Sunday, December 31, 2017

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!




Well, that’s a wrap.

THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD!


God, 2018…I will be very clingy…I will complain much…I will be depressed…2018, not a good year for those who are born in the year of the Dog…yes, I know…I am a Christian, I am a believer...but when you start hearing or reading on the negative stuffs, it gets into my head...but I am not covering up or in denial here, I acknowledge it, meaning I am facing it…I am even sick now, my acne breakout came back to haunt me…hahaha…but, God…I will hold on to You…so, help me…help me to remove this cancerous thoughts…help me to get it off from my system…grant me wisdom & common sense in my everyday life…put in happy thoughts inside my brain…God, I want to feel Your presence more, I want to receive Your assurance, I want to hold Your guarantees…

I hold on to You, to Your words, to Your templates, the characters in the Bible because they are real, they have experienced You before.

God’s timing is perfect.

If the Lord can brings you to it, He will brings you through it.

Where God guides, God provides.

When God closes a good door, He will open a great one. What God closes, no one can open. What God opens, no one can shut.

Everything is fine. All in under control. I can see your financial status, I can see your health records, I can see the people that are coming up against you. But listen to me carefully – I WILL NOT FAIL YOU.

God is preparing you for something great. Just hold on.

David was just a shepherd boy…David said that being a shepherd have prepare him to defeat Goliath because God have saved him from the paws of a lion & a bear during his shepherd days.

When something happens, you thank God – that is Grateful. Before something happens, you thank God – that is Faith.

God brings me to deep waters because my enemies can't swim.

God brings you to deep waters is not to drown you but to cleanse you.

God – THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS & FAVORABILITY TO MY FAMILY & MYSELF, EVERY MORNING AND EVERY DAY.

Tactical Unit - Comrades in Arms




Holidays & Travels

THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD!


SEOUL, NAMI ISLAND, JEJU ISLAND!
Thank You God for the The Japanese’s increment & bonuses, it was so unexpected…which I used to pay off for the accommodation…otherwise...I have to dig deep into my Fixed Deposits...

A Chilling Cosplay




Studies

Sort of graduated from Shaw Academy & Coursera in Digital Marketing…

Detective Gui




Me Time

I didn’t set enough Me Time for myself this year…hopefully can do more of it in 2018.

The Tenants Downstairs




Self-Discovery

THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD!

I will always repeat this…I am here today because of God…seriously, look at me…I should not even be here today or have what I have or achieved what I have achieved…there are times where situations or people already prove to me that I am indeed incapable...it’s just somehow that God have taken very good care of me…maybe, it’s time to pay it forward…not in a monetary way…but with more heart & soul…with the people and community…and have a bigger heart & looking upwards more frequently...to remind myself; that it's ok to be the unsung hero, the dark horse, the underdog, the underachiever...

To Be No. 1




Adventures

THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD!


The top highlight will be the Seoul, Nami Island & Jeju Island holidays and other mini adventures as well…I always wanted to attend the F1 Race, but MotoGP also pun boleh lah…hahaha…

On Ken's Time




Opportunities

THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD!

The one opportunity that I have in 2017…is that God brings me back to G13, I am earning a RM8500 salary; my last drawn was at RM7000; it was a 20% increment, I am no longer doing buying (something that I have always prayed about), I am currently doing Trade Planning; something that I think that I wanted to learn & do but G13 is not there yet…but looking back right now…the eventual tasks will be very overwhelming for me, so I think it is in God’s plan that I should start small, start slow…otherwise I will be panic and be in depression mode…hahaha…God, You are good…for sure, that there are many other opportunities that you have shower me this year but this is the most significant of all…and You certainly have taken care of me all the way...health, financially, materially, family, friends, relationship & many more...

The Tokyo Trial




Movies & Music

Movies >> King Kong with Natalie and Transformers with Small Ham…actually, I have missed a lot of good movies this year…

Music >> attended Bryan Adams concert with Miss Klein & Mel Jag. That was a blast, if only I have booked a better seat, we got a side view instead…

Musicals >> this was totally unexpected, 3 musicals in all, I was surprised too. MUD KL, the last show before the whole panggung was shut down, Priceless The Musical; it was a Christian Church production and finally from my Murdoch Alumni…at the Temple Of Fine Arts, in Brickfields…Alumni Theatrical Event – Opening Night, Home At Last – A Toy’s Journey…

My Best Ex-Boyfriend




Photography

I didn’t do much of this either…around 35 shots; which I uploaded onto Facebook & Instagram…mostly on my marathons events, flowers + nature, my South Korea holidays and random subjects…which the camera was my iphone 6...and yes, I uses filters quite a lot to enhance those pictures...hahaha...

Beach Blanket Babylon




Blogging

I am still doing my regular blogging…but now it revolves more on God (the Daily Bread), my daily life, Liverpool and character development articles; both at the work & personal level…and yes, I have discovered Instagram which I have 57 followers to date…and I’m not following anyone yet…

Triangle




Hobbies

I actually target that one of my hobbies for this year was to do some adult coloring…since both Paige & Tommy have given me an ala Secret Garden coloring book…and I also took back home some color pencils samples; when previously I was the stationery buyer…yes I know…naughty me…hahaha…but this year, I did not even color a single damn thing…

Sasori




Readings

Hahaha…I have only read 2 books for this year: The Cider House Rules by John Irving & Personal by Lee Child.

However, as I have been given 3 boxes full of thriller books from Tommy…I think 2018 will be a reading year for me…

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Memoirs Of Madam Jin




Cooking & Food

I so failed in this area this year…next year, I really need to learn how to cook…it’s not just about cooking only…it's a A to Z process; from buying poultry, vege & fruits…slicing, dicing, cutting, peeling, cleaning, the whole food preparation thingy and finally cooking. I just came to realize that…if either Papa Ham or Mama Ham fell sick…I don’t even know how to cook porridge or boil soup for them…I don’t even know how to make ginger or onion tonic to calm down their cough & flu…see, hopeless me…this is very serious…I don’t even have the most basic surviving skill…

Storm in a C Cup




Housework

You know, when I was still in the old Section 6 house…I hardly clean up my room…all of the dust were just lying down there, accumulated and expanded…but here…adoi…cannot be lazy anymore…every 2 months I sure will clean up my room…still, I need to learn more…because, suddenly I realize…if one day…Papa Ham Or Mama Ham fell sick or not around anymore, who is going to look after me or them…

The Flame's Daughter




Hanging Out With New People

I think it’s important to mix around with new people…yes, we still need to keep our core people, but mixing with new people also allows us to gain a new perspective, explore new interest, go to new places…after all…the world out there is very big after all…

Mel Jag >> since July, I have been meeting up with Mel Jag every month…usually Torres & Miss Klein will be around…but with Miss Klein who needs to care for her mum & can’t come out that frequently anymore…so, it’s only left Mel Jag & myself…we have been having dinners & lunches together, attending the MotoGP and a Arts & Lights installation together.

Li Fong >> the newcomer in my 2017 list…hahaha…we have explored Batu Caves together and went for a marathon too…

Smallie & Mei Wern >> comrades from The Japanese...

Seth >> Seth is not someone new, my ex-boss actually…but we have been re-connected more frequently recently…

Victoria, Ling Ling, Clara, Tommy & Zurick, Michel & Ice, Natalie…not new joiners either…hahaha…just need further reinforcement for next year and need to expand the list from here…

Two Wrongs Make a Right




Cycling

Active back in cycling with my cycling buddy this year; Clara…but only manage to cycle 4 times altogether…hahaha...we no more cycling at the Bukit Cahaya Park, we now cycle at the Section 9 & 10 bike track...there was also a freezing period in between because of my acne breakout, when that have recovered…I already left The Japanese and was employed by G13…I suspect that both Lionel & Laura will share the news with Clara…and I want to avoid all of the unnecessary questions until the dust have settle down…so, I wasn’t being proactive about it…hahaha…

Royal Victorian Order




Marathons

This year I have participated in a total of 7 marathons with variance length and yes with improved timing as well and also a few misses…hahaha…

Malaysia Women Marathon | 21KM >> 2:54:49. My 10KM was at 1:20:27. Previously the best timing that I had was at 1:31:23 which was in October 2016. Woo hoo, shave off a total of 11 minutes. A big progress for me.

Sponge Bob Run | 5KM >> I didn’t have the official timing for this one. But this is the one where I introduce Li Fong to her first marathon.

