universe, we now call Father. What else do we need to worry, if the Lord of universe calls us His children?

* "Hallowed be thy Name"
- To remind ourselves WHO we are praying to, that we are praying 'that God may be God to us' - Martin R. De Haan II

* "Thy kingdom come"
- Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

* "Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven"
- We place God's will above our own, recognizing that His ways are WAY HIGHER than ours.

* "Give us this day our daily bread"
- 'and all these things shall be added unto you.'...We trust Him to supply ALL our needs (not necessarily all we want)

* "And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us"
- We are to recognize and seek forgiveness first, so as to set ourselves right with the Father. Even as we recognize our sins, we remind ourselves that we are in no position to judge others, thereby learning to forgive them as Jesus taught us (70 x 7 times)

* "And lead us not into temptation"
- Realizing and recognizing that God has all things in control, and they we need His grace to pass by temptations. For we cannot be victorious, but only God can be if we let Him. It is God's battle for our victory.

* "But deliver us from evil"
- Putting our fallen lives into God's embracing arms becomes our best hope and comfort to be protected from the charms and lured of the evil one. We are asking God to open our eyes to the devil's works, and thus trusting God to keep us safe.

* "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever."
- Recognizing that everything belongs to God, including ourselves, are created for God's pleasure and glory. We are after all the temple of Christ, and God's kingdom is not made out of swords and spears, but the heart of men. So,when we say thine is the kingdom, I am reminded to offer my heart to be the kingdom of God, and that I will be used to display your power and glory in all the earth, according to God's will.

To influence, or to be influenced...

I'm back!! I've been putting off writing about the blessings I received this past Saturday.

Kindly allow me to bring you back to 1/2 year back, when I told God that I wanted to surrender to Him and commit my time and effort to serve Him, rather than just pledging financially and attending Sunday church. Because of the background and exposures I had, I felt that I am in the position to work together with the young adults in my church. I also felt that this is where my passion and love is.

As with everything with God, He opened the way and in about 2 months back, we started with over 10 people in our first meeting. As we wanted it casual, we simply set simple rules and discussion topics. However, over time it seems that the initial inertia has fallen and the numbers dwindled to a handful. Commitment and excitement seems to have ebbed away. To be truthful, I was sorely disappointed.
However, I thank God that He has sent my darling sweetheart to be an encourager to me. Not only did she gave me a word of encouragement, but also very constructive advices and also her hands-on help. Between the both of us, we worked out the necessary plans and made solid some structures to make this whole fellowship work.

Then came Saturday, and because of the lack of communication and perhaps the work of the evil one, people in charge of the discussion and worship sings-peration couldn't make it. But as my pillar of strength(my sweetheart, now referred as POS) discussed the options with me, we decided to quit worrying about the problems. Instead we sat and prayed. We knew that if this is God's work through us, He will not let His words return to Him void. As we prayed, I kept in mind how I should take over to lead the discussions. Half-an-hour after the appointed time of fellowship, 2 of our YA gang came. Reflecting back, their tardiness gave me more time to prepare for the discussions.

To cut the story short, we had a Great time. Absolutely marvelous. I was encouraged, and I certainly hope that so were the rest of them. A short summary of our discussion and lessons to take home:
1. Question to ponder: Did Jesus spend His time on earth being influenced by His surrounding environment OR did He spend His time influencing others?
2. Refer to Luke 2:41-52, where Jesus did not allow His parent's views to influence what He knew he has to do and where He had to be
3. Refer to Luke 4:1-13, Jesus did not succumb to the devil's temptations but rather held fast to the Word of God to rebuke the devil's attempts to influence Jesus
4. To learn to be "un-influencable", we are to follow Jesus' lead, that is to ANCHOR ourselves to the Word of God, that we might be so secure in our believes and grow the faith that is freely given to us by the Holy Spirit. Once we know and remember who we REALLY are, we will then not only be "un-influencable", but rather be influencing others around us.

I am so encouraged by the youth's sharing with us that Saturday. Their presence already is a present, but to add on to it, their open sharing was just what I needed to keep going and work for the Lord. God knew this.
We closed our fellowship with a simple sharing of prayer needs, and prayed for one another. God listened that day. The discussion also led to commit to influence others in my daily life, by correcting my attitude in driving. I told myself to put down my pride and attitude and humble myself as Christ did, and to deem other drivers more important than me. It's really tough work for me, but I shall try. The motivation is that I will want to share my success(of failure) in the next meeting.
For this is my objective, that everyone will be able to take home something from this fellowship. For me, it's would be lesson learned and internalize(practiced).

