Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

I have just finished watching Prince Caspian. As the book was written by one of the famous christian writer, C.S Lewis, the same author who wrote "Surprised by Joy", I was trying to see what spiritual element I could take home with me from this movie.

**Warning: There could be spoilers ahead.**
This is strictly personal opinion and what struck me when I watch the movie:

• When only Lucy saw Aslan where the rest didn't see Him. They didn't believe Lucy.
  I learnt the lesson of "Child like Faith". As we grew older, a lot of times we want something tangible instead of faith.

• The first battle, they lost because they did not want to wait upon Aslan to help them. This action has caused the lives of their followers. I learnt that if we fought with our own strength in spiritual battle, we will fail miserably.
  

• King Peter wanted to prove that he is a better leader than Prince Caspian. There is a personal agenda when they go to war the first time. Which lead to the above. The losing battle of course. If we have hidden agendas in Christian ministries, then we are bound to fail.

• After the lost the 1st battle, Prince Caspian and King Peter fought with each other. They were desperate and needed help. There was disunity. This has led them almost releasing the Evil Ice Queen. Spiritual lesson is, if there is disunity in the leadership there will be chaos and this will give a foothold for the devil to come in.

• (I like this best) In the second battle, they have to rush Lucy to seek for Aslan. They had to delay the time of the battle. And of course, Lucy found Aslan and Aslan helped to win the war against their enemies. What I learnt: During the battle, when Lucy went to seek for Aslan's help, it represent that we need to seek God's help in prayer. Aslan asked Lucy why she didn't come to see Him earlier. Sometimes due to our disbelief and think that we can do things ourselves, we discard God from the picture. Seek God in every spiritual battle and He will help us to gain victory. Delaying the time for the battle to me represents waiting upon the Lord.
  

• There was an "altar call" at the end of the movie. Aslan offer the Telmarine to this place which they have prepared for them to start a new life. Some didn't believe that it was a good place, only a few entered. Salvation is offered to everyone but only some will accept it.

• When the rat lost his tail, he requested Aslan to heal him coz of dignity and pride and honour. If it was for that reason, then Aslan won't heal but Aslan healed him because of his love for his people. When we request for favour from God, make sure it is not for your pride but more for the love of His people.

• The little dwarf, friend to Lucy didn't see Aslan at first, but he saw Aslan through Lucy later on. We need to live a life that other people could see God through us.

Well, that's my observation. To some people, I may have read too much into it, but anyhow, I felt blessed by it and was much encouraged by the movie through these personal observation, that's what that matters. =)

Enjoy the movie to those who haven't watch. I appreciate the movie through these parallelism.

Long weekend in Taiping

It was a relaxing journey back and a time well spent back there with family members. Started journey at about 10pm from Shah Alam. Tapah rest area was packed with people as usual during long weekend breaks. Mom didn't know that we were going back, so thought of surprising her. The surprise backfired when both of us forgot to bring our keys back. So had to call mom to open up the door at about 1.30 in the morning. Will mommy be irritated? Of course not. She is always the cool-tempered kind of mom and is always glad whenever we are home.

It's 10 years since papa passed away. I remembered I was in my second year of college. After breakfast, first thing in the morning, we went to visit his burial ground. Big brother bought some flowers, we did a little clean up and then said a short prayer for the family before we left the place.

The only tombstone with flowers that morning. Papa must be a proud soul that morning. LOL.

This trip's purpose was to celebrate mommy's birthday as well as the Mother's Day celebration which we missed last week. So we took mommy out for dinner. We drove about 20 - 25 minutes to this little fishing village called Kuala Sepetang. Ta Ker (translate as big brother in mandarin) wanted to see the sunset. Arrived at our destination earlier.

Observing sunset in little fishing village.
Eagle hunting its evening prey. There were at least 4 - 5 eagles. Managed to capture 1 of them.
The sun moving deeper into the horizon. I told the waiter not to lower the blinds which they wanted to initially.
I think that sunsets are one of God's way romancing his creation; us.
Little fishing boats parked in line after a Saturday's catch.
And then, came the dishes. Fried little squids with honey. (Dish 1)
Kam Heong lala. We ordered 10 dishes that evening but I didn't manage to snap the shots of all the dishes. (Dish 2)
Assam Prawns. I liked this dish. (Dish 3)

Steamed Bawal Fish (Dish 4)
"Keong Chong Than" Not sure what it's called in English. Pardon the devoured half dish. (Dish 5)

The rest of the dishes were:
6. Marmite Chicken
7. Steam Octopus dip with chilly sauce.
8. Friend Kang Kung
9. Stir Fried Vegetable
10. Kiam Chai Soup

It was disappointing as there was no crab that day. No stock. If you like "Lai Liu Har" - pissing prawn/mantis prawn, it's RM12.00 per piece.

The bill totalled up to RM196.00 with rice and drinks. 7 of us were there.

An evening well spent at Kuala Sepetang Seafood Restaurant.

It was a nice trip back. Managed to almost finish a book. Currently reading "The way of the Wild Heart" by John Eldredge. This book ministered to me a lot. And Thomas, I managed to prepare 2 messages for your camp already. God's presence was warm and peaceful just like the town. It's been a long time since I last felt Him with the hectic life in KL. I learnt about Him romancing with us each day but we failed to notice them as we were a bit tad busy. I am recharged. Thank you God.

When was the last time you see someone riding a motorbike in town smiling all the way. I just saw one yesterday. What a relaxing and peaceful town. I will blog more about this town where I grew up as a boy when the next trip comes again so that I can snap more pictures. I am glad I am having this phone which can take photos! LOL.

Till then....