Coway Run | 10KM >> 1:24:28…hahaha, extra 4 minutes pula

PJ Half Marathon | 21KM >> 3:21:36…this was my worst half marathon ever…more than 3 hours long…all of my previous 21KM was averagely 3 hours on the dot…

Yolo Run KL | 10KM >> 1:12:42…yes, I cut down by another 8 minutes…8 minutes is a lot…hahaha…

Cold Storage Kids Grow & Glow Run >> G13 organized this event, just went and kepo only…did not participate…for kids only mah

Anak-Anak Malaysia Walk | 5KM
>> this was a walkathon that I bring Papa Ham along…

Newton Challenge | 30KM >> no official timing because I was so so late…more than 5 hours long…

The Performance Series, Race #3 | 10KM >> 1:14:30.4…the final run for 2017…

Friday, December 29, 2017

Matthew 26:17–35




Though I can make plans for my future, I can never guarantee their success. But we believe in an almighty God who works all things together for our good, and mysteriously accomplishes this through the willful, responsible choices & actions of sinful men & women.

Only this sovereign God is worth entrusting your future to. He knew you before you knew Him. He has ordained good for you, namely your sanctification and glorification.

Matthew 13:24-43




Do not be discouraged; God is in control.

Matthew 7:1-11




We must remember that the Lord Jesus is a demanding teacher and master, but also a tender pastor and shepherd. He makes no demand without providing the grace to fulfill it and gives no command without the promise of forgiveness when we fail.

The essence of Prayer – we are to keep on Asking, Seeking & Knocking.

Our relationship with God is not primarily about giving. No, He is the Giver and what a good Giver He is. His good gifts are the very things we have been reading about in this sermon - the power to forgive, to be generous, to be trusting & not anxious and to be merciful & not judgmental. Yes, the demands can be hard, but with our Lord there is superabundant grace, power & forgiveness.

Matthew 3:1-12




God has always been in the business of Change and Renewal.

Could I Say That?




The Old Testament character Joseph, who was his father’s favorite son, which made his older brothers furious. So they sold Joseph to merchants traveling to Egypt and made it appear that a wild animal had killed him. His dreams had been shattered and his future appeared hopeless.

Yet, along Joseph’s journey of life, he chose to be true to his God and rely on Him even when it seemed to make his situation worse. After being falsely accused by his employer’s wife and imprisoned for something he didn’t do, Joseph struggled with the injustice of his situation but kept trusting the Lord.

Years later his brothers came to Egypt to buy grain during a famine and were terrified to discover that their despised younger brother was now the Prime Minister. But Joseph told them – do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent ahead of you…it was not you who sent me here, but God.

Dear Father, give us the faith to trust You today and the ability to see Your hand of good along our road of life.


In the darkest hours of life, only through the eyes of faith can we see the loving hand of God.

Five Finger Prayers




Prayer is a conversation with God, not a formula. Yet sometimes we might need to use a method to freshen up our prayer time. We can pray the Psalms or other Scriptures such as The Lord’s Prayer or use the ACTS method; Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving & Supplication. I recently come across this 5-finger prayer to use as a guide when praying for others.

When you fold your hands, the thumb is nearest to you. So begin by praying for those closest to you – your loved ones.

The index finger is the pointer. Pray for those who teach – Bible teachers & preachers and those who teach children.

The next finger is the tallest. It reminds you to pray for those in authority over you – national & local leaders and your supervisor at work.

The fourth finger is usually the weakest. Pray for those who are in trouble or who are suffering.

Then comes your little finger. It reminds you of your smallness in relation to God’s greatness. Ask Him to supply your needs.

Whatever method you use, just talk with your Father. He wants to hear what’s on your heart.

It’s not the words we pray that matter; it’s the condition of our heart.

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Mightier Than All




God is always greater than all of our troubles.

The roar of a waterfall is truly majestic, but it is quite a different matter to be in the water hurtling toward the falls. That may be the situation you are in today. Physical, financial or relational problems loom even larger and you feel like you are about to go over the falls. In such situations, the Christian has Someone to turn to. He is the Lord who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine for He is greater than all our troubles.

Lord, I know that You are powerful and greater than any trouble that might come my way. I trust You to carry me through.

Never measure God’s unlimited power by your limited expectations.

“I’m Really Scared…”




Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.

Isaiah 41:13 tells us – For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do Not Fear; I Will Help You.

In addition, God offers indescribable, heart-guarding peace when we present our difficulties to Him in prayer.

Through God’s unfailing presence and His peace that transcends all understanding, we can find the hope and help we need to endure situations in which we are really scared.

