Picture of myself... I just had my hair cut and highlighted my hair... let me see... the last time I did it was in poly... which is 7~8 years ago... hee hee... new look, new beginning... yipee~!

... came back from M'sia... loads of fun and laughter... accompanied with food and more food...

One of the best thing that happened was I had a taste of 4 cheesecakes at the same time... hee hee...

... taken this picture in m'sia... looking at this picture reminds me of somone... I'm wondering how is she... still waiting for her to message me back...

picture taken by s.

Was at Ubin yesteday with a group of avid photograhers... Good company... A great time of admiring His creation...

Picture taken from my office many moons ago... a place where I worked hard and struggle through... I'm bidding goodbye soon... good and bad memories...

Blogger facelift

Blogger had improved its service... got free picture hosting and alot of new layout...

I just changed my old layout to this new one

... for the past few mths... raymond went to the roller coaster of life... his life went for a ride which he totally felt so terribly difficult to handle... workload had been more and more... everything is thrown to him... company policies kept changing... frustrated he may be... but there isn't anything he could do abt it. Work is not be appreciated...

He really questioned his calling to the market place. His passion is still teaching... now there is opening... he is still deciding and thinking abt it.

Going thru ups and downs in life izzit what he desire... causing him to go in and out of depression. Many things, he asked to Lord... to help him. Yes... everything He came and rescued him in a special way... if God will to give him a special human touch... everything will be completed.

He is seriously thinking of quitting his current job and seek greener pasture which he can focus on ministry and work with pleasures...

I need a clear sign... give me a clear sign Lord...

... Yesterday's CG was alittle different from the norm. Joshua led in a time charade. Everyone of us took turns to act out a character from the bible. I happened to take the more difficult ones.

Acting out the character Jocab was easy. Tried throwing some punches here and there... but it looked more like boxing than wrestling. Roped in Joshua to act a scene of wrestling. Johnny and Jasmina could not give the correct. We decided to drop bigger hints like a whole nation was named after him, his hip bone was been touch by the angel of the Lord etc. They still couldn't give the correct answer.

We decided to reveal the answer.

"It's was Jocab!"

After some much fun and laughters, Joshua commented that we were still very lacking in our bible knowledge. He did it in a manner of encouragement and not putting down those who were not so knowledgable. He reminded us that we need to read the bible more often. I was encouraged by the way he inspired the rest of us to get back to God's word instead of putting us down.

The time of worship was led by Jasmina... though we could not sing the last song well... I believed the Lord was pleased. It was how good we can sing individually or how well we can sing in unison... Worship was never about us. It is about God and God alone. Indeed, the Lord God Almighty is worthy of our praise.

Joshua took the rest of the time to share his heart for the CG in the coming months. He wants us to focus on being more sensitive to the Lord's prompting. Hence, the theme for the upcoming months was "Find the Father's heart".

He hoped that we will spend more time to seek the Lord through prayer. I was tasked to embark on the 1st session which is the upcoming week CG.

It's a new beginning, a new journey for Lighthouse 1...

My personal prayer is our heart be conditioned to be align to God's hearthear, Ears to in tune to hear God's gentle whisper and eyes to open to see the wonders of His intervention.

Oh by the way, we have a new CG name... we are called the "N.U.@.H" CG.
'N' stands for Nurture our CG members
'U' stands for United in the CG
'@' stands for @difying one another
'H' stands for Honor God which is the pillar for us to Nurture, Unite and @dify one another. We will do all the three because we want to Honor God.

... my heart craves for a ride... speed to some where rent a boat and sail to any no man's island to be embrace by the breeze. There after, sit by the beach reflecting on my life. Staring at God's wonderful creation.

Away from the distraction of city life, away from people, away from everything...

My emotional is goin through another round of roller coaster... why am I feeling this? I know the answer to my own question... it's just that I can't do what my heart desires to... I can choose the easy way out. However, I still believe in not running away from the reality. I want to face it, I want to stand tall after it... with the help of the Lord, of coz.