Dave d Saved

We Are The Reason

As I listen to this song, my eyes flood with tears while my heart feels like exploding with indescribable joy and gratefulness for my Savior and beloved God, Jesus.
I pray that as you read this or listen to this song, you will also experience the freedom and realize the unfathomable love of my God, Jesus.

We are the reason, indeed, we are the reason The God from Heaven came down to this physical world to show us the reason to live...

As little children
We would dream of Christmas morn
And all our gifts and joys
We know we'd find
But we never realized
A baby born one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our lives

We are the reason
That He gave His life
We are the reason
Jesus suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live…

As the years went by
We learned more of our gifts
And giving of ourselves
And what that means
On a dark and cloudy day
A man hung dying in the rain
Because of love… because of love… because of love…

We are the reason
That He gave His life
We are the reason
Jesus suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live… to live… to live…

Every time I see the cross
I'm reminded that he gave his life for you and me…

We are the reason that he gave his life,
We are the reason why the Lord suffered and died.
To a world that was lost he gave all he could give,
To show us the reason to live
We are the reason but He is the reason we live…

Composer: David Meece

Langkawi...The Counting of Blessings...

Do we count our blessing when good things happens, or do we count our blessings when trouble overshadows us? For me, it's in both situations that reminded me to count, count, count...

Our trip to Langkawi started way before we step foot in LCCT airport. About 2 weeks before, I had to scramble my way to get accommodation booked, and prepared the tour agenda. An over sight of the public holiday made bookings nearly impossible, not to mention the exorbitant prices the motels are charging for the mosquito infested shacks.
But with a little determination, finally a local agent got us a place for shut eye for the two nites.


In Langkawi, the breathtaking view from above the clouds @ Mount Mat Chinchang really is mother nature's testimony of God, the creator and tasteful artist of the beautiful pieces of work.

On our first nite, back at Pantai Cenang nearby where we stayed, we decided to go shopping around the night markets, a hotspot for souvenirs in Langkawi. To my terrible embarrassment, I missed a huge hole by a tree stump and drove the rented car right into the ditch. The left tyre was virtually hanging free, while the right tyre did not have enough grip to pull the car out.
The moment I got out of the car, several kindly Mat Sallehs came up to me to offer a hand. While discussing for a solution to the seemingly impossible situation, another Mat Salleh gentleman came by to offer his help. To cut the story short, all of them simply lifted the car, while I slowly reversed it out of the ditch, almost effortlessly. I am ever so grateful to these angels that came to our aid. They asked nothing in return and went off after that. I could imagine the consequences were there no angles such as these tourists around. I counted our blessings twice, when I remembered that I did not drive my own Evie(my Honda City) to Langkawi, but rather rented an aged Iswara. Otherwise, my heart would've been dented too.

Although not much was pre-planned, God has been a real good Father, paving the way smooth for all our visits, from Underwater World to Mount Mat ChinChang.

One of the most memorable journey was out Island Hopping trip, which included a boat ride to a cove where the eagles feed. These are eagles in the wild mind you, and they have nested virtually around the cove area where we see dozens of these majestic creatures spread their wings, swooping down in grace to skim the waters for food.



To top it all off, sunset at the beach by our ole' shack was terrific. To see the sun slowly descending behind a little island just off the shoreline, setting into the horizon is simply beyond words. My sweetheart and I were busy snapping away, trying to take in as much as possible the glorious moment. This reminds me, God sends the sun to greet us in the morning, and sets in the evening for us to rest. I am reminded to appreciate each day as it comes, because no matter how we feel, the sun still rises and sets just the same. We have been given the privilege to live, and so much live it worthwhile for God.

Final words, glory and thanks to my God and Friend, for His unending and relentless love and cover over me and my sweetheart throughout the entire trip, and may our lives continue to be works of testimony of His wonderful grace and gift to mankind. I hope for those who do not know who or what I am talking about, if u are wondering the reason of my gratefulness, or why wonderful things has been happening in my life, feel free to ask. I am more than happy to share with you, the REAL UN-SECRET to everlasting happiness and fulfillment.

Langkawi...The Trip...

