The Value of Things

How much would you pay
For a Dream?

A good Dream.

What would you give for
The most beautiful music on Earth?

Would trade a boat to hear
The Wonder
Of
Whale-song?

Or tangible cash,
For insights on what
Intangible
Wind is?

Or a man-made
Gadget,
To understand the most deep of emotions?

Or a day from your Life,
For a chance to turn back the Clock?

Or anything at all,
To make up for some wrong
You did?

Then what about, another choice:
How much must we pay for an eternity
With the greatest of Kings
As a father?

Then what
Would
You
Say,
If that
Gift
Was Paid
For
By
Some
Person
Already?

And all you had to do was say
Yes?

Tell Me, please

Oh Tell me, please, of the wonders of Your palace. Tell me all about the gates of pearl you made, and the streets of yellow metal. And the places that await all those for now and forever that will be saved, Oh Lord, please tell me of your glory, and how the Son will shine over your kingdom brighter than our sun, and all the wonders of your kingdom that await me.

Oh Lord, though I probably never understand, would You tell me, about why You came down to bring me up here, when I don't deserve any of the riches of your courts? Why is it you love me so? Surely we, corrupted by our own choice, were not so important as for the God of Eternity to lavish such blessing on mortal beings. Surely it was not worth it. Of such questions, I know not the answer, but I am willing to trust You, Ancient of Days, and forever be thankful and content.

Mark's LatestTag

4 names your friends call you
1. Josh
2. Joshua
3. Joshy, though people who call me that are not true friends.
4. Joshua of Tyatora

4 most important dates in your life
1. October 7
2. September 13
3. June 11
4. November 26

4 things you've done in the last 30 minutes
1. Checked my email
2. Checked my blog
3. Posted blog-posts
4. Talked with Mom.

4 ways to be happy
1. If you mean happy for the moment, then I think I’d like. . .read a book
2. Play computer
3. Play a board game
4. Spending time with family and close friends.

4 gifts you would love to receive
1. Money (as much as possible)
2. Extra computer time from Mom.
3. One (or more) of the latest Transformer toy collectibles
4. One-way tickets for my family to go to Tyatora!

4 fave hobbies
1. Board Games
2. Transformers
3. Blogging
4. Writing

4 places you want to go for vacation
1. A tour through Europe
2. The Silk Road
3. Missoula, Montana, USA
4. Tyatora
5. Vervaris

4 fave drinks
1. Tea
2. Sprite
3. Shandy
4. Good, cold, water

4 things always found in your room
1. books
2. me?
3. board games
4. more books

4 Fave colors
1. Violet
2. Blue
3. Blood red
4. Black

Top 4 Hangouts
1. Home
2. Home
3. Home
4. Home? :)

Top 4 you love
1. God
2. Mom
3. Dad
4. Dan

Top 4 reasons why you think you will answer this survey
1. I like tags
2. I’m free enough
3. I love blogging
4. No reason

Top 4 things special to you
1. My poems
2. My Tyatoran work
3. My Paravanian work
4. My stories

Top 4 who you think will answer this survey
1. Whitle
2. Tim
3. Jian Lin
4. Ben

I've joined facebook!

It's taken a long time. For ages I've been adamant to the idea. No! But then dear Mom joined, and that was a great blow to my resolve. Then Mark invited me. Then I heard Emma was doing it too. Curiosity got the better of me. I couldn't believe that Benjamin actually facebooked. . .

Alas, with one great cloud of pious believers, I was converted to Facebookism. Wow.

Yikes, I'm changing. Here goes the last of the closed door policiies from my world. . .

Tyatoran History (again)

This is the Tyatoran belief of how the stars were formed. Came up with it some weeks ago. Haven't put it down to paper yet. Here it goes. . .

Before the world began, before the oldest of years, or the most ancient of times, or the longest of nights or days, there was Amentoris. He was never born nor made. He simply is. Mighty and great was He, stronger than all of this earth. Indeed, He was great. And upon this, he called forth the Concepts and the Masters.

By His call, the Concepts were made. He separated eternity into days and years and centuries, though He was not been bound by them. He called forth the light and the darkness, and they became what they were. He commanded the earth to be, and from its deepest pits He made water and air and fire. He looked upon his first phase of creation an was glad.

Then he made the Inhabitants, they who would live upon this land, He called Endramius. He formed all of them, one by one, then called them to life. He bended and shaped the trees and plants to beauty, and the beasts and birds and fish to that which was good, and sent them down to earth and populate it. Then he formed the Great Masters, the highest and most glorious of his making, creating them from the dust of mountains and hills, and plains. He made the first giants, and the first Firk-notts, and first two Humans. He created the first gnomes and first griffins of the mounts. Then made the first Rashoth, of which were all the great animals that could speak. Then He made the fays and stewards. He made them as spirits, the stewards to inhabit and watch over the lands and rivers and hills of His creation, and the fays to safeguard this world; for it was His great delight to see His created beings enjoy and keep that which He had made for them. He looked upon his new earth and indeed was glad.

Then, He made the sun and the moon, and the Guardians of the Sky. Beatiful He made the ornaments of the heavens, and he bestowed upon them the most wonderful of lights. The Guardians He made were like the stewards, but more powerful, for they had vast expanses to watch over. Then Amentoris the Great smiled, for much had been done.

It came to past that night came, and all of Amentoris's creation wondered at the glories of their Maker. That day, each race of Grand Master gave Him a name, to be held in Reverence for that race and fear. The Firk-notts called Him the Regi -Damarkhi, the greatest of Spirits. The Griphions called Him Kuchgaardin, True King. The Gnomes called Him Throigalin, Vast One.

Then Amentoris let them witness the final wonder of the creation. He came upon the sun and moon, and tore them into hundreds and thousands of pieces. The Grandmasters and fays and stewards were terrified at fist, unable to perceive its meaning, or its reason. Then Amentoris bellowed, in a voice deep and great, "Fragments of the old moon and old sun, disperse! Be the stars, and form among yourselves tales and shapes and constellations. This is the birth of the many lights!"

Then the fragments, though inanimate, obeyed, and sped to the places assigned them, far away from the world of Endramius.

Now, the creation of Amentoris wondered, for though at first they could not perceive, they saw the beauty of these new stars and were amazed.

Then Amentoris called forth once more, "Hearken! People of the first day! To remember theis day, and be glad, for I have made this land for thee. I promise my unending and incompassable love and passion for thee, as long as you accpet it and remain in my ways. Great will be the friendship between you and I, for many things I have in store for you! let the stars be witnesses to our covnenant here."

The people of Endramius heard and obeyed.

This is the tale of the Creation, the first day and evening in Endramius.
That is the story of he Great Making,

Mark put me in the tag. . .does that make me tagged?

I think it does, but I'd rather be on the safe side, since it's possible I may make a bitter tuition-mate out of him (by not doing it). Better safe than sorry, they say.



1. Besides your lips, where is the favorite spot to get kissed?
On the cheeks, by Mom, of course.

2. How did you feel when you woke up this morning?
It's a school day. . .what's for me toay?

3. Who was the last person/people you took a photo with?
Mom, I think.

4. Would you consider yourself spoiled?
Not particularly.

5. Will you ever donate blood?
Yes, probably. Let's not think about htat right now.

6. Have you ever had a best friend who was of the opposite sex?
6No, not yet. Several close friends of both genders, though.

7. Do you want someone to be dead?
Not yet.

8. What does your last text message say?
Something from Digi? I don't remember.

9. What are you thinking right now?
Transformers sequel is coming. Revenge of the Fallen. Transformers sequel is coming. Revenge of the Fallen. Transformers sequel is coming. Revenge of the Fallen. . .

10. Do you want someone to be with you right now?
I think Tim (at the moment).

11. What was the time you went to bed last night?
Ten, or so.

12. Where did you buy the tee you are wearing now?
I didn't buy it.

13. Is someone on your mind right now?
Tim (still).

14. Who was the last person who text you?
Tim? Or that Digi yellow guy that is perpetually texting me of great deals and bargains.

TEN Lucky People to do this quiz…

1. Timothy
2. Ben
3. Melanie
4. Whitle
5. Jian Lin
6. Daryl
7. Kevin (of Chronoblitz)
8. David (Please start blogging!
9. Xinpei
10. Wei Lynn

15. Who is no. 2 having a relationship with?

How am I supposed to know that?

16. Is no. 3 a male or a female?

Definitely a girl. Look at the list next time.

17. If no. 7 and no. 1 get together, would it be a good?

If you mean datng, then of course not. Both are guys, and (to the best of my knowledge) they are straight. If they ever met, I think they fit in quite okay with each other.

18. What is no. 1 studying about?

School? What else?