The heart is deceitful above all things
and beyond cure.
Who can understand it? - Jeremiah 17:9

Thankfully, God is here to hear my woes. With all these emotional roller coaster... I grew to be more dependent on Him. I just hope and pray that I will do the Lord's will. Just like the prophet Jeremiah says.

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD ,
whose confidence is in him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit." - Jeremiah 17:7-8

I want to be the tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream... drawing its source of comfort, peace and strength...

Added link... it's my Covenant Group website.... Click here

... Came back from the Streetwise Run at Sentosa. Thanks Rebecca for inviting me to the run. I was joined with fellow christian brothers and sisters like Tim, Ian, Chong Wee, Joy, Zhiyin and Rebecca. We didn't participate on the 10.5km competitive run. We ran the 5.5km community run.

For someone who had stopped running for 1 and half year, it's a achievement. Even since I started working I had not put running or jogging as part of my exercise schedule.

My stamina had dropped tremendously bad. 2 years ago, running was nothing to me... having clocked 9:21 for IPPT achieving gold standard. 2 years later, I doubt I can even clocked 12:40 the minimum for bronze standard.

All the eating of supper, feast to one self delight... gaining the spare tyre. Don't do go for me... hee.

Reflecting on this, it's the same for my spiritual life. If I don't take time to exercise my spiritual body. I will not be able to endure the future demanding hardship. Hence, I will continue to take time to pray, do my Quiet Time, do my Bible Study etc. to exercise my spiritual body.

Seriously, I ought to take time to plan in my running/jogging schedule into my routine. At least twice a week. If not, for the coming IPPT in Nov... I will be failing the test. Haiz.

... woke up and felt dizzy. Did my mundance things in the morning... brushin, washin and visitin the toilet... It's Sat.

Turn on my computer, and received news of someone death died in his workplace. A cloud of sadness hanged over my head. He also mentioned that the person died at 9am earlier this morning. Reflecting on this and realised that I was so priviledge to be alive to grumble on my mundance life while somewhere in S'pore... a life was left without having the strength to breathe anymore.

I prayed a short prayer for the decreased family members. Asking God to comfort and restore the family. Prayed that there will be people there to comfort them finanically, emotionally and spiritually. This is the least I can do for them.

Comfort them Lord!

I'm still very sad and burdened to read an email last night. I felt disturbed and troubled. My heart ached for the person. Moreso, because I can't do anything to change the situation around. It's beyond me. It's not my duty to change it. I shouldn't be in the picture at all. God should be the One who will comfort and guide in the person's journey.

I will just leave it as it is... minding my own business... though it's not my style. I'm not God.

Pardon my mindless... rattling in a early sat morning...

Hmm... looking at the bright side, I am going to Raffles Hotel Jubilee Hall for a Musical play later.
Going to cut my unkempt and horribly long hair.

Short and neat is still the best for me.

Blessed weekend!

Catch
... First and foremost, all praise and appluase to my one and only God. I can't believed that it had just ended. All the hard work accomplished over the two services. However, I totally must agree that it was worth it.

The whole two services were more than SUPERB. The dancers danced with so much energy. The singers sung with their hearts out. The worship team played tremendously well. The ushers were warm and welcoming, so much hospitality were exhibated. The logistics team, the hospitality team... and there were so many other people who had contributed so much into today's event.

This can only be done when God united and kindled our hearts together to execute such a big event.

God be the glory~! Amen~!

The 1st service was already pretty packed... which to me it was kinda of surprising coz normally there will be still a few section of the sanctuary not occupy. The 2nd service was even more amazing. The whole sanctury was packed till the people from the Young People's Ministry(YPM) need to give up their seats to the adult. Praise God... that could mean there are people whom we invited in the streets or the friends we invited came.

"O, What A Catch!"
The speaker for today's sermon was Pastor David Leong from the Scripture Union. He used John 21:1-22 to talk about the disciples encounter with the Lord Jesus.

After Jesus resurrention, he appeared to His disciples a 2nd time... to remain them that they need to fish on the correct side... not so much as in literal sense but a spiritual sense. They need to catch Men instead of fishes. In other words, catch the vision of the Lord's heartbeat. Disicple-making.