I'm back from my 3D/2N vacation @ Langkawi Island, Malaysia. While this is not my first trip, it is one of my more significant trip to remember. You see, I have a very short term memory capacity. One could say my memory runs only on RAMs, not ROMs(for those computer geeks). I only remember what was stored while they are fresh, and I find it a really hard time recalling anything older than a couple of years.
Anyhoo, I shall break this trip into 2 posts, this one being an information post for those who are considering going to Langkawi in the near future.

ONE: Transportation - Renting a car in Langkawi is a good idea, as the vacation hot spots are spread out across Langkawi, taking about a good 20 minutes drive in between places. Renting a car cost about RM50/Kancil or RM60/Iswara(mid-size sedan).

TWO: Accommodation - Pantai Cenang is one of the more popular place to be, where the nice combs of beaches are located. You can find motels and hotels here, although I wouldn't put too high hopes in staying in a great 4-5 star Hilton, but most likely you'd have to rough it out a little. I stayed in a little place called Charlie's Motel, along Jalan Pantai Tengah. It's off the road from Pantai Cenang, and it is a difficult place to find, although not difficult to get to.
For RM85/nite(supposed to be Peak season only), we got a "family room" with 2 queen-sized bed, with a TV that barely works, and an attached toilet. The wooden room has terrible sound proofing characteristics, you can audibly distinguish word for word your neighbor's discussions from the TV program they are watching. The washroom has no heater for shower, and is built in such a way that you feel you're sharing the washroom, only with a brick wall segregating you and your neighbor. Toilet papers are NOT included. Oh...1 important note: The room breeds more mosquito than the fishes at Underwater World. I personally caught and killed over 5 mosquito with my bare hands.
We literally had to keep the lights on while we sleep to avoid being sucked dry while we sleep.
Charlie Motel however is located in a rather strategic place, just off a nice beach where sunset is absolutely fabulous.

However, i would recommend you to look for other alternative motels along Pantai Cenang if you're on a tight budget, such as AB Motel nearby. Alternatively, Helang Hotel seems to offer a pretty good deal with their Hot Wheels package, where it only cost RM140/nite with a car

THREE: Attractions - I would personally recommend a trip up Mount Machincang via the Cable Car. Entrance fee is RM25/person, with a RM10 discount if you hold a My-Kad identity card. The trip consist of 2 observation deck. The view there is absolutely fantastic. A good picture paints a thousand words. So here, I shall let the breath-taking photos do the talking...



Underwater World is a major disappointment, the ultimate Hall of Shame being the so-called 3-D movie. It was obvious right from the start that management had no control or proper direction for visitors to queue to get into the theater. Hordes of barbaric Malaysians cut queues climbing over the dividing ropes to get in. Once inside, you're to help yourself with the ever-so-run-down 3-D glasses.The moment the "movie" started, it instantaneously felt like an mid-term project from an undergraduate Malaysian college student. The good news is, the animation didn't last more than 10 minutes.

Besides that, we went on a Island Hopping trip (costing RM25 if direct from providers, and RM35 if from travel agencies) which covers the Island of the Pregnant Maiden, Beras Basah Island and a stop-over at a lagoon where eagles feed. If you love nature, this is where it is all worth your while...to watch the eagles swoop down for a meal. You can get relatively close to the action, but don't put your hopes up if you intend to catch them on camera. Here's my best shot of a majestic eagle in mid-flight.

Over all, Langkawi is a pleasant place to visit, if you don't mind the heat. All the hyped up duty free discounts are really not that attractive, perhaps unless you are into cigarettes or alcohol.

Well, here ends my list of info...hope it is helpful and informative.

Watch out for my next post on Blessings Langkawi...

Cheers...

Eyes wide Open

Hello hello....I'm back again....
This time, because of something I want, I "had" to turn to God...
You see, I was just informed that my life-long dream of visiting Australia could finally be realized. Malaysia's favorite airline is offering a zero fair return flight to Gold Coast, Australia.


To cut the story short, I had to make a decision quick. Considering my dear darling in the plan, I had to juggle between "is this the right time?" and "do we have enough to spend on the road?" consideration. I knew through experience, that all informed and knowledge-based decision are utterly fruitless and potentially disastrous if they were made without my God in the equation. As much as I wanted jump into it RIGHT AWAY, I slammed on the ABS brake(ABS being Anti-locking Break System for those who are unfamiliar with automobiles) and held back my enthusiasm.