19. When was the last time you chatted with them?

1. Timothy, last week. He cameo over to play computer.
2. Ben? Last month. There was a play at his church.
3. Melanie? Two weeks ago. At the youth group in church. Passing a computer game.
4. Whitle? About half a year. At co-op class.
5. Jian Lin? More than half a year. At Ms. Melinda's class, I believe.
6. Daryl, hmm. . .last robotics class, a month ago.
7. Kevin? A few months ago at JPS.
8. David? Last week. Same day I saw Tim.
9. Xinpei. Today, at co-op class.
10. Wei Lynn, more than half a year ago at Ms. Melinda's.

20. Is no. 4 single?

I believe so. Should be.

21. Say something about no. 2.

Ben's interesting. Blunt, yet thoughtful. Rare and most likeable combination of charisma, forthrightness, and thoguhfulness (as I said earlier).

22. What do you think about no. 2 and no. 6 being together?

Again, both are guys. . .

23. Describe no. 9.

Nice being around. She's ten. Hmm. . . good strategist (we're in the middle of a heated Risk game, and she's winning).

24. What will you do if no. 6 and no. 7 fight?

Let it be. It couldn't possibly last very long.

25. Do you like 8?

Yes! He's alright. Not totally evil, but not totally good.

Stories from Grandma

I was at my Grandparent's house (on my Mom's side). I was on the garden swing, staring out into the pretty, neat, impeccably maintained green sanctuary that was my Grand-mother's domain. I was listening to my MP3 when she came out of the house (she had been resting inside before). I greeted her. We talked for a little, while, and she went on to her gardening. i followed her, just for the fun of spending time with an ancient

She and I had finished pulling small weeds off a particular spot of green grass, when we both settled down on the swing again. It was her idea, actually. "So peaceful," she remarked. I nodded my head.

Then I remembered something I had always wanted to ask her. "Poh-Poh?" I asked, "Could you -tell me about how it was like when you were young?" It was a bit awkward at first. I've always loved old stories and tales from my elders. It's always felt like a retelling of family history and secrets, a memory of days gone by.

She paused for a moment, then nodded. She started. She talked about her house in Seremban, how her loving Grandfather had bought that house. She talked about her family, how her mother had so lovingly cared for her and siblings, about the times she worked in Robinson's, and her brothers' trip to China to remeet older relatives. There was so much emotion in her words, a undertone of pride of her family and heritage. She talked about the Hakka association her grandfather had founded, and a number of old tales. Some were harder to understand, but I listened anyways. She talked about her education, and reminded of my duty to study hard, since I have been blessed with the opportunity.

She says that a lot, but this time, it was somewhat different. This time, I knew the background and history that made her constantly repeat that admonishment. It made that history to come alive.

Someday, I hope to gather all these tales, and write them all down. Stoires, of humor, and sorrow, and pride. Maybe I will someday. THese tales must not be forgotten. There is a loss whenever old memories are forgotten. It makes one feel less responsible, more ignorant of the weaknesses and strengths of his ancestors, and what he can do to uphold or get rid of old habits. I plan to write my family's stories down.

Maybe one, day, if I live to see my great-grandchildren, I can tell them of the day when their great-great-grandmother told me about my great-great-grandfather.

Long live history! Lng live heritage! Long live the memory of all heroic people, before, now and eventuall,y in times to come.

Birds

Saw some birds today. Not that I never see birds on other days, but this time I saw a bird-battle. Yes, there was a scuffle.

I was watching from the balcony, actually, staring into the great semi-green expanse that is Kuala Lumpur. Then I saw the birds. There was one, one small, black-and-yellow little fellow, chasing a large, rather ugly-looking crow. The black and yellow bird (BAY bird, for short) was furiously chasing he poor crow, trying constantly to nip its enemy's tail or chest. Round and round they flew, until another crow came to pull his friend out of the melee. The crows retreated to a high outpost on the edge of their marked territories, carefully watching the BAY. The BAY was staring at them too. He had perched himself on a tall tree. A temporary armistice was made.

Temporay was the emphasis, mind you. Once or twice, the crows launched hesitant movements into enemy territory. They didn't win. Chased out again. Then suddenly, out of seemingly nowhere, another BAY bird appeared, to aid his feisty brother-in-arms.

Then I went back inside the house. I guess they are still fighting, chasing each other from perch to perch, until nighttime and their mothers call them to bed.

To dream, to believe, to dare.

Had a dream last night. I recall only glimpses in my mind's eye. It was the seven years, in my dream. The last seven years prophecied of in Revalations. It was terrible. A great cloud of darkness fell over me. The anti-christ looked like a sea-cucumber. Vague concepts and prophecies rang in and out of that dream. It was odd. And serious, all at the same time.

But one part, just one part, plagued my mind, repeating itself over and over again in that dream, and even to now. I recall that in that dream, there were two nameless faces. I did not really know them, but somehow I knew they weren't very pleasant folk. I wanted them to be saved. I prayed (in the dream) that someone would lead them to God. But no one did. When I tried, I was told that it was too late. It was, evidently, the end times, and they had chosen which path to take. Eternal life, or eternal unlife. It scared me. I don't know why, but I cried for those mean, unlikeable two people (don't worry, it isn't really anyone I know). Because they went to the place that was never supposed to hold them.

I was scared for all my relatives who weren't saved, and had chosen the wrong path. A shocking jolt of fear and pain and fury and sadness filled me. For one moment, I realized how terrible the thought of that could be. One eternity without God. For so many people! So many people, relatives, friends, acquaintances, and celebrities. Some by choice, some by ignorance, some because some snobbish, self-righteous so-called Christians didn't do anything to reach out to them. All careening to that terrifying place that was never meant for them. I felt so helpless, so powerless, to aid those two nameless people in my dream.

Then I woke up.

It was terrifying, it was a most nightmarish dream. Yet, it gave me, for one moment, the urgency of the Great Commission. It also gave me a new thankfulness, a new thankfulness for all God has saved us from. He made it so easy, simply to admit, ask, believe, and then say it all out. He made it so easy to be free of that terrible place. Indeed how brilliant is our God.

But still, people need to know about it before they can believe.

And hopefully, when God calls me to do something, I'll be willing. I pray I will be.

Carpe Eternitas!

Questions, and Answers

I have lots of questions. Constantly brimming over. Some say it's a good thing, others say it isn't. But I do have questions. Some are pretty boring, some more reflective, some nonsensical, some silly. But sometimes it's these odd questions that help you sort out your belief,s your thoughts, your opinions, and ideas. So I'm going to brainstorm. . .


Why is the sky blue? What government system is best for China? How long is forever? Does God count infinity? How big is the universe? Why did God make pretty things? Why is the wage of sin death? Why did God bother to come down to a place like earth? How good is heaven? Exactly how bad is hell? Why does my mind ask so many questions? Who killed John F. Kennedy? Who killed Princess Diana? Was Leonardo da Vinci a Christian? What about Alexius Comnenus? How could this world have turned out if it was not for Hitler? How would it have turned out if it wasn't for Churchill? Why isn't the world better than it is? Why isn't it worse than it is? What makes teddy bears so adorable? Am I intelligent? How does my spirit look like? Does Tyatora exist? Are there worlds beyond my own? Is there any way to measure God's might, or love, or glory? How can terrorism be solved?



I'm out. I have questions, too many, it seems. Some have been answered, some haven't, some I plain don't know, some I may never know. I hope that someday, all these questions will just tumble out to someone. The Someone. I pray he will answer my questoins. Someday. Sometime. Somehow.

This is a petition, a collection. A collection of questions that I humbly ask Yahweh to help explain such deep things to my little, sometimes confused mind.


Questions. The life-blood of answers.

The Adventurer's Ten

Some light reflective thoughts on adventure and trade (you'll see what I mean!).


One silver harp for an unfinished quest,
Two gold trees for exotic a fest,
Three months by the moon for a glimpse of the sun,
Four twinkinling stars for a curse undone.
Five fleets of ships for a journey to the East,
Six blades for one fight with a terrible beast,
Seven white loaves for traveller's bread,
Eight greetings for one farewell said.
Nine rubies for one promise kept,
And Ten quests for a night well slept!

Aray, Arral, Aray, Arral,
Aray, Aray, Aray, Arral,
Count again once more!

One Persian rug for a foe to defeat,
Two chests of gold for a task to complete!
Three coffee pots for China-man's tea,
Four tulips red for a new sight to see!
Five bags of wealth for a taste of camel-flesh,
Six kettles for some good soup fresh.
Seven spears for a serpent's bite,
Eight giant wings for the gift of flight!
Nine caravels for a boat to row,
Ten arrows for a great rainbow!

Aray, Arral, Aray, Arral,
Aray, Aray, Aray, Arral,
Count again no more!