GhoSt Corner

Shopping Outing at Orchard

2008-12-28T21:42:00.000+08:00

This is John in one of the shops at Heeren =)

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T20:23:00.000+08:00

The Cobbler

2008-12-07T23:45:00.000+08:00

Chinese Church Service

2008-11-16T17:08:00.000+08:00

Brought my mum to Chinese Church today. Felt that she was receptive and am hopeful that she will be saved. She has agreed to come regularly for the Chinese service. Am very happy about it. It takes a step of faith to make things happen...

Picture Moment =)

2008-11-09T21:01:00.001+08:00

Former Supreme Court Building

Fellowship After Service at Terminal 3

2008-11-08T23:45:00.000+08:00

This is Kit Wei doing some drawing at Terminal 3 =)

Birthday Celebration at Singapore Flyer

2008-11-07T23:59:00.001+08:00

Had a terrific day with Sherlyn. We went for dinner at a Japanese restaurant near Funan IT mall. Haha… thinks she really likes Japanese food especially salmon. After dinner we went for our scheduled flight on the Singapore Flyer. The view was breathtaking. And I took quite a number of pictures during the flight. The entire flight took about 30 mins. I enjoyed the time spent with Sherlyn. It was a lot of fun with her.

After the ride, she pestered me to buy her ice cream and I kindly obliged…haha. Then, the unexpected happened. She gave me a kiss in the 7-Eleven outlet. I was so thrilled and happy when it happened. She always gives me surprises… We had wanted to take the boat back to Clarke Quay but we missed the boat. So we decided to take cab back to Clarke Quay. And I sent her home on a very long bus journey from there.. This has been the most awesome birthday I had! =)

Exploration

2008-11-04T20:10:00.000+08:00

Did some exploring today. There's a flyer exhibit at the flyer. Scary. =)

Outing at Vivo City

2008-11-02T21:58:00.000+08:00

Was at one of the pet shops =)

Alex feeling the breeze

Ariefin giving Alex a shot =)

Building Fund Pledging

2008-11-01T23:50:00.000+08:00

Our church has begun another round of building fund from today. It was a memorable moment in which church members pledge an amount that they are going to fulfil in 6 months. This picture was taken when our pastor gathered all the ushers with the offering buckets onto the stage. Every bucket contains pledge cards and offerings from our church members.

Singapore Flyer

2008-10-26T23:15:00.001+08:00

Was with Jonathan and Arif at the top of Esplanade. So took this picture. But think it's a bit too dark.

Exploring Sumatra at Esplanade

2008-10-25T23:39:00.000+08:00

Fountain

2008-10-19T10:34:00.000+08:00

Diversity Week At Office

2008-10-17T23:05:00.000+08:00

Perception

2008-10-12T22:16:00.000+08:00

2008-10-10T23:49:00.000+08:00

Went to collect shoes but the uncle wasn't around. Another day I guess. =)

Update

2008-10-02T19:09:00.000+08:00

Dear all,

I have vanished from this spot for quite some time. And I felt it's time to keep my blog up to date again and to satisfy the curiosity and interest of all visitors..lol. Anyway, the reason for my lack of posts recently has been due to my heightened involvement with my gf. Things have been challenging for the both of us. And there was a point that we wanted to let go. However, to my relief, we remained together. Just felt that the strong bond we have has kept us together. Hope that our future will be better and brighter.

Lastly, wish everyone to persevere in life. =)

Regards,
Ghost

Singe Life vs Married Life

2008-08-29T23:46:00.000+08:00

Recently had serious discussions about this and find that it's not easy to adjust to married life. Kindly share your views.

On Leave

2008-08-15T18:46:00.000+08:00

From 18 Aug to 22 Aug =)

Fesival of Praise 1st Night

2008-08-01T23:47:00.001+08:00

4 Important Ingredients for a Good Church Atmosphere:

1.) Peace
a.) Having Peace With God.
b.) Having Peace of God.
c.) Having Peace with One Another.

2.) Encouragement
a.) Affirm what one has done.
b.) Add on to it by helping out.
c.) Give tactful feedback so as to improve on the weaknesses.

3.) Comfort - Drawing comfort from the Holy Spirit.

4.) Fear of the Lord - Living with the awareness of God. Obedience is the ultimate for of worship.

Johor Bahru Trip with Mixed Feelings

2008-07-07T00:19:00.000+08:00

Today is a day of mixed feelings. I went to Johor Bahru with Sherlyn and her bro. Maybe I should put it this way... I went there and walk around City Square and the Leisure Mall Giant with Shawn. It was great. I have never been to Johor Bahru and away from Singapore. I enjoyed the trip totally. A lot of things were attractively priced... haha. We brought back some snacks. Shawn brought back some clothes and a DIY wardrobe which we fixed together.

Though it had been very fun for much of the day, but I was very very angry at the end of it due to a certain incident. I dun get angry easily but what happened at the end of the day triggered a deep anger within. I felt very unappreciated for things I have done for her. It couldn't hurt more than this. I dun mind helping her out. Didn't get a good job done but we tried our best. The feeling of not being appreciated combined with the angry words being said really make me very angry even as I am writing this post....

Need a bit of time to cool down...

Refreshed

2008-06-29T10:17:00.000+08:00

A special someone did facial for me today.

Special session with Senior Pastor Jeffrey Lachmat

2008-06-17T23:56:00.000+08:00

There was a special session with Senior Pastor Jeffrey Lachmat from Jakarta Praise Community Church today. It was held at Jur West church auditorium at 7.45p.m. It was mainly for SOT students, cgls and cgcs. The pastor shared a very good message.

Every organisation has its life cycle.
1.) Infancy stage - a stage where there is great enthusiasm. There is great committment even in uncertainty. There is a willingness to take risk and changes are easy and quick to make. Few policies and procedures are present. The organisation operates on a limited budget and is vulnerable to lttle problems.
2.) Growing stage - Administration and procedures are stabilised.
3.) Prime stage – Everything is going well. The organisation is moving from being unstructured to structured and from informal to formal. It’s easy to be caught doing the routine and forgetting the purpose. Playing safe becomes more important than to take risk. The organisation may move to decline phase if these symptoms are not rectified.
4.) Old age stage.
5.) Dying stage.

The willingness to go from the start at every new level is important. It’s like our church when we moved to Jur West in the beginning. Then when we got used to Jur West, we moved to Expo and just when we got used to Expo, we moving back to Jur West with even more services. It’s about staying in the Prime stage. To make this happen we need to continually prepare people for leadership. There is a need for more leader and to have greater leaders than before.

Companies fall primarily because of what they do to themselves. The church has to produce even more excellent leaders for the future. (John 14:12) Success is never a success without a successor. A good environment needs to be provided for leaders to be nurtured.

Matt 13:3-8 –The people under supervision are the seeds. The ground is the environment. There is no problem with the seeds. The seeds are good seeds!
1.) Seeds that fell by the wayside – These seeds have no room to grow. The leader does not understand the potential of the people and controls everything. There is no creativity. The people simply follow exactly as told.
2.) Seeds that fell on stony ground - These seeds are not deep rooted. There is not much support for the people. There is little space to be creative. The environment breeds small mindset people. The leader still controls everything.
3.) Seeds that fell among thorns. The leadership have no problem with people growing. But when people start to shine, the leader feels insecure and resulting in unfruitful people.
4.) Seeds that fell on good ground. The leadership is not just successful in growing people but leaders as well. The leadership trusts his people and believe in them. There is room to make mistakes. The leadership lets its people learn from their mistakes and to be responsible. The leadership is not afraid to be challenged. It dares to take no as an answer. The leadership is not afraid to be exposed to its weakness. Most people actually know about their leaders’ weaknesses. The leader listens and is open to suggestions. Creativity is the fuel for change.

Matt 13:8 “Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop – a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” The seed is the same.
But the good ground is capable to produce:
1.) Thirty times – The leader delegates responsibility but not authority. Thus, the people does not realise their full potential.
2.) Sixty times – The leader delegates responsibility but not full authority. People are not given to make all decisions.
3.) Hundred times – The leader gives full authority to the people to do what they are responsible for.
The key is having trust and comfort in delegating responsibility and authority. Exceeding the expectations gives comfort to the leader. A greater trust comes with the comfort. Exceeding the expectations again and again develops a bigger comfort and trust. It’s building a wall of reputation beside your leader. Misused trust destroys the wall you have built from the bottom.

In conclusion, it’s about creating an environment for seeds to grow. Leadership is about adding value to people. It’s about leading people to a better place. Thus, we have to be thankful of the good leadership in our lives.

An Enjoyable Sunday

2008-06-15T19:41:00.000+08:00

Woke up early in the morning and went to church today. But I am not going church today to attend the service. It's because I have door usher duty this week. It's my turn this time. Service was good though I wasn't inside the hall as I could hear it from outside. This week's service was very special cos we have True Worshippers leading us in praise and worship. Moreover, it's Father's Day weekend so there's a drama. The sermon was pretty much about fatherhood too... haha.

After the service, I met up with Jon. He attended sun svc this week again. We went to catch a movie at GV Marina. Its been a long while since I went for movies. But the movie we watched was really good. We watched Kung Fu Panda. The show was so funny. It was filled with hilarious moments throughout. I had a good laugh watching it.. haha. After that, we walk around suntec and raffles city cos Jon had wanted to shop for clothes... but he didn't get anything in the end...haha. Enjoyed the fellowship with Jon today though I miss Sherlyn very much too.

One line in the movie that I still remember:

"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. Because it's the present."

Stay With You (CHC)

2008-06-08T13:24:00.000+08:00

Stay With You (CHC)

I stand alone

Before your throne

MY soul laid bare as I come undone

You're reaching into my heart

Your light has filled my darkest parts

Draw me near to your throne

With angels all around crying out

Touch my lips with your fire

In your glory may I be found

I wanna stay

I wanna stay here with you

HO…… LY HO…… LY

At the Swings

2008-06-08T01:12:00.000+08:00

Today I had a very memorable experience. After svc, I met up a friend. He had issues that has given him lots of headaches. So I pei him as long as I could. We went to the recreation near where I stayed. There was this area with swings and we began to swing on it. It was really good as it was a very quiet place as it was pretty late too. Anyway, it was great to swing away the probelms. At least I felt good about it. Hope it work out for him too. =)

A Simple Dream

2008-06-01T20:44:00.000+08:00

Thinking through things lately. I am not a person that spend much. I always try to save as much as I can as I dun have much wants. Separating needs and wants is so important. There are lots of things that we can live without. I just have a simple dream to lead a simple life. I want to have a stable family. I want my parents to live well. I want to have a caring wife and wonderful kid. I want to have a stable career and a home for us to live in. And I need God.

A simple dream that can be difficult to implement.

Why Pray?

2008-05-18T00:05:00.000+08:00

Why Pray?

1.) Temptations are overcomed through prayer.

2.) Heart is softened towards God through prayer.

3.) God is found through prayer. (Is 55:6)

4.) Life gets refreshed through prayer. (Am 5:4)

5.) Soul is encouraged through prayer.

6.) Persistence is built through prayer. (Rom 12:12)

7.) The Holy Spirit empowers you through prayer.

8.) Anxiety is defeated through prayer.

9.) Revival comes through prayer.

10.) You will shake the world through prayer.

Dedications of a Mother

2008-05-11T01:49:00.000+08:00

1 Sam 1:1-2, 6 - Hannah did 3 wonderful things that changed her life.

1.) Hannah was dedicated to God. 1 Sam 1:7, 11 - Hannah was in a difficult situation. She was constantly provoked by Peninnah for being barren. But Hannah did not blame God. She sought the Lord and prayed. She didn't want a child for her own selfish reasons but she wanted a child for the glory of the Lord.

2.) Hannah was dedicated to her husband. She had a great connection with her husband. 1 Sam 1:5 - Hannah stick with her husband and her husband love her. 1 Sam 1:19 She was close to her husband and they worhshipped the Lord together.

3.) Hannah was dedicated to her child. 1 Sam 3:1 - Because of Hannah ministering to Samuel from young, Samuel became one that was able to minister to others.

Bearing Spiritual Fruit

2008-05-03T01:15:00.000+08:00

Gen 1:26-28 Then God said, "Let us made human beings in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." (v26) So God created human beings in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (v27) God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground. (v28)"

We are spirit beings created in His likeness. God created man out of the dust of the ground. --> A miracle. Out of man, He created woman. --> A miracle. Out of Mary came Jesus --> A miracle. Out of many men and women came forth more men and women. --> A miracle. Out of man and God, we bring forth eternal life to all. Miracles come one after another. We got to have the urge to bring forth new life. We got to be spiritually fruitful and excited for people to experience spiritual birth.

Praying in Tongues

2008-04-27T00:55:00.002+08:00

Prayer is the key to success in everything of our lives. Speaking in tongues is the supernatural gift reserved in the new covenant.

5 Purposes of Tongues:
1.) Tongues is for edification. Speaking in tongues charges us up. It empowers us. It's like a handphone that needs to be charged. When it's battery is low, the signal becomes weak. When we pray in tongues we become more sensitive to God. We begin to live by what God says. And live by revelations and not information.

2.) Tongues is for praise. When we sing in the Spirit, we are giving praise to the Lord. Acts 2:11 - The tongues we speak can be understoon by the heavenly angels as well as people from another country.

3.) Tongues is for intercession. Intercession is praying for someone or something. The Holy Spirit will always pray perfect prayers through us.

4.) Tongues is for spiritual warfare. Eph 6:18 - We are to be o n the offensive and not Satan. The gates of Hell is not an defensive weapon that Satan has. The church is to be the one on the offensive. The more we pray in tongues, the more demons manifest.

5.) Tongues is for revelation! 1 Cor 14:15 "So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding." After we pray in tongues, we pray in understanding. We may have a multitude of counsel in life. But God's intel is the most accurate! Acts 2:1-4 - The first thing that happens when the Spirit comes upon us is that we speak in tongues. Acts 2:17 - The Spirit then gives us visions and dreams. It comes with God's idea! It's not our own good ideas. God's thoughts are higher than ours. When we pray in tongues, we are praying in the spirit. We stepping into this spiritual realm. All our fleshly thoughts and ideas will fade away. We are distracted no more. God's idea will then come to our mind.

Let us pray in tongues more. And see God's ideas for us. Amen.

Lost Joy of Life

2008-04-19T23:58:00.000+08:00

A friend asked me whether I am happy. Then it occurred to me that I wasn’t happy at all…

Our Life Journey

2008-04-19T23:36:00.000+08:00

Life is a temporary journey that leads to paradise. Rom 8:37 - Problems make us spiritually stronger. Our problems are momentary. Thus we don’t focus on our problems. We pray through difficult times knowing God loves us and He will take care of us. It would be like walking on air. God will carry us through our problems.
In this journey, there will be partners. This includes our spouse, friends etc. Good partners mean good life. Understanding is very important for relationships to be successful. Jesus is the best friend in our life journey. We will reach our destination with Christ.

Staying Passionate for God through Prayer

2008-04-13T01:28:00.001+08:00

1 Chr 4:9-10 “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain”. (v9) Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. (v10)
Jabez was a sorrow maker. The word honourable in Hebrew means kabod which means glory, substance and weight. Jabez pressed into God and broke through and carried the presence of God. He had unusual spiritual hunger.

Spiritual hunger will always lead to a prayer life. Without prayer, you will not connect with God. Are we connecting with the invisible? No. We need to see God with our spiritual eyes by learning to pray.

Is 40:30, 31 – Even the youths can lose the passion for God. To be passionate continuously for the Lord is about praying. Prayer life is about waiting. It’s about spending time with God. Hair that’s cut away will grow back. We can grow our prayer life back again.

Our prayer life should be something private. Matt 6:5-6 & Ps 91:1 – Dwell in your secret place with the Lord to pray. Stay passionate through prayer.

Shopping at Expo

2008-04-06T22:53:00.000+08:00

Today has been a long day. I went with Sherlyn to the Great John Little Sale at Expo. She bought quite a lot of things. Haha...Necessity I guess. Somehow I am hoping that she will understand financial prudence. Nvm. I enjoy the day spent with her.

Thinking with Excellence

2008-04-06T01:09:00.002+08:00

2 Pet 1:5-7 Right thinking will result in right behaviors / methods.
There are 7 stages of our spiritual development outlined in the above mentioned verses:
1.) Virtue
2.) Knowledge
3.) Self-control
4.) Perseverance
5.) Godliness
6.) Mutual affection
7.) Love

Virtue from its Greek translation means excellence. Excellence means to exceed a given standard that is ordinary, average, terrible or unworthy. Pastor Tan elaborated further the meaning of excellence to the church.

1.) Excellence is to be superior in quality. It results from our purpose to produce quality work. The call of God is always a call to excellence – never a call to mediocrity. It calls for us to do things well the first time. Pastor recounted on the experience he had with a contractor. The contractor was a nice man but he always didn’t do a good job and had to fix back what he has done the first time. It makes people not want to seek his services in the future… Moreover, our promotion comes when we produce excellent work. We must not compromise! Compromise grows and spreads once it has a foothold in our lives. Disorder invites even more disorder. (Songs 2:15)

2.) Excellence is to obtain greater in quantity. John 15:16 – Be fruitful. It takes persistence to see the fruit. The example that Pastor shared with us was Abraham Lincoln who never give up and eventually became the US President. We must be willing to pay the price for success. (Ps 126:5-6) Thus, it requires:
a.) Demand on our heart. (Prov 4:23) High achievers have a deep emotional well that keeps them going. One day, an old donkey fell into the well. The owner found the donkey in the well and felt that the donkey was pretty old already and it would be difficult to get it out. So he decided to bury the donkey by getting others to shovel sand into the well. But the donkey never gave up. With every shovel of sand that was thrown against him, he shakes it off and stepped onto it. Eventually, he made his way out of the well! Life throws shovels of sand onto us. But don’t give up. Shake off the dust and have the heart of an overcomer!
b.) Demand on our time. Time management is event management. One advice that Pastor had for us is to wake up earlier so that we can plan our day. Time is the only commodity that can never be replaced.
c.) Demand on our money. It costs to fulfil our dreams. (Luke 16:11) We need to manage our finances well and set aside money.

3.) Excellence is to transcend our job descriptions. It means going the extra mile. Matt 5:41 – Going the extra mile is going beyond duty into love. Love only begins after the demands of duty have been met. (Rom 13:8)

4.) Excellence is to outdo ourselves each time. There are no special favours from God. We should be more productive than we were. God does abundantly than what we ask of. He exceeds our expectations. Thus, we need to outdo ourselves as well. Eph 6:5-8 tells us that we are not to do things to please man but to the Lord.

Right thinking results in right behaviours / methods. We have to bear in mind that excellence is not extremism. It is not perfectionism.

Thinking with Excellence (How are we to think?):
1.) Not Laws but Liberty – We have to make people want to do the things. (Gal 5:13-16)
2.) Not Systems but Service – Meet the needs of people. (Matt 20:25-27)
3.) Not Self-centred but Spirit-centred (Zach 4:6)
4.) Not Legalism but Love – Lead with love.
5.) Not Fear but Faith – 2Tim 1:6 – Stir up the gift within us.
6.) Not Control but Concern – It applies in our follow up on people.
7.) Not Duty but Devotion – Work with devotion. (Ex 17:12)
8) Not Getting but Giving – Have the giving attitude. (2Cor 9:6-7)
9.) Not Explanation but Example – John 13:13-15 – Jesus set an example for us.
10.) Not Bondage but Breakthroughs – We will have the breakthroughs in every area of our lives.

If only...lol

2008-03-30T11:27:00.002+08:00

Sometime i feel the relationship we have lacks intimacy..

.............................................................................

Seek the Lord and Not Procrastinate

2008-03-30T01:20:00.003+08:00

James 1:5-8 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (v5) But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (v6) Those who doubt should not think they will receive anything from the Lord; (v7) they are double-minded and unstable in all they do. (v8)”

We cannot live in ambivalence if we want to be successful. One of the greatest enemies in life is procrastination. We need to defeat procrastination in life.

There are 9 steps that we can overcome procrastination:
a.) Activate your planner. Create a daily To Do List.
b.) Break large tasks. Make it into small steps.
c.) Create deadlines. Tell yourself that you will do something by a certain time in the day. It does not help to say that you will do it soon. Set a time.
d.) Deal with mess. Sort out your stuff into those that are to be Filed, Thrown away or Action to be taken. Clearing the paper you have make you much more organised.
e.) Encourage yourself. Tell yourself that you can do it.
f.) Face your fears. Do the most difficult tasks first. When you get the difficult stuff out of the way, the rest would be easier.
g.) Goals review. Cross out the things that are done. It adds to your level of satisfaction too. J
h.) Hang on. Don’t give up.
i.) Initiate now. Just do it.

Pastor went on to elaborate on how procrastination can affect our financial life as well. The money that we have is like seeds. Every amount we spend is like seeds thrown away. Every amount we save is a seed we plant. And it will grow and become more.

“The eighth wonder of the world is the miracle of the compound interest” - Albert Einstein.
We need to know that are our desires can be classified into those that are necessary, possible and those that is never possible. Savings means two things:
1.) You spend less.
2.) To put aside as a store or reserve. (This is where wealth is accumulated) It means setting aside money for savings. If you have $0.01 and you are able to double it every day. By the end of a month (31 days), you would have more than $10 million! Start saving now!

Pastor followed up by telling us the story of Samson.

Judges 13:24-25 – Samson was born in Mahaneh Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol. These places have specific meanings.
Mahaneh Dan - a place of decision.
Zorah - a hornet’s sting.
Eshtaol – to seek the Lord.
Samson was filled with Spirit of the Lord and is possibly the strongest man that has lived. But the story of Samson was a tragic one as he made the wrong decisions. We have to make the right choices.

Judges 14:2 – Samson was attracted to a Philistine woman in Timmah and wanted her as his wife. He didn’t respect what his parents told him. It started a pattern of wrong decisions that Samson made.
Judges 14:20 & Judges 15:1 – His wife was then given to one of his best companions and he wanted to sleep together with her even after that…
Judges 16:1 – Samson went to Gaza and slept with a prostitute.
Judges 16:4 & 17-21 - Samson fell in love with Delilah. He revealed to her the secret of his strength and lost his strength as a result. The sting in Samson's life is his lust for women which led to his ruin. Samson was spiritually blind before he became physically blind.
Judges 16:25-30 – Samson eventually killed himself together with the Philistines in the temple.
Judges 16:31 – Samson was buried between Zorah and Eshtaol that is Mahaneh Dan (the place of decision). Samson was a proud man and did not make decisions through seeking the Lord. In the end, his story became a tragic one.

To get to where you want in life, you must start from where you are now. Do what God called you to do. A spiritual decision is not a carnal decision.

Easter Sun Service at Jur West

2008-03-23T22:11:00.000+08:00

Today was a pretty meaningful day. I met up with Sherlyn to go for service at about 11a.m. I was pretty worried that i would have overslept as I had went to bed yesterday later than usual. The people that went to the jur west service today was part of my cellgroup and John and his friends.. Anyway, we reached church pretty early so we went to queue for seats. Probably we had reached too early..lol. But I felt that if one is to reach early, helping to book seats is just something we can help out in. Nvm..

The drama at jur west was different from expo. Ifelt that the drama at expo was much better.. But the point that I went to service is to spent time with Sherlyn. I really hope that the service had ministered to her in a great way. I wanted her to come because I hope that she can have more encounters with God as much as possible. I know she is very busy but am praying that she will grow stronger with the Lord.

She told me that she will be very busy studying for her N level even on sundays. In my heart, I was a bit sad cos our meeting time has been really short already. But I told myself that I want to see her do well. I still don't know how she solve the registration fees for her exams. It troubles me a great deal. Actually she asked me what I was troubled with on the bus.. there wasn't much that bothered me..I told her it's just work.. (that's a fact... didn't lie woh).. but wat could trouble me more than her.. I just wish i can express myself better at times..

Easter Saturday Service 3 & 4 at Expo

2008-03-23T00:20:00.000+08:00

Luke 23:32-34 “Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. (v32) When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left. (v33) Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (v34)”
The last words of a dying man are often the most important words. Yet even at this point of time… when his friends have rejected him… when his family has rejected him…when his disciples has left him… He forgave them.

We live in a world filled with anger and bitterness… where the movies celebrate vengeance and aggression. And it seems that those who forgive are weak. The failure to forgive leads to greater problems..

1.) Unforgiveness keeps the pain alive. It’s like a wound that’s open and becomes infected. Similarly, when the pain is left open, it leads to anger. Forgiveness heals that wound.

2.) Unforgiveness produces bitterness. The more you dwell on the offence, the more you become bitter. Heb 12:15 - When you are bitter, you lose the grace of God. The words that you speak become sarcastic and cutting. The anger that you have becomes devastative to your health. Depression is anger turned inwardly. Many of the mentally ill patients would have recovered if they have been convinced about forgiveness.

3.) Unforgiveness give Satan an open door. Eph 4:26-27 – It allows the devil to continue to come in and lets him have the license to torment you. Forgiveness shuts the devil out.

4.) Unforgiveness hinders the fellowship with God. Matt 6:14-15 – If you don’t forgive, God cannot forgive you. Forgiveness restores the fellowship with Him.

The two beams of the cross bear great significance. The vertical beam represents that we receive forgiveness from God. The horizontal beam of the cross represents that we give forgiveness to others.
Is 43:25 “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” God forgives us totally. When we forgive, we forget too. Let the forgiveness bring us back into reconcilation with Him.

Easter Friday Service 2 at Expo

2008-03-22T00:59:00.000+08:00

Pastor Kong preached on the topic of shame today. Heb 12:2 “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Jesus is the author of our faith. Author in Greek means pathfinder. There are obstacles in life. But Jesus will make a way for us. Acts 2:17 God gives us visions. When there’s a vision in your life, there will be strength for you to go for it.

Every great man went through the barrier of shame. Joseph was sold to the Ishmaelites by his brothers. He was then accused of raped and thrown into prison. (Gen 37:28 & Gen 39:7-20) But Joseph went through all this shame and became the right-hand man of the Pharoah of Egypt.
Peter denied Jesus three times and felt shameful for what he has done. (Luke 22:31-34 & Luke 22:54-62) But Peter was forgiven and he became the one that opened the first church. We will not live in shame forever. For in Christ, we are born again. (2 Cor 2:17)

All of us have to deal with the past to face the future. Shame is a fear based on emotions that makes you feel unworthy and unlovable. It makes you feel embarrassed. It causes you to blame yourself and hide from things. Guilt is the feeling when you have done something wrong. The difference between shame and guilt is that shame is a feeling even when you have not done something wrong. People who are ashamed feel bad about themselves.

What can shame do to people?
1.) Shame robs you of the motivation to seek care. It gives you the sense of hopelessness which eventually leads to depression.
2.) Shame robs you of the healthy relationships. Shameful people feel like hiding themselves all the time. They shut themselves out in relationships with others.
3.) Shame causes anger and aggression. It can lead to physical abuse on others.
4.) Shame causes psychological problems. It can lead to eating disorders etc.
5.) Shame causes problematic moral behaviors. Shame can bring young people to crime, substance abuse, premarital sex etc.

People in general are afraid to lose ‘face’ for it is a shameful thing. But Jesus dispelled all our shame. He died on the cross so that we can live.
Jesus accepted all the emotional rejections. He was rejected by his friends, brothers and teachers of the law. Think of the emotional pain He went through for us.
Jesus endured all the verbal abuse. Luke 23:35-39 – The rulers sneered at him. The soldiers mocked at him challenging him to save himself. One of the criminals to be executed with him even hurled insults at him. Think of the verbal abuse He went through for us.
Jesus also accepted all the physical abuse. Matt 27:32 – Jesus was forced to carry the cross. He accepted all the whipping and the pain of being nailed to the cross. He experienced the great physical pain of the crucifixion. Think of the physical abuse He went through for us!

Is 53:3-5 “He was despised and rejected by others, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. (v3) Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. (v4) But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (v5)”

God is a shame buster! Everything you can feel God can heal. Every disappointment can be a new appointment. Every stumbling block can be a starting block. Every tombstone can be a stepping stone. When the sin of shame is gone, we can go after our future putting on the robe of righteousness redeemed by the blood of Christ, our Lord and saviour!

No One Like Her

2008-03-16T21:30:00.001+08:00

Haha..have been travelling around in the afternoon from my place to jurong east to ikea to bukit gombak.. this has been one of the craziest days that i have been on public transport.. lol. Anyway, I met up wif Sherlyn at her place in the end. It's just good to see her after a difficult week. I just enjoy every moment with her.

God created us all to be different. I can never find another person like her. I am praying that the Lord will continue to protect her and guide her in life..

Saturday Service with Phil Pringle

2008-03-16T01:32:00.001+08:00

This week we have Rev Dr Phil Pringle preaching for our church’s services..

Offering Message:
Deut 8:18 “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant which swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” God gives us the power to gain wealth. He gives us what we want and multiplies what we have just like the five loaves that was able to feed the five thousand.

When we remember God, we give him something. It works in the world we live in too. It’s like when it’s your dad’s birthday you would want to give him something. We cannot love without giving. That’s why we tithe. And God has to be the priority in our giving. For the tithe belongs to the Lord and if we were to hold on to it, it will be cursed and will be gone in the end too. Thus, we need to learn to budget for our spiritual life and remember God through our giving.

The Word:
Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,”

When the Spirit comes, He comes with anointing. In different stages of our lives, we will be called to do different things. We go through trials in life and gain a higher level of anointing. We pay a price to get the anointing. An example Pastor Phil shared was a rather pretty woman in church who experienced a broken relationship. But through this she got closer to the Lord and gained a higher level of anointing. Trials are a great gift of God. God believes that we can go through it. It’s a misconception to think that all things will go well when you are walking in the will of God. Things will still go wrong.

Luke 4:1-2, 13 - We are all subject to temptations by the devil. When you are alone, you are vulnerable to attacks of the devil. A sick person is one that’s easily offended. We are bound to be offended by people from time to time. But we should not dwell in it.
Another thing is that when we are hungry, whatever we are hungry for we are vulnerable to. It’s like when we are hungry for a particular job, we are vulnerable to it.
Though the devil will tempt us from time to time (verse 13), no trial will last forever.

Luke 4:3 - Self doubt shakes our faith. Mark 4:17 “But since they have no root, they last only a short time, When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.” To know who you are and accept and love yourself is important. We are to be rooted to God. That even when ppl around us rise up, we won’t feel threatened cos we are secured. Whatever we act on, we strengthen. Act on faith!

So trials will come but the revelations keep us through it. The logos is higher than the rhema. We got to live by the word. The word of God is true. The word of God is a book of seeds that we need to meditate on. Meditation means speaking the word more than once. The more we speak His word, the more we will grow in faith to overcome the trials. Every word gives us life. We are destined for a higher anointing through this trials.

Pain is pain to non-believers but pain to believers has its purpose from God.

We will be together

2008-03-10T00:01:00.002+08:00

The significant thing on every sunday is to be able to spend time with Sherlyn. The months that i have been with her has been like years to me. Time pass by so quickly with her. Sometimes I wonder is it too fast. But it does not matter to me cos I love her deeply.

Today I went to her place at about 6p.m. She was having a fever. I pray that God will heal her soon... The problems we have went through together are great. And I am glad that one of the problems she's facing is resolved today. She had finally found a tenant for one of the rooms for her flat.. It has taken quite some time.. but I am happy that one of the things that has been troubling her has been solved.

I said things that I really shouldn't have to her today.. I am not a person that talks a lot and this has been a problem in our relationship... I felt that this will bring her unhappiness.. and i told her that we should not be together..there were other little things that make me told her that.. but I just can't bear to part with her.. and the same is for her. So I told her we will be together no matter whether things will be easy or tough in the future. I believe we can overcome all things together. I pray that Lord u will bless this relatonship and the ppl around me will bless it too.

Servanthood

2008-03-09T23:56:00.001+08:00

Pastor Kong preached on servanthood during service.

He began with verses from Matt 20:25-27. The way to the top is by serving. We need to learn to:

1.) Handle the little things. (Luke 16:10) Pastor defined excellence to us as the attention given to details that leads to superior performance. The attention to details reflect our character.

2.) Handle money. (Luke 16:11) True riches comes from how we handle our monetary affairs.

3.) Handle what belongs to another person. (Luke 16:12) Our responsibility will determine our authority.

Pastor continued to elaborate on how we are to serve.
Eph 3:18 "may have power together with all the Lord's people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ" We cannot love someone without serving a person.

1.) Depth - We are to serve God. (Ps 84:10)

2.) Height - We are to serve leaders. (2 Kings 3:11) Elisha served Elijah and did not mind doing things that were lowly for the leader. And Elisha became a prophet with great annointing.

3.) Width - We are to serve one another.

4.) Lenght - We are to serve the world. Daniel 1:4 Servanthood guarantees our elevation.

New Job at Deposit Dept

2008-03-07T00:10:00.001+08:00

Have just begun work in the deposit dept this wk. Everything had to start over again. Everthing is so new and different. Somehow the usual has become no more and it's been replaced by the new and unfamiliar. Though it's just moving to a new dept, but it still takes time to get use to things. ..
Wednesday was the worst day.. I had a lot of problems at work... Felt terrible at the end of the day. Was really thankful of God. Cos I have God even when it feels really bad... He's the pillar of strength that sustains me. I dislike the work extemely but I just dun want to give up yet.. God I really need you..

Sunday with something missing...

2008-03-02T22:05:00.001+08:00

Finally, Fri was my last day at General Admin Dept.. It's been 7 months and it's my first working experience since NS.. Monday will be going to Deposit Dept. This time it's permanent and not contract anymore. Really got to thank God for the opportunity to continue working in the bank.. though I had wanted to move and is still looking for jobs. Anyway will learn as much as I can. God has put me there for a purpose definitely and I will go with His plans.

Today I went out with Arif and Jonathan to bugis. We sat at TCC and Mos Burger for hours.. haha. Felt disappointed today cos didn't get to meet up wif Sherlyn. We hardly get to see each other except sunday and each meeting wif her is really impt to me. My heart feel painful not seeing her..

End of Temp Job

2008-02-25T20:55:00.000+08:00

This wk will be my last wk of my temp job. It has been 7 months... actually it should have been 6 but was extended for 1 mth.. Time to plan again..

Valentine's Day

2008-02-15T01:19:00.002+08:00

I have been very busy in the last few day. After work, I have been hanging out with friends on mon and tue. On Monday, I went to bugis with Arif, Jonathan and Alex. We just walk around. But i have a secondary objective which is to find brochures and name cards of all those that do nails in the area. But as it's still quite the CNY period... i couldn't find much of them. I was looking for this for Sherlyn.

On Tuesday, I met up with Arif and Noel at funan IT mall. I met them because I wanted to find out from Noel how to this little roses out of ribbons. I wanted to make something for Sherlyn this Valentine's Day. The shimmering red ribbons I saw at one of the shops at Vivo City gave me an idea to make roses for her. It took me quite some time to learn how to make it. But I enjoyed the process of doing things for the one I love. We left funan at about 11p.m but the roses i made were just about 18..

On Wednesday, I went to Vivo City again cos I needed to get a nice container to put the roses I have made. I felt that the ribbons were not enough so I bought a bit more pink ribbons. It was also because I wanted to make 7 roses of another colour and 18 red roses. 7 is the day of my birth date and 18 is hers.. I continued making the roses when i reached home. But as i continued making them, i realise that the number of roses i wanted to make was not enough to fill up the container... so I decided to continue to fill up the container with red roses. It's tiring.. I finished everything like 1.30a.m.. There were 41 roses in the container..

Today is awesome... I went out with Sherlyn to watch CJ7 at Marina GV.. The movie was great... I like the plot and the jokes..haha. It was about a poor labourer and his son, Dicky, that found an alien pet. There were a lot of funny moments like when Dicky dreamt of how the alien pet can help him with his exam and in school.. But it was the time that I spent with Sherlyn that i enjoyed most. After the movie ended, we decided to take cab home.. But it was really difficult to find a cab and we walk around trying to flag down a cab. While we try to find a cab, she noticed the gift i been carrying all this while... I had wanted to gave it to her when we settled down say in cab...but anyway I gave her the present...and when she saw it she was delighted and gave me a kiss. :) Finally we managed to get on a cab and i sent her home. I really miss the moments with her. Everytime that her hand was with me. i feel a lot for her.. I wished that i could hold it longer. This valentine's day is the best that I have because of her. Because of God too.

Job Interviews at GIC

2008-02-04T20:01:00.001+08:00

I have been working since July last year though it's a temporary position . And I have been hunting for a new job since a few wks ago. I am really grateful to my current emplyoyee for extending my current contract for another month as it gives me time to look for a job. I am not in a hurry this time as I really want to find something that matches what I have studied and something that is not too routine. Though I have done pretty well in my current position, it wasn't easy when I just started with it. But it's the same wherever I will be going.

Today I went for an interview at Government of Singapore Investment Corp (GIC) for the position of Research Assistant (Equities Department). It was very fortunate for me cos the HR also arrange an interview for me for the position of Research Assistant (Economics & Strategy Department). In my opinion, I felt I did much better for the latter. Will continue with my hunting while waiting for response. =) Praise the Lord for every opportunity.

External traffic duty

2008-02-02T23:51:00.000+08:00

Rain rain go away...haha

Today I was serving in the car park area...it was pretty interesting as I haven't done eternal duty for quite a long time...but just hope it will not start becoming more frequent... haha. Everything that I do is like refreshing things that I have done before.. from setting up of the tents to laying of cones at the car park lots... Basically there are 23 lots that are reserved...we have one group stationed outside the carpark as outpost to keep watch of the vehicles coming in and the other group near the lots. I am near the car park lots. Both groups have the list of the 23 reserved car nos...so the outpost ppl are supposed to inform us when they see this cars coming in. And we will go and remove the cone of that lot and direct the driver to park there. It sounds simple but the guys outside got to be sharp...otherwise we will be caught oof guard.. We have to direct other vehicles too like taxis that need to do a drop off and cars with car labels that allow them to park in the car park. The trooblesome thing for today is the weather... it rained and stopped then rained again... But we didn't have much problems in our duty.. so that was good =)

Stones along the path

2008-01-27T22:54:00.000+08:00

My relationship with Sherlyn was put to the test recently. There was some disagreement which arose due to a problem she faced. It was also partly because I couldn’t get over certain issues. At the end of it, I felt terrible about certain things I say to her. And I thought over it…

Today I went to Sherlyn’s place. Initially, I had wanted to discuss with her the matter. But, when I reached there.. I saw her brother fixing a DIY wardrobe.. so was helping Shawn with the wardrobe.. but anyway Sherlyn was taking a nap.. so I didn’t want to wake her up yet. I guessed she didn’t sleep well the other night…

We continued with what we left off the other night. And I make a decision to help her after much thought..

I have finally begin to see that we will have a future. Man without a vision will perish. This vision drives me and I believe my relationship with Sherlyn has been strengthened.

Make up Project

2008-01-20T22:09:00.000+08:00

I miss Sherlyn a lot. We have not seen each other for a wk. She started studying a part time Diploma in Hairstyling at Kimage on mon. There’s lesson on Monday to Thursday from 6 to 9p.m. So I couldn’t get to see her after work… Finally, we are able to have time for each other today. Was helping her with her make up project.. We cut out pictures from magazines like CLEO, Teenage, Seventeen etc. The pictures have to showcase the different types of make up and we filed all this into clear holders.. haha… there’s still got a lot more to do but we just did as much as we can today. =)

Btw, she knows about this blog.. Can’t hide things from her =)

Troubled

2008-01-06T20:05:00.000+08:00

Her heart aches. My heart aches too. I want to help her but can't.

Repair shoes

2008-01-05T11:01:00.000+08:00

Updating my blog again...Becoming regular at this..lol

I went to S's place today after work.. Bought her seafood spaghetti on my way there & checked out the operating hours of a cobbler at jur east cos she wanted to knw as she couldn't find the cobbler everytime she went there.. haha.. the cobbler work from 6 to 9p.m. daily except for mon..

Reached S's place pretty soon after that.. Things are very sweet with her.. She looks great watever she wears...lol...

S had some shoes that needs to be repaired..there was 3 and a half pair that needs to be repaired...all of it are for the rubber on the heels that have worn out.. So i brought the shoes from her place to the cobbler since it was still early.. this is the first time that i bring shoes to repair.. and it's for her...Reached the cobbler at about 8.30p.m.. think there's quite a number of shoes that he needs to repair so he told me to come back at about 9p.m..

Hahah...when i came back the shoes were still not ready...didn't want to walk about aimlessly so i sat down in front of the cobbler...bad decision...cos it made the cobbler work even slower as he talk at length on his personal stuff to me.. wat could have been repaired quickly took about 3 hours to be completed due to the long windedness of the cobbler... the only positive thing was that S and me were on the phone frequently during the waiting time.. and I think she's touched that i waited so long for her shoes. =)

Left the cobbler at about 11.30p.m... amazing.. brought the shoes back to S's place and made my way back ... but still I missed my last bus and train....bah.. but it's ok.. I am very happy at the end of the day =)

S and Eric

2007-12-16T19:16:00.000+08:00

Supposed to go to svc with S today. But she was sick. So was a bit disappointed that we couldn't make it for service today.. But it's alright.
I went to S's place. The place has become so familiar to me. We chatted in the kitchen for quite some time. S's birthday falls on this coming tuesday. As she will busy during this few days, I gave her the present today. It's a small organiser.. She wanted a organiser to help her plan her stuff. And it really took me quite some time to choose the organiser for her... cos I wanted to give her the best. Though the organiser didn't cost much, she knew the thought that i put into it.. She make me undertand that love is a desire to give unconditionally.
This few wks have been incredible for the my relationship with S. I can't really put everything that has happened here.. But I just want to share that I am touched by what S sent me through an sms that "...no matter wat u bcome I nv leave u..." That sms make tears welled up in my eyes while was on the train.. was simply overjoyed.
Praying that God will strengthen our relationship

Sun Svc with Friend

2007-12-09T19:00:00.000+08:00

Today is a rainy day... but it ain't a boring day =) I woke up pretty early. Usual sundays means i would be still in bed at 8...haha. Anyway, met up with S in the morning at Jurong Point Mos Burger. We had breakfast together and walk around Jurong Point for a while... this is the first time I shop around with a girl and the truth is it can be quite sian..haha.. But it doesn't matter =) We went into a Sasa outlet and she was asking me which shade of nail enamel looks nice...haha.. new experience..lol... in the end she bought some nail enamel..

We left Jurong Point after that to go for the svc at jurong west church. The church auditorium was packed. But as there were only two of us.. it was pretty easy to look for seats. Today's sermon by Rev. Dr. John Avanzini was the same as yesterday... Was expecting it to be different since it's a guest speaker. Svc was good.. but felt that S wasn't very attentive. She was fidgeting sometimes and was stroking her hair many times.. Perhaps she didn't quite understand the preaching of the sermon by the pastor. Going to share with her.

We left the svc together. When we reach the bus stop, I became a guinea pig...lol. She decided to test some of the nail enamel on my my fingers.. Hahaha.. crazy... never expected nail enamel on my nails.. =) Walk about jurong point again for a while before we went back.

I like her more and more.

The Value of a Person

2007-11-11T20:58:00.000+08:00

One day, a person went to a church. She went because of her teacher's invitation. At the church, she met a few new friends. These new friends were introducing themselves to her. All of them had high education qualifications... The girl felt dejected as she wasn't highly educated and the new friends she met were rather sarcastic about it..

Felt bad for the girl. The value of a person is not his / her education. "My greatest value is my value to God" - Quoted from A. R. Bernard. The girl has a value to God.

Quality Time

2007-10-28T21:45:00.000+08:00

Spent almost half the day at friend's place. Chatting and getting to know one another better. Really like the time spent there. Want to be there longer... =)

It's a joy to help

2007-10-21T22:33:00.000+08:00

Gave tuition to a friend for almost half the day. Don't know how the time pass by so quickly. But am really happy. Really fruitful

ATM Card

2007-07-22T19:36:00.000+08:00

While was heading back home, I decided to draw some money from my neighbourhood ATM. And when I inserted my ATM card, the ATM system jammed... and my card got stuck inside the machine...haha
Called up the POSB customer service immediately...panic liao...card got stuck.. =( The customer service officer told me that i can get a new card free of charge from any of the branches tomorrow. Haha..actually it's a good thing cos my old card was in real bad shape already...the corner part of that card got chipped off... lol. So the new card is coming at the right time.. God is good. A bad scenario can have good implications.

ORD Loh!

2007-07-20T23:35:00.000+08:00

ORD Loh! =)

Job Confirmation

2007-07-17T19:03:00.000+08:00

The future looks bright. Received a call from Fesco Recruit Agency (think I spelled it correctly). Haha...probably the result of not participating for spelling bee... Anyway, the call was for a job confirmation with a foreign bank. It's 6mth temp job with the possibility of becoming permanent. To my delight, the employer actually raised the amount of pay they are willing to offer me twice. Praise the Lord! Will be signing the contract tomorrow.

Btw, if you have been viewing my blog, you would have expected a flurry of posts recently. Didn't mean to overload you with news. But it's just that a string of little events is happening. July is a month of transition for me. What's it like for you? =)

2nd Round of Leave Clearance

2007-07-16T18:58:00.000+08:00

Cannot clear more than 5 consecutive days of leave. So here I go again. Clearing leave from 16 to 19 July. Actually not looking forward to clearing leave especially so much at once. Nevermind. =)

More Doors

2007-07-15T21:48:00.000+08:00

God continues to provide me with opportunities. Mr Wong (my boss in army) gave me a call today. His wife, Patricia, is helping her friend, Janet to find someone to do a survey. I will be paid $35 bucks just for watching a 30min show and filling up a questionaire after it. Good money i guess. =) It's going to be at Revenue House this sat.
Small token it may seem to be. I am still glad. When you are faithful, God will not disregard it.

Back to School

2007-07-11T23:41:00.000+08:00

Attended my first lesson of F5 today. Monday was the first day of F2. It's the first lesson that I am going through for more than 2 years....lol My mind has gone a bit rusty I think...haha. Maybe army life can make you dumb...lol
But really felt the papers for ACCA is not easy. It's not highly regarded as a professional qualification for nothing! Ah...guess have to continue with it. A few doubts in my mind but dun want to think about it. =)

Open Doors

2007-07-10T19:34:00.000+08:00

God has opened up doors for me. Received an unexpected call from a tuition agency that they have a tuition assignment for me. It's very near my place and is for a primary 5 sch student. Have been really worried about my finances. ORD means unemployment... lol
Haha....life's full of surprises. Praise the Lord! =)

Cleaing Leave

2007-07-09T19:28:00.000+08:00

Beginning to clear my leave this afternoon til Thurs. ORD is getting closer. Can really count the days. 2 working days left in fact =)

ACCA Membership Registration

2007-07-02T22:26:00.000+08:00

Submitted my ACCA Membership application. Another few hundred bucks gone. Ouch. =)

ACCA

2007-06-28T22:22:00.000+08:00

Enrolled for two of the papers of ACCA - F2 Management Accounting & F5 Performance Management. Will be studying at Kaplan in 2 weeks time.

OT

2007-03-28T23:53:00.000+08:00

Haha...had a crazy week so far...have worked for 3 consecutive days until about 10p.m and later.. this has been the most tiring period of my work so far... basically only saw daylight during lunchtime...haha

Oh man...I need strenght. God is my strength.

=)

2007-02-25T00:35:00.000+08:00

After the service, went to join the rest of the cellgroup for fellowship. During the conversations, Huijun shared some things...and I felt it was rather meaningful.

-All of us have our own problems. What money can solve is not really a problem. But it is the emotional hurts carried over the years that's hard to solve. Thus, got to continue to love people with the love of God.

-It is not about how many people we can bring to church at times. It is about how we can touch the lives of people and make a difference in their lives.

-Often our lives can be a living testimony for the people around us. People can see that there's something different about us and they will want to know what's behind it and naturally they will begin to see that God's the reason.

That's all I remembered.. didn't hear the whole of it as was talking to Ariefin...but what Huijun was talking about caught my attention. Hmm

Ghost Returns lol

2007-02-13T22:18:00.000+08:00

Back in here again.. hope i didn't scare anyone after such a long absence...haha

Actually, today had to go for usher support after work. But it was cancelled...haha...gave me some time to rest i guess. Had been plagued by flu for the whole day...Believe will get well soon =)

God is my Jehovah Rapha.

Days of old and present

2007-01-15T22:26:00.000+08:00

hmm...happen to meet a poly friend while I was on my way back home after work...haha...we are both in the same camp...he came to MINDEF only a few months ago.. this is not the first time that we have seen each other around camp...but today's had a special feeling to it..
We began to chat on the bus...most of the talk were on those poly days that we had together... We were both in the same class.. and memories of rotting during breaks, teasing each other among our bunch of friends and working together for our projects...just came back to our minds..=) there was this feel-good atmosphere for the entire bus journey... Certainly I miss those days..

Anyway, back to the present... working life is really different from being a student.. I got to thank God for placing me at where I am, for the colleagues I have (esp two of the Aunties I worked with...they are really good towards me and I have learnt much with them..) and for the favours in the workplace...that I am able to overcome the problems at work. Working life is not that simple as I have seen...office politics, gossips are always there..and there always ppl who are negative and etc but I am thankful that I have God. That I do not go to work unwillingness but look forward to each day with greater enthusiasm.

Each day to me is a gift from God.

2007-01-14T23:30:00.000+08:00

Doing some spring cleaning today.. I am not someone who likes to tidy up his stuff so I usually clean things up when it gets rather messy...
haha.. woke up today to find myself in some form nagging from my mum to sort out the mess =) Oh well...guess it was time to sort it out as well...though I was rather reluctant...But still I cleared up my table and the stuff that overflowed to the living room =) Rather amazed that it wasn't that hard and much to clear.

In the afternoon, went to help out with Noel for the dialect church. Was assigned to be lift usher again but this time it was not throughout the entire service...cos i got rotated to do toilet usher after about an hour plus.. It was great to help out...saw that a lot of care and patience needs to be shown for the elderly...Though I dun speak dialect and am not very good relating to the elderly...I still found the it a good experience...that it was time well spent =)

Btw, this week has gone by so quickly...I dun know whether i should feel happy about it or not. One thing is that it makes ORD seem so much sooner =) But it also makes me feel that time is so short..

Happy New Year =)

2007-01-01T14:30:00.000+08:00

Haha...it's the first day of 2007 and i truly believe it's going to be a fantastic year.

Yesterday was a very long and eventful day =) Woke up early for door usher duty at Expo since my support on Sat was changed to door ushering instead.... haha
Went to Arif's place in the late afternoon as there was a gathering at his place...it was to celebrate Abel's birthday as well.. =) We spent time watching the Lake House at his place and Jon came to join us. Hahaa... we left Arif's house at around 11.15 and head to the Esplanade area for countdown.. There were 9 of us.. Arif, Jon, Abel, Noel, Jaslyn, Eileen, Vivien, Yanling and me... We were under one of the bridge (forgot the bridge's name...=)) and waited for the countdown excitedly. When it finally hit 12...the fireworks began and it was beautiful. U have to be there to feel the excitement for the new year ahead. =) After the countdown, we went about taking pictures here and there..lol...and sang birthday songs for Jon and Abel.. It was fun but tiring as well. Nvm =)

Hah...Just want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Waiting for 2007

2006-12-28T21:47:00.000+08:00

Went Clarence's place today. Jon and Arif was there too. Spent the day playing XBox there with Arif...haha. Still raining most part of the day... =(

Christmas

2006-12-25T21:17:00.000+08:00

This Christmas has been great.

Friday and Saturday was particularly tiring cos had everything packed together... After work on Fri, headed straight to Expo for support. It was basically from one end of Singapore to the other as my work place was near Bukit Batok...haha =) But really saw a lot of bulletins been done that support as I was doing QC...which is to check through the bulletins whether the inserts inside were placed in order..
Sat was a continuation of helping out... Went to Children Church in the morning and helped out as lift usher...hahaha...It's the longest time I have stayed inside a lift in my life.... after that had to rushed down to Expo again for duty for svc 1 and 2. But this time, I had Clare, Arif and another usher guy with me as we shared a cab to Expo...didn't know Clare and Arif would be at Children Church..haha...but nvm =)
At Expo, was serving the Charlie terrace (the terrace that faces the centre of the stage..) throughout the 2 svcs. The drama was really funny at times...=) But since I have watched it three times...hahah =) The candlelight service was simply awesome...the passing on of the candle light from one to another...and a hall that was entirely lit up by candles..
After the Sat svcs, had wanted to go for fellowship at Auntie Jessie's place....heard that there was good food....=( But decided to go home.. it was rather late and was feeling tired already...and my bed was calling me to be with him =)

Sun was rest day. Nothing spectacular happen but somehow it passed by very quickly..

Today? Christmas! Served the last svc for the final day. Again...i was allocated to Charlie terrace...so have this bit of familiarity....moreover there's more ushers serving in these few svs probably due to the expected crowd.
After svc, went to find Arif and the rest of E432 at the carnival. Had loads of fun.... We went for two rides and one of the other games....Didn't know the names of the games...so asked Arif at the end of the day...He named the first ride Roly Roly probably becaues it was spinning in circles and we got really dizzy after the ride...=) The second ride he named it the 'I Want You' ride cos he saw those word on the signboard...lol...the second ride was really worth the wait...we waited for close to an hour I think...but it was very thrilling... U can feel that u are almost flown out of your seat....thanks for the seat belt...=) It's not my first time trying it though...had sat for it before with a friend during last year's carnival...but it was still enjoyable. Jonathan was so funny before the ride...but think he liked the rides too....=) After the final game of 'Bom Bom Car' (Arif), we left the carnival.

Haha...so much happened...I like this Christmas.

2006-12-19T23:25:00.000+08:00

It's been raining the whole day! =( But still it did not stop me from going out... =) Went to Arif's place in the afternoon...Noel came also....We spent time watching movies at his place. Haha...we didn't really watch the films though...we were more busy chatting with each other =) And shared some private talk..=) After the movies ended, had Indo mee at Arif's place..It's the first time I tried Arif's cooking...I mean the noodles he cooked...I must say he's good at it =)

Anyway, changed my ushering schedule for Christmas...

22 Dec - Support (7p.m-10p.m)
23 Dec - Children Church (9a.m-1p.m) & Duty for Svc 1 and Svc 2
25 Dec - Duty for Svc 5

2006-12-19T01:12:00.000+08:00

Haha...can write lots since i am on leave tml..lol.

Life has become so different compared to more than one and a half years ago. Back then I have just completed my polytechnic education... the results were not bad too... Always had been aiming for those A's right from the beginning... Perhaps I didn't do well during my 'O's....and it spurred me on and gave me a great hunger for academic success.... Haha...a really great hunger indeed. And I attained what i wanted...but somehow something's lacking...which I can't explain.

Soon after I got enlisted into NS... during the few months before enlistment... I found myself losing that bit of hunger that drove me... Probably I am suddenly lost without a strong purpose to move on from where I was.

However, God placed a special person in my life after my BMT. Right after my BMT, I got posted to PIONEER Magazine...and it's is where I got to know Alvin. I am very thankful of him. He invited me to church that first week that I was at PIONEER. Little did I know that that visit to church changed my life...

It had only been my intention at first to just visit this friends's church. I had thought that it would be just an ordinary church visit. But...hahaha...that church visit became a regular visit and much more =)

It's because of the church that I came to know of God. I had never believe that there was God...but it all changed.. Perhaps, I wasn't that closed up as I thought =) I had to admit I was not committed at all initially. I wasn't willing to. But the truth is because of the support of the cellgroup that I felt at the beginning stages that kept me on. I still remember Alvin sharing with me stuff over lunchtime and in between work...Shuzhen calling me up initially...All these are still vivid memories..

Then, more stuff were to come. Bible studies..fellowships...cellgroups...it's just amazing! =) Gradually, I find myself being faithful and looking forward to weekends than the weekdays. Throughout this period, I must say I have learnt quite a bit...=) THough I will love to apply all I have learnt in good measure...=) However, certain lessons stayed with me: Accountability & Excellence.. Though I have not completely applied both....but it certainly helped me in my life.
One other thing that I was introduce to is to have a VISION. I still remember Rena sharing with me about it in one of the bible study lessons and a brief talk with Shuzhen which brought back the topic. I must say I still don't have a clear vision yet. But it got me started...and I stepped into usher ministry. I had my doubts and carnal resistance to step out at first.. but of it ebb away since I started to serve. I am expectant to learn much more in ministry. I am finding purpose in God.

Haha...wrote a lot of story today..actually there's too much to be summarised in one post...but I had wanted to make this post a very time... =)

2006-12-17T01:09:00.000+08:00

Unveiling the much anticipated Christmas schedule:

22 Dec - Support (7p.m. - 10p.m.)
23 Dec - Chilren Church (9a.m - 1p.m.)
24 Dec - Duty for Service 3 & Service 4
25 Dec - Duty Service 5

=)

2006-12-13T21:58:00.000+08:00

hohoho...this Christmas is going to be very busy... =)

Pizza Voucher =)

2006-11-30T21:47:00.000+08:00

haha...it has been a good day...

Left office during lunch time as I was on afternoon leave...=) Got to do a few tasks that I had wanted to do but just could not find the time to do....=)

Returned home in the evening and found a prize waiting for me. Haha... won a Pizza Hut Set Meal Voucher from a HSBC online game.... really overjoyed.... it's the FIRST time I won a voucher...this is amazing.. God is Good... Praise the Lord =)

Do Not Let the Windows of Heaven be Closed In Your Life

2006-10-27T00:32:00.000+08:00

Found my blog is starting to have moulds....so will be buying fresh bread soon....hahaha

Anyway, today I went to a make-up cellgroup led by Brother Steven as I am unable to make it for cellgroup for Friday. Have to attend my unit's anniversary celebration....no choice.. =(
But really have to thank God for this make-up cellgroup. haha...firstly, the cellgroup venue was close to my place....near Tiong Bahru Plaza =) And I got to end work early today...as I made a despatch run to DTTB (near CMPB) during late afternoon.. so I didn't have to rush for cellgroup =) Lastly, there's ice cream for cellgroup!...haha.. K that's not the point =)

The cellgroup meeting was a really fun one as we had a ice cream making competition =) Had lots of ice cream and quite a few games =)

The message that Brother Steven preached in between the games really gave me food for thought. He had talked about what u will experience under open heaven, and what will make the windows of heaven to be closed in your life. The latter part stayed in my mind and really make me think hard....siao liao...more frowns... haha
The 5 things that caused closed windows of heaven to be closed in your life:

1.) Pride - Pride is not meaning arrogance here. It is Not depending on God. The example given here was not seeking the advice from your cellgroup leader about starting a relationship with someone. The topic went on to ppl wanting to lead their own lives..make their own decisions...and not seeking God.

2.) Complacency - What was shared here was the example of not reading the bible...taking things for granted..

3.) Deliberate sinning - Knowing it is wrong and continuing to do it.

4.) Poor - Ignoring the Poor - Brother Steven shared about giving to the poor. That sometimes we may see ppl begging for money and think that some of these ppl are faking it one...but Brother Steven make a point that if the person have to humble himself and ask for money...it really doesn't matter whether he's faking it or not...

5.) Tithing & Offering - Testimonies about some of the cellgroup members' financial blessings that came with their giving were shared. For instance,like Brother Steven's sister who had sowed all her savings into the building fund and pledged her bonus. During the building fund period, she hadreceived customer complaints and may not have get her bonus. But miraculously she got her bonus not just for Dec, but for Jan and Feb and she had been getting complaints during that period.. haha.. God is good.

All the 5 points about pride, complacency, deliberate sinning, ignoring the poor and not committed in giving will result in the closed windows of heaven..taking away that closeness u can have with God.

Wow...recalling all that I can...lots to reflect..

When bad things happen to a good person

2006-09-26T23:30:00.000+08:00

Job 2:3 'Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason."'

Job was a blameless and upright man. He was totally innocent. But he was put through great suffering. And in life we often question why we go through the bad things. But in comparison to what Job went through, it just feels insignificant. At times, we question why God put us through the sufferings of life. But how can life always be about joy and no sorrow. That won't be real. Life is full of ups and downs. And God has placed us in our current situations with a purpose. For we may never know the reasons or understand it. But do we doubt our God? Will we still trust in Him even when there's no end to all this suffering?

Job continue to trust in God.

May all who is undergoing great suffering in life take heart. Lean on God's stength when all these problems are running you down. God is our greatest source of strength. Trust that He will bring you out of the valleys. To all who has yet to be put through put through the furnace: Prepare your heart. Praise the Lord. Amen.

True Meaning with God

2006-09-19T23:20:00.000+08:00

haha...have been rather inactive in here but had a burning desire to post something today.

Well, had been reading the book of Ecclesiastes today...and the book was getting quite depressing as I begin to read it. The author was painting a very bleak picture of life being meaningless and everything being so meaningless...

Eccl 1:2 '"Meaningles! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless."
Eccl 2:11 "Yet when i surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun."

So, it went on and on and in fact I believe most part of the book repeats this message. But then I came to this verse..

Eccl 3:1 "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven"

It stirred up my heart that there's always a purpose for every period of our lives. Everything we do is for God. The stage that God puts us in now has it's purpose. We are called into each period and every season for a reason. For surely, God did not create a world without a purpose in mind. And we being created in His image cannot be living aimlessly as well. Life is NOT meaningless. Seeking Him each day is the true meaning of our lives. He's the centre of every purpose of every season of our lives.
This trend of thought followed to what's happening in my life..... Just like I have begun to serve God in ushering ministry, this stage of my walk with Him definitely has its purpose and I will look forward to serving him with greater passion. Life is fruitful with God =)

Your life is not meaningless. The season you are in has its purpose. The greatest purpose is your relationship with Him. Love him forever and ever. Amen.

16/07/06

2006-07-16T18:40:00.000+08:00

Felt like sharing the deep conversations I had with Noel.

It started after the healing service yesterday. Noel came to me and asked how I was feeling...regarding my eyes. I gave a nonchalant reply.... Then Noel began to share with me many things. He spoke to me that healing may not be instantaneous and that sometimes it takes more time for the healing to take place. Noel encouraged me to keep praying to God about it...that I do not get disappointed even when I am not healed instantly...that i do not give up.

As we were making our way to Bedok for fellowship and during fellowship itself, Noel continue to share about his experinces with me...that we were place in where we are now to learn about things and.... that whatever that we have picked up can be applied in our future...in which we will have success. We shared about our NS lives. Noel was saying that he learned about patience and teamwork during his time in NS. He made me see that my admin duties can be of use in the future. Though the photography skills that I picked would most probably not be used in my future career, he told me that it was a useful skill that I can retain. To cut it short, I was really blessed by what Noel shared.

Today, the both of us had a conversation again. We carried on with what we left off the night before. Though I cannot recall most of the conversation we had, but I distinctly remembered what he spoke about that "It's the Holy Spirit who guides me, so I can speak to u about all this things". Even though Noel did most of the talking in these conversations, I just felt this connection and his sincerity. And it reminded of the verse:

Rom 12:9
"Love must be sincere..."
I am really touched by what Noel said and I thank God for this friend.

6/7/06

2006-07-06T23:30:00.000+08:00

Praise be to our Lord.

For at times, i find it hard to pray but i know that when i come to God with an open heart and rely on the Spirit in prayer, it's not as daunting as it seems to be. For prayer is just talking to God, sharing with God what the Spirit has prompted you to speak. Rom 8:25 - "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." For the Spirit will help us with our weakness in prayer that we need not be afraid of not knowing what to say. That we may find it hard to express ourselves at times, but the Spirit will teach us how to pray. Let the Spirit of God guide you in prayer. Amen.

2/7/06

2006-07-03T04:20:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, Pastor Tan gave a very wonderful message about God's vision for us. God has a vision for each of us...a future for each of us. Men without a vision are without a future. We cannot live without a vision and go about life aimless for we have a calling from God to fulfil. This calling may be to serve in ministry, cellgroup leading, business or whatever it may be. Seek God for this vision. And press on to this vision. For at times, we may withdraw ourselves from God's vision when we make the wrong choices and lose God's vision. eg. Peter who denied Jesus 3 times and lost his vision. Judas who betrayed Jesus for 3o pieces of silver. We should not exchange our visions, our souls for something less. Be wise. God has a great vision for you and me. Take heart that God will restore this vision in us as we continue to press on with Him. Do not give up. Amen.

I am still seeking God's vision for me. What's your vision?

30/6/06

2006-07-01T16:30:00.000+08:00

Quite a forgetful person at times, hence, decided to write things down. May what is shared here be inspiring for you. =)

Had half-day off for the afternoon. It was for one of the Saturday that I spent doing OT. Anyway, i went to Arief's place at around late afternoon. I actually slept at his place for an hour plus...it wasn't my intention to sleep though...guessed i just wanted some rest and fell asleep at his sofa. =)

During Power House today, i came across Psalm 136 which i felt particularly meaningful. There was this part "His love endures forever" which ended in every verse of the psalm. It was repeated more than 20 times in the psalm...and something that's repeated so many times had to be important. It just shows us the magnitude of God's unfailing love that's with us from the beginning til the end and that God's love is eternal. And that we should thankful of God's love and that we should likewise love our God forever.

GhoSt Corner

Shopping Outing at Orchard

Merry Christmas!

The Cobbler

Chinese Church Service

Picture Moment =)

Fellowship After Service at Terminal 3

Birthday Celebration at Singapore Flyer

Exploration

Outing at Vivo City

Building Fund Pledging

Singapore Flyer

Exploring Sumatra at Esplanade

Fountain

Diversity Week At Office

Perception

Update

Singe Life vs Married Life

On Leave

Fesival of Praise 1st Night

Johor Bahru Trip with Mixed Feelings

Refreshed

Special session with Senior Pastor Jeffrey Lachmat

An Enjoyable Sunday

Stay With You (CHC)

At the Swings

A Simple Dream

Why Pray?

Dedications of a Mother

Bearing Spiritual Fruit

Praying in Tongues

Lost Joy of Life

Our Life Journey

Staying Passionate for God through Prayer

Shopping at Expo

Thinking with Excellence

If only...lol

Seek the Lord and Not Procrastinate

Easter Sun Service at Jur West

Easter Saturday Service 3 & 4 at Expo

Easter Friday Service 2 at Expo

No One Like Her

Saturday Service with Phil Pringle

We will be together

Servanthood

New Job at Deposit Dept

Sunday with something missing...

End of Temp Job

Valentine's Day

Job Interviews at GIC

External traffic duty

Stones along the path

Make up Project

Troubled

Repair shoes

S and Eric

Sun Svc with Friend

The Value of a Person

Quality Time

It's a joy to help

ATM Card

ORD Loh!

Job Confirmation

2nd Round of Leave Clearance

More Doors

Back to School

Open Doors

Cleaing Leave

ACCA Membership Registration

ACCA

OT

=)

**Ghost Returns** lol

Days of old and present

Happy New Year =)

Waiting for 2007

Christmas

Pizza Voucher =)

Do Not Let the Windows of Heaven be Closed In Your Life

When bad things happen to a good person

Ghost Returns lol