A Blog for My Thoughts

The 'cost' of Lying

2011-10-05T00:17:00.001+10:00

There was a famine in the land, as bad as the famine during the time of Abraham. And Isaac went down to Abimelech, king of the Philistines, in Gerar. God appeared to him and said, "Don't go down to Egypt; stay where I tell you. Stay here in this land and I'll be with you and bless you. I'm giving you and your children all these lands, fulfilling the oath that I swore to your father Abraham. I'll make your descendants as many as the stars in the sky and give them all these lands. All the nations of the Earth will get a blessing for themselves through your descendants. And why? Because Abraham obeyed my summons and kept my charge-my commands, my guidelines, my teachings." So Isaac stayed put in Gerar. The men of the place questioned him about his wife. He said, "She's my sister." He was afraid to say "She's my wife." He was thinking, "These men might kill me to get Rebekah, she's so beautiful." One day, after they had been there quite a long time, Abimelech, king of the Philistines, looked out his window and saw Isaac fondling his wife Rebekah. Abimelech sent for Isaac and said, "So, she's your wife. Why did you tell us 'She's my sister'?" Isaac said, "Because I thought I might get killed by someone who wanted her." Abimelech said, "But think of what you might have done to us! Given a little more time, one of the men might have slept with your wife; you would have been responsible for bringing guilt down on us." Then Abimelech gave orders to his people: "Anyone who so much as lays a hand on this man or his wife dies." (Genesis 26:1-11 MSG)
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Ok, so Abraham's lie almost cost Abimelech and his men to sin - by sleeping with another man's wife. Sometimes we lie to keep ourselves out of trouble; but have we considered the consequences of it upon ourselves and even other people?

It's better to NOT lie and face the music rather than having to tell a lie to cover up another lie or get others into trouble.

Consider that.

Revival is coming!!!

2011-09-30T13:04:00.001+10:00

My blog I mean!

Your Love Never Fails

2010-02-18T19:04:00.000+10:00

Nothing can separate
Even if I ran away
Your love never fails

I know I still make mistakes
But You have new mercies for me everyday
Your love never fails

You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There maybe pain in the night but joy comes in the morning

And when the oceans rage
I don't have to be afraid
Because I know that You love me
Your love never fails

The wind is strong and the water's deep
But I'm not alone in these open seas
Cause Your love never fails

The chasm is far too wide
I never thought I'd reach the other side
But Your love never fails

You make all things work together for my good

Value yourself FIRST!!

2010-02-07T03:17:00.000+10:00

Today we had 'Princess Warrior Conference' at Mimi's house. A time when women of God come together to learn and encourage each other as we walk on this journey with Him. This time round, the topic was centred on BGR (Boy-Girl Relationship) which I thought was good since I've always gone through this in Brisbane, so it was great to hear from a different speaker.

I was just reading through the notes again when I saw this sentence quoted from Dr Les and Leslie Parrott's book, Relationships:

"If you try to find intimacy with another person before achieving a sense of intimacy on your own, all your relationships become an attempt to complete yourself."

Many times we try to find someone to complete ourselves (at least for me). We think that we will have a sense of self worth, self identity and healthy self concept once we find that someone.

But, how wrong can we be.

As the old saying goes: "be the right person FIRST rather than trying to look for the right person." We need to find and see the value in ourselves before we go around looking for our other half!!

more thoughts on the Princess Warrior Conference coming up..

Struggles are NECESSARY

2010-01-11T13:55:00.002+10:00

An interesting email sent by Mel. Be blessed!

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no further. So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily.

But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.

What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives. If God allowed us to go through our lives without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. We could never fly!

I asked for Strength....... And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for Wisdom...... And God gave me Problems to solve.

I asked for Prosperity......... And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.

I asked for Courage......... And God gave me Danger to overcome.

I asked for Love......... And God gave me troubled people to help.

I asked for Favors......... And God gave me Opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted........ I received everything I needed!

Trust in God! Always!

Serving God from Your Heart

2010-01-09T13:18:00.001+10:00

Taken from Rick Warren's devotion:

One characteristic of serving God from your heart is effectiveness: whenever you do what God wired you to love to do, you get good at it. Passion drives perfection. If you don't care about a task, it is unlikely that you'll excel at it.

On the other hand, the highest achievers in any field are those who do it because of passion, not duty or profit.

We've all heard people say, "I took a job I hate in order to make a lot of money, so someday I can quit and do what I love to do." That's a big mistake. Don't waste your life in a job that doesn't express your heart.

Remember, the greatest things in life are not things. Meaning is far more important than money. The richest man in the world once said, "A simple life in the fear-of-God is better than a rich life with a ton of headaches" (Proverbs 15:16, Msg).

Don't settle for achieving "the good life," because the good life is not good enough. Ultimately, it doesn't satisfy. You can have a lot to live on, and still have nothing to live for. Aim instead for "the better life" -- serving God in a way that expresses your heart.

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As some of us are entering the workforce for the first time or looking for another job the the xth time, let's take up the job not because you want to earn big bucks and then move on to something you're really passionate about. Instead, like what Rick Warren said, "Remember, the greatest things in life are not things. Meaning is far more important than money."

DON'T settle for the 'good life'; instead aim for 'the better life' - serving God in a way that expresses your heart.

We Love Because God Loves Us

2010-01-09T13:11:00.000+10:00

"Once we're secure inside God's unconditional love, we'll start cutting people a lot of slack. We won't be as angry as we've been. We'll be more patient. We'll be more forgiving. We'll be more merciful. We'll let others have grace." - Rick Warren's devotion

Let's learn to love because God loves us, not for any other reasons!

'Go' or 'Let's Go'

2010-01-08T18:22:00.002+10:00

I realised something today (why did it take me so long?!!), I blog most when my mind is actively engaged (i.e. reading a book/researching on an issue etc). I am currently reading this book by John C Maxwell, "Developing the Leader within You" and only in the first few pages of Chapter 1, and it has got me thinking...

"A person may be 'in control' because he has been appointed to a position. In that position, he may have authority. But real leadership is more than having authority; it is more than having the technical training and following the proper procedures. REAL LEADERSHIP is being the person others will gladly and confidently follow."

By deciding where to go for dinner, we are leading. By saying 'No' to injustice, you are leading. Somehow or rather, like it or not, we are leaders in our own ways (though we sometimes do not see it).

As for me, I serve as a leader in church (with a certain amount of authority given to me) and the above statement in John's book has certainly got me thinking:

will people still follow me if I do not have the authority given to me, in other words, will people still gladly follow me if I no longer have any authority given to me?

There is a difference between a boss and a leader (taken from John's book):

The boss depends on authority; the leader on goodwill;
The boss drives his workers; the leader coaches them;
The boss says 'I', the leader says 'We';
The boss says 'Go', the leader says 'Let's go'

Are we saying 'Go' or 'Let's go' to our team members today?

Waiting to be READY

2009-11-15T03:12:00.002+10:00

And so we continue waiting, just like how Abraham and Sarai waited for a child that God has promised.

"God also said to Abraham, 'As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.'" (Genesis 17:15–16 NIV).

They waited and waited, to the point of frustration.

I am pretty sure that you have been in such a situation, when you believed you have heard from God and started praying faithfully for it. However, as time goes by, you start to get impatient and frustrated; doubts start creeping in - whether you have heard wrongly, or, if God actually will grant your prayer eventually.

Sarah and Abraham knocked on that door for another fourteen years! (Genesis 16:16; Genesis 21:5).

Finally, the breakthrough came because they were totally and wholly dependent upon God to fulfill his promise.

Not dependent because they'd obediently submitted everything to God, but totally dependent because they'd exhausted every other possibility.

And that's often why God delays. He's waiting on us to be ready for him.

Are you ready?

Waiting is HARD..

2009-11-11T01:19:00.006+10:00

Yesterday, the Rick Warren devotion sent to my email caught my eye - Waiting is the HARDEST part.

I must say I FULLY AGREE with this (same sentiments anyone?) because all my life I realised that waiting is a process that I experience till now and definitely forever..and..it is HARD!

And many times, we tend to try taking things in our own hands, hoping that it will reduce the waiting time and discomfort of waiting.

Sarai from the Bible is one good example. As you read, Sarai actually took it upon herself to solve God's problem.

Let's take a pause here.

How many times have we tried to take things from the hands of our Creator(i.e. Jesus Christ) and simply forget that we are nothing without the Creator. To put it simply, how can we, the masterpiece of the Creator be able to fathom the thoughts and ways of our Creator??!

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isa 55: 8-10

Jon Walker (author of 'Growing with Purpose,' and editor of the Purpose Driven Life On-line Devotionals) commented:

"When faced with a delayed answer, do you break with God? What does manipulating an answer to our prayers say about our belief in God's character?"

I believe it speaks alot.

Consider it.

Waiting...

2009-11-11T01:08:00.004+10:00

Waiting is part and parcel of life, waiting:

for Mum/Dad to bring you to the zoo when you were young; for the day you get to have your own schoolbag; the day you graduate from primary school and step into your teenage years; for the first pager (in my times!); to be called up on stage to receive your graduation certificate; your first interview; for the call from the employer that you've been anticipating; and it goes on and on...waiting for something to happen..

Regardless of our age, the process of waiting is here to stay in our lives.

So, since the process of waiting is here to stay,

SHOULD we learn to wait,
EVEN IF it takes longer than we expected?

Love E.V.E.R.Y.O.N.E

2009-10-27T21:45:00.004+10:00

Even if it's...

- the neighbour who's constantly blasting his/her music;
- a rude salesperson ;
- the uncooperative groupmate in your project group;
- the unfriendly colleague who sits next to you in the office;
- the person who didn't thank you for holding the door etc

""You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?" - Mt 5: 43-44, 46-48

God reminded me of this verse today. Recently, I have been finding it hard to love someone whom I come into occasional contact with. I don't really know this person very well, but he is close to the family enough for me to have to be in contact with him sometimes. On top of that, I don't find him well-mannered or at least giving me the due respect I deserve.

Most of the times when I see him, a rush of negative emotions just consume me and they translate into actions. Many times, I get frustrated with myself for being two-faced (or double standard) for being able to treat love everyone but not this person.

It's easy to love those who love us and treat us the same way we do to them. But then we are no different from the others (i.e. people who do not have Christ in them)

It's NOT easy (as I've experienced) to love someone when they DO NOT treat us the same way we do to them.

But, that's what MAKES THE DIFFERENCE.

We are called to be salt and light to the world (Mt 5: 13-16) not salt and light that fades into the world.

"Lord, please teach me to have a heart for people just like you - to not judge and respond to them based on their actions. Rather, teach me to love them like you do - to look beyond their flaws and love them for who they are."

No Worries!

2009-10-22T11:17:00.002+10:00

Worry is a learned response. We learn to worry from:

i. EXPERIENCE. Out of years of mistakes, failures etc, we form the habit of worrying.
ii. EXAMPLES. Models around us, maybe our parents, friends etc.

Since worry is a learned response, then it can be unlearned!

"An anxious heart weighs a man down” (Proverbs 12:25 NIV).

Worry cannot change the past nor control the future; instead, it only makes us miserable today.

Worry exaggerates the problem - when you worry about a problem, it only gets bigger.

- adapted from Rick Warren's daily devotion

"Lord, teach me to pray instead of worry - to turn all my worries into prayers."

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life” (Philippians 4:6–7 MSG).

Decision-making in the CLEAREST of times..

2009-09-03T01:50:00.003+10:00

"Commitments to a preferred future do not come randomly. They are intentionally established at times when you are thinking clearly and are close to God." - Cordeiro, W

How many times have we made the WRONG decisions at the WRONG time (i.e. in the spur of a moment):

- after an argument with our parents;
- a tiff with our boyfriend/husband;
- a bad day at work;
- a discouraged moment in ministry;
- moments of silence while waiting on God;
- people who do not reciprocate according to your expectations etc

I believe we have all made some wrong decisions when we were not in the best 'time' of our lives, and sometimes, these wrong decisions result in long-term consequences that cannot be reversed.

Looking back, I have made some decisions at the wrong 'times' and these have resulted in situations less favorable. I thank God that these bad decisions never led to any major consequences. Now that I am back in Singapore for a season, I'm in a mode where I have to do alot of pondering and planning to the next step of my life - career, relationship, family etc. These are definitely areas of my life that I DO NOT want to make decisions that I will regret later on.

Hence, it is VERY IMPORTANT that we make decisions at the clearest of times - when we are "thinking with insight rather than ambiguity".

The next time you feel discouraged, angry or in a physical setback, take a step back and refrain from making any hasty decisions. Instead, allow yourself to take control of your emotions before you make any decisions.

Take Time Out to Reflect

2009-08-29T02:16:00.003+10:00

"The best lives are like notebooks whose writings are read and reflected upon over and over again. Lessons are extracted and futures reassessed." Wayne Cordeiro

It hit home today the importance of taking time out to rest and reflect.

Imagine the amount of time you've wasted committing the same mistakes in life, ministries, relationships etc. If only we are disciplined enough to sit down and reflect on what was good/bad, then alot of time could be saved!!

Having more free time on hand back in Singapore has really given me the time out to reflect on the past few months, even years. This is the only (and start to many) time that I've really sat down to pen down my thoughts and not merely running it through my mind and shaking it off at the end of the day.

As Wayne mentioned, the BEST notebooks of life is one that is reflected upon over and over again - to the extent that the 'pages' become seasoned as a result of the constant 'revisits'. The best notebooks of life is NOT one that has a detailed record of everything good/bad and looks pretty; BUT has never been revisited.

"Experience alone will not make one wiser. When we repeat a mistake, experience only reminds us that we made the same blunder before. Experience plus reflection will grant us insight, and insight helps us to grow and change." Wayne Cordeiro

I want to be one who has insight - which will help me to grow and change.

Time to take time out to reflect!

Our acceptance is NOT determined by anything or anyone

2009-08-24T16:02:00.003+10:00

"Most of us spend our entire lives trying to earn acceptance. We want to earn it from our parents, peers, partners in life, from people we respect, maybe even from people we envy. The drive to be accepted is a deep drive that can influence the kind of clothes you wear, the kind of car you drive, the kind of house you buy, even the career you choose." - Rick Warren's daily devotion

I thought by changing my dress style, I'll be accepted by the 'cool' people;
I thought by doing what my peers do, I'll be accepted by them;
I thought by being someone that conforms to the society, I'll be accepted.

So many 'I thought's, but ultimately, I have come to the realization that I will never be happy if I allow my acceptance to be determined by something or someone.

I thank God that I do not have to earn His acceptance, I don't have to prove myself to Him. Jesus accepts me and it is not based on my performance (if it was, I think it'll take me a lifetime to earn His acceptance!!)

If there is one person I want acceptance from, it is God. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Is your acceptance determined by anything or anyone today?

We all give our life for something..

2009-08-24T15:05:00.003+10:00

In our lives, like it or not, we give our lives for something. Some give their lives for their career, some for their hobby, some for the fame, some for the people around them, some simply for the term of their lives.

As for me, I used to spend my life trying to please others - trying to fit into a mold defined by others, and many of us will know that it wouldn't work out at the end. We can never please everyone around us, in the midst of doing so, we just end up frustrating ourselves and setting 'goals' we can never achieve.

I have decided, that I will not live my life for others; I want to live a life that counts - a life for God!

What about you?

MISSing them already!!!

2009-08-24T14:51:00.004+10:00

2009-08-23T12:50:00.001+10:00

"God, please break down the 'walls' that are hindering my faith."

What is right?

2009-08-14T00:43:00.002+10:00

“We should choose to follow what is right. But first of all we must define among ourselves what is good” - Job 34:4 LB

Everything we do is somehow influenced by the values we have - our actions in life are largely determined by the values we hold:

How we decide to react when someone treats us unfairly;
How we decide to respond to a situation perceived favorably by our friends when they are looking at us;
How we allow the norms of society to replace what is right (in the eyes of God) etc

What kind of values do you have today - are they shaped by society (i.e. parents, friends, experiences etc); OR are they shaped by that of God.

Values determined by Man are fallible; but values based on the Word of God is infallible.

Lord, teach me to learn what is right and daily make the conscious decision to NOT follow the norm BUT follow what is right.

2009-08-03T14:24:00.002+10:00

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Tim 3: 7

I am still fighting the good fight, I have yet to finish the race and I am still learning daily to keep the faith.

Father I pray that you teach me to fight the good fight till the end, to last the race. Not to give up halfway because of anything/anyone, for nothing and no one is GREATER than you are. Teach me to walk righteously with you daily despite my weaknesses and imperfection, for I have a PERFECT Father and God. In Jesus' Name, AMEN

2009-07-22T01:27:00.002+10:00

"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him..." - 2 Chron 16: 9

Build the Dream He Has Placed Within You

2009-07-19T01:21:00.003+10:00

(An excerpt from Rick Warren's daily devotion)

"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." (Mark 9: 23 NIV)

God will build your faith by planting a dream within you. But that dream will require a decision of faith, and then God will stretch your faith as you face delays, difficulties, and dead ends.
______________________________________________________________________________________

Yes, the dream has been planted within me. Now, it is to make that decision of faith so that the dream God has placed within me can start to grow, and ultimately blossom!

Lord, I pray for your strength and wisdom to be upon me. Grant me the faith to step out and make that decision, once and for all. Not looking back on things that I should/could have done, but looking forward to fulfill that dream that you have birthed within me. God, teach me to deal with all distractions (esp ones that I'm more susceptible to); help me to face the delays, difficulties, and even dead ends without complaining, but with the confidence that I can, because I believe.

Resent, resign or anticipate?

2009-07-06T14:56:00.002+10:00

Do you sometimes wonder if God knows what's best for you, if in fact His Will will be done in you?

I do. I wonder sometimes if God has it all wrong and if His hand is truly on my case.

"Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" - Matthew 6:10 NIV

In Rick Warren's devotion, he said:

You can pray "Your will be done" in three different ways. You can say it in:

- RESENTMENT: "Your will be done, but I don't like it.";
- RESIGNATION: "Your will be done, because I can't help it."; or
- ANTICIPATION: "Your will be done, because I know it is the best and that's what I want for my life today!"

I find myself sitting on the fence between RESENTMENT & ANTICIPATION and RESIGNATION & ANTICIPATION sometimes, especially when things don't turn out the way I want it to.

At the end of the day, if we profess that Jesus is Lord and He is the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Heb 12: 2), we should be ones who pray 'Your will be done' in ANTICIPATION. Afterall, His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isa 55: 9)

"Lord, teach me to humble myself and place everything at Your feet. Teach me to understand Your sovereignty in my life and allow You to let Your Will be done in my life according to YOUR time."

Why We Need the Ten Commandments

2009-07-01T12:19:00.000+10:00

“We don’t keep the Ten Commandments in order to be saved; we keep them because we want to please God and bring honor to Him by the way we live. Jesus said, ‘If you love me, you will obey what I command’ (John 14:15).” - Dr Billy Graham

to KNOW and MAKE Him KNOWN

2009-06-22T13:34:00.005+10:00

"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ" - Phil 3: 8

Sometimes in ministry and even in life we get so caught up with so many things, but at the end of the day, it’s about KNOWING God and MAKING Him known.

As a Christian, isn't it all about knowing God more and more each day, making His Name known to all the others who do not (yet) know Him?

Paul from the Bible (Philippians 3:4-6)is one whom you would term as an extremely intellectual and religious person today:

"though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

However, in v7-9, Paul said:

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

Now, it really takes ALOT for a person like Paul to consider all his achievements and everything he had a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ! He must have experienced God to a very deep extent to say such a thing.

Enjoy the following song.

Till I see You - Hillsong
The greatest love that anyone could ever know
That overcame the cross and grave to find my soul
And 'til I see You face to face and grace amazing takes me home
I'll trust in You

With all I am I'll live to see Your kingdom come
And in my heart I pray You'd let Your will be done
And 'til I see You face to face and grace amazing takes me home
I'll trust in You

I will live to love You
I will live to bring You praise
I will live a child in awe of You

You are the voice that calls the universe to be
You are the whisper in my heart that speaks to me
And 'til I see You face to face and grace amazing takes me home
I'll trust in you

You alone are God of all
You alone are worthy Lord
And with all I am my soul will bless Your name

My heartcry

2009-06-15T03:16:00.002+10:00

(Chorus of Hosanna by Hillsong)

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me

Break my heart from what breaks yours
Everything I am for your Kingdom's cause
As I go from nothing to Eternity
_______________________________________________________________________________________

We sang this song at church today and once again, my eyes were soaked with tears. This song has never failed to bring up that deep 'burden' on my heart.

This burden - for His people, for the community.

I have been asking God all this while - "How can I 'answer' this burden?"

Lord, show me how. OPEN UP my eyes to the things unseen, SHOW ME how to love like You have loved me. BREAK my heart for what breaks Yours.

Permissible AND Edifying

2009-06-08T00:30:00.005+10:00

Excerpt from John Bevere's Bait of Satan

"We should make it our aim not to cause another to stumble because of our personal liberty. What we do may even be permissible according to the Scriptures. But ask yourself: Does it seek the edification of another or myself?"

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Isn't it true how we sometimes choose personal liberty at the expense of others - we rather stumble others so that we can do/enjoy what we like.

The Bible says in 1 Cor 10: 23-24 (The Amplified Bible),

"All things are legitimate [permissible--and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]. Let no one then seek his own good and advantage and profit, but [rather] each one of the other [let him seek the welfare of his neighbor]."

and 1 Cor 10: 31-33 (The Amplified Bible)

"So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God. Do not let yourselves be [hindrances by giving] an offense to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God [ R5 do not lead others into sin by your mode of life]; Just as I myself strive to please [to accommodate myself to the opinions, desires, and interests of others, adapting myself to] all men in everything I do, not aiming at or considering my own profit and advantage, but that of the many in order that they may be saved."

Think about your actions and words today - though permissible, are they edifying?

Think about the places you visit or things you do in your free time - are they edifying to others on top of being permissible?

The point here is to do/say things that are permissible AND edifying.

Let's all learn to be like Paul who not consider his own profit and advantage, BUT that of others first!

Please God; not man

2009-06-06T02:44:00.002+10:00

Sometimes I wonder if man live to please man.

As Christians, we might start off on the right track (i.e. live to please God), but along the way, we get side-tracked (i.e. live to please man).

John Bevere mentioned in his book 'Bait of Satan', "when you live for the will of God, you will not fulfill the desires of man."

When we have made up our mind that we will live for the will of God, we will not compromise just to please man.

Lord, I pray that You will help me to grow in living for You and not for man. Let my every decision and action be made to please You and not man."

Without You I am.....LOST

2009-06-06T02:03:00.003+10:00

Have you ever wondered where you'll be if not for something that did or did not happen?

I have. I wonder where I'll be today if God did not give His life for me.

Without Him, I'll be:

-caught in my own self-pity;
-hating the world because I do not have what it takes to be in the 'cool' crowd;
-looking at life in a less positive way (given my pessimistic personality);
-screaming my head off at people who do not do things the way I want;
-caught up in achieving what the world sees as successful (but tiring in a way);
-yada yada

The point I am making here is, without God's redemption for man on the cross, we will not be where we are today - believe it or not.

I believe.

Hope the lyrics of the song below speaks to you.

Thank You for the cross Jesus!

_________________________________________________________________________

For Your Cross - Citipointe Church

You gave Your life for me
You wore that crown for me
And now I live for You

You gave Your all for me
You gave so I am free
And now I live for You

Thank You for the cross
Without You I am lost
It is for Your cross I live today
Living for Your love
Lost but now I am found
It is for Your cross I live today

My Father, Creator
All Glory to the King
So worthy of all honor
All Glory to the King

Shut up. Be silent.

2009-05-30T02:21:00.002+10:00

Can't stand the silence in the car? Need to turn on your music/TV once you get home to get rid of the silence?

Sometimes we try to keep ourselves surrounded by sound (or noise) that we fail to listen out to the still, small voice of God.

We pray "God, I need your guidance" and then once 'Amen' is said, we get up and walk off.

When was the last time you sat down in silence and listened to the voice of God in the midst of everything?

A formula offered by Rick Warren:

Divert daily, withdraw weekly, abandon annually. Get quiet once a day, take one day a week to rest, and always take some sort of vacation at least once a year.

So, what are you waiting for.

Shut up. Be silent.

Allow God to speak.

2009-05-27T14:55:00.004+10:00

An excerpt from John Bevere's 'Bait of Satan'

"It is righteous for God to avenge His servants. It is unrighteous for God's servants to avenge themselves. Saul was a man who avenged himself. He chased David, a man of honor, for fourteen years and murdered the priests and their families.

As David stood over the sleeping Saul, he faced an important test. It would reveal whether David still had the noble heart of a shepherd or the insecurity of another Saul. Would he remain a man after God's heart? Initially it is so much easier when we take matters into our own hands, rather than waiting on a righteous God.

God tests His servants with obedience. He deliberately places us in situations where the standards of religion and society would appear to justify our actions. He allows others, especially those close to us, to encourage us to protect ourselves. We may even think we would be noble and protect others by avenging ourselves. But this is not God's way. It is the way of the world's wisdom. It is earthly and fleshly.

...was I [John Bevere] going to become like the man who sought to destroy me? Or would I allow for God's judgment or mercy if the man repented."
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Many times we want to take things in our own hands and see the instant result - we think that we are protecting others by avenging ourselves.

However, is that what God instructs us to do?

Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. - Romans 12: 19

WHAT is your secret to managing frustrations?

2009-05-27T13:49:00.003+10:00

The Secret to Managing Frustrations (by Rick Warren)

"A man's wisdom gives him patience..." (Proverbs 19:11 NIV).

It's amazing how fifteen minor frustrations at the office can add up to one big, bad attitude by the time you head for home. Frustrations come in three varieties:

1. Interruptions: Unexpected visitors or phone calls when you have a deadline to meet or something important requires your attention. Our best plans are often interrupted.
2. Inconveniences: While interruptions are usually from people, inconveniences are usually situations involving things: the copy machine breaks down, traffic jams up, or you can't find what you need when you need it.
3. Irritations: Long delays, unreliable people, playing telephone tag, catching a cold, obnoxious clients, etc.

But the truth is you can't eliminate these. No doubt you'll face all three varieties this week, but you can keep them from stressing you out.

What's the secret of managing your frustrations?

Don't resist it, but don't overreact or blow up. Don't resent it; don't internalize you anger. Don't resign to it; don't have a pity-party.

Instead, reduce it. Treat it as insignificant. Put the frustration into proper perspective. It's just a minor setback, a part of living, no big deal! It's certainly not worth a heart attack. Follow these rules for stress management:

• RULE #1: Don't sweat the small stuff.
• RULE #2: Realize it's all small stuff!

The Bible says, "A man's wisdom gives him patience..." (Proverbs 19:11 NIV). The only way we can see all stuff as small stuff is to view it from God's perspective. When I am in tune with God, I remember he has everything under control even though I don't! So I don't have to sweat it: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV).

Pray this prayer: "Lord, help me to be filled with your love, joy, and peace, so that when I'm squeezed and pressured it is your love, joy, and peace that spill out of me."
_____________________________________________________________________________________

The truth of the matter is, we have to deal with frustrations everyday (like it or not).

But, it is the way we choose to respond to it that will determine the amount of stress that we will impose on ourselves.

____________________________________________________________________________________

What is PRAYER to you?

2009-05-25T15:04:00.003+10:00

Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tyre? - Corrie Ten Boom

STEER is defined on www.dictionary.com as:

1.to guide the course of (something in motion) by a rudder, helm, wheel, etc.: to steer a bicycle.
2.to follow or pursue (a particular course).
3.to direct the course of; guide: I can steer you to the best restaurant in town.

and SPARE in this quote is defined as:

kept in reserve, as for possible use: a spare part.

How many times have I viewed prayer just as a SPARE tyre - kept in reserve for possible (rather than necessary) use.

How many times have I neglected the fact that prayer can STEER (i.e. guide) me in the right direction?

Is prayer a STEERING WHEEL or SPARE TYRE in your life?

A Choice...

2009-05-22T00:25:00.004+10:00

I Want To Fall In Love with You - Jars of Clay

In open fields of wild flowers
She breathes the air and flies away
(She thanks her Jesus) for the daises and the roses
In no simple language
Someday she'll understand the meaning of it all

He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
As close a heartbeat or a song on her lips
Someday she'll trust him and learn how to see him
Someday he'll call her and she will come running
And fall in his arms and the tears will fall down and she'll pray

I want to fall in love with you

Sitting silent wearing Sunday's best
The sermon echoes through the walls
A great salvation through it calls to the people
Who stare into nowhere, and can't feel the chains on their souls

He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
As close a heartbeat or a song on our lips
Someday we'll trust him and learn how to see Him
Someday He'll call us and we will come running
And fall in His arms and the tears will fall down and we'll pray

I want to fall in love with You

It seems too easy to call you "Savior"
Not close enough to call you "God"
So as i sit and think of words i can mention
To show my devotion

I want to fall in love with You

My heart beats for You
____________________________________________________________________________

Notice the word 'want' in the title. It's a choice to fall in love with God.

We have to make choices in our life all the time; and I pray that one of the choices we make daily is to choose to fall in love with God..more and more..

2009-05-18T02:20:00.002+10:00

"The more we hold onto something; the more it'll have a hold over us."

Was talking to a friend and this revelation came to me!

So many times, we hold onto something/someone so tightly that at the end of the day, this thing/person has a hold on/over us.

For instance, we hold onto our ministry very tightly, then, when something happens, we get so disturbed by it.

We hold into someone very tightly, then, when he/she doesn't respond in the way we expected, we get disturbed by it.

Hold onto everything tightly (in the sense of treasuring it); however, be ready to give it up when the time is right.

To answer or not?

2009-05-17T23:43:00.009+10:00

Today's sermon, God's End Times Revival Army was the second part to Hope Church Singapore's sermon series, End Times Revival which started 2 weeks ago.

Michael Raditya preached about how God is calling us to be part of His end times revival army and how we should respond to it.

God has a calling for every one of us today. Sadly, some misconceptions have caused some Christians to partially or never respond to that calling that God has for our lives.

Misconception #1 says that we need to be a full time church worker in order to serve and respond to God's call.

HOWEVER, the real issue here is about serving God fully wherever we are in whatever we do. Serving and responding to God's calling is NOT limited only to ones who are called into full-time ministry (e.g. pastors, evangelists etc), but for EVERY ONE OF US!

Misconception #2 says that God's calling for our lives should not be something that we enjoy. That means to say, if we are passionate about something and enjoy doing it, then that is not God's calling for our lives.

In 2003, Sherwood Pictures premiered its first full length motion picture, Flywheel, in three theaters in south Georgia. It aired on numerous Christian television networks around the world including TBN, Family Net, INSP, Faith TV, and Cornerstone TV, and has sold approximately 200,000 DVDs to date. The thousands of letters, e-mails, and phone calls from viewers has made this a powerful new avenue of ministry for the church.

In 2006, Sherwood produced its second feature, Facing the Giants, which was picked up by Provident Films (a Sony company) and released September 29th 2006 in 441 theaters nationwide.

Sherwood's third movie, Fireproof, was released nationwide in over 800 theaters on September 26, 2008.

(Taken from Sherwood Baptist Church website. Find out more here)

These individuals enjoyed what they were doing and were using their passion for film for God. Hence, it is not true to say that we cannot enjoy God's calling upon our lives. It is true that sometimes we might have to go through some tough challenges as we respond to God's call, but it is definitely NOT TRUE to say that God's calling for our lives should not be something that we enjoy.

Responding to God's call involves challenges. However, would you rather face challenges as you respond to God's call; or would you rather run away from God's call and face challenges along the way?

I would choose the former.

an entry from yesterday...

2009-05-17T02:37:00.003+10:00

Spent almost half a day with my bestie yesterday and we bought each other a charm bracelet! This time, we decided to invest in something more expensive (which equates to better quality to our understanding). The last time when we were less well-to-do, we bought something that fell apart after a while!!

So, it's good getting something of better quality at times.

Anyway, we were told by the salesperson that our bracelet purchase entitled us to shopping vouchers in Suntec City. Happily, we strutted over to the information counter for the redemption and got 4 booklets in total. We left the counter beaming and opened up the booklet to see how much each one was worth and alas! to our amazement (or embarrassment), we realised it was vouchers for the kiddy rides upstairs! No wonder the lady was giving us the weird stare when we excitedly asked for the vouchers!

Met up with the JEDI people briefly before heading for Corporate Prayer meeting with them. Was a great time of seeking and hearing from God as a church and being affirmed and encouraged by God in many ways.

Looking back, many things have happened in just a month. A month ago, I was still in hospital, holding and talking to Mum. But now, Mum is not with us anymore. A month ago, I was still unfamiliar with the JEDI group; but now, I feel like I'm a part of them. All in all, God has and is watching over me. Regardless of the situation, I will still praise and love Him.

Thank you Jesus!

Hope Centre Flag Day 2009

2009-05-17T02:12:00.006+10:00

Today about 10 of us from JEDI (Jesus Empowered Disciples International) turned up for the Hope Centre Flag Day. The purpose of this event which involved the whole church was to raise $100, 000 for 500 students from low-income families.

God was watching over us all the time - from cooling the start of the day with a small downpour to a just-enough-clouds sky and finally, a cool weather to end off the day. Though it was a long one, I had fun - because I knew I was used by God to make a difference in the lives of the students from the low-income families.

So, what's a few hours of standing compared to that??!!

Anyway, some pictures to sum it all up.

We made it back!!

Women of God in JEDI

Advertising for event

The Campbell Marque ex-housemates unite!

Ehhh!

Being Wise in Relationships with Others (Rick Warren)

2009-05-14T12:28:00.002+10:00

"But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness" (James 3:17-18 NLT).

Six ways to be wise when we relate to others. If I am biblically wise...

1. I will not compromise my integrity (wisdom is pure). I'll be honest with you. I'll keep my promises and commitments to you.

2. I will not antagonize your anger (wisdom is peace-loving). I'll work at maintaining harmony. I won't push your hot buttons.

3. I will not minimize your feelings (wisdom is courteous). I may not feel as you do, but I won't ignore or ridicule how you feel.

4. I will not criticize your suggestions (wisdom allows discussion). I can disagree with you without being disagreeable.

5. I will not emphasize your mistakes (wisdom is full of mercy). Instead of rubbing it in, I'll rub it out.

6. I will not disguise my motivations (wisdom is wholehearted and sincere). I'll be authentic with you. I won't con or manipulate you.

2009-05-14T02:12:00.002+10:00

Was my first time at JEDI Unit Prayer @ St Andrew's Cathedral today and a few of us sat down to pray a loooong list of prayer points for everyone in the Lifegroup and it took approximately 30 minutes for us to get through the whole list.

Phew! Was a long yet refreshing time as we submit our requests to God!

Anyway, in the midst of praying through the points for various individuals in the group, I realised there was a common point for a few of them - to seek for direction in their career.

This immediately triggered off a note in me cos I am also seeking for career direction since I quitted my job in Australia. For me, I realised that I have a wide choice of jobs in front of me and I have been praying and asking God which job I should venture into.

At that very instant, God laid this upon my heart - it doesn't matter what job it is, but how I can impact others in whatever job I am in!

Wow! That really changed my perspective!

Think about it, if we are simply focused on the materials (e.g.pay, status quo etc) of a job, we will never be satisfied with what we have; because it is human nature to want something better than what we have. And when we don't get what we want, we get dissatisfied with our job. However, if we know that God has placed us in the job at that time for a reason (i.e. so that we can impact others), then we will be able to not be dissatisfied with the promotion/pay rise that we didn't get; instead, we will be focused on how we can impact the people around us.

Don't get me wrong - I am not saying that we should reject promotions/pay rises/career change; but the priority should be more on how we can impact others for God!

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. " - Matthew 6:33

2009-05-14T01:58:00.002+10:00

It's interesting how we view things differently at different phases of our lives.

Was looking through the huge library of books I accumulated over the years and chanced upon a book that was given to me twice by the same person. Starting reading it today and I'm already on page 65 (!!) - which is a great achievement given that I tried really hard in the past to finish 1 chapter.

This book, 'The Hiding Place', a true story of Corrie Ten Boom, has really put me to shame - of the unwavering faith of the family despite their circumstances.

Some excerpts from the book:

"Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see."

Tune in for more!

"Happiness isn't something that depends on our surroundings; it's something we make inside our hearts."

"Whenever we cannot love in the old, human way, God can give us the perfect love."

2009-05-12T22:40:00.003+10:00

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Pet 5: 7

So many things on my mind now God. Time to put your Word into action!

Ten 'Can'-mandments (by Rick Warren)

2009-05-12T13:17:00.001+10:00

So often we think of commandments as a list of don'ts. Instead of focusing on what we can't do, let's start looking at what we can with this list of ten "can"-mandments!

1. Instead of thinking, "It will never fly," think, "Through God's strength, it's worth the try!"

2. Replace the thought, "It won't work," with faith that, with God's strength, it will work!

3. When someone says, "It's never been done before," respond by saying, "That means God's giving us the opportunity to be the first."

4. "What if we fail?" What if we fail to try, knowing God says we can do everything through Him who gives us strength?

5. "We don't have the money." Where God guides, he provides so that we can do everything he has called us to do.

6. "We don't have the time!" Perhaps God is telling us to re-evaluate our priorities as we rely upon his direction and strength.

7. "We don't have the expertise." Maybe not, but we can learn as God directs our path.

8. "It's been tried before." But we're wiser now because we know we can do everything when we rely on God's strength instead of our own.

9. If someone says, "There are so many problems with it," respond by saying, "Yet, there are so many possibilities when we're trusting God instead of ourselves."

10. Instead of saying, "It's not working out," say instead, "Let's try it one more time, but this time focused on God and the truth that we can do this through Him who gives us strength."

"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse" (Philippians 4:8 MSG).

2009-05-11T01:30:00.002+10:00

"We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers - and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me. " 1 Tim 1: 8-11

v8 in particular caught my attention - the law IS good if one uses it properly. That means, if the law is used improperly, then it will not be good.

Dictionary.com defines 'abuse' as: to use wrongly or improperly; misuse. That means, to use the law (i.e. Word of God) which is good in an improper manner is to abuse the law.

Imagine this with me, if we bought an iPhone and instead of using it the way it should be, we abuse it and use it for something else. Then I guess we would not be able to use the iPhone to the fullest potential. Likewise, when we abuse (i.e misuse) the law, we will not fully experience the power of the law.

Are you abusing the law today or using it to the fullest power?

Happy Mothers' Day, Mum!

2009-05-11T01:00:00.004+10:00

"The older we get, the more apparent the flaws and weaknesses of our parents."

In today's Sunday sermon, Pastor Jeff mentioned this phrase, and of how we should still appreciate our parents even though their flaws and weaknesses start surfacing or become more apparent to us.

Does knowing their flaws and weaknesses change the fact that they have made sacrifices for us - that they rather give us all the meat of the chicken and suck on the remaining bones; that they scrimp and save to give us what we need, and to the extent of what we want; that they work a few more years past their retirement age to provide for the family and many more.

I am sure our parents have made countless sacrifices for us - sometimes even silent ones - ones that we might not even know till the day we die. This is how GREAT the love of our parents is.

So, no matter what day it is, always shower your parents with love and care, always be thankful for all that they have done for you.

I'll end off with a phrase someone shared that really touched me - "Husbands, the best gift you can give your children is to cherish their mother."

*This is the kind of husband I want!

To be Salt and Light

2009-05-10T02:27:00.004+10:00

A few friends and I went to Starbucks for a cuppa after Korean dinner today and we had a very interesting discussion regarding some current issues.

As I was pondering about the time we spent, it reminded me of the verse in Matthew 5: 13,

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." - Matthew 5: 13

This gave me an instant revelation - that we are salt of the world, and we need to stay current with what's going on in the society nowadays. Sometimes, these issues are not things that will interest us. However, if we fail to keep ourselves current and lag behind, we can no longer be relevant to the people around us - we lose our saltiness.

Hence, wherever we are, let's make it a point to be current with the issues that are happening around us. However, in the midst of it all, let's also watch ourselves that we do not end up conforming to the world. For we are IN the world, but not OF the world.

Learning to Be Mary (Luke 10: 38-42)

2009-05-10T02:22:00.003+10:00

Yesterday, a sister shared at Lifegroup about us being preoccupied in everything except Jesus.

This reminded me of myself, of how I am always preoccupied with things (i.e. church, lifegroup, ministry etc) and tiring myself out that I have no time to just sit down at Jesus’ feet like Martha. Don’t get me wrong, doing church and etc are not wrong; but it’s just my choleric (i.e. task oriented) nature that always get the better of me. I love filling up my organizer with things to do and feel a sense of satisfaction when I manage to accomplish the tasks for the day.

So, when things get too overwhelming, I end up getting physically tired and neglect in spending that time with God.

At the end of the day, God desires us to be like Mary, just sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to Him.

When was the last time you sat at the feet of Jesus to hear from Him?

Love Is a Choice (by Rick Warren)

2009-05-01T00:29:00.001+10:00

"...That you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life, and He will give you many years in the land He swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" (Deuteronomy 30:20 NIV).

Love is a choice and a commitment. You choose to love or you choose not to love.

Today we've bought into this myth that love is uncontrollable, that it's something that just happens to us; it's not something we control. In fact, even the language we use implies the uncontrollability of love. We say, "I fell in love," as if love is some kind of a ditch. It's like I'm walking along one day and bam!—I fell in love. I couldn't help myself.

But I have to tell you the truth: that's not love. Love doesn't just happen to you. Love is a choice and it represents a commitment.

There's no doubt about it, attraction is uncontrollable and arousal is uncontrollable. But attraction and arousal are not love. They can lead to love, but they are not love. Love is a choice.

You must choose to love God; he won't force you to love Him (Deuteronomy 30:20). You can thumb your nose at God and go a totally different way. You can destroy your life if you choose to do that. God still won't force you to love Him. Because He knows love can't be forced.

And this same principle is true about your relationships: you can choose to love others, but God won't force you to love anyone.

One man who made a difference

2009-04-24T15:01:00.006+10:00

I'm sure many of us have seen the movie 'Slumdog Millionaire' and given a choice, I will never want to live as a slumdog.

However, this man thinks likewise. He was DESPERATE to be a Slumdog.

How can we impact the people(whom we overlook)with the Gospel today?

Dedicated to Maggiee Choo (1955 - 2009)

2009-04-21T21:20:00.005+10:00

Dearest Mum,

I still can't believe that you're no longer with us. Everything at home and everywhere I go reminds me of you. You have been a great blessing in my life and I thank God for you though I do not express it enough.

Thank you for fighting the fight for the past years just to stay with us a little longer. Though I can't say that I can identify with the pain and suffering you went through, I salute you for the sacrifice and effort you've put in for the family. You have been very brave Mum and I am proud to be your daughter.

Things will never be the same without you but I know you want us to continue living on and take care of Dad. Don't worry Mum, we will take care of Dad and ourselves.

You will always be missed dearly...

Love,
Liwen

2009-04-21T01:54:00.004+10:00

Today is the second day of Mum's wake and since yesterday, I have seen many ones tear to the point of breaking down in front of the altar and Mum's coffin.

Something that really impacted me as I processed these scenes is the extent of my Mum's influence on these ones. They were simply people she see occasionally; yet, they have been impacted by Mum's words/actions to a certain extent to be reacting in such a way.

This really got me thinking - to what extent am I influencing every person I meet on a daily basis. Am I making the most of every opportunity to speak into their lives?

"I miss you Mum..."

Thank You

2009-04-17T01:38:00.002+10:00

In the midst of deciding to come back to Singapore for a period of time to help out at home, one of the worrying factor I told God was the fact that most of my spiritual family (and support) are back in Brisbane and the way church is done here is very different from Brisbane. I was so afraid that the lack of what I think I needed will cause me to be stagnant or even backslide from God.

However, since I touched down this morning, God has proved me otherwise. Just today, 7 individuals from JEDI group in Hope Singapore have came by to visit my Mum - a few of them were only acquaintances whom I met during my last holiday back here!!

"Thank you God for Your providence and being there for me when I least expect it. I thank You for being who You are - that I can trust in Your unfailing love and omniscience. I pray that You'll continue to show me how I can learn something out of this period of time that I am undergoing. In Jesus name, Amen."

My Father's Love

2008-11-07T15:56:00.002+10:00

Got this video from a friend's blog and it literally brought me to tears..to see an earthly father doing these for his son, what more to mention my Heavenly Father?!

It reminded me of how much God loves us - me to be exact.

God, You're more than my Father, You're my HERO!

Is this me?

2008-11-07T15:32:00.001+10:00

Got this from Lem's blog... try it... Personality Test

I am a Social Realist (SR)

Social Realists are popular persons full of energy. They are reliable, well organized and helpful. Traditional values are important to them. Founding a family also plays a central role in their life. Social Realists have a marked social streak. They are always ready to listen to the worries and problems of others and spare no effort when they are asked for help. With empathy and understanding, they can sense what other people need. Social Realists are always willing to highly regard the strong points of the other person and to excuse that person’s weaknesses. They are the most sociable of all personality types. Social contacts are very important to them.

Social Realists find it very difficult to cope with conflicts and criticism - harmony is their elixir of life. Acknowledgement and esteem are very important to this type. Differentiation on the other hand is not necessarily one of their strong points. At work and in partnerships, they are loyal, committed and always there when needed. They find it easy to make friends due to their open, warm manner and they have a large circle of friends. In love, they are faithful and attentive and care for their partners with a great deal of imagination and sensitivity. Social Realists show their feelings openly and honestly. Should a relationship break up, they tend to blame themselves. That is why they find it very difficult to end a partnership even if it has not fulfilled their requirements for some time.

Social Realists are more conservative types. They have a set system of values and rules which is orientated to the prevailing traditions. They prefer clear, structured surroundings and work processes; they find too much change und unrest unpleasant. Their strong points are carefulness and reliability and not so much flexibility and spontaneity. Social Realists are open-minded towards anything new only to a limited extent. But, should one be looking for someone to fulfil a task reliably and exactly, they are the right persons.

Adjectives which describe your type
extroverted, practical, sentimental, planning, emotional, temperamental, energetic, tradition-conscious, loyal, helpful, devoted, reliable, caring, objective, thorough, organised, warm-hearted, open, friendly, sociable, chummy, obliging, self-sacrificing, public-spirited, sensitive, kind, demanding

These subjects could interest you
honorary work, parties, going out, music, hiking, cooking, craftwork, nature, literature

I'm Forever Yours

2008-09-30T12:10:00.003+10:00

I'm Forever Yours - Planet Shakers

I give my all to You
Send me and I will go for You
To the ends of the earth
I'll follow after You
I want the world to know
Your love endures forever

Tell me and I'll obey
This is far greater than sacrifice
Trusting You and not myself
Will always lead to blessing
Lord have Your way in me
Not my will, Yours be done

Here I stand within Your presence
Longing for Your touch
A thousand days cannot compare to one day in Your courts
Hold me now and never ever let me go
My Jesus, my precious Savior
I'm FOREVER YOURS.

I will worship You forever
I will worship You

Hillsong Live - Healer (Song Story)

2008-07-20T01:30:00.000+10:00

Some fond memories of Judah 8

2008-06-16T21:56:00.001+10:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Happy Father's Day!!

2008-06-16T21:16:00.002+10:00

Thanks to my dear friend, I decided to use Smilebox to send Dad a Father's Day card!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

A brief preview of the fun people in my life.

2008-06-16T11:47:00.003+10:00

Yes. This bunch of people in the picture are the ones whom I have the privilege to share my life with. They are a faithful bunch of people who love each other and most importantly, God! It is truly a blessing to know each and every one of them. Thank God for all of you!

The Chefs and waiter/waitresses wanna-bes!!!!

Chefs, cooks and waitresses in negotiation.!!

Yes, his part time job is a chef. Guess his other part time job.!!

Modern day kung-fu (with cooking utensils as weapons), caught in ACTION!!

Once again, the beautiful group of Judah 8. Love ya all!!!

2008-04-28T21:11:00.004+10:00

"Leaders must realise that they must keep their 'program', their people, and themselves moving." LeRoy Eims

Thank you God for reminding me once again of my responsibility and role in Your church!!

My Beloved friends!

2008-01-04T02:20:00.000+10:00

This is the crazy bunch of people who I've been hanging out with almost every week, on Thursdays and Sundays!

Well, this picture was taken at my last lifegroup in Singapore before I head back to Brissy on Wednesday. I must say that Ronald and Leslie have been really faithful in sending out emails to inform us about weekly lifegroups and also to keep us connected to Hope Singapore, even though we are just here for a very short time, so,

a big THANK YOU to Ronald and Leslie!!

Seriously, I've been very blessed and encouraged by the group, that we never ceased to meet up regardless of our 'added' commitments back in Singapore. It's just really nice to come together every week with like-minded people to celebrate our God! Through this lifegroup, I have also got to know people from other services and also many others from Judah a little better!Praise God!!

Poly Gathering

2008-01-04T02:04:00.000+10:00

This week has been a crazy week of gatherings for me, rushing to meet 3 groups of friends in the midst of so many things that I have to do.

As I'm a woman of few words, I will let the pictures do the talking.

JM, Florence and I at Sakae Sushi.

JY, Serene and I at Sakae Sushi.

A picture of almost the whole gang at Sakae Sushi.

Tired from all the walking at Far East, so we decided to have a drink at Gelare Cafe.

This is one of the ending shots before we decided not to have anything to drink. And we walked out of Gelare Cafe after all the photo taking. Oops.

The Campbell Marque Gang

2008-01-02T11:21:00.000+10:00

Met up with the Campbell Marque Gang yesterday. Ros, Elaine and J (who couldn't make it) were my 'babysitter' when I first arrived in Brisbane in Jul 2003. They were the ones who brought me around and helped this 'sheltered' girl stand up on my own and be independent.

Was really happy that we finally got to meet up after so long!! Went to Crystal Jade for some dinner before heading over to Haigen Daiz for some ice cream. Some pictures to share...

No, this was not the one we ate. Was sold out, so if we can't eat it, we'll have a picture of it!!

The 'Posers' instigated by me!

A snapshot of Elaine and I while waiting for someone to take our orders.

Ros and I busy choosing which YUMMILICIOUS ice cream to 'devour'!

The final order - Looks big eh, but it was really small!!

The Campbell Marque Gang!

We gobbled it up instantly!!

Last shot with Elaine before we part.

A last shot with Ros too before we part.

Was a good gathering. We ate, laughed and talked bout 'those' days. Till then my friends, see ya next time!

Jumping...Off

2008-01-02T02:03:00.000+10:00

This picture was taken just outside Orchard MRT station. Shu asked me to jump down the flight of stairs (another one of our silly poses) and then she'll snap my jumping motion (she said she's a professsional at that). So, being an adventurer, I decided to forsake my 'face' and jump in front of the big crowd of people.

So, TADA ... This is the outcome of the picture!

Back from M-I-A

2008-01-02T00:51:00.000+10:00

Been back in Singapore since 18th December and haven't been doing much other than shopping and spending time with family.

Countdown was yesterday and it's already 1 Jan 2008 today. Hmm. How time flies. In approximately 8 days, I'll be back in Brissy...

Anyway, I'll let the pictures do the talking...

2007-09-17T22:16:00.000+10:00

"I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God". - Eph 3: 16-19

I have been praying to God for strength ever since I got to know of my mum's condition. Though some days I struggle and some days are good, I thank God for Him, because I know I have Him by my side no matter what happens.

You Are/You Are Lord
You are my light and salvation
Whom shall I fear
You are the strength of all my days
of whom shall I be afraid
Though war may rise against me
of this will I be sure

That I will bless the Lord forever
I'll bless Your Holy Name
Yes I will bless the Lord forever
I'll bless Your holy Name

Lord it is You I desire
It's You that I seek
To live with You in Your house forever
Beholding Your beauty
In the times of trouble
Of this will I be sure

You ask me who do I
Say that You are and I
Say that You are the Christ

Son of the Living God
You ask me who do I
Say that You are and I
Say that You are the Christ

"Dear Lord, teach me to develop a heart attitude of this songwriter. That in times of 'war' and trouble, I will not fear but put all my trust in You! To desire You even in times of my trouble, to live with You in Your house forever."

2007-09-13T18:44:00.000+10:00

I was at Prayer Meeting on Tuesday and Pastor was asking all of us to pray and prepare out hearts for a great Church Anniversary on Saturday (our 14th one!). I was standing at the back of the hall, so it was a great sight to see everyone praying joyously and excitedly for the anniversary.

At that point of time, I was telling God how I wish I could be happily rejoicing and praying like all the others, but because of my mum's situation, I can't bring myself to do it. But then God spoke to me very clearly that night -- am I going to rejoice and pray ONLY when everything is alright?

Do I rejoice in Him in my down times too? Or do I just rejoice in Him when things are going my way? Is he worthy to be praised only when I understand everything that is happening; or do I praise Him all the time?

"Dear Lord, sorry for the times when I have neglected you when things don't go my way. Please help me to look beyond what I can understand, knowing that I have a Great God who has plans to prosper me and not to harm me; whose plans/ways and thoughts are higher than mine."

2007-09-12T17:46:00.000+10:00

My mother has had some problems with her health lately and I am fasting to see a breakthrough in her situation, and God being God, used this period of fasting to make me reflect upon myself.

One thing that God spoke to me was -- my lasting ability to fast when I am praying for someone so dear to my heart; compared to times when I am fasting for things of God. Sometimes when I am fasting for things of God, I give up on my fast halfway.

What does this show?

Hmmm...Do I love other things/people more than my God, my Father?

"Dear Lord, forgive me for loving other things/people more than you. Align my heart to yours once again, that I may desire and experience more of you and learn to love you more than anything/anyone else."

Lowering my standards just to 'FIT IN'

2007-07-25T22:50:00.000+10:00

How many times have you lowered your standards (of God) to fit into a conversation?

I don't know about you; but for me, I know that I do it at times, only to regret later on for the things that I said/remarks about people that I make.

And all these happen so that I can 'FIT IN' with the people around me!

Was reading the Bible today (2 Corinthians 1: 12- 14) and God reminded me about how we should always be true and transparent in all our relationships, else, we'll end up lowering ourselves to spreading rumors, gossiping and second guessing.

This is so evident in my life (i.e. at my workplace) at this point of time.We all know that politics are inevitable in a work environment. Many times I prayed to God to help me not get involved (as an accuser) or become a victim of such politics. And though I cannot deny that I end up 'falling' at times; I thank God that He has helped me through challenging times - else, it would be uncountable how many times I've lowered my standards just to 'FIT IN' with my colleagues' conversations.

Looking at the many things that happen at my workplace, I really THANK God for who He is. I can go to God any time and anywhere, He is with me 24/7. How cool is that?!!

Thank you JESUS!!

The Man in my life

2007-06-12T00:13:00.000+10:00

What's he like,some of you might ask?

Well,he comes from a good family-royalty in fact. He is so handsome,he's the fairest of ten thousand. Faithful? He has promised to never leave me nor forsake me. He's always available,no matter what time of day/night I call. I'm always his first priority.Romantic? He has written me the longest love letter in history-hundreds of pages.

I am so proud to belong to this Man because of his reputation. If I stood in the middle of any crowd and said his first name, everyone would know who he is. And he's not afraid of commitment. He is a perfect gentleman: he stands at the door and knocks. He never forces entry into my home. He patiently waits to be invited in. But the thng I love about him most is his generosity ; He is so generous, he gave his life for me.