Though, today is a youth sun... the sermon I felt was not targeted to the youth only... it was for the adult as well. As much as we need to catch the vision of disciple-making. We need mentors which this the adults to help us with the monitor our progession and encourage on the vision.

In order for us to maintain the vision. We need to:
- Fall deeply in love with Jesus to know his heartbeat for the lost.
- Feed His lambs/take care of His sheep. What better way to really serve, is to minister to the lost and the believers.
- Follow Jesus all the way. Indeed I like what Pastor David mention. We, the YPM should not treat Pastor Swee Boo, Matt and Looyi as God, the Father, Son and Spirit. It will be a grave mistake to look at men. Man will fail and disappoint but God will not. They are there help, encourage and inspired. not there to give us eternal life. Only God has the power to do that.

David gave a altar call for both the pre-believers and christians who want to surrender or rededicate their lives back to Jesus. There were quite a no of ladies who stood up. Praise God for these people. I pray and hope that their encounter wil not just stop in the sanctury today but a beginning in to their daily walk with the Lord... that it will be a daily encounter with the Lord Jesus.

I'm Dying
After the service, we break for lunch and headed to Singapore Polytechnic for a games day. Had fewa good games of frisbee with Kel Tan, Kel Choo, Willie, Ian, Ronald, Ben, two other guys and myself. I was totally wrapped out.

Moments after the games, my brain started to go dead, my whole body began to grow weak. I couldn't concentrate... everything around me began spinning. Felt dizzy. Went to the toilet to throw out... I think I practically threw out my entire lunch... went up the audience stand to rest... still not okie. Felt terrible. My guess was that I dun have enough rest the night before at Tim's place. Slept at 2am. I had to admit I'm no longer young liao. Got to take good care of my physical body. Must start planning a exercise program for either running or swimming. To work out my heart and bulid my stamina...

Thanked God for Kel Choo who was senstive enough to ask about my condition. Advised me to drink some sugared water to replenished my lost energy. Took a few slips, felt slightly better. Took some rest... then the headache came back again. Excruciating pain encamped me. I felt like dying...

He suggested I join them for dinner even though I coudn't eat with such condition so that I could recover in time to ride my bike. It was too dangerous to ride. Hopped into his car...

As they ordered their food, I sat there with my cup of 100plus. Glutted down one can and stoned there. While Kel Choo ordered another can for me. Glutted down after I was slightly better. Rest some more... When the whole gang finished their dinner. Someone in the table prayed for me while the rest bow in prayer... wait I started to recall. Josh and Johnny prayed for me. Kel and Johnny laid their hands on me while Josh prayed aloud.

Kel, Zhen Yang and I parted with the rest of the people after the prayer. My headache was gone, I felt almost completely healed. I was praising God as I made my way to Kel's car. He drove me back to my bike which was parked at SP. He was cared enough to say that he will escort me from behind...

I lost them along the way when there was a red traffic light which cut us... I smsed them including those seated at the table that I was safe and sound. Praise God for sustaining my life.

It made me realised that my life is just vulnerable without God. I can just die if God will stop my breath for a few mins. Then I will start to be brain dead and die. Praise God my creator who loves me enough to allow me to breathe. Amen~!

My life is His... and His alone.

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." - Gal 2:20

Praise and Pray
... Oops it's already 12plus so can't say it's tonite's Praise and Pray was excellent. The focus was the Youth Sunday.

Thankful I was able to finish up my work for yesterday. Rush to church from work... though I was tired, I still wanted to go down to be recharged and refreshed.

Decided to go to Greenridge to have a quick dinner. Saw the rest of the lighthse and livingstone CG so joined in to their table. Grabbed my economical rice and ate.

Left briefly so that I could prepare my heart to worship the Lord in the sanctuary... Pastor Fabian led in the worship, my heart was kinda of not right to worship the Lord. Thankfully, Pastor KK started a
session of prayer to prepare our hearts to worship the Lord. Prayed together with Ben. My spirit was better after that prayer session.

After which Pastor KK asked the congregation to pray for the youths in the sanctuary. We left for a briefing before departing to do prayer walk. Barnabas, Ruihao and Huiqi shared of their burden for the people out there... Praise God for their hearts. Although their sharing were different but common thing was they want people to come to know the Lord.

Looiyi gave us a short briefing and requested us to pair up in groups of four. Two brothers and two sisters. Wise choice. In this way, we can talk to anyone... if there are guys, as brothers we can help to advertise the Catch, if gals, the sisters can take over. Zhen yang, Shuping and another sister who I didn't bother to find out her name were in the same group as I was.

Along the way, there were people who rejected us flatly. There were those we were quite okie about it. Yes, there were discouragements... it just made my heart aches to see them rejected to have a chance to get to know God a step closer... They were not rejecting us but they were rejecting God instead. We prayed for them... that God will bring other people to come into their lives in the future to minister to them.

I remembered I did not come to know the Lord straight away... but it's those faithful ones who ministered to me one way or another that I am who I am now.

When we were about to return to church , we met an elderly lady in her 80s. She was having difficulties getting down from the escalator. Zhen Yang helped her down while I helped her with her groceries... she began to relate her life to us. Interestingly, the rest of the group wasn't able to speak well hokkien... so I was left to interact with her more... Shuping was there to communicate to her to make her more at ease.

She kept saying it's her good fortunate that she bumped into us. We knew it's we divine appointment from God. Shuping and I was trying to relate that it was God's blessing bestow upon her. Tried inviting her to our Hokkien service. Was kinda of difficult b'coz she was hard of hearing... hence we repeated a few times... Nevertheless, the message was brought across. Hopeful and prayerful she would come to the service. Accompanied back to her doorstep. Her son wasn't very pleasant to see strangers like us accompanied his mum back.

Yet, he continued to thank us... and closed the door behind us. I was troubled by the son's reaction... will I do that when my parents are old and slow.... I questioned myself. I prayed that I will not be like that when my parents grew old and slow.

Zhen Yang led a short prayer for this granny as we walked. I echoed his prayer. We headed back to church. The rest of the groups had already gathered back. Looiyi was asking for any testimony to be shared. Zhen Yang took the initiative to share about our group's encounter with the elderly lady. I believed it as a blessing to the rest of my brothers and sisters. Looiyi shared that the harvest was not only for the youth... although our focus was the youth last nite. I could agree more... the Father's heart is burden of all His creation... young, old, healthy, sick, rich or poor they are all precious in my Father's eyes.

Ended the night with Zhen Yang, Royston, Alvin and Looiyi saying the concluding prayer...

Youth Sunday... I'm excited, so are those people who had been praying hard for it.

Catch the soul, the vision and the fire. Come join us... and be blessed

Day Two of Retreat - Part 1
Did Quiet Time on Romans 8:1-17. I was rather an interesting passage... but did dwell very much into the passage. My mind was half here, half somewhere else.

Breakfast was great. Had a packet of fried mee hoon and another packet of fried mee. I'm a pig. Ate the entire two packet by myself. Lol.

Roy came timely for his message on F.A.I.T.H. Roy was my spiritual mentor when I was in Singapore Polytechnic. He is a insightful, wisdom and humble man of God. The few Man to man sessions helped me through some of my difficult issues in my life.

F - aithful
A - vailable
I - nitiative
T - eachable
H - umble

That was the break out of his message. He started off with the last alphabet.

Humbility
Humbility is seeing ourselves as who we are... not more, not less.
Humbility needs to be cultivated and protected.
God loves the humble

Teachable
A continous eagerness to learn and to be taught
We stopped being teachable when we think that we had known everything.
We need to constantly desire to learn to keep in step with the Father.
We can learn from everyone, young or old.

Initiative
Jesus took the initiative in many of the passage in Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. Eg. Feeding the thousands, calming the storm, washing his disciples feet etc...
We don't take the initiative b'coz it is unimportant.
Thus, we need to be initiative.... to complete the Lord's task

Availablility
We can be available for the wrong reasons.
Sometimes, be are available to ministry b'coz we want to run away fromour home.
Sometimes been available means to stay in the ministry too.
Be available even it is boring, mundance etc.

Faithfulness
Do things well, not for the things that can be seen but not seen.

"Our goal in life is to please HIM whether visuable or invisuable."

