Sivin Kit’s Garden

Archive for December, 2005

Iceland’s Ethereal Sigur Ros in Concert
I’m going to slowly enjoy the whole thing tonight …. nice discovery today. My musical taste is eclectic but ambient rock has become a favorite even more this year!

eighteen seconds before sunrise – Sigur Ros site
Will read more again later after dinner.

My Year in Blogging
Good warning here … “I still am bewildered at the way some bloggers talk to one another — and you can get a good sample of this if you look at Tony Jones’ site and see the sort of meanspiritedness in the responses to his posts. This I simply can’t accept as a form of Christian discourse. The standard rule obtains: don’t say to others what you don’t want them to say to you, or don’t write things you wouldn’t say if you were facing the person yourself. If you do, you should be ashamed of your calling to walk in the way of Jesus. Disagreement and nastiness are not the same thing. Conversation and scoring points with cheap shots are neither winsome nor wholesome.”

God’s Keynote Speech (Mp3) (HT: liquidthinking
This is so fun!

Post Christmas Hangover (and some pics) and Christmas Decorations at Mid Valley (Yeah, yeah, here we go again)
My pics don’t represent the full picture of Christmas in Malaysia, the pictures in these two posts speak very loud of what’s going on in the general public here.

From Idea to Execution (via Resonate)
Food for thought … “While we trust that there are examples of ingenious, creative, and highly determined souls who can overcome both the long odds that face any strategic experiment and an organization that fights them at every turn, we think they are extremely rare. Organizations are almost always more powerful than people. Corporations serious about building a capacity for strategic innovation cannot simply hope that they have a few intrapreneurs somewhere inside that can save the day on their own inspired initiative. They must reexamine how their organizations are constructed. Only through careful redesign can organizations excel at both efficiency and entrepreneurship.”

CandleLight Vigil in Front of KL High Court
This is serious … and sad.

No Church? No Problem
I jumped to the closing paragraph … “Do you want to become a Revolutionary? First, trade your copy of Revolution for Life Together, the manifesto written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer during the dark days of Nazi Germany. Then, if you want to do heroic and revolutionary exploits, go back to your local church. That’s something so spiritually challenging that several million people no longer want to do it.”. I havent’ read Barna’s Revolution yet but Bonhoeffer’s Life Together is great and needs to be read by all! Perhaps, we can acknowledge the varied descriptions of the changes happening in our world today (even attitudes towards the local church) without seeing them as necessarily “prescriptive”?

Linking to Cyberchurch (HT from the author)
Excellent words here – “Cyberchurch does not replace the physical and it does a poor job reproducing it.” I giggled when I read this, but more so rejoiced for the Baptism and Christmas dinner and fully agree “some stuff don’t work on the web!”- “Last week I baptised three of my daughters. We used real water and a real location. Using the virtual spa in my virtual online web space would have been easier and warmer, but some things cannot be replaced by the virtual. Christmas dinner, for example, and baptism—just don’t work on the web.”

This year our Christmas programs kind of focused more on going out and spend time with people we don’t normally do … and the last 2 years at least we’ve been having a close relationship with the Rumah Hope kids (partly because Rev. Augustin is a good friend of mine is also their pastor). Due to some unforeseen circumstances their Christmas party landed in the Father’s HOuse but that’s ok .. I’m thankful this year we could play some part in their program apart from giving Christmas gifts bit. Then the other is the 1st time visit to our own denominations home for the elderly in Kajang which I heard some funny and fulfilling feedback too.

On December 3, Saturday … 10am
DB wrote something here in trust and obey (with photos)

We arrived at Taman Tun Dr. Ismail park with readiness and anticipation. Some of our BLC boys as you can see are at work.

It was great to have some of our kids (and their parents come) so they could play with the Rumah hope kids. We even got a last minute clown in action (a first timer who went for a crash course!)

who could resist playing with water huh? and of course, some time for relaxation!

The smiles were rewarding enough … and many thanks to DB and his team for organizing this event!

December 17, Saturday, 3pm

visit to Home for the elderly
(Thanks Ee Chia for the pictures)

It was funny to see some of our guys practice their mandarin skills so they could sing for those at the home. what I heard is many of our BLC gang enjoyed the stories the old folks had to share.

As you can see our people are pretty happy. They even got Carmen to pray in Cantonese at the end. Ah yes … we can always rely on people from Ipoh for Cantonese prayers!

