N246 Musings and Reflections

A Remarkable phone call

2009-07-06T11:33:00.001+08:00

2009-04-06T08:14:00.002+08:00

If He ate with drunkards, he might have drunk martell or volka with them but will not get drunk, he drank in control.

If He ate with gluttons, he might serve everyone to ensure everyone gets his morsel before he gets his, he will savour the food, eat in moderation, comment about the food, rather than thinking where to eat next, or compare his meal with other eating experiences, but before that he will thank for the food.

If He sit down with tax collectors, he might share his experience on financial management while working for his earthly father. He might tell them he would make furniture of excellence and craftmanship to give to those in needy.

He stoop down and wrote on the ground in midst of chaos and uproar.

Can you spot the similarity?

2009-03-20T17:07:00.002+08:00

marley......

2009-03-07T16:26:00.001+08:00

Everything in the beginning is called Genesis.
But why in the end it's called Revelation?

2009-03-07T12:37:00.003+08:00

Horoscopes and zodiacs are inaccurate , because personality can change but character has to be immovable.

Marley & Me

2009-03-05T02:26:00.003+08:00

We caught Marley & Me and I personally finds it to be a touching film of a man and his dog over the span of 15 years. I was sniffing in the theatre with everyone else just doing the same. There are several touching parts for this plot and I rate this movie as a worthy to watch film.

Do you know 24 labradors was used to document the different stages of Marley as played in the movie? Anyway, Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson looks good on the set :) I guess its a struggle for every newlywed to settle down with their career/pets/children and to juggle them real well. In this movie, Marley is depicted as "the worst dog on earth" but I find him very empathizing! Like how he comforts his mistress (Jen, played by Jennifer) after she suffered her first miscarriage and how he stayed by this young girl with John (played by Owen.W) in the neighborhood who was assaulted. With his passing away, the family mourned the death of greatly loved Dog and Companion over the last 15 years. There are many more touching parts, you guys should catch it if you hadn't yet.

From John Grogan:
A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his.

Touched by the ending especially about what the author said.
A dog doesn't care about your status and material possesion, even a water logged stick will do just fine.
A dog judges on the inside because he doesn't care about your class, creed and colour.

Hello Everyone

2009-03-03T03:03:00.001+08:00

Hey everyone!

hope everyone is doing good and fine. :)
A more simple skin, hope that will motivate you guys to write often in this space.

Love,
Peggie

4 stories

2009-02-21T00:29:00.003+08:00

Today , I'll reliterate the 4 stories I had heard.

The Chalk

There was a professor of hign standing teaching in a university over 20 years. He did'nt believe there is a God, simply to say he did'nt believe in religion or the existence of God. So over the years he would challenge his students if there is a God, if anyone would to stand up for this belief , he would throw his chalk and it would break into pieces and he will shout "you fool, there is no god".
One day there was a student maybe 14-15 years old. As usual the professor would do the same thing. The student decided to response this question.
He did.
The professor exclaimed "you fool"!, threw the chalk on the floor, but something not of the usual happened. The chalk slipped off his hand , went into his sleeve, down to his shirt and roll down to his pants and to the ground.
The chalk was intact.
He was in shock. He went out of the classroom , quit his career.
Was it coincidence or an intervention?

The Chalk ~ The man heard his words spoke to him.

The Charcoal ~ Who was the cold and frozen wood refering to?

The man who tried to save the birds.~ How did the man realize?

The 10 men. ~ What did they wake up to?

What will you do
If there is no music,
no people
no light
no Tv
No MSN, internet,
the shops are closed,
There no smses coming in
How would you react if there's absolute silence
If nobody talks to you, to stimulate you verbally,
Nobody wants to communciate with you ,
If you tried talking but there's little or poor response,
If what you do is considered nothing or being scorned at?
"What can I do to feel significated"?
What does "alone" mean to you?

WHat is the dread in your life?

I am no different from her.

NEglect is an abuse .
The poor, the needy, the widows, the stranger, the fatherless.
2 out of 5 comes from the family unit.

What is the last 5 mins you do/ preparing yourself before you sleep?

What is the 1st 5 mins you think/preparing yourself when you awaken?

That will set your way to your end.

There is something that overcomes reality. It starts with F.
There is another word that reminds you of your reality. It starts with F too.

It's not mental psychosis nor mental stimulation, or supression.
It's not releasing emotions nor emotional shutdown.
There is being physical and yet being happy , secure and comfortable.

There is true happiness.
True existence.
An awakening.

There is something that is done for you . And there is something you need to do for that done for.
It's a on-going process . This will change your course/journey.

It's not " would you accept for what has been done".

It's "would you like to know this person for what he has done", to know of his existence, his reality in your life, his presence.
This will carry you through.

2009-02-15T17:58:00.000+08:00

It is easier to move forward than to look behind.

A time to love

2009-01-08T21:12:00.003+08:00

To let go does not mean to stop caring,it means I can't do it for someone else.
To let go is not to cut myself off,it's the realization I can't control another.
To let go is not to enable,but allow learning from natural consequences.
To let go is to admit powerlessness, which meansthe outcome is not in my hands.
To let go is not to try to change or blame another, it's to make the most of myself.
To let go is not to care for,but to care about.
To let go is not to fix,but to be supportive.
To let go is not to judge,but to allow another to be a human being.
To let go is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes,but to allow others to affect their destinies.
To let go is not to be protective,it's to permit another to face reality.
To let go is not to deny,but to accept.
To let go is not to nag, scold or argue,
To let go does not mean to stop caring,it means I can't do it for someone else.
To let go is not to cut myself off,it's the realization I can't control another.
To let go is not to enable,but allow learning from natural consequences.
To let go is to admit powerlessness, which meansthe outcome is not in my hands.
To let go is not to try to change or blame another, it's to make the most of myself.
To let go is not to care for,but to care about.
To let go is not to fix,but to be supportive.
To let go is not to judge,but to allow another to be a human being.
To let go is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes,but to allow others to affect their destinies.
To let go is not to be protective,it's to permit another to face reality.
To let go is not to deny,but to accept.
To let go is not to nag, scold or argue,
but instead to search out my own shortcomings and correct them.
To let go is not to adjust everything to my desires,but to take each day as it comes and cherish myself in it.
To let go is not to criticize or regulate anybody,but to try to become what I dream I can be.
To let go is not to regret the past,but to grow and live for the future.
To let go is to fear less and love more

Remember: The time to love is short

By : Lim Bingren.

2008-12-01T11:13:00.002+08:00

WOW! its been a long time since i even visited this blog.
I was just thinking. After all that great anointing in the Asia conference,
alot of trials and tribulations are gonna come our way.
Individually and as a cell group.
thats e only way the stupid devil knows how to attack us right?
So just wanna encourage all of you never to let the excitement die off after Asia conference.
Do go home and pray. or rather. start praying. Hah!
im guilty of it myself. So...
I will repent as well.

Anyway, get well soon Peggie. ((:

- Pee Jay

Day 1

2008-11-20T02:19:00.002+08:00

The anointing flows when you honor the person first, no matter how much i wrote , when it comes to the crucial details , my mind can't seem to focus , respect and honor the person who gives the presentation, it takes efforts and lots of preparation.Your attitude and body language says a lot, smile be more friendly , sincere ,engage in meaningful conversations. Please please don't "lose colour".

What is your greatest fear? What did it really comes true?

The final account you will close is not your bank statement . It's your life.

2.13am

2008-11-05T01:53:00.002+08:00

If you are a son, you got to be the son.
If you are a man, you got to be the man.

You still have to be a son.
You still have a be a man.

I am still the son.
I am still the man.

But you lose the role , the moment you don't accept the responsiblity that comes with it. With the position , it brings you to the place where you can serve , not using the power for self.
It yields greater efficency and better productivity.

Heartaches will happen when you enter into something you are not intended for.

Be real.

Smile.

Book titles.

2008-10-28T12:10:00.003+08:00

Inspired by the recent upsurge of attachment cases.

Falling in Love in 6 seconds.
Getting attached in 60 mins.
Getting unattached in 60 days.
Coping with breakups.
Love for dummies.
101 quotes to use on dates.
What to do when you don't know what to do on your 1st date.
Hitched for eternity.
Falling out of love in New York.
A walk with love at masar malam.
Today with Dr. Love.
Teenage chronicles.
Making married life works.
You still have to choose the right partner.
How to say Yes and No to undesired approaches.
How to start your own fan club.
How to look at girls without your gf noticing at orchard rd.
Lovespirations.
1 way to tell your friends you are attached.
Financial planning with Dr. Love.
"I'm attached !"
A story about AH Beng and AH Lian.
Another story about AH Beng and AH Seng.
"Oops I'm attached again" foreword by "Brit Spears."
10 methods to holding a girl's hand - Beatles , "I wanna hold your hand."
Coping with "Me, myself and JAckson."

Feel free to post more.

TO EVERYONE

2008-10-23T17:19:00.001+08:00

Hey everybody!

I've revamped our cg blog layout.
Its fresher and I am sure will motivate more of us to blog here!

Anyway,
just a shoutout to the o levelers

JO JER GER PX MANYAU

All the best for O's!

(Peggie)

reflections.

2008-10-20T23:05:00.002+08:00

Love is the greatest preacher.

Respect - The moment you lose respect for each other , the relationship will start to go downhill. teacher-student, parent-child , husband and wife.

It's not how ,many you know , it's how much you care for them.

2008-09-15T15:28:00.001+08:00

HE preached to thousands about his terminal illness and tugged at hearts with a hit song.

The problem is the pastor wasn't dying at all

Michael Guglielmucci, who inspired hundreds of thousands of young Christians with his terminal cancer "battle", has been exposed as a fraud.

Guglielmucci, whose parents established Edge Church International, an Assemblies of God church at O'Halloran Hill in Adelaide's southern suburbs, now is seeking professional help.

Earlier this year, Mr Guglielmucci released a hit song, Healer , which was featured on Sydney church Hillsong's latest album.

The song debuted at No. 2 on the ARIA charts.

It since has become an anthem of faith for believers, many of whom are suffering their own illness and were praying for a miracle for Mr Guglielmucci, who has claimed for two years to be terminally ill.

In one church performance that has attracted 300,000 hits on YouTube, he performs his hit song with an oxygen tube in his nose.

It appears Mr Guglielmucci, who was a pastor with one of Australia's biggest youth churches, Planetshakers, may even have deceived his own family.

"This news has come as a great shock to everyone including, it seems, his own wife and family," Hillsong general manager George Aghajanian said in an email to his congregation yesterday.

"Michael has confirmed that he is not suffering with a terminal illness and is seeking professional help in Adelaide with the support of his family. We are asking our church to pray for the Guglielmucci family during this difficult time."

The Advertiser was told last night Mr Guglielmucci may release a statement on the situation.

The Australian Christian Church said Mr Guglielmucci's credentials immediately were suspended once he told the national executive that his cancer claims were "untrue".

"The national executive is taking this matter very seriously and is awaiting the results of medical tests before determining the full extent of the discipline that will be imposed upon him," vice president Alun Davies said.

"We are very concerned for the many people who have been or will be hurt by Michael's actions.

"We encourage all of our churches to pray for all those affected."

English Praise & Worship Song - Today

2008-09-02T01:56:00.001+08:00

A song from CCC sang in Expo Service with Dr. Peter Wagner.

Chinese Worship Song

2008-09-02T01:44:00.002+08:00

This song is sang during Chinese Church at the Jurong Church compound. Hope you like it.

丝路

2008-07-17T19:39:00.003+08:00

如果流浪是你的天赋那么你一定是我最美的追逐
如果爱情是你的游牧拥有过是不是该满足
谁带我踏上孤独的丝路追逐你的脚步
谁带我离开孤独的丝路感受你的温度
我将眼泪流成天山上面的湖让你疲倦时能够扎营停驻
羌笛声胡旋舞为你笑为你哭爱上你的全部放弃我的全部爱上了你之后我开始领悟
陪你走了一段最唯美的国度
爱上了你之后我从来不哭谁是谁的幸福我从来不在乎谁是谁的旅途我只要你记住

星星就是穷人的珍珠
你的笑支撑着我虔诚的最初
狂风沙石我单薄衣服穿越过亚细亚的迷雾爱上你的全部放弃我的全部

爱上了你之后我开始领悟陪你走了一段最唯美的国度爱上了你之后我从来不哭谁是谁的幸福我从来不在乎谁是谁的旅途我只要你记住

云破日出你是那道光束带着平凡的我走过奇迹旅途

爱上你的全部放弃我的全部
爱上了你之后我开始领悟陪你走了一段最唯美的国度
爱上了你之后我从来不哭谁是谁的幸福我从来不在乎
谁是谁的旅途我只要你记住

Can anyone share with me his/her feel on this song?

就算失望不能绝望

2008-06-21T23:59:00.002+08:00

If you would cry , I will keep your tears and bottle them up.

If you lose all your hair , don't worry I had them accounted for.

If you see a set of footprints only , don't worry ,know that I carried you on the way.

If you run , know that a cloud of witness is cheering you on.

If nobody understands you, know that I fully understands, because I know all the intents and thoughts.

If you feel hurt, know that I borne the pain for you. I can feel the pain.

If you know I borne the pain , can you give it to me?

If I say, would you hear?

If I said , would you do it?

If I leave, would you bear it?

If you know what I done for you , would you not do it again?

If I have loved you , would you love him/her?

If I have loved you , would you love them ?

If I forgive you , would you forgive them ?

If you can have a fresh start today , can you give me your yesterday ?

If your today's failed , will you still love me tomorrow?

If I'm coming back tomorrow , what would you do today?

If your brethen fell , can you pick him up?

If I provide , would you give?

If you have success , would you remember me?

If you fail , can you try it again , with me?

沉默的羔羊

2008-06-15T16:10:00.002+08:00

当别人误解我的时候我总是沉默
沉默对我来说其实是一种反驳
当世界遗忘我的时候我一个人过
幸福对我来说其实是一种传说
当敌人越来越多朋友都离开我
当爱情变成一种负担却无法解脱

我不是沉默的羔羊我有话要讲
给我一点酒让我有勇气向你吐露我的悲伤
我不是沉默的羔羊我也有梦想当明天太阳升起照在我的脸上我一样能散发光芒

羔羊也会怒吼沉默是一种力量你是不是和我一样在现实中学会坚强

我不是沉默的羔羊我有话要讲
给我一点酒让我有勇气向你吐露我的悲伤
我不是沉默的羔羊我也有梦想当明天太阳升起照在我的脸上我一样能散发光芒

2008-05-22T22:13:00.002+08:00

Hello everyone!

I truly agree with Jin.

Recent weeks, Pastors been preaching about prayers. Our life's quality can only be determined by our prayer life. Let us really pray more not only for ourselves but also for our cell group. The cell group belong to us. Apart from praying, let us really inculcate other spiritual disciplines such as fasting!

So guys, let us really pray more.
Lets start seeing growth in our connect group that our seed sown on good grounds will grow okay! I love you guys but don't wanna see the same people every week.. hahahah

NEW BLOOD.

Lets carry a new burden, greater compassionate (:

2008-05-22T14:41:00.002+08:00

okay. this is rly random.
last week during service, pst kong encouraged us to be prayer warriors right?
during service, i felt a burden for the cell group.
i feel that all of us, as members, we can start to want to grow the cg.
the cg belongs to all of us, not only br, peg fk etc.
so why dun we start praying MORE for the cg during our quiet time?
we should even fast as a cg and perhaps start a prayer chain.
in our own connect groups, as a whole cg.

i myself, am not contented with seeing e same people every week.
i really hope to see new friends every week.
if each of us bring 1 friend every 3 months, how much will our cg grow?

i, Tan Pei Jin, take ownership of N246.
and im working to bring my friends to Christ.
cuz i dun wanna hide in the 4 walls of the church.
cuz i wanna be a labourer, cuz i wanna be a woman after God's own heart, where His will is mine. ((:

2008-05-08T12:47:00.003+08:00

hello dearest members of N246! (:

took quite some time before the pictures were uploaded.
so it was an awesome time of fellowship and a great celebration for bingren!
so these were the pics taken then,
peggie you've got more of it right..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BINGREN!

THE SISTERS-TAKE 1

THE SISTERS- TAKE 2

THE BROTHERS

MACHO BINGREN AND THE SISTERS

ARRIVAL OF JAMIE!

FINAL PICTURE OF THE DAY! (:

explaination without sounds

2008-05-07T00:53:00.006+08:00

explaination without sounds

2008-05-07T00:53:00.001+08:00

Healthy Living!

2008-05-04T16:56:00.003+08:00

Hello!

Let's have a fortnight sunday afternoon outing from now on! Our very first outing day would be on 18th May 2pm, and we will be going prawning at Bishan! I think prawning is the latest fad, haha... but it sounds fun. Prices i heard was $30 for 3 hours, so i guess two ppl can share one rod, so you will only need to pay $15. After that we can have a small bbq there and we can have a "who can catch the largest prawn" competition. Haha..

Subsequent outings are yet to be confirmed. I thought of a few things that we could do
1) Badminton
2) Beach games @ Sentosa
3) Tree Top Walk at Mac Ritchie
4) Tennis
5) Cycling + Blading @ East Coast/ West Coast
6) Hiking at Bukit Timah
7) Flying Kite
8) Basketball/Soccer/Captain's ball

Yup. If you have any ideas can contribute as well. Do think about it and feedback to me which activity you are most keen on having in the upcoming weeks. Let's not just be strong spiritually and mentally, but let's be physically fit as well!

Food for thought

2008-04-24T20:35:00.002+08:00

Hi guys!

Haha... its been a long long time since i last blogged. Anyway i just want to share something that really blessed me.

Last week during EOGM, Pastor was talking to us about having a discipler in our lives. A discipler is like our spiritual father, someone that guides us and corrects us. Everyone needs a discipler; if Pastor Kong himself is discipled, how much more we? My question to you today is, who is your discipler?

Many people told Pastor Kong that their discipler is Benny Hinn, Billy Graham etc. But none of them have a personal relationship with these people. They only READ all their material etc. However, reading someone's notes/books etc doesnt make one your discipler. Pastor shared some things to check whether someone is your discipler. If reading etc is enough, then why do we still go to church? Why dont we go watch online service all the time? It is because there will be minimal impartation. Elisha was around Elijah all the time. Jesus twelve disciples, especially His closest three were always with him. It is through relationship that impartation flows.

1) Does this person pray with you individually? If a person doesnt pray with you, he cannot be your mentor. Prayer builds intimacy.

2) Has this person shared a Word of Revelation with you in private?

3) Do you physically serve together in ministry?

If the answer to the above question is "no", may i suggest to you that you could be spiritually "fatherless"; you will never be able to grow and to breakthrough in your spiritual life. Let's really not be complacent in our spiritual lives. Find yourself a discipler today!

I am a friend of God

2008-04-09T23:53:00.003+08:00

Wah, been so long since I've blogged here about videos. haha. And it seems like this blog is having some cobwebs liaox.

Well, hope this blog will kick start another round of super and power blogging!

Chanced upon this Korean version of "Friend of God".

and for those who wanna listen to English version:

Moreover, the English ver of the song, do note how big the church is! It's a new building for that American church, and seems like a stadium to me. Our future building will be like that! =)

Takes a long time to load, but worth the wait!

Be Blessed!

2008-04-04T16:00:00.000+08:00

hello dearest members,
some snap shots during cell droup fellowship!
enjoy! and have fun! (:
continue to fellowship and stay bonded!!

Be Ready for Easter!

2008-03-16T23:06:00.005+08:00

Hi guys,

Should you think of a creative way to intro our drama and reach out, can refer your friends to the trailer url. Happy harvesting!

And for those who are wondering about the drama at Jurong West:

2008-03-07T01:10:00.002+08:00

Hey lovely members!
so heres the lyrics of the song, which i shared with you guys during cell group meeting last week. yep! anyway, if you're wondering how the melody of the song is like, you can play the song at the end of this post! i hope you guys like it! Enjoy.. (:

YOU ARE MY ALL IN ALL

You are my strength
when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all

Seeking you like a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I'd be a fool
You are my all in all

Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is your name

Taking my cross,
my sin my shame
Raising again I praise your name
You are my all in all

When I fall down you pick me up
When I run dry you fill my com
You are my all in all

Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is your name

10 Values - Built to Last

2008-02-21T05:50:00.002+08:00

Value #1: Loyalty
We need to choose who do we want to align ourselves with.

Value #2: Commitment
Stay committed to the things/persons you have chosen to be aligned with.

Value #3: Respect
(Submission to authority) Honor the ones you are called to serve.

Value #4: Accountability
(Connectedness) Stay connected with the ones above you, so that you will stay on the right track. Update with the ones above you on your progress.

Value #5: Family
Family is an important unit.

Value #6: Love
(Forgiveness, Mercy, Grace) You cannot build anything on condemnation, criticism, judgment, hatred or unforgiveness.

Value #7: Faithfulness
(Trustworthiness) It is the cornerstone of our character. Be faithful to the least, to finances, and to things that belong to others.

Value #8: Hard work
(Diligence) God does not promote laziness.

Value #9: Integrity
(Truthfulness) Foundation is built on the truth.

Value #10: Generosity
Break the spirit of envy by giving more.

And why do we need values?
Visible (identity)
Attract (magnet)
Lead (compass)
Unite (glue)
Establish (foundation)
Standard (ruler)

2008-02-20T16:29:00.001+08:00

Strength Of A Man

The strength of a man isn't seen in the width of his shoulders.
It's in the width of his arms that encircle you.

The strength of a man isn't in the deep tone of his voice.
It's in the gentle words he whispers.

The strength of a man isn't how many buddies he has.
It's how good a buddy he is with his children.

The strength of a man isn't in how respected he is at work.
It's in how respected he is at home.

The strength of a man isn't in how hard he hits.
It's in how tender he touches.

The strength of a man isn't in the hair on his chest.
It's in his heart, that lies within his chest.

The strength of a man isn't how many women he's loved.
It's in being true to one woman.

The strength of a man isn't in the weight he can lift.
It's in the burdens he can carry.

Woman of Strength

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape, but ...
A woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything, but ...
A woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her, but ...
A woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future, but ...
A woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them.

A strong woman walks surefootedly, but ...
A woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face, but ...
A woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey, but ...
A woman of strength has faith that in the journey she will become strong.

2008-02-12T22:44:00.000+08:00

HAPPY CNY EVERYONE !!!

SUNDAY 10TH FEB
Steamboat-cum-cardlloship
@ Fk's Crib.

Never felt so kanchiong spider playing
"HEART ATTACK!!!!"

"INDIAN POKER"

"S.HOLE DAIDEE"
in a 16D room yet sweating like mad before.
hahahahahaha

Awesome time of fellowship and "sabo-ing"

hahahahahahaha

Van, I still cant forget the scene when BR got a 3 and he changed card

hahahahahahaha

till then ~

2008-02-11T01:36:00.000+08:00

happy chinese new year everyone!
so for those who did not go over to fookai's place for steamboat,
we played cards,
and it was an awesome time of fellowship!
PICTURES!

INDIAN POKER!

what was my card?

2008-02-05T12:35:00.000+08:00

STEAMBOAT!

CNY CELEBRATION!

Communication

2008-02-04T00:35:00.000+08:00

Hello!

Guess it has been ages since i last blogged. I have went AWOL for quite some time. Anyway i have been reading this and i felt quite blessed by it, hope that it can be a blessing to you.

N.B. The following is an extraction from Dr John C. Maxwell's newsletter, leadership wired, the Jan issue.

COMMUNICATION – A LEADER’S KEY TO SUCCESS
By Dr. John C. Maxwell

For my whole life, I have opened my car door by inserting a metal key into a physical lock. Now, I can unlock the doors and start the car at the push of a button. It seems like magic to me, but it’s actually a simple application of science.

Keyless entry and keyless ignition are made possible when a transmitter within your key fob communicates with a radio receiver inside the car. Two conditions are necessary for this communication to take place: 1) the transmitter must be set to the same frequency as the receiver, and 2) the transmitter must send a uniquely coded message which the receiver has been programmed in advance to recognize.

Communication acts as a leader’s “keyless entry” into relationships. It can open the mind of an employer, the wallet of investors, and the hearts of loved ones. Talented communicators seem magical when they weave their words together. However, much like the concept of keyless entry, great communication depends on two simple skills—context and delivery. Context attunes a leader to the same frequency as his or her audience. Delivery allows a leader to phrase messages in a language the audience can understand.

As we explore context and delivery, we’ll draw upon Steven K. Scott’s book, The Richest Man Who Ever Lived. In the book, Scott offers commentary on the words of King Solomon, the wealthiest man in history. Renowned for his wisdom, Solomon writings are filled with advice about effective communication.

CONTEXT

Listen before Speaking
“He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame unto him.” ~ Proverbs 18:13

Earn the right to be heard by listening to others. Seek to understand a situation before making judgments about it. As the Greek philosopher, Epictetus, observed, “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.”

Understand Human Nature
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” ~ Proverbs 12:18

Words are powerful, and they can build up or tear down those who hear them. Regardless of your audience or avenue of communication, the following principles enable you to communicate constructively.

People are insecure. Leaders can bestow confidence by demonstrating their trust and belief in a person’s abilities. People want to feel special. Leaders win a loyal following when they are generous with compliments and acts of appreciation. People are looking for a better future. Leaders inspire through an optimistic outlook and words of hope. People are selfish. Leaders learn to motivate when they begin speaking to the needs of their people.

Be Emotionally Aware
“Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day…is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.” ~ Proverbs 25:20

Communicating within context involves taking the emotional temperature of others. Pay attention to facial expressions, voice inflection, and posture. They give clues to a person’s mood and attitude.

DELIVERY

Adopt an Appropriate Tone
“A soft answer turns away wrath but grievous words stir up anger.” ~ Proverbs 15:1

When you’re emotionally aware, you’re halfway to effective communication, but you still have to deliver your words appropriately. Many times it’s not what you say, but how you say it. Adopt a fitting tone to address the emotional state of those around you, and your words will have their desired effect.

Speak Persuasively
“The heart of the wise teaches his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.” ~ Proverbs 16:23

The National Storytelling Festival, held in Jonesborough, Tennessee features some of America’s most captivating communicators. Listen for awhile, and you’ll discover traits that allow them to persuade listeners to take interest in the stories they tell.

Enthusiasm. The storytellers obviously enjoy what they are doing, expressing themselves with joy and vitality. Animation. The presentations are marked by lively facial expressions and gestures. Audience Participation. Almost every storyteller involves the audience in some way, asking listeners to sing, clap, repeat phrases, or do sign language. Spontaneity. None of the storytellers have notes. The festival is truly an oral event. Storytellers didn’t read their stories; they tell them, which allowed for eye contact.

Be Honest
“He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.” ~ Proverbs 10:18

In an effort to persuade, leaders may be tempted to cross the line into manipulation. When doing so, facts may be fabricated or spun deceptively. Lies add complexity to life since the liar has to operate under the guise of falsehood. Eventually, lies are brought to light and undermine credibility. Leaders protect their character by using discretion in their language. They speak truthfully—even when honesty is costly.

SUMMARY

Poor communication is the number one culprit of failed relationships—in business and at home. Since relationships are the foundation of success, leaders would be wise to invest in the communication skills of context and delivery. Master them, and you’ll more easily gain favor, more readily make friends, and more effectively motivate others.

2008-01-24T01:51:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone!

This is a nice video, I am obsessed with it.
ha ha ha not so serious. But its very nice.
JunQuan have the movie, so anyone who wants it can kindly get it from him =D

Anyway to Van, Rhoda, Joy - ALL THE BEST for your O's! Confidence must come from within. =) we will be rooting and cheering you guys on !!!

For all the girls who love the Lord :D
From the AMPLIFIED BIBLE, wow, I seriously love it!

Proverbs 31:30 (amplified bible)
Charm {and} grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting],
but a woman who reverently {and} worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!

2008-01-21T17:13:00.000+08:00

heys guys, here are the photos taken 2 weekend back.

Here @ T3 !!!

very curious how the lift works!

Wishing our very dear girls *DRUM ROLLS*

HAPPY 14TH AND 16TH BIRTHDAY
to
Little Angel and Darling Jojo respectively!

left to right: jojo , br, angel

May this year be a great and awesome year

for the both of you as you embark on your journey to

being the top student (angel) and Aceing your O's (jojo)

and may the blessings of God be continually poured forth

into your life and

N246 love & wishes both of you happy birthday !!

2008-01-17T15:46:00.000+08:00

Hey everyone!

I have this very strong desire to start a bookworm club for our cg. haha (people who don't love to read please dont persecute me)

I always believe in the more you read, the better your grasp for English language will be. I love good books, sentimental, family-like, friendships, romance etc. Books that will dig into your heart and make you realize life is actually so simple. Books that you will bawl your eyes out. hehe

Maybe because of my love for English, I love good books. I don't enjoy reading e.g 101 ways to being a millionaire! I DON'T!.

I love reading. I always admire authors who can write well.

Okay maybe I can include a new vision for this
****Buy a new book every month to read****

Let us all speak with good English and write well.. so the first step to make it all happen is to...

STOP USING SINGLISH
LA LEH LOR HOR and all the LOLxZx HahaZxXx

most importantly, let us read the Word more!

2008-01-15T13:09:00.000+08:00

Hey everyone,

Somehow this sentence just kept coming into my head, it is also acting as a reminder to me that I gotta have the humility and willingness to learn, and keep learning more.

"you will only start to change when you stop thinking that you are better than others"

It has got something to do with the renewing of our mind.
Like what Pastor/Cgl always say, your life wont change until your thinking change!

<>-<>

In year 08 what are your dreams and visions for yourself, family, spiritual life, relationships?

Just as what BR preached during CG

Hab 2:2
Then the LORD answered me and said:
“ Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.

#1 Write your vision down, make it visible !
You can set it as your wallpaper for desktop, laptop or even cellphones!
#2: Constantly remind yourself of it!
#3: Your vision must MOTIVATE you!
Let our vision be from God and not from self!

JR and JAMES - we will be rooting for the both of you! July 10th will be your weight check for 2008 (haha!) Jia you!

Jo, Jer, Manyau, Peixuan - This year is an important year for the 4 of you, dont lose heart! It is only the beginning of the year. As long you all study hard and smart, put in the effort and sow your time into your studies, you will reap what you sow and earnestly desire!

N246 - Lets continue to press on and love God more. You cannot put old wineskin over new wineskin! Renewwwwwwwwwwwal must come from within! GAMBATTE!

Worship Songs we sang so far...

2008-01-13T21:16:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

Been a long long time since I've posted. Haha. I'll carry on with my video posting on our dearest blog.
Well, for the past 2 weeks, our church been singing worship songs from PlanetShakers (to Weishan's delight, I suppose, since he once told me he love PlanetShakers.). Here's the video version from YouTube:

Beautiful Savior:

Fall in this Place:

Have a blessed week ahead! Yea! A new year: a new wine-skin for the new wine! Put those big rocks first in the jar, otherwise you will never be able to put them in...

2008-01-09T11:54:00.000+08:00

Hey everybody! Something I wanna share while working on my work assignment :)

The ugliest personality trait is SELFISHNESS
Our most endangered species is DEDICATED LEADERS
Our greatest natural resources is our YOUTH
The greatest “shot” in the arm is ENCOURAGEMENT
The greatest problem to overcome is FEAR
The most effective sleeping pill is PEACE OF MIND
The most crippling failure disease is EXCUSES
The most powerful force in life is LOVE
The most dangerous person is GOSSIPER
The world’s most incredible computer is the BRAIN
The worst thing to be without is HOPE
The deadliest weapon is the TONGUE
The two most power-filled words are “I CAN”
The greatest asset is FAITH
The most worthless emotion is SELF-PITY
The most beautiful attire is SMILE
The most prized possession is INTEGRITY
The most powerful channel of communication is PRAYER
The most contagious spirit is Enthusiasm

~ Source: “The Plain Truth” 2005

Faith Hope Love, The greatest of them all is Love.

2008-01-08T00:29:00.000+08:00

His name is higher than any circumstance,
His name is holy and righteous,
His name brings hope,
He is JESUS and there is life in Him
to all who believes.


A E F#m7 E D A Bm7
Verse:
A            E              F#m7
Jesus, beautiful Saviour
E                  D
God of all Majesty
A          Bm7
Risen King
A
Lamb of God
E                F#m7
Holy and righteous
E              D
Blessed redeemer
A                            Bm7
Bright morning star
Pre-Chorus:
E                              A                     D
All the Heavens shout your praise
E                     A             D              E
All creation bows to worship you
Chorus:
A                                        E         F#m7
How wonderful, how beautiful
E                       D                      A Bm7  F#m7 E
Name above every name, exalted high
A                             E                     F#m7
How wonderful, how beautiful
E                    D          Bm7                D F#m7 E          Asus A Asus A
Jesus Your name, name above every name Jesus
Verse
Pre-Chorus
Chorus
Bridge x2:
A        E            F#m7
I will sing forever
E             D
Jesus I love You
               Bm7 E
Jesus I love You

Chorus Tag:
Asus A Asus A
Je - sus, Beautiful Sa - viour

The First Day Of 2008

2008-01-01T22:39:00.000+08:00

In this first day of 2008, I thought I could just write a message for all of you on the blog. Here goes!

Weishan - Lightstick of the year! You have always been thoughtful and have always placed others before self. Easily the warmest person in our cellgroup and I always find it so easy to get along with you. Thanks for all your sacrifices, be it in your time or your finances, be it big or small. I really appreciate them.

Ryan - Best Newcomer in your company! You know I've always admired your eloquence and your determination. Always felt that you deserved the Leap of Faith award. You've inspired me to be really more driven in my work and for that I thank you.

Peggie - The Downright Neighbourly award winner! Although at times I get really tired of hearing you talk about that particular someone, I am still grateful for the times you encouraged me in my walk with God. I've seen so much change in your life and it's just great that we're still in the same cellgroup after so long. I appreciate you.

Jiarong - Stop being so uncle! It's great having you around. Your often out-of-the-blue freezing cold statements never fail to create a light atmosphere in our cellgroup, although sometimes they create an intense desire in me to deliver a punch to your face. =) All the best in this new year!

Yeling - The mother of the girls I suppose? Thanks for your effort in livening up the cellgroup. You know, I trust that in God you will truly find the desires of your heart coming to pass. Have a great 2008!

Qilun - You too are a driven man and I've learnt much from the way you do things as well. You have been such a great help to us in planning for the cellgroup chalet. So efficient in the things that you did. Although in the end we chose to forego all the dinner plans, I still think that you have contributed so much for the chalet. Thanks a lot!

James - The IT man. So dependable and all. You have a great heart. Even though you have to spend most of your time in Attributes, before and after service, to serve. You still have a heart for the cellgroup. Responding to the call for the videos production despite being busy. Hope the desires of your heart is granted in this year!

Shijia - You have a voice that many others would be jealous of. Use it to bring glory to God alright? You have grown much over the past few months. Continue to be changed by the Holy Spirit and become the woman who God wants you to be yea? Jiayou!

Hongchun - