1 HEART 1 JOURNEY 1 PURPOSE

Every Setting Sun leads to a Rising Sun

2010-07-07T05:01:00.005+08:00

Going through tough days are never the easiest things to experience. However, we can be relieved to know that all things are still in control with regards to God being in charge.

Ps 50:1

"A Psalm of Asaph. The Mighty One, God the Lord, Has spoken and called the earth From the rising of the sun to its going down."

Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dxsibo/sets/72157623720604548/

Ps 74:16 (MSG)

"You own the day, you own the night; you put stars and sun in place."

Ps 104:19 (NIV)
"The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down."

Everything's in place! The day has its purpose to serve, & so does the night. If God feels that something needs to be in place, then what else are we to think? Going with God's direction is definitely going to bring us somewhere. We've learnt in Church, that we live life on levels, and we arrive in stages. At times, the nights simply marks the end of a season - A moving on to a next level.

Ecc 1:5
"The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises."

Ps 30:5

"For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning."

Every setting sun will always lead to a rising sun! What's true in the natural is also true in the spiritual. We won't live life entirely in the night, cause the day's always round the corner. I love what Ps 30:5 says, "But joy comes in the morning."

Be it success or failure, stay close to God, & His Word. Nothing bad will come out of it at the end. Nothing can smite us & bring us down

Ps 121:6 (ASV)
"The sun shall not smite thee by day, Nor the moon by night."

Ps 84:11 (NIV)

"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless... (MSG) All sunshine and sovereign is God, generous in gifts and glory. He doesn't scrimp with his traveling companions."

At the end of the day, it's really encouraging to know that God has His blessings in place for all of us going through life. As we strive to shine for Him in our own individual ways, His gifts & glory towards us are generously showered upon us. Indeed, we serve a great God, who is worthy to be praised!

Ps 113:3
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

Impartation & Commitment

2010-07-01T07:19:00.001+08:00

Mark 1:17-18
"Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men. They immediately left their nets and followed Him."

In CHC, it's often said that the anointing is caught, not taught.

Leadership is impartation, not education. We are students through enrolment, but we are disciples through commitment.

Usually, when we meet up with people from different schools, a common question would be "what school are you studying in?" or "(for those in Uni/Poly) Which faculty/subjects do you take?" • more often than not, it's a "what are you studying?" question & not a "who are you studying under?"

Today, textbooks, Internet & computers have taken over the role of "discipleship" which has become less efficient & effective

"Who are you studying under?"
In Jesus' times, the emphasis was on the Rabbi (mentor), & not the material studied - disciples are mentored through time & living lives together - it required commitment & decision making - In Mark 1, Jesus invites Simon Peter, James & John to follow & travel with Him.

The truth is we remember & learn much more quickly from relationships & experiences than from a classroom

The discipleship Jesus provided for His disciples created a launching platform for them to do greater works. A good Rabbi equips the next generation to achieve more in their lives.

May the leadership in the House of God continue to grow stronger & ever bringing the following generation into a deeper relationship with God.

I just want You

2010-06-28T08:56:00.000+08:00

Mat 5:8
"Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God."

A daunting task for humans! Pure heart?

MSG puts it this way...
"You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world."

Desiring to have a deeper relationship with You has been at the top of the agenda. More understanding on life, a better grasp of what's thrown at us constantly, how the Word takes effect in me... ... A list of answers I'm seeking. The exact same ones I had when I first met You, answered, but revisited upon facing a complex growing life.

Keeping a pure heart in the midst of growing up is not easy, yet not unattainable.

Riches & glory - It's a goal that's set before us. Getting them is part of shining for You. But keep my heart pure Lord. I don't want to lose sight of what's most important.

Rom 7:13
"I can already hear your next question: “Does that mean I can’t even trust what is good [that is, the law]? Is good just as dangerous as evil?” No again! Sin simply did what sin is so famous for doing: using the good as a cover to tempt me to do what would finally destroy me. By hiding within God’s good commandment, sin did far more mischief than it could ever have accomplished on its own."

Someone once told me, that if we have set in our hearts on wanting to do something, we can always find enough reasons (even scriptural ones), to justify our actions - Preoccupancy in my own ambitions.

Is what I'm doing eventually going to destroy me? That's probably one of the cues to evaluate my path.

It's truly a daunting task. Moving from salvation into commission while keeping a pure heart.

You're important to me. A pure heart, that's what I long for - one that follows after Thee

Tame the tongue

2010-06-23T06:55:00.000+08:00

Pro 10
"The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse... The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words. The speech of a good person is worth waiting for; the blabber of the wicked is worthless. The talk of a good person is rich fare for many, but chatterboxes die of an empty heart."

Mastering of the tongue could very well be the toughest to achieve out of all the body parts we have.

It's takes wisdom, patience, long-suffering, love to have control over our speech.

All that life throws at us justifies & tells us to blabber on & feel better about it. But never underestimate the devastating effect it can have on the people around us.

"The speech of a good person clears the air; the words of the wicked pollute it."

The power of the tongue is indeed formidable. May we all grow to be better encouragers, edifying one another & building up our spiritual family.

May our words help clear the air & not further pollute it.

Receiving & Responding to A Pure Gift

2010-06-18T04:52:00.000+08:00

Rom 3
"So, what if, in the course of doing that, some of those Jews abandoned their post? God didn't abandon them. Do you think their faithlessness cancels out his faithfulness? Not on your life! Depend on it: God keeps his word even when the whole world is lying through its teeth... ... Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we're in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be... ...

What we've learned is this: God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does. We've finally figured it out. Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade... ... But by shifting our focus from what we do to what God does, don't we cancel out all our careful keeping of the rules and ways God commanded? Not at all. What happens, in fact, is that by putting that entire way of life in its proper place, we confirm it."

A pure gift You have given to me =)

Being a lover of mathematics, it's more often than not, scriptural reading gets linked up with the subject, it's formula & their application.

In life, I live by the laws that govern my everyday life; gravity - 'what goes up, comes down' & friction - 'helps me reach my destinations'... In mathematics, a right application of its law (formulas) to the appropriate problem sum helps me arrive at the answers.

The formulas & its application did not derive from me, but it was simply taught. It's not the formula's response to me that brought me to solving the issue, but simply a right application - A right response to what the formula does.

With all the ups & downs life throws at me, I thank You that all the Promises (formulas) have been clearly spelt out in Your Word - He has already done it all. Now, I just have to figure out how to solve my messed up life (problem sums) with the right responses. Not what I can do, but simply standing upon what You've done. Really blessed by what I've been reminded over the weekend.

"We live by Promises, not explanation"

Rom 4:16
"This is why the fulfillment of God's promise depends entirely on trusting God and his way, & then simply embracing him and what he does."

Jas 2:18
"Faith & works, works & faith, fit together hand in glove."

Faith without works is dead. Lord, I seek to live a joy-filled life! I pray that as I sit in this big exam hall facing all these questions, my embracing of Your ways, workings & answers will truly confirm that your Promises are yes & amen!

Making Your Promises my entire way of life - back in its proper place

Results: 100/100, A1 for life! Woots

To our dear couple getting married

2010-05-17T12:32:00.009+08:00

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Love is in the air, rings are to be worn & butterflies are in the bellies!

22nd May, 2010 is to become a special & memorable day for Mr & Mrs Brandon Tong Zi Qian

every year from this year onwards!

Wish the both of you...

Wonderful blissful years ahead!
Love to be ever floating around in the house
Womb to be blessed & fruitful
Romance to bring many smiles
Differences to be understood
Disagreements to be resolved
Laughter to be enjoyed... ...
& many babies to be fed!

May the honey during your honeymoon
be kept ever sweet throughout your marriage life

To all friends out there!!!

Get ready our RED packets!!! Ha ha

~~~Happy for the both of you~~~

2010-01-19T13:59:00.003+08:00

Haiti Earthquake, amidst the bricks and concrete.

do you see Him?

2010-01-19T13:54:00.000+08:00

Our church's 8-man team to Haiti.

Loving God, Loving People.

Jia Ann is on Facebook

2009-12-07T17:11:00.002+08:00

Breaking News!

Mr Andy Phua is on FB! Let's welcome him! Ha ha

The Shawshank Redemption

2009-10-27T16:06:00.001+08:00

Talk about Joseph making a difference in Egypt's prison...

Talk about Job going through unjust sufferings in life...

Moving forward in the face of injustice...

& yet making a big difference

Catch this if you have time to spare

Great movie!

Let's Talk About L.O.V.E (Part 2)

2009-10-13T13:11:00.002+08:00

A Father’s Love

We know the ending – the prodigal son was reconciled with his father and he was recognized as a son of the household, not as a servant.

His father saw him walking back towards the house when he was still a distance away and ran excitedly towards him, hugged and kissed him, an act that said – I forgive and accept you. In addition, his father gave him 5 things:

1. Best robe (which belongs to the father) - The robe of the father covered the prodigal’s son “ugliness”. Remember he was a pig farmer before coming home. He must have looked and smelt real bad. The servants were probably gossiping about him and wondering where the stench was coming from. When they see the prodigal son in their master’s best robe, they would know better than to be rude toward him.
This robe is a robe of righteousness. When donned upon, the prodigal son was made righteous again. This is just like how God the Father gave us His best robe – Jesus Christ - whose blood covered the ugliness of our sins and made us righteous.

2. Ring - A ring is like a credit card today. When the father gives this to his son he is really telling his son “Your name is as good as mine”.
Think about it, would you be guarantor for someone with a BAD credit history?

3. Sandals - In the past only masters/sons wear sandals. So the father is telling the son – I will not take you as my servant but you will return as my son.
(Weisheng drew a parallel between Moses, who took off his sandals on holy ground, and the prodigal son who was given sandals. This means that the son was made righteous to be able to wear sandals in his father’s house)

4. Fatted calf - The calf was killed so that they could make merry. The father was trying to cheer this very regretful and sorrowful son up. Wear a smile that lights up your whole town!

5. Music & dance - People often use music and dance to express their emotions when words fail. They’re an avenue of release. It’s also a celebration of the reconciled relationship.
In theology, five is the number that signifies grace.
The father of the prodigal son could have just said, “Son, I forgive and accept you. Now go get washed up and dressed”. But he went through the trouble of personally bestowing him with the five items, making it loud and clear for all to hear. This is all to make the prodigal son feel WORTHY. Now that’s what love and grace is all about!

Of Sin & Love

We’ve heard so many times that the wages of sin is death. Yet it may not have occurred to us that the immediate effect of sin is not death. When Adam ate of the apple, he did not die immediately. Neither was he plagued with diseases. Adam HID from God.

That in itself already provides a huge hint: The immediate effect of sin is the feeling of unworthiness, a sense of condemnation!

In less than six seconds or realistically close to four seconds, we judge and evaluate every single person we encounter for the first time. When we “*condition” a relationship rather than allowing the abundant love of God to flow through, we’re placing a restriction on it. In other words, we’re putting a lid on the relationship and not allowing it to grow/flourish.

*condition = Labeling a person as having bad attitude, wrong frequency, etc

Remember that the worthiness our friend feels come from us. The more love and grace we’ve experienced in our lives, the more we’re able to release it over another person.

To sum up, I have to again quote my favourite song in my favourite movie “Love lifts us up where we belong.”

Love never fails.

Let’s Talk About L.O.V.E. (Part 1)

2009-10-10T22:10:00.003+08:00

A post that Alicia asked me to post up, her thoughts after what Pst CK shared on tuesday.

Introduction

In Elephant Love Medley (my favourite song in my favourite movie) Ewan McGregor crooned, “All you need is love.. All you need is love.. All you need is looooove~~”And Nicole Kidman replied with a curt, “Love is just a game.”

Pastor CK shared a really good word on Tuesday. I felt that everyone should have a chance to hear/read about it so I’m penning (part of) it out.

The word began with a cross and a reminder of what Jesus said – I am the way, the truth and the life. No one else has access to the Father except through me.

With that, let’s first understand what Gal 2:20 really means:On the cross, there was a great exchange: Our fallen/cursed nature – poverty, sicknesses, weaknesses, etc – was nailed to the cross. In return, we received the power to get wealth, health, strength, etc.

Christ bore the brunt of our sins and for that moment on the cross, was separated from God for our sakes. While He would usually address God as “Father” – signifying the closeness of relationship – He cried out “God, God, why have you forsaken me..?” on the cross.

A blameless Man lost His Sonship so we may gain it. In that context, “I” (fallen/cursed nature) was nailed to the cross and (the nature of) Christ now lives in me. Remember that that wasn’t a sacrifice on our part.
Sure, we’ve all had to make adjustments to our lifestyles too – no more personal appointments on Friday nights (or whichever night cg is on), waking up early on weekends to make it to church on time, set aside time to read the Word and pray…

Is that a sacrifice… or not?

Prodigal Living
Truth to be told, the lure of the world can sometimes be very tempting indeed. Late nights partying, no ten commandments to follow, more time with friends/other half/spouse, sleeping in…

The prodigal son sees the world and is captivated by it. He went up to his father and demanded his share of the inheritance, left home, and attempted to make his mark in the world. However, it wasn’t long before his recklessly extravagant lifestyle drained him of his finances. He was left with nothing and there was a famine in the land. Famine, loosely defined, is a lack of something. Some examples of modern day famines are: lack of true friends, lack of finances, lack of peace, etc..

The prodigal son was now desperate. A famine creates a want, a desire, a deep cry in the heart. He was willing to do anything to keep himself alive. From a rich man’s son, he became a pig farmer, willing to eat even the food that was fed to the swine.

He turned to “junk food”. Will it fill him? Yes. But, he will get hungry again.

Similarly, when we do not know the Father, we will not find out what will truly quench our thirst or satisfy our hunger. We then try to fill up a want by methods introduced by the world. The feeling is tantamount to eating food at a hawker center with a lot of MSG. The food is delicious, but it leaves us very thirsty.

Every sensational experience we have will take us to a new high and leave us wanting more. That is the reason why drug addicts have to keep increasing the dosage to get to the same level of “high”.

Finally, the prodigal son has a little awakening. He realized that even the servants in his father’s house have more than enough proper food. Therefore he made a decision to turn back with the intention of returning as his father’s servant since he had tarnished the family’s name and had squandered his inheritance away...
(to be continued)

Abba's love

2009-08-10T18:05:00.001+08:00

Title: Abba's love

[This is quite overdue- i shared this during cell group and only posted it up now :)]

Matthew 6:33 (The Message)

30-33"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Ephesians 3:20 (The Message)
20-21God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Glory to God in the church!
Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!
Glory down all the generations!
Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!

This incident will be one by which I deeply remember God’s love and provision. Being in camp for the 2nd day, I was concerned about eating fruits as I didn’t have any the day before. What came to my mind were just apples, oranges and bananas as these are the typical fruits distributed with the rations. So, I just prayed and casted this care on the Lord.

To my surprise, as I was heading down for duty, my camp mates were taking the leftovers of a buffet for some function at my block. Wanting some good food, I headed over and took one of the Styrofoam boxes. To my delight, I saw nicely sliced cubes of the following: papaya, strawberry, watermelon, dragon fruit, honey dew and kiwi!

Abba do loves and care for me and this incident just shows that. It didn’t wasn’t coincidental that out of all the boxes my friends took, I took the one containing fruits. Praise God! Thank You Abba Father. So indeed, I can respond to God’s giving and He can do exceedingly, abundantly above all that I can ask, think or imagine.

PS: ORD in 4 months!

2009-08-09T01:46:00.001+08:00

Hey guys, I wanna share my testimony before this week slip by.
I got a new job within a week by God's grace!
What happened was I hand in my resignation beginning of July and
became a part-timer in my old company.
During the short 1 month I was searching for another job.
I got very depressed due to the unfruitful search at the times of
retrenchment period in those 3 weeks.

Seriously I got very lost. Like a ship lost in the stormy night
without a lighthouse nearby.
I wanna thank God for having friends staying around me and prayed for me.
I strongly believe is those prayers brought me out to safety.

On the fourth week, after I've sent out resume, 2 replies came back subsequently.
I got the second job and it's so similar to what I've hoped for!
Its not coincidence. It's all those who prayed for me & things happened.
It means a lot to me.

Thank you. :)

I have another encounter...quit funny
My new company doesnt have any newspaper to read and
it really hinders me so I talked to God about it and
my heart still felt a bit disappointment after that

On my 3rd day @ work, my boss walked over to the
accountant and said: 'we left 6 month here, why don't we pay for Straits Time?
.......so we can read more news........'
In my heart I was already shouting for joy!!!! hahaha
I wanna thank God for this too!!!

What went wrong was I told my dad but he was 'laughing' at this little contentment I felt. Therefore I was glad because I know its not only my own pleasure fulfilled but
the One who make it happen. :E

rhythm

2009-07-26T20:07:00.003+08:00

having a relationship with God is simply about being in tune with the song.

rhythm.

let's elaborate on this.
there were two issues that were covered.
1. Song
song refers to our daily lives in general (:
the song is always playing all the time.

2. Tune
tune refers to the way we choose to live our lives (: the style in which we lead our lives. Jesus iz the way, truth and life. not to start a new religion but to show us an example of how to lead our lives. a relationship with God was illustrated to as a song, He is the main tune like the piano that played throughout the whole song piece. we on the other hand are the instruments that compliment that tune. when we strum accordingly, joining in with the tune, it brings about a melody. a song of unity, harmony, strength and power, one that iz even more beautiful than an individual component on it's own (:

but when we choose to play our own music, choose to disregard that tune and follow our own tune.. it's a racket, not music.

so friends,
think about it..
what tune are you playing right now?
how does God's tune sound like to you?

Did God Create Evil?

2009-07-14T02:03:00.000+08:00

A something to Share.

2009-06-26T22:30:00.003+08:00

God is indeed great.. This just happened yesterday. So it's kinda like still fresh off the press. Some of you may know already that, I had to leave a previous job in-order to into SOT to study.

The bible says in Matt 6:33 - But Seek First the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

To some it takes great faith to leave a current job, (especially when it was during the start of the recession), many people will think that it is crazy, and it's just better to stay employed.

But as Christians, we all know that His ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts higher then ours. With many word of advice and "directional" words, I took that step to enrolled myself into SOT.,

SOT is really one of the moments where you'll experience God never else where. Being there daily worshiping and praising God. All seems a great honor that one could have

Of course, in the mist of it, I had wondered/worried if things are going right, if I will be able to get a full time job, in a good environment after I graduate.

I've search for many jobs offers and had even Job-hop in the mist of the past 2 months in SOT.

The bible tells us that God is never too late or early, and that He's always on time.

Well after reading so much, I'm sure you can find the summarized of what I wanna share on the tag box.

On the 1st of June, I went for an interview with Resorts World Sentosa. One of the places that I've dreamt of to work after SOT. Well, that's exactly what I want to share. Just yesterday, I got a call from them, that I was selected to be part of their family. Praise God.

The amazing part is, they've started hiring employees, and work will only start in Sept, that is after my SOT graduation.

Isn't it great, as mention earlier in this entry. God is never too late, nor too early.

Making of God of This city Soundtrack

2009-06-26T22:21:00.002+08:00

This video above tells us how the making of the song "God of this city" came about.
The composer and his team were on a mission trip, when he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write this song, it was in a situations like that, When God has called His people to be a salt and light. There, in the mission trip, they made a difference in the lifes there, and definitely changed our own too.

Usually the story behind a song, allows us to feel the true meaning of the song.

Enjoyed the originally composed song below.

PS: That song.... made famous by Chris Tomlin

2009-06-21T01:59:00.003+08:00

Perhaps the most popular Christian song ever.
As Christians, we're never boring :)

Kids Say the Darnest Things

2009-05-26T11:33:00.005+08:00

Aside from massively plagerising the title of an old TV comedy show, I think most of you will realise why I chose that phrase as the title of this post when you get down to reading the little email I'll be copying over in this post.

I actually got this email a few days ago, and posted its contents onto my blog - but just for you people out there who may have missed it, I thought I should post it here too. =D It's definitely worth a read (cuz I'm quite sure it will add a little smile on your face even if you're not feeling all too great right now ^_-)

So here we go! The Bible according to a child!

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

If you need a laugh today, then this should do it!

A child was asked to write a book report on the entire Bible.

This is amazing and brought tears of laughter to my eyes.

I wonder how often we take for granted that children understand what we are teaching???

Through the eyes of a child:

The Children's Bible in a Nutshell

In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that.

Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.

Then God made the world.

He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet.

Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden.....Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.

Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.

Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.

One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.

After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.

Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on ! Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.

God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff.

Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.

One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.

After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.

After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore.

There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.

After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had beenborn in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')

During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Democrats.

Jesus also had twelve opossums.

The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.

Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount.

But the Democrats and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.

Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.

God's Chisel

2009-05-21T23:19:00.001+08:00

Hi Guys! Thought I would make it more convenient for everyone who was looking for/has yet to watch that video San San shared about during last week's cell. here's the video link from youtube! =D

2009-05-21T06:44:00.000+08:00

Pst Phil is so cool...

http://philpringle.wordpress.com/

Even his blogpost look is cool

A little message for the men out there..

2009-05-20T18:34:00.068+08:00

"Sex". A regurgitative, rhetorical yet controversial word echoed a million times throughout the generations of yours and mine.

In typical Hollywood films...you'll get to see them on almost every movie..- In all decency, i do not wish to elaborate on this. :) Well, its kinda deplorable that such acts are glorified in such an irresponsible manner.

It is absolutely not by mere coincidence that you have actually stumbled across this posting of mine.

A few of my close friends confided in me, that they've lead their lives in an obscene & promiscuous manner.....Henceforth,

I felt compelled to address and resolve the issue at hand - Premarital Sex.

1.Virginity is sacred in the eyes of God. It is meant for one, to cherish prior to

marriage. It is God's gift to us at the time of birth. It is this purity that is present within us. It was meant to be given up only after a marriage, which has been ordained and sanctioned by God.

Hebrews 13:4

"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral."

In his letter to Corinth, Apostle Paul has clearly stated that Sex was meant to be performed between married couples - it is the duties of a husband to his wife, and the wife to her husband!

1 Corinthians 7:2-3

"But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife and likewise the wife to her husband"

Have we brought it down to a new low? I hope otherwise. Do not give in to Temptation!

2.Men - always remember, Love seeks to give, not to take. Sex is about self-

pleasure(taking). As we could see from here - The ultimate act of love - Giving is performed by none other than God himself!

From the start of the bible, it has always been illustrated, demonstrated and provided for - that God is a giver, in the beginning he created, and he gave life to Adam and Eve, he gave and gave!! We are the very direct product of LOVE itself!!

God, as the most eminent, holy, perfect of all, is the perfect example for us to emulate.

Behold, the greatest biblical verse of all!!

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one & only son, so that those whoever believes in him, shall not perish but have eternal life"

Don't take one's virginity away. When you truly love someone, you shouldn't seek to take, but you should give - as a form of sacrificial love - the highest order of love.

3.As Christians, don't tarnish the beauty of your body which God has given you.

Bless those around you, with the work of the human body! Never ever give in to lust. Lust is temporary and it will not prevail over time. Love is enduring in all natures, and the reason for our existence, it is proof of God's love for us =)

1 Thessalonians 4:2-5

"For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to acquire a wife in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; "

God represents Enduring Perfection - and for us as righteous beings, as righteous christians, in order to inherit the Kingdom of God, we should be righteous in nature! Being righteous in itself, brings us closer to Perfection. And that will draw us closer to God Himself!

1 Cor. 6:9-10

"Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?"

Religion aside, Now i shall touch on the morality issues..

Remember, as a boyfriend, or even as a husband, there is an implied responsibility, as well as liability to your girlfriend's mum and dad. Never not let anyone down, for they have endowed you with their trust. They expect you to take care of their daughter, and likewise, your parents would have expected your girlfriend to take good care of you.
There will always be cause and effect, and for certain consequences, there may be repercussions that will result in irreversible changes.
Men, think about this, how would you like it if your future wife were to have say..10 or 20 sexual partners prior to her marriage?
Do you not know that unwanted pregnancies are the very direct result of premarital sex?
Imagine this likely scenario in your mind, say if you were to encounter her once more....what would run through your mind? Would it be a evergreen recollection of the eventful times spent together? Or would you turn your back on her and because you are too ashamed to face up to your past?

...Give the above paragraph, a little food for thought.

God is the constant variable.

2009-05-07T19:36:00.004+08:00

hey guys! (:
how's the exams going? x)
it should be ending soon or have already ended! grats to those who have already stepped into the 3months holiday til school reopens! (: anyhow, just wanted to share with you guys a little something we shared today during cellgroup over here in Melbourne.

sometimes when you come to God in prayer asking for breakthroughs and when we receive the victory, we rejoice.
but yet, there are also times when we begin to ask and yet our prayers are not answered. we begin to start questioning 5W1H.

let's break it down a little. if

US + GOD = VICTORY

but yet, at times..

US + GOD = FAILURE

(it's not mathematically correct, only for illustration sake)
what we know iz that God is the constant variable. He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. God doesnt change. so when our outcome differs, guess who's at fault? us.

when the distance between God and us increases.
guess who's the one moving? us.
the same principle applies.

food for thought (:

Stress Less

2009-04-26T18:33:00.000+08:00

Hi guys, lately I’ve been reading this book titled “Stress Less” by Dr Don Colbert who is a Christian and a friend of Joyce Meyer. He is the author of the bestsellers Toxic Relief, Walking in Divine Health and What Would Jesus Eat.

One of the things Dr Colbert mentioned which I find very practical and useful would be the “Serenity Prayer”:

“God, grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.”

I think that this prayer is a good way to cast our cares on the LORD, especially when things start to go wrong or not according to our plans. By looking to God in prayer, we can have our focus tweaked and be more sound minded as we attend to the things that we can change and commit to God’s hands things that we simply have no control over.

Gambete to the NUS students still studying hard for their exams!

Transcending Above The Waves

2009-04-24T21:17:00.002+08:00

A link to an article a friend of mine dropped in my mailbox with an encouragement to keep on going which I think a lot of us could really use right now. Do take the time to read it. =)

http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0002035.cfm

HAPPY EASTER!

2009-04-14T13:11:00.007+08:00

heyhey! (:
seems like a really quiet easter on this blog!

HAPPY belated EASTER TO ONE AND ALL! (:

i hope you guys all enjoyed yourselves this easter! with the first class drama and first class preacher one can ask for x) and i sure do hope you guys invited friends to enjoy this season of celebration together! (:

i managed to catch the service online over here! (: the final solution. definitely not the same when you watch it online that's for sure. i got really excited even while watching it. wish i could be back immersed in the joy of the celebration of our risen King with everyone of you guys. i cant imagine how it would be like! x)

anyway, easter over here at Easter iz nowhere near as exciting as back in CHC. so treasure every moment there! (: for me, i invited an irregular christian for service on Easter Sunday (: he enjoyed himself and hopefully he'll feel more integrated and become a regular soon! :D

so yeah! Easter over here in Australia iz pretty much a nation wide event. well, there arent alot of local believers around, but it's funny how they ALL celebrate easter (:
1. Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays.
2. Shops are all closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday

okay, updates!
some things locals do here during Easter annually.
1. On Good Friday, there was a Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal fund-raiser across Australia. Despite the recession, all the bushfires and donations that have been on-going eversince, Australians are never ending in their generousity. A record of AUD$13,862,734 was raised for the children, the hospital facilities and medical researches within the span of ONE day.

2. The Easter bun is called the hot cross bun :D
(Sorry, i forgot to snap a picture of it!) but it looks like a normal pack of 6buns, with raisins and fruitcakey kinda bun. And needless to say, it's got a cross on the top. - and they only bake it during easter! or rather, it's only the "in" thing during easter x)

3. Last but not least.
Easter iz celebrated here with its MILLIONS of chocolates.

it's either i'm getting forgetful like a old lady, but i dun remember seeing aisles and aisles of Easter chocolates in NTUC or Cold Storage during Easter!
(ps. i'm not refering to the normal confectionery bars of chocs..)

this iz but only one section towards the end of easter

literally rows and rows of chocolate bunnies.
den, there's the rows and rows of chocolate eggs.

the branded chocolates are in the egg business as well! Cadbury, crunchie, timeout, mars, lindt.. countless!

In other words, for any regular aussie here, the first word you would tink of when you think of Easter iz chocolates.

The best kind of solace for assignments and exams (:
Way to go to all who's studying for exams!

To all of the university students studying hard for their exams...

2009-04-10T11:21:00.003+08:00

Jia you for your exams!!! I sent a dedication on 98.7FM to some of you guys... ok mostly the sisters actually :X Couldn't squeeze everyone into 2 sms... Ha ha

Uni.wav -

When you are free, do check out this song titled "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus- the lyrics are rather meaningful and applicable, especially in our walk with God.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG2zyeVRcbs

Meanwhile, keep on moving, keep on climbing and keep the faith :)

The Muffins In The Making

2009-03-24T17:53:00.007+08:00

i bet everyone has already heard the best new of 2009! (:
BABY JORDAN HAS BEEN BIRTHED INTO THIS WORLD!
by a wonderful mother into the arms of a wonderful family.
congratulations kenneth and serena! (:

anyway, i've made a "promise" to keep sending in greetings from Australia (: and today, in light of the previous suggestion of Tips and Stuffs, i'm posting a video on how to make muffins (:

i believe alot of you already know how to make muffins and maybe even make better muffins than i do. but hey, it's the first time i'm making muffins ever in my life, so if you tink you can make better muffins, please share your recipes and methods! (: i would definitely want to learn tips from you (:

so yeah,
The Muffins In The Making.

please note a few things though, i missed them out while doing the video.
1. Before putting the muffins in for baking, do let the choco chips settle into the muffin or maybe even seem to "sink" in a little (: if not the chips will be all stuck on top. x)
2. If raisins are a substitue, make sure that the raisins are DRY. paper dry if you need. and flour the raisins as well, but instead of sprinkling it on top of the muffin like the choco chips, put it in the mix when you pour it into the mould.
3. and yeah, you dun really need the recipe cuz you cant see it!!! :D

yupp, on a whole, sorry the video iz so not professional. haha x)
hope to hear from you guys more often! ailin says every sunday there's gonna be a sporting event! (: updates bout it alright! (:

The Concert

2009-03-17T17:07:00.002+08:00

When the house lights dimmed and the concert
was about to begin, the mother returned to
her seat and discovered that the child was missing

Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights
focused on the impressive Steinway on stage.
In horror, the mother saw her littleboy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out
"Twinkle,Twinkle Little Star."
At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and
whispered in the boy's ear,

"Don't quit.""Keep playing."
Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached
down with his left hand and began filling
in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached
around to the other side of the child,
and he added a running obbligato.
Together, the old master and the young novice
transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience.
The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn't recall what else the great master played.
Only the classic,
" Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

Perhaps that's the way it is with God.
What we can accomplish onour own is hardly noteworthy.
We try our best, but the results aren't always
graceful flowing music. However, with the
hand of the Master, our life's work can truly be beautiful.The next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You may hear the voice of the
Master, whispering in your ear,
"Don't quit."
"Keep playing."

Good'ay mate!

2009-03-03T20:26:00.017+08:00

GREETINGS FROM AUSTRALIA! (:

Wondering how's everyone doing back in Singapore! seems like many things have actually been happening in the short but long 3weeks that i've not been around!

well, just to list a few..
1. peijing and chenguo got attached to each other (duh:p)
2. eunice got attached as well
3. rebekah, alicia, brandon and raymond got water baptised!
4. william, thomas, sebas and weisheng will be going for SOT this year!

waha, what else can i say,
one word to sum it all..
CONGRATULATIONS! (:

finding a partner in life, being born again (again), going for SOT.. reminds me of the 3major decisions that we have to make in life! x) marriage, salvation and your choice of church. but more importantly, all these mark the beginning of another phase in your life (: a brand new chapter that you can look forward to, expecting changes and challenges to come your way. like a transition, tough it may seem, but exciting on the other hand. well, all the best to all you back at home! (: have fun and keep seeking excellence whatever you do! (:

so yep, it's been 3weeks in australia. I'll try to paint a pretty picture of it for you (esp if you haven been here before!)

balloons do make people happy :p
if you ask me what do i miss from home? well i wouldnt say food. x) to my surprise, asian food an be found at almost EVERY corner. there's dim sum, dumplings, chicken rice, hot pot, curry, laksa. food-wise? it's pretty much diversified over here. yum.

sorry, dun have a picture of the diversity, but my roomie cooks good food (:and to the people around, half expecting alot of "ang moh"s walking around the streets, you actually see alot of asians as well! anyone out there who knows how to speak Cantonese?? x) well, if you dunno any other language except Cantonese, you'll very much still survive here. well at least for the buying of groceries and all x)

i've been talking around with some people in my university, and it was shocking to know that to the extend that you dun really hear much about Deakin Uni, turns out that we're second behind Monash and in front of RMIT? well i didnt check my facts with regards to what was being told to me, but anyway, the school of exercise (: i particularly like the spiral stairs :p
so yeah, i dun have much to inform you guys about aussie as yet! havent exactly been around touring much! but one last one, this iz in the city (: my friend brought me to the park near her house, and this was it. it's definitely a good place to play with fallen leaves during autumn :pi guess this iz it?
hope to hear from you guys more through this blog! x) updates, building fund testimonies, anything! :D which i want to thank God as well cuz i managed to fulfil my faith pledge for 6months in 4months! (: so yeah! if you havent fulfilled yours yet, dun give up! (: you've still got a month or two more. yupp, that's all for now! (:

A Joseph Calling

2009-02-15T22:53:00.001+08:00

Just something I received in my mail that i thought would be nice to share

A Joseph Calling
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Sunday, February 15 2009

"And he sent a man before them - Joseph, sold as a slave." - Psalm 105:17

God is doing a unique work around the world today. He is rising up Josephs throughout the world. Some are still in the "pit" stage of their pilgrimage, while others are heading toward fruitfulness. What does it take for a man to become a true Joseph? It takes years of preparation and testing to be a true Joseph. It takes what the psalmist says in Psalm 105:17. "He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food; and he sent a man before them - Joseph, sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the Lord proved him true. The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free" (Psalm 105:16-20).

A true Joseph is one who is a provider both spiritually and materially for those in the Body of Christ. It is a person who understands that he is simply a manager of all that God has entrusted to him. It is a person who has humility and a broken and contrite heart before God. But how does God prepare modern-day Josephs?

Modern-day Josephs are prepared through their own versions of bruised feet, with shackles and necks put in irons. It is often through the adversity of failed finances, failed marriages, failed relationships, and broken dreams. These are the things that try men the most. These are the things God uses to allow the Josephs of our day to be proven by the Word of the Lord. Once proven, God brings them out of their prisons and uses them mightily for His purposes. Joseph went through his own trials - not because of any failure, but because of an incredible calling: to save and provide for an entire nation. God had to prepare this man with 13 years of broken dreams and humble circumstances in order to break every ounce of pride and self-will. God could not afford to have a 30-year-old steeped in arrogance and pride running an entire nation.

When I attended a world conference on global evangelization in South Africa, I was privileged to sit among 45 other men from different parts of the world who had a Joseph calling on their lives. These men of means had humility of heart and a spirit unlike any others I have met in my country. Each one had his own Joseph story. It was an incredible scene that changed my life and my own view of business. This allowed me to see firsthand this phenomenon that is going on throughout the world. Many believe God is rising up these servants to prepare for a worldwide economic earthquake and to fund a global harvest of souls. Even since this conference, one nation is being dramatically affected because of a Joseph who has stepped forward to fulfill his calling for that nation. It is an awesome demonstration of God's power working today.

Are you willing to allow God to do whatever it takes for you to become a true Joseph? Ask the Lord today to do whatever is necessary to fully use your gifts and talents for His eternal Kingdom.

About L-O-V-E

2009-02-09T01:02:00.004+08:00

About L-O-V-E

L-O-V-E. Simple to spell, but I am sure it must be pretty hard to achieve.

Seeing as our faith and ministry is built upon love (Love for God, love for People), therefore I think Pastor Kong's message is really important. Well, you must be thinking, important mehz? I also not like XXXX and XXXX married, or on the way to walk the aisle, no big deal what.

The catch is, there is another side to this message, and it applies to all.

Let's start with the #1 need for the sisters: Affection.

Believe me. I think our beloved sisters do not just want to hear words of praise and appreciation from their husband, boyfriends. They would love to hear from their family members, friends. More so important for the people who are supposed to be part of your destiny in God, i.e. your cell group members, your spiritual family.

As brothers (and sisters of course), i think sometimes we can be a little bit more sensitive to our (other) beloved sisters. Help them arrange tables and chairs during fellowship, help them wash up after cell group refreshments. And if you have sisters who have just did something to her hair, like change of style, colour, well say something nice.

Instead of " WAH! You burn your hair ahz?", say "wah!! Somebody cut hair sia~~ looks better lei"..
Instead of "Hey, you use curtain to make your new skirt right?", say "woowoo, this suits you wor".

But of course, do not lie!
If you think the change is not appropriate, you have to tell her. Tell her to help her. Do not say it directly, try something more indirect.

Instead of "why you wear this? My eyes bleeding liao!!", say "Hey, nice try, but perhaps you could try ... (insert some CONSTRUCTIVE suggestions).

AS brothers, this also shows our maturity, and I am sure the sisters will be grateful for a little more appreciation right?

(Do I hear an Amen from the sisters??)

But most importantly, do not be shy to help them out when they need it. Like for example, you have a sister who needs emotional help, but then you shun away because you are.. shy.... cummon la~~ what generation already? Your words of encouragement will be like gold to them (same to those words of appreciation), you will help them to pick themselves up to move on.

We must pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off! (Obama, 2009).

Ok.. i think i write too many essays liaoz..

Now looking at the #1 need for the brothers is errrrrrrr...*blussssshhhhh*

NONO... I am not asking the sisters to *CENSORED*, I am asking the brothers who do not have the license to *CENSORED* yet, to constantly pray for a strong mind, pray for the Lord to constantly cleanse our thoughts and strengthened our self control so that we do not think immoral thoughts.

HEY!! Nothing wrong thinking about *CENSORED*, afterall we are wired this way. The research that man thinks about sex 7 times a day does not just refer to the married men, it refers to brothers like you and me. But the Bible says that when we lust for others in our thoughts, we have committed adultery already. So we must constantly keep our thoughts in check, and when we DO stray, do not feel guilty, instead, Thank God for our sexuality, but pray for strength and protection of the mind and thoughts.

Ok.. this is turning into a manhood thingy, but then again, why not?
We are men by birth by male by choice,
1,
2,
3,

YESSS!!

Last point about needs unmet. I am sure many of us heard of this phrase "The Lord does not hear my prayers".

Now, we know that there is probably a fruit- basketful of reasons why God does not hear and answer your prayers, and finding these glitches and getting our lives right with God is of ultimate importance.

But what about the needs and prayers of our neighbours? When Pastor mentions needs unmet, what immediately came to mind is that many of us have needs to be met, but we also have needs to meet. We have people to pray for, people to bless and people to help.

Again, sensitivity.

We have to be sensitive to our neighbour's needs. And that is also one way which we can build love, intimacy (friendship style..) and unity within the cell group. BUT, not forgetting the people in the marketplace. So let us start to communicate more and try to help one another out.

Afterall, its economic recession, and this is the best time for us to shine in the marketplace.

WOOHOO~
Hope this helps~

Cya guys is PM.

Zhengguo a.k.a. Daogei

A pair of size US9 shoes

2009-02-08T20:04:00.004+08:00

Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

In this post, I want to thank God for a new pair of shoes and the best thing was that it came free as a blessing! Let me elaborate- During our Arise and Build season, here is a conservation you will find familiar:

A: “Hey Bugis got 1 shop selling gothic clothes got 30% sale lei… Want to go down and buy together?”
B: “Erm… building fund now I very tight lei…”

But God provided for me according to my specific need!

Zhen Xian and I have signed up for Adidas Sundown Marathon 2008 and in our training for it, we need to clock mileage. The problem here was that I only have one pair of running shoes and it is issued by the army. Having no credit left to buy new ones and my SAF running shoes are needed in camp, my progress was slow. Also, after pledging a sacrificial amount, I really have no money to buy a pair of running shoes and I wanted something more than the shoes offered by the army. So, I prayed and asked God for a pair of running shoes.

Praise God! After service today, I asked my dad if he could lend me his shoes so that I can go and do some proper training. To my surprise, he told me that my uncle has given him a new pair of Nike running shoes and he kept it in his car. My first response was “Wow Nike shoes lei!! Better than New Balance right...” What was amazing is that my dad wears US size 6 and my uncle somehow bought a US size 9 for him! Needless to say, Abba knows exactly how to meet my need by the fact that even a pair of shoes bought of the wrong size is actually an answer to my specific need! In short, God answered my prayer and I got a new pair of running shoes! Yeah! Hallelujah!

Lastly, what I want to say is that some of you might be financially tight right now that you don’t even have money to buy a new pair of skirt or pants, but we must know that our God is Jehovah Jireh, that our God is a God who provides. So, keep on keeping on till the end of this season and knowing that your breakthrough is on its way ^_^

Thank You Abba Father!

a visitor's post!

2009-02-03T16:47:00.002+08:00

hey everyone, it's Nadia here! not all of you guys might know me but I'm a visiting W115 member from New Zealand! =) that's like halfway around the world...! but anyway, since I'll be heading back to NZ later on tonight, would like to post some thoughts about the time I've been back! and seeing how I like to take photos, this post can be a photo post! will just put up some of the group photos!

this was the group of us who went to Johor for one of the Sat City Harvest JB services. it was really an experience, something different yet similar, and hearing Pst Chee Kiang preach was great! what an amazing time we had there, being ministered to by the Word and even having a hotdog eating competition! I believe the people who ever went to JB would agree that over there it's something different, and that something is going to be happening soon!

I followed along on one of the E290 outings to Sentosa...and these young people are so fun to be around! I think there is this "thing" about youths - the energy, vibrance, carefree-ness about life...it's something to be cherished and made the most of. really looking forward to see these people step up to the calling that has been placed in their lives!

this was at my house, where I had a surprise birthday party planned for me by my sister. and these were the past/present pple from W115! really appreciate the things my cell group has done for me the past few years that I've been back. even though I'm just a visitor whenever I'm back, they always make me feel welcome!

and this is the group which makes up the present batch of W115/W458! we had this BBQ at Jurong somewhere and it was so much fun. think Chen Guo posted up an entry before, and it definitely was a time where we had a time of fun and fellowship! really glad I've had the chance to meet this group of people...although we're not as young as we were anymore, these guys are still fun-loving and energetic! =) always young at heart yah?

then along came the Christmas service!!! so good to see the W115/W458 members bring their friends for service, because this was what it was about, sharing the good news with the people around us. and the drama was amazing, don't you agree? =)

and finally, this was my last service with the present W115/W458! such an awesome bunch of people, gonna miss you guys now that I'm leaving, although we've only known each other for barely 2 months! may you guys keep on growing, multiplying and keeping the light shining as you reach out into your various places of influence to win the lost for Christ!

and last but not least, presenting...Kenneth! all of you would know this really cool and hip cell group leader! an amazing man of God, a role model the younger ones should follow. I really must thank him for where I am now...and I'm looking forward to when I can be back in the cell group for longer than 2 months!

and thus comes to the end of my entry. it's almost time to leave the house to head to the airport...this holiday back in Singapore has been a great experience with all of you guys who've been around in cell group and service! unfortunately I don't have the chance to spend longer getting to know the W115/W458 people better, but thank you all for making my stay in Singapore a good one! waiting to hear about more exciting things that will be happening throughout the year, and till when I get back again, take care and God bless everyone!

Let's run together!

2009-01-31T16:58:00.007+08:00

Recently, I recalled something I've heard when I was growing up as a young christian...

People can, but I can't

Through the early years of growing up as a believer with my fellow church-mates wasn't easy with all the opinions we hear at times.

Things like, "You are really on fire for God huh? I used to be too. But wait till you're here for another 2 years..."

After serving in the ministry... "You're a CGL in CHC? My friend used to be one too. I'll give you 3 years, and you'd probably get tired of it..."

Entering into NS: "People usually backslide after entering into army. If you can still attend church regularly you should be happy... Better not talk about ministry..."

Going into the working place isn't much better too... "Now that you're finally going to experience working life, committing to Church & God wouldn't be feasible for you anymore..."

These maybe the hurdles in life. But the truth is that loving God (to the true CHC DNA-ed members) is a deeply heart-felt conviction. We don't serve and love God because we have nothing better to do or when it's convenient. We do so because it's our greatest heart's desire.

Others can live life casually... others can choose the easy way out... others can do whatever they want. But...

Others can but we can't.

I'm proud to be living amongst CG members, leaders and pastors that carries this conviction in their lives. Let's all run this race together!

Charles Chow Rocks the Services!

2009-01-25T11:39:00.001+08:00

For the very first time playing for the main Service! Great way to start the year 2009! Jia you, we're all so happy for, and proud of you.

1 week later...

"Promotion" to the main service after playing once! Woots!!! We'll all doubly happy and excited for you again!!! Like what we say in Chinese... Shuang Xi Ling Men!

The only problem was that the camera man didn't like to video the base guitarist much... only managed to capture the one and only time you were captured by the camera on the main screen... without your face! and for only a split second...

Remembering HIM

2009-01-17T10:09:00.003+08:00

Hey guys,

My friend showed me this video on youtube. Super touching.
Please take your time to view it :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14tZRDdwggU

:D

Short Clips taken for Weisheng's first Guit1

2009-01-17T01:19:00.003+08:00

NxGen session 1

2009-01-10T23:27:00.003+08:00

It was a brief orientation at Riverwalk on the 9th of Jan 2009.

I saw people that I've never seen before. It's really feels like a CK ZONE meeting..
I think out of everyone there, I only knew about 10% of them.

The start of the activity is about building a structure from scratch, using things like, wooden chopsticks, pails, lego, straws, newspaper, boxes, and tapes too..
As easy as it may sounds, we were given 16mins to build it up, and it has to go through a weight and wind test.

When every team has finished building it, it was time for us to present our "work"

One by one, teams went up, armed with words and actions explaining to the rest of us the meaning of their piece.

At the end of it, when we sumarise the event, it was told that this course would last 16weeks of our time. and that is exactly why we were given 16mins to complete the structure.

As I though on my way home, during the 16mins we took to build the structure from scratch, it represents us the way we are now, different people, representing different sets of items.,
not knowing how, what we could do. But as time grows, each of us, began to do something as a team, each taking a portion role to put up together.

I believe it is going to be a very rewarding leadership training series - if you can, I would strongly encourage you to commit to benefitting from this. =)

Session 1 with Brother Poh (what he taught us; lessons and illustrations)"

2009-01-10T23:17:00.007+08:00

I am going to attempt to reconstruct the essence of the lessons Bro Poh presented to us during the short session on Thursday at Riverwalk based on my own understanding - so please be merciful to me if i miss out or misinterpret something.

Psalm 42 (The Message)
A psalm of the sons of Korah.

A white-tailed deer drinks from the creek;
I want to drink God,
deep draughts of God.
I'm thirsty for God-alive.
I wonder, "Will I ever make it—
arrive and drink in God's presence?"
I'm on a diet of tears—
tears for breakfast, tears for supper.
All day long
people knock at my door,
Pestering,
"Where is this God of yours?"

Sometimes, in worship, to us, it's just like pushing a button, no longer longing, no longer hungry for God's presence and anointing, when we don't engaged Him, God's presence will not fall.
Always we have to tell ourselves to engage, to desire His presence, to want to be there, at the holy of hollies.

Do you remember, when running your 2.4km during your school days?
In the middle of the run, our body cry out for water?
Worship should be like that, a desire, a crying out...

What is worship, when we don't feel His presence, don't receive anything? - Wasted time.

Always seek Him in earnest, and a wild hunger; as the chorus of our church's own worship song goes:

Here I stand, thirsting for You

Here I am, surrendered to You

Let my life be Your clay

Mould me in Your way

Here I stand, desperate for You

Here I am, a vessel for You

Let my life sing Your praise;

Bring Honour to Your Name

Let us indeed engage with Him every time we pray, praise, worship, and read His Word; never allow any moment spent seeking to know His heart, mind, will and being be a moment treated casually, because if we do, it'll all only become wasted time that we can never get back.

Edited by amanda.faith

I Know I'm Bais

2009-01-10T00:55:00.003+08:00

But some might not agree with the title.. As not many people may scroll down to watch our "news center" I hear by Proclaim something that will SPARK many eyes shinny.

CHOIR AUDITIONS ARE COMING UP!
yeah people,, from KT ZONE, or if you happen to be from CK zone also,.

YES!!

DATES: 20th Jan 2009 ( TUESDAY)
TIME: 7.30Pm ( TBA)
Venue: Level 4, JW

Requirements are actually Ordinary Members and above AND recommended by CGLs.

To all you people attending JW service, and have always been inspired, by the choir members on stage.. This is your chance... because I think the NEXT audition might just be next year.. ( who knows )

SO.. what cha waiting for.. go approach your friendly cellgrp leader and JOIN CHOIR TODAY.

In case you are wondering...... what/Just how fun/boliao ( if you want to put it)

Click this ----> Bo liao/Fun things we do

For more infomations , please leave comments....

Guy's body shapes

2009-01-04T23:26:00.003+08:00

Hello my dear sister and BROTHERS,

MALE BODY SHAPES

Mesomorph

CHARACTERISTICS:

large bone structure
hard body with well defined muscles
naturally athletic physique
best body type for bodybuilding
find it quite easy to gain and lose weight
naturally strong

The mesomorph body type responds the best to weight training. Gains are usually seen very quickly, especially for beginners. The downside to mesomorphs is they gain fat more easily than ectomorphs.

SOLUTION:

Watch calorie intake.
Combine of weight and cardio work outs
Work on short bursts of explosive, dynamic and intense aerobic activity near to maximum effort - short sprints, jumping and punching.
Do more weight-bearing exercise - pump iron. Use heavy weights, up to 90 per cent of your maximum capability and complete at least three sets of each exercise with no more than seven repetitions per set. Ideally isolate one muscle group at a time and work it until exhausted.
You must have plenty of rest between each workout to allow the muscle to grow.

Next post would be the last post for guys.

The "Ruler"

2008-12-27T23:17:00.007+08:00

Hi SISTERS and brothers,
THIS IS THE LAST BODY SHAPE FOR FEMALES!!! WOOO~~~ If you don't think you belong to any of those shapes, you can leave a comment on the tag board and I will try to find you your body shape. I'll be posting up the 2nd male body type in my next post.

FEMALE BODY SHAPES

4) The "Ruler" / Rectangle / Banana

CHARACTERISTICS:
We have fairly equal body shape measurement for our chest, waist, and hips. We are lean with high metabolism and do not gain weight that easily. We have a slight waist and long legs.

GOAL:
Create the illusion of curves and accentuate the waist.

OPT FOR:
a) single button jackets
b) belted three-quarter-length coats with hip pockets
c) A-line skirts
d) slightly flared trousers
e) shaped shirts
f) elegant heels.

TRY TO AVOID:
a) shapeless three-quarter length jackets
b) straight dresses
c) cropped tops.

CELEBRITIES WITH THIS SHAPE:
Gwyneth Paltrow

The Barbecue - What Really Transpired

2008-12-22T00:58:00.006+08:00

I am here, to tell you about the latest news.

I am sure you heard about the little gathering that was held at the park opposite San San's place.

But I guess you never knew what really transpired under that romantic starlight. I was there to witness it all and so I used my camera to take note of everything so let me tell you a story.

So now when you have barbecue, you always need to begin with the food. Am I right? And so I present you the food.

Now, good food comes from good cooks.

The true creators and operators of the magnificent spread is none other than:

Now you see, as was said by Bro. David in the Get Real! Video that ego will get in the way of things, the way I see it, Zhen Xian has been awaiting the whole night to show off his "Real Power", and Ziqian decided to distract him for the safety of all that was there.. Thomas... I think was just trying to learn more about the power and perhaps get a bit of it. Peijing basically, was not impressed.

Later on, I caught a suspicious looking sight:

Aww... how sweet...

But this emotion was not shared by everyone. I know because when I turned around, I saw this:

Well, either the wing must be quite badly cooked ( I heard somebody cooked 1 batch of chicken wings that was not fully cooked, I wonder who's the marvellous genius?), or that she was not happy with what she was seeing.

Then, the star of the night appeared!

The Peace Man (not Yes Man or Ip Man). Who happens to not have the time to show his talent but still decided to help Han Ning out nevertheless. And when he released his power, things were right again.

And the entire situation is being resolved and we are all part of a happy family again.

And o, we live happily ever after.

This is C.G.L., your favourite and most well-loved reporter.

Cheers.

P.S.

The commentary given above is truly fictitious. And any offense made to anyone was truly not intended.

Nevertheless, But the Barbecue was fun. It was nice to see Chee Weng after such a long time.

Kudos!

GUYS body shape

2008-12-21T16:35:00.004+08:00

Hello my dear sisters and BROTHERS,

Finally after being pestered by the brothers around me for posting up too many female posts, I am going to post up the 1st male body type.

Given the information that I will be posting you should easily be able to identify your body type. You may also want to optimize your diet and training to suit your body type.

Changing your body type

If you're looking to change the shape of your body the basic groundwork is the same.

eat fresh, low fat and healthy food

avoid large amounts of toxins such as alcohol and caffeine

take regular exercise which should include elements of stamina (puffing), strength (grunting) and suppleness (bending)

Basically there is 3 different kinds of body types for male. For me I would call it the Lean, V and the round. However there are some technical names for these body types.

So now I present to you the 1st body type:

MALE BODY SHAPES

Ectomorph

This is the most typically seen body type to me.

CHARACTERISTICS:

Small “delicate” frame and bone structure

Classic “hardgainer”

Flat chest

Small shoulders

Thin

Lean muscle mass

Finds it hard to gain weight

Fast metabolism

Ectos need a very huge amount of calories to gain weight. If you want to have a body with more build to make you look stronger, here is the solution.

SOLUTION:

Workouts should be short and intense focusing on particular muscle groups.

I would recommend supplements like protein.

You should eat before going to bed to prevent muscle catabolism at night.

Generally ectomorphs loses fat very easily which makes cutting back to lean muscle easy for them.

WOO HOO!! Ok watch out for the next post!

CHC Goes Green!

2008-12-20T14:05:00.026+08:00

(Click on the picture to enlarge!)

Hi guys, if i am not wrong you would have received an email on this go green project. This project seeks to encourage recycling while raising money to assist the needy residents in the South West District.

So friends if you have any unwanted clothing or paper collected do bring it over to:

Collection Dates:

December 20 - 21 & 27 -28,

2008

January 3, 2009

Collection Points:

1 Jurong West St 91 @ Riviera (where lift 7 & 8 is located)

Saturdays: 2:30 - 3:30pm & 5:30 - 6:30pm

Sundays: 11:30am - 12:30pm & 2:30 - 3:30pm

Singapore Expo Hall 8 @ Reception

Saturdays: 4:30 - 5:30pm & 7:30 - 8:30pm

Sundays: 9:00 - 10:00am & 12:30 - 1:30pm

If we are able, let us all do our part to contribute :)

hmm i wonder where should i bring my dear to..this saturday...

2008-12-17T23:16:00.017+08:00

Hear ye! all patrons of Fish & Co, Swensens, NYDC & Jacks Place.Ahoy!! Your silent prayers have been answered. I have groundbreaking news. This weekend, your time shall not be spent rotting in bed..& you'll won't be dragging your feet to the Glass House for that overeaten Seafood platter.

This saturday..make the dining event an eventful one.an event to add colour into the monotone monday to friday..(thank God there's cell group on friday nights..thanks kenneth!)
Charis says that saturdays will be best spent..on food. But don't forget church on sundays too! =) Amen.

Let us begin. psstt...am not gonna just place a simple few captions and call it quits.A picture tells us a story..Words illustrates the emotions within a story.

Nuff said. I humbly (yeah right) present the Miss Clarity Cafe @ Purvis Street.

Above.
What a normal person see would be just a miserable, desolated line of shophouses.What i see would be a reprieve from the human-flooded, over-walked (just coining this random term randomly) Orchard Road.

For myself..ive been craving for a place which really brings out the rugged lustre of Singapore's past.

Somewhere which could give us a hiding place..somewhere where shopping malls couldn't be seen..or heard. Somewhere..where you could easily spend a warm saturday afternoon, reminiscing over old times with your loved ones over tea. The ideal setting. A location..filled with intense old world rustic charm...not forgetting that it conveys a profound,unexpressionable emotion where few could understand.

Probably shutterbugs do.

Interaction over fine dining(not that it fits exactly into the fine dining term - they don't serve foie gras here) Feeling a lack of communication? When you're there..the hypnotic ambience of the cafe just captivates your soul into a laid back dimension like no other places do.

3 steps inside, it feels like you're in your Malibu,CA.(nah, fat hope! ;p)(no, you still can't scrimp on that December plane ticket)

Open up, relax. Whatever which has been bothering you for the past few days....has been erased - unknowingly from your memory. Your eyes gaze deeply at the abstractfulness of interior design. Or at the gorgeous lady over at the other table.

As you spew drops of saliva out whilst catching up over lost times..you'll hate to acknowledge that the time spent travelling here was worth it....every single millisecond of it.

Breads crumbs.

Garnishing or what u call it.

Fish.

Potatos.

Cauliflowers.

Uninteresting, unassuming by itself. When blended together, under the watchful eye of a skilled chef..it'll get whipped into a culinary masterpiece..woops! exaggeration again! haha!

If you can't comprehend what i mean..You've gotta savour it.
The tender,succulent portion of dory fillet simply melts within your mouth...
I have gotta admit..this time round..the picture will describe itself best.I present to you...Ze Dory Fillet Set. ze Bon appetit! ze hope ye hed a greest time reeding threu. but not yet end har.
:)

Summary.

pricing? below $15 bucks. foods great, ambience great, people there are great..everything is great! muahahahahaha!

verdict.

grab ur ez link card and go!! no service charge & gst quite cheap liao. mai tu liao...

'how to go there(in lehmann terms)

1. Take MRT to City Hall

2. Exit from City Hall, find Raffles Hotel.(You might wanna spend 4 minutes of ye time idling around the Eden-like garden there..don't get caught thou by the security uncle there!"

3. You'll happen to find the Car Porch of the Raffles Hotel..not the middle one, but the one further down.

4. You'll see this street called Seah Street.

5. Go right through this street again..go even further in.( not down )

6. You'll see Purvis Street.

7. There you go.

weiwen law corporation will prosecute all those found guilty of koping pictures. so don't kope pictures ar!

stay tuned for more.

we have got twelve plus one cafe @ rochester park on the horizon. wahahaha.

-end of transmission-

2008-12-15T17:21:00.003+08:00

Hellow,

Had a great time of fellowship during the previous cell group meeting, our cg had steamboat (woohoo) and a few rounds of games. I had lotsa fun, I bet the rest of the peepz did too.

Samantha led two games, one of it was a game that you have to sing a song which contains a certain category, otherwise, we would be hammered.(Fake hammer lah obviously,)

It was a Guy VS Girls battle,

Most of the guys who came out and went like,

"I don't know I really don't know, just whack me lah"

they got hammered by Sam and the girls team.

It's a really great time because it's something different from the usual cellgroup meetings where we'll just listen to the cell group leader, but for this steamboat, everyone got to know each other even more and the food was great. Hah!

alright, a picture paints a thousand words so here goes:

- Dawn

The "8 Frame" / Hourglass

2008-12-14T19:53:00.010+08:00

Hello SISTERS and brothers,

This is the 3rd one! I love this body shape because of the curves. :)

FEMALE BODY SHAPES

3) The "8 Frame" / Hourglass

CHARACTERISTICS:
We are of proper height and weight for our body. Our bust and hips are of the same size, and our waists are approx. 10 inches smaller. Our gains are evenly distributed, as well as our fat loss. We are normally with full bust, small/short waist and curvy hips.

GOAL:
Appreciate our full bust, curvy hips and small waist, without over accentuating our curves.

OPT FOR:
a) open necklines
b) deep V fitted cardigans
c) pencil skirts
d) high heels
e) fitted dresses to elongate the waist

TRY TO AVOID:
a) big sleeves
b) blouses with bows and frills
c) smocks
d) flats
e) big belts
f) loose pockets on trousers
Overall steer clear from clothes which don't hug your body shape.

CELEBRITIES WITH THIS SHAPE:
Salma Hayek

The next one would be The "ruler".

PRAY ANYWAY

2008-12-09T00:51:00.003+08:00

My aunt sent this to me. Hope that it helps us to get rid of our excuses :D

Matthew 14:22-23

Taken from the book "A Shepherd's Voice", Reflections on the Sunday Gospel ( Cycle A ) by Most Rev. Mylo Hubert C. Vergara, DD, MA, STD.

When you don't know how to pray, pray anyway!
Ignorance is no excuse.
When you don't feel like praying, pray anyway!
Depression is no excuse.
When dullness sits on you like a vulture, and you can't muster enough enthusiasm to change channels, much less to pray, pray anyway!
Boredom in no excuse!
When you see no need to pray and no reason to intercede for those about you, recognize this as a sign of impending danger, and pray anyway!
Blindness is no excuse.
When you've grown spiritually lazy and feel that you'll never be able to pick up your Bible and read it the way you once did, especially pray anyway.
Laziness is no excuse.
When you don't understand what big deal is about prayer, and you think it's overrated because it never did you much good, pray anyway.
Immaturity is no excuse.
When you're tired to remember your own name, and you know God will understand if you don't pray, pray anyway.
Fatigue is no excuse.
When you're embarassed to be back before God, confessing the same sins and admitting the same failures, come on and pray anyway.
Shame is no excuse.
When you've been unfaithful and you know it and you feel that burden of guilt that makes you want to run and hide under the porch, pray anyway.
Sin is no excuse.
When the nagging voice of the enemy keeps telling you there is no God and even if there were, He'd never have anything to do with a nothing like you, pray anyway.
Unbelief is no excuse.

We can bless ourselves immeasurably by rescuing our prayer life from bondage to our emotions and circumstances.
There is no time and there are no conditions in which prayer is not necessary, not helpful, and not the right thing to do.

The V frame

2008-12-08T11:15:00.014+08:00

My dear SISTERS and brothers,

This is the second type of body shape where most of us belong to

FEMALE BODY SHAPES

2) The "V Frame"/ Inverted Triangle / Cone

CHARACTERISTICS:
We usually have broad shoulders that are 2 or more inches wider than our hips, full bust, and no waist with narrow hips, long and thin legs.

GOAL:
Minimize the shoulders and full bust and emphasize and accentuate the already long slender legs.

OPT FOR:
Pieces that balances the body.
a) scoop neck/balloon sleeved dresses
b) short fitted jackets
c) V-necklines
d) single breasted jackets

TRY TO AVOID:
a) wide-legged sweat pants
b) shift dresses
c) chunky knit sweaters
d) slashed necklines
e) double breasted jackets
f) skinny belts

CELEBRITIES WITH THIS SHAPE:
Catherine Zeta-Jones

YOU MAY WANT TO TRY:
Bring the lower body up to speed with the upper body. Increase the size of your legs by abit to match the upper body.

Next up we have "The Hourglass".

Stay tuned :D

Celebrating Joan's 24th Birthday

2008-12-05T23:33:00.008+08:00

They say there is no better way to know your members than through spending time in fellowship, and what better way than over food?! *grins*

14 of us went down to far far yio chu kang to celebrate our dear Joan's birthday over a scrumcious BBQ at Wei Wen's place.

It's not hard to see why others are (and should be!) jealous of us - there is no cell better than W458+W115! (I'm bias, I know =p ) All kinds of things you can find out about your members when a little tete-a-tete that eventually blows up into a cross fire of multiple conversations going on simultaniously ensues (I'm still amazed how we all could keep track of every conversation - we must be really good multi taskers! If you missed this great fellowship and want to know what you missed... well... too bad! =p ok lah.. kidding kidding... only k. lol. Wei Wen has so kindly uploaded an album of pics on facebook for your viewing pleasure =) ) It really felt like we were a family - and a family that is united!

Greater things are yet to come guys! (and girls! ^_-) like it says i the bible, where there is unity, there is power; when the people are united together, nothing can stand in their way and there is nothing they cannot do. ^-^ And I'm so proud to see so many people rising up to the occasion and growing - wow, what a priviledge!

Let us keep growing together y'all! Keep moving from glory to glory. Keep on shining KT!

Joan Party's Continued

2008-12-05T23:14:00.009+08:00

30 November 2008 will no doubt be a memorable time for our dearest birthday girl who invited us down to yio chu kang to celebrate her 24th birthday with her

the cake you see in the pic was HOMEMADE!!! Yes it was!!! Yummy looking isn't it? ^_-

OF course we enjoyed putting a smile on our birthday girl's face - that's our gift she's wearing!

Everyone, looks happy ~~for Wei Sheng~~,
in case you are wondering what have all of us been saying about the above picture..

You all can view it here...
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=510844820&ref=name#/photo.php?pid=4997237&id=649590556

Alright.... From the bottom of ALL of us.. once again,,,,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOAN,

Hoped you liked your presents...

CHC Outreach JB experience

2008-12-04T14:09:00.008+08:00

A few of us went for a short trip into JB to visit the JB outreach church.
Here’s just my personal experience...

The experience is definitely great!
One of the 'thing' which impresses me from the start, is that everything is modeled pretty closely to CHC, Singapore, from the way the greeters greet/welcome the friends, to the bulletins (the way they insert the offering envelope). Im sure William has something to say? Hahahaa.. Everyone is very warm and welcoming...

Another 'thing' which touches me is the 'hunger' from these people. erm, im not talking about them not having enough money to eat and becos of that, they are hungry.. hahaa...
I mean, these people are really hungry for God to be present and to touch them...

Their praise and worship might not be as good as the CHC band, but their hunger & their thirst for God really pulled down the Presence of God...
i was standing in the mist of the crowd, even though im a tad distracted at times by the music, but nevertheless, the presence of God was in the place, very tangible...

i believe it's becos the people are making effort to connect to God and really pulling down the presence.
Even in the mist of the preaching (I tell you, Pastor CK preaches ‘machiam’ like Pastor Kong!), everyone is engaging the Word, everyone is excited about what Pastor is sharing. At times, Pastor will challenge them; they will get excited, ‘Yes-and-Amen’-ing to whatever is declared by Pastor.

I feel really hard trying to pen down my experience. You have to be there to see, to feel, to experience it yourself.

~ brings back memories of Hollywood days, hahhaaa…

Sayings

2008-12-03T20:36:00.004+08:00

"Currently reading a book, part of what it said really touched and blessed me."

It said:

Evil is a word we use to describe the absence of Good,
Just as we use the word darkness to describe the absence of light or death to describe the absence of life.

Both evil and darkness can only be understood in relation to light and good; they do not have any actual existence.

I am light and I am good.

I am Love and there is no darkness in me.
Light and Good actually exist.
So removing yourself from me will plunge you into darkness.

Declaring independence will result in evil because apart form me, you can only draw upon yourself. This is death because you have separated yourself from me : Life"

Change we can believe in

2008-12-01T12:58:00.000+08:00

Chanced upon something Pastor CK shared a few days ago. Blessed and enlightened...

"It's not how much you know, but how much you can change that matters in life"

How true... Some are very knowledgeable & have plenty of opinions over things happening around but contribute only just so much to the community.

What matters are those who, do not regard how much they know as important but, make do with whatever they have to make a difference in the problems/improvements around them.

Karios Time Zone (KT), let's all step up and start creating "Change we can believe in".

Fashion Tips and Stuff!

2008-11-30T00:42:00.005+08:00

Hi SISTERS and brothers,
I’ll be posting interesting tips on fashion whenever I can so we can all rise up to a whole new level of “prettiness and shuai-ness”! :D

For this few weeks I’ll be posting up information about different body shapes for both females and males respectively. Knowing our body shape and type is essential so that we would know what kind of clothes flatter and what kind of clothes would amplify our flaws. Tips on how we can better improve our body shape would be included as well.

Well, these few weeks I’m going to touch on female body shapes and types. Brothers can take a look as well (to impress the females!!!) as I would post the information for male body types after I’m done with the females. SISTERS! Let’s equip ourselves so we can help one another and stun everyone! WOO~

OK, let’s start!

FEMALE BODY SHAPES
Basically there are 5 common types of body shapes.

1) The "A Frame" / Spoon / Pear

CHARACTERISTICS:
We have extra weight around the lower part of our body, mainly on the hips, thighs and buttocks. We have a small waist (sometimes long as well) and a small bust.

GOAL:
Minimize hips and thighs and also create an illusion of curves above the waistline.

OPT FOR:
a) Long A-line skirts

(mostly for office styles)

b) strapless dress with full skirt

c) delicate chiffon shirt with puffed sleeves

d) shoulder enhancing shrugs/boleros

e) chunky heels

TRY TO AVOID:
a) bias cut skirts
b) pencil skirts
c) skinny jeans
d) ankle straps

CELEBRITIES WITH THIS SHAPE:
Katie Holmes and Sandra Bullock

YOU MAY WANT TO TRY:
Widen your shoulder circumference and back to achieve balance.

If you don't belong to this category, fret not! You might belong to the next body shape which is the The "V Frame"/ Inverted Triangle / Cone!

Watch out for the next post!! :D

A Privilege to be at Asia Conference!

2008-11-28T13:36:00.007+08:00

The journey was long and "narrow" (squeezy on train) but it's all worthwhile! =)

I wasn't there for the full Asia Conference due to an overseas trip. But with just the few sessions of the Conference I attended, i am deeply impacted.

I am really inspired by how Pst Kong is bold enough to stand up on the values that God input into his life. In front of a congregation that may consist lots of highly conservative and skeptical people, he's not afraid to set the standard. Not there to insult or to be haughty, but an urgency to draw Asia closer to God and to do even greater things together, carrying the heartbeat of God. I'm really proud to be part of this.

There are lots of things that i am impacted by - especially all the preaching. But one thing i really am impressed about is the standard of the whole conference. Even the mint case consist of a revelation! "Speak the fresh word"! Not just the smell or taste. But also speaking the fresh Rhema, a daily energy source from God.

Not forgetting to mention the standard of the ushers, securities, the food area, the musicians, basically all of them. And i am proud to say that we have really sharp pastors! I saw Pst Tan going about to help out with Pst Ulf, sharp and swift. It may seem a small thing. But to me, it takes a lot of a person to assist Pst Kong's mentor (Pst Ulf).

I believe the spirit of excellence is what i really need to keep working on. I thank God I'm part of this! Let's really keep the DNA of CHC and continually break-through in the standard of excellence! More things the next generation will do! =)

ASIA CONFERENCE!

2008-11-26T11:58:00.005+08:00

Asia conference was AWESOME!!! It’s an event that I will never regret going.

Everyone’s of our hearts were expecting for something great to happen. Despite being tired during the 5-day long conference, my spirit was hungry and thirsty for more of God. And every session, God showed himself true to me. Truly indeed, seek and you will find!

God’s presence was very tangible throughout the whole conference. New revelations and new ideas were revealed. All of the sessions were great and the word preached by all our beloved Pastors were mind blowing.

But 1 particular session hit me. It was when Pastor Phil prayed for the people from different countries and started to prophesy over them. Many people would just watch and at times pray for those on stage. But as I was standing there, I prayed for the anointing of God. I felt that even though I’m not the one up there being prayed for and prophesied over, God still wants me to do something great for him, so I cried out to him. Within a few seconds, God just pour out his overflowing love and anointing on me. From that moment, I decided to do something greater for God.

Asia conference is a life changing event. Even though the conference itself has ended, but now is not the time to slack and do what we want. Now is KAIROS TIME, time to make a difference, time to impact the marketplace and time to grow our cellgroups. Let's grab this kairos moment to rise up and not stay in the 1st place, we need to go out into the 2nd space and impact the marketplace.

Today, my decision of something greater is to grow my cell group. And I know that we can do it. Let it be yours too!

"Know Your Church" Corner

2008-11-16T23:13:00.031+08:00

Let's get ready for ASIA CONFERENCE 2008!!! Enthusiatic to be the

great hosts of this great conference, let us be better equipped with some basic

knowledge of City Harvest Church through this simple Q&A segment:

Q. When did City Harvest Church (CHC) start out?
Ans: May 7, 1989

Q. When did the Church get their own 2300-seater building in Jurong West?
Ans: Dec 15, 2001

Q. How many members are there in CHC?
Ans: 24,000

Q. How many ministries are there in CHC?
Ans: 36. Find out more! (Great to equip yourself with knowledge on the ministries)

Q. Which are the top 5 most exciting CGs in the Church?
Ans: W115, W458, N219, E290 & N88!!!!!! (We're biased... ha ha)

Q. Does CHC have any youth events?
Ans: Emerge-youth conference and "The Edge"- a youth service

Q. Does CHC do any community work?
Ans: Yes, various forms catering to young kids, youths, adults and senior citizens.

Q. How many people did CHC start out with?
Ans: Twenty.

Q. Do we follow any lesson based sermons, or conduct any formal classes?
Ans: Yes, CHC conducts bible study classes every week for members. Find out more!

Q. What is our Church Mission Statement?
Ans: To build a Church with a strong spiritual atmosphere of faith and purity where every member is released into ministry, discipled in the Great Commandment, to obey the Great Commision.

Q. What is our Church motto?
Ans: Loving God wholeheartedly, Loving people fervently.

Q. What are the goals of the Church?
Ans: To fulfill (1) The Great Commission, (2) The Great Commandment & (3) The Cultural Mandate

Q. How many pastors are there in CHC?
Ans: Currently, excluding those who will be ordained on Sunday, there are 12 pastors

If you have any other general questions or doubts, tag them & be sure that the whole team & fellow CG members will try our best to answer them!

My Baptism Experience!

2008-11-16T21:19:00.009+08:00

Baptism..

Something that didn't come easy for me, something that caused me to strengthen and build up my faith, that caused me to visualise and P.U.S.H ( Pray Until Something Happen )consistently.

Despite parental objection in the beginning, God made it through for me. Our God works in a mysterious way. My parents reacted differently when I showed them the baptism form. Instead of the usual response they gave me, they signed the form!

Thoughts were streaming into my mind during baptism itself. I was and is touched by God's love. How He place me in a situation in life which caused me to grow stronger, to be wholly relied on His strength.

Joy began to fill me after I got out of the pool! The feeling was beyond description for no words in any human languages could describe it!

Now that I'm baptized, I'm convicted to follow Jesus for the rest of my life, to grow in faith and relationship with God, moving on to the next level! (:

So, friends! Fear not and stay full of faith in spite of the situation you are in! If God can do it for me, He can do it for you too! (:

* Turn to your neighbour and tell them: " I hope to see you for the next baptism!" *

Water Baptism

2008-11-16T11:00:00.004+08:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WATER BAPTISM CANDIDATES!

Ben & William

(Lovely couple... ops! I mean buddies)

Ben, William, Jia Jun & Ailin

Kelly
N219!

May your walk with God take on a whole new level from this point on!

Enjoy

2008-11-08T20:17:00.000+08:00

Through the valleys

2008-11-08T19:28:00.002+08:00

1 The hand of the LORD came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. 2 Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. 3 And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
So I answered, “O Lord GOD, You know.”
4 Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! 5 Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. 6 I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the LORD.”’”
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.
9 Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’” 10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.
11 Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13 Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. 14 I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it,” says the LORD.’”

Let's SPEAK forth, For our words carries power, The power to build up, and put down( please only do this to the evil one) , do not look down on the authority God had placed on us.
It is only through a valley, that we see ourselves emerge victorious, and ready for a greater challenge.

If you're at the deepest valley in your life...

2008-11-08T00:03:00.014+08:00

... congratulations! Cuz the only direction left, is up - you will get out of there. That's a promise.

Here's the word I got during cell at ministering time that supports that, I just didn't have the opportunity to share. I believe it will speak to some of you. =) It kinda continues from where PeiJing left off.

Romans 8: 28-39

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written:

“ For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Examinations.......

2008-11-02T22:11:00.004+08:00

To all the muggers out there who's mugging for their examinations with a ceremic mug... Let me tell you a piece of good news.

M Y E X A M S A R E O V E R ! ! ! ! !

Shocking?!?
How about.....

M ay
Y ou

E xperience
X tra
A stuteness
M otivation
S trength

A nd
R adiance
E ven

O ver
V ery
E xhausting
R aces-of-exams

I know... bad english... maybe it doesnt even make sense... couldn't find any better words... But, I know you got my idea. :)

Happy mugging!

okok... start stoning me now

A quote on true courage & manhood

2008-10-19T00:22:00.002+08:00

Taken from Howard Kuay's blog, and I thought it would be useful to yall

“It takes more courage to reveal insecurities than to hide them, more strength to relate to people than to dominate them, more 'manhood' to abide by thought-out principles rather than blind reflex. Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles and an immature mind.” - Alex Karras

POLL RESULT

2008-10-16T15:09:00.009+08:00

Here are the results for the poll.

FOOD POISONING [Part 2]

2008-09-28T23:14:00.005+08:00

Just some updates... Waking up to take my pills.

Was admitted on Tuesday into TTSH and discharged on Wed... Thereafter, had an unusual rashed outbreak for the first time in my life. From my head-face-body & all the way to my feet on Friday afternoon. It worsen on my way to Serena's CG.

Made a turn to TTSH again, and was admitted the 2nd time in 3 days. Reason for outbreak? Unknown. Clever doctor said it might be food allergy. Well done... I'm on porridge diet. Don't think I'm allergic to that...

Anyway, he tried injecting some drugs into me that caused me to fall unconscious. According to Serena, he frantically pushed me into some Op Theatre to give me treatment leaving her stranded all alone outside (typical drama scenario...)

After some time, I got better but had to stay overnight for observations. Was discharged on Sat morning. However, the outbreak came back in the afternoon and was worse than the day before. Consulted an expert medical friend and she advised us on going to a GP instead and get some better, stronger medicine. She also mentioned that for rare cases of food poisoning, pple might develop rashes.

After visitin the GP and consuming the "4th generation" rashes medicine, the rashes started to get better & exactly as the doctor said, my rashes becamebetter by night-time and totally gone the next morning (Sunday).

Went to Church... thank God I didn't feel like having diarrhoea mid-way through svc. Had to sit next to the toilet in view of the possibility. Going to Church always makes me feel good, although I wasn't feeling well. Really looking forward to a speedy full recovery.

After S4 yesterday, felt burdened for a number of things... Just wanna recover and start contributing asap. September has been a month of 10 days of MC... 5 visits to the doctors (8 if I include Serena's) and 4 days admission in the hospital. I'll get back at the devil in Oct!

Running for God,
Kenneth

p/s: Thanks to all for your prayers and those who blessed us in different ways. Your blessings have helped us ease through the medical bills... Thanks

FOOD POISONING

2008-09-26T13:54:00.004+08:00

First of all... apologies to all those who have messaged me without receiving my replies... I was on the hospital bed and I had like 20 over unread sms(es)... Too weak to read or reply them then...

More detailed diagnosis of the food posioning:
A blood test showed that I have unusual high white blood cells' count for a food poison case. & another blood test showed that I am poisoned (I was thinking... what a redundant test).

I have been having diarrhoea for like... 38 times as of now (26/09/08, 2pm). Thank God my vomitting has stopped. I'm visiting the toilet every once in a while. The toilet seat has become my good friend.

Thank you all - for your prayers. Hope to recover soon!
Thanks Nat, for standing in through all the admin and "INTENSIVE" stuff. lol
My caring parents who drove me around and to the hospital eventually...
& for a wonderful wife who kept praying for me + was my private nurse at night

God is my Healer!
Kenneth

God's wonderful Word

2008-09-09T14:42:00.003+08:00

Brain teaser: One of the great puzzles of Genesis is this: Where did (unknown) get his wife?

Answer: Cain, son of Adam and Eve. Genesis 4:17 refers to Cain’s wife, but readers wonder where she came from, seeing that the only people on earth (or at least the only ones mentioned in Genesis) were Adam, Eve, Cain and Abel. The usual explanation-not that it satisfies everyone-is that Cain’s wife was also his sister, a daughter (whose name is not disclosed) of Adam and Eve.

The above question and answer was taken from the book “The Complete Book of Bible Secrets and Mysteries” by J.Stephen Lang, which I have borrowed from NLB lately in an attempt to learn more about the Bible. Is your mind boggled now? Mine was. After reading Genesis for a few times, I never ever ponder too much about the origin of anyone in the Bible and coming across this question does make me realise that there is much more to God’s Word, the Bible that we do not know about.

God’s Word is indeed amazing. Sometimes we read of things like dragons, the mysterious Leviathan [as described in the book of Job] or even unicorns [only in older versions of translations]. The main issue is the original language of the Bible is Hebrew and it is notoriously difficult to learn and translate even after many centuries [Thank God for translators and our translated versions of the Bible]. Thus, many things are still not known to us.

With regard to the author’s answer, I don’t agree with him as certain parts of the Bible are not mentioned in chronological order. The bottom-line is, though the Bible is very mysterious, it is very literal and very easy to grasp. Instead of being bothered by parts that we don’t understand, we should be concerned with the parts that we did understand, e.g. loving God wholeheartedly and loving people fervently. The author also said that most of the Bible isn’t written in code. As for the mysteries, I feel that we should just apply Deut 29:29 in our lives whereby the secret things belong to God and we should just leave it as it is [no code-breakers required].

Meanwhile, I shall go back to Paul and his adventurous mission trips in the book Acts.

Disclaimer: The Word of God cannot be broken, is infallible and has no contradiction [2 Tim 3:16-17]. This is not a post to stir up dissension or anything but rather, this is to spark greater interest in God’s Word :)

Singapore PM urges youth to marry, have babies

2008-08-18T10:00:00.005+08:00

SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong called Sunday on the youth of Singapore to marry at an early age and have more babies to boost the city-state's population.

Singapore's fertility rate is currently 1.29 children per woman, well below the 2.1 needed to maintain the country's 4.6 million population, Lee said in a televised speech.

He voiced particular concern about the Chinese community, whose fertility rate is the lowest of all Singapore's ethnic groups at 1.14. "They fail," Lee said.

Lee, 56, said men and women need to adjust their attitudes toward marriage to achieve his goals. Many of Singapore's men are too traditional while their wives care too much about their careers, he said.

"There must be a balance between career and marriage," Lee said, urging women to "consider getting married and having children while you're still young."

"If you wait for a career to be successful, you may miss the best ideal age for child bearing," he warned.

On the other hand, Singapore's husbands need to "change their mind-set," said Lee, who has been married to his wife, Ho Ching, for 23 years. They have four children.

"In the old days, the man was the master of the household. That era has gone." Lee said, suggesting men should assist their wives with child-rearing duties and household chores. "The modern-day woman expects equality."

Parents of young people in Singapore also have a role to play, Lee said, urging them to match their children with possible spouses.

"Not everyone knows how to woo the opposite sex," Lee said. "They may have smaller social circles, and a busy work schedule."

Article taken from: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/ap/20080817/tap-as-singapore-babies-832f4ab.html

BRAIN TEASERS! (:

2008-08-11T16:48:00.003+08:00

After attending 5months of bible school, it's almost time to graduate already. It's sad to say that time flies by very quickly, but it has been a great experience and you really do learn alot of things in bible school. To some it may seem that everything the teachers taught has been taught before already, but it's really much more than the reminder of the stuff itself. This was an opportunity to catch the spirit and a time to refine one's character(loud amen to that!) as it goes through the whole fire-ing process.

And if you're wondering what was taught, it's more than juz bible studies. The pastors do share revelations with you as well. Come to bible school yourself! (:

Cut the crap,
Some brain teasers to ponder upon...
Will God be able to create a stone too big for Him to carry?
If Jesus was not crucified and was able to live like all of us, would he eventually die?
Free-will and predestination, how do they work?

Haha tickle your brain!
*ponder!*

I'll try to think of more of such question to share! (:

With such hot weather...

2008-08-09T17:05:00.002+08:00

Hi guys, I was reflecting on a verse during my quiet time and decided to post this. Hope it encourages you.

Lately, the weather has become rather hot and unbearable. As part of my vocation as a RP, it is inevitable that I come under the mercy of the weather. When it is very sunny, I get heat strain. When it pours heavily, I get drenched. Nevertheless, I am always reminded of Isaiah 25:4.

Isa 25:4A
You have been a refuge for the poor,

a refuge for the needy in his distress,

a shelter from the storm

and a shade from the heat.

In a spiritual sense, when the “weather” gets very hot, the following things happen:

We sweat so much that our backs become very sticky with heavy burdens. To make things worse, sometimes sweat gets into our eyes and our vision/dream becomes blurred
Our hair [prayer life] becomes very coarse and dry
We become dehydrated and our mouths dry up with our tongues sticking to the roof of our mouths. When this happens, we find it much easier to give a one-syllable sigh than a four-syllable hallelujah.
We get sun-burnt-we become so sensitive, easily offended and don’t really want to come into contact with other people

But, in our dry and low experiences, we can always look to the times of refreshing from God [Acts 3:19]. Even when our spiritual walk seems very dry, we need to persevere on, knowing that like what Jesus said in John 10:38, streams of living water will flow from within us :)

GOD COMMANDS

2008-06-25T13:23:00.002+08:00

Late! The snooze monster always manages to catch me at the very last minute. But on top of that, all you working people will know the prowess of the morning traffic. So a late snooze plus bad traffic, not nice.

Meanwhile, I chanted to myself what I always tell R.O.C.K. 4 (my team for C.O.D.E. R.E.D.), must be ‘zai’, which is hokkien for ‘steady’. Then I remembered when the scripture says “Be anxious for nothing” (Philipians 4:6). So while Madonna sings “VOGUE” on my portable stereo, I took out Maximized Manhood by Edwin Louis Cole and began reading.

God came.

In Colossians 1:16, it shows the relationship between God and His creations. ”All things were created through Him and for Him.” And often, so many people overlook the “for” in that verse. Being made for somebody also means that we are bound to Him. And we are to follow Him.

But this is not just about following God. It is about obeying God. So many a times, we hear people say, why don’t you try this?

Why don’t you try praying?
Why don’t you try fasting?
Why don’t you try going to the Word of God?

Master Yoda of the Jedi says “Do or do not, there is no try.”

But do you know what it means to give God a try? It really means this:

“If God doesn’t come through for me, I will go and try someone else.”

Woah.. What arrogance. It makes us no different from the children of Israel who worshipped the golden calf in the absence of Moses.

And it happens every time. We think God is inviting us to pray, fast, fellowship, and repent. We perceive that we have a choice in whether we want to follow in ALL his ways.

NO. God does not invite.

God Commands.

“… but now commands all men everywhere to repent,” (Acts 17:30)

When faced with a command, we either obey or rebel.

So when we ignore God’s statures and commandments, we are really rebelling against Him.

When a man obeys God, he releases his potential to the fullest. (Cole, 2001, p. 45) And because God’s ways are higher than ours, He knows when the best timing, place and situation to release that latent potential to its maximum impact.
So when we turn away from the voice of God, we miss the chance to better and develop ourselves.

But most importantly, we rebel against God.

We have turned our backs on Him, the all-powerful, all knowing and all-seeing God. (Cole, 2001, p. 45).
Hear and obey the almighty my beloved brethren.

References:
Cole, E. (2001). Maximized Manhood. United States of America. Whitetaker House.

Wedding Express Video

2008-06-16T14:00:00.003+08:00

Here's the highlights for all of you who weren't there! Enjoy viewing =)

Finally!!!

2008-06-07T11:36:00.004+08:00

Luke 11:24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

030608 was a very special day for me. It was the day when I finally passed IPPT!!! Praise God! To make this day even more special, it was my dad’s birthday! God is so good to me! Hallelujah! I’m very thankful to God. After being confined to stay back for remedial training for quite a few weeks [which caused me to miss out on so many cell group meetings:(], I finally get to book out on a Friday night.

This event greatly encouraged me as it has been something I have been praying about for many years. I have been failing standing broad jump since primary school and no matter how i trained during junior college, I have never crossed the passing mark [Yes, it is a fallacy-not all people with long legs can jump...]. After every physical test and IPPT when i served NS, my self-esteem is always affected when I walked out of the test being a failure. But instead of dwelling in self-pity, I choose to pray: “God, please make me stronger so that I can be a more effective servant for you. I ask for Your help to pass my IPPT." Finally, I passed!

After this, I felt very encouraged as something I’ve praying for finally came to past and I’m looking to greater things ahead. Some of us may be praying for a few years for the salvation of our friends and family members or other issues... at times, nothing seems to be happening on the outside. But on the inside, we must know that the Holy Spirit is mightily at work. In Luke 11:19-24, Jesus cursed the fig tree and the effects were only evident on the next day. Jesus was using this event to teach us about faith and prayer, that even when nothing appears to be happening in the physical realm, God is mightily at work in the background. All glory and honour to God.

As the church embark on 21 days of praying and fasting to seek God, let us come with faith and expectancy; knowing and believing that it won’t be too long before each one of us can say “Finally!!!”

HONEYMOON - DAY 3 [15/05/08]

2008-05-27T17:04:00.004+08:00

Bullet train rides! Don't underestimate this pic!!!
It takes skill to capture a super fast moving train that has no intention of stopping!

In case you don't know... it's a bullet train you see here
A deliberate pic of a urinal taken...
Look closer
Tot that it's really funny... that's why we added this to the highlights. LOL
Volcanic mountain... concentrated sulphuric gas everywhere... omg!
(censored Kenneth's nose area)
& they actually make hard-boil eggs from the sulphur springs...
& the eggs turn out to be black
It's really beautiful looking inside though...
& (Quote by Kenneth) only beautiful women eat them
Look how "strawberry" the strawberry looks!
Mount Fuji!!! COLD!
Can u spot us? (Too easy...)

NEW POLL.

2008-05-27T16:58:00.001+08:00

Hey Guys do check out the new polls!

"How many babies should kenneth/Christian Couples have?"

"7 months left to the end of the year, how many friends do you want to bring to christ"

HONEYMOON - DAY 2 [14/05/08]

2008-05-27T11:52:00.005+08:00

The pple there actually wear Kimono out

Jap uniforms sure look a little "Sailormoon"

A king & his queen =)
Ice cream break... VENDING MACHINE HAAGEN DAZS!!!
Cars can't escape without paying parking fees
Tired feet
Unbeatable Ramen! SG's ramen is nowhere close when it comes to delicious ramen

HONEYMOON - DAY 1 [13/05/08]

2008-05-27T11:20:00.000+08:00

Departing from Terminal 3

1st thing Kenneth does in Japan... Starbucks

Fun @ Universal Studios!!! Woots!

Spiderman Ride! Awesome! Kenneth vs Popeye... hmmm

PURPOSE AND YOU.

2008-05-23T01:03:00.001+08:00

Purpose and You

The school holidays has begun for a whole lot of us. We are looking at more than 4 weeks of freedom. That means 2 weeks of free time as well. So what do I do in these holidays?

Seeing as I have about 3 months, I’d better go look for a job. But while waiting for those companies to come begging on their knees for me to join them, I spent my time watching movies, or shall I say re-watching movies from the past.

I started off from Pirates Of Caribbean, the trilogy. And then I moved on to an all time favorite, Back to The Future Trilogy.

While on a bus journey that would take almost an hour and even more, there really aren’t many things you can do. You get bored. But the frantic actions of the characters in the film really caught my attention.

I begin to wonder, why is it that these characters never seem to slow down in their journey? Where does Jack Sparrow (Starred by Johnny Depp.. oooo….) get his energy from to escape the grasps of Davy Jones’ locker. Where did Marty Mcfly (starred by Michael J. Fox) get that kind of energy to save Doc from being murdered all the way in 1885?

Purpose. The answer is Purpose.

Someone once said that Purpose is the fuel for all dreams. Purpose is the one thing that turns empty and boring chores into fulfilling and satiable mission.

In the Pirates of Caribbean, the Flying Dutchman has to fulfill the chores of ferrying souls who died at sea over to World’s End. When Will Turner (Starred by Orlando Bloom, another OOoo…) took over as captain, Bootstrap Bill said,

“The Dutchman has a purpose again”.

Indeed, purpose is not something that comes from thin air. Purpose is something we ought to seek. Even the seeking of a purpose is a purpose. But the search for our purpose can take an extremely long time.

THANK GOD we have GOD to help us aye? Yeah.. But how many of us truly seek him for who he is and what he has installed for us?

More often than not, before we can give the Holy Spirit an opportunity to download information from Heaven, we close the connection. And hence, people complain that their lives were empty. Very little wonder why.

Without diligently seeking the Lord, how is it that we can find him? We always say that our God is good. So it goes without saying, good things require time to search and work for.

You cannot possible walk into Louis Vuitton and point to everything and tell the sales girl to give you one of each without first working hard to foot the enormous bill aft right?

If prayer is the currency in Heaven, then shouldn’t we be praying more so as to accumulate wealth? That way we can access God’s treasure house and receive all the Gucci, Prada and LV from Him.

But it is not all about just about what we can get from him. It is all about HIM.

H I M

It all starts with H I M and it will end with H I M. So our prayers should be focused on our love for H I M, what we can do for H I M, and His purpose for our lives.

That way, we would not waste time and go around in circles like drunkards trying to find our way.

So with all these ferocious preaching and testimonies about prayer going on, what are you people waiting for?

Now’s the season for prayer as I gather, so Heavenly gifts, wisdom, and so much more are up for grabs.

The great Heavenly sale is on, don’t bother about the Great Singapore Sale. Just GET ON YOUR Knees and Start praying.

You will find your purpose in Him once again. And perhaps, your Prada and Gucci are coming your way.

- Zheng Guo

MINT Museum PHOTOS

2008-05-12T12:29:00.003+08:00

MINT MUSEUM PHOTOS

Richard the Curator! Thanks for the insights!

Hope you guys had fun =)

Do continue to send me more pictures so that I can upload it to the memories blog. Thanks =)

PS : Start finding old toys to sell then you can give to the cell group fund. haha. jk =P

POLL RESULTS.

2008-05-10T16:43:00.000+08:00

POLL RESULTS

The people have spoken!

Lazer quest will be on this FRIDAY! Do register with David =)

The Oxymoronic Life

2008-05-06T15:00:00.003+08:00

“Life’s a bitch.”

That would be the world’s way of saying that life on earth is imperfect and filled with trials and tribulations; where things usually do not go the way we like or planned it to be.

Human beings are constantly trying to simplify their lives. No matter with technology (think: Blackberry and other multi-tasking devices) or with their thought life. We seem to have an “Either-or” mentality. It involves us thinking in only one direction, believing that there can only be ONE answer to things in life. Consider the tussle between Science and Religion: which is the more accurate explanation to life? It is indeed a handful and each option seems to be as appealing as the other. But who ever told us we had to choose just one? Why can’t both options be the truth?

It is the oxymoron that contains the most truth; the ideas that go east and west at the same time.

We think that the questions above are made of conflicting ideas but as mind-boggling as it sounds, these “conflicting” ideas actually have complementary effects on each other. What Science cannot account for, Religion does. The scientists believe in the Big Bang, the supposed force which exploded us all into being. But till today, this is just a theory. Religion however, fills this gap: The Elohim God created the Earth and Universe. Instead of seeing them as separate and mutually exclusive entities, we should start stretching our minds to contain the oxymoron of life.

True freedom is controlled freedom. A kite without a string can fly freely, soaring high in the sky. But it is directionless, and subjected to the elements. What retrains it actually saves the kite from itself. Control is like the string when we are the kites. The blemish in the human race almost guarantees that we destroy all things meant for good. The total freedom to do what is “right” for one may be wrong to another, because it is so much based on personal choice. Freedom then becomes a tussle of the level of influence and impact of the individual choices. Then the essence of “true” freedom does not lie in the right to do whatever we want because it results in chaos. Rather, it is the knowledge of such a thing as “choosing not to”, and restraint that results in liberty. The oxymoron is at work again.

Even Jesus teaches the oxymoron that “the way up is the way down”, the way to greatness is through servanthood. All this may be confusing but when we are reminded that this Earth and its ways are created by God, whose “thoughts are higher than our thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9), everything come to light. We cannot fathom the oxymoron simply because we do not have His mind, yet. The beauty is that it is not impossible to attain that “higher” thought life. While in awe of His almighty wisdom, there should too be a longing to want to attain it.

Because life would then make sense, in its oxymoronic way. :)

Pictures of MINT Museum.

2008-05-03T02:29:00.003+08:00

Hey Guys stay tuned for the pictures from the Outing at the MINT Museum of toys!

Do send your photos to shincheetorrance@hotmail.com so I can edit it and upload. thanks!

The long awaited CG Outing!

2008-04-27T20:48:00.005+08:00

Hi guys, we will be having a CG Outing this thursday, Labour Day!

We will be visiting the Mint Museum of Toys.

We will be meeting at City Hall MRT at 10:15AM

The entry cost will be below 10 dollars.

Remember to dress well because the most well dress guy and girl both will get prizes!

Both the winners will get capital land vouchers each

I am currently checking with the manager what activities they have for us over there. Still waiting for his reply. So guys stay tune for any updates.

PASTOR TAN 13 APRIL

2008-04-16T23:16:00.008+08:00

Pastor Tan's Sermon 13 April 2008

Pastor Tan covered many different topics such as:

*Prayer, being one of the key foundation and source of strength for us, example being Samson and his hair that represented his prayer life, the secret to his strength. A way that we can plug into God's mind.

Personally this was a word in season.

Prayer Life - one of the things that impacted me the most.

The past week I was having a full fast on Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday till 6pm. During those lunch lessons I would then find a room in the school which was empty. Turn on my laptop, plug in the earphones and listened to worship songs. I would then pray to God, lift up all my burden such as family, finances, ministry, friendships, school because they were on the line. I experienced God's presence even more during the week especially when I played the guitar and all. Everytime I prayed during those lunch hours I continued to draw strength from God.

And even until today I can still dare to say that prayer is truely one of the ways that Im able to stand on my two feet and have personal victory. that no matter how dry I might be, I can still be able to bounce back and fight the good fight, finish the race, keep on keeping on.

Advantages of having Prayer
1) Blessings / open heaven
2) Divine protection
3) Weapon against temptation

And it is interesting that even sometimes when we give a small dry prayer, yet God still recieves it and blesses us.

Drawing near to God everyday is something we all want. We all need that spiritual appetite, that hunger for God. So dont underestimate the power of prayer! Even more 2008 is a year of spiritual maturity for the cell group, I pray that we will all grow together =)

NEW POLL + RESULTS

2008-04-01T14:33:00.005+08:00

Hey Everyone!

Check Out the NEW POLL on the side Bar.

"WHO IS THE NEXT ONE TO GET MARRIED"

(Do note that any similar experiences in the near future is purely coincidental)

POLL RESULTS

My Favourite 2007 CG Event/Outing

SOT ADMISSION

2008-03-31T15:53:00.004+08:00

FINALLY I CAN GO TO SOT!!!Praise God!!!!!:D

Who say young people cannot do great things for God?
Who say we are too young to serve God in a great way?
Who say You cannot go to Sot even when you faced serious objection from your parents?

I asked and was rejected many times by my mum to go for Sot.I was discouraged.I doubt myself.I asked God,'' Father, is this not your will for me?''

I flipped open the bible and Mark 11:22-24 says''Have FAITH in God.For assuredly I say to you,whoever says to this mountain,'Be removed and be cast into the sea,'and does not DOUBT in his heart,but BELIEVES that those things he says WILL BE DONE,he will have whatever he says.Therefore I say to you,whatever things you ASK when you PRAY,BELIEVE that you RECEIVES them,and you will HAVE them.''

This is an encouragement from God but God is so Good,he increased my faith through the encouraging sermon Pastor Tan preached yesterday.
I was worried about my future.I thought to myself.'' God,I think it will be better if I focus on pursuing a decent diploma cert first then I join Sot.
Pastor Tan begin to add in, ''There will not be a convenient time,it will always be inconvenient every year.''
''And the thing is You got to be decisive, you cannot have the best of both worlds.You got to CHOOSE ONE. Do not be a double minded person,you'll go nowhere.For those of you who feel that God has called you to join SOT this year,don't hesitate anymore.''
Pastor Tan speaks with such conviction.

Indeed, God's thought and ways is much higher than mine and I am so thankful He is always there to guide me.I am assured by God that He will supply ALL MY NEEDS. The decision to go to SOT was so strong and overwhelming that I NEED to make this happen no matter what.

Precious servants of God out there,
Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart,all your soul and all your mind.Lean not on your OWN UNDERSTANDING,in ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE Him and He'll make your PATH STRAIGHT. Faith without works is dead,so work your way out with explicit Faith and things WILL happen. :)

Those eligible people out there!you know who you are! If you do not want to regret then SIGN UP FOR SOT NOW!LAST CALL!

Water Baptism

2008-03-31T10:10:00.003+08:00

Hi everyone, to those who were Baptised ytd at Jurong West Church, Congrats!!!

Jonathan, David, Natalia, Nathelie, Edison

It was a wonderful experience for me!!! After being through so much trouble, agony, trails, I have finally had my water baptism as at 30 Mar 08. It is the most memorable one for me. Still rmb a few years back, abt 6 yrs back when I was in Sec 4 or 5, I have made my decision to go for water baptism, but was discouraged due to parental objection. But after been through so much for the Lord, I am proud to present myself to be water baptism ytd. It was something I won't want to miss out this year.

I was so hype up and excited that I was like a child receiving a prize for no apparent reason, the joy of the Lord is really my strength at that point of time. I still remember when I step into the pool, I was like can't wait for the pastor's hand to be laid on me. When the Pst said: "Jonathan Teo, I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit!" and then immerse me into the water, I really feel the peace of God overwhelm me. It was a wonderful experience once in a lifetime. I really encourage those who wan it, shld go for it asap as it is an experience u wun wan to miss.

For those who haven water baptism, please sign up with ur CGL for it. U will nva regret this special opportunity to go for it as it is also part of God's commandment to be baptised.

C.K Zone Motto!

2008-03-26T12:42:00.008+08:00

Hi all!

Remember at one of the Connect group coordinator meeting we were asked to think of a suitable motto for our Zone and we cracked our brains,wanting to give the best motto we had ever thought of. Some gave profound motto which is really well said However...
The best is save for the last! :)

Settling down in a cosy and relax corner, Pastor gets his inspiration while having his favorite starbucks coffee that he has the pleasure of indulging.
And so I present to you our CK's motto,

To Go(onward)
To Grow(upward)
To GLOW(outward)

To go is to go therefore and make disciples of all nation,baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.That is our great commission.

To grow is to grow loving God wholeheartedly loving people fervently which represents the two beams on the cross. That is our great commandment.

To glow is to be the salt of the earth light of the world.We are called to shine in the marketplace.That is our culture mandate.
Deut 28:13 ''And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath".

Notice that our Ck Motto is in line with our church motto.Our church build strong foundation on the great commission,the great commandment and the cultural mandate.

The ''3Gs'' is easy to remember,simple words but beneath is a powerful vision.
Let's all come as ONE body of Christ and build Ck Zone a strong foundation together!

EASTER!!!

2008-03-19T15:50:00.004+08:00

I'm not sure if many of you are actually still tuning in to this blog, but ANYWAY! (:

EASTER IZ COMING!!!! (:

so we've got easter egg weihao last saturday and this weekend (which iz really approaching veryvery soon) it's the up and coming 11 services at both JW AND EXPO!

Let's come together in celebration of the miracle that God did for us. For loving us so, Jesus died on the cross to save us from sin. And I feel most importantly iz the fact that he overcame death, resurrected and now, He iz alive (: so hence i can always safely conclude that we are not rejoicing over someone's dying.. but we are rejoicing the power of our Almighty God. Amen :D

If you're waiting for the PERFECT time to invite your friends down,
THIS, would be YOUR PERFECT OPPORTUNITY to.

Use the tagboard to encourage/inspire/(maybe even)spite each other to invite friends down!!
And since i've mentioned it here,

AILIN HAS 6 CONFIRMED FRIENDS TIL DATE.
CHIA HAS 2 CONFIRMED PARENTS COMING.
SINGYEE HAS 1 CONFIRMED FRIEND.
BEN HAS 1 CONFIRMED FRIEND.

Let's try to keep up with them! (:

SOMEDAY

2008-03-14T12:04:00.001+08:00

"I've heard of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. But I've never heard of Someday."
—Reverend Ike

We have to start before we can succeed at anything and when we keep putting off our dreams until Someday, we unconsciously stall moving toward what we want. We are better served, when instead of wishfully thinking "Someday, I will..." we confidently affirm "Today, I steadfastly advance toward my goal."

May you always be willing to give up Someday for this day.

[Ecc11:4]
He who observes the wind will not sow, And he who regards the clouds will not reap.

Remember,
there will never be a perfect condition for everything. For everything requires that step of faith to accomplish! (: the start of every plan iz always that first step. Don't let any day become a someday!

"It may be that when we no longer know what to do, we have come to our real work, and when we no longer know which way to go, we have begun our real journey."
—Wendell Berry

Have you ever noticed, how often life reveals itself to us on a "need-to-know" basis? We don't have to be consciously aware of what to do next because our inner being always knows. Sometimes it's best to just be willing to let the adventure begin, trusting that everything else will take care of itself.

May you always be willing to trust your journey will take you where you need to go, wherever that might be. Trust God. even when there seems to be no way, God WILL make a way (:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!

2008-03-08T00:51:00.003+08:00

Wellwell,

Guess who's turning 22 now? Wahahaha!

DAVID!!!! :D

We hope you enjoyed yourself during the mini celebration earlier..! (: Despite the quiet celebration on your 21st, we've compensated your 22nd with yummy nice chocolatey cake! (: YUM! Oh well, thank you for being our beloved cell group treasurer all these while, and you've guarded our treasures well! (: When you are faithful in the little things, God would bless you authority and power in the big ones to come. Servanthood right, we learnt that! (: May your serving to God in the area of your security ministry go up yet another level! (: so den we can also know that spoken wishes do come true as well (:

God bless and Take Care and Have an Enjoyable Day! ( :

AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO ALL!!!

2008-02-25T11:25:00.006+08:00

Thanks for all the comment given by Kenneth and Nat on every members!!! I think all of u are feeling good and felt appreciated. Apart from that, I think the Best Praise Report shld also be given to God as He is the one that gel us together. As we are equip with the ability to fellowship with one another, we shld also need to teach others and get others to join us and spread the things we have learnt and cultivate the fruits to the world, so that the world will know that Jesus is there for everyone of us. I think we shld all not forget KENNETH, our leader who leads us and trains us as who we are now. Not fogetting the Pastor, like Pst Chee Kiang our Zone Pst, and the leaders of our church, like Rev Kong, Rev Tan and more. A real thank you for the CHC ppl for bringing us thus far, and let us live out the culture mandate within us.

I would also wan to take this opportunity to share a great word that inspires me for these two months so far. I know my presence in CG is limited due to my work, But I know my presence is always not forgotten with members always keeping me updated and also my constant fellowship with them after sat svc. Back to the point on sharing...

Jer 29:11-14a
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD

This verse is very familiar as Gabriel once share with us how God had leads him from a point of darkness into a transition period where he found God once again and be ready and prepared to be reshaped and remoulded again to testify of God's goodness... But for my case, I will take u on the other expect looking at this verse on the other point of view.

God knows everything in His mind and hand, He had everything prepares for you and all the good things ready to bless you. But there is one condition. It is "then you will call upon Me(God) and come to Him. Pray to Him then God will listen."

There is 3 basic steps here.
>First is to CALL upon Him. God wants us to be vocal and able to communicate with Him. Not juz thinking abt it to happen but to confess His promise in our lives.
>Next is to COME to Him. Why is it impt for us to come before God. The ans is simply when we come to God, we are telling God that we surrender ourselves and be willing to submit to His sovereignty over our lives and that we know that by trusting in Him, He will nva shortchange us. >Last is to PRAY to Him. Why? Cuz Prayer is an impt part in our daily lives, That is why Pst always encourages us to pray, when we pray, we are tapping into the spiritual aspect of our lives, in tuning ourselves to God's will and allow the Holy Spirit to pour out visions and dreams.

So when u fulfill this three things, den God will ans ur prayer and come to u. SO Lets us all be ready and prepared for the Mighty Move of God.

POLL RESULTS

2008-02-17T20:58:00.001+08:00

FEBRUARY BABIES!

2008-02-14T12:24:00.005+08:00

We're a family that loves, loves, loves, loves one another (:

Now who says only lovey dovey couples can celebrate Valentine's Day huh!!! :p we're one mega lovey dovey FAMILY! (: baha! BEAT THAT! :D

But anyway..
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ONE AND ALL!! (:
Especially to those celebrating it.. make it good! right ben? (i dunno why but everyone seems to be having fun teasing you.. hmmm)
ANYWAY.. well i suppose to all those who's going to BOYCOTT v day like i am intending to, HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY! (:

aye i'm digressing from my main point!!
*screams and goes crazee*

Valentine's day iz......
OUR BELOVED LETICIA LEE SINGYEE'S BIRTHDAY!! (:
happy birthday to you happy birthday to you happy birthday to singyeeeeeeeeeeeeeee happy birthday to you!! wahaha.. may all your dreams and wishes and desires and visions and erm EVERYTHING come to pass! (: God bless this lovely sister of ours..!

pst..
there's someone else's birthday coming up on the 19th!! x)
Feb 19: Ailin! (:
happy birthday in advance! (:

wheeeeeeeeeeeeee signing ofF (:

HAPPY BOYCOTTING V DAY!
muahaha

THINGS TO BE PROUD OF - W115

2008-02-11T00:13:00.000+08:00

heyheyyouyou!!

the administration apologises for the delay in this post entry!

i'm sure you W458 peeps felt 'AWWW' when reading the previous post.. and us W115 fellas would be thinking, 'HOW COME I DONT SEE MY NAME?!?!' ):!!!!! but fret not!!! everyone of you guys are precious in God's sight as well as our sight!! (: without any one of you guys, we would not be complete.

JOSEPH YIP

The happy and jumpy guy that was the first person i knew and remembered.
His heartwarming care would always be present especially during birthday celebrations.
That strong love for God that drew him in closer to God truly inspires a closer walk with God.

EILEEN CHIA

The girl that gained much in confidence.
The young lady that is so willing to offer her helping hand.
The precious child of God that leads a life pleasing to God, making a difference in her family and network of friends.

MATTHEW

The youngest family member of W115 but even the bible says "Let noone despise your youth!"
A great man in the making whose smile infects others as well.
The one that everyone wants to be best friend with. (:

LYNNETTE

Faith-filled child that never lets go of her ABBA Father no matter the circumstance.
Indeed always trusting God's character even when she doesn't see His Hand.
Her trust given joy truly makes a difference (:

LEEYING

Loving sister in Christ who blesses the hearts of her peers.
She who gives and loves will be loved.
How much love she showers upon Christ, I could say Jesus Christ is her beau. :D

ISABEL

True fervency in her secret place
Expectant that thrists for more to be given.
And the bible says "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled."

KARINE

Nurse of the cg! (:
Tall is this belle and fashion is her style.
It is always a pleasure to see her around!

WEIHAO

The new recruit that always putting his trust in God.
One who loves to share his testimony, encouraging his 'family' members to KOKO.
One who never fails to be accountable.

NATHELIE

Indeed our little chilli padi. Small in size but potential beneath in wait to be unleased.
One who desires to do more than what's expected from her,
Making our new friends always feel welcomed.

JASELYN

Sporty girl who seems fragile but yet not that.
One whose determination and courage takes her through, to youth camp and jw services despite facing mother's inhibition.
Looking forwards to seeing you grow deeper in Christ!

JONATHAN

Rabbi of W115, the teacher that inspires, gives direction & provides solution
When members are low & down, a listening ear and helping hand can always be counted upon from him.

LAIYOONG

Forever labelled as SUPERMAN of the CG.
Young in Christ with a heart of curiosity and eager.
I'll never forget that Ziploc 'protected' bible.

NADIA

Our long lost overseas member.
Her genuine heart of serving and loving never fails to be felt
She'll be missed throughout the year!

Although this is the middle of February already and time is flying like there's no tomorrow, let's all still keep in mind that this year WOULD BE the year of higher maturity in Christ and in character. Let's really put ourselves into a position in God's Hands for Him to work in and on us to mould us to be more like Him (: