Penang road trippin' - Day 1

Breakfast at Ipoh before we departed

At the top of Kek Lok Si Temple

The view from the top of Penang Hill

Some colorful binoculars I refused to pay for usage

Love locks @ Penang Hill

Cute owl plushies at The Owl Museum

Signature dessert ABC, or ais batu campur. Essentially it's a shaved ice dessert with kidney beans, flavored syrup and other relevant condiments.

Oyster omelette (also known as 'Oh Chien') @ Anjung Gurney hawker center. This was way overpriced, frankly.

Night shot taken by Gurney Drive. Had no tripod, else there would have been more shots.

I've been to Penang numerous times before that I have not bothered with aimless photographing of all things "Penang". However, I do not frequently visit the island as frequently as I do Ipoh, so I figured I'd go ahead and capture my experience while I was there. Most of the memories are stored in video footage form, which I have not gotten along to compile and publish just yet. The next set of photographs should include a hiking trail, a beach and several museum artifacts. I hope I'll find the time to post them along, since my semester has begun.

On a different note, I attended my first creative writing class today and I received good remarks on my 15-minute impromptu monologue in class. My only issue had to do with delivery, which I agree with, given that I was partly mumbling and did not project my voice well enough. Apart from that, things are certainly looking up. U.S. History was pretty interesting, although I do hope I won't be the only girl in class for the rest of the semester. I did see some familiar faces, however, so I guess that's rather comforting to know. I have to admit that I was pretty nervous having to step into creative writing class since the rest of the class is composed of ADP junkies (which basically are the cool kids). And then there's me.

Well, I guess I'll find my voice soon enough and as long as I do, I will be fine. What's even more comforting than good remarks on the first day of class and familiar faces is the Holy Spirit. He was there even in creative writing, assuring me that I ought to be myself and that I will not have to worry. So I've found that I really can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Praise the Lord!

That's about it, I suppose. I've just spent almost 3 hours in the library editing photos and garnering fashion inspiration while waiting for CF. Prayer meet's about to begin so I ought to go.

Thanks for reading anyways. I love you, whoever you are, haha.

Ipoh road trippin'

As it turned out, Ipoh has its own set of street art as well. All the murals were located along an entire street and there weren't quite as many as there were in Penang. Nevertheless, that didn't stop us from traipsing across this part of town, mimicking painted personae and engaging in group shots/selfies.

White coffee

Where we lived

Frankly, I've been to Ipoh countless times so I didn't really take it upon myself to photographically capture every meal we had during the trip. Rather, I focused more on getting group shots to create substantial memorabilia, as well as capture the surroundings of Old Town. I've always found the rusticity of Ipoh appealing, but I never got around to photograph any of it until last week. I'm truly grateful for this trip, I must say, and although I do have my doubts on whether I would go again with a company of twelve, I wouldn't have missed this one any other way. This time around, however, I managed to try my hand at videography where I pretty much shot scenes to incorporate into a montage of the entire trip. I've completed a montage of our first day in Ipoh, so do check it out below!

Until then!

Blogroll : The Clothes Horse

I promised I would post up something other than my personal musings on my faith; so here it is!

While most people would like to think that the persona I embody is one of intellect and of religiosity, I certainly beg to differ. Mind you, I do not spend hours on end reading books of all genres, having my nose buried in them till satisfaction come. I may have provided such an impression to most people on account of how seriously I take my academic standing and the pennings of my experiences in my walk with God, but honestly, I spend about 95 per cent of my time on an average day being engrossed in this seemingly endless magical realm known to all as the World Wide Web.

To rebut your allegations that I am the "smart" kind (in which smart refers to book smart), here is a list of a few of my favorite blogs which I consistently visit when I am not in haste trying to get work done or running about in ministry. I have always had a penchant for the visual arts in one form or another and I find joy in expanding my interest in the matter by browsing through relevant online materials. I especially enjoy exploring fashion blogs given that I've always marvelled at how clothes are in itself wearable art and the flexibility of matchmaking between different pieces to form a clothing ensemble. In fact, I do sometimes take heed of these trends and seek to subtly incorporate them into my college ensembles (although more often than not I fail miserably as a result of insufficient financing, heh). Apart from that, I also follow food blogs (well, just one actually). There really is nothing like staying up late at night, casually scrolling past pictures of delectable food in sweet surrender to your hunger pangs. Really.

Thus, in the next couple of days, I will be sharing some of my favorite blogs with you, beginning with a fashion blog I avidly follow for today's post.

1. The Clothes Horse



I don't quite remember how I stumbled across this blog, but I'm pretty sure I came across it many years ago back in my high school days when I was still relatively new to blogging. I wasn't always consistent in my following of this blog; for a couple of years I avidly tracked every blog and then I went on a blogosphere hiatus for a bit before I recently went back to reading fashion blogs, in which this was one of them.

