Treo Died .. Well Not Really

Last Friday I was at a carpark and then dropped my beloved Treo650.
(UPDATES at the bottom of post)

I didn't realise till later that I could no longer hear or speak into the phone.

EKKKS! I could sms, read bible, Sync, do calendar stuff.. all except hear or speak into the phone!

So on Friday nite I backed up as much info as I could from the Treo to my notebook.

Well I sent it for repair at Digital Mall. Seemed a decent shop for repair.
RM30 for labour and the rest is just parts.

The guy calls me up on Saturday to tell me that he needs my charger to charge my battery.

When I met him on Sunday, he told me the bad news

a. He repaired the phone and it was working, making and receiving calls
b. He said after he put the casing back on, it didn't display anything and turns OFF after it is switched on.
c. He said he'll try to repair it further.
d. He broke my sim card holder while trying to take out the SIM card holder. AIYO!

I was sad and miffed at the same time.

So I took it back on Monday and he said there's nothing more he can do .
I was even more sad and miffed.

So I took the phone and tried many means to revive it, reset, etc etc . short of giving it CPR. :P

Anyways.. as I soon discovered that actually the OS is still working. BEcause of some of the button presses that I normally perform like
a. Unlock Keypad (is followed by the lighting up of the keyboard backlight)
b. Lock Keypad (is followed by shut down of keyboard backlight)
c. Pressing other keys like messaging, calendar will bring it out of Lock Mode
d. Brightness control will also show up on the Keyboard backlight.

This leads me to believe he KILLED my PDA touchscreen. So I'm going back there to see if there's anything he can do.

Anyways.. do pray I can get it repaired. Otherwise I have to buy one "Open Box" unit for RM500.

Thanks!

UPDATE : 22 April 2009

This morning at 9am, my Treo RANG! hahaha.. AS I remember it must be the calendar reminding me to read my Journaling Bible Reading Plan. So you see.. it's not dead.. it is a live. Treo's Not Dead, It is Alive!.

Now just to look for a screen to replace it (maybe I'll repair it myself.. if I can find a spare screen) hehehhe

I think for now, I'll go ahead and buy the Open Box unit, and in the meantime look for the screen separately.
Best Scenario.. I have 2 TREOs (and hopefully to last me 10 years)
Worst Case Scenario.. I Have 1 TREOs to last me next 5 years.

Not a bad deal eh?

UPDATE 23 April:

I'm going to buy the TREO tonite.. wondering anyone wanna follow me to Mid Valley? Alvin can't follow me.. he's busy.. *sigh*..
Anyways.. new TREO here I come.

UPDATE 24th April:

I bought my Treo last night from Sean. A quick and brief meeting. But he was interested enough to know what happened to my phone.

I am currently sychronizing my phone with the backup information.
I initially had trouble, but tikam here and there.. I managed to get it to work. Phew. I'm glad it's on it's way to recovery.

Next step. See if I can revive the other phone with spare parts.

Side Note: With this new phone I used the 512 MB SD card to give to my wife so that she can ressurect her Zire71. It's good now she's got the Bible installed in it.

What a relief.. thank God I can purchase a BRAND NEW Treo650 for a wonderful price.

AMEN!!!

Journal Entry 16th April 2009: What if I am called to do something else?

Scripture:
Neh 3:5,27
5 The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.
27 Next to them, the men of Tekoa repaired another section, from the great projecting tower to the wall of Ophel.

Observation:
Men of Tekoa? Who were they?
I'm reluctant to reflect on this not because it pokes a needle in my side.. but more that I remember Snr Pastor sharing something about this. Probably it's his influence in my life. eh?
However my observation may be different.
Who were they?
the Men of Tekoa were a motivated entrepreneurial group that rebuilt an important section of Jerusalem while simultaneously protecting their families in a time of conflict.


Throughout this chapter of Nehemiah, it records many ppl involved in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Firstly financed by a pagan king, secondly, overseen by a cupbearer, built by NOT wall builders, but carpenters, diamond makers, goldsmith etc etc.

And they built it in record time!

Application:

I ask myself this question.. if the men of Tekoa and all the other ppl could build the wall which is out of their field of "expertise", did they do it with passion or without passion. The Men of Tekoa did.. they did 2 things instead of one.
So I believe if they have passion, knowing the purpose of building the wall, even though it's not their field of expertise, they put their heart mind and soul, and body into it. Spear in one hand, Trowel in another...
Do I work as hard on God's call in my life as hard as I work?

I seriously do want to. I thank God for Vineyard, thank God for what he wants me to do.. at the same time..I am scared lah.. heheheh

Response:

Lord cast out all fear in my next step, as I endeavor to respond to YOUR call in my life. Whom you call you will equip and as I remain in You.. I know I will be equipped.

Journal Entry 14 April 2009 : Want Something? Build Relationships

Scripture:

Neh 2:4-5
The king said to me, "What is it you want?"
Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, "If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it."


Observation:
Nehemiah was a cupbearer and the King could have ignored Nehemiah's "emotional state" yet, the King didn't, the King had concern for him. Probably Nehemiah did build this fantastically trusted relationship with the king, since Nehemiah did perform tasting of all the food/drink before the King.
In that short moment, Nehemiah "prayed".. what was his prayer? we don't know, but I am sure he didn't burst forth in tongues.

It sure teaches us that in every situation that is a reason and a need for prayer.
A prayer he believes that the King will be moved to honour, shows the trust of the King in Nehemiah (probably due to relationship built over the years), in actual fact later... the King provided for the building of the walls.

And it sure shows how much confidence Nehemiah has in God to use him to build the walls! A Cupbearer building walls??!?! Indeed the faith of Nehemiah.

Application:

We're all asking God for one thing or another, have we prepared in our hearts what we should ask for. Are my motives in check before I ask? Have I built that trust and close relationship with God so that I know for "whatever I ask in His name He will grant it" ?

Asking and knowing what you receive is always based on relationship, between anyone, God, myself, and to others.

Response:
Lord help me build my relationships with those around me, so that I know what to ask of You for them.

Journal Entry 12 April 2009 : Easter Sunday, You Call me by NAME!

Scripture

Mk 16:7
7But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "

Observation:

I find that as I have read this scripture and heard it being read so many times.. it's a bit dry to me. but, I have a question.. why say " Disciples and Peter" ? What is that distinction that the angel was saying? Is it perhaps a special reminder for Peter about his self-abdicated state of leadership amongst the disciples?

Peter must've still been grieving in guilt. And this was the beginning of his reinstatement.

Addendum: As I drove "silently" in my car this morning (Yes the Radio was OFF)..
I thought more about what I had journalled. These were "women" who delivered these message to the disciples and Peter. Why do we say "women".. in the context of Jewish culture at that time as we know.. women were regarded as only good for bearing children raising them and menial work. I also do believe that it shows how as Mark included the women as an important role of testimony in the lives of the early disciples and Christians. Their testimony meant something. It was probably hard for most of the disciples to believe their testimony, but Peter & John must have responded urgently as they were seen RUNNING to the tomb later in the gospels.

Thank God for women who help men believe!


Application:

God continues to share his care for Peter, as he does each day for all of us. As His children who may have strayed, said the wrong thing to offend someone, to lie, to deny truth etc etc. He says.. come back all's fine. Just don't do it again..
I need to continue to seek God as my forgiving saviour, who reinstates me and learn from these daily mistakes. He neither condemns me, nor does he want to be separate from me.

Response:

Lord thank you for being just you! For loving me, loving us so dearly, that you call me by NAME!
You've restored our dignity and our position as your men and women of faith!

Journal Entry 10 April 2009 : Good Friday.. Wisdom to Answer? Focus on the task ahead

Scripture

11Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."

12From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar."

Observation

Jesus always spoke the truth for He knew what He was to endured, as He had already accepted the "cup of suffering".. This cup was offered to be taken away so many times.
The pain He felt at that time would have been already excruciating, and I'm sure the temptation to give up would be great.

But Christ held on to His belief and answered in wisdom. v11

Pilate had a "chance" to redeem himself, however he didn't. Thank God he didn't but at the same time it shows the character that Pilate was. A People pleaser. How many times have we become a people pleaser? and compromised on doing the right thing.
In this situation doing the right thing would actually have been the wrong thing. I believe that this teaches us to have a bigger picture on things.



Application:

Efficacy is the word. Doing the right thing with the right motive at the right time to achieve the desired result. Christ, didn't just "allow" himself to be led to the "cross" but he plotted that this would be the death to experience as according to scripture. I admire Jesus' resolute to the goal. He knew he too would rise form the dead, but that separation from God was too much too bear. What about myself? Am I able to suffer for my faith. I scaredly and sadly say no. But I do want to have this mindset.

Response:
Lord let my heart respond as ho you'd want me to respond. Amen

Think before you drink! (A Hilarious .. Yet Contemplative Joke..)

This is a good story!!!!!

Cup of Tea.

One day my mother was out and my dad was in charge of me.

I was maybe two and a half years old and had just recovered from an accident.
Someone had given me a little 'tea set' as a get-well gift and it was one of my
favorite toys.

Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the e veni ng news when I brought
Daddy a little cup of 'tea', which was just water. After several cups of tea and
lots of praise for making such yummy tea, my Mom came home.

My Dad made her wait in the living room to watch me bring him a cup of tea,
because it was 'just the cutest thing!' My Mom waited, and sure enough, here
I come down the hall with a cup of tea for Daddy and she watches him drink
it up.

Then she says, (as only a mother would know)

"Yes that’s very sweet, but did it ever occur to you that the only place she can
reach to get water is the toilet..?"

DUMC Auditorium.. Too Loud? Too Soft? Just Nice?

Ah at last.. we've adjusted a few things for our main celebration auditorium / sanctuary

In the past 2 week.. a few things have been done to our Dream Centre auditorium

The "leaves" aka repeaters have been treated. But it only reduced about 20% of the echo.