Dear heavenly Father, when I am afraid, remind me that You hold my hand and give me peace. I’m grateful that I can lean into Your arms and find help when I’m scared. You are good to me.

God is with us in all our struggles.

Didn’t Get Credit?




Yup, so true the below passage…

Mr. Horton’s Secretary…always seems to be doing the right things…never ever put a foot wrong…I did the Press Ad Forward Planning for the month of November 2016, December 2016, January 2017 & February 2017. I even compile all of the Leaflet Sales Results of 2017; only left the 4th Quarter part…yet, at the end of the day…don’t know whether this Marcus have overlooked or what…Marcus uses Mr. Horton’s Secretary’s January compilation (Press Ad & Leaflet). That one compilation which Mr. Horton’s Secretary did for the Grocery Merchandising Director…fine, never mind…I am the underdog, the dark horse…no one takes me seriously anyway…they look up to Marcus and Mr. Horton’s Secretary only…in the team; I am just the keh leh fei

We may not always have highly visible roles, yet we know that God is pleased when we obediently play our essential part in His plan. When we give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, we will find value & meaning in our service as it brings glory to God and draws others to Him.

Lord, help me to obediently do my part in the role You have chosen for me.

The secret of true service is absolute faithfulness wherever God places you.

Luckington Court




Pronoia >> is the opposite of paranoia.
Pronoia is the belief that other people are plotting your well-being or saying nice things about you behind your back.

When you give, this becomes a fact. People do say nice things about you behind your back. As leaders, we need to consistently give. The more we give, the more our folks feel pronoia and receive. Great leaders always begin as the first giver. Once they give, others become inspired by their giving and follow suit. A moment entails. Leadership in itself is giving. Being a good and principled leader is a thankless task. There is much pain and sacrifices that are unseen. Great leaders have to put the interest of their organization and their people above their own interest. Many leaders forget about the importance of giving in their lives. The moment they stop giving, they lose their ability to be a great leader.

Well, I certainly hope that in 2018, I will be afforded with more opportunities in every aspect of my life :)

What We Bring Back




Psalm 37 could be considered David’s list of what he brought back from his journey of life, from shepherd to soldier and king. The psalm is a series of couplets contrasting the wicked with the righteous and affirming those who trust the Lord.

Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like grass they will soon wither.

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. It’s not how far we’ve traveled in life, but what we’ve brought back that counts.

Dear Lord, thank You for walking with me throughout my life. Help me to remember Your faithfulness.


As the years add up, God’s faithfulness keeps multiplying.

Peace & Trust




Sometimes life can feel like an unwanted roller coaster ride, with downhill drops and hairpin curves we never see coming. When unexpected difficulties occur, the Bible reminds us that our best recourse is to place our trust in God.

Life will have its difficulties, but our Savior, who loves us more than life, is greater than them all.


Lord, help me to trust in You so that I may live in peace.

Training For Life




For you, God tested us; You refined us like silver.

Perhaps you feel bad about a trial you are facing. God allows us to undergo these times of testing to toughen our spiritual muscles and endurance. He teaches us to rely on Him and purifies us to be holy, so that we become more like Christ.

No wonder the Psalmist could praise God for refining the Israelites through fire and water as they suffered in slavery and exile. God not only preserved them and brought them to a place of great abundance but also purified them in the process.

As we go through testing, we can rely on God for strength and perseverance. He is refining us through our toughest moments.

Lord, I know that You allow me to go through trials so that I will be strengthened and purified. Teach me to keep relying on You for Your strength to endure.

Faith-testing times can be faith-strengthening times.

Monday, December 25, 2017

Sheer, Expensive, Showbiz




Gym Sessions

Sign up to Celebrity Fitness this year…however due to indiscipline…only manage to visit 23 times…err, kind of money wasting hor…hahaha…actually, I also didn’t fully maximize the usage of the facilities that has been provided, I don’t shower over there…I always come back home to have my bath…infrequent & inconsistency visits…all of the equipments; I also not sure how to use…but Thank God, there is this one time…where I really wish that there was someone to guide me…and God answered my need...pop out the in-house gym instructor who gave me a very short brief on how to use the equipment and the number of preps (well, apparently all of the first timers are entitle to such a briefing, I tak tahu only, and the gym instructor was just randomly asking around, still God answered my need)…I’m not sure whether I follow those instructions correctly or not…hahaha…and as for next year, as I just tumpang Small Ham’s Shell benefits (where I can get cheaper rates)…not sure whether can be renewable or not…hopefully, it can be continue, and this time…hopefully more frequent visits…hahaha…

Nothing Gold Can Stay




Do not be a stranger >> that was the last sentence that Stewart utter to me…on the day that I walk out from The Japanese office...yet…today is Christmas Day…no wishes from Stewart…yes, I am disappointed…maybe Stewart was also very disappointed with me when I left The Japanese…I abandon the team...probably Stewart felt like I was using The Japanese as a platform to escape from Alice…hahaha…which was true...but I myself also surprised that Marcus brought me back home to G13…it was just not part of the plan…or maybe Celtic got kutuk behind my back which cause Stewart to misunderstand me…hmm…no greetings from Celtic is expected, nothing from Stephanie; also another disappointment…but nonetheless, someone have to make the first move…and that will always be me…

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Anderson & Sheppard




Spanish Classes

In January, I have blogged that I have learned 147 Spanish words and are able to count from 0 – 40…I actually have a very strong first quarter, second quarter & third quarter where I really follow strictly the regime…however, in my 4th quarter, this is where the classes and routine began to be very yo-yo…inconsistency starts to sets in…nonetheless, it is still my biggest achievement ever…422 Spanish words and 33 grammar vocabulary…hahaha…I can count from 0 – 100 now, I know my Monday to Friday…January to December…simple greetings…basic colors....basic human body parts…it's like a kid learning new words isn’t it…next year, I will still continue with my Spanish classes…hopefully, the rhythm is just as strong…it will encompasses of reinforcement of what I have learn this year, new words and new grammar…

Fortnum & Mason




Church Activities

This year…Sister Jasmine has passed over the Sunday School Ministry reign to both Small Ham & myself…Small Ham is more of the strategic thinker type while I am the tactical doer…hahaha…ok, it did get me out from my shell a little bit more and get myself more connected with the church committee…overall, we didn’t do anything that was outstanding this year to cement our standing in the church…it was just normal classes as usual; as the children is less than 10…there is the routine Father’s Day & Mother’s Day event…then there is Easter…a hiking trip; itu pun mix with Sister Kristyn’s day care center's children and last Saturday, we cap the year off with the Christmas Party; theme Deep Sea Discovery…only the decors this year was better than the last…Church Camp; also we didn’t turn up…then, we also took out RM1000 from the Sunday School Fund and make a small contribution to the Church General Fund…all in all…we survived…or it’s was more about me...that I survived…hahaha…I’m not sure whether we will be elected back or not for the 2018 term…I felt that basically, it was a smooth run through this year for the ministry, but I have to admit, that on my side it was half-heartedly done most of the time…but looking at the them (Sister Jasmine, Sister Man Yu, Aunty Ann, Sister Winnie, Sister Fharly)…looks like the baton will be most likely be with us again…as they seem not to be very keen to shoulder the heavier responsibilities but ok to volunteer on a on-and-off basis…if we are indeed going in for our second term…crossing fingers…hopefully, we can kick-start the CSR project which was in this year pipeline but was not unimplemented…and I will try harder to put more heart & soul on it...hahaha...

Friday, December 22, 2017

Be Still




The Lord Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress.

In today’s environment of media bombardment, it becomes increasingly difficult to find time to be quiet, to think and to pray.

Psalm 46:10 says – Be still and know that I am God – reminding us of the necessity to take time to focus on the Lord. Many people find that a quiet time is an essential part of each day – a time to read the bible, pray and consider the goodness & greatness of God.

When we experience the reality that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble, it drives our fear away, shifts our focus from the world’s turmoil to God’s peace and creates a quiet confidence that our Lord is in control.

No matter how chaotic the world may become around us, we can find quietness and strength in our heavenly Father’s love and power.

Heavenly Father, we bring our noisy lives and our cluttered minds to You so that we can learn to be still and know that You are God.


Each day we need to be still and listen to the Lord.

Ripe For Harvest




I sent you to reap what you have not worked for.

I love the generosity of God’s kingdom reflected in those words. He lets us enjoy the fruits of someone else’s labors.