WHAT is his name? Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Provider, Healer... so many names. According to my heart and my need,I call him, but most of the time I simply call him JESUS. He is my everything, and I am TOTALLY HIS!

Extracted from Book written by Michelle McKinney Hammond.

2007-05-18T00:55:00.000+10:00

It's been 12 days since I started work and man(!),I do feel really tired - with work and ministry,it's enough to keep me going.On top of that, with some 'inserts' of 'ME' time, my whole week wheezes past just like a day.

Everything seems to be in a rush now - kinda miss the times when I can sit home and just watch TV or do nothing all day long. It used to be me sitting by and watching the world go past at a Fastforward speed;these days, the world ard me seems to have slowed down so much and I'm the one who's running at a Fastforward speed now!

Besides this new adjustment to time, I THANK GOD for my job!It's really RARE to get a job when I haven't got my Permanent Residency (PR). On top of that,I got a job in a University,which apparently is quite difficult to get a job in.

PRAISE God once again - my Assurance and Providence.

2007-05-07T18:52:00.001+10:00

You Are A Lily

You are a nurturer and all around natural therapist.
People see you as their rock. And they are able to depend on you.
You are a soothing influence. You can make people feel better with a few words.
Your caring has more of an impact than even you realize.

What Flower Are You?

2007-04-28T18:20:00.000+10:00

You Communicate With Your Ears

You love conversations, both as a listener and a talker.
What people say is important to you, and you're often most affected by words, not actions.
You love to hear compliments from others. And when you're upset, you often talk to yourself.
Music is very important to you. It's difficult to find you without your iPod.

How Do You Communicate?

2007-04-19T23:36:00.000+10:00

Your Dominant Intelligence is Interpersonal Intelligence

You shine in your ability to relate to and understand others.
Good at seeing others' points of view, you get how people think and feel.
You have an uncanny ability to sense true feelings, intentions, and motivations.
A natural born leader, you are great at teaching and mediating conflict.

You would make a good counselor, salesperson, politician, or business person.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

2007-04-16T08:48:00.000+10:00

"Love must be sincere..."

How many times have we loved others out of obligation rather than sincerity?

This verse has challenged me to not only love people; but also to love them sincerely. It is easy to love people who are easy to love; it is easy to love people out of obligation; but loving difficult-to-love people sincerely is NOT easy.

Dear Lord, teach me to LOVE people as You love them. To love them with sincerity, not obligation. Allow my heart to be filled with the love that you have - one that is patient, sincere and everlasting.Place Your heart inside my soul Lord.

Everything in its Time

2007-04-15T22:58:00.001+10:00

E V E R Y T H I N G I N I T S T I M E

Written by Corrinne May Ying Foo & Carole Bayer Sager

Sometimes I wonder what lies ahead

How long till my hunger is fed

They say it's hard to make it in this part of town

So many people on this merry-go-round

Some folks try astrology

Some turn to crystal balls

To find an answer, To get through it all

I just fall on my knees and I try to pray

In the silence I can hear Him say

The river runs and the river hides

Out to the ocean and under the sky

I promise you, the answer will come

Hold on to patience and watch for the sign

Everything in its time

I often feel like I'm two steps behind

Somebody must have moved that finish line

There are a thousand reasons

Why I should give up

But I'm stubborn in the things I believe

The river runs and the river hides

Out to the ocean and under the sky

I promise you, the answer will come

Hold on to patience and watch for the sign

cause maybe there's another plan

One I still can't see

A little surprise, like Your love in my life

Funny how time changes how we see

The river runs and the river hides

Out to the ocean and under the sky

I promise you, the answer will come

Hold on to patience and watch for the sign

Everything in its time

---------

Chanced upon this song when I went to read Angelene's blog.Instantly,I felt that I could identify with this song.Waiting for something that I asked God for.Patience is one thing that I really need to practise at this point of time.

Well,like what the song said,maybe there is another plan,one that I cannot see.So...I shall be PATIENT.

Dear God,teach me to be one who is patient,to wait on You.It's your timing,not mine.

2007-03-30T01:53:00.000+10:00

One of my favorite songs that brought back some nice,sweet memories...

2007-03-30T01:43:00.000+10:00

For my dear friend, M

2007-03-26T11:59:00.000+10:00

Spent some time reading the Bible today and today's verse that STOOD OUT was:

"In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness,but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." - Romans 6:11-14

I've come across this verse many times,and every time I read it,it just seemed alright to me. Being a Christian for a while,I tend to overlook some things sometimes.To me, sin is something that is so big to be pardoned, for example, murder, adultery etc.

But today,God reminded me that, sin is anything that fell short of His standards.Even things like talking bad about people, walking away when you see someone being treated unfairly, keeping quiet when I should voice out and help others etc - all these are also considered sin.

Now now,I don't want any of you to have the idea that being a Christian is just simply following a set of 'Do's and 'Don't's.It is UNTRUE!I am doing this because I know how much God has sacrificed and done for me, how much He loves me; and in return,I want to live a life that will glorify Him.

Lord, I pray that starting from today, I will be one who will offer parts of my body to You as instruments of righteousness, be it my lips (speech), hands (doing), legs (going), mind (thoughts) etc, I will try my very best to let it be used by You.Give me the wisdom and determination not to be conformed to the world, but to be transformed by the renewing of my mind, through your Word.Thank you Jesus for you unceasing love,one that no one can fathom!

2007-03-25T01:28:00.000+10:00

Thanx to Michelle Ho and PY,we finally got down to having steamboat in hot,summery Brisbane.Had 9 people in total, 3 steamboats (2 ricecookers as substitutes),heaps of food and a nice Riverview.

Thank God for the weather,it was quite breezy tonight,coupled with MY standing fan,the night was AWESOME.Filled with fun, food,laughter and exchange of many life experiences. At the end of our steamboat dinner,some of the people proceeded on to playing CRANIUM,a game that belongs to my housemate, a gift from Toby and gang.And I proceeded to my room to prepare some materials for tomorrow's meeting.

After a while, went out to get some water to drink.However,on my way back to my room, I was 'drawn' to the game cos everyone sounded so excited and happy.So the curious me decided to take a look and 2 hours later,I was still sitting there,having fun with all of them.ARGH!!

But anyway,it was a great time, learnt quite a few new things about Australia and Australians (the game was made for people who have a basic knowledge of this country and its people)

Had fun today.a 10 out of 10 on the 'happy' scale!

2007-03-22T22:57:00.000+10:00

"Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to a man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness." - Romans 4:4-5

How A-W-E-S-O-M-E-!

You Are Why

2007-03-08T00:22:00.000+10:00

I live for You

All that I am

All that I do

My heart beats with You

and each day I wake

I'll think of You

You are why I sing

You are why I live

Everything of me

I place at Your feet

You are why I love

YOu are why I give

Everything of me

belongs to You

I live for You.

You are my God.

You are the truth.

You're all that I need

My soul it longs for more of You

2007-03-01T23:48:00.000+10:00

Today,it dwelled upon me how Jesus can keep serving people without feeling tired.

Surely there are some who take advantage of His generosity.
Surely there are some who just simply have no initiative.
Surely there are some who just sit back and see Jesus do everything.
Surely there are some who aren't moved by all that He did.
Surely there are some who are just too self centred to notice that Jesus needs help.
Surely there are some who have too many distractions around them to notice that Jesus needs help.

Too many surely-s.But Jesus just kept serving.Without any complaints.

Lord,teach me to be like you.Give me the grace to serve people regardless of whether they reciprocrate to my servings.Remind me time and again that I am serving You,not men.That even if they aren't responding to me through my love language,I will not cease serving,because You are the reason why I am doing it!AMEN!

New Skin

2007-03-01T14:43:00.000+10:00

Yes.If you haven't noticed,I've got a new skin for my blog!!Inspired by Angelene actually....

Went to check out her blog when I saw how vibrant and nice her blogskin is,so there,after a long and tiring search yesterday,I decided on this one.Still a little to touch up before I'm done.

Any ideas from anyone for my new skin?

Here's a List of My Complaints, Lord (adapted from Girls, God and the Good Life)

2007-01-31T15:20:00.000+10:00

Count my blessings? It is so much easier to count my complaints. But here is a post I received that I think is worth pondering:

"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, and a place to sleep... you are richer than 75% of this world."
"If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy."
"If you are reading this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity."
"Also, if you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day."
"If you have never experienced the fear of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 700 million people in the world."
"If you can attend a church meeting without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or even death, you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world."
"If your parents are still alive and still married you are very rare."
"If you can hold you head up and smile you are not the norm, you are unique to all those in doubt and despair."

posted by Donita K. Paul

More at http://www.girlsgodgoodlife.blogspot.com/

What a sight!

2006-12-25T01:04:00.000+10:00

A:This is Xiaoyun.
B:Hi.My name is Margie.Nice to meet you.

This may just sound like another simple introduction of A to B and vice versa,but it meant alot to me.It was something that really encouraged me.

Was waiting for a friend to attend a church service at Kallang theatre when I heard this conversation between some Filipinos and a friend that one of them brought.Somehow,it got me thinking about myself, "how 'active am I in bringing friends to church??"

Hang on a moment for all you out there who think that church is all about the number of people we invite to church.In actual fact,inviting friends to church is a result of understanding God's heart for His people.When we(Christians) understand God's heart,we will have the desire to invite friends(non-Christians) to church to share the wonderful gift of salvation from God.
In Revelations 3:20 of the Bible,it says,"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. "
God loves EVERYONE - regardless of our skin color,language,background,financial status and appearance etc.
There.Period.
This gift of salvation is FREE!God is standing at your heart waiting for you on the other side to
open up.
Will you open up your heart to God this Christmas?

I called...YOU answered...

2006-11-16T23:59:00.000+10:00

"I called You answered

And You came to my rescue and I,
Wanna be where You are"

Yes.
I called.
YOU answered.

I am forever indebted to God-NOT because I feel obliged to;but because I CHOOSE to.

Many a time,we think that something big and significant has to happen before God can rescue us.
To me,it wasn't in any ground shaking, life threatening situation that God came to my rescue.Simply the acknowledgement of God's love for me was enough to melt my heart.

He rescued me when He showed me what true love is.
He rescued me when I realised that all He has always been doing is to reach out to me.
He rescued me when I know that my life is in the hands of my Lord - He is neverchanging.
He rescued me when His grace upon my life taught me to show grace to others.
He rescued me when I thought that there is nothing more to life than just being satisfied with the material stuffs.

These are just a few of the many things that He rescued me from.

What has God rescued you from - have you thanked Him for everything that He has rescued you from?

Suffering..

2006-11-07T00:19:00.000+10:00

It's the time again..not the 'monthly time' that gals get,but it's the time that I feel that my hair is weighing me down!Man!Just at the right time -- when exams are round the corner(in fact,tomorrow!) and stress is everywhere!!

ARGH!!And worst of all,the hairdresser will not be opening till Wednesday,so it's another 2 long suffering days of bad hair!!

Suffering..hmm...which brings me to what we have been talking about in church recently.

Many times,we think that what we are going through is the worst,but, seriously,there are always people around us who are much worse off.Having bad hair is something that most people do not consider as suffering because it is something so trivial.Compared to having no food/water for long periods of time; growing up in a country where bullets are seen flying in the air more than birds;struggling to make ends meet etc,my suffering is NOTHING!!

So the next time you are suffering,take a step back and look at many others who are suffering much more.Even people who are in bad sufferings try to make the best out of their situations;hence,we too can make the best out of our situation.=)

Ok.Time for me to stop blogging and take a step back to look at the others around me.(",)

All for Love..

2006-11-04T12:50:00.000+10:00

All for love a Savior prayed:

"So Abba Father have Your way.Though they know not what they do, let the cross draw man to You."

Extracted from "All for Love"

This is one line in the song that really touched me.Can you think of anyone who will pray a prayer -- not for himself,but for the people who hurled insults,persecuted or even inflicted hurt on him?

I can.

He is Jesus Christ.

Another birthday...

2006-10-29T22:59:00.000+10:00

Today we celebrated Chim's bday after church service.An advance one though,that's why he was surprised!Anyway,this is one of the very few bday surprises that was successful because most of the people in my group know that they will definitely be surprised on their bdays.

Chim just joined us a few weeks ago.He came all the way from Bangkok just to study English and then maybe a MBA or Pharmacy course.Wow wee!!Oh yah,Chim is the one standing next to me.
We're actually doing the common handsign that Thais do back in their country.

Hmm.We look quite gd eh?Especially ME!

Thank you Shilong once again for your camera that never once missed any significant function!

2nd time celebrating PY's bday..

2006-10-26T10:34:00.000+10:00

Yesterday,25th October was PY's bday.It's my 2nd time celebrating her bday with her,but compared to the 1st time,it was totally different!!
Anyway,we are from the group J8,so if you're wondering what we are trying to express in the picture, it's the number 8!!Wahahah

Some of us gals who turned up for her surprise party.

Shumin and I volunteered to provide some live music.Toby,dancing?

He decided to join us in singing afterall.

Seems like our band is getting bigger!

Was a fun night.Birthdays are never boring in Brissy!Wahahaah..

A day spent at Ipswich

2006-10-26T01:03:00.000+10:00

Spent half of Saturday at IPSWICH with a few of my unit members.Was great fun.A few people that I can introduce to you all from the pictures we took.

This is our future lawyer,Christopher,who can talk non stop,even when taking pictures,he's caught doing his favourite - talking! Chris can also bake really wicked brownies.YUM!

The guy is green is Gorgeous Gabriel,a name he picked HIMSELF!Trying to act gorgeous as usual.Next to him is Chim,who just joine us a few weeks ago.He's from Thailand.Next to him is Dylan and lastly Charles (nicknamed Chelsea by the gals).

This was taken during one of our infamous game - 'Polar Bear'.As you can see,everyone is having fun.

This picture was taken as soon as we got on the train.It is always good to take pictures and keep them as memories!

This picture was taken just outside Ipswich train station - 45 minutes ride from Brisbane City.Needless to say, we enjoyed each other's company along the way.

An equation to sum up the day.

GOOD company + GOOD fun + GOOD weather = FUN FUN FUN !!

Another phase in life..Exciting or what?

2006-10-25T19:14:00.000+10:00

Be doing summer school this coming year just to get 2 remaining subjects done before i graduate with a Masters in Commerce (Professional Accounting).

YIPPEE.

Don't know why,but somehow,I'm really excited to be starting a new 'phase' in my life -- the 'working phase'.Many people say that we should REALLY treasure our student life cos when we start working,there's seriously no life at all.

Hmm.Somehow,I beg to differ.I think it's really a matter of how we decide to take hold of the few hours in our working life everyday.To be proactive or passive?

If we decide to blend into the walls of the company,working life would be a drag.However,if we take the proactive step to build relationships and stand out,working life would just be something that we look forward to.

"What about politics?" some might say.HMM.This is another sensitive subject that everyone has to deal with once they start working.To me,it is also a choice on our part to react negatively or positively to such things.If we are answerable to everything that we do and say in the company,we do not have to fear if such company politics are ever targeted at us.

Am I right?

Someone pls comment b4 I finally declare that I am speaking to just the air.

Out vs In

2006-10-25T19:02:00.000+10:00

Uni's out;
Exams are in.

Everyone's stressing out;
People are staying in.

Students are working themselves out (on endless piles of notes/books);
Lecturers are sleeping in (cos they have no more classes to teach).

So where do I fit in?

Hmm....

Wedding bells ringing...

2006-10-14T18:25:00.001+10:00

Today marks the 3rd wedding I've been to ever since I came over to Brissy for studies.Weddings are always a good and touching sight -- especially the part when the bride and groom exchange vows and rings, and of cos where the groom kisses the bride!!MUACK!!

The wedding kicked off after a song 'Through it all', which I thought was very appropriate.The lyrics of the song goes like that:

==============================
Through it all

You are forever in my life
You see me through the seasons
Cover me with Your hand
And lead me in Your righteousness
And I look to You
And I wait on You

I'll sing to You Lord
A hymn of love for Your faithfulness to me
I'm carried in Everlasting arms
You'll never let me go
Through it all
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This song speaks so MUCH!!

And like what Ps Wilson said,marriage is a covenantal relationship that should be based on God.God glues all things together.He is the Mediator when a couple quarrels;a Comforter when either one feels down;a Provider in their times of need; Savior who brings them to eternal life and many,many more.Most importantly, God is the Creator of the husband and wife.And all this would not mean anything unless the couple truly acknowledges God - that He is the one that has been covering them through the seasons of their relationship.

In a nutshell,

I LOVE WEDDINGS!

2006-10-13T01:30:00.000+10:00

Had a sumptuous dinner that was prepared in approximately 40 min (according to Michelle).We had garlic-ky bread, fishy fillets and cheesy broccoli. YUM! The thought of it makes me hungry.

All in all,it was good food and nice company.It's always the company that counts.Think about it,you can have a room full of people, but to say you enjoyed the time is not dependent on the number of people present.More so,it's about the company ofthe people around you.The company of 1 individual can be equivalent to that of tens,hundreds or even thousands of people.

So, the next time you go somewhere,remember to grab someone who you can have great fun with; instead of pulling 10 people who you don't really know.

Another one..

2006-10-11T01:00:00.000+10:00

'SPOT THE DIFFERENCES'

Dad used 1 hand to carry me while Mum used 2.
I was smiling in Dad's hands and pouting in Mum's.
Mum seemed to be happy carrying me. Dad must have been pestered by me (That explains the expression).
Short socks were in fashion then;Now,the higher the better.
I had MUCH MORE hair after growing up!!!

What difference?

2006-10-11T00:39:00.000+10:00

Instruction:
Spot the 5 differences and between the 2 pictures.

A.Beautiful Mum and Daughter

B. Even More Beautiful Mum and Daughter

Answer:

Mum is not carrying me anymore.
I am no longer expression-less (*cheese*)
Mum and I look more like sisters (*gasps*) than mother and daughter!
We are both more BEE-U-TI-FUL now!! <----- KEY DIFFERENCE
Mum and Dad's efforts of rubbing everything on my bald spot helped - we have EQUAL amount of hair (with stylish cuts!) now.

Dedicated to Shilong

Thank you or not?

2006-10-10T00:31:00.000+10:00

Was chatting with a friend a while ago about people saying 'thank you' for the sake of saying it -- w/o even meaning it from their hearts.

Do you find yourself in such a situation.What do you do then?Will you just say 'thank you' still or say 'thank you' only if you really mean it in your heart?