Cheeky

We Serve the same God, whatever miracles that happened elsewhere will happened in Singapore too

2010-04-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

As I spent my solitude time on Tuesday, I was brought to the gospel of Mark. In it there was 2 incidents in which Jesus feed the multitudes with whatever little He had. Many a times, when I read the second incident it happened, I wondered what happened to the disciples. Didn't they witness the feeding of 5000 before this and yet the second incident there's even less crowd.

However as I associate this upon my own faith life, I realized I also felled into this trap. Take for example as my church going into the 40 days of Faith, there was doubt, fear that crept in. But other churches did it before and God moves...

The God of that church is the same as that of FCBC. We will also see miracles..what's happening in Bogota will also happen in Singapore..

Lord help me overcome that unbelief and applied this truth into my life!

2010 First Update

2010-04-04T21:01:00.001-07:00

It's been quite a while since I updated or blogged. Perhaps, I write notes on Facebook nowadays or perhaps I am too lazy, unmotivated, or positively engaging in other tasks on hand.

Well, I just noticed that yes, this is my first post of the Year!!! Wow...it's been half a year since I blogged...Thank God for the holidays, I just took a week's leave and finally there's some time of solace and rest and of course, blogging.

Recently, I just read a book on improving self-control. Below are some several suggestions, and yes mind you...blogging is one of them.

Spend 30 minutes reflecting on a single word
Write a daily blog of at least 200 words. The self-regulation involves keeping it going without missing a day
Run a marathon
Get out of bed on the first bleep of the alarm clock

The first quarter of the year just went pass like a bullet train but there are so many things that are happening and giving thanks for. The word of the Lord for me this year was "Do not worry". I felt it was quite apt and again I was reminded that in the Book of Matthew that worries, anxieties in life just blocked us from seeing fruitfulness. Well, I have to stop worrying and move in Faith and live in God's promises.

Some thanksgiving, just combined the cell with a female counterpart and felt that there was a new dynamism and spirit and think it will go far and well. Another thing is I had moved on to the next stage of life and now is learning to develop others both in work and ministry. This season is quite a trying one for me as I am pretty much of a ground person and many a times, I felt like doing it myself. I don't like chasing after people in doing tasks or jobs and usually it turns out not to be the way I wanted to be. Some take backs for me though, I must learn to communicate properly and reduce misunderstanding and give a clearer instructions especially at this stage of storming.

I also realized that I had quite considerable amount of interest in soft skills. And I had been creating resources on my own but have yet to apply every single one of them into my life. Perhaps I should consolidate them and publish a book on it...One of my dreams in life is to publish one. It will also help to improve my language and writing skills.

Ok, will try to update the rest tomorrow hopefully

Am I dependable?

2009-10-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

Today was feeling remorseful when I went to visit a friend in hospital and I found out that he had passed away 2 days ago.

I had visited him twice during the past week and wanted to share Christ with him but somehow I was hesitant, not sure, perhaps fearful.

But thank God today's sermon was an apt one. God helped me to be a dependable child! To take the call in every situation, to share your Love to me to the ones around.

Nice video

2009-09-29T09:27:00.001-07:00

Recent Updates

2009-08-02T06:47:00.000-07:00

Finally, I am more free to update after some breather.

Firstly, I went for community service in China Sichuan. It was quite an enjoyable trip as the group members were good and helpful. All was helpful and there was no major conflicts and all was cooperating and learning and helping one another. Originally, when I signed up for the trip, I was hoping that I would play more of a support role and less responsibilities...haha try to siam...but in the end, things turn out differently and I have to take up some responsibilities but thank God the team was good and I don't have to worry too much.

Well, something I caught from the trip was the resilient spirit of the Chinese. Even after one year, much of the aftermath of the Wenchuan earthquake could still be seen and chit chat with some of the locals there on what happened at the ground. It was encouraging to hear that people help each other during that time of crisis. That I think there's still hope in humankind and there's a kindness in everyone.

During June time, I was also busy preparing for CodeXtreme Apps in July, a 24 hour programming competition. It was the first time I used Python, a functional programming language that I just picked up. We also tried to use Wii remote control but only managed to do it with limited success. The end product was not really what I hoped to achieve but thank God at least our team won a merit award for this. So not a total waste of effort and I also managed to pick up python and learn the technology behind a Wii mote.

Latest work was writing a paper to be presented in conference in Sep, just managed to finish the first draft so that's why I have time to do some updates.

Concurrently, am also involved in NDP motivators this year from May to National Day, occupying all my saturdays.

Am also busy organizing a bonding + campfire @ pulau ubin on 22 Aug.

These few months also trying to settle my house. Had sold my flat and bought another one at bedok. Will be moving in Nov I hope...Still getting all the admin done. It's really a big hassle moving house.

Personally, undergoing some adjustments in church. Also seeking what to do in the future and also what's the end in mind. Well a pity I missed today's service as I think the message should be good for me. I heard Pastor Khong preached on "What do you see?" Well, will have to watch it online. Recently have been also reading a book called HalfTime....Not that I am that old but I have been working for more than 8 years now. It's quite unthinkable then when I just graduated from university. But time really flies.. But soon, I will probably reach the mid-life crisis. Well, I hope to see the next half will be better and end strong. And I was inspired by the author's epitaph. "100 times more" Indeed with what God had given me, in whatever talents and abilities and time that I have, I hope to multiply that 100 times too.

Recently, I have also been asking myself am I effective and contributing to youthnet and the next generation really must be given the best and not the second best. Today as I was walking back to my car from expo, I also linked back to one question that was posed by one of my colleagues. He asked me..."What is a calling?" (in the teacher sense) I told him that it's sort of destiny, that in your heart you know that it's something you must do. To put all this back to teaching, when I first graduated, teaching wasn't my first choice. In fact, it's my 3rd or last choice. And it was after many years that God had called me into teaching. And through these last 4 years of teaching, I must admit that I learned a lot of lessons and grew a lot in the process. And I told myself, if i were ever not effective as a teacher and not contributing and lost my passion in teaching, I better move on and find another job. The students don't deserve teachers who treat the job like just getting paycheck. They deserve more than this and they should deserve the very best! And I believed teachers are judged more than the rest. They does have a great deal of influence over all these young lives and how they will be shaped in the future. With so much recruitment of teachers recently by the schools and IHLs, I really prayed that the ones recruited will be the right kind and those with passion and calling.

Another thing is regarding my relationship area which quite a number of people have shown concern about. Personally, I think I am getting to be too comfortable being single. Well, I do want to find a mate but I think I have to step out of my comfort zone. Of course there are also other concerns but that's too private to share here. If you want to know, talk to me in person. Haha

Lastly, am hoping to walk and finish 100 km extreme walk...anyone keen to join me in Dec? I hope to register before Oct.

Interesting Quote

2009-05-08T06:42:00.000-07:00

We are all teachers. We are all learners, in a place called life, with a gift called time. We must keep in mind that students who sometimes choose not to learn still have the capacity to learn. It may take time for them to say "yes".

Fire proof your marriage

2009-04-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

Just watched a great heartwarming movie Fireproof.

It's a movie about how a couple managed to save their marriage.
In it, there's a quote...

"You never leave your partner, especially in a Fire."

I think whenever we faces conflicts, challenges, arguments in a relationship, there's a tendency for us to avoid it all together, and not taking responsibility and even blames the other parties involved. But it really takes a lot from us, to die to ourselves and deny our own rights to save the relationship and yes....it always starts from us first.

May God bless you and your relationship!

⁷Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. ⁹This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ¹⁰This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ¹¹Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ¹²No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

1 John 4:7-12

Narrow Road to Success

2009-04-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

“Enter through the narrow gate,” Jesus says at the end of the Sermon on the Mount. “For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.” (Mt. 7:13-14)

Today, just demonstrated a simple example in class that the road to success in life is always narrow. Did it by making a narrow gap between 2 tables, And I just cross it in a very awkward manner. Not comfortable and pai seh. But that's how the road to success is.

It will not be easy to attain success in life. We have to go through discomfort, pain, rejections, sacrifices and also overcome the temptation to take the easy way out. I guess many of us will be strayed and opt for the broader path but just as Jesus said that leads to destruction.

Indeed, I myself also need to be focus and fix my eyes upon Jesus to walk the narrow path..and not look to the other side...

for fun

2009-04-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

Some words i picked up over the week
vainglory
ascetism
wanton

Some quotes I heard
"never try to be better than someone else"
"journey is better than the end"

Answers to Programming Problems

2009-04-06T20:16:00.000-07:00

Do focus on the concepts and solving methodology and not the code

Exercise 1

for (int i = 1; i <=9 ; i++)
for (int j = 1; j<=9; j++)
System.out.println(i + " + " + j + " = " + (i+j));
for (int i = 1; i <=9 ; i++)
for (int j = 1; j<=9; j++)
System.out.println(i + " * " + j + " = " + (i*j));

Exercise 2
int Max3(ArrayList x)
{
if (x.isEmpty())
return -1;
int max = x.get(0);
for (int i = 1; i if (x.get(i) > max)
max = x.get(i);
return max;
}

Exercise 3
Scanner stdIn = new Scanner(System.in);
System.out.print("Enter number: ");
int num=0;
while (stdIn.hasNextInt()) {
num = stdIn.nextInt();
break;
}
char [][] cArray = { {'I', 'V', 'X'},
{'X', 'L', 'C'},
{'C', 'D', 'M'}};

//check 1000
int k = num / 1000;
for (int i = 0; i < k; i++)
System.out.print("M");
num = num % 1000;
for (int j = 2; j >= 0 ; j--) {
k = num / (int)Math.pow(10, j);
switch (k)
{
case 9:
System.out.print(cArray[j][0]);
System.out.print(cArray[j][2]);
break;
case 8:case 7:case 6:case 5:
System.out.print(cArray[j][1]);
for (int i= k-5; i >0 ;i--)
System.out.print(cArray[j][0]);
break;
case 4:
System.out.print(cArray[j][0]);
System.out.print(cArray[j][1]);
break;
default:
for (int i= k; i >0 ;i--)
System.out.print(cArray[j][0]);
}
num = num % (int)Math.pow(10, j);
}
System.out.println();

Exercise 4
Scanner stdIn = new Scanner(System.in);
System.out.print("Enter string: ");
String s, temp;
s = stdIn.nextLine();
StringTokenizer st = new StringTokenizer(s);
while (st.hasMoreTokens()) {
temp = st.nextToken();
temp = temp.substring(0,1).toUpperCase() +
temp.substring(1).toLowerCase();
System.out.print(temp + " ");
}
System.out.println();

Exercise 5
Scanner stdIn = new Scanner(System.in);
System.out.print("Enter string: ");
String s, temp = "";
s = stdIn.nextLine();
for (int i = 0; i < s.length(); i++)
temp = s.charAt(i) + temp;
if (s.equalsIgnoreCase(temp))
System.out.println("Palindrome");
else System.out.println("Not Palindrome");

Exercise 6
static boolean checkPrefix (String str1, String str2)
{
if (str2.length() < str1.length())
return false;
for (int i=0 ; i < str1.length(); i++)
if (str1.charAt(i) != str2.charAt(i))
return false;
return true;
}

Exercise 7
int sum = 0;
for (int i = 0 ; i <= 100 ; i++)
{
if ((i % 3) == 0 && (i%5 ==0))
continue;
if ((i % 3) == 0 || (i%5 ==0))
sum+=i;
}
System.out.println("Total is "+ sum);

Exercise 8
Scanner stdIn = new Scanner(System.in);
System.out.print("Enter a positive integer greater than 1:");
int num=0;
while (stdIn.hasNextInt()) {
num = stdIn.nextInt();
if (num <2)
System.out.print("Enter a positive integer greater than 1:");
else break;
}
ArrayList arr_i = new ArrayList ();
while (num > 1)
{
for (int i = 2; i <= num ; i++)
if ((num % i) == 0) {
num = num /i;
arr_i.add(new Integer(i));
break;
}
}
int prime = arr_i.get(0);
int occurence=1;
System.out.print(arr_i.get(0));
for (int i = 1; i < arr_i.size(); i++)
System.out.print(" x " + arr_i.get(i));
System.out.println();
for (int i = 1; i < arr_i.size(); i++)
{
if (arr_i.get(i) != prime)
{
System.out.println("Prime factor : " + prime);
System.out.println("Occurrences : " + occurence);
prime = arr_i.get(i);
occurence = 1;
}
else occurence++;
}
System.out.println("Prime factor : " + prime);
System.out.println("Occurrences : " + occurence);

Exercise 9
Scanner stdIn = new Scanner(System.in);
System.out.println("Enter a sentence: ");
String s, temp="";
s = stdIn.nextLine();
StringTokenizer st = new StringTokenizer(s);
while (st.hasMoreTokens()) {
if (temp.isEmpty())
temp = st.nextToken();
else temp = st.nextToken() + " " + temp;
}
System.out.println(temp);

Exercise 10
Scanner stdIn = new Scanner(System.in);
System.out.print("Please enter a string: ");
char[] input = stdIn.nextLine().toCharArray();
int numSubStrings = 0, numA=0;
for (int i = 0; i < input.length ; i++)
{
if (input[i]== 'A')
numA++;
else if (input[i]=='X')
numSubStrings += numA;
}

System.out.println("Number of substring of \"A...X\" is "
+ numSubStrings);

Exercise 11
Scanner stdIn = new Scanner(System.in);
System.out.print("Please enter a string: ");
char[] input = stdIn.nextLine().toCharArray();

for (int i = input.length - 1; i > 0; i--)
{
for (int j = 0 ; j < i; j++)
if (input[j] > input [j+1])
{
char temp = input[j];
input[j] = input[j+1];
input[j+1] = temp;
}
}
System.out.print("The sorted array is : ");
for (int ctr = 0; ctr < input.length; ctr++)
{
System.out.print(input[ctr]);
}
System.out.println();

Exercise 12
public static void main(String[] args) {
// TODO code application logic here
int [] ar1, ar2;
Scanner stdIn = new Scanner(System.in);
System.out.print("Input number of elements in array: ");

int num = stdIn.nextInt();
ar1 = new int[num];
ar2 = new int[num];
System.out.print("Input elements for array: ");
for (int i = 0 ; i < num; i++)
ar1[i]=stdIn.nextInt();
System.out.println("The input array:");
printArray(ar1);
System.out.println();
System.out.println("The copy of input array:");
copyArray(ar1, ar2);
printArray(ar1);
System.out.println();
System.out.println("The sorted array:");
sortArray(ar1);
printArray(ar1);
System.out.println();
}

static void printArray(int []arr)
{
printArray(arr, arr.length);
}

static void printArray(int []arr, int size)
{
for (int i = 0; i < size; i++)
System.out.print(arr[i] + " ");
}
static void sortArray(int []arr)
{
sortArray(arr, arr.length);
}

static void sortArray(int []arr, int size)
{
Arrays.sort(arr, 0, size);
}
static void copyArray(int []arr, int []arr1)
{
copyArray(arr, arr1, arr.length);
}
static void copyArray(int []arr, int []arr1, int size)
{
for (int i = 0; i < arr1.length && i < arr.length && i < size; i++)
arr1[i]=arr[i];
}

Skeptical Learning

2009-03-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

Just read an interesting story below:

Mr. Whitson taught sixth-grade science. On the first day of class, he gave us a lecture about a creature called the cattywampus, an ill-adapted nocturnal animal that was wiped out during the Ice Age. He passed around a skull as he talked. We all took notes and later had a quiz.

When he returned my paper, I was shocked. There was a big red X through each of my answers. I had failed. There had to be some mistake! I had written down exactly what Mr. Whitson said. Then I realized that everyone in the class had failed. What had happened?

Very simple, Mr. Whitson explained. He had made up all the stuff about the cattywampus. There had never been any such animal. The information in our notes was, therefore, incorrect. Did we expect credit for incorrect answers?

Needless to say, we were outraged. What kind of test was this? And what kind of teacher?

We should have figured it out, Mr. Whitson said. After all, at the every moment he was passing around the cattywampus skull (in truth, a cat's), hadn't he been telling us that no trace of the animal remained? He had described its amazing night vision, the color of its fur and any number of other facts he couldn't have known. He had given the animal a ridiculous name, and we still hadn't been suspicious. The zeroes on our papers would be recorded in his grade book, he said. And they were.

Mr. Whitson said he hoped we would learn something from this experience. Teachers and textbooks are not infallable. In fact, no one is. He told us not to let our minds go to sleep, and to speak up if we ever thought he or the textbook was wrong.

Every class was an adventure with Mr. Whitson. I can still remember some science periods almost from beginning to end. On day he told us that his Volkswagon was a living organism. It took us two full days to put together a refutation he would accept. He didn't let us off the hook until we had proved not only that we knew what an organism was but also that we had the fortitude to stand up for the truth.

We carried our brand-new skepticism into all our classes. This caused problems for the other teachers, who weren't used to being challenged. Our history teacher would be lecturing about something, and then there would be clearings of the throat and someone would say 'cattywampus.'

If I'm ever asked to propose a solution to the problems in our schools, it will be Mr. Whitson. I haven't made any great scientific discoveries, but Mr. Whitson's class gave me and my classmates something just as important: the courage to look people in the eye and tell them they are wrong. He also showed us that you can fun doing it.

Not everyone sees the value in this. I once told an elementary school teacher about Mr. Whitson. The teacher was appalled. "He shouldn't have tricked you like that," he said. I looked that teacher right in the eye and told him that he was wrong.

Well, sometimes we really take things for granted, we might read a book or an article and think take it at face value but really, we need to process and determine ourselves whether it's true. I personnally think when I was at my JC /uni days where i became more skeptical, I had learned more. It was through the debate in my mind that I figured whether the new knowledge I acquired makes sense.

G12 Conference 09 reflections

2009-03-15T03:30:00.000-07:00

just finished 3 days of great conference. Really needed that at this moment of my life. God is moving all over in that conference and my heart was changed to a great extent in many areas.

Firstly, God rekindled my heart back for ITE. I remembered when I first started out teaching in ITE, I was much more passionate then. But as years went by, it dwindled. Sometimes, I wondered whether I should carry on teaching there or move on to somewhere else. But I believed God placed me there for a purpose and pressed on. At the conference, I was affirmed by the Lord and right now, I sense a new spirit arising in me, a new star being born, a new dream formed. To proclaim the year of the Lord, to serve, to bless and to transform. I have a dream that one day, it really doesn't matter whether you came from a poor family or dysfunctional family and you will have equal chances in society. And ITE become 爱第一. A place of loving community and acceptance and a place of growth.

Many have a great Ego, but a small god. But at the cross, we have little ego and a Great God.
Again, God spoke to me through this conference how much we need to die to ourselves. Many a times, my own desires, my own ambitions, my own worries and anxieties took over what God has planned for me. And many times, I struggle against sin and it's just grace upon grace. Well, I believe I need to die once and for all and believe that the blood of Jesus had victory over every single areas of my life and if I change, everything will change. Devil, you have no foothold over me and I proclaim Victory with the blood of the Lamb!

Next, I sense a new faith that arises in me. Ps Caesar is indeed such a man of faith. Every time he came, he will surely speak faith into me. And this morning his daughter Sarah also shared about how she experienced faith when she was five years old. That is, to be like a child. Indeed as we grow older, we get more logical but logic is one of the greatest enemy of faith. It's so important to be child-like and draw closed to our Heavenly Father. I believe I have more faith now to see God moving among our midst to reach to the multitudes.

Lastly, pastor Caesar also mentioned about being positive with our words. Well, I tried this morning at my Gkidz. Then I realized that it's so difficult. Negative words like don't do this, don't do that still pops out. I guess I still must grow especially in this area. Lord I pray to thee, that you teach me and prompt me whenever I am at school, at church, at home,and at every moment!

Does Love matters

2009-02-06T07:41:00.000-08:00

Went to watch "Love Matters" by jack Neo on tuesday despite the bad comments.

Oh well, had some good laugh and there were some values that were conveyed in the movie
but I felt that there wasn't a good climax built up and values not highlighted.

Some of the messages I felt that the show was trying to convey was:

For youths:

Is watching porn part of growing up? Be different! Respect and Stop it!

Cyber bullying - Stop it! it includes blogs as well

Can death solves everything?

An eye for an eye? Is that right?

For marriages

Is Love all about sex?

Sex begins in the morning, by treating your spouse well. Doing little things for he or her. Husbands serve your wife, especially in the house. Quit your TV and computer, start to help in the household chores. Wife respect your husband especially in the public, man's pride are important and don't put him down in front of others

Think there might have other messages that Jack neo tries to convey but somehow it's not that clear. And I was quite disappointed that the show was rated NC16...perhaps there were too many scenes that were too provocative.

But oh well, I think this show can generates a few questions in our mind...especially when valentine's day is round the corner :p

Year of Sabbath 2008 Thanksgiving

2008-12-28T05:41:00.000-08:00

Few things I would like to thank God for,

1. First thing, 2008 is the most difficult year I had been through since I became a christian. I still remember starting the year, at 2008 new year's eve, I was on work assignment at Lijiang but I was alone on new year's eve at my hotel room, crying to myself as I pondered over my failed relationship. During the year, I made some blunder and faces setbacks in different areas of life. My emotions were rather mixed and fall into depression in the first half of the year.

But amidst all things, I want to thank God that He reveals a lot of weaknesses in me and His faithfulness and God also spoke to me again that He is Jehovah Shammah, God that never leaves me nor forsakes me. I also want to thank God that I am able to hold steadfast to his love and even revisits His love for me and really goes back to basics 101.

2. Thank God that now, I can play a bit of keyboard and sing better. I used to sing really really out of tune and melody. Every song I sung has a new melody lol. But now am better and also trying to sharpen back my guitar.

3. Thank God for Gkidz and my cell members. Had been hovering 1 member for super long but this year I had 3 youths and 10 Barnabas boys. They are a great joy to me and I thank God that they are faithful and growing in the Lord.

4. Thank God that in the midst of recession, this year I believe I had the most amount of bonus I had due to the recent ITE scheme adjustment. And also pay increment as I switched to the new scheme.

5. Thank God for my new class PL0801B. I think they are superb and great bunch of students. Always happy to see them and I think they are very understanding. Even sometimes I was caught up with some of my other work, stuff and emotions, they were very understanding and patient with me.

Getting Married

2008-12-09T03:18:00.000-08:00

Just read a hilarious article on this at
http://www.divaasia.com/article/1076

But as I ponder a bit more, I had seen quite a couple of weddings of which the last elaborate one was guanghan's one where he sings and dance and there are backup dancers on stage!!

Wonder what my next brother will do...perhaps eat fire on stage, and a triple somersault acrobatic act... lol..

Courage to face failure

2008-10-30T04:32:00.000-07:00

Just saw an interesting, touching scene on TV. It's been a while i watch TV but I did managed to catch a few episodes on this programme.

In this scene, the male actor was trying to give up his life. He had embezzled funds from company, failures from relationship and charged for hurting someone. This guy was the top student in his school and was successful in his career. He wanted to give up his life for he thinks he's over and doesn't want to end up in jail.

In fact in my life, I could see some similarities with him. I was always the better half of the class since my schooling days and topping in class many times. Like him, sometimes I worried about going to jail because of some folly.

So much so that I keep worrying at times. But over this 2 years, I had the same kind of feeling because of doing some folly of my life. In my mind, I was in dismay but through these 2 incidents in the 2 years, I guess I learned to stand up and admit my mistake and even open and truthful about it to my friends and workplace.

I struggled for these 2 separate incidents but am glad that I opened about it and chose to face the consequences of the folly.

I just read about an Olympic medalist who was tested for drugs. She denied about taking it and tried to lied to cover her actions. Even today some students also lied to me to cover some things they had done. It could be just a small thing in class but big lies usually come from small lies.

In the proverbs
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

22 The LORD detests lying lips,
but he delights in men who are truthful.

I prayed that I would remain truthful always and have the courage always to admit mistakes and face the consequences.

Updates

2008-10-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

Today I was tested again by the Lord. And again I failed but it does shows the condition of my heart. As I was setting off to GKidz today, I was contemplating whether to rush down to buy mee pok or to go straight to church. The Holy Spirit did speaked clearly to me to not to be a glutton. But as I drove out of my school where I am staying now, I could not resist the temptation and made a U-turn back to buy the Mee Pok.

As usual, the Mee Pok Stall had a long queue and by 825 am, it still didn't come. I had to cancel my order and go to church with an empty stomach. Worse still, I was late for Gkidz by 2 mins...842.

At the Gkidz, I received a new revelation on the golden lampstand. Each and every day, the priests in the Old testament days had to top up the lampstand with oil now and then and to keep it burning.

God spoke to me, hey my child. It's just like spiritual food. We have to have oil to keep burning. In the same way, I must receive fresh revelations to sustain my spiritual walk.

Today's sermon was good and it spoke about servanthood. Frankly speaking, there are some days where I found myself so worn out and find myself excuses for finding time alone and not serving others. I remember a few sat mornings where I just slept through and missed the elderly service that I had been going.

I went forward and asked God for a new servant's heart and stepped out of my turtleshell and to serve His People with all my heart.

I had been staying in the hostel for almost a week. Kind of missed home and my dad just called me that he had a bad stomach for the last 2 days. He didn't called me few days ago but only today because now he's getting better. Felt some guilt of not being there and indeed am struggling in my relationship with my father. Somehow, there's still something missing and the relationship is not strong.

Am hoping and praying that it will turn better. Am setting now a family dinner time each and every month with my dad and two sisters. Think it's needed to sustain and grow the relationship.

About the relationship wise, think some of you are concerned about me and yes I broke off dec last year and is recovering. For this year, it's the year of Sabbath for me and I will just find back my pace as a single first and maybe widen my social circle. Hope to find back my past momentum and passion. Have been quite low on energy these days, sign of getting old but I think I have to reject this. I am still in my prime days muahahah...

For work wise, busy with an exchange programme with some Thai Students. They are quite fun to hang with and slowly the ice is breaking now. At first, there seems to be some gap but am glad that now it's better. Their courteous and humble traits is something that I can learn from. And they are so much more people oriented. Think it will all the way be busy for me till next year but am looking forward to end of year where I can finished my current module and begin the next year with another module which I preferred much more.

Ok so that's all for now.

Singapore Education System

2008-08-16T05:18:00.000-07:00

Am glad that the minister of education said in his speech last week that we must look beyond grades : value

"We must respond to a more questioning younger population that may learn better through self discovery and an exchange of views. But at the same time, we must find engaging ways to increase the sense of rootedness. We must help our young understand how Singapore of today has derived our core values. They can test these values, choose to reject them, or create new ones and accept consequences of their own making. At the end of their journey in our education system, they must leave it with a sense of wholeness and preparedness, and a desire to contribute to preserve, maintain and improve themselves and the lives of those around them. They must leave our education system confident of their self worth, and capable of being productive citizens."

Personally, I feel that youths these days and society at large measure people's worth by the grades and achievements. So much so that at times we labelled under achievers and they become outcast, rejected and abandoned.

As an educator myself, I feel that we had lost the touch of learning new things, pursueing grades. I guess for myself I had been on the fortunate path, I had been above average for my school days that I don't get labelled by my relatives. I believe each individual has his talents and giftings. Some might not be academic and some not surfaced till later part of life.

With regards to today's youths, I observed that for those that did not scored well, they tend to look down on themselves and have lower self esteem and self worth.

Life is indeed more than the grades we obtained. I am glad that we are looking into the values of the next generation. A nation's shaping and future much depend on the people's values and beliefs. So what if you score good grades in school? It does not mean that you can do well in the marketplace. Most of the top performers I seen had more than that. And also, there are many people of such good graders ending up in jail for unlawful activities.

Indeed as what Minister Ng had said
"Passionate, competent and caring teachers are at the heart of success of good education systems"

Today's educators cannot treat teaching as just a profession alone. It must be from the heart and the soul. Teachers hold great responsibilities. They should not be just teaching knowledge and skills but they should be teaching PEOPLE!! To educate their values, beliefs and attitude.

To the youths who are reading this, look beyond your grades. Assessments and grades are instruments to measure your individual learning and not your worth!!

Some thoughts after a long period of busyness

2008-08-05T05:02:00.000-07:00

just read finish an article about learning. Some words strike my heart.

"Real learning gets to the heart of what it means to be human. Through learning we re-create ourselves. Through learning we become able to do something we never were able to do. Through learning we reperceive the world and our relationship to it. Through learning we extend our capacity to create, to be part of the generative process of life. There is within each of us a deep hunger for this type of learning."

I think for many a times, I am so caught up with the pace of life that I seldom pause and think about the events that was going around me and how I react to it. We can be so caught with our own busyness that we just go through the motion without pondering the meaning and what it meant to our lives.

Later on in this article, it also mentions about how policymakers tend to make decisions and interventions on obvious symptoms, not underlying causes, which produced short-term benefit but long-term malaise.

As I relate back to my work in school. It really resonates to what I had been thinking at this period of time. We talk about teaching skills to the students so that they can find jobs, stay relevant and hopefully they will have a bright future.

But end of it, as I looked deeper, I had seen people without any education still succeed in their life and doing very well. And also people with degree failing miserably in life and in debts constantly.

There must be something deeper than imparting skills and knowledge to students where it is temporal. I believe the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart. It is the heart of the students that each educator should touch. It really doesn't matter much on the head knowledge. You can be the smartest person in the world but without certain values like discipline, peseverance, integrity, you are doomed for underachieving.

I believe it's the values of the person that matter. And whether that person can be successful in life. And even a nation's success does not just depend on how good the government is but it is the people's values that will determine the success of the nation.

Getting Right with Priorities

2008-08-03T21:47:00.000-07:00

Went for an outing yesterday and played ungame. One of the questions that were posed to me was what are the four most important things in my life? My answer was God, family, spiritual family and my students.

Coincidentally or divinely, I received a short article in my mail on this too. Below are some of the excerpts.

"Most of us lead increasingly stressful lives. This world is moving fast and none of us wants to get behind. So we nearly break our backs trying to achieve the things we think that will make us happier. But the demands of modern life often leave us feeling dragged out and inadequate.

Does this sound familiar? Life just seems to be whizzing past. I don't feel as though I'm spending enough quality time on the things that matter most to me. I worry a lot that I'm going to somehow miss my life and then it will be over.

Too often, we spend so much of our lives hopping on and off trains that we don't even think about whether we would be happier simply taking a walk and breathing in nature instead."

Honestly, we must assess our time given to our top priorities in life. For me, I find that this is such an important season for me to realign back my life. I had been putting my energies and time in other things rather than my priorities in life and it's a time for me to get it right again. In addition, for the past few months, I had been in a downswing but thank God I am recovering and I believe God is showing something more for myself and realign back my purpose in ITE.

I was also affirmed of this when a student opened up to me to share about his problem last week. He had been reluctantly to shared but came forward after I shared with the whole class about some of my past journey.

Ps Khong also mentioned about some new changes. Honestly, felt a bit shaky about some changes but am glad that the heart behind all the changes is the same as what God is speaking to me at the current point, especially about eliminating systemic poverty in Singapore. Will be looking forward to the challenges ahead....before a war, there's always preparation and rest. And I believe next year will be a start of a mighty campaign.

Bed Bugs attack!!!

2008-06-15T05:41:00.001-07:00

Just had a creepy experience yesterday. Was helping to clear one of the old folks home at tiong bahru. His place was FULL of BED BUGS!!! Everywhere if i just observe a bit more, i can see the bedbugs...

yeeww..I think that's the scariest and creepy experience I had so far in my life. I think there are at least thousands of bed bugs in that small little flat. My body was feeling so itchy ...probably a psychology thing.

In my mind was, how come I ended up here? I was guilty of being thankful I wasn't the first batch and came an hour later than the rest. And in my heart, I was asking God how come I felt this way? I guess there are always something that will test us. And I think that was one of those.

I struggled in fact to stay in the flat. I know pretty well that I could easily find one excuse and left early but I managed to stay till whatever time I could. I really admire some of my juniors. They really serve their hearts out and don't mind the creepy and dirty feeling. For me and a lot of people I know, they will rather employ people to get rid of the bed bugs and clear the place.

But it's also through this kind of experience that I never failed to learn to serve. Well what happened after that, I left slightly early to NUS for a bridge competition and didn't go home to bathe till nine. I hope none of the bed bugs follow me back haha....my blood is quite smelly i hope :p

Takes on Prince Caspian

2008-05-30T19:55:00.000-07:00

Just went to catch the second part of Chronicles of Narnia yesterday night. One of my brothers commented to me it was a "cheem" show. Haha, indeed as I watched the show, I was trying to draw out lessons that I can learn to apply in my faith.

In the movie, Peter and Suzan somehow lost faith in Azlan and felt that Azlan had abandoned Narnia but only Lucy still remained with a childlike faith and continue to trust in Azlan. There was a scene where Lucy saw Azlan but she hestiated to follow. When Azlan asked her later on when they met, she replied she was afraid.

I think somehow as Christians, we faced struggle when things doesn't seem to go right and we have no answers to the circumstances that are happening to us. And many a times, I had doubt on what the Bible had promises in this kind of situations. But indeed it's a choice that we can make. Just like Job when everything is taken away from him, yet he continued to praise God. Indeed Blessed is He who trusts in the Lord!

And sometimes, we heard God's voice but we are too fearful to follow just like Lucy. In her case, she was scared of going alone and away from her brothers and sister. But I feel that sometimes do we follow the crowd or do we dare to follow the truth. In many situations, it takes courage to stand out, to say no, to walk in the light. For example, there are times when people asked me to drink, to smoke and to gamble. There are a lot of peer pressure but it's at times like this that we need to dare to be different, dare to walk in the truth and say NO. Even at the expense of losing our friends, peer acceptance because we put God and HIS righteousness above all things and we definitely will not be short-changed.

Seek first HIS Kingdom and Righteousness and all these things will be given unto you.

Mother's Day

2008-05-11T06:38:00.000-07:00

It's the time of the year again where we all pay tribute to the mothers. It's been 10 years since my mum passed away. It seems so long but how i miss my mum. She's the woman of my life. One that never fails to look after my siblings and me.

This was her typical day..
5.45 am wake up and prepare breakfast + do house work
7.30 am leave to give tution
11 am rush back to house to prepare lunch
1 pm leave to give tution again
6 pm come back to prepare dinner
7 pm leave to give tution
10 pm reach home and starts to wash clothes
10.30 pm watches her newspaper
11 pm puts all of us to bed..

And she did it without complaints and even saves for us. I don't even remember her buying clothes...The ones she wore before she passed away are the ones I had seen since I was young. Sometimes she even eat bread for lunch just to save that few dollars.

Though sometimes, she will nag...like most mothers did. When she was around, I used to cut her nagging and replied rude stuff back.. But now, how I missed her nagging!!!

I think it's often for us to get so busy in life with ourselves, that we forgot to appreciate the people around us. And when they are gone, it's gone.

I love you Ma!!

Ps 126 Devotion today

2008-05-05T05:47:00.000-07:00

Psalm 126
A song of ascents.
1 When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion,
we were like men who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.

Indeed the Lord has done great things for me over the years. His love endures forever. As I looked back on all the ups and downs in my life, I realize that God is watching over me. Just like when the Israelites were in captives, God was also watching over them and plan for a redemption for them, just like me. Indeed God has done great things for us.

Another thing that was comforting from this psalms is those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. There are so many times that I wanted to give up and throw in the tower but somehow I just persist and this verse does bring comfort to me to claim God's promises that whatever I sow will come to fruit in due time. I remember one of the visiting pastors told my church, No tears, No 12. Those who sow with tears with reap with songs of joy!!! Hallelujah!

the Word and I

2008-05-04T02:17:00.000-07:00

The Lord is my Shepherd
I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even when I walk in the valley of the shadow of death,I will not fear no evil.
Your staff and your rod,they comfort me.You prepare a table for me in the presense of my enemies.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Sounds familiar? My first attempt in memorizing Psalms 23 after so many years. Not exactly right but 90% of it is there. The last time I memorize this was when I was ten years old even before I was a christian.

Last week, I told my boys in GKidz to memorize this psalm. And this morning one of them got half of it right. I was a bit ashamed as I myself didn't memorize this psalm and was doing last minute memorizing this morning.

Well today, pastor Khong taught about the topic the "the Word and I". When he was at his first point. I said to myself I shall make an effort to remember some verses every single day. To meditate on the word of God day and night.

And I knew that was God speaking to me when after I made the decision in my heart, pastor Khong urges the whole congregation to do that. Friends do keep me in check on this. I will make every effort to do that.

Something interesting

2008-04-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

The Beauty of Math!

1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321

1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111

9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888

Brilliant, isn't it?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And look at this symmetry:

1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 12345432 1
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111111111 x 111111111 = 12345678987654321

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now, take a look at this...

101%

From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:

What Equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?

Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?

We have all been in situations where someone wants you to GIVE OVER 100%.

How about ACHIEVING 101%?

What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help answer these
questions:

If:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

If:

H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K

8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

And:

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E

11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But:

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E

1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:

L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D

12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:

While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close,
and Attitude will get you there,
It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!
It's up to you if you share this with your friends & loved ones just the
way I did.

Finishing Strong

2008-04-14T05:18:00.000-07:00

Just came back from Yunnan Yep last week. It was quite an experience. Throughout the first 14 days, it was quite good for me. At least I felt that I had done what my best was.

But on the last day, I started to slack down and even did something that wasn't right. And only after a scolding, I woke up my idea and realized that what I had done was wrong.

That night, I asked God what was wrong in my heart..and did not had a good sleep. But all in all, it really illustrated a simple point. In the christian faith, it's so easy to fall and not finish strong and clearly apostle Paul also warned that,

Philippians 2:12
[ Shining as Stars ] Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

End with a Bang

2008-03-06T04:10:00.000-08:00

Yes..finally I got my IPPT Gold!!

I told myself that I have to 光荣退伍, retired in honour. Ever since my active days, I never got a single gold...Always missed the mark, but as I ran just now, I told myself I must push myself all the way and I did and make a remarkable time of 10 flat. The last time I manage to run 10 flat was ten years ago.

But on top of that, as I was running, I also told myself that in my christian walk, I also want to finish strong and also 光荣退伍.

I had been reading a book "Driven by Eternity" by John Bevere. In it, he warned believers about our walk with God. He also illustrated with a story about a person called Fainthearted.

Frankly speaking, I thought I was like that person...I found myself easily discouraged and out of focus and lack of faith. But one thing, I know is I just need to run the race just like how I ran my IPPT. To press in towards the goal, to finish with a BIG BANG!!!

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

And to be an overcomer in life! Those that overcome will be in the Book of Life.

"He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels."

Bye Bye Army

2008-03-06T03:54:00.000-08:00

Yes..finally, I am posted to Mindef Reserve. Feelings are mixed.. I will miss my unit, all the brotherhood and comradeship but yet also glad that army is finally over (few more days to end Mar). I know I will enjoy my new found freedom. No more manning and confining in camp, free to go overseas for trip without notification. But somehow, I am quite taken aback.

On hindsight, it's two and a half years of my active days and 10 cycles of reservice. So what did I get?

I believe it's committment to the nation. Not that I am pro PAP but I do believe in unity, in One Singapore, One Nation and One People. We have come so far from one of the smallest country in the world to one that has a significant influence to the world. I also went to the army museum in today's morning and heard the speech by Lee Kuan Yew when he passed the National Service Bill. Kind of retrospective but also began to understand the situation at that point of time.

Singapore was defenceless and look so easy to makan. A deterrent force was needed but at that point of time, they only managed to recruit 2000 full time soldiers. So it was necessary to implement that bill.

Anyway I hope all young man in Singapore would be ready to take up that kind of committment to the nation..haha now tht i am over i can say that :p

But I believe that it's necessary. So gambatei my male students and my boys ;)

Oh...they also gave me this.. quite an elegant watch and sourvenir...even have my name crafted at the back of the watch!!

reservice...

2008-02-24T07:29:00.000-08:00

will be on reservice this mar 3 to 8...likely out process on sat afternoon :(

pray that i can out process earlier and no night training...don't want 2 miss leaders' meet and my keyboard class..

Youth Olympics

2008-02-21T06:52:00.000-08:00

Yeah, finally Singapore won the youth olympics. Somehow, I caught the fever of it and even took part in one of the events rallying towards this.

I believe this is the first time I see Singaporeans so unified against this common goal. Even taxi drivers took to the roads with the car decal, not to mention all the different schools rallying towards this. There was even a round island relay by many different schools. First to seen of this kind.

Indeed, there's power in unison and I believe but of our winning strategy is to stand as One people, One nation, One Singapore. Sounds familiar? That was the ndp theme song in one of the years. But I believe it's in the air right now.

In church context, there's also power in unity when every single member take hold of the vision and also submit to the church leadership. But somehow, I seldom see that as many of us are caught up in "being ourselves" or even looking at our own interest.

In Luke 9:23, Jesus said "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me"

Lord help me, not to look at my own interests but may my will be your will and my heart be your heart. That I will consider others before myself. And one day, all the churches of Jesus Christ will stand as one body in love. And even Singapore, that all tongues will bow and confess that you are Lord!

Find rest my soul

2008-02-13T07:08:00.000-08:00

I
Hide me now, under Your wings.
Cover me within Your mighty hand.

CHorus:
When the oceans rise
and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.

II
Find rest my soul in Christ alone,
Know his power, in quiteness and trust.

***
When the oceans rise
and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.

That was the song sung at my last church service, and also the theme song for me in this year of Sabbath. Pastor khong's message spoke a lot to me and it aligned with what God had been speaking to me for the past few weeks.

Currently, I still feel depressed but am continuing to trust in the Lord and his unfailing love. Today I just told one of my students 人生不如意的事十之八九. Indeed in life, there are many things that doesn't go what we hope to be. But I believe, these are trials in life that God has placed over us to mold our character and our hearts to aligning back to HIS.

O, Find rest my soul! In Christ Alone.
Teach me O God to be still before your presense!
Teach me O God to trust in you and not lean on my own understanding!
God, I choose to praise you, in your unfailing love and faithfulness,
for i serve a faithful God!

Gkidz!!!

2008-02-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

Just celebrated Gabriel's birthday today, one of my barnabas boys.

Aren't they cute? I pray that they will grow to be Godly men!!

Won't you make a difference today?

2008-01-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

Recently some of my friends' relatives passed away due to cancer. It makes me reflect that life is so unpredictable. I remember the time when I was at Meulaboh just after the tsunami incident. There were still many corpses being found every day. Death was everywhere.

When I look at the refugees, I could see the sadness in their eyes and many had lost their kin. Even my own mum passed away suddenly many years back. Last week, I offered 5 dollars to group of students and only one came up and take. Some of the students told me earlier that they should just ran up and grab the money.

Opportunities are there, once lost, it's gone. Just like touching lives. Think many of us will have chances and opportunities to go out of our comfort zone to bless someone. But many times, we are hesitant. Not because we are selfish but because of uncomfort, failed of rejection.

We do not know what's next in our lives but just trust the Creator in our plan. But my own personal response back then was to leave my previous job and teach. To leave a legacy, to make a difference. Below is one of the songs that i like

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Won’t You Lord
Take a look at our hands
Everything we have
Use it for Your plan

Won’t You Lord
Take a look at our hearts
Mold it, refine it
As You set us apart

We want to run to the altar
And catch the fire
To stand in the gap
Between the living and the dead
Give us a heart of compassion
For a world without vision
We will make a difference
Bringing hope to our land

We will answer the call
To build this church without walls
Let Your glory be shown
Bring salvation to the lost
To the lost

some updates

2008-01-15T06:12:00.000-08:00

Have been reading a psalm a day since the beginning of this year. Interesting enough I can echo my heart with the psalmist. In some of the psalms, it begins with David facing enemies in his life and just like him, I felt the same way too as I face with my life struggles in my life.

But at the end of the psalms, David always look to God and that was what I am trying to do in my midst of my struggles. When my eyes are fix unto Jesus, all my problems seem so minute and as I ponder over God's faithfulness in my life, I can put all my trust in the Mighty Creator's Hand.

Today, I just gave a short talk to eight classes of students. Honestly speaking, I didn't prepare much and only spend few minutes of my time in the lecture theatre thinking of what to say. I must thank God that He is faithful and just put words into me.

The response from the crowd was the best so far and they even gave me automatic applause after my speech. Hope for all the best in them.

I think I am starting to like my new class too. So far, all has been behaving quite well, and also shown passion in their learning. I sincerely prayed that they will continue their enthusiam and it will really bring them far. Looking forward to the teambuilding camp I am going to be with them next week for more bonding.

I have a dream....
I dream that all my students will soar in life..
I dream that they will have their successes to tell to the next generation..
I dream that their life in ITE, will be a life changing one. They will say that it's the best years of education for them and it was in ITE that was a major turning point for them in their life.
I dream that my students will find their passion in life during ITE
I dream that they will be responsible people and light to the nation.
I dream that they will also be positive always, never give up, always do their best.
I dream that they will live to the fullest of ITE values,
1. Integrity
2.Teamwork
3.Excellence
4.Care

God, this is my prayer.

Updates

2008-01-09T18:59:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I updated my blog. Honestly speaking 2007 wasn't a really good year for me. At least it's not a good ending I feel.

There were many things that been through in my own personnal life. Family issues, faith goals not being met, broke off relationship, fallen into sin on many occasions. And where I was in the night of 31 Dec 07?

I was alone in a small hotel room at Lijiang, feeling so depressed and defeated. I was asking God, oh Lord what is this year of Victory? And how come I feel so defeated in my life? Where are the victories? And do I have a victorious spirit given the so many circumstances in my life.

I felt that 2007 was one of the toughest year or even this period that I had been through in my life. I felt depressed at many times.

But looking beyond all theses, it's so easy to go spirally down..but I guess one thing God spoke to me yesterday and also many occasions in the past period was is my life "All about Jesus" ??

I had looked at the circumstances in my own narrow point of view, even feeling defeated but I do know that when we hope on to the Lord and place our trust in HIM, we will soar like eagles, we will run and not grow faint.

Lord, Help me in this year to realign my life back to you and let myself be diminished and you magnified!

As I was doing Psalms devotion yesterday on Psalms 9, Lord you are my refuge and strength, especially in times of need.

Thank God though I ended year of Victory feeling defeated, I know it's now over yet and I still can end my life on earth Victorious and Jesus has secured my Victory at the cross.

From NO Limbs to NO Limits

2007-11-14T18:22:00.000-08:00

Ever seen someone born with no hands and legs?

This amazing person is coming to Singapore. Come be inspired by his testimony
and how he lived with a victorious spirit on 2 Dec 1.30 Max Pavilion.

Am personnaly encouraged by his sharing.

Just one quote from him:
"You can be victorious no matter what circumstances you are in"

the 8th Habit

2007-11-04T17:14:00.000-08:00

Has just started reading the 8th Habit by Steven Covey.
Interestingly, the 8th Habit is

"Finding your voice to inspire others to find theirs"

Think it comes at a right time for me, as I am beginning to
ponder where my passion goes. I used to be more passionate
when I first came into ITE.

In a way, it is also align to Jesus' teaching to be
the salt and light to the world, to shine for him.

Yes Lord, help me to shine and be a warrior of LIGHT in the Marketplace!!

Updates finally!!

2007-10-29T23:57:00.000-07:00

Oh no....just realized I haven't blog for 3 months. Excuses that I made for myself sometimes, starting to be less disciplined in this area.

But will try to discipline myself to update this blog more often.
Recently, I have been busy coping with work, ministry and my relationship. Sometimes I feel pressed at all sides but through the process, I guess I draw nearer to God. For me, I feel that I grow more when I am going through my downturn. Just like the stock indices going on a technical retreat before going up higher...Yes I will soar higher.

Anyway, yesterday I went for my vocal class and all of us were ministered by the Lord. We shared on our personnal struggles openly. I was quite pleasantly surprised at the openess of my classmates. All teared except me, but it doesn't mean that I am not ministered!! Truely, I think God is working somethin in my heart right now.

The song we sang was below:

Fall In this Place
Verse1
Take me to the place Lord
Where there’s nothing else but me and You
Longing for Your presence
I know that You are calling me to You

Pre Chorus
Here I stand
And long for Your embrace
Nothing else
Could ever take Your place

Chorus
Come Holy Spirit
Fall in this place
I need more and more of You
Fill me again with the power of Your Spirit
Lord I’m crying out for
More and more of You

Bridge
Lord I’m crying out for More and more of You (Oh)
Chords : http://deetee.files.wordpress.com/2006/08/fall-in-this-place.pdf

Blessing someone?

2007-07-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

This season is the 100K blessing campaign of my church. I believe that this is not just a campaign but also a learning journey and a starting point for us to learn to open our eyes and hearts to people in need around us.

But sometimes talk is cheap...And I myself am guilty of this today. Today I walk past a park in the city but from the far corner of my eye, I saw a man looking very tired and he just went over a bench to sit down. Something prompted me in my heart to go over and give him a bottle of mineral water which I had. But another part of me tells me I got a guitar lesson to rush and if I go over, I will be late. In the end, I rush for my guitar lessons instead. And you know what...below was the song that I learned for my guitar lesson..it's called "Rescue the Perishing"

Rescue the perishing,
care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep over the erring one,
lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.

Chorus:
Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.
Church open your eyes once more
And see what Christ died for
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.

Extended Chorus:
As we are playing our songs
While we're singing them well
Have we forgotten the lost
And the reality of Hell
If we say we love God
Want to see His will done
Will we offer our lives
Not just the songs we have sung
Do we even care
When will we care

"When will we care"...
The song just struck me with deep repentance of my action. Many times, my own agenda come first and I was so engrossed with my own personel stuff. Indeed the word of God says, we must decrease so that HE can increase. As I reflected, over the last week 2 similar cases also happen as I rushed off for other things.

Well, the story goes on. Immediately after my lesson, I rushed back to the park..but it was already raining and no one was there.

It could have been a defining moment if I just walk over to bless the man. But for now, it's a great lesson for me to learnt and take away.

My Life Journey

2007-07-18T19:47:00.000-07:00

Haven't been posting for quite a while. Been busy but the truth is somehow I lost the drive to blog haha....but to rekindle that, I will be going pen down my journey from a baby..hehe.

I was born on 11 Sep 1976 at KK hospital. It was an insignficant date to most but not anymore now ever since the 911 incident on 2001. Oh well my mother gave me the chinese name 志毅

志 itself means will, aspiration.

毅 itself means firm resolute.

What my mum wants me to be is a person with 志气 and 毅力, who is someone with aspirations and also willpower. And today I just had a revelation as I type out this post.

志毅 + 气力(strength) = A person with 志气 and 毅力

And where does my strength came from?...From the Lord of course =)

I remember I do have a nanny but no longer contactable...I would love to thank her for bringing me up when i was young...Heard from somewhere that a child's character is formed mostly at age 1 to 3 and thank God i am not too spoilt haha...

i admit i was quite spoilt and tend to manipulate when i was young...will elaborate more in my future posts.

So tuned in to my journey...

Do you have a choice?

2007-06-22T22:41:00.000-07:00

Recently just watch fantastic four and Susan, the invisible woman asked the surfer,
"Why do you destroy our planet?"

The surfer answered,

"I do not have a choice."

The background of this is that the surfer agreed to be the herald of Galactus, searching for planets to consume in exchange for his own planet's safety.

Apparently, the surfer disobeyed in the end. So the question is

"Do we have a choice?"

Recently, I wasn't really feeling good and was quite grumpy about things and was pouring my heart out and during the conversation..I said, "I have no choice." Straightaway, I was reminded by my girlfriend that it's not true and I have the mentality of Adam at that time. Pushing the blame to someone or something else.

Honestly speaking, how many of us based our actions and attitudes on the circumstances happening around us? "I did this because of so and so..." , "Aiyah, things are like that, you don't understand. That's why i behave like this"

I think over my life, I had heard so many comments as such and myself included. But the question is "Do we have a choice?"

I believe that everyone has to take ownership of their own actions and attitudes. We do have a choice in reacting and choosing our own actions. God has created man with a free will, and also a mind to think. So no matter what obstacles or problems we faced in life, we do have a choice. To rise up and change or surrender to the outcome. To be positive or to be negative. Cheers! =)

Pirates and Trust

2007-06-04T22:20:00.001-07:00

Just went to watch pirates of the carribean last sunday after a leaders retreat in desaru. While i was watching the show, i was reminded of something that I learned during the encounter.

In the show, Will Turner told Elizabeth, "How can I trust you anymore?" and Elizabeth answered no. It's because she had betrayed Jack sparrow before and once bitten, twice shy.

Relating back on my own life, I did felt betrayed a couple of times in my life. Once in primary school and once in university days and also cheated couple of times. Indeed over the years, I have grown to be less trustful of others. And also suspicious of others action.

But really, relationships is all about trust, be it with my family, friends, students. And love without trust is also without substance. I do admit that many times we will encounter people who misappropriate our trust and honestly i do feel fearful of trusting them again but somehow as I look towards them like how a father look towards his child, I will have the courage to trust them again.

I guess it's just like how God the heavenly father loves me and put His trust in me over and over again with the little things He blesses me with.

Anyway, put myself in the other side shoes...how can we gain back trust when it was lost? There's 13 steps suggested by steven cophey

1. Talk Straight ( Be honest)

2. Demonstrate Respect

3. Create Transparency

4. Right wrongs (Make amendments for the wrongs we had done)

5. Show loyalthy

6. Deliver Results

7. Keep improving

8. Confront Reality

9. Clarify Expectation

10. Practice accountability

11. Listen first

12. Keep Commitment

13. Extend Trust.

Here's a story about trust

A poor man prayed in earnest for his family. "Lord, we have depended so much on the kindness of others, now we seek a home to call our own. As you know, my body has become weak from this terrible illness which has finally left me and I have leaned so much on others that I don't even know if I can stand on my own. I ask You, God, for strength of body and spirit, wisdom, and to help provide a home for my darling wife and children."

A tear fell down from the man's eye. A few days later, a kind and elderly widow heard of this father's plight. "I have a plot of land you may have to build upon, but it is sorely overgrown with thick brush,trees, and large rocks. I will gladly give it to you, but it will be a laborsome undertaking," she said. The man also knew this, yet he accepted the widow's generous offer, knowing such an opportunity might not again pass. The man stood afar and surveyed his newly gained property. Looking up, he smiled and said, "Lord, I asked You for a home and You give me this gnarled forest? I will trust and be thankful for the gift before me."

Several days into the major undertaking of levelling the land off, the man slumped against the twentieth tree he cut by hand. Sweat poured from his body, which was now covered by ruddy brown earth. "Lord!" he shouted,"Why did You choose this God-forsaken plot of land? Is this my punishment for not taking care of my family while sick these last few years? Is this the type of loving God You are?" Exasperated, the man clenched his fist and went back to work, muttering to himself, " I will continue to trust."

Several months past. Upon resting under the final tree to be removed, the man looked about him in wonder. Before him stood a beautiful plot of land to build a home. The lush forest surrounding the levelled area would provide good protection from the cold winter winds and also offer an abundant supply of firewood to keep warm. In a large pile next to the levelled earth, were neatly stacked tree trunks.They would make excellent logs to build a cabin. Ashamed for thinking God had left Him in his most dire time of need, the man rested his head in his hands. Suddenly, he looked in to his palms. These were not the same weak hands that could barely grasp a cup to drink from. Instead, they were strong and fit, as was the rest of his body from the many months of hard physical labor. The man looked up and smiled, saying, "My dear God, thank You. You answered my prayer,even in my worst moments of doubt. You took my weakness and turned it into strength and my lack of understanding, into wisdom. I will rest a while now, and begin to build my family a house."

The moral of this story concerns faith and trust in God. Often, we ask God for strength and the ability to endure, yet when He offers us more situations to test and try our patience and areas we may need improvement in, we shake our fists, grumble and complain, doubting our Heavenly Father's abilities. Only God can use our most difficult times to teach us some of our greatest truths. If only we open our hearts and minds, though.

Just as the man in this story trusted God, despite his inability to fully understand from an earthly level, we, too, can see how one may reap the rewards of pure and simple faith and trust in One who is worthy to be called King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Yes indeed. Trust in the Lord and not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. God bless!

Graduation Ceremony

2007-05-24T21:02:00.001-07:00

Yeah just had my first graduation ceremony with my ex-class yesterday. Enjoyed their company. All the best for your future endeavours and see you guys on 2-4 july at the chalet!!

New Theorem : 1 + 1 = 1

2007-05-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

I remember in school I learned about,

1 + 1 = 2

then when i came to binary numbers,

1 + 1 = 10 , which right now i am teaching my students that.

But now, I am learning a new maths,

1 + 1 = 1 ???!!!

This was what I heard from someone that i respected. He was actually talking about his marriage and his experiences in maintaining his marriage.

Well, after I heard this, I had a new revelation and I also quote him when I counselled people.
This morning, I just read the following story about a stubborn husband:

There once lived a couple who squabbled constantly. The wife would complain that he never helped with the housework while he would assert his manly right to be served.
One morning, the calf moaned hungrily in the barn. The wife began the routine as usual and told her husband, "Go and tend the calf. It is a man's job."
"No," the husband declared, "it is for men to speak and women to obey."
And on and on they quibbled. Meanwhile, the calf went hungry.
Later that evening, fed up with each other's angry arguments, they decided that from the next moment, whoever spoke first would take on the job of feeding the calf. They said nothing more and went to bed in silence.
The next morning, the wife knew that if she stayed home watching her husband do nothing all day, she would say something. So she went to visit a friend. Her husband saw her leave, and wondered what she was up to.
A short time later, a beggar came by the house and asked the husband for food and money. The husband was about to reply, when he stopped himself. "This is my wife's trick!" he thought. "She's trying to make me talk!"
So the husband folded his arms, shut his eyes and remained silent in a petulant display of stubbornness. The beggar went into the house, ate all the food he could find and left. The husband wanted to yell at the beggar, but he remembered his wager with his wife and kept silent.
A thief who saw this approached the husband. He asked him, "Do you not care that the beggar ate all your food?" The husband, still thinking that this was his wife's trick to make him talk, clammed up. The thief then went into the house and packed all the valuables into his bag. As he left, he waved merrily to the husband, who huffed and puffed but refused to utter a word.
Later that day, when the wife came home and discovered that they had been burgled, she screamed at her husband, "What happened?"
"Aha!" the husband sprang up. "You spoke first, so you must tend the calf from now on!"
The wife was incredulous, "Who has taken all our things?"
"The man you hired to act like a thief," the husband chortled. "But I did not fall for your trick!"
"I hired nobody!" the wife declared.
"You cannot fool me," the man boasted. "You lost the wager, and so you must tend the calf from now on."
"Foolish man!" the wife exclaimed. "You sat watching a thief steal everything from our house!"

Well, at first thought I really think the husband was stupid and full of pride. But as I tranposed over in my life, I found that I myself have many times in relationships, be it BGR, friendship or even relationship with my family being stubborn and not giving in.

So back to the start, what does 1 + 1 = 1 ???!!! mean?

It means in relationship, each parties have to give in and adapt in conflicts, else there will not be a wholesome relationship. And so many times, I myself am guilty of sweeping under the carpet the squabbles i had with my friends, not acknowledging them but cast them aside...which is not good.

Well, at this stage of life, even though I said this to many, I am still learning what I preached..

Faith

2007-05-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

Am reading a book by pastor caesar on
"Knowing the Truth".

In this book, he wrote

"The greatest battle a Christian faces is maintaining a high level of faith"

He goes on writing,

"When we read the Old Testament, we find that the biggest problem the people of Israel had was their lack of faith.

This was a result of taking their eyes off God and looking at the circumstances.

Maybe you have noticed how those who have no faith complain about everything. They are filled with negative thoughts, they only look at the impossible, and they fill the atmosphere with negative words. They always see failure before they take a first step towards anything.
These type of people can never please God"

The last statement is indeed a very strong statement. A lot of times I myself tend to look at the circumstances and started to have doubts and even tried to do on my own strength and methods.

But faith is really about believing God, no matter what the circumstances are, looking at the bright side even though things might look bleak, and rising above every single adversities and storms in life.

Faith is not just believing in what God can do, but believing who God is, that He is faithful and He never fails. So cast away any negative thoughts and cast your cares and anxiety unto Jesus for He cares for you.

If you are lacking faith now, it's time to dig more into the bible for paul said,
"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" Rom 10:17

The word of God is powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword and it comes alive when we confess and believes in it.

Spiderman 3

2007-05-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

Just watch spiderman 3 yesterday and here's my reflection after watching it. There's 3 things that i can draw out from it to apply in my life.

1) Forgiveness

In this movie, we see spiderman turning his anger into hatred and even resorted into using the venom to take revenge and in the process, he lost himself and even Mary Jane.

The word of God says,
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

Indeed as the story unfolds, we see that Sandman actually killed uncle Ben by mistake but spidey made a judgemental call and hold so much hatred for sandman. But in the end, the hero of course found out the truth and forgive sandman. But mistakes are actually made...Brock turned into Venom and his best friend harry also died in the end.

Studies have also shown that there are measurable benefits to forgiveness:

For instance, forgiving is good for your health. Studies show that people who forgive more readily report fewer health problems while people who blame others for their troubles have a higher incidence of illness such as cardiovascular disease and cancers.

Forgiving is good for your peace of mind. Studies of divorced people show that those who forgave their former spouse were healthier emotionally than those who chose not to forgive. The forgivers had a higher sense of well being and lower anxiety and depression.

If you're trying to forgive, but find it extremely difficult, don't be too hard on yourself. Remember, forgiveness is a process - it takes time and patience. You must be ready. Realize that forgiveness is for you - not for anyone else.

You also have to understand that forgiving does not mean you are condoning the actions of the offender or what they did to you. It does mean that you will blame less and find a way to think differently about what happened to you.

Forgiveness gives you the chance to leave the bad things in the past, and refocus on the positives in your life. To invest more time, energy and love on the people and things you still have.

2) Pride and Glory

Pride comes before destruction. It is something that can swallow you and can be swallowed. In the beginning of the movie, we see Spidey enjoying his fame and his popularity. Everything seems to be so good for him, but personnal glory soon goes down the drain when he kissed another woman in front of his gf mary jane. Personally, I was quite disgusted by it...and his relationship went down the drain soon after.

In this world, we tend to want to prove ourselves to people. We score good grades, get good job, earn bigger cars, get better promotion. I am not saying that it's not good to aim high but when we focused our energy there, we might lose things that are much more important such as family time, time with loves ones, friends, etc.

Worse, we might even lose ourselves and our integrity to get what we want.

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Proverbs 11:2

My response to this is to remain humble and check my heart always before it swallows me up.

3) Put wife above self

Interestingly a quote actually occurs 3 times in the movie. i.e.

"A man should put his wife above himself"

The Bible also mention something similar below in Eph 5:25
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her"

Indeed a long lasting relationship is also about understanding each other and put wife above himself and even willing to put the life down.

Definitely, for myself I would work towards that to my future wife to lay down everything and put her above everything else except God in my life.

Refocus your life

2007-05-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

Haven't blog for quite a while. Life has been pretty busy, running around and almost trying to catch my breath. But thank God that at every busy moment, I was able to hold my ground and keep on focusing back on my calling and purpose in Christ. I guess that helps me to realign my thought life and also my life.

Many a times, I fall into the trap of doing a lot of things, running around, putting off fire and lose focus in life. Where my only calling is just one thing....to love God. My girlfriend also has been telling me about her one thing that also helps her to focus.

Below is an article that i read today about re-aligning, hope that it blesses you.

We all go through times in our lives when we feel a little disoriented. It could be simply due to exhaustion, the result of taking on too many jobs and obligations. It could be after a major crisis. Or it could be doing the things you feel you should be doing, instead of the things that really matter to you. All this can take a toll on our energy level, our motivation to get through each day.
Whatever the reason, if you're feeling a little out-of-whack, and you haven't a clue why, it may be time to start re-focusing your life.
This means taking a step back, taking a deep breath, evaluating your life, and listening to your inner voice. Now for some people, this means taking a holiday, which is fine if it works for you. For others, a vacation may mean additional stress - the stress of preparing your work to go on when you're gone, planning where to go, where to stay, and the withdrawal symptoms when you get back.
A holiday is great if it gives you the time and space to relax and re-prioritise your life. If not, you can refocus your life right now.
The best thing you can do for your body is to give it enough rest. This has to be done before any refocusing can begin. In such competitive, fast-paced times, most of us are not getting the amount of rest we need. Many of us might think that we can get away with five or six hours of sleep a day, just because we don't feel tired for the rest of the day. But this is simply our bodies getting used to less sleep, not necessarily an indication of what our bodies actually need to perform at their peak.
Get enough sleep, at least the eight hours recommended amount a day, and you'll find that you can think more clearly, work more efficiently, and have more energy and motivation.
Next, examine your life schedule and re-evaluate your priorities. What's taking up your time and your energy? Are they productive? Are they improving you in any way? Are they things you enjoy or at least things that make you money or develop relationships? Are there any time and spirit wasters that you feel are your obligations? Be stringent with your evaluations and throw out the tasks that are not benefitting you.
And figure out how you're using your time. True, a day's hours are finite, but if you examine your daily actions, you'll find some things that take up more than their fair share of your time. For example, do you find yourself checking your email several times a day and typing out detailed, carefully-worded essays? Are you sending, re-sending, and forwarding your time away?
Identify other aspects of your life which may be wasting your time and energy. These are the little leeches sucking the life from you. Get rid of them, and refocus your priorities on things that truly fulfill you.

False Beliefs About Love (Part 4)

2007-04-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

First, the belief that "I wasted my love on him or her". Well, if I had a dollar for every thing I did that didn't result in some tangible benefit, I'd be doing this programme for free.
You didn't "waste" your love because the giving of love is a wonderful feeling. It's not something you can get from a vending machine or internet store. You gave, your partner gave; it was a fair trade. If you feel that you gave considerably more, then your relationship was skewed anyway. One party should never feel obliged to give all the time while expecting more reciprocity from the other person. We should all learn to be more accountable for our own actions.
This next false belief about love is a big one - the belief that our partner doesn't really love us unless he or she fulfills certain expectations. Many of us assess our relationships based on how often our partners give in to our demands. Here, we set several of our own benchmarks for our partners, and when they fail to meet them, we punish them by scolding, complaining, withdrawing and withholding. As the demands pile up and the strain on our partner increases, so do the chances of your relationship falling apart.
The final myth of love (well, for this series anyway) is that love will take your unhappiness away. People who indulge this belief place the responsibility for their happiness on their partners. They believe that their relationships are the antidote to all the ills in their lives. When they inevitably find that this is not true, they lose faith in the relationship.
Love can fulfill you in many ways, but there are many things it cannot fix for you. Your sense of self-worth, for example. Or your hang-ups from a lousy childhood. Your career maybe, or your relationship with your parents. Your partner can only be there to hold your hand while you figure out solutions for your own problems.
The only way you can break free from the trappings of these false beliefs is by challenging them. Identify where they might be holding you back in your lovelife, and see what happens when you stop believing in them. I'm sure you'll emerge a stronger, happier, more mature, more loving life partner!

my response to this final article is that we have to love based on unconditional love and not expect anything back in return, just like what Jesus Christ did on the cross. Of course, it's easier said than be done. Many of us still need love in return and wants our partner to behave in certain ways to show love to us. But in reality most of the time it ends up in misery cause it's not met often. The final thing that can help you to steer above all this is to realize that only God's love can fill the inner part of your heart and satisfy human's longing for love.

False Beliefs About Love (Part 3)

2007-04-19T02:20:00.000-07:00

Do you believe that "love is rare"? That it's found only by a select few whose unions were "made in heaven", so to speak? That it takes so much time and effort to nurture that the average person might as well not bother?
Well, this is going to sound pretty ironic, but this particular myth of love is actually true! But it's not true because love is by its very nature hard to find; it's true because it's a self-fulfilling prophecy! Here's what happens - because you believe that love is scarce, you tend to get into a relationship prematurely, then cling on to that person as though your life depended on it. Naturally your partner feels terrorized and inevitably leaves you, the result of which convinces you even further that the chances of developing a lasting relationship are slim. The belief that love is hard to find also discourages you from improving a relationship, since you feel it's eventually going to fade anyway.
The next false belief about love is that "rejection is painful and embarrassing and proof that we're undesirable". Because of this, we shun social interaction, and recoil from expressing interest in someone. We also refrain from displaying aspects of our true selves because we think they'll be ridiculed or despised.
As a result, we hardly ever express interest in someone and so are still fretfully alone. And we fail to grow in intimacy with our partner because we're afraid that our authentic self may not be accepted. Well, a relationship cannot grow if a couple cannot trust and deeply understand each other. Besides, if you're really not suited to each other, it's better to know as soon as possible so you can both go on to find more compatible matches.
Remember, rejection can happen for any number of reasons which are probably not apparent to you anyway, so it doesn't mean that you're insufficient. Let it thicken your skin so it's easier for you to act as an initiator in future.

I think in relationship aspect, all in all i had four times being rejected. It was painful at first and took me a while to overcome it but through the process, I have also grown and I also clinged on the verse in the Psalms " I am fearfully and wonderfully created" and so are YOU!! ;)

And after I became a Christian, I realized that God's love is sufficient for me, with or without a relationship is second to all that. It's a hard truth but yet a powerful one.

False Beliefs About Love (Part 2)

2007-04-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

First, the belief that "I'm not good enough to be loved." Here, our low sense of self-worth makes us behave in two possible ways - firstly, it can make us settle for something that we're not passionate about, simply because we think there is nothing better for us out there. It can also cause us to accept mistreatment and abuse from our partners. And second, this can cause us to wreck perfectly tenable relationships through our insecurity, over-sensitiveness and jealousy. We literally chase our lovers away because we feel we're not good enough for them.

Next, the belief that "I'm not going to be able to get over an ex-partner". Now I'm not underestimating the pain of a breakup, but people who indulge this belief usually focus on the past instead of looking to the future. They replay good times, convinced that they have lost the love of their lives and they will never find happiness again. So they board up their hearts, spend their days reminiscing and moping, and get into all sorts of addictions just to artificially feel better. Again, this is "playing the victim", placing the responsibility for the pain on your ex and the past, while not reaching out for happiness yourself. This sort of protracted grieving also elicits sympathy from friends and relatives and may convince some of them that since you're hurting so much for so long, then you must've been damaged pretty bad. This kind of behaviour can become almost impossible to stop.

Next is the belief that "I will not be happy, I will not be success until I find the love of my life". If you believe this, you're ignoring the other joys of life like family, friends, nature, and pursuing your passions and ambitions. You are not a "half" of a whole, doomed to drift around broken and incomplete until you find your other half. You are a whole and full person in your own right. Besides, if you believe that you have to be in a relationship to be considered a success, it's likely you'll slide into casual relationships without careful thought or genuine emotion.

False Beliefs About Love (Part 1)

2007-04-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

How important do you think your looks are when it comes to finding love? How much of a role do you think your job title plays? Or your credit card? What about the car you drive? Or your charisma, social aptitude or intellect? Are you hitting the gym regularly or refraining from your favourite dessert because you think a great body is paramount when it comes to the mating game?
Well, believe it or not, you can improve your lovelife without being good-looking, having a toned physique, a fancy job title, a snazzy ride, or even charm or intellect.
Now, before you stop exercising and start gorging yourself, listen on? there's more to this than just letting yourself go.
The secret is changing your beliefs about love. Those widely-held and often-repeated beliefs and messages like "Beautiful people only go for other beautiful people", "No one will like a plain Joe like me", or "I'm not charming, witty or intelligent enough to attract potential mates".
These beliefs only reinforce your insecurity and discomfort in social situations. When you're uncomfortable, you naturally exhibit that state of being fidgety, tongue-tied or unsure. And that's what making you appear unattractive to others, not because you don't have a buff bod, not because you're fat, not because you're not interesting.
Now it's true that we all make initial assessments of others based on what we can see, but you'll be surprised to know how unimportant appearance can get as you get to know someone better. Besides, you'll find that "what we can see" doesn't just mean our facial features, our bodies, our grooming? it also refers to, more crucially, our disposition, our smile, eye contact, our sincerity, our attention to others, our humour, our ease in relating to others and our surroundings.
All this can only come about if you shake off those false beliefs about love and dating - the ones that tell you that good looks are most important, any fat is unforgiving, blah, blah, blah? just let them go. Be yourself, accept yourself, love yourself and people will too.

TMNT - Turtles in a hard shell

2007-03-29T00:59:00.000-07:00

Just watch the movie two days back. It's really interesting, not just the graphics or the turtle humour but it also illustrated something about brotherhood and teamwork. In the movie we can see the frustration that Leonardo had when his brothers don't really follow his orders and move on their own. And when they move in a team, it's TURTLE POWER!!!

Two lessons that i learned from this show...

1. There's strength in unity, especially in a family.

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! -- Psalms of David 133 verse 1

2. A leader must have compassion.

There was a scene in which the master discipled Raphael that even though he was so passionate and in many ways better than Leonardo, he lacks one thing to be a leader...i.e to have a compassion.

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8

In my own personnal journey of life, the leaders that i respected and followed are those that care for others, not for personnal glory but out of love and humilty.

The Baker and the Farmer

2007-03-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

People like to judge other people.
We always seem to have the appropriate adjective for people we deem to be inferior in some way. It seems like such a waste of time - judging other people when the time could be more efficiently spent evaluating yourself and making improvements.
There is a story about a baker in a little country town who bought the butter he used from a nearby farmer. One day he suspected that the bricks of butter were not full pounds, and for several days he weighed them.
He was right. He alerted the authorities and had the farmer arrested.
At the trial the judge said to the farmer, "I presume you have scales?"
"No, your honor," replied the farmer.
"Then how do you manage to weigh the butter you sell?" inquired the judge.
The farmer replied, "That's easily explained, your honor. I have balances and for a weight I use a one-pound loaf I buy from the baker."
Very often, the flaws in others are so much more conspicuous than our own. But before you start criticising them, examine yourself more closely, lest your own blemishes are unwittingly revealed.

Many a times, I find that I also jump to judgemental conclusions and it's a constant effort by myself not to fall into that pitfall.

In the word of God in the book of Matthew 7:
1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

Lord help me not to jump into conclusions and be judgemental. Help me not to jump into conclusions but have an open mind and to love others like oneself!

PL0504W

2007-03-08T17:48:00.000-08:00

A photo video i made for my class

My ex-form teacher

2007-03-05T20:49:00.000-08:00

My form civics tutor just passed away last friday. I was quite surprised that I was rather emotional at the wake. Indeed i think she's the best teacher i ever had. Her passion and dedication to her students are really incredible. I remember that she's always approachable and pushed each of us to do our best.

It's really different in my JC days compared to my previous schools. I can remember the countless tution we had outside staff room and the extra remedial lessons she gave after school.

Indeed she's a great teacher and I think the only way I can repay her now is to be a good teacher myself. Thanks Miss Chan for the difference you made in my life!

updates

2007-03-03T05:12:00.000-08:00

Have not been posting for almost a month. Some of you have been wondering what happen to me. The truth is that i have been getting busier and busier. Just came back from one week of reservice yesterday and have tons of work piled up for me.

I have been also been busy with preparing for a youth expedition project to Laos. I will be leading a group of students to build a community library there. So doing book drive, trying to prepare teaching materials for a short photography course.

Also been busy preparing for my students exams and as well as other CCAs. It's almost really stretching my capacity.

Anyway during the camp, I learn something hard. I had always been quite individualistic and prefer most of the times to do things on my own, so kind of hard for me to be as a team player. During my reservice, there's a live firing and we are group into teams of seven. If the team score is above eight percent, everyone will get marksman and 200 dollars bonus. This is very much different from previously when marksman is given at individual level. I was pretty struggling with it as I don't find comfortable with my team and wanted to be with my previous platoon mates. Well, I tried my best and managed to get 95 % for my own shoot but on the average, the team did not make the eight percent mark.

Well, the natural tendacy for us is to start blaming others of so called "pulling us down" but I am guarding hard against it and look on the bright side of it. In fact, I was also reminded of past incidents in school where my grades was bad because of project mates not putting in the same amount of effort that I put in.

I was asking God what is He trying to teach me here. And it's really about surrendaring my life to Him and the outcome and trusting God that all these setbacks is a time of molding of my character and becoming stronger and of course guarding against the grumbling spirit but instead giving thanks in all circumstances.

One thing to thank God for is I did try my best and no one was injured during the live firing shoot and there was also a consolation sourvenir for all firers.

Later will be going down to my former civics tutor wake....ms chan bee bee. She's a great teacher and I don't know what happen. Also a reminder to me that life is unpredictable. Make do of every single opportunity we have and don't live a life of regrets. Be a warrior of Light! Be a blessing to others while we live ;)

Forgiveness - Living a healthier Life

2007-02-10T07:26:00.000-08:00

When someone hurts you, there is nothing you can do to undo or reverse the hurt. You might feel that retaliation can assuage your pain, that your suffering can be made worthwhile by causing injury to your attacker, but it only keeps you stuck in a place of hatred. The grudges you harbour are like an anchor that keeps you weighted down. If you continue to hold an intense grievance, you are giving what happened in the past the power to determine your present emotional well being. Until you forgive, you will be victimized over and over again, trapped in an emotional prison, unable to move on with the rest of your life.

But do you really believe in forgiveness? Are some injuries so grievous that they should not be forgiven? Murder, for example? Or an extra marital affair? Or can everything, ultimately, be soothed by the balm of amnesty? Each one of us will have a different view of the extent and scope of forgiveness. But in order to get on with our lives, we all have to try. Even the parents of Protestant and Catholic families in Northern Ireland whose children had been killed by each other, had to find some way to reject the cycle of violence and embrace peace. Studies have shown that there are measurable benefits to forgiveness:

For instance, forgiving is good for your health. Studies show that people who forgive more readily report fewer health problems while people who blame others for their troubles have a higher incidence of illness such as cardiovascular disease and cancers.

Forgiving is good for your peace of mind. Studies of divorced people show that those who forgave their former spouse were healthier emotionally than those who chose not to forgive. The forgivers had a higher sense of well being and lower anxiety and depression.

If you're trying to forgive, but find it extremely difficult, don't be too hard on yourself. Remember, forgiveness is a process - it takes time and patience. You must be ready. Realize that forgiveness is for you - not for anyone else.

You also have to understand that forgiving does not mean you are condoning the actions of the offender or what they did to you. It does mean that you will blame less and find a way to think differently about what happened to you.

Forgiveness gives you the chance to leave the bad things in the past, and refocus on the positives in your life. To invest more time, energy and love on the people and things you still have.

Below are some steps to forgiveness

Confront your emotional pain
Understand that love is what you ultimately want for yourself from yourself.
Understand that forgiveness does not condone or approve or forget the harmful acts; forgiveness does not allow yourself to be abused. We forgive the doer, not the doing.
Realize that you are the only person responsible for your own feelings and for healing the hurt that is going on inside of you.
Start releasing anger, sadness, grief, and fear through the many processes, therapies and therapists available. Have a person to work with who can truly empathize with you, yet who can be objective and help you shift your perception from blame to healing.
Decide to forgive. Even if this decision is half-hearted at first, it will probably lessen your hurt and anger immediately.

Man's Pride - How much is it worth?

2007-02-02T07:27:00.000-08:00

I remember few years ago, I shared a testimony about my younger sister at her wedding dinner. I told of a past incident that I remembered very clearly. I was back from a camp and my younger sis came running to the doorstep and hugged me and cried and says she missed me. Back then, I was so full of pride that a man or a boy then shall not shed tears or say mushy stuff. I was really touched inside but put on a false appearance and I remembered I say, "what are you doing? just a few days only lah".

This is the so called Man's pride..男人的尊严. So how much is it worth....Nothing.
Yesterday I went for a special santification service at church. Pastor Roland was also sharing his testimony about how he almost refused to go out to the altar to receive a hug from the older pastors because he think he doesn't need it then and he was the one giving hugs to younger christians at camp. In a way, it's a form of spiritual pride.

I myself am guilty of it and yesterday night, I was really humbled by God's grace and went forward to receive the Father's Love. I wept like nobody business and God ministered to me about my past hurts. Yes, there was many hurts that I thought it was healed but God revealed to me all the rejections, my mother's death that I faced. All of us are hurt somehow or rather in our life and we need God's healing grace again.

After that, I was prompted in my spirit to put down my pride and go back home to tell my father "I love you".... I did that last night and I could sense a closeness in our relationship and there were tears that welled in my father's eyes..

I remember I only said that to him three times and last year i never said that to him..

So the cost of putting down Man's pride --> Priceless

A man's pride shall bring him low

Thank God for the works He had done during santification week. Today I also make a covenant with God that I will do a devotion before every meal. "Man shall not live on bread alone but by every word of the Lord"

Marriage for Life

2007-02-01T07:16:00.000-08:00

Recently, saw too many marriages having problems. And i was sharing this to my students.

So is marriage to you just a certificate??

Or is it a family and public affair?

Or is it a total mess for you now?

Well, if you are still single, perhaps before you get married..you can answer the below questions as a guide.

1.Are you stable-minded enough to get married?
2.Are you physically and mentally mature to marry?
3.Are you free to wed?
4.Are you financially sound for a married life?
5.Who is she (or he)?
6.Whose daughter (or son) is she (or he)?
7.Have you checked her (or his) past history?
8.Have you checked her (or his) parentage?
9.What are her (or his) educational qualifications?
10.Is she (or he) a pleasing personality and is she (or he) good looking?
11.Where did you meet her (or him) the first time, and how did you come to know her (or him)?
12.Did you fall in love with her (or him) at first sight?
13.Is she (or he) sensitive, provocative or emotional?
14.Have you checked what kind of friends she (or he) has?
15.Is she (or he) lovable?
16.Does she (or he) like to live extravagantly?
17.Does she (or he) always like to eat in luxury restaurants and go for holidays often?
18.Are you sure she (or he) will live within your life, within your reach and within your means?
19.Are you sure you are not forcing her (or him) to break off from her (or his) fiance (or fiancee)?
20.Are you sure you are not putting a chain of thorns around your neck?
21.Does she (or he) urge you to commit fornication, with the qualified excuse that after all she (or he) is going to be your wife (or husband) soon?
22.Is her (or his) faith in line with your religious belief, or is she (or he) tolerant of your religion?
23.Are you aware of family planning or a planned family?
24.Have you seek approval for the proposed marriage to the woman (or man) of your choice from your father and mother?

Class Sharing on 17 Jan

2007-01-17T20:40:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was my third spiritual birthday...3 years back I walk down the aisle to receive Christ in my heart and that is the best decision I had made in my life.

Yesterday also did some sharing on living a year of victory and being a winner in life.

3 attidudes
1. Always Thankful
2. Always Victorious
3. Always Persevere

Below are the slides that i shared in class =)

A Grateful Heart

2007-01-13T05:54:00.000-08:00

I was eating bak kut teh at Tiong Bahru to me. Something struck me when I heard someone complaining about the food. It also brought back memories of me complaining about my Mum's cooking when I was younger. Many a times, I took things for granted. Now with the absense of my Mum, I don't even have any more chance to taste her cooking anymore.

In fact, I don't remember appreciating her cooking in front of her. As I ponder over this thing, memories of poor children that i witness without proper food also started to come back. Many a times, I was like the Israelites when God brought them out of Egypt. They were complaining over many things, from lack of food to leaders and all sorts of things. But yet, they had forgotten the goodness of God and how God brought them out from slavery.

Today, I thank God that there are so many things to be grateful about. And it's also a good checkback on my own grumbles. For a start, there's this grateful spirit of I am quite well-fed by God....never a time I go hungry..haha also account for my growing belly :p...today i also finished every single grain of my rice.

There are also many things to thank God for. One thing to thank God for is the nation I am in. Singapore has many plus points to live in. It's relatively safe and clean and people don't go hungry if they work. The leaders of the country are wise too and we are top in many areas.

Hallelujah! Be Thankful! A contented and grateful man is a happy man!

Devotion 9 Jan 07 - Slaying Goliaths in our hearts

2007-01-09T05:33:00.000-08:00

Was reading numbers 12:25-33 today as below,

²⁵When they returned from spying out the land, at the end of forty days,
²⁶they proceeded to come to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the sons of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; and they brought back word to them and to all the congregation and showed them the fruit of the land.
²⁷Thus they told him, and said, "We went in to the land where you sent us; and it certainly does flow with milk and honey, and this is its fruit.
²⁸"Nevertheless, the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there.
²⁹"Amalek is living in the land of the Negev and the Hittites and the Jebusites and the Amorites are living in the hill country, and the Canaanites are living by the sea and by the side of the Jordan." ³⁰Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, "We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it." ³¹But the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us."
³²So they gave out to the sons of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, "The land through which we have gone, in spying it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants; and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great size. ³³"There also we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight."

It was told that Moses sent twelve spies to check out on the promised land God has promised to the people of Israel. But then spies came back focusing on the negative things and fears they had seen in the land, forgetting about the positive things they had seen and God's promises.

I was quite a pessimistic person in nature but I had learned and am still learning to look at the positive side of things. Many times, when facing a tough decision, my old nature comes in and the negatives causes me to lose sight of the positives. I am glad that Pastor Khong preached about 3 attitudes for the new year
1. Be thankful 长长感恩
2.Be Victorious 长长夸胜
3. Be a Blessing 长长祝福

Today I also woke up with a prayer to have a spirit of victory in my day. I thank God that today I met a new fellow FCBCian in my school just walking down the corridor and also talked to another one FCBCian in the school canteen.

I remember Pastor Caesar once preached about slaying the giants in our lives...just like what was described as Amalek in the passage. Amalek represents fear in our hearts. When fear about the future grips our heart, we let these fears and negatives blind us from seeking God's power to help and His promise to guide. We must have the spirit of Caleb in us!! we will surely overcome it!

So let us slay whatever Giants in our hearts and tap on God's power and guidance. We can overcome everything through Christ and are Victorious in Christ!

It All Begins with You!

2007-01-06T07:12:00.000-08:00

As we contemplate the past year and what wisdom we can draw from its lessons, one thing is painfully clear - most of the problems in the world today continue to stem from a fundamental malaise of Mankind that the centuries have not been able to cure. His tendency to be overly-concerned about other people - their flaws, their injustices, their immorality - and not caring enough about his own and what he can do about them.

Natural disasters aside, many of the major troubles in the world today are Man-made, including murder, racial and religious intolerance, and reprisal attacks. Listening to the leaders of the world condemn these acts and hearing the perpetrators justify their behaviour is like listening to a broken record. We've heard it a million times, yet we're no closer to resolving age-old conflicts.

The truth is, the world has always been torn by strife and clashes, civilizations rise and fall, good intentions get corrupted by self-righteousness, greed and power, and revenge continues to breed more and more revenge. In fact, the history of Man has been a history of repetition. We come, we conquer, we plunder, we use up, then go find some other place to feed our cravings or someone else to blame.

If we could all stop thinking about and blaming others for our problems and begin to focus more on self-development, I'm sure the world would be a much better place. The problem with focusing on others is that it's a convenient distraction from our own inadequacies. While we're preoccupied with others, we don't have time to think about our own shortcomings and therefore don't have to do anything about them. It's weakness of character, because it takes courage to look within, discover our own flaws and work towards improving ourselves.

If we want others to change, we must first change ourselves. We can only lead by example. This is as true of parent and child relationships as it is with politician and citizen, boss and subordinate, believer and non-believer. Nothing will make others see our point of view unless we can prove just how clearly we see it ourselves. Whether you believe in God or not is a personal choice - only you can see it, only you can feel it or not; you don't need anyone for that. And why should it matter to you how others think as long as it doesn't affect the way you think?

Starting now, try to shift your focus from other people onto yourself. Don't think about how other people are wrong, immoral, stupid, selfish, wicked or whatever. Think about how you can be a better person. How you can reach for that deeper humanity in you. And when others see how sincere and accepting you are, perhaps they can start to do some soul-searching and make some real changes themselves. It all begins with you.

Came across the above article today. Indeed a lot of times, we blame things and circumstances for our behaviour and it's so easy to do that. From the fall of Adam, we also see many characters in bible shifting the blame. It's time to live an authentic life, admit our flaws and work towards the righteousness and character of Christ.

Kranji Camp 3-5 Jan 07

2007-01-05T07:12:00.000-08:00

Was at kranji sec camp as a facilitator. It was very fun and I had a lovey bunch of students from 5A. They were very obedient, spontaneous and takes initiative. I also have two students charmine and annuar who always rises when I asked for volunteer. The three camera shy students william, soh teng and xieyao who refused to take any single photo and start looking at their feet whenever a camera is point at their location.

There was also a particular interesting lunch session where we were taught meals ettiquette. All the people sitting at my table was like tamed lions with their hands on their lap and not on the dining table itself. Each was like cautious with their movement, posture and the way they laugh. Another funny thing is, i can say jokes for half an hour and they were laughing non-stop at it, to the extent that when they look at me face to face, they will laugh. Seriously, it's not me at all..and is my face so funny meh??

In this camp, I was very thankful and encouraged to see so many of my ex-students and students in ITE serving as facilitators. They really brought me great encouragement as they sacrifice their personnal time to be at this camp. I also had a great class commandant Zuoling. Seriously, I think she's so good that i can be at the background most of the time and supporting her haha...more slack :p

Of course, I also am encouraged by so many supporters from church coming down to the camp itself in the evening to talk to us and encourage us. Can feel the warmth of the family. =) It's a great feeling to serve together as one big family of Christ.

Yes.."We'll never walk alone!" ;)

Be a Blessing in the Marketplace

2007-01-03T08:27:00.000-08:00

Today senior pastor 1728 meeting was terrific and God spoke to me much in this meeting. Actually I am struggling with teaching in ITE. Somehow, I lost the passion I used to have at the start. I was mentioning this to my brothers through email few days ago and to some colleagues today and also another church brother today.

But today, pastor Khong was challenging us to be minister and a light and a blessing in the marketplace we are in. After listening to Jason's testimony about how he started the prision ministry and the yellow ribbon movement, my heart was quite stirred and things are coming back on why I was called into ITE. The calling of ITE is within me, just need to search deeper to rekindle the fire and passion!

Yes, I want to be the light of ITE and be a blessing to my students, colleagues and may God help me through this and love them as how much You love me. There was also some confirmation on somethings that God is speaking to me. hehe...

Yeah..the HEAT is ON!!!

My dear friends, are you striving to be a light in your marketplace, be it in school or at work and to bless the people around you. Let's strive to be a shining light, a city on a hill which cannot be hidden.

Cell Advance 06

2007-01-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

It was a great advance this year. Started off with getting our lives right in the first session and repenting before the cross. It was good to realign ourselves back to God.

On sat morning, i had the priviledge to conduct ice-breakers for the cluster leaders appreciation. Actually i was quite nervous about it and my heart was thumping very fast. Even when i was on stage, i was pretty uneasy on the inside but thank God everything went out well.

A cd by Pastor Benny Ho was also played at the appreciation regarding cultivating the inner life. It was very good teaching and brought light to me in my inner walk with God.

After that, we had a great time at settler's cafe playing board game. Some of the acting is quite funny and also humdinger.

At night, we continued with next year planning as well as faith goals. Every year, I like sharing of faith goals. I am so blessed with many brothers so full of faith and it also stirs up faith in me. As a G12 group, we are praying for 600 in strength at end of 2007. It's a far stretched target by man's might but with God. it's possible. For He is I M Possible! Unless the Lord builds the House, the labourer labours in vain.

The final morning, i finally received the youthnet Dream Team T-shirt!! Ah pa had kept it for few months and now finally I received it with trembling haha. It also means everytime i see this jacket, I must picture myself the spiritual maturity and level my ah pa was when he was part of EJ288. I still had some way to reach where he was. But by faith, i will be by this year hehe.

below are some of the advance photos

15 Dec 06 - Magic of Love

2007-01-01T07:27:00.000-08:00

Brought quite a number of students to magic of love. Am glad that all of them enjoys the show. Am also touched by senior pastor khong sharing. Even though I had heard it so many times, it really shown me how transparent he is with his life and how authentic his way of living is. I am glad to have such a senior pastor like him. I know it's not easy to explain his situation to the church and at such a high leadership position, he really needs to be accountable for all his actions. This few years I had seen so many fall of church leadership and it all come down with one thing. i.e. being accountable and transparent in way of living.

I am glad that now I just joined a new accountability group that was formed by my ah pa. We also realized the need to have it as my ah pa is busy and it's difficult to keep all of us in check. But having grouped us into accountability group, it will help me a lot in my own personnel walk with God.

So how accountable are you my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ?

Philippians 2:12[ Shining as Stars ] Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

below are some pics taken on 15 mol

14 dec 06

2007-01-01T07:21:00.000-08:00

Ok...here's my backdated updates..Will try to post as much as possible.

Went to immigration department at 730 to help apply for visa. Didn't know that we can apply for visa for chinese PRC online. It's much faster. The queue at the immigration department is quite scary and crazy too. Even at 730, there were already at least 30 people queuing in front of us.

Anyway, it also surprised me on how efficient Singapore Government is in terms of online services. More and more e-services are made publicly. So much so that manual counter services are charged more and the processing time is much more.

It's no wonder that our government is trying to sell the way we manage the public sector to other countries as consultant.

Christmas 2006

2006-12-25T07:34:00.000-08:00

Went with a group of Chinese Scholars to orchard christmas countdown on Christmas eve. Was pleasantly surprised meeting so many FCBCians in orchard and they were doing carolling at orchard as part of Love Singapore Movement. They were also proclaiming the good news on the streets about how Jesus died on the cross for you and ME. Yes ME..also had a scary experience there. The crowd was jammed packed and had trouble moving place to place and further more we saw a group of young boys (about 30) chasing after someone and hitting him. Luckily it's jus hit and go thing and not much injury.

Today I spend a few hours seeking God. I was looking back at all my past sermons and notes and here were the GIST of stuff God had spoken to me.

1. Believe supernatural miracles naturally.
God is working in our midst and we must have an attitude of anticipation and that the miracles are possible!

3 Values of G12
1. Faith -> it births forth passion. Without faith it is impossible to please God. We must visualize the impossible and praying it into reality. Birthing our 12 is an act of faith itself. I am also believing God for recounciliation in my family for next year! Though by logic, it's hard to imagine but by faith, I claim it to pass.

2. Family-> G12 is about covenantal relationship. Even though there's nothing that bonds the family together and not even a contract, there's unity within the family especially my G12 family cause we share the same vision and values. There's power in corporate vision and unity. It brings about a total different kind of spiritual atmosphere.

3. Fathering->The word of God says "I will never leave you nor forsake you". I also want to say that to all my spiritual sons. Even though one has left me. But I will be still stretching out my arms and praying for him. Being a spiritual parent is not easy. Many times, we face rejections, disappointments with our spiritual sons. But the spirit of Fathering is simple, it is giving of oneself and emotions unconditionally. We can love because God love us first. We need to receive the Father's love and ask Holy Spirit to help us in loving other unconditionally just like what Christ did for us at the cross.

G12 is also about leading by example, living by faith and living a totally transparent live to all. With that we can challenge others to follow you as you follow Christ.

Next, we must be totally dependant on God and understand that the spiritual children and salvation belongs to the Lord. Man water the plants but it is God that makes it grow.

Lastly, we should not use works to please God because delight is found in the sonship and fellowship. Neither will those who do not throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, be successful in the vision.

So brothers and sisters, let us "Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past" Isa 43:18 and make yourself a committment today to throw off everything and our own desires. Seek first the kingdom of God and all these will be given to you.

Christmas Cel ebration

2006-12-23T09:11:00.000-08:00

went for two christmas party this year. One at ah pa's place and one at TCT magicbox. Also went for street carolling at esplanade. The street carolling was really quite a new experience. We went as a group and sing carols to the passer-bys. At first, I was quite apprehensive about it. But as we get started, I started to be high about it and went round greeting and shaking hands of passer bys and wishing them a merry christmas.

Amist the various christmas celebration and activities, I had been pondering to myself what was the actual meaning of christmas. Interestingly, there was this song that was sang through all the three different christmas celebrations i gone to. Below are the lyrics of the chorus "We were the reason"

We were the reason that He gave His life
We were the reason He suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us a reason to live

Quite a number of people view christmas as a time of giving and sharing but yet forgot the real meaning behind christmas. Christmas day is actually a day set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It's not just about others and yes it's about ME. Yes its jesus christ born and died on the cross for each and single one of us so that we will not be perished and eternal life. Thank you Lord, and thank you Father!!

Some photos from the carolling

Appreciation of Life

2006-12-22T09:08:00.000-08:00

A lot of unhappiness and stress in our lives is brought about by our perception that certain events are "good" and others are "bad". We have an endless supply of such labels and we tag them on freely. We get a promotion - GOOD. We get fired - BAD. We manage to buy the last tickets for a sell-out performance - GOOD. We miss the plane - BAD.

But how do we know for sure if something is so distinctly fortunate or unfortunate? Everything in life is connected so intricately with everything else that any one event could have an infinite number of causes and effects.

Just consider some of the stories that remind us of how pointless it is for us to be distressed about the unexpected turns of life:

Like the sailor recounting his misfortunes at sea - termite-ravaged masts, terrifying squalls, hulls torn open by reefs, and finally getting stranded on an island. All miserable-sounding experiences, to be sure, but what great fortune did these ill-fated events bring the sailor to?

Or the disenchanted boy who seeks a listening ear from his grandmother, but instead gets offered seemingly-yucky treats like raw eggs, flour, cooking oil, and baking soda. What lesson does he need to learn?

What about the twins in the womb who talk about how wonderful their dark, consistent, and floating existence is, and how terrifying it must be to leave the womb, to be born? What unfathomable wonders await them?

These stories remind us of how quickly we negatively judge apparent tribulations or misfortunes, not thinking about how they often lead to better experiences. Or how conveniently we nestle into our comfort zones, believing that change is evil and painful.

Yes, life is unpredictable, but how do we know for sure that things will turn out badly? Can we experience that which is beyond our five senses? What world or worlds have we yet to see?

Today, I heard about something unfortunate that happens to someone that is close to me. For me, I see it as testing of our faith and how God wants us to treat setbacks and trials in life.

Even in James 1:2-4

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything"

The pslamist was also thankful for affliction, for it taught him to keep God's precepts.

In Ps 119:67-76

Before I was afflicted I went astray,

but now I obey your word.
You are good, and what you do is good;

teach me your decrees.
Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,

I keep your precepts with all my heart.
Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,

but I delight in your law.
It was good for me to be afflicted

so that I might learn your decrees.
The law from your mouth is more precious to me

than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

Your hands made me and formed me;

give me understanding to learn your commands.
May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,

for I have put my hope in your word.
I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous,

and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
May your unfailing love be my comfort,

according to your promise to your servant.
Let your compassion come to me that I may live,

for your law is my delight.

The psalmist actually give thanks to God for the afflictions in his life. Imagine, you got fired and you thank God for it, even if you know you have tons of bills to pay at home, installments and loan to service and also a household to feed.

In all circumstances, it's really up to our choice to lament about it or give thanks to it and face it with a positive attitude. I would readily take up the latter and may God strengtened my heart as I faced adversities in my life.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Busy week 15 dec to 21 Dec

2006-12-21T07:56:00.000-08:00

It has been a tough and busy week for me. Asking God to multiply my time and be efficient through out. I have many events going on and also facing a major family issue and I need to attend to it throughout the week. And I really need juggle my time among all and as well as take care of my own emotional state. One of my favourite songs that help me tide over this period is "Always and forever" by PlanetShakers. It goes like this,

And when my world is falling down
In you i will be found
I'm staying in ur arms today
Always! always and forever..

And thank God that I am really holding on and God is also reminding me to look beyond all the storms in my life and rise above the storms with eyes of faith. All things work together for the good of those who love HIM. I believe all the sudden events and "problems" are here for a purpose and everything will be under control.

Below are the list of events in the past week
15 - 17 Dec Magic of Love
I remember I bought 40 tickets out of faith this year and initially I was quite hesitant in buying so many as I wasted a few tickets in the planetshakers concert. But I decided to forget the past and look towards the future. Thank God that this year I only wasted one ticket due to a friend unable to come down due to work and I brought in all 35 guests for the show..It's my record so far and I really don't know how I could accomplish this except from the grace of God and I thank God for it. All my guests enjoyed the show and find the magic of love a touching one. I prayed that through this show my guests will also experience God's love for each and single one of us.

18 Dec SICTAC Main Committee Barbeque
This is the first time I had barbeque in the rain. All of us were using umbrella and sheltering the food. But in the end the rain get heavier and we moved to the shed. Thank God we can still carry on with aluminium tray as backup. However it was supposed to be the youth camp dry run for cluedo and it was cancelled due to the rain. But thank God for it too that i am able to get some proper sleep before the youth camp.

19 Dec- 21 Dec Youth Camp Powerhouse
"This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. Zec 4:6

"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain." Ps 127:1

Above two are the key verses for this camp. I was in fact struggling to go for this camp as my family matter is still not settled. But I was affirmed of my decision to go for this youth camp by God when the second verse was revealed to me. Indeed, it's not my own strength but it is the Lord that brings the family together and build the togetherness in the family.

I must say that I am tremendously blessed this youth camp. My group - Group 11 is really a great blessing. They are very supportive, teachable and perserving. Many times we failed in some of our activities but they never give up. Every failure is a step towards success and we just try and try and try. That's the correct winning attitude. Our group also manage to set the record for the skipping rope. We have ten persons skipping 16 times using one long rope.

I was also greatly ministered to in the night sessions. God is molding me and teaching me again and again as I learned to put my trust and relent my control over my life to him. Yes indeed God is in control. I also experience delivering someone and got puked all over...haa...but this is nothing compared to what Christ has been through :)

I also thank God for the camp committee. I think they have put in a lot of effort and time. Despite the heavy downpour, they are able to manage the situation very well.

Oh yes, there was a super heavy downpour on the first day. Weather station also mentioned it was the heaviest downpour in a day for 75 years. I must say i am really encouraged by all the youths in the camp. Despite the heavy rain and abrupt of programmes, they stay united and try to keep their spirit high at all times. They were also very supportive of the organizers. Yeah..it's such a great blessing to have them in the family.

Below is my group 11.. They are terrific and awesome!!

You can also check out more of the pics at my multiply website

Christmas gifts

2006-12-11T00:19:00.000-08:00

haha...christmas coming, as you know one of my high love languages is gifts.
haha,
Below are the things i need :p

1. New belt (I only have one belt and it's spoilt)
2. Handphone Pouch
3. Wallet (Got hole liao)
4. Journal for the new year
5. A microwave haha
6. A good stylish pen..the last i had was from meishi and qiaoxiang but the paint had worn off.

10 Dec 06

2006-12-10T06:57:00.000-08:00

today is my last church security duty for the year. It's been quite an interesting experience, but the greatest thing i had learnt is to set a boundary. Be it physical boundary or emotional boundary. Physical boundary in blocking all the late comers. Emotional boundary by not empthazing too much on other people's requests. There are still rules and regulations to follow.

Today message was about Hearing the voice of God..And God gave me a vision of chicks hatching out from a pile of eggs.. I was reminded of one G12 conference where pastor Caesar told us spiritual sons are birth forth in the spirit. At that time, I went forth to pray for and I felt something moving in the spirit. And as pastor Khong prayed over me. I saw the vision. I asked God what it meant. And God told me, that G12 conference, I received and birth forth the eggs. And now, they are going to hatch.. I received that in Jesus' name =)

Alive Concert pics

2006-12-10T06:44:00.000-08:00

My acting as jerome's dad

Dressed up and sabo!!

Alive Concert

2006-12-09T05:38:00.000-08:00

This afternoon went to TCT to help out as facilitator for Alive Concert organized by Leo. I enjoyed myself throughout the concert. Abigail was singing and she really had a powerful voice. Am impressed by her singing even though she's just 14 this year.

The whole concert was quite well organized. There was songs, skits and games. Each item played a part in conveying the message of Christ. It started off with a few introduction songs followed by a skit. I had a part in acting in the skit. I loved acting hehe.. My role was that of a gambling father. The way he bet was scary...Thank God I am redeemed and had quit gambling for quite some time.

After that there was games. I was dressed up like dunno what kind. Will post my funny pic up soon.

When the games end, we went back for a song "I can only Imagine" which Abigail sings.

"I Can Only Imagine" is a song by the contemporary Christian music group MercyMe. Published in Mercy Me's 2001 debut album Almost There, the song received major airplay on both Christian and mainstream radio. It earned three Dove Awards in 2002: "Pop Song" and "Song of the Year", and "Songwriter of the Year" for its author and MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard.
Millard, whose father died in 1991 due to cancer, wrote the song in 1999 by drawing on his thoughts and personal faith about what one would experience upon meeting Jesus in Heaven. The song deals openly with Christian beliefs on the afterlife.
The song attained the No. 1 spot on Christian radio in 2001 and churches began using the song in their worship services, but it was only in 2003 when the song gained airplay on secular radio. Dallas radio station 100.3 Wild-FM's morning show The Fitz Radio Program first played the song upon a caller's requests and the producer Todd Shepard's urgings. It became one of the most requested songs not only at the Dallas radio station but also at radio stations across the United States as the band's label, INO Records, partnered with Curb Records to publicize the song.
The song was originally given to Amy Grant, who revised the lyrics and recorded it as "Imagine". Following the band's record contract, Grant decided to delay her own release of the song to allow MercyMe the chance to record and promote it as their own single first. Grant's version was later combined with "Sing the Wondrous Love of Jesus" and released on her 2002 album, "Legacy...Hymns and Faith".
Wynonna (Judd) has also performed a cover of this song.

Firstly, the lyrics is very meaningful. It also sets me pondering what will happen when i die and meet God. Well definitely I must be accountable to HIM on how I live my life and is it right or not. In many areas, I felt that I am still lacking in my walk with God. But during the concert, I really felt the presense of God and I know we were all blessed.

Next, the above I was quite blessed by this movie clip which Waimun uses to preach the love of God. The clip shows how much a father has done for his handicapped son. Just because of a want by his son to run a marathon later by his son's words "Dad, when we cross the finishing line, I don't feel that I am handicapped", The Dad pushed him on wheels and ran for it. And his timing was remarkably near the world record. After that the father and son team went on to conquer many marathons and even triathalons.

Similarly or far much greater than this, our heavenly Father has showered so much love upon every single one of us. As I watched this video, I felt so much on God's love and it also compels me in loving my spiritual son more so that through my love for him, he can experience God's love.

Don't know how to end this post but one thing i know..."I can only imagine" what happened when i meet God and God's depth of love for every single one of us.

9 Dec 06

2006-12-08T08:31:00.000-08:00

wah..realized that i haven't blogged for a long time. Will try to update my life more. Went to east coast park today for a barbeque with Anthony's Cell, Kelvin, my students sharon, chanel, jiahui, joel, joe, johnny, thomas and dingwen. Had a good time talking with thomas, chanel, jiahui and dingwen. We also went to play pool after that. It was good to catch up with Johnny. Haven't seen him for a long long time...and yes, i finally manage to pass his birthday present to him. Hope he likes it.

Just some updates on my personal life, I felt that there's some breakthrough and also realize how much i need to depend and anchor my life on Jesus. Many a times, I felt so frustrated, disappointed at work and at life. And it's only when i fix my eyes on Lord Jesus that I know these are the times God had placed his molding hand on me. Each obstacles and setbacks are meant to mold me. Every failure and disappointment in life is a step closer to a greater success.

There's a lot of things i am quite disappointed with and really hope to see it going. My faith goals in life and also things happening in school...but I know the greatest weapon against disappointments is to PRESS IN, NEVER GIVE UP, and SOW MORE!!

GOD help me!! :)

power house

2006-11-23T16:48:00.000-08:00

The Scholar and the Boatman

2006-11-22T03:54:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, there lived a scholar who had mastered many languages, the ancient scriptures, including the Vedas, arguably the oldest surviving texts in the world, epic literary works and so on. He was unparalleled among his peers and he was very proud of himself.
One day, he wanted to cross a river and hired a boatman. Sneering silently at the boatman's lowly profession, the scholar asked him, "Have you ever studied the Vedas?"
The boatman said matter-of-factly, "No, I am not educated and I cannot read or write".
Pouncing on this response, the scholar snickered, "Oh, you have wasted one-fourth of your life time by not knowing the Vedas!"
Not content to end it there, the scholar continued, "What about the great epics then? Have you ever listened to them?"
The boatman replied, "I have no time to read the epics as I leave for work very early in the morning to ferry people across the river and return home very late".
To this the scholar said, "Oh, you have wasted half of your life time by not listening to the great epics!"
The scholar continued, "Have you at least known languages other than your mother tongue?"
To which the boatman said he never travelled outside his native land and hence, had no opportunity to learn other languages. The scholar said, "Oh, then you have wasted three-fourths of your life time".
By this time, the boat had covered half the distance and it was in the middle of the river. The boatman noticed that water was entering through a small hole in the boat.
He asked the scholar, "Oh, respected scholar! Do you know swimming?"
The scholar replied, "I have no time to waste in learning swimming. I can just pay a small charge and cross the river at any time."
The boatman said, "Oh respected scholar! By not knowing swimming, you have wasted your whole life time. The boat is going to sink very soon. I'm exhausted from rowing and only have the strength to swim to the bank myself?"

Moral of the story =>
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall
-- Proverbs 16:18

ITE Teacher's Conference

2006-11-10T04:56:00.000-08:00

Today my class punctuality was slightly better but majority was still late but at least half the class were here in the first hour.

However there's still 8 abstentees :(

Dunno what to do with them at times. Can only pray that they will change themselves and have the right attitude towards school.

Went for the teacher's conference this afternoon. I went for the service learning workshop. I was quite pleasantly surprised when the speaker mentioned about Project S.M.I.L.E from touch community services and how she was interested by the way service learning was conducted.

At the end of the session, one of the attendees asked about project smile, and I was able to answer and promote project S.M.I.L.E (Sharing Magic In Love Everywhere)

This year teachers' conference panel discussion was a bit different from last year. I still prefer last year where teachers were there to share. But this year topic was about teacher Leadership.

Frankly speaking, I think every teacher in ITE has a leader quality in them but most of the time, a lot of teachers were too busy with their teaching, admin, counselling, student management activities that very few has the energy to rise up and take initiative. I had spoken to some teachers and they have very fantastic ideas, I myself have a few dreams too..however, due to the workload, none actually wanted to raise them up. Nowadays, when you raise ideas, you are the implementor....I still have a few ideas that I raised that I haven't got the time to implement yet.

But think the situation for the teachers in ITE is getting worse. I have spoken to a few good young teachers, they have already expressed their intention of not renewing contract after this. Many were chored down by the various duties and their vacations and personnal space and time were sacrificed. Maybe I should bring this up to the management..

Anyway, after the conference, I went to Tecman to buy some gifts for birthdays and christmas. I got myself a life application bible, niv English and Chinese software and lotsa "pass it on" cards!! Was also pleasantly surprised to see weide bro bro there but he went off first with his NIE friends. I went for shopping after that. Oh ya, today I spent almost 3000 dollars hahaa.. but 2400 is for 22 phantom of the opera tickets...will get them back in the coming weeks.

Wanted to watch the show since I heard of it. Last time no money and no company...yeah..this time round I got 21 others to watch with me!! Yippee!! So fun!!

I also bought 2 softball gloves and a softball...who wants to play with me??

After that was stuck in the Serangoon road jam..didn't know the evening jam is so bad. I went to rivervale plaza to get the bicycle blinking lights..so ex..it cost 11 dollars each.

Ok tomorrow going for a challenging 100 km walk round Singapore!! So excited!! I get to spend extend time with my G12 brothers Ronghui and Ee Jay..can have extended bonding and chatting time =)

Not going to sleep for 24 hours while walking!! Shiok!
I will perserve!! Never give up!!

Perseverance, persistance, the prize!!
The Christian life was never promised as an easy way to live; instead, Paul constantly reminds us that we must have a purpose and a plan because times will be difficult and Satan will attack. But we never persevere without the promise of a prize --- a promise God will keep.

Realman Programme

2006-11-07T07:02:00.000-08:00

Just come across this programme in my comp. Comments are welcome!!

Aim : To nurture a Chivalrous Generation that will treat the fairer sex with proper respect & Equality

Goals: To include Chivalrous behaviors:
1) Observable Speech and Action change
2) Proper Respect & Equality towards fairer sex

Action Plan
a) To create awareness through structured experience & teaching
b) To reinforce this awareness in 2 different social situation

Ongoing OJT after triggered event: Personal logbook of behaviors

Triggered Event
Role-play Skit
Teaching session
Structured Experience

Aim:
Realize impact of discrimination and prejudice towards Ladies

Teach proper behaviors in
1. Speech (e.g. Words of affirmation/encouragement)
2. Actions (e.g. open doors for ladies)

Adventure Camp/Expedition

Aim:
Practice Servant hood

· In collaboration with ladies network
· Planning Phase where the men and woman work together
o Social Objectives + processing
o Expedition Objectives
o Pre-determined/behavior tasks that must be completed. E.g Guys wash dishes, carry garbage bags, setting up tents, cooking
· Feedback from ladies
· Post-trip processing
· Ask before offering help
· Feedback/Processing after all interactions/meetings
· Target group size <= 20

Social D & D

Aim:
Experiential learning on how to treat a lady properly in a local setting

· Co-organize D&D with a ladies network
· Random partners based on age
· Guys to invite and escort ladies to the event
· Practice pre-taught dining etiquette
· Dance
· Post Processing

AMazing RacE at ECP 25 nov

2006-11-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

anyone interested?

Unity in the body of Christ

2006-10-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

Went for a short leaders' retreat last weekend and pastor yearn cherng was sharing about body of Christ, that how each and one of us are part of the body of Christ and are important. One cannot function without the other.

In Romans 12,

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you:
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought,
but rather think of yourself with sober judgment,
in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Just as each of us has one body with many members,
and these members do not all have the same function,
so in Christ we who are many form one body,
and each member belongs to all the others.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.
If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.
If it is serving, let him serve;
if it is teaching, let him teach;
if it is encouraging, let him encourage;
if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously;
if it is leadership, let him govern diligently;
if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Pastor also shared about the story of cranes flying over great distances. As a single crane, they cannot achieve it but as they rotate and fly in formation, all of them can fly longer distances.

Below is a quote

"These large birds, [cranes] who fly great distances across continents, have three remarkable qualities. First, they rotate leadership. No one bird stays out in front all the time. Second, they choose leaders who can handle turbulence. And then, all during the time one bird is leading, the rest are honking their affirmation . That's not a bad model for the church. Certainly we need leaders who can handle turbulence and who are aware that leadership ought to be shared. But most of all, we need a church where we are all honking encouragement."
Bruce Larson

Indeed, be it you are working, in a team or even walking with the Lord, we need support from each other. When we work as a team, the dynamics are stronger and the efficiency are much more

Party!!

2006-10-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

Any one interested, msg me!!

MOL Day 2 (4th Oct 06)

2006-10-12T19:33:00.000-07:00

It was the second day of MOL. We started the day with a good time of morning devotion and worship with Adele sharing from Isaiah 43.

After that, we proceeded to Shibuya, one of the busiest areas in tokyo. There, i saw the first time pacinku. It's a kind of gambling where they collect metal balls.

After that, I was a time of challenging moment for me. We were split into three teams to do street magic. We had to approach people, perform magic to them, entice them and gave them MOL tickets...And we had total of 49 tickets to give away!!

I partnered with Mirabel to walk around. Thank God she was there and she took the step forward to share first. I wasn't quite comfortable and it's only with much pushing from her, I started to talk to the japanese. For your info, i do not know jap at all and i tried to communicate with them through actions and english which they know very little.

But as we step out in faith, we were the first to give away the tickets. Below are the two japanese youths that we gave away the tickets..

After that we took a short break at the restaurant processing. It was a good time as we shared about approaching japanese on the streets. Generally, we find them quite reserved and conservative. Some even shun us and were really petrified about us approaching them. One girl even screamed when meiqi stopped her in her path.

Then we continued to give out tickets after the processing, God was amazing and He brought us a man of peace that help us to promote.

he's hiding behind the pic below.

After that we also witness a girl throwing to fits on the streets. Meiqi went to help calm her down while the rest prayed for her. Ambulance came shortly and she was sent to the hospital. Pray that God will heal her!

In the late afternoon, Clarence and myself went to airport to help michelle with transport of some props. AND WE WERE LATE!!! Felt so paiseh and I thought we had our head pastors, pastor khong and pastor nina waiting for us.

In the end, it turned out that there's some problem with the delivery of the props and the japanese refused to take in the huge prop in his van. It was a good time for me to see my two head pastors handling the situation. They really worked as a couple and I can know more about them. Fortunately, we managed to squeeze the props into the van with much struggling. Pastor Khong also helped to carry the props up. Man..he is strong.

The other team actually went over to shalom saitama church to conduct an open cell, from what i gather from them, they learned much, especially on japanese culture. There's a lot of things that we missed when we visited them. We felt that we should try more to understand japanese culture.

Pastor yearn cherng also joined us at that event. And thank God too, we had news of the missing luggage and it will be back!! Meiqi and Stella will have new clothes to change to :p

Day one MOL 3 Oct 2006

2006-10-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

Will be posting my thoughts and updates on MOL day by day. Stay tuned..
DAY ONE
=======
I arrived at the airport around ten pm. Take some time off to seek God and to re-align myself. It was a good solitude time and I had my dinner at delifrance. It had been a long time since I spent some quiet time alone. And I am glad to have time at the airport. But from 1 am onwards, I was quite tired and went to doze at this cafe. The cafe was playing retro music and it reminded me of my past where I used to go Zouk for mambo. Though at that time, it was fun but deep in my heart then, I know there's still something missing. And that was God's love ;) As expected, my Ee Jay and Guanghan bro were there to send me off and as well as my ah Pa. Appreciated them coming down to send me off.. If you read my harrison profile when I posted months back, I was analysed that I need support to do things. Thank God for the spiritual family HE has blessed me with, knowing that they will be behind me supporting and encouraging me =) Ok back to the MOL Japan Trip. Day one was really hectic. It's the first time I forgot to buy insurance and to my dismay and to everyone's dismay, the flight was CANCELLED!!! And to add to everyone's anguish, the announcement to transfer to the next flight was in japanese. By the time we knew it, there was no more seats left for us. Stranded at the airport!! THat was really one great blow to us. We were reminded of the tom hanks show "The Terminal" where he stayed in the airport waiting for transit.

But we chose to trust God. Trust in HIM and lean not unto your own understanding. Thankfully, we were transferred to Cathay Pacific, a better airline than northwest from my point of view. But we need to transit to tokyo via hongkong. Total delay will be seven hours and we had to cancel some programmes and inform our Japanese friends in tokyo.

Nonetheless, this does not stop us from having fun and we had fun taking videos in hong kong. And we had quite a good laugh at ourselves.

But that was not the end of it. Meiqi and Stella luggages didn't arrive at the Narita airport. That was another combo hit to us. But we are not going to let this stop us from doing God's work in Japan. The more trials we faced, it means that there's really spiritual resistance for us to push onwards.

Another thing that shook me was when I reached ueno station, I was taken back by the sight of many people sleeping on the streets. It's something that I never expect given the economoy situation of Japan. My heart is really for the poor and I was quite shocked by the number of homeless people in tokyo.

Thank God, we arrive at Oak Hotel close to midnight and my room mate Clarence came almost immediately after us. The room was better than I expected but not the toilet. The toilet is so small and cramped, any big size guy will get stuck in it I think.

The events that put us down also make me realize that unless the Lord builds the house, the laborers labour in vain. There's a lot of things in life that we cannot control. Through this journey, God is telling us to trust and abide in him. To overcome each trial and tribulations and never give up!!

My friend, if you are reading this, I pray that everytime you feel like giving up, I want you to know that there's a God that loves you and He's by your side. Trust in HIM and learn to surrendar the circumstances. We cannot control circumstances around us but we can control our attitude towards it. God bless!!

Below is the video we manage to produce in day one

day one photos

Gave away my first time???!!!

2006-10-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

Finally, my japan trip has come to an end. Going to fly back tomorrow 6pm. There's many things going on and each day was a day in faith lived out. God was good and there were many miracles and wonders that was done. God's favour is upon us!! Will share more when i am back in singapore. And today i went shopping spree!! Bought about 200 dollars worth of clothes!! It's the first time i buying clothes this year. Check out my new clothes soon =)

And today i gave away my first time...

haa...

it's not what you think.

I took my first NEOPRINT!! With 2 young japanese girls and Dan, Lirong and Clarence..very cute pictures..will upload them when i received them.

Ok i will be back on Wed 1 am.

See ya!!

Jianxing and Suzan Engagement Party

2006-10-01T21:29:00.000-07:00

Ha...first time go engagement party by the beach, it was quite fun and we were asked to dress up by jianxing and suzan. Originally, a lot of us make quite some noise about it but end of the day, we had fun dressing up and taking pictures of each other. I had also quite a good time playing some games with the couple too. Yes and it's only a warm up towards the big day haa...will upload more videos when i am back from mol tokyo. Am excited about what God's going to do and yes I am part of it!! For more info checkout MOL blogspot

Conflicts!!

2006-09-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

Recently, had a conflict with one of my close brothers. I was rather angry with him over some thing. On hindsight, I found that it was unfound for. The situation was I let my heart rule my thinking and nearly exploded the whole things.

What I did was i jumped into conclusions too quickly and being too judgemental to my brother. The pitfall many of us face is that we too can be overwhelmed by the things happening and conclude too quickly. We let our heart rule our actions.

The word of God also says in Jeremiah 17

The heart is deceitful above all things
and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?

I had failed to look beyond that and almost resulted in disastrous relationships. On hindsight, this thing can be prevented by trusting God and trusting my brother and search deeper into my brother's heart rather than that particular action.

In the same book of Jeremiah 17

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.

He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit."

If we are anchored deep in the Lord, we will not be swayed by circumstances but will be like a tree deeply rooted. Similarly in the same book, it was written

"I the LORD search the heart
and examine the mind,
to reward a man according to his conduct,
according to what his deeds deserve."

It shows how God actually view us. In the same way, that should be the way we viewed each other. We should not just look at the outward appearance and actions but searched deep into each other's heart, looking from their angle of where they are coming from.

In this way, I believe much conflicts can be resolved in relationships.

below is an interesting story about two brothers too, enjoy!!

Two Brothers
By Author Unknown
(thanks to Claire for submitting)
Once upon a time two brothers, who lived on adjoining farms, fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a conflict. Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's tool box. "I'm looking for a few days' work" he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?" "Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you."

"Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor; in fact, it's my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll do him one better."

"See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence --an 8-foot fence -- so I won't need to see his place or his face anymore."

The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you."

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job.

The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge -- a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all -- and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming toward them, his hand outstretched. "You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done." The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand.

They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder. "No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother. "I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, but I have many more bridges to build.

Food for Thought:
Do you have any bridges
that you need to build?

Update

2006-09-26T10:43:00.000-07:00

Wah!!! I can't believe it! It's been ten thousand ages since I last blog. Oh man! Time really flies. Today is the second day of my vacation but it's not really a vacation. Every day have to settle some school work. Life has been very busy since my PCTE course. Almost everyday fighting fire at work here and there, organizing camps, running meetings after meetings, settling the various student activities and also the ministry activities.

But there were also good times where I celebrate my birthday at KTV with some of my friends. Below are some of my crappy videos :p

Of course, at the SICT camp I was involved more this time round and got to know more about this batch of students. All of them are quite fun-loving and cute! Also got 认 one gan 女儿. Recently have been out with them on outings as well as one ex-student

However, the sad part is I haven't been doing quality quiet time and seeking God. Am quite frustrated over this and some more a lot of issues came up in my life. Suddenly, I was overwhelmed with so much stuff. Nearly had a breakdown last sunday, and I took a run immediately to clear my negative emotions and battle with the devil. It's my way of cooling off, wished I had run further.

Pray for me friends! That I can find peace in my heart and ample rest of my soul.

Harrison InnerView Profile

2006-08-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

Recently took a harrison profile, don't know what it is but below is the report. Not sure how many it writes it's true but to a large extent, I think it reflects well on me.

KEYWORD DESCRIPTION

Strongest Traits	Strong Traits	Fairly Strong Traits
Frank Helpful Idealistic and realistic Warm	Open minded Outgoing Enjoys collaborating Has creative ideas Assertive Can be disorganized Dislikes structure	Analytical Enthusiastic about goals Can be somewhat tense Wants recognition Flexible Likes to lead

SUMMARY DESCRIPTONS

Chee Aik is very open-minded and reflective. He is very outgoing. Chee Aik has a natural tendency to analyze facts and problems. He is very creative and progressive. Chee Aik is very innovative. However, he is EXTREMELY forthright, frank and to the point. Chee Aik has a good balance between being tactful and being direct. He is extremely helpful and conscious of others' needs. Chee Aik is very assertive. He is good at creating mutually beneficial interactions. For Chee Aik, doing work that benefits others/society is extremely important. However. he may experience some stress or tension at work. Chee Aik is extremely empathetic and warm. He is quite flexible and adaptable to changes. However, Chee Aik may lose efficiency without the appropriate organizing support from others. He has some desire to be in a leadership position.

