Recently I've been contemplating about going back to my grandfather's. My business is now overdue for a launch, and I'm already attracting clients even without advertising. There's a lot of activities in Melbourne that I like to do, and many meaningful events are happening in September-mid October.
But God gave me a word from Luke 2:51 to go, and He assured me with Deu31:8. My heart is anchored where I am, but my will is to obey God. I can only rely on His grace at the moment.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Relationship Equation
Relationship is primarily a function of collective mutual value (R = Vab*Vba ... ). Whether it is a business relationship, work related, church, or personal friends, the strength of a relationship is determined only by mutually perceived value. The value of an entity (a) to another entity (b) may be positive or negative. The value of entity (a) to entity (b) may differ from the value of entity (b) to entity (a). Value V is correlated to Contribution C and Time T. C may be expressed in the form of intimacy, gifts, thoughts, reinforcing memories, etc.
How do you measure up in your relationships with others? Do you think that you need to revisit some relationships and sow some vitamin C? Is there any relationships where you can't increase your value to others no matter how much you contribute? Have you ignored some blessings from others?
If Vab is very high, but Vba is at the slightest negative, guess what - R is negative!
Sounds like genius? well, not quite. If Vab and Vba are both negative, R becomes positive! Muahahaha.. thank God I'm not a psychologist.
How do you measure up in your relationships with others? Do you think that you need to revisit some relationships and sow some vitamin C? Is there any relationships where you can't increase your value to others no matter how much you contribute? Have you ignored some blessings from others?
If Vab is very high, but Vba is at the slightest negative, guess what - R is negative!
Sounds like genius? well, not quite. If Vab and Vba are both negative, R becomes positive! Muahahaha.. thank God I'm not a psychologist.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Sony Digital Camera Lineup
I've been using my trusty camera Minolta Dynax 5D for about 2 years. Sony bought over Minolta's digital camera department just after I bought it. The Alpha 100 was Sony's first attempt at entering this market. It was similar to my camera, with some additional features. I've been waiting for the release of a better camera, and to my delight, rumours are coming up everywhere about 2 new camera models and 5 new lenses. So this is my motivation for christmas! Gone are the days when I feel so restricted by my camera's limitations.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Guitar Workshops
Yesterday I had the privilege to attend a guitar workshop at Allan's Music, featuring Doug Doppler. He was demonstrating his skills with electric guitar. I managed to absorb a few nuggets of wisdom.
For every musician, there's 3 gauges that makes up their skill: talent, knowledge, and practice. The best musicians have all 3 gauges filled up and overflowing.
I learnt that every musician has to develop his/her own groove. Doug is very expressive. I could see his tears while he soaks himself in music! I'm very tempted to describe his expressions, but I'm afraid I might end up being impolite.
He mentioned about the musician's skills trajectory. Basically, he thinks that most people improve their skills over time. But it's not easy to improve, and some people don't know how to improve. So he shares a few tips.
Drummers have a different mindset, and we have to respect them for it. Playing guitar like a drummer means that we have to take note of the rythms in a beat, including the bass, hi hat, and snare. If it doesn't make sense to you, wait till I learn the technique.
His Ibanez pickup is setup uniquely to imitate sounds from les paul, strat, or tele. Don't know how this works because I play acoustic.
So this evening I attended another guitar workshop by Michael Fix. Michael used to learn from Alan Philip and Tommy Emmanuel. He played mostly classical when he was young, and he likes to personalise some classical and electric pieces with his custom Maton acoustic guitar.
His Maton guitar is made of Queensland Maple back and sides, not the Blackwood. Maple is softer, but if he needs more bass, he would simply turn it up on the pickup. He was more concerned about controlling feedback. He used a feedback buster, which is essentially a rubber bathtub plug for the guitar soundhole. And he shaved a bit off the neck of the guitar, because his fingers are short (that's what he said). Michael doesn't keep long fingernails like other fingerstyle guitar players, and it took him a while to adjust. I like this example, because I personally don't like long fingernails like Doyle Dykes.
Michael also mentioned that it's important to learn how to play the bass and treble at the same time, as soloist. You just have to break down the song into bars, and work at microscopic/lego bars, play it really slow until you get it. This will help you to build confidence.
Playing scales is good, to impress other guitarists. But being able to play music is more important. Scale is boring, but it helps to know how they work.
In the studio, Michael uses a pen mic to record the guitar. It is not directly pointed into the soundhole, but slightly further at around the 12th fret. He sometimes use another one projected towards the body from another angle. If he uses a right angle mic, he would point it directly at the soundhole. Another position that he would consider is near his ear when he bends down to listen to what he's playing. He suggested that all the mics should be equidistant from the guitar to avoid phasing.