I also love the implied limits of Jesus’s words, for we may plant seeds that we will never harvest but someone else may. Therefore, we can rest in the tasks before us, not being hoodwinked into thinking that we are responsible for the outcomes. God’s work, after all, doesn’t depend on us. He has all of the resources for a bountiful harvest, and we are privileged to play a role in it.

We can reap what others have sown.

You’re An Original




Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His.

Each of us is an original from God’s hand. There are no self-made men or women. No one ever became talented, buffed or bright all by himself or herself. God made each of us all by Himself. He thought of us and formed us out of His unspeakable love.

God made your body, mind & soul. And He isn’t done with you; He is still making you. His single-minded purpose is our maturity – He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. God is making you braver, stronger, purer, more peaceful, more loving, less selfish – the kind of person you’ve perhaps always wanted to be.

God’s unfailing love continues forever and His faithfulness continues to each generation. God has always loved you and He will be faithful to you to the end.

You’ve been given a love that lasts forever and a God who will never give up on you.

I’m grateful, Father, that You are at work in me. I find it difficult to change and I wonder sometimes how or if I ever will. Yet I know that You are continuing Your work in me and as I look back I will see the growth You are producing. Thank You.

From Grief To Joy




You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.

Dear Lord, we long to be in Your presence, especially when we face pain & sorrow. Yet You have not left us on our own. The Holy Spirit lives within us – and gives us joy.

One day our sorrow will be turned to joy!

The Turn




Our surprising God often shows His presence when we least expect Him.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Are you coachable ?




I have a lot of respect for entrepreneurs because I know how hard it can be to run a startup. This is why, whenever we are evaluating an investment opportunity, one of the key questions we ask ourselves is - Is the founder coachable ?

The reality is that he's going to have to master 50 different skills, many of which he's completely clueless about right now. He's going to have to learn on the job, to make sure that the startup doesn't crash and burn. This is no mean achievement - it requires a lot of flexibility, agility, resilience, intellectual fire power, grit and emotional maturity. When doing our due diligence, it's very hard to judge whether a founder has these skills or not, and this is why our focus is not on testing how much he knows, but whether or not he's capable of learning - that's what we're trying to find out.

We'd rather back someone who is comfortable acknowledging his ignorance; and is willing to do the work in order to fill the gaps in his knowledge, rather than someone who is overconfident because they are arrogant about their intellectual prowess. It's this hubris which comes back to haunt the entrepreneur later on, because these are the people who are not capable of unlearning and relearning. They will not listen to feedback, and will not be able to pivot based on changing circumstances, because they refuse to acknowledge reality. Because they think they already have all the answers, they are not open to receiving feedback or accepting advice.

We are looking for someone who is honest about their limitations, and who is willing to put in the hard work needed to find out the answers to what he doesn't know, rather than someone who is happy remaining confidently ignorant.

This is a remarkably uncommon trait, because it requires a lot of self-awareness to be able to learn from different people. Not everyone has the maturity to accept feedback from others - especially when you have the title of CEO, and think that your job description signifies that you know all the answers. Being the CEO can go the founder's head if he is immature! Yes, the buck does stop with you, but you do need to be humble and curious, so that you can roll with the punches.

This is why mature founders, who've graduated from the school of hard knocks, and have been able to show that they have grown over the years because they're able to absorb wisdom from others, are far more likely to do well as entrepreneurs. Yes, we still haven't learned how to judge this character trait accurately, but we get a fairly good sense by seeing how well the founder answers queries and objections. We are looking for someone who is curious and willing to learn, unlearn and relearn; and someone who is humble and willing to accept that he may be wrong.

5 things you can do instead of complaining




It’s always tempting to complain when you’re frustrated about someone or something.

You rant about every wrong and when your colleagues agree with you, you feel satisfied. But then nothing changes, and the next time you encounter the same problem, you make the same complaints.

Complaining makes you feel good, but ultimately, it’s unproductive. The problem will continue to exist, and you will feel drained from the negativity – unless you do these five things instead of complaining.

Take action
If you’re not willing to change the situation, then you shouldn’t really complain. Identify the problem, think of solutions, and start working on them. And don’t give up (and complain about it) when you hit a roadblock. Keep going until the problem is solved. You’ll have a deeper sense of satisfaction that complaining ever gave you.

Complain effectively
This means making a valid complaint to the right person so that something will be done to fix it. Speak up and gather support for your complaint so that management has to take action. Highlight the benefit of the change to increase your success rate.

Change your perspective
This isn’t easy to do, especially if you’ve been focusing on the negative. Decide if what you’re complaining about is worth complaining about. Adjust to the situation. Look at it from another point of view. Use the situation as a learning point. Take it as an opportunity.

Let go
Some things cannot be changed, or are beyond our control. Why dwell on things that make you unhappy? Let go of that thing, accept the situation, focus on other things that are right, choose to be happy, and move on.

Change yourself
Some things can be made better by changing how you do things. If you work in an open plan office and it’s too noisy, use noise-cancelling headphones. If you’re the only one who feels that the office is too cold while everyone else is fine, bring your winter wear to work.

Complaining isn’t always a bad thing – sometimes people just want to vent and feel better about it. But when it becomes a bad habit that affects your and your colleagues’ moods, it’s time to stop and think about changing your attitude.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

From Fear To Faith




What do we do when the prognosis is devastating, when our circumstances are beyond our control? Where do we turn when the outlook seems hopeless?

The prophet Habakkuk's situation was out of his control and the fear that he felt terrified him. The coming judgement would be catastrophic. Yet, in the midst of the impending chaos, Habakkuk made a choice to live by his faith and rejoice in God. He did not place his confidence and faith in his circumstances, ability or resources, but in the goodness and greatness of God. His trust in God compelled him to proclaim - The Sovereign Lord is my strength, He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights.

When we are faced with difficult circumstances - sickness, family crises, financial trouble - we, too, have only to place our faith and trust in God. He is with us in everything we face.

Dear God, I thank You that I can always turn to You. When I am faced with the difficulties of life, I can put my trust in You. Thank You that You are my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

When faced with difficult circumstances we can trust God to be our strength.

If Only...




Difficulties catch us up in a cycle of second-guessing ourselves.

When unexpected trouble comes, we sometimes question the goodness of God. We may even feel the despair that Martha & Mary experienced when their brother died. Oh, if Jesus had only come when He first found out that Lazarus was sick. Like Martha & Mary, we don't always understand why hard things happen to us. But we can rest in the knowledge that God is working out His purposes for a greater good. In every circumstances, we can trust the wisdom of our faithful and loving God.

Father, You have carried me through hard circumstances before. Thank You for teaching me to trust Your heart of love even when I don't understand what You are doing in my life.

To trust God in the light is nothing, but to trust Him in the dark - that is Faith.

Grateful For Everything




When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you.

Be grateful to God for even the smallest gift.

A New Man




Praise God for the life-changing, hope-giving, available-to-all gospel of Jesus Christ! It offers new life to all who trust Him.

Lord, thank You for the new life we have in Jesus Christ. Help us to share the hope of that new life with others so they can be made new as well.

Jesus offers new life.

Not Fear But Faith




Do you face a fearful situation? If so, know that the Lord is with you and will guide you. With His never-failing love, we can move forward in faith.

Loving Father, may I not let my fear stop me from following You, for I know that You will always love me and will never leave me.

Fear can paralyze but faith propels us to follow God.

1040 Movie




Me: Oh I just remember. If it’s not too much…can provide Philips calendar? If this year they hav organizer like last time, will be good too. Gracias

MT: So sorry this year Philips lighting tak Buat calendar…Philips appliance got u want? Organizer not sure yet if have I keep for u

Me: aiya, I OCD. Only use Philips. Appliance calendar ok

MT: Sorry ya today bz. Tak sempat reply. Btw out of curiosity…G13 tak de Philips calendar meh!?

Me: Ada. But I shy to ask from the buyer

MT: Hmmmm. Ur colleague wor. Then not shy wif me la?

Me: I no longer buying mah. I in marketing. Didn’t jalan so far to request

MT: Oh ya lupa

Me: Err. The phone was much nearer for me to text at tat point of time. Was talking something to Marcus. I think ter-trigger. So remember the calendar lor

MT: Organizer not sure got or not supplier said maybe this year cut cost gua. But I get d calendar for u first

Me: G13 buyers all new faces already. Only left a few old faces I know. Then, Lawrence is here lah but seldom talk to him. Then, Stephanie Wong and Pik Har just arrive lor

Kangta & Vanness




Me: I just remember. Wah, both u & li fong very bz ya…

MT: ya I went for long holiday last month came back bz with work. Now li Fong pulak clearing leave back to hometown until 24th dec. still owe u payslip

Me: ok

No wonder…I heard from Wayne & Zila that MT went to Budapest last month! I just do not want people to find out how much I earn because I know the temptation to open the envelope is there…

'no ring, no bring' rule




Hahaha…no wonder…previously, I have been searching for Mak Tiri; high & low on the FaceBook account…finally confirm, Mak Tiri doesn’t have an account with FaceBook…Marcus told me that Mak Tiri used to have one, then deleted it…why…because Ursula was stalking Mak Tiri! Hahaha…during those times, when Ursula was still in power…whenever Mak Tiri goes on a holiday…she is usually away for a couple of weeks…whenever she returns back to the office…she will kena from Mr. Jan Vet…because Ursula will back stab Mak Tiri…saying that Mak Tiri is off for so many days, didn’t do the work properly…therefore, Mak Tiri came out from FaceBook and now uses WeChat to communicate with Marcus. Marcus mention that Mak Tiri left G13 because of Ursula…just like me…I left G13 earlier because of The Witch.

Analysis of 10,000 Reports Told Google to Train New Managers in These 6 Areas




1. Mindset & Values
Based on research from Dr. Carol Dweck, professor of psychology at Stanford University, Google encourages their managers to develop a growth mindset. As opposed to a fixed mindset (the belief that skills and abilities are predetermined), growth mindset individuals believe that intelligence can be cultivated. This simple idea develops leaders that are more eager to learn, challenge themselves, experiment, and eventually boosts their performance. Although success will always require tenacity, hard work, and concentration, this research suggests these traits are byproducts of a quality that underpins them, optimism. Also, Google encourages their managers to identify values and leverage them within their management styles. The purpose is not to impose set values, but rather to empower leaders to leverage their individual morals to drive deeper meaning and impact to their work. Managers have to make tough decisions. When faced with uncertainty, values can be a manager's saving grace.

2. Emotional Intelligence (EI)
Per Daniel Goleman and Richard Boyatzis (experts on the topic), EI is the ability to recognize and understand emotions in yourself and others, and leverage this awareness to manage your behavior and relationships. In other words, it's a heightened sense of self-awareness. Managers who are self-aware make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and are more relatable. In fact, Goleman reported that EI-based leadership may not only be the most important driver of climate but also that climate may account for 20 to 30 percent of organizational performance.

3. Manager Transition

Alright, so this one doesn't seem like an attribute. However, if you take a look at Google's new manager training facilitator's guide, you'll notice some common themes. As instructors encourage new supervisors to share their transition challenges and frustrations with their peers, they simultaneously teach that it's OK to be vulnerable and honest. As managers open up and tell their stories, others chime in with advice and guidance providing actionable new strategies. It's important for all managers to know that you're not in this alone. Others have faced similar challenges and can help -- if you let them.

4. Coaching

Through Project Oxygen, it was revealed that the number one quality of effective managers is being a good coach. Google defines good coaching as:
1. timely and specific feedback
2. delivering hard feedback in a motivational and thoughtful way
3. tailoring approaches to meet individual communication styles in regular one-on-one meetings
4. practicing empathetic "active" listening and being fully present
5. being cognizant of your own mindset and that of the employee
6. and asking open-ended questions to discover employee's own acumen

5. Feedback
Manager's words have the power to build or destroy. Google understands this sensitivity and teaches their supervisors to be consistent (free from bias) when delivering feedback across their teams, to balance positive (motivational) and negative (developmental) feedback, to be authentic and appreciative, and to state growth opportunities in clear, compassionate way.

6. Decision Making
To ensure judgments aren't made in a vacuum, Google has established a routine to help managers make better decisions. This frame work includes asking and articulating:
• What are you solving for and is everyone on the same page? (Identify and communicate root cause.)
• Why is it important? (Does it support other business goals?)
• Who is the decision maker?
• How will the decision be made?
• When can people expect a decision? (Keep stakeholders in the loop and manage expectations.)

Also, to ensure informed decisions are made, Google encourages managers to test their ideas out-loud and collect additional feedback by explicitly advocating for their opinions (voicing individual views, reasoning, and providing data), testing their understanding by inquiring about others' perspectives (soliciting ideas and feedback), then synthesizing the responses to ensure a comprehensive understanding before making a decision. While these six attributes may seem basic, according to a New York Times article, the results are anything but. Google reported a statistically significant improvement in 75 percent of their underperforming managers after implementing.