Honouring Each day

2006-08-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

Read an email on this

Just how precious are your days?

Well, to answer that question, just look at how you're spending them.

Going by the way some of us live our lives, we don't really think our days are all that important. We rush blindly through them, not truly savouring the experience, fall into bed exhausted, then wake up the following morning only to do it all over again. We make mechanical and dutiful contact with our loved ones, saturate our bodies with caffeine, junk food and alcohol, and generally make chains of meaningless moments.

Meaningful moments, when we do try, are few and far between. We blame it on our hectic work schedules of course, or tenaciously hold on to the notion that there'll always be time for our loved ones. Too many people are caught in the trap of "busyness" - that never-ending need to work, to play, to do everything else except the things that truly make life wonderful and meaningful.

When was the last time you truly honoured the day? I mean really accorded it the respect and significance it deserves? Because the future is an illusion - we all think we have more time, but that simply isn't true at all. Our lives could end at any time. The only time we really have is the present - it's where we are now. If we can't be happy with who we are, what we have and where we are now, then we're just wasting our time. We might as well be sleepwalking through our days.

Too many of us are waking up in cold sweat thinking "Where has all the time gone? What have I been doing with my life? Why am I not spending more time showing my wife how much I care about her? Why am I not showing my loved ones more love? How much time do I really have left?"

We're not waking up thinking about our jobs, our bosses, getting a fancy haircut, buying a new car, a new bag, a new anything; these things just don't fulfill us, really!

What we really need is connection. We need to connect more with other human beings. We need to connect more with nature. We need to connect more with who we are inside and make that who we are outside as well. We need to honour all that the day gives us - the sun, the wind, the hot breakfast, the taxi ride, the smiles, the friendly invitations, our partner's touch, a joke, a laugh, a kiss.

Honouring the day means choosing to make each moment count.

I do not know how much I honour my time and the gift God has given to me. At times, I might waste my time without being aware of it and so does many of us. But I tried to make full use of each moment and each time. And let each moment be a defining moment in life. There's this song that i like it goes like

What has been I cannot change
But for tomorrow and today
I must be a light for future generations

So let it be my prayer! Be the salt and light of the world!

If Jesus is Lord, We will serve HIM

2006-08-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

Points from the sermon (6 Aug)
1. It is a ministry that cost - Filling up the suffering of Jesus

2. It is a ministry of changing lives - presenting every man perfect in Christ

3. It is a ministry of Continual Struggle - Total dependance on the Power of Christ

It was a timely message for the church I feel especially to those that are active in the ministry.

Yes indeed, God's work come as a price. Some might ask is it worth it? Sacrificing your sleep, your personnal desires, your interests, your hobbies, your time for ministry; Getting persecuted, Getting scolded for loving people; Not appreciated by people; For some, sacrificing their school work and grades. Yes these are just a small part of the big price serving for God.

So is that worth it?

But I believe, it's through all these that God molds our character and our journey that we become stronger after each adversity and each trial. And it is God's Love for me that motivates me. I was wondering the other day that would Jesus died for us if there's no resurrection, that in order to save us, sinners, that He will need to perished in Hell... I choose to believe HE will. I know the great apostle Paul will as stated in the scriptures and He's following after Christ.

One thing I want to do is to love Jesus more and more each day and Jesus said, "If you love me, feed my sheep" It is not easy to love people unconditionally. I admit i am struggling with it at times. I just got a reminder the day before when I saw two NUS volunteers helping an elderly. They were cleaning her feet and even applying cream to her legs, foot, in between toes, just like Jesus washing the disciples' feet. I felt so ashamed of my own pride when I saw their humilty.

Daily, I have to die to myself and carry the cross..to live the crucified life and to beat my body no rest till I see God. There's no retirement for me!

As a teacher, I want to transform my students' lives to present every one perfect. I also want to be a disciple maker and present every disciple perfect in Christ. That every one of them will acknowledge that Jesus is Lord over their lives. But I know I cannot do it without God and HIS Lordship over every single area of my life.

Yes, I admit that I also struggle but with each wrestle with God, I depend more on HIM. I know I am not in control and I need to surrender my control over my life to God. To be total dependent on the power of Christ!

And some might ask also does if we suffer for God, won't a Christian walk be full of pain and no joy. I would suggest otherwise. When you understand more and more of God's heartbeat and desire for his people, you will serve with joy because that's your mission in life. When you know you have a calling, you have a mission and you have a destiny and you know the Almighty God is with you always, you have the assurance of the greatest Love on earth. When one knows that he suffers for his purpose in life, when he sacrifices other things for his main desire, he will serve and suffer with much joy.

God let me have your heartbeat and desires!
God help me to be fervent for you, to serve and suffer for your desire! 受苦倒底!

My values and beliefs on teaching

2006-07-28T01:14:00.000-07:00

Was asked to write a journal on "My values and beliefs on teaching"
Decided to post here as well.

Teaching itself is a calling. The first time I felt the calling was when I started conducting youth programs in schools in 2004. The vision for the program was “Every Youth a Success Story”. That was also one of my mottos as I step into teaching.

The turning event for me to answer my calling was the time when I was in Meulaboh in Sumatra for the relief efforts organized by the Red Cross and facilitated by the SAF. The destruction that i had witnessed then was quite drastic. Even after 3 weeks past the incident, bodies were still found. Some were even in the sea and along the shore. If you look hard enough, one can even see human bones.

There were 150 schools in Meulaboh but only left 7 were left. There was also a boys’ home of 500 boys and none of them survived. The amount of death and suffering were clearly seen, the refugees or so called "displaced personnel" were struggling to cope with the loss of their love ones; not to mention the loss of their homes and possessions. I watched a video of a woman crying over her child and hugging the corpse and it just broke my heart.

I felt so helpless and I hoped I could do much more. The refugee camps were all over the countryside, right in the middle of no where. Temporary shelters were made and the only possessions the refugees had were a piece of mat and food provided by the relief organization.

When I was at the refugees camp helping to distribute the supplies, God just prompt me to pray for them and I just felt compassion rising up in my heart.
“When Jesus saw the multitudes, he had compassion for them (matt 9:36)”.
I did not really understand this verse until I was at the refugee camp.

One very striking comment made by the SAF commander there was, no matter how much or how little we did in Meulaboh, we hope to make a difference no matter how small towards the refugees’ lives. It just prompts me that our world is torn with poverty, wars, materials pursuit, evilness, craziness, etc. And we just need that small difference from each and every one of us. I do hope I can do that in every single moment of my life and I believed that through teaching the next generation, we can achieve that.

One thing that I always taught and emphasized in to my students is “never give up”. They can forget everything that I taught in class but what they must take away from me at the end of graduation is the never say die attitude. Everyone will face disappointments and setbacks in life but if we rise up to be conquerors, we will overcome every single trial, tribulations and obstacles in our lives. The factor that differentiates people that succeed in life and people that does not is perseverance. We cannot control every single external things and circumstances but we do have a choice of how to handle it and our attitude towards life. Happiness does not come from outside but within oneself. A heart of gratitude is of utmost importance, to be contented with life and not overwhelmed by greediness and materials pursuit at the expense of families and relationships.

In ITE, I tried to influence and guide my students in their character development and provide them a caring environment. Many of them came from broken families and were overwhelmed by their own personnel problems. Most of their emotional needs are not met and I hoped to nurture that kind of loving community in school where they can find acceptance and love. There is so much potential in each one of them and sometimes, it just takes a word of encouragement to bring that out. I also want to teach them to have a heart for the community, to care and love each other, to be joyful and thankful always. And of course, to succeed in life.

Here is my definition of education. The real measure of education goes well beyond examinations and grades. The real measure comes years later - in the courage to try the untested, the determination to overcome challenges, the willingness to stand in a team and ability to lead. It ultimately lies in the ability to live life to the fullest.

Every student can succeed!

List of quotes that I like:
The mediocre teacher tells.
The good teacher explains.
The superior teacher demonstrates.
The great teacher inspires.
- William Arthur Ward

Our Education system often rewards success and achievement - not effort - and those who need most help are given the least.
- Anthony V H Loh (Dr), a retired principal

Pupils don't care how much teachers know until they know how much teachers care

Teaching is more than imparting knowledge, it is inspiring change. Learning is more than absorbing facts, it is acquiring understanding
- William Arthur Ward

The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called "truth”
- Dan Rather

If a doctor, lawyer, or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn't want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher's job
- Donald D. Quinn

Teachers who inspire realize there will always be rocks in the road ahead of us. They will be stumbling blocks or stepping stones; it all depends on how we use them.

The task of the excellent teacher is to stimulate "apparently ordinary" people to unusual effort. The tough problem is not in identifying winners: it is in making winners out of ordinary people.
- K. Patricia Cross

Life updates

2006-07-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

24/7/06

Struggled in bed to wake up for the morning prayer. But it was good and I realized that revival starts with us first. That we must first break all individualism, intellectualism, idolatry, immorality, indifference.

During my this phase of journey, I understand more about the importance of holiness and during the day as i went for the various prayer meetings, this is what the Lord has spoken to me.

1. The Christians in Singapore needs to be authentic in their living and treat holiness seriously. We need to realign our lives back to the heartbeat of God.

2. In psalms 72:4
He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.

God is asking me, am i helping the children of the needy, am I defending the cause of the poor.

3. In psalms 73:3

For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Lord, forgive me for being envy about others! That Lord, I will live a life for you.

4. We need to bind the strong man of Singapore - one word came into my mind...Greed and it was reaffirmed by one of the sisters who release the word in the prayer meeting.

25/7/06
Went for 2 prayer meetings. This is what was shared.

Matt 25
1. Alertness
2. Accountability
3. Acceptability

Are we alert for the end time? Are we living as if the day is the last day? God give me alertness to make a difference and touch someone's lives, to live each day as my last day on earth

Are we accountable to God on how much we are bestowed with? Are we using our giftings and talents for God?

Pastor billy quoted one thing that struck my heart.
We may be in the world, but the world will not make us me a worldly christian.

Are we compromising things? Are we succumbing to the influences of the world and pressures from the peers? Either we influenced or be influenced! God help me be the salt of the earth and not lose my saltiness. Let every word that come out from my mouth to be seasoned with salt. With words of affirmation and encouragment.

Matt 5:19...we must do what we teach
Matt 5:28
But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

God Help me take captives of every thought. Let my thoughts be noble, loving, pure, kind and of You!

Went to help out in the PGP city tour talk this afternoon. Praise God for the wonderful response!

Unhappy Singaporeans?

2006-07-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

Singapore ranked lowly in a recent "Happy Planet Index".

Developed by the UK-based New Economics Foundation, Singapore stood at 131 out of 178 nations surveyed, the lowest among Asian nations

Though some may argued that the index scoring was not fair as the variables involved in coming up with the index places emphasis on a country’s environmental friendliness. However, are Singaporeans really happy? In another recent survey of some 30,000 students in primary 4, secondary 1 and post-secondary 3, it was found that a majority do not feel that school helps them in their pursuit of happiness.

From young, Singaporeans are stressed out in the education system. There are tons of streaming and parents and even students also compare themselves among their peers. Everyone is so caught up with pursuing and competing what is deemed to be "success" in what is defined by Singapore Society...the 5 C's. So by achieving that, does it constitutes to real happiness and joy?

My friend, materials pursuit will only give you a momentary of joy. There's always more materialistic stuff to pursue. It will never end! And by doing so, if you neglect the time with your family and friends and relationships, it will just constitute to more unhappiness because relationship does deteriorates over time. It takes effort to maintain them.

Human beings are generally gregarious in nature. We seek for company, we seek love from others, we seek for community. There are definitely more priorities in life than this, than this hectic Singaporean life style.

So back to the question again. Are Singaporeans happy? Personnally, I don't think so. I had been to a few third world countries and found that the natives there especially those in the countryside are always so cheerful and relaxed. And for those that are not, it's because some other foreigners had come and told them about city life and all the different kinds of materials there are or in chinese 花花世界.

Recently, there was a job satisfaction index and it was found that people working in volunteer organisations are the most satisfied with their job. Perhaps this could be a hint to what constitutes real joy or happiness. As I was driving down to work today, these thoughts resonates deep in my heart and as i search deeper, i found three keys to happiness and I would like to suggest it to you.

3 Keys to Happiness
===================

1. Be ThankFul - Stop Comparing
2. Be ThoughtFul - It makes you happy when you make others happy
3. Be TruthFul - Stop Pleasing Others, Be True to yourself

Be thankful always. Stop comparing what you have or what you have been through with others. It doesn't work. Make the best of your circumstances. Being contented is a joy. It will gives you life satisfaction.

In Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

In Hebrews 12:28-29
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire".

So let it be a habit to start the day with thanksgiving for this is the day the Lord has made. Thank God that you are alive at the start of the day, many aren't and thank God for the so many things you have. Many are born blind and you aren't.

Be thoughtful always. Do what you can for those less fortunate than yourself. It's not always about yourself. Love others just as you love yourself. I once heard over a radio about a person who's seeking happiness. After 50 years of searching, he had found that the greatest joy he had was when he made someone smile, someone happy and when he helped others. Humans tend to look or measure ourselves on what we had done in our lives. So do something worthwhile in your life. Impact someone, made a difference in someone's lives. You never know how much a simple gift, a small help can do in someone's lives.

A story was told of a gentleman giving his extra coat to a beggar. It might be just seen as a normal thing most people will do but that simple deed was a life-saving event for that beggar for it helps him to survive through the winter. The bible sums it up nicely in Gal 5:14

The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Love others, be thoughtful, a small deed each day will brighten your day!

Lastly, Be Truthful always. Be true to yourself. You can't please everybody; don't let your neighbours set your standards. It is very tiring to wear a mask that pleases everyone. Many succumb to the pressures of the world ... peer pressure, family pressure, to dictate the kind of person we are and the kind of life we live.

Someone else cannot make you happy. One of the myths of our society is that finding the perfect mate will bring perfect happiness. However, people who depend on others for their personal happiness are often bitterly disappointed. True happiness comes from knowing yourself, your values, and what you like to do, not from someone else knowing these things about you. But I also realize that it also takes a lot of courage to be who we really are. Ask God for that kind of courage today! Be Yourself!

Fitting in

2006-07-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

Below is a story that i received through email

Zumbach the Tailor was renowned for his fashionable suits. A man went to him to be fitted for a new suit.

After Zumbach altered the suit, the man stood in front of the mirror to check the fit. At first glance he noticed that the suit jacket's right arm sleeve was rather short, and too much of his wrist was showing.

"Say, Zumbach," the fellow noted, "this sleeve looks a little short. Would you please lengthen it?"

"The sleeve is not too short," replied the tailor. "Your arm is too long... Just pull your arm back a few inches and you will see that the sleeve fits perfectly." The man withdrew his arm a bit, and the sleeve was matched with his wrist. But this movement rumpled the upper portion of the jacket.

"Now the nape of the collar is several inches above my neck," he protested."

"There's nothing wrong with the collar," Zumbach insisted. "Your neck is too low. Lift the back of your neck and the jacket will fit well." The customer raised his neck a few inches, and sure enough the collar rounded it where it was supposed to. But now there was another problem: the bottom of the jacket rested high above his seat.

"Now my whole rear end is sticking out!" the man complained.

"No problem," Zumbach returned. "Just lift up your rear end so it fits under the jacket." Again the customer complied, which left his body in a very contorted posture. But Zumbach had convinced him that the problem was not with the suit, but him. So he paid the tailor for the suit and walked out of the shop in a most awkward position, struggling to keep all parts of the suit in their right places.

On the street he encountered two women walking in the opposite direction. After they passed, one woman turned to the other and commented, "That poor man is really crippled!"

"He sure is," the other replied. "But that suit looks fabulous on him."

Many of us repress our authentic selves when trying to fit into society. Although we might enjoy a semblance of acceptance, ultimately, we're being untrue and disrespectful to ourselves. So is your tailor altering the suit to fit your body or are you contorting your body to fit the tailor's suit?

Even in our Christian walk, are we living to please others, to get their affirmation or approval? Are we seeking Man's approval at the expense of our own integrity? Is our significance so small? Are we trying so hard to please others, in our dressings, in following the latest fashion, in our outer appearance?

In Ps 139:13-15

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

Our position in God's eye should not be shaken. We are fearfully made! Don't chase after people's opinion.

Gratitude

2006-07-17T06:23:00.000-07:00

haa..below is a video took during my course..was supposed to do a 2 min presentation...impromptu kind of thingy

17 Jul 06

2006-07-16T18:19:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I last blog. Was quite busy over these weeks, with assignments to rush, rushing to nus to take photos with some sisters and brothers that graduated, helping elderly homecare on sat, meetin up with some students for karaoke as well as meeting up with one ex-student for dinner and some games of pool. But i did had a good rest over the nights, been a while since i slept over seven hours for two consecutive days.

Yesterday sermon was great, and the message resonated in my heart. The message is titled "Prayer that moves the heaven" and was extracted from Matthew 18:2-20

1. Attitudes of a Child -
Come in Humility

2. Appetite for Compassion -
Catch God's Heart

3. Agreement of a community -
Create Harmony

I felt that even though i know in my mind i must not be prideful but in my heart, I know i had a prideful heart and it's been one area that I am working towards. I remember the recent prayers that I made that God answered, was when I made the prayer with humility and recognizes the sovereignity of God and that i cannot do it with my own strength.

And yes i need to renew my compassion for people, to love them as I love myself. And to look in a kingdom's perspective to see through Jesus' Eyes. I remember i felt joyfulness when I see people coming to know Christ but recently, it seems to be more religious and not from my heart...still doing some soul searching..to end the blog..below is song that i like and would dedicate it as my prayer to God!

Holy fire come burn in my heart
To love the nations that’s fallen apart
With compassion igniting a spark
To bring forth the love of God

Let me see through Jesus’ eyes
Let me feel how He would feel
Let me love as He loves
And give as He gave
Oh Lord make me more like You

Amen!!