Christmas party with Rumah Hope Kids …6.30pm

This Christmas party is kind of a little tradition Rev. Augustin and his wife Debbie does for the kids since Augustin moved to pastor Good Hope Church. The kids sang and moved with the whole heart and being!

BLC like last year were in charge of the gifts for each of the kids. every LiFE Group played their role in organizing this. It was nice to have some who could come that evening and personally gave them out. Later we moved to smaller groups and talked with the kids about their Christmas thus far.

*As I shared with the church during Christmas that events like this are not meant to ease our guilt for not doing much during the year or make us feel proud because we are doing something during Christmas, I see events like this keeping us connected with those who are easily forgotten, in the margins and often neglected. My prayer is that those of us who were participating in one of these events or more than one would allow God to start working deeper in shaping us into Christ-like maturity and focus us in our mission here on earth in whatever capacity. My hope is that the events above would turn into “moments” where our values would change (if it’s off tangent), our views and perspectives challenged (or revised) … see God’s grace at work even more in the lives of others and in our own as well.*

The post-Christmas Monday … was a good evening where the BLC council members and their loved ones could come to our new place for the first time! One of the council members was missing (more of having a great holiday in Hawaii) so it was less than perfect. But that’s ok.

ok … Food is a necessity! May Chin made special effort to impress her master with the dishes she learnt from him. David Berry approved of all the dishes. So did the rest of us!

There were moments where one pauses and we still needed the Master to handle the turkey … he had the tools and the expertise!

Declan had fun with the white Ikea chair while Gareth sure loved his pasta!

after everyone left, cousin Dylan arrived from Singapore … so our night extended with May Chin’s family coming over That kind of completed our Christmas season cycle this year!

I was pretty happy we could gather all the members of the Kit Family for a Christmas dinner at our place. It’s always hard to get my Dad and my brother due to their unique professions and working schedules.

May Chin cooked up quite a bit of stuff … The Peking Duck which was ordered from one of the hotels was a special “mouthwatering”, “oily” and “lovely” addition! Awesome duck I must say.

It’s always great to see our kids interact with their grandparents. And since they seldom see my Dad, it’s good to see Elysia and him having a good time. John my brother almost couldn’t make it because he had a “show” to do .. but he managed to sqeeze the evening for us (even though he was extremey tired). he also stuffed himself with Peking Duck and more!

Well, after a good meal and time together what else can you do but … sleep! Dad who’s an “old timer” art director and my brother John who’s a professional clown, street magician, and whatever that’s part of this entertainment industry .. have one thing in common. They can sleep anywhere when they are exhausted!

We had a most quiet Christmas eve this year on Saturday … We had a simple dinner and stayed at home while it was raining and later drizzling that evening.

The kids were “allowed” to start opening up some presents. Gareth was more excited than the observant Elysia at this stage.

The whole process of opening Christmas gifts is quite fascinating .. the tearing, the unpacking, the wonder, the joy … etc. “Oohs and Aahs ..”

Elysia was intrigued by one of her presents … a plastic hammer! Gareth demonstrated how to use it!

Of course, our Christmas celebrations weren’t just at the church premises (i.e. the Father’s House on the 25th). We had some fun at the Berry’s residence …

… having a feast .. in fact a feast of “porky” proportions!

Apart from food we sang carols under the Christmas tree with more than full stomachs. Little moments of worship here and there (with our usual fumblings).

Nice little surprise for the kids. Some found it easier to sit on this Aussie Santa’s lap than others

We had a good time laughing and enjoyng the moment.

The kids both big and small had a wonderful time … many thanks to all who came and especially to the hospitality of the Berrys.

Carmen, Hoong Guit and Rachel did great to welcome us at the door around 10am yesterday. But just looking at this picture reminds me how “women” play such an important role in BLC’s story thus far … whether it’s ministries related to worship, learning, children or leadership … they have truly contributed much energy as well as insight!

With our worship catalyst having a nice holiday in Hawaii I found myself being the liturgist and lead worshipper for the Christmas gathering. Wai Kin (who’s liturgies always brings freshness in BLC) and another long time worship leader in BLC Siew Poh managed some simple harmonies and laughter here and there!