The Clothes Horse is a personal style blog that features daily outfit posts, magazine editorials, movie reviews, illustrations, and other inspirational misc, as advocated by blog owner, Rebecca. While many other fashion blogs I've come across tend to pick up on runway trends and are very quick to waver according to season, The Clothes Horse has remained largely untainted in this area. Perhaps this can be accredited to Rebecca's sense of style, which is very much inclined towards more vintage prints and pieces, although lately she's begun to step out in more contemporary ensembles.

    

Photos by The Clothes Horse

Nevertheless, Rebecca firmly believes that fashion isn't something to be critiqued, but is reliant on the differing standpoints of each unique individual in their outfit choices and overall personal style. It is this philosophy that perhaps drew me to The Clothes Horse and has gained my loyal following since. Apart from her daily outfit posts, her blog also celebrates other fashion icons (be they known or relatively unknown on the runway) for their individuality in their fashion ensembles, as well as their boldness in showcasing them publicly. I also enjoy feasting with my eyes on posts on illustrations, vintage photography spreads, as well as vintage film reviews which has somewhat shaped the way I view art as much as it serves as an inspiration for Rebecca's personal style.

I do admit that the blog has changed quite a bit along the years (read history HERE), with Rebecca donning new hairstyles every year or so (I especially liked the time she had blue hair) and improvement in the area of photography, which perhaps can be attributed not only to Rebecca's increasing expertise in taking self-timer shots but the presence of her Irish boyfriend Thomas, who happens to be a photographer himself. Rebecca's even gone so far as to begin her first zine and start a mini online business of selling jewellery she hand paints herself. Personally, I'm looking forward to see what this blog will become in the coming years, and I silently yearn to meet her in person someday when I am in the States. Impossible, it seems, but that won't keep me from dreaming :)

__________________________

I initially intended for my favorites to encompass one post, but considering the bandwidth I took up in describing just one blog, I figured I'll continue the series with two more blogs I follow in another post or two.

I hope you enjoyed reading this, ta!

The irony of judgment

If you stand close enough to me, you just might hear the echo of, "Practice what you preach," in my speech and sometimes, in my actions.

It's always been easy for me to say that there are certain things I have sworn never to do in this lifetime based on my moral inclinations, but honestly, living up to them has always been a struggle. Those dearest to me know I am firm on many things out of the convictions by the Holy Spirit, but trying to retain the clean hands and pure hearts Jesus died for hasn't always been a successful feat. Other times, some of the values I abide by are basic manners and courtesy even the secular world advocates, and yet I find myself failing to impart them myself.

Often by consequence, I tend to memorize the vows I have made to God, and the moral obligations I have bound myself to, and I seek to heftily abide by them. I figured if I could perfectly adjust my demeanor to one of obedience, I could impose the same standards I set for myself on others, as it would be justified, given that one has practiced what one preached. Whenever I see another person, especially another believer, undertaking an act that is not pleasing to God, I would instantly judge that person. As much as I'd like to think I don't, I DO. But I figured that if I was able to perform as I had promised, so should another believer with all the might vested in them by the Holy Spirit.

Yet it is this belief that has worn me through and made me restless. As I constantly scrutinized my image, I became more self-centered. I sought to be the prime example of morality to others, and I'd hoped that this perfectly painted persona would draw those who have yet to know Jesus to come to know Him. But inside I was tired. I was a wreck. I was broken. And in fact, I still am a tired and broken wreck. I struggled, trying to uphold the painting of the seemingly impeccable and exceptionally optimistic Christian girl, seeking to draw people to Him with my own strength. As expected, not only did I fail miserably in this endeavor - I distorted the truth of what God had sent Jesus to come to do. Jesus came to die for our sins, because all of us have fallen short of God's glory, and we cannot repay our misdeeds. A perfect man, Jesus took our sins upon the Cross, sacrificing his connection with the Heavenly Father just so we could have a relationship with God. The barrier between God and man because of sin was broken, FOREVER.

Little did I know I harbored a religious spirit, similar to that of a Pharisee. Now, I am not disputing the legitimacy of God's laws, nor am I downplaying the importance of Biblical truths and dogma. These are important things. But wasn't Jesus' ministry, which was underlined by the Four Gospels, centered around God's love, resulting in the salvation of His people? After all, God sent His only son not to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him (John 3:16-17).

Therefore, if all of us were perfect and could be morally justifiable, why then would God have to send Jesus?

I am reminded once again that my salvation and my faith is not merely based on my spiritual convictions or my moral beliefs. Instead, it is my relationship with God, my dependence on Him, my weakness (and my acknowledgement of its existence) that glorifies the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I am not placed on this earth to be a flawless specimen of humanity - if that were the case, there would be no need for God. But none of us are perfect. We were all created in our differences so as to reflect the sovereignty of God, who decides all things and has created all things in His image.

I need to rely on Him again. I have lost sight of what is important, of God's infinite power to draw people to Him. I need to remember that God has the ultimate power to convict anyone and bring them back to His house at any point of time, under any circumstances. And yet, He chose to use us as the instruments of His kingdom come. I find it a nuisance that God would choose the feeble human race, whom he created and that eventually defied Him, to do His will. God knew we would fall, and that we would make mistakes, and yet He entrusted the Great Commission to us. These facts are simply mindblowing. God is great, and yet He chooses the most unworthy and undeserving of us, so His name can be glorified.

Having penned this down (typed this out), I hope I will remember that it is not I who is in charge of the returnees to God's kingdom, nor am I the person who assists in the writing of the names in the Book of Life. Rather, I am the usher that stands faithfully at the gates that welcome souls into His kingdom, and I should remain patient and kind to all. Also, it is not my duty to judge the deeds or the words of another person. I know I have a tendency to do so, but the least I can do is rebuke the thoughts that hurry by as soon as they materialize in my mind. Only God can help me in this area, and so I will allow Him to.

I don't think anyone still reads this blog anymore, given that most of the topics I've written about are a lot to do with my faith and lesser to do with other things. However, these pieces of my life are the ones that help me chart my walk with God and assist me in my growth, mentally and spiritually. And how can anyone not rejoice in the progress of the Lord's work in us?

Anyhow, I will feature some photos from a recent trip I had with my uni mates last week, or update my material wishlist in a bit, just to keep things real here (perhaps, heh). Until then :)

Heehee (literally)

Dear Hee Sung,

I hope you liked the surprise we all threw you, and that you liked the harmonica all of us helped chip in to get you. I hope God will inspire you to use this harmonica to bless others with your musical talent, and in turn, glorify the name of Jesus. May you continue to walk with the Lord in the pursuit of holiness and allow Him to use you for greater things.

Now, onto the personal and soppy stuff (bear with me!). Firstly, I'd really like to thank you for being my friend. I thank you for listening to me, since the first semester when everything was novel to me and when I was attached to someone, and I thank you that you have continued to be a good listener even now as I've grown from that naive person into the somewhat progressed person I am now. Your advice and your time has been invaluable, and there is no way I can return you this favor, even if I were to monetarily do so. I don't know many people who are good listeners or any who are willing to engage in frivolous debates about the most petty things to more serious issues; but you are one of those rare people - so know that you have a special place in my life.

Your loyalty to your church and to the CF has really inspired me and taught me a great life lesson. At first I couldn't empathize with why you were running around, juggling church duties and CF responsibilities, but eventually when I was placed in the same shoes as you were, I understood what you were going through. I probably won't know what else you might have undertaken during your time here, but I respect and honor your commitment and sacrifice for God. It has encouraged me to be committed to the ministry as well, and not to give up even when things get rough. Nevertheless Hee Sung, let not your zeal overwhelm you to the extent that you do not spend time dwelling in His word and spending time just talking to the Lord. As much as we'd like to please God and leave a legacy, all of this would be in vain if the core of our faith, which is our relationship with God, is not present. So please, do take a break every once in a while and ponder upon what God is speaking to you, and just rest in His love. Other than that, you're doing great in the realm of faith and endurance, and I hope you will continue to remain just as enthusiastic and committed to the Lord!

I believe our friendship has been sanctioned by God, even before we knew each other. Frankly, I never intended to attend CF when I first entered Taylor's. I didn't have any Christian friends I knew, and I was afraid to go there alone. I think I found out you were a Christian after I added you on Facebook after knowing you from Calculus class, and then I asked if you attended CF after History class. You said you did, and then we went to CF together. I believe God placed you in two of my classes, just to make sure I attended CF. Of course consecutively it was my decision to make, but I know that if I hadn't known you I probably would not have gone. After all, we are from different majors and our paths may not have crossed so easily, but it did anyway. I may not know fully what He had in mine, but there is no mistake that this is divine intervention. I'm glad that I had the opportunity to serve with you, and it has been a fruitful endeavor, my comrade in Christ.

I'm truly sorry if there was anything I may have said or done that brought offense to you. Please forgive me if I have done so. I am also sorry for all the presuppositions I have made of you and against you, for I know not to judge another sibling in Christ now. God has shown me what a good work you have done, and the seeds you have sown into the lives of some of our mutual friends, like Fu Ern, Ming, Eden and others. I hope that you will continue to be the same kickass gardener you are now in the field of God's harvest, even when you are in the U.S. Only He knows the AMAZING plans He has for you. Again, I hope you can forgive me for ever judging you, and know that I have forgiven you to in any event you have caused offense to me.

I could go on and on, but I will spare you from the wrath of my long-winded writing. I barely write letters to people, but when I do, I present it to the people who have had an effect on my life. And you are one of them! Yes, Daniel Kim Hee Sung, you have! I wish you all the best in everything that you do, and I ask that Christ be the center of it all in your life. May you grow more and more in Him and attain the full extent of the Fruits of the Spirit. Hopefully we will meet again someday, be it in the U.S., South Korea or even in Malaysia. Anyhow, there's always Facebook so let's keep in touch aite? I'll miss you a lot when you're not around in the next half of the year!

Sincerely with love,

Vivian Teoh :)