I asked God to give me the peace and an answer before I even work out the budget for such a trip, before I even start calling my friends to see who's interested...etc..etc...
I've been known to be hard-of-hearing when it comes to listening to God from heaven...kind of like I'm using a Maxis line to God...so I asked God to give me some pointers via this morning's daily bread. For a very long time(if not the first), I find myself "looking forward" to reading the Our Daily Bread (http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread) to find a path to my wandering journey.

Guess what??

Today's ODB speaks of Nick Vujicic, the man without limbs. He's a man born without limbs, and God transformed him to become a missionary for Jesus.
Nick shares: God won’t let anything happen to us in our life unless He has a good purpose for it all.

His words hit a note with me. I realize that it wasn't so much my seeking God for "approval" to book the tickets to the land down under, but rather also my seeking to please God wherever I am and whatever I do.

Did I think of going to Australia just to have a fun time(it's not wrong), or also should I think about God's glory and purposes.

This opportunity presents itself by the grace of God, the question is not just what I do with it, but also how does a grateful child reacts when his/her father bestows an opportunity to make into reality the child's dream trip.
I believe that I need to trust God for this trip, and above that remember to see God's vision and seek His kingdom, either here in Malaysia or during a trip to Australia.
Going to Australia will be one of my dreams come true, but beyond that I need to keep my eyes and ears open when God calls.

Two things to keep in mind:
1. Vacationing in the wonderful land of Australia should be an act of worship and appreciation to God's creativity and marvelous works of nature
2. In the people I meet, God's grace and love should be reflected in my words and deeds.

If my attitude becomes right with God, no matter where I am, or am going, I can rest my trust and future in my heavenly Father.
So I thank God, that my eyes are not opened, a little more than before, to see the real issues of life.
It is not just in the decisions we make, but the attitude and purpose we have towards these decisions that spells out our faith.

God bless...
Dave d Saved...over and out.

Faith above Feelings

Howdy hoo hoo everybody...

This is my first actual blog entry...something that I've been procrastinating for a long while. I've never been a person who's persistent about anything, and thus lacking the motivation to bulldoze my way to accomplish anything. Nonetheless, much was accomplished in my life, all thanks to a Father in Heaven who delights in providing for me more than I could imagine.

Yesterday, as I was having our weekly study of the Purpose Driven Life with my sweetheart, I was compelled to start up this blog. One purpose to to give encouragement to all who might read it. I recognize that I am a long winded dude(genetics perhaps?), so I'll try to keep it interesting(note that I've not promised to keep it short :P)

We were reminded yet once again that as children of God, the elevation of cloud 9 "highness" and a feeling of joy is NOT a yardstick of measurement of our relationship with the Father. Jesus calls us to live by faith, not by sight. I don't suppose living by our other senses will cut it as well. As Rick Warren pointed out, many people think of the experience of worship rather than the experience of God when we go about our religious practices. We sometimes deceive ourselves that we are close to God when we "feel" the presence of God, while the other times when we don't, God is a million miles away. No wonder many of us associate singing praise and worship songs is an act of worship and devotion to God, while much less emphasis is placed on perhaps listening to the sermon or giving of God's tithes. This is because we experience little or no emotional sensation towards the latter two "activity".

TIME FOR CHANGE.

Living by faith, means for us to practice what we believe regardless of how we feel. Many times at work, I don't "feel" God's presence, particularly if I'm in a meeting or speaking to my boss or colleagues, but that doesn't mean that God is not present and most definitely NOT mean that He is not in control or interested in my affairs. He IS. The fact that I am in this wonderful job is a testimony that His Word rings true, that it is His pleasure to pour out His blessings from heaven to His children.

That's all from me now...before someone I know complain against me that I'm long winded...(yes dear, referring to you)...*blink*blink*

An Introduction to the Intricate

Hello and welcome friends and visitors,

Welcome to my first blogolisious blog. This is where I hope you will be encouraged, uplifted, and perhaps even "enlightened" with some of my unorthodox out-of-the-box-into-the-frying-wok thinking.

Everybody is welcomed to join me in a journey of self-discovery and purposeful living. It is opened to those who knows my friend Jesus and ALSO those who do not.
For those of you who also know my friend, I hope this will continually be an encouragement to you. For those who do not know my friend, still, please share in my thoughts of daily living and living daily.

Also not to forget, for all the insights and knowledge shared here, credit goes to my ever beloved Dad and Mom, who relentlessly and consistently built me up in love with the grace of God. Thanks Dad, Thanks Mom.
p.s. Dad, if you could read my blog in heaven, post me a comment, that'll surely be something...:) Love ya and miss ya a lot.