We had a good mix of older and newer songs (I think) but I also REALLY desired to see how all of us both young and old could be drawn …
- to participate fully (the kids helped give out some Stars),
- ponder holistically (with ideas adapted from here)
- as well as “pause” this season (we used the stars to help us write down some of our thoughts and responses)
- to connect with Christ and his reign (in whatever way possible)!

one of our guitarist just got discharged from hospital last Thursday, nice to have Leigh (in the blue shirt) stepping in last minute to fill in the “vacancy”. His wife Sarah (with the violin) always adds flavour and excitment to the mix whenever we play together and Joanne (a faithful long time musician) moved from the djembe and then to the keyboard.

I’m glad Moh Foong agreed to do an adapted version of the “Christmas Cookery” skit – she is not just my part time assistant but also one of BLC’s fantastic chef. She managed to get Paul and Joanne (who are preparing to get married next year!) to be Mary and Joseph!

Su Shen & John read the scriptures – from Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12) – to orient us to God’s message for us. There’s was a good interplay of the female and male voice and at climatic points a unison that seeks to allow the seeds of truth to sink in.

I then read from the Gospel of John 1:1-14, highlighting the theme of “adoption” and us being given the right to be “children of God” through Jesus Chirst. At one point after showing a DVD clip to illustrate this somewhat I just couldn’t contain some emotion in me and choked up a little … I always feel embarressed by moments like these – but nowadays, I find myself so easily “moved” by moments of genuine grace, compassion, and love shown through others because it especially becomes a sign and window for me to connect with God’s love and grace towards us in a REAL way.

There’s more moments (which I don’t have the photos yet) with the kids doing a simple dance with the song “Forever”, and then people being given a chance to share one thing they sense God is reminding them or they are discovering to one another (kind of like a 5 minute meeting to share with each other), and a great sending after the benediction by a guest from Argentina who lead us in “Feliz Navidad” – original spanish flavor to end huh? I’m also thank ful that we had a small number Europeans (Germany), North Americans (USA), South Americans (Argentina) and Australians (*grin*) joining us Asians (Malaysians) celebrating Christmas in the Father’s House (we missed the Africans huh?) – but we’re all together because of Christ and being part of his family!

Of course, Families eat together! I’m glad I managed to get quite a few pieces of lamb …

Apart form conversations around the tables, some just enjoyed having fun!

Elysia and the Uncle Chin Hor _ the wonder photographer who took all these pictures. Thanks Chin Hor for the pictures.

Nice to wind down tonight … and begin the gradual steps transitioning from 2005 to 2006.

The kids are asleep I enjoyed a wonderful evening dinner with family .. especially grateful that my Dad, John (my Brother – making it the last moment) and I could be together because it’s REALLY hard to get us together because of our working schedules … which are all non-traditional 9 to 5.

The Peking Duck tonight was awesome – it was heavenly!

I choked up (trying to hold back some tears) while trying to talk about the theme of “adoption” in the light of John 1:12 this morning after a video clip on adoption. I’m getting “softer” am I as I age?

Sent a load of email Christmas greetings last night … nice to get some feedback and reconnected with old and new friends.

Was tremendously blessed when one person came up to be and said he would like to be baptised. What a great joy for fellow Christ-follower to hear that and especially for me as a pastor!

Time passes by so fast these days … I was looking one of our three year olds today and my mind drifted to the day I first saw her at the hospital nursery.

there might be some lingering administrative stuff as far as church is concerned .. but I’m learning to let it settle tomorrow and savour this moment of winding down.

I wished I could spend more time in depth with a number of people today … even for a small setting like ours in BLC it’s really hard. I’m thankful to manage to be in touch here and there. .. but I guess it requires effort in a different context. Events like today are good for the purpose for gathering us together for corporate worship and some fellowship but another appointment might work better for more in depth conversations.

I enjoyed showing mom and dad the pictures of Gareth and Elysia the last one year. I think I need to get some printed.

The morning today started with a severe challenge as it was hard to manage the two kids to get ready for the church Christmas worship gathering … I felt really bad for being late for the pre-service preparations. happy to see the rest all there. But there are times when it’s extra challenging and turned out today was one of them.

Glad that the grace of God carried me through emotionally and spiritually … not just for the morning but until now.

There’s many things on my mind and in my heart that require space to “settle” and through journaling and perhaps some blogging to allow myself to catch up with “myself which is on the move”.

Merry Christmas to all who frequent my scibbling space here in cyberspace (this includes new visitors too!).

Come let us adore HIM together!

From Gareth (3years plus), May Chin (age secret!), Elysia (9months plus), Sivin (into my 33th year!)