The 3 array racks have been lowered slightly. and there seems to be more clarity to the sound.

However, of course different ears have different standards of acceptance.
It's too loud, it's too soft. What is the proper SPL needed.

Where I stand on the FOH it goes way up to 98dBA.

But nothing's been measured where the ppl are seated.

Honestly recommended levels for prolonged hearing )(>15 minutes) is about 80-85dB.. But that's already a bit too loud. Even from where I stand.. my SPL meter hovers around 75-80dBA. That's decent.

Only during worship different ppl have different requirements. I try my best to get everyone to have a wonderful worship experience. But I guess. that's just the best I can do..

Last week,
I learnt I made a few mistakes
a. Scared to put in more bass for the bass
b. Don't need to over compress the speaker

I hope to learn more and apply more in being a sound tech.

Journal Entry 7th April : No shortcuts.. Just Follow Jesus!

Scripture
Jn 12:27-28
27"Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name!"

Observation:
"Now my heart is troubled" .. what's this mean?
Jesus troubled? Why not? He was man after all. But since he knows all that's going to happen why be troubled?
After all, He's gonna be ressurected.
But I do believe being human at the same time, he knows what it's like to experience pain.. even more excruciating pain. Even at the last moment He said "Let this cup of suffering pass over me"
He still had a choice to avoid the suffering, but He still chose the Father's will over his own comfort, suffering, and even His own glory.

Application:
Do I take any shortcuts when faced with troubled times? Do I push the buck when the going gets tough?
I am tempted many times, and even considered them. I want this verse to be a reminder to me about such times and say "Father Glorify Your Name" .. not that I become a dumb sacrifice, but a meaningful sacrifice. The Lord will surely rescue me and turn the situation around. Commitment to a daily life of seeing beyond the present.. Live for the eternal treasures

Response :
Lord thank you for your your example in life. If it had not been for you all of us would perish, because we would not have a role model like you. Thank you Lord.. teach me to gain perspective like yours!

Journal Entry 6th April 2009 : Miracle or Miracle Maker?

Scripture
John 12:9
Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead

Observation:

I seem to be asking myself about my motivation and people's motivation. Even today I asked about what's our motivation in evangelism. Do we seek it for our Glory, God's Glory, for ppl to love us or for God's love towards them?
We must be careful not to be overzealous in sharing God's word that it becomes offensive. Yes, God's word is not offensive, it's us who makes His word offensive. If something is offensive, it should be our delivery, or a hard heart.
Anyway, people came to see the miracle maker (Jesus) , or the miracle (Lazarus) or both. How often are ppl enthralled by a flashy show? How often are we?

It's just like today we seek the gift and not the giver... How do we as His ppl remind ourselves of this important fact and motivation.
I see the difference in
a. Lazarus, Mary & Martha had a relationship with Jesus
b. The ppl who came to watch the spectacle did not..

At the same time it is an attraction factor.. an invitation to get to know Him.. and not just stand there to be enthralled. Walk into God's presence and expect a touch from Him.

Application:

I must see beyond the gifts and things I've received from Him. I must build this relationship with Him. That even as "miracle" after miracle that I experience with Him, is enough evidence of a wonderful God. And how it can be a testimony to invite them into this marvelous relationship with Him. My life motivation, must be simple pure and easy to understand, that they will be drawn to my wonderful Lord Jesus Christ

Response:
Just a closer walk with thee, grant this Jesus is my plea, daily walking close to thee.. Let it be dear Lord let it be.

Journal Entry 31 March 2009: What's My Intimacy Level?

What's My Intimacy Level? Journal Entry 31 March 2009

Scripture
Heb 10:22
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us fom a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water

Observation:

God continues to call us to draw near to Him. There is a whole theme of union with Him throughout the Bible. The Communion, The Cleansing, His Glory is also ours etc etc.

He asks for our sincerity, as true & close friend, like a person whom we turn to at all times.

The song "Yesus (Kau Sahabatku)"

Whom do I turn to in troubled times? Am I hungering for God (as this true friend) that there's this desire to commune and communicate with Him daily.
We should know that His words and counsel are always wise and just right for us.

Application:
Sadly my time with Him is not as intimate as I'd like it to be.My journalling affair has dropped from a daily affair to about 3 times a week. It shows that I am not intentional with my time with Him. The intimate times with the Lord isn't like the times I spend with my wife each night before I sleep.
Journalling has become a mere reading and not writing it down. I think some of the things do crowd different times in my life. Like work, a hectic work schedule.
Perhaps waking up earlier in the morning is a better option for me. Or At night 1130 to 1200 (before I catch my Retro shows .. heheh)

It is an intentional time to journal because mornings is not the time when my Brian is working.

Because I MUST agreed that in HARD times, what stands out most apparently is our character that is built in the times spent before. This exercise/tool of journalling is building the bricks for our character as we reflect each day. It is God's direct word for me.

Response:
Lord... help me journal EACH and EVERYDAY!