He also abused his guitar, albeit not as much as Tommmy. Beating the guitar body at different places is pretty interesting, it creates some percussion effects. That saves some money on stompboxes. He also demonstrated how to play with echo based on the percussions. His Yamaha Magicstomp worked like a charm, showing off some effects like reverbs and chorus.
I like it when he walked down the bass, and when he reached the low E, he went further by unwinding the E string.
Last but not least, he showed us special capos, which only covers 3-5 strings. He used it to achieve DADGAD tuning, and other combinations without messing around with the tuners.
And of course, I like the AER 60 amp. Wouldn't mind that for a birthday gift.
Now, that's what I call inspiration! Thanks to Allan's music for these workshops. I hope I've captured all the essentials, but pardon me if there's some mistakes.
For every musician, there's 3 gauges that makes up their skill: talent, knowledge, and practice. The best musicians have all 3 gauges filled up and overflowing.
I learnt that every musician has to develop his/her own groove. Doug is very expressive. I could see his tears while he soaks himself in music! I'm very tempted to describe his expressions, but I'm afraid I might end up being impolite.
He mentioned about the musician's skills trajectory. Basically, he thinks that most people improve their skills over time. But it's not easy to improve, and some people don't know how to improve. So he shares a few tips.
Drummers have a different mindset, and we have to respect them for it. Playing guitar like a drummer means that we have to take note of the rythms in a beat, including the bass, hi hat, and snare. If it doesn't make sense to you, wait till I learn the technique.
His Ibanez pickup is setup uniquely to imitate sounds from les paul, strat, or tele. Don't know how this works because I play acoustic.
So this evening I attended another guitar workshop by Michael Fix. Michael used to learn from Alan Philip and Tommy Emmanuel. He played mostly classical when he was young, and he likes to personalise some classical and electric pieces with his custom Maton acoustic guitar.
His Maton guitar is made of Queensland Maple back and sides, not the Blackwood. Maple is softer, but if he needs more bass, he would simply turn it up on the pickup. He was more concerned about controlling feedback. He used a feedback buster, which is essentially a rubber bathtub plug for the guitar soundhole. And he shaved a bit off the neck of the guitar, because his fingers are short (that's what he said). Michael doesn't keep long fingernails like other fingerstyle guitar players, and it took him a while to adjust. I like this example, because I personally don't like long fingernails like Doyle Dykes.
Michael also mentioned that it's important to learn how to play the bass and treble at the same time, as soloist. You just have to break down the song into bars, and work at microscopic/lego bars, play it really slow until you get it. This will help you to build confidence.
Playing scales is good, to impress other guitarists. But being able to play music is more important. Scale is boring, but it helps to know how they work.
In the studio, Michael uses a pen mic to record the guitar. It is not directly pointed into the soundhole, but slightly further at around the 12th fret. He sometimes use another one projected towards the body from another angle. If he uses a right angle mic, he would point it directly at the soundhole. Another position that he would consider is near his ear when he bends down to listen to what he's playing. He suggested that all the mics should be equidistant from the guitar to avoid phasing.
He also abused his guitar, albeit not as much as Tommmy. Beating the guitar body at different places is pretty interesting, it creates some percussion effects. That saves some money on stompboxes. He also demonstrated how to play with echo based on the percussions. His Yamaha Magicstomp worked like a charm, showing off some effects like reverbs and chorus.
I like it when he walked down the bass, and when he reached the low E, he went further by unwinding the E string.
Last but not least, he showed us special capos, which only covers 3-5 strings. He used it to achieve DADGAD tuning, and other combinations without messing around with the tuners.
And of course, I like the AER 60 amp. Wouldn't mind that for a birthday gift.
Now, that's what I call inspiration! Thanks to Allan's music for these workshops. I hope I've captured all the essentials, but pardon me if there's some mistakes.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Amazing Grace
This is one great movie, but it's not shown in many cinemas around Melbourne. I had to watch it at Nova. It was free seating, and by the time I arrived, I couldn't find a seat! Ended up sitting on the steps instead. And it hurts!
One of the quotes in the movie goes something like you may be well known to others, but not to yourself. It's so true for me, many people may know me, but I still don't know myself well enough. Thank God for Psalms 139, at least I know someone who knows me best!
You wretch! Well, so am I, according to the song. And it's so true, even in church. I've noticed that in a lot of church meetings, people are still unpolished in their communication skills. It creates a lot of unnecessary tensions. I can only desire for improvements, but as for now, grace is more potent to heal the soul.
