Five Loaves and Two Fishes

I just came back from Corrinne May's concert and would like to share something that I have gained a new perspective from one of the songs she sang today.

Entitled "Five loaves and two fishes", the song told of the "Jesus feeds the 5000" story through the eyes of the boy (who gave his food to Jesus's disciples). You know, we usually use this story to illustrate that Jesus is God and this was one of those many many miracles that Jesus had done during His lifetime on earth. Of course, it was an amazing story to begin with; my primary school teachers always use this story as example to tell of Jesus's power.

The 'new angle' that I realised we could view from was from the boy who gave up his loaves and fishes for Jesus to feed the crowd. He knew not what difference his small amount of food could make for a starving crowd. But he gave it up believing that Jesus could make a difference out of it. So these loaves and fishes are really like our talents. We do not know what we can do to change lives and things around but what we can do is to trust God when we surrender what we have to Him. He can help us make the difference.

The boy could have kept what he had and eat his fill. Offering his food may mean that he can't get to eat his own food. But he chose to trust Jesus for a miracle.

Are you willing to trade what you own for a greater portion of blessing that will satisfy your hunger indefinitely?

Dec activity..

Approaching 2007...

Hmmm.. as we all reflect upon 2006, i believe many are also planning for 2007...

For me, well, indicated to my boss that i'm interested in taking up a diploma course in counseling practise.. that would take up about a year..
But dunno whether it'll be approved or not cos of some changes in HR policy..

Keyboard class is also coming to an end.. today, we each presented a song.. and the coach feedback was that we can all move on to the next level.. but i was wondering to myself if i would be able to commit cos i need to practise.. and on top of that if i do the diploma course, i doubt i'd have the time.. but yet, i wanna learn more, going there weekly for classes is like therapy for me.. and i enjoy the classes run by the coach..

Next year.. so near yet so far... maybe Jesus will be back by then? hehe..

indifference to the poor?

Hallo all,

a post before I 'disappear' for the month. :)

I think God has really been giving my life meaning in the past month or so and though there are so many things I still need to learn, I'm grateful for the chance to do something that I really believe in. Since 2004, I've been thinking that eventually I might want to be a missionary and my trip to Germany and all the things I learnt on that trip further fuelled that desire. Though I knew at that time that this was my heart's desire, I didn't yet know the place and I am still seeking. (But increasingly, it's being revealed to me that my heart is more for the 3rd world).

When I hear the stories of East Timor and see the photographs, I am overwhelmed by a deep sense of shame. What a debt we owe to this neighbour of ours, who has remained afflicted while we kept moving forward and how unjustly I have been caught up in my petty little struggles when not so far away lies a nation stricken with poverty. Consistently God speaks out against indifference to the poor and my heart bleeds that I am precisely that, indifferent.

In church I sing such glorious songs and hear so much and say so much about the goodness and grace of God without really making that connection sometimes. I am so bogged down by my personal struggles and though I promise so much in my speech, I do so little. What is that point of all that talking, if we will not do?

There is this song called Lifesong, by Casting Crowns that always stirs my heart. It says "Empty hands held high, such small sacrifice, if not joined with my life, I sing in vain tonight."When I look at my life, how much of it really, is dedicated to improving the life of someone else in need? I want to give to my Lord an offering that pleases Him and I'm so thankful that with this new appointment at work, God is opening the door wide so that I can no longer have any excuses about lack of time or resources.

A verse that spoke to me this morning. Be blessed. :)

6 “ Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’

Isaiah 58: 6-9

A Call to Persevere

While packing my stuff, I came across this article which I felt is an encouragement for us as we run the next lap into 2007.

************************************************************************************
River of Life Weekly Summary (Nov 10, 2000)
Pastor Francis Frangipane
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IF WE DON'T LOSE HEART
Worn Out Saints

"And he will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time" (Dan 7:25). (NAS)

The prophet Daniel warns of a time when Satan, through the antichrist, will wear down the strength of God's saints. This end time battle reveals a pattern that is actually occurring today: Satan seeks to wear us out through delays ("alterations in times") and in compromise to God's word ("alterations ... in law").

The final effect of what seems like never ending delays is that the believers are worn out.

Do you know anyone who is weary with their battle? Are you yourself weary?

I know many who seem trapped in situations which should have been remedied months and even years ago. Yet, the battle continues against them. Situations and people, often empowered by demonic resistance, stand in opposition to the forward progress of God's people. As a result, many Christians imperceptibly make incremental adjustments to this resistance until a quiet oppression weighs heavily upon their souls.

This battle to wear out the saints may be rooted in conflicts with children or spouses; perhaps it is a health issue or some unresolved division within their church, yet on and on it goes. Like a skilled and masterful thief, the enemy daily erodes the joy, the strength and passion of many Christians. Yet the scale is larger than our personal struggles.

Consider the conflict in Israel or the elections in the USA. How long will these things drag on?

Satan's plan is to drag them on until Christians grow weary and stop praying. Satan is the dragon whose goal is to "drag-on" the battle with draining, wearying delays. He persists until we wear out, give up and quit praying. Without our intercession, he then releases hellish consequences into their unhindered course.

Additionally, as situations stretch beyond reasonably expected conclusions, weariness of soul can also exacerbate the original situation, leading to fleshly reactions or just over-reactions, which also further resolution. We lose patience, eventually seeking relief rather than victory, thus compromising the standards of God and conscience.

PERSEVERANCE
There is a reason the Book of Revelations mentions the word "perseverance" seven times. Over and again we see those who persevered, overcame. It is one thing to have vision, another to have godly motives, but neither will carry us to our objective: we must also be prepared to persevere.

The root of the word "persevere" is the word "severe." We must face the fact that, en route to our victory, things may get severe. It is with severe faith, severe or extreme steadfastness, that we inherit the promises of God (Heb 10).

James tell us, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have {its} perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (Ja 1.2-4).

Endurance. Perseverance. Steadfastness. These are the qualities that breed character, that transform the doctrine of Christlikeness into a way of life. "Let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect. . ." The key to perfection, to a life "lacking in nothing," is perseverance.

WEARINESS OF THE MIND
"But I'm weary," you argue. Yes. Part of the weariness is from faulty thinking in our thought life. If we knew the battle was going o take as long as it has, we would have prepared for more realistically. Every building plan will probably take twice as long as we assumed; every virtue, will take a year not a month to be worked in us. It may take twenty years for our loved ones to be saved. If things happen sooner, we can rejoice, but we have only prepared ourselves for the easiest of breakthroughs, not the ones that cost us time and tears. Satan manipulates our unrealistic expectations, which he then uses to wear us out.

When I travel, I pray and trust God for divine help and often I am rewarded with perfect flights with no delays. Yet, I have also learned to accept that I will occasionally arrive later than I expected. I am not shocked when there are flight cancellations and delays; I anticipate them. While others are anxious, I'm more calm, trusting God. My peace enhances my witness of Christ when I speak to people who, standing near me, are anxiously waiting.

Some may argue, "Isn't that unbelief to expect delays on flights?" I don't think so. I think it's wisdom. Wisdom is not the enemy of faith. I have found that if I don't trust God and relax, I become anxious, fretful and distracted. Worse, I have found that the Holy Spirit will not descend and rest in power upon a man controlled by circumstances.

Jesus' spirit stayed in abiding peace, yet still He accommodated delays as part of life's package. He was often delayed by the huge crowds or urgent needs of the people around Him. People died waiting for Jesus to show up. Did He become anxious? No, He stayed focused on the Father and, without losing His trust in God, simply raised the dead, even when He arrived late.

At some point we must accept that God knows when we are being delayed and that He has a miracle conclusion waiting, in spite of the extra time we've spent getting to our destinations.

One dear pastor I know had labored long and hard with a new building project, but it was constantly being delayed. It was scheduled for completion in September, then rescheduled for December, then January, and then February. Finally, with weariness in his voice, he called and asked if I could join him for their dedication.

It was set for the first week of March.

"When exactly do you need me?" I asked. He answered, "March fourth."

Suddenly, the Holy Spirit illuminated my heart. God had chosen this date prophetically, 1 told him. The Lord wanted that church, as an army, to "march forth" into their destiny. In a flash, the weariness weighing upon him was gone and joy and a sense of destiny swept his soul. The delay wore him out, but the delay had a purpose.

Dear ones, let us persevere. We just don't know what the victory will look like when we finally break through.

Consider Joseph.

Betrayed, enslaved, slandered and forgotten, he had to endure to reach his destiny. But when the time finally arrived, never in his most wild dreams did he imagine the outcome would be so great or wonderful.

What we become to God is more important that what we do for Him. Our struggling, praying though we have been delayed time and again, deepens our character. Maintaining our standards when pressed, finding grace when stretched, makes us true men and women of God.

The Almighty One is in control. He knows how to take what was meant for evil and transform it
into something good, even using the devil's own devices to bring him down. God has something wonderful in store for us otherwise the enemy would not be fighting so intensely. Indeed, scriptures tell us that Satan rages worst when he knows his time is short (Rev 12:12).

CHARACTER BEFORE BREAKTHROUGH
Returning to Daniel, God gave him another vision of the end of the age.

Here's what he wrote, "I kept looking, and that horn was waging war with the saints and overpowering them ..." (Dan 7:21).

This is the battle: we feel war storming against our souls and we feel overpowered. But the prophet said the overpowering continued only, "... until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was passed in favor of the saints of the Highest One, and the time arrived when the saints took possession of the kingdom (Dan 7:22).

There is a principle here that, understanding it, will lead to victory in your battle. There will be a time, inevitably, when we feel overpowered. Yet, if we endure, if we climb higher into God, if we refuse to lose our trust in God, a time will come when the "Ancient of Days" enters our circumstances. Looking at our newly developed character, He will pass judgment in favor of our cause. God looks at our character, forged in the fire of overpowering delays and battle, and says, "Good, this is what I was waiting for."

So, whether you are praying for this country or standing for your children; whether your cry is for the lost or for simply the end of some local or national conflict, remember the words of Paul: "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary" (Gal 6:9).

Jogging

How do you find the jog? I think more sharing can be done upon reflection. Really want to hear from all of you what reflections you had from the jog....

For me, I learnt that in a race, I would start slow. Perhaps, for the fear that I would have no more steam left towards the end. However, as I start slow, I am able to observe the people around me and learn from them. Just now, I was encouraged by Choi who kept running. It made me want to keep running. That's why I ran 1 more round. But as I continue to run in a race, I'll pick up speed, especially when I'm almost done. The nearing goal gives me the energy to run faster. Almost, that's when my whole body has been tuned to a jogging mode.

This is so true for me. At work, I start slow to find my bearing. I would not be a recognisable high-flyer, as I'll keep a low key to find my way around. But, slowly, people will realise the potential in me and then I'll pick up speed. In the ministry, that's true as well. I'll be slow and steady, learning from others. As I learn and apply more, fruits become more evident. I thank God for such a momentum He gives me. I trust and know that this is the best kind of momentum for me in any race I'm in!

intellectual jokes

shar was asking me if i got any interesting ideas to make the blog more interesting, ...
haha, do take time to look at the side bar.
i created a "level 5010 joke" category.
of course i'm pretty sure none of our jokes are of that complex and high intellectual level...except :)
i think such sophisticated jokes that require wits deserve its recognition.

so now we can all ._. or -_-" at the jokes...

sfsa tribe meeting on 17 nov

*what I am about to blog is largely based on the memory that God has blessed me with :) and i really thank God for it!!

before that, who sabo me do this?? >=/
(i know shar, ady and i think fs also gang up with them to bully me)
and i dumped the notes i wrote on that day just this morning...(someone please help me~)
but i guess it doesnt matter cause there's only 12 words that i scribbled on that piece of paper which i'm proud to say, I still remember:

1. Go Deep in God
2. Look Far in Vision
3. Ask Big in Faith

ok, i shall talk about some other stuffs first...

Pastor Serene shared with us on Mark 4:30-34, The Parable of the Mustard Seed

"30Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. 32Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade."
33With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything."

ok basically i have no idea what's a mustard seed... or how big is the tree. Ps Serene said the seed is about sesame seed size.

FYI: mustard seeds are about 1 mm in diameter and the black mustard seed in Israel will typically grow to heights of 3.7 meters

And basically she just said it's so small that if u throw it in the soil, u cant find it and u can only see it when it grows. ok i dont really see what she means here... (someone please explain?)

but basically the second part is about Jesus speaking in parables. "34He did not say anything to them without using a parable." Similarly, in our daily lives, Jesus speaks to us in parables too! "But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything." So we need to pray to God and have our quiet time Him so that God will explain to us everything and we will understand what He is trying to show us in our lives otherwise our whole lives will just be a parable that we cannot understand.

Well, she gave an example that she saw this street performance by two men from Eastern Europe, one look like Jackie Chan and the other a tall guy . They were balancing on their heads and she said that when she watched them she feels scared for them...cause it's a dangerous act. Then God impressed on her heart that what these 2 guys were doing was a humble act, it's their way of earning a living. And almost immediately she was reminded of our Senior Pastor doing the Magic of Love. It was a humble act which he did to win the pple for Christ and she felt that she was somewhat able to relate to how he felt.

So bottom line is i think, we should pray so that we understand what God wants to tell and teach us. Also, we must be sensitive to God's words and we should not ignore it... (oh is this covered during the meeting, or is this from my post encounter??)

Ok then she went into telling us about plans for year 2007. It will be the year of VICTORY!

FCBC's vision is "We will serve the nations by planting and building apostolic faith communities of disciple-makers for Jesus through the establishment of cutting-edge ministeries in gateway cities"

And the word for youthnet is "breakout". breakout as in not the breakout of pimples... but rather it's a manifestation, surpassing previous achievement!!

Also, we'll be reading 39 books of old testaments next year!

And she went further elaborating about those plans which brings me back to the 12 words i wrote on the piece of paper.

1. Go Deep in God (personal spiritual goal)

2. Look Far in Vision

eg. Presence meetings... invite the Holy Spirit during our G12 meetings.

and we're going to have like at least 6 meetings where the sisters and brothers in Christ in the same cluster would meet.

3. Ask Big in Faith

eg. Ask for open doors or open doors to China... (there'll be 2 trips. one in july 07 and the other in july 08, those can go please go)

[and one whole big chunk that i forgot]

then fs presented the ethnos emmanuel blog with some dummy proof powerpoint (please visit the blog and comment there!) btw, this name means "we serve all nations and every tribe and God with us"

and later we break into our own groups...and fs shared something the pastors said - the matrix basically it's back to the 3 points. we can apply all 3 points in our Personal, Family (biological + spiritual), Work. so it's like 3 by 3! So we should come up with our goals for year 2007 using that as a guide. oh and fs ask about what are our thoughts about what Pastor Serene shared.

Grace said plans are always exciting but somehow around March, the plans will just disappear... which actually i totally agree! i can't rmb what the others said, probably cause i cant relate to them. oops.

ok then fs said everyone should try and blog at least once a month and also post a comment to encourage because when you post online it allows people to read at their own time, so it's a good way of sharing. next she said that the nurses are a special group of people. and they should come together and reach out to a group of people (juniors/patients) . ok while the rest of us, pray for an area where we can all reach out to next year... so from today onwards to end of year, everyone pray everyday and ask God which area we'll reach out to ^_^ cause fs claims that she really dont know and that she's also desperately asking God.

ok i think this was all that happen during the meeting.

personally, i always break every single resolution i set every year... (http://sugarush90.blogspot.com/2005_12_01_sugarush90_archive.html) if u bother to visit my blog, u'll realise i broke all 30 goals. oh nevermind, 2007 will be a new year... and hopefully for the first time in my life, relying on God's strength, i'll keep to whatever goals i set. i havent really thought about what goals to set for the coming year but basically my first goal is set. it's to grow deep in God cause i think that's the foundation of everything. and i will try to pray to God every night so that He can explain to me stuffs (eg. why am i always being bullied by you guys? hehe, just kidding) ok so that i can have a closer relationship with Him :) as for the rest, i havent thought much about them...i take a long time to think.

ok i shall end with an encouragement. let's look forward to this thurs...cause we'll be at toa payoh stadium for healthy lifestyle and to grow in endurance spiritually! haha really looking forward to that!!!! :)

Reflecting ...

How has this year been for you?

I know Shar has been reflecting. What about the rest of you? I have been reflecting and this is only the beginning for me. Perhaps, this year is not one when I jump with hoorays but certainly this is a year when I learnt to simply depend on God, trusting in Him.

"Tell the world that Jesus lives..." Are we telling the world that Jesus lives? How is our life reflecting the truth in God's Word?

2 months to go before we enter 2007. I pray that I can make full use of the time left in 2006 to really grow in the Lord, to prepare myself for a year of victory. I want to grow more and more and more...

On talents..

Think i'm now in a dry spell.. things ard me dun seem to be going too smoothly.. work piles up.. and after my staff planning retreat, i foresee more work to be done.

Ministry is not too smooth.. wanted to step up to do more earlier this year but the plan for tuition in tct did not come to pass.. pass few months have been trying to involve myself more.. taking up vocal/keyboard class, going for brett manning singing success, recently volunteered to be backup vocals on touchkidz worship team.. volunteering to join fs during intercession, to volunteer to do consolidation..

But this morning when i asked one of my gals if she wanted to join me on the platform next Sun during worship, she declined.. i was puzzled cos she was one of those who were more 'onz' and went for Sch of Modern Levites (trains ppl who wanna serve in music ministry), and the children pastors have given her feedback that she has a good voice.. asked her if there was any reason, and she said she juz din want.. asked her if she would be joining the other children vocalists soon cos she has not been on the platform for quite a while, she tells me that she has told the pastor that she does not want anymore.. very puzzled.. don't know why.. challenged her that God blessed her with a good voice and would she not use that to glorify Him? but she was unmoved and said that she was going for a fren's bday party in the afternoon till late evening.. challenged her if she would sacrifice a few hours of the party to come and prac with the team but she declined.. wanted to ask her if she was feeling self conscious abt gg on stage and she kept quiet and shook her head..

Children's Pastor addressed postencounter on overcoming the world.. for her perhaps it is something that she needs to grow in.. how to put her focus on God rather than on things of the world.. my prayer that she will grow up to be a woman who chases after Him, fixing her eyes on Jesus..

Then so happens pastor melvyn preached abt the parable of the talents.. how the master gave each of the servants talents according to their abilities..
I pray that God will constantly remind me to make use of my talent(s) and not bury it under the ground like the last servant.

Sharmaine's Birthday Pic

My first pictorial contribution to this blog...

Our 2 new Baptism babes (22 Sept 2006)

3 cheers to Katie and Joy!!!

Hallelujah!!!

I've finally finally created a personal blog. This shall be my online journal of thanksgiving to the Lord, an area that God wants me to grow in. I think this in itself is a miracle - that I have my own blog. =)

But, I also want to learn everything about blogging so that our cluster blog can be "prettified".

Choices that will determine our destiny

Gen 13:1-18
1) Choose to return to faith in God
Gen 12:10-13, 12:17
Fear rose up in Abram, resulting in bondage
Bondage of Sarai cos she was stuck with Pharaoh
Bondage of Abram cos he couldn't tell Pharaoh Sarai's his wife
Abram came to the end and called upon God (Gen 13:4) and God intervened
In the end, Pharaoh sent them away.
Application:
When we act in fear instead of faith. We end up being in bondage/being a bondage to others.

2) Relinquish our right to God
Gen 13:8-9
Abram could choose first being more senior (he was Lot's uncle) but he relinquish the right to choose first.
Application:
Faith is a risk. God NEVER shortchanges those who are faithful
Selflessness. When we think for oursevles vs when we think about others.
1 Cor 9:19-23 - we learn abt Apostle Paul relinquishing his rights
Phil 2:5-8 - we learn how Christ Himself relinquished His rights
God spoke to Abram in Gen 13:14 after he relinquished his rights to God.

3) Realign our vision to God
Gen 13:10-15
Lot saw and made a choice. He chose what he saw and not what God had planned for him. Walking away from the destiny that God had in mind for him.
Abram looked and made a choice. To follow in the destiny God had in mind for him. (Heb 11:8-10)

What happened to Lot: Gen 19:4-9, 14, 16, 26, 33, 36-38

Application:
Lot was a righteous man (2 Peter 2:6-8). But even a righteous man who does not align himself with God's vision will not live out a life in accordance to His destiny.
Possible consequence when we do not live in the destiny that He has called us to
- Hosea 4:6

Let's all choose to:
Place our faith in God
Relinquish our right to God
Realign our vision to God

So that we can have a destiny that is in Him!

BAPTISM SCHEDULE
Baptism Date 22 Sep 2006 (Fri)


TOUCH Community Theatre (TCT) : 7.30pm

Lijuan and Lanying will be getting baptised.. Let's all go to be a blessing to them and pray for them.. Show them support as a family even as they take up the cross and declare that they want to follow Jesus!!

About me!

I suppose more of you will appreciate me blogging here rather than trying to tell you all the 'applications' I have tried so hard to sift out from the book of Colossians.

Hmm, but I think I will have MORE applications from ANOTHER week of reading the SAME book right? So let me entertain you with 5 things that I THINK you don't know about me. :P

1. When I was young, I wanted to switch jobs every month so that I get the chance to try everything out.
- This is one trait that is really typical of me. Hmm, if you know me well enough, I am almost always interested in learning and attending all sorts of things and workshops. If I had my life to live over, I would want to be a genius. So, that is probably THE regret that I have in my life...not being a genius. Hahahaha. :) Nevermind, I'm still dearly loved...but I really have this 'grace of all trades' streak in me.

2. I used to love this edu-cartoon called "十 万 个 为 什 么"
- So much so I stayed back for Chinese Remedial classes even though I didnt need to catch it. (Teacher showed it) It is a really educational show okie!?!

3. I went in to a neighbourhood police post to 'report' a case when I was in Primary 4.
- To report a guy loitering around my block. Well, on hindsight, and to be really fair, that was actually the first time I saw him hanging around. He was probably waiting for a friend or what. But well, too bad, I was on an ultra-paranoid mode when I was in Primary 4 due to some not-so-nice experiences that happened to me. The good things that came out of that 'reporting' session? The person never appeared again (by the way, I still remember what he was wearing that day) and I learnt a new english word -- "loitering" -- from your friendly neighbourhood police uncle.

4. Satellite Dish = Science Centre
- I have this strange association between a satellite dish and science centre. It's like, whenever there is a Satellite Dish, there is Science Centre. They come in a pair. I remember once in the car when I was young, I saw the satellite dish and said I wanted to go to Science Centre. And so my parents detoured and brought me to Science Centre. If I recalled correctly, is those satellite dishes along BKE. Okay, SC is not that far away but I guess my parents' bringing of me to the SC immediately really reinforced the fact that they are alongside each other.

5. I have an uncle who used to be a popular local comedian
- Not much to comment about him since I dont even think people remember him anymore. I saw him on National Day at the Clarke Quay bus stop. I looked at him because I stopped my car just beside that bus stop when the red light was on. He didnt seem to recognise me. The lights turned green, I drove away. So much have changed.

Okie, hope you know me slightly better through my history. I encourage all to share things with all too!

A Question:

During the last elections, my sis and I went to watch the opposition rally, because it was right next to my flat and we were curious how come so many people came all the way just to do this. There was actually traffic jam in Hougang just because of that rally.

I estimated the crowd, according the different service places we had, to be at least ten thousand. I was surprised. You mean so many people would come and stand around on the grass with the mosquitos having a feast, just to hear this man talk?

In the end, I thought he was pretty good (content-wise), but even with all the mega-microphones they were using, it was still quite muffled (accoustics-wise) with lots of echos because of the huge ground it was supposed to cover.

At last, I come to the question: I remember reading in the bible that thousands of people gathered on the hillsides the hear Jesus speak, and there were no mega or microphones of any sort in those days. So how did they manage to hear Him?

I have trouble enough shouting myself hoarse to be heard to a 30-40 audience, so how did He manage the thousands, and not just Jesus, for that matter, but all the public speakers of ancient times, what did they do?

This isn't any spiritual question, and is just asked for curiosity's sake, but any one out there who knows? I like to imagine it when I read, see. :>

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

Just for laughs:
However, my imagination is really inaccurate. When I read about the part when Jesus reinstates Peter, because it's supposed to be by the sea, somehow I can't keep the picture of coconut trees out of my head...

Celebrate the Family - 1 Oct 06

To send an e-invite:
http://www.fcbc.org.sg/familyfestival/words.htm

BAPTISM SCHEDULE
Baptism Date 22 Sep 2006 (Fri)
Baptism Date 27 Oct 2006 (Fri)
Baptism Date 24 Nov 2006 (Fri)
Baptism Date 29 Dec 2006 (Fri)


TOUCH Community Theatre (TCT) : 7.30pm

Keep the dates free!! Especially the Sept one that is upcoming.. Details later when it is confirmed.. :-)

Want to know the secret on how to expand your vocal capacity or handle public speaking without losing your voice? TOUCH Music Ministry invites you to spend three evenings with the renowned vocal coach, Brett Manning and he will be sharing three different topics during the sessions. If interested, please register through Info & Service Counter at Singapore Expo Hall 9 on Sundays. Registration closed on 24 Sept (Sun).

Fr: http://www.fcbc.org.sg/service_eventcalendar.asp

Anyone interested?

August.. a sudden revelation..

I blogged a similar entry in my blog.. and i thot that i wanna share this here too!

August is a special month...

Not my birthday.. but it's National Day.. Special place in my heart.. cos i'm Singaporean.. Was juz watching a program.. how Singapore became a nation..

Special mention about the parade in 1968.. how it rained on the day of the celebration.. but everyone was already at attention.. and awaiting the arrival of the PM and President. Interestingly, everyone juz stood in the rain.. including spectators.. PM came out of his limo and walked steadily to his seat and joined the rest of the ministers in the rain..

It was heart warming to see how everyone was determined not to let the rain get to them.. children included as the choir sang the national anthem in the rain.. a simple parade.. not like the parades of these years.. but the Singaporean spirit no doubt was evident!

Today, we also celebrated the 20th anniversary of FCBC..

Even as i was watching the program, how Singapore became a nation after we were 'cut off' by Malaysia, it dawned upon me a certain revelation.. and drew the parallel with how FCBC was started when my pastor was 'disowned' by his previous church...

And i was pleasantly surprised at how much blessings have been poured on us.. as a nation and as a church.. May God continue to bless us even more!

prettily dressed!

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Prettily dressed..

Some low-level office-political issue

I actually wanted to share something about dreams, but I shall put that on hold and tell you all what is really disturbing me at the moment.

And so, I shall start.

For those who do not know, I am temping at a bank now. The contract is for 2 weeks only. This is only my 3rd day but I sort of sense that my colleagues (aka fellow temps) dont really like me. Oh well, relationships' fine, but only on a superficial level.

And the reason why I think they dont exactly like me?

Because I work too hard. Or so it seems.

What I think I am doing is what I am paid to do. I do not feel that I am overly hardworking nor am I in any way try make my boss like me more by proving my work capabilities. I do not have to and I do not want wish to.

The problem comes because the rest of the temps are simply too slack in their job. Their teasing about me getting the 'employment of the month' gets to the point of sarcarsm. (And by the way, I'm only working there for 2 weeks, remember?) I am seriously only doing what I am suppose to do (hardly even 'doing things with excellence'), occasionally helping improve the system of working simply because my supervisor told me to...okay...probably I took too much initiative in doing some things. You may say that I am stupid in doing more than I am supposed to. That's fine. But the issue at hand is not my 'over-enthusiasm'! (I am not overly-enthu, just in case you really think I am)

Okay, here's where you all can input.

I want to know:
1. Am I really working too hard?
2. Is it stupid to be doing more than what you are suppose to do (sometimes)?
3. Assuming I am just doing things at a normal rate (which i think i am), yet still hitting super high quota, what can I do to not let the rest of the temps appear lazy in front of the supervisor? But I mean...my quota is my quota and theirs is theirs. Numbers dont lie.

So in a sense, a 2 week-exposure is really a good learning experience for me in handling kids' infantile behavior. (Yes, they are all younger than me. Except for one guy who was my coursemate last sem)

I am disturbed by the way they think. And I am baffled because I dont know if I am in anyway wrong. If I am, can you all please tell me, so that I can learn to be wiser in future. I dont think this issue is serious enough to be termed "office politics" though...haha...way too low-level. Hmm, but aiyo, if you are an employer, you want to pay your workers to do nothing meh?!

Please give advice!

Day Of His Power!

Date: 8 August (Tuesday)
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium

This is a citywide prayer gathering lovesingapore convenes once a year in conjunction with the 40-Day season of prayer.


We will lift high the name of Jesus.
We will go deep and pray down revival rain.
We will remember the poor.
Will you be part of the Defining Moment?

Gateway Cities Youth Convention 2006 (GCYC)

"CELEBRATING THE NATIONS"

Venue: TOUCHCENTRE
Date: 29 Jul - 2 Aug 2006 (Sat - Wed)
GCYC program

This year's event is from 29 July to 2 Aug. The theme is “Celebrating the Nations” with the aim to forge deeper engagement with our overseas friends to serve the Lord and the nations together.


Find out more:
http://www.youthnetonline.blogspot.com/
http://www.fcbc.org.sg/service_news_fcbc_gcyc.asp

Youth Harvest with Planetshakers

Planetshakers are an explosive, energetic and youth oriented Australian band. Come for the Worship Party Event of 2006 and be illuminated at the concert!

Date: 11 & 12 August (Fri & Sat)
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: The MAX Pavilion at Singapore Expo

Free seating. Admission by tickets only.
Student/NSF : $4 per ticket / per day
Working Adult : $8 per ticket / per day

** You will need to purchase 2 tickets for 2 days **

For more info: www.fcbc.org.sg/ultraviolet/

Took leave to go and show support to some cool ppl.. sorry Anna, wasn't able to make it for urs cos had work commitments.. Tiring but was a great experience.. a long while since i went back NUS too!!

Our graduation

Grace and Yating graduated on 10th July 2006 and Anna graduated on 11th July 2006. We are finally graduates of NUS!! =)
I have uploaded some pictures. Too lazy to upload anymore. Will do so when I am less tired

Want to say a big thank you to Sharmaine for coming down the whole day, for accompanying me and helping us to look after our bags. thank you so much!!

My second attempt.. if u have other photos, let me know.. i can experiment some more.. :-)

I was experimenting some programs that i came across other blogs and tried to make slide show of the pics we have.. but somehow, i'm not able to load them on our blog.. sighz. but actually manged to do it on my own blog.. xanga rocks! blogger.. well.. not so user friendly? but i'll try and try again.. when i have the time..
in the meantime.. if u r curious, can go to my blog to have a look.. if u know how to use on blogger, these 2 programs.. flickr/rockyou.com let me know..

let's all contribute in whatever way we can to make this a success!

Anyone interested??

A historical retelling of the story of China's Empress Dowager, the story is seen from the eyes of an American painter, Kate Carl, who is commissioned to paint the Empress's portrait. The Empress recounts her amazing journey from a young imperial concubine to become the Empress of China and the pressures she faced. The musical explores the myths surrounding her reign, from the controversial death of her only son to her ambitious tussle for power. Having played to 60,000 people in 2003, Forbidden City is Singapore's most successful musical to date. Starring Asian sensation Kit Chan.

Date: 7 - 16 Sep
Mon - Sat Night shows at 8pm
Wed and Sat matinee at 3pm
@ Esplanade Theatre

Anyone interested?? If so, let me know.. I am interested..
More info:
http://www.sistic.com.sg/cms/events/index.html?content=303
http://www.srt.com.sg/03/html/SRT.com.sg---08.html

I was encouraged by Sharmaine to blog about my testimony of why I went church and then youth service after I told her about it.

Actually, I accepted Christ into my life through a prayer when I was quite young when my aunt’s friend shared with me the 4SL. I can’t recall if I know what she was talking about then but I definitely didn’t know the significance of the prayer, because the person told me to repeat after her and so I did.

Last year about this time was the probation period for leadership position in CCA, I damaged my clarinet which was the newest clarinet. I was at a loss of what to do and I didn’t dare to own up because my conductor is a monster (ask yating) so she'll most likely slaughter me.
It was a horrible period of time because the thought kept bugging me day and night. And I think the only place that repairs instruments in SG is my conductor’s company so I can’t possibly send my instrument there because she’ll know. And around this time, I also met this guy while I was eating at Macs and he shared the 4SL with me. It was quite strange because I thought normally these people only approach those who appear to be very free but apparently I was eating and studying at the same time. Then again, I was alone which made me an easy target. He asked if he could have 10 mins of my time but he took 2hrs! But it made me consider being a Christian…but I was thinking probably next time, maybe JC or after that.

Anyway, everyone knows there are such things called miracles and when you know things are hopeless, u ask for one. And so I prayed every day and night, consciously and sub-consciously to God that if he's real, please fix my instrument. Then, sometimes I would shut my eyes real tight hoping that when I open them, my clarinet will be okay again. But of course it didn’t. Meanwhile, I was also waiting for the right time to own up but somehow my conductor always seems to be in a terrible mood. Then one day the conductor brought along with her this repair guy. And the conductor asked me to go and ask the repair guy to check my junior's instrument so I told her mine needed to be repair. Then she assumed it was some small problem and didn’t question me further. So the guy repaired my instrument and my conductor was wondering why I took so long because normal repairing process takes only a short time. But coincidentally, that guy cut his finger while repairing my instrument so he was going to take a long time anyway so that saved me from the explanation.

Then I was thinking this is really like some miracle to me. I mean my instrument was really fixed without me even getting into any trouble at all. I was like ok, I shall go church if my aunts ask me to but they didn’t.

By the way, Mr tan shared that last time he would go over his uncle’s house to stay during the holidays so that he can go church. Guess what? I did the exact opposite last time. I would go church during the holidays so that I can stay over at my aunt’s house. And I think they stop pestering me to go to church about 5 years ago? Probably because I was too busy to meet out with them so they didn’t really have the chance to ask me and when they do, I wouldn’t show much interest but I would still go because I feel bad rejecting. I tend to avoid them after that so that they won’t have the chance of asking me again. That time, I went for the adult service at Marine Parade. I was quite young so my attention span was short. My brain goes on a stand-by mode once the worship songs finish when the pastor starts preaching so I don’t understand the sermon.

Anyway, I was quick of brush this whole my-clarinet-got-fixed-miraculously incident aside and get on with life since I didn’t dare to ask them to bring me to church and they didn’t ask me to go.

Then there was Magic of Love on Christmas Eve. My aunts invited me and my sis there. Prior to that she invited me to some ghost thing at FC also but I didn’t go. Anyway I was kind of like hoping they would start to invite me to church after MoL but then it didn’t happen. I started praying to God occasionally, asking Him to get my aunts to invite me to church.
Then there's this G-12 thing and one day my aunt finally did asked me to go church again and I agreed. And I think the week I went, the Pastor was saying that you just ask the person like you usually do and the person will surprise you by agreeing to go to church because God will change the circumstances and I think that happened between my aunts and me so I guess to them it's like God's miracles that I'm like finally going to church.

First time I went after several years was on 2 Apr 06 and I saw someone looking like mr tan during service, but I wasn’t sure. anyway, my aunt told me this "next time, if u want to come church u tell me yourself ok, so that it wont seem as though I’m pestering you" nevertheless the following sat,.. I waited for my aunt to invite me to church, and it was like 9pm plus already and she hasn’t sms me to ask if I want to go so I was like.. ok, maybe I should take the initiative then and indeed they found it very weird to receive an sms from me that I want to go church.

And soon, I go church for like one month and that was my longest consecutive going church record. and i never found seeing mr tan in church a coincidence despite there being so many people because it's something that happens almost every service. Anyway I was starting to find that something is wrong, not because I couldn’t understand or relate to the adult service, but because I hear about God from no one else but the pastor for 2hrs every Sunday as my aunts don’t have the habit of sharing with me probably cause they think I wouldn’t be interested and I don’t have the initiative to ask them cause I fear they would find me strange, like u know the sudden change in a person can sometimes be too overwhelming for others to take. It’s kind of weird that I suddenly wanted someone to tell me more about God or answer my doubts but there's like no one I can really turn to without them looking at me o.O (like this). but anyway, this time I was praying to God that honestly, I can’t keep up with this and I’d probably stop going to church soon… and I prayed to him to do something about it because I don’t think anyone that barely knows about God is capable of surviving on just listening to a pastor talk weekly unless the person is really that hungry for God and really cling on to Him.

And that same week 7 May I happen to see mr tan and lydia along the walkway in the morning. I thought that was really a coincidence because we were walking in the same direction and they were actually only 2m in front of me so I pointed out to my aunts that the person in front is a teacher from my school and they didn’t believe that a teacher can be that young... but that’s from back view haha. Then they told me he’s a church leader because he’s wearing the G12 black shirt.

Then 16 May, I attended a HCJC dsa talk which I didn’t really intended to since I want to go RJ but I thought since it's cca time, why not go listen. Then I came out and along the way I saw mr tan and I thought ok maybe I’ll go up to him and tell him I saw him and his gf to see his reaction for cheap thrill. Because as students, we know some teachers don’t like to see students outside of school especially when they are with their gf/bf. and some of them when they see us, they will run away and it’s quite amusing.

But! I was so shock, when he gave me his gf's no. I was like thinking most teachers don’t even give their own number and this teacher is like giving me his gf's number and asking me to call her! Then I started wondering if he gives his gf’s number to the whole wide world for them to call her. Then I thought this is like madness, how did something so simple end up so complicated with me having to call someone but also at the same time, I was thinking maybe I should really try and go so I sms and to cut the story short, Lydia call me and after 1hr I agreed and after I put down the phone, I thought I was out of my mind. Firstly, for talking to this person that I don’t know for 1hr and secondly, for agreeing to go service with her and meeting this whole big bunch of people that I don’t know. And the person that I know the best among everyone I was going to meet is mr tan. But I only know his name and his face because he never taught me before and I don’t pay much attention to teachers that don’t teach me, especially new teachers.

And actually, I only intended to go once for youth svc, that's why I lied to my aunts cause since it's only for one week, don’t need to explain so much... and I was really nervous about the whole going to youth svc thing. I think that week I lost a lot of hours of sleep but it turned out quite okay.

But anyway I thought the whole timing of starting to go youth service was quite good. haha cause it was the last week of school so I have some time to spare and I don’t think I saw mr tan in school during the holidays either so if on that Tues didn’t see him, I wont be at youth service for June or if it was till school reopens, I think it’s likely I won’t be interested in going cause school start already and I don’t have so much time to spare to try new stuff and adapt to it. As mentioned earlier, if I continue to go adult service with my aunts, I would probably have stopped going to church when school term starts.

And throughout this whole thing, I didn’t realise god was answering my prayers and changing things for me. It's not like He told me, ok go youth service, it's actually indirectly what you've been praying about. But later I began to realise that he actually answered my prayers cause now there’s people to share with me more about God and occasionally my aunts do share with me as well, now that they know I won’t run away. haha. And God answered my aunts' prayers as well, according to them because they were really shock when I told them the truth that I went youth service that week. And the convo sort of went like that:

Me: did u find me acting strange on Sunday? You know smth, actually on Sunday I went changi airport and then later I went back expo for youth svc.

Aunt: Orh hor, lie ah.. haha wah! so who did u go with?

Me: my teacher’s gf.

Aunt: huh?! Your teacher’s gf?! Are you very close to her? U know her very well is it?

Me: no. I don’t know her. (starts laughing)

Aunt: huh?! So u know her through your teacher, the one that u told us that time is it? Oh ok so what does your teacher teach you?

Me: err.. he doesn’t teach me….

haha god is so amazing in his ways~

(in case anyone wonders how I can rmb the dates and my thoughts, it's cause I keep a blog, so I referred to my entries while writing this)

Photo Shoot & Convo

Dear all,

Sorry for any miscommunication. The photo shoot is on 2 July. (Anyway...i typed next weekend...not next week leh.)

But well, just take note and wear nice nice. You dont have to wear gown, skirt or dress will do. Heh.

Before service would be good. Say 1pm? Everyone be present by then. Thanks.

Coincidentally, Yating, Qin Long and me are all having our convocation on the same day. We would like to invite you all to come and take photos with us. HaHa. But only stay outside lah, no invites to go in. It will be on 10 July. Hmm...from 10am-9pm. Haha..if you want to stay through everything that is. We'll think of a good time for everyone to gather. :)

:) on anna, germany and other things

Hiya gals,

The holiday was good. Got to rest and slack around and nua, got to eat German bread (wahaha), got to not think about work and most importantly got to visit Anna and Flo in Eppelheim, Heidelberg.

We visited a church called Calvary Chapel. The service was at about 4 in the afternoon. It's English and German. While the worship bit was mostly in German, the sermon was preached in English with a German translator (head pastor's not local...think Australian). He's very anointed! (More about his sermon later) I walked out of the church really happy and at peace that Anna has a great church to attend now. She really liked the church too, so do keep her and Flo in prayers about settling down and anchoring themselves within a christian community that will offer her the help (spiritual, physical and otherwise) that she will need. It's really tough living in a new country on your own. Already, I had such difficulties in UK and there, there wasn't even the problem of language. So, keep Anna in prayers yeah? And for strength and wisdom to keep her eyes on God.

Things are slowly falling into place. The SMD (student mission deutsch) has emailed her and that would be a good contact point for them to be involved in bible study and harvest events. There should be the presence of a good number of international students, so that would be great for Anna! :) She's quite busy with work, so do pray too with regards to time! I've been told (by Clemens...not sure who the contact person in Heidelberg SMD is as yet) that this summer, the SMD is organising a canoe trip on the River Lahn for non-believers...not sure about various events, but let's also just pray for Flo even as he opens his heart to the faith. Oh! (sorry this is so disjointed!) Let's also pray for his final exams and for wisdom and just concentration. He took precious time off from his studies to show Grace and me around and was really a tremendous blessing!

We might not be able to meet due to the distance, but let's make that extra effort to show Anna that we still want to be involved in her life despite the distance because we're her family and we care for her! She's coming back to Singapore on the first July for two weeks so it'll be nice to catch up then! I will keep you all posted yeah?

[ok. i will continue this post later. Shared with fs about what the pastor preached which really administered to Grace and me and she encouraged me to blog about it]

Photo Shoot

I see that Sharmaine is trying to keep the blog alive. Posting photos, sharings. HaHa...:p

*Ehem* An announcement to make. Heehee. Let's take a FS tribe photo next weekend before service. So inform your girls and wear nice nice. Then when our tribe increase, we will take again and again and again and again...

So we can see God's goodness and faithfulness. Not to mention, a proper family photo after so long. Just a photo-taking session. Let's take one, like those year book kind. Heh. Let's take lots of photos!

FS and all other sisters, when you want to try and match make your girls also easier, got photos to show. Wahahahahahah! :)

Spiritual warfare

Juz felt prompted to blog about this topic..

I remember hearing from a particular pastor.. that Satan will only attack those he thinks are of a threat to him.. for those he think not a threat one.. he'll probably leave them alone cos he dun feel threatened by them .. so dun waste resources..

Well , juz felt prompted to share my on testimony.. This happened prob in NUS days.. there were times where i woke up in the middle of the night.. i'm conscious and i try to get up.. but i somehow lose all control of all the muscles in my body.. i lie on my bed, conscious but unable to move.. then i try to move with all my might but i juz cant.. then suddenly there will be this fear and negative thought creeping in.. like, i'm going to die.. i cant move.. i'm going to die...

then i will struggle for a while.. then i rem that i can pray... so i pray and with whatever that is left of me, i'll pray.. and then in a few minutes, i realise that i can move!
but it's not over.. i'll struggle to fall asleep again.. cos of the fear that if i sleep and wake up later, cannot move again.. but then i'll pray that God grant me a restful sleep and i'll be able to have a restful night..

Indeed, God is faithful.. I'm not sure if the above is really spiritual attack.. but i choose to believe that it was.. and that it was cos i prayed and God answered my prayer that i was able to move.

Wanna encourage all of you.. whether u are on the mountaintop or in the valley.. to continue to put ur faith in Him.. cos He is indeed faithful!!

Let's press in!

Grace in Deutschland

 

BBQ - fathers' day

Here are some bbq photos that were taken earlier.. juz my camera.. if u want more, got to wait for seth and karen to post/upload them.. mine dun have group photos.. juz candid shots.

Knocking on the door of heaven?!

ALL SMILEZ!!! :-)

Tabernacle Camp

Some pics that were taken before and after the camp..

Some pics that were taken while fangs was away..

Go checkout our online photo album for more..

Shufang tribe gathering..

Well, for one.. i was definitely exhausted after the gathering.. i slept so soundly that night after i went home.. that aside..

Well, it was definitely a different experience standing on the platform and trying to engage the 'congregation' and at the same time worship..

Initially, it was kinda awkward.. with the awkward silence while fangs shared.. tried to ask WQ to play something since she was nearest me.. she hesitated, strumed one or two chords then stopped.. saying that she din dare.. haha.. so funny.. i almost started giggling.

The praise part was kinda funny cos at one point, i wanted to jump and dance and praise God.. but i realised that when i did that, the music stand would also 'jump' with me and this meant that the guitarists would have great difficulty making out the chords.. so i stopped prancing.. as i looked at the back view of serene and yating (couldn't see choi from my angle..) dancing from the platform, one thing struck me was that even though the latter was not comfortable in dancing in front of the crowd.. i was encouraged that she stepped out of her comfort zone to serve God.. and i thought that towards the end of the worship, i could see that she was definitely more relaxed.. and enjoying herself.. BRAVO!!!

Was also encouraged when i saw some of the other gals following along in the actions.. felt that they were also very supportive of us, being in the same family..

I like to close my eyes when worshipping God cos i feel that i can engage God better.. at one point, i opened my eyes and looked at the crowd.. I could sense God moving among His children, using us as vessels to minister to them.. Could really feel God's presence in our midst.. and His assurance that even though we are not perfect, He'll use us to be ministers as long as we allow ourselves to be used by Him..

Well, apart from the boo boos, i think that we definitely put a smile on His face because it was our hearts desire to worship and praise Him! Let's continue to rise up to be true worshippers of the living God!

:-)

In support of this blog, I shall type my thoughts here instead of my own blog...

Have a lot of thoughts about the worship thing, but only have time to write one now: it's a pity we dun have a pic of it, I would have liked to see it! The other thoughts are more serious, too long to write.

Have been going through the piles of letters and cards, the usual holiday attempt to spring clean. Am inspired to write, going to buy some letter papers and write them while attending some XXX NIE seminars next week. If things go well you will get something nice from me the week aft...

Pray for Singapore - Pentecost Sunday

http://www.prayforsingapore.org.sg/index.php

Anyone interested to go together after service?

Let me know if u are.. can go together.. :-)

Hi everyone, is me!

I am kind of bored now. Thus, I have decided to make my first post here and let my presence be felt! =D

This picture was taken in thailand, the little boy beside me is actually a symbol for the toilet in dreamworld. I think we look alike, so cute.

In between my viewing of my korean drama shows, I have created a neopet! The name of my neopet is 'blessedpretty'. Since the name Pretty does not suit me, I shall name my pet Pretty.
If anyone of you has a neopet, please let me know so that we can be neofriends! *clap**clap*


Last night's worship was really wonderful. As I see the whole cell standing on the stage to prepare for worship, I believe that the Lord must be pleased with what we are doing. I must say, we are all very talented. Although I was scared stiff during my lovely dancing, I enjoyed every moment of it. It was indeeed an experience.




Okie, my post looks quite nonsensical in comparison to the other posts but i do not care. I am going to post it up because I spent a long time typing it. ha

Hiya dearies,

Any ideas on how to make our blog more "happening"? Let's not allow it to become another livejournal yeah? Or how about sharing our experiences on the tribal band and our takings from the 144 gathering today? Can just edit this post and add in your reflections! I think all of you have admin rights, if not, leave a msg and I'll go edit your status. Ok..I'll start the ball rolling. :)

Luv,
Ady

Holiday Trip anyone?

So many ppl around me going for holiday.. I'm also tempted to go.. but on a short one.. anyone interested to go Thailand/Malaysia.. can be during the June hols to cater to the teachers.. Maybe 3 or 4 days?

:-)

Our Love Languages

P (Primary), S (Secondary)

Words of Affirmation:

(P) Sharon, Guixiang, Grace
(S) Yating

Quality Time:

(P) Qing, Fangsiang, Shar, Jess
(S) Anna, Yanling, Ady

Gifts:

(P) Yating, Choi
(S) Sharon, Anna

Acts of Service

(P) Yanling, Huili, Ady
(S) Qing, Karen, Grace, Choi, Anna, Shar

Physical Touch
(S) Huili, Jess, Guixiang

Those of you who weren't present, can take the test here and add in the results. :)
[Qing and Serene, can help add it in for your gals?]

This came to me suddenly, in light of all the attacks on our network since the beginning of the year....We must be doing something great, something so wonderful and magnificent that the devil is terrified.

Let us keep doing it and doing it better.

Nobody said it was easy

And Pastor said "Aiyo...this is not the way to treat a sleeping bag!" and proceeded to show us how.

 

The legendary Tapas Tree shots

 

G12: the in-betweens

Long day...fangsiang was getting really really hungry.....




Hee. I love the stages of progression(or is it, regression). nothing much on my side but a lot of action on karen's... :P

Rejoice over the miracles!

Funny how humans like to play with new stuff. This blog is now like the new 'gadget' we just got to own. But that aside, I have my reflections on G12 conference too. =)

Oh yeah, before I start. Where's the purple journal that was supposed to be passed around huh? (I was reminded of it when Ps Khong was doing the introduction part) I only wrote in it ONCE! sigh...

Anyway, I was reminded just now that this is my 5th G12 conference already. From the 1st 'Fellowship of the Ring' to now 'Believing in Faith', I think FCBC has gradually matured into the vision already. I would say the miracle of G12 has taken place. Ps Khong said before that many a times, miracles take place without us knowing; we'd only realise that on hindsight. So, isn't that what's happening right now?

The G12 has divided yet united our church. People change, things change, systems change. Yet our God is a God that is faithful in seeing us through the different seasons of our lives because He is a 'No-Season God'.

A pat on your shoulder to have survived. You are indeed an overcomer! *pat*pat*

G12 conference

Wow.. back from the conference.. actually wanted to do work.. but dun have laptop cos of some delay.. (thanks pretty for helping with the lappie)
Maybe it's God's will for the delay so that i can spend some time reflecting..

One thing that struck me was the video montage done about the past events that our church was involved in.. God spoke to me that indeed our church vision is to be a blessing to the cities that God has called us to go to..

When pastor called for us to shout out our dreams to God.. for a moment my mind was blank.. din know wat to shout out to God for.. then i thought about the faith goal that fangs got us to share during our last G12 meeting.. and I cried out to God to use me to reach out to children from the gateway cities.. to use me and my gals.. to be a blessing to those who need Him.. I will continue to dream BIG dreams..

Looking fwd to the rest of the conference.. :-)

A very prayerful week filled with peace...

With all that has happened, somehow, instead of feeling downcast, I find myself pinning my hope on God and because of that, I feel so steady.

I am praying even more and it was very interesting that I was in a Christian bookshop and I saw the daily bread (Every Day with Jesus) I used to feed on as a young Christian. I decided to buy the Mar/Apr 2006 issue and guess what? The first devotion was on "Prayer reveals the pray-er". It was such an affirmation from God of my prayers and my prayer life. It was as if God was saying to me... "pray, pray on!"

I will keep praying cos human words can just be so much. If we want a supernatural encounter, a breakthrough, we got to pray.

Let us tear down all the schemes of the evil one with our prayers and intercession!

(P/s: Ady has my humour liao... cos of the corny blog name... =) and Grace too, you watering the plants... haha...)

Zhaoyan's Birthday Celebration

Sharon's Birthday Celebration