Lastly, Faithfulness & Humbility are the two pillars while Availability, Initiative and Teachablity are the application of Faithfulness & Humbility.

To be continued...

... back from the retreat yesterday. It was both enriching and tiring experience. Little sleep, lots of talking and seeking after the Lord. The four days, three nights went past with a blink of an eye.

Day One of Retreat
Before the whole retreat had started, I had already experience the Lord's blessing. I was having doubts on whether I would be able to make it since my leave was pending on the actual day. I was praying madly for the Lord to create a miracle to allow me be there without having to worry about my work.

Praise God! My leave was signed in the morning and thus I was able be on leave after 12pm.

My heart skipped a beat for that. I tried to clear as much work as I could.

Packed my stuff and cleared my table. Print out some notes for the recreation. Went over to Marine Burger King, had this new burger which was launched. Grabbed a quick bite before sped down to Navigators building.

Quite a no. of teens and labourers had arrived. Greeting them before settled down and changed to my sports wear. Shortly, they were getting ready to clean up the place while Hungkiat and I retreated to one corner to go through our recreation. Checking the procedure and the logistics need for each games that we played.

After Kia Yuan finished his briefing, we started our indoor recreation. Had quite abit of hard time trying to get these people to settle down. I wasn't in the mood to try to catch their attention. My engine was still running cold... I guessed I was still trying to put off the hectic week at work. Nevertheless, thanked God they were able to settle down after much prompting.

Started out first game, 'Scissors, paper, talcum powder'. The game was played in a such a way when the loser would get a stroke of talcum powder drawn on his/her face. The game were played for 3rounds, 10mins each.

Everyone was having lotsa of fun in this game. Many of their faces were painted white. Carried on with some other more games... Ended the last game with everyone trying to have the most cloth packs on his/her body. I was impressed by Jas that she could put so many of them on her face and not feel any pain. I was the last to played... couldn't put much on my arms... I should have tried put the on my tummy, I could have a better chance of winning.

After washed up, when everyone was thinking that the speaker, Tah Chong would start with the topic of Vision of Disciple-Making. Kingmum told the teens that they would having TMS(Topical Memory System) Quiz. Everyone was booing.. that don't play this kind of practical joke. It was scheduled in the program sheet.

Hee, it was part of our planning to include TMS Quiz anytime of the retreat. Most of them were taking aback but they did their best for it.

How I wish, I could participate in the TMS. It was my motivation every time, I go to camp... it's was a highlight for me in the camp. However, over the years there wasn't chance for me to challenge with anyone over 60verses... most of the time, the quiz only stopped till 30verses. In order to encourage the younger ones to participate. Now, I'm a labourer, there wasn't much chances to compete with anyone anymore.

15mins after the unprompted TMS Quiz, TC began his message.

What is vision of disciple-making?

"A clear mental image of a preferable future imprinted by God to His servants and is based upon an accurate understanding of God, self and circumstance."

It's investing your life in the life of another, with the aim of helping him/her to grow and mature as a fruitful life.

Matthew 4:19 - "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

However, there are cataracts in disciple-making if we don't deal with them properly.

1) Shallow conversion
2) Faulty discipleship
3) Making poor transitions of new phases of life
4) Overcome by the cares of this world
5) Lacking God's wisdom

The ending note... "Start Investing Your Life today..."

Had a 15mins short prayer for the various aspects of the camp.

The last program for the night was conducted by Chris Lian, Serendipity. An interesting time of making the various group(F.A.I.T.H) to promote their team to apply for a job from the Navigators. It was a wonderful time.. The night were on a higher note when Kenneth make a presentation on behalf of the labourers. I almost fell from the chair with him making such presentation... eg. our combined prayer hours was something x 10 to the power of 53 hrs. We fed 1000 people blah blah. All these chaps. It was a hilarious.Only he could have such an ability to make the whole session a laughter-filled time.

Finally, it was time for wash up... Day one of the retreat was over...

To be continued...

... Praise the Lord! I was able to obtain 1and 1/2 leave for the oncoming retreat. Was kinda of paranoid that there was last minute issues that need to be resolved. I was kinda of upset thtat it had disrupted my initial plan. Prayed like mad that it's really God's will that He was able to straighten my path so that I can go to the retreat without thinking of work at the back of my mind... My prayers were answered yestersday and today. The issue was solved yesterday and my leave was approved this morning.

Thank God for answering the prayers of your lowly servant.

I will be off after 12pm to the retreat... and I foresee a extremely lengthy blog when I return. In meantime, have a blessed weekends!!! God blessed.

Tuesday - 17/06
...Was out eating sushi on Tues with a group of unplanned group... consisting of Tim, Wern, Jason, Joshua, Sin Fee, Galv, Kel Tan, Mich, Dorothy, Joy, Eve and not forgetting myself... what a group. Had not been out with such a big group since I left poly. We were at Suki Sushi in Lot 1.

I discovered that everytime, I meet some of these people in the west... I will always have to run from West Mall to Lot 1. The last two times, I was at Lot 1 cinema while the rest is in West Mall, This time round I was at West Mall when they were at Lot 1. Goodness, it's like playing hide and seek... F...u...n...n...y...~!

The sushi was good... but wasn't the best coming from the mouth of someone who had been to Japan. Well, I just contented with whatever they had. "I eat to live and live to eat"... hee.

Sitting with Galv, Kel Tan, Sin Fee, Eve and Wern proved to be hilarious... Galv was commented that why did Wern to bring so many under... Beep. when there should be some sets at his hometown. The word 'sets' sparked of many laughters. We were teasing Galv over it. Din know under...Beep comes in sets... You mean there are sets of Mon, Tues, Wed blah blah... Lol. Been the only lady in the table, Eve was been bombarded by our censored language... Goodness...

Proceeded to Gelare for our little dessert, waffles with a scoope of ice-cream. Treated Galv and Dorothy to a plate, another plate was shared among 4 of them while Tim and I shared.

Sitting in between Joy and Tim proved to be another entertaining affair with Tim suaning Joy mercilessly while I added some spices to favor the suaning... I'm evil. Leaving Joy vexed... Oopz... I'm just too 'encouraging' liao. Gonna stop. Building my ego at the expenses of her... Okie, gonna find something encouraging to encourage her.

Parted with the group and headed home alone, when I received a sms from Mich saying that she had a wonderful and enjoyable dinner. More so b'coz it was a impromptu one. Couldn't agree more...

Wednesday - 18/06
... Watched 'Finding Nemo' yesterday with some of the group, I met the day before. Met up early for dinner prior to the show. Had this so called Lasi Lemak dinner set which I never failed to eat whenever I am in P.S. Will post them once I download them into my computer. Go and try it. It's value for money and nice. Oh do take plenty of chilli. It's really excellent... with ika bilis mixed.

Tim and his trademark sign...

Galv's food...

Mine...

'Finding Nemo' was a well reviewed movie and it had. Actually, I realised that it was more of a father and son animation. And Father's day was 4 days back... I'm sure those fathers who had watched the show with their sons on Father's day would have find the show meaningful. Nevertheless, it prompted me to think about my relationship with my own dad. Yes, my dad is not perfect. He, too have his shortcoming. However, I still want to model his life... Over the years, my relationship with him grew not b'coz of my own effort rather it was God's intervention. I believed that was one of the greatest blessing my Heavenly father had bestowed upon my life. Dad, I love you. God loves you even more~!

"Go...watch...'Finding...Nemo...'...if...you...can...you...will
...not...regret...it..." trying to speak like a whale. Those who had watched the show will understand this last sentense. *Laughing hysterically*

... too tired to type out the whole day trip... in short from ECP to Newton and back to ECP... from 11pm to 6am. Check here to see the pictures...

... One hour to go before my weekdays come to an end and my weekends begin. Got meetin later on till 9pm then I need to rush home and do some quick packing before hitting ECP for the overnight cycling. Hmm... still need to repair my bike for awhile. Wah rao... it's a mad rush. Lord, give me strenght and stamina for the whole day...

Gonna bring my digi camera to snaps... *Yawns* I'm tired... Don't care... die die also must endure... hee.

Have a blessed weekend people~!