One of the quotes in the movie goes something like you may be well known to others, but not to yourself. It's so true for me, many people may know me, but I still don't know myself well enough. Thank God for Psalms 139, at least I know someone who knows me best!
You wretch! Well, so am I, according to the song. And it's so true, even in church. I've noticed that in a lot of church meetings, people are still unpolished in their communication skills. It creates a lot of unnecessary tensions. I can only desire for improvements, but as for now, grace is more potent to heal the soul.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Push that rock!
There's a story of a little boy, and God asked him to push a big rock. So in his obedience, he tried his best to push that rock. However, after some time, the rock didn't budge at all. He got discouraged, and started complaining. But God said, "I asked you to push the rock, but I didn't ask you to move it."
Sometimes we try so hard, and try to get things done quickly. But no matter how hard we try, there's always something unfinished. And we start to worry. But God wants us to rely on Him instead! Just do your best, and let God handle the rest.
You may be wondering, what a silly analogy! Nothing happens to the rock, so it's useless. It's true, but along the way, the boy gained some muscles and a little bit of wisdom :)
Sometimes we try so hard, and try to get things done quickly. But no matter how hard we try, there's always something unfinished. And we start to worry. But God wants us to rely on Him instead! Just do your best, and let God handle the rest.
You may be wondering, what a silly analogy! Nothing happens to the rock, so it's useless. It's true, but along the way, the boy gained some muscles and a little bit of wisdom :)
Saturday, August 18, 2007
End Times is NEAR!
I've just finished reading 2 books, Driven By Eternity (John Bevere), and Heaven Is So Real (Choo Thomas). These two books, actually, together with Purpose Driven Life (Rick Warren), share a similar message for the world, that heaven and hell are very real, Jesus is coming back sooner than expected, and we have to respond to God's call. If you don't believe in Jesus now, please don't forget at all costs, after the rapture, don't receive the mark of the devil - 666. Those who belong to the devil will go to hell.
Not all who go to church will go to heaven. Don't be a lukewarm christian, you can't serve both God and money. Work out your salvation in obedience to God's commandments, empty confessions can't get you past the gates of heaven.
Tithe faithfully - 10% of your gross salary. And give offering as well, bless those who can't bless you back.
Enjoy food on earth, there's a few types that you won't get in heaven. Fish and vegetables are healthy and brings joy to God.
This is the time to evangelise, you can't do it anymore when you get to heaven. Save one more soul for Jesus!
Beware of deception in the church. There will be many deceived christians in the last days, so please check with the bible. Keep your heart pure before God.
Finally, I want to affirm that Jesus loves you.
Thank God for the various authors who stood up for the truth, and wrote the books in obedience.
Praise be to the Lord forever. Amen and amen!
Not all who go to church will go to heaven. Don't be a lukewarm christian, you can't serve both God and money. Work out your salvation in obedience to God's commandments, empty confessions can't get you past the gates of heaven.
Tithe faithfully - 10% of your gross salary. And give offering as well, bless those who can't bless you back.
Enjoy food on earth, there's a few types that you won't get in heaven. Fish and vegetables are healthy and brings joy to God.
This is the time to evangelise, you can't do it anymore when you get to heaven. Save one more soul for Jesus!
Beware of deception in the church. There will be many deceived christians in the last days, so please check with the bible. Keep your heart pure before God.
Finally, I want to affirm that Jesus loves you.
Thank God for the various authors who stood up for the truth, and wrote the books in obedience.
Praise be to the Lord forever. Amen and amen!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Combined Centres Worship Team Meeting
Wow, I just realised I haven't been blogging for almost a month! I got too caught up with 40 Days of Purpose campaign, worship team, and my business.
Last night we had a combined Worship Team meeting, and we had a good time of worship, impartation, and sharing. I was simply amazed by the anointing on the worship team. Corinna was good at using her voice, and I enjoyed Sam's groove on the acoustic guitar. Jessica shared on the meaning of surrendering our lives as worship, just as Abraham obeyed God by surrendering Isaac.
We shared our favourite websites:
drummer: onlinedrummers.com
guitar: expertvillage.com
singers/songwriters: tomhess.net
I haven't had a good look at them yet, will do it soon.
Last night we had a combined Worship Team meeting, and we had a good time of worship, impartation, and sharing. I was simply amazed by the anointing on the worship team. Corinna was good at using her voice, and I enjoyed Sam's groove on the acoustic guitar. Jessica shared on the meaning of surrendering our lives as worship, just as Abraham obeyed God by surrendering Isaac.
We shared our favourite websites:
drummer: onlinedrummers.com
guitar: expertvillage.com
singers/songwriters: tomhess.net
I haven't had a good look at them yet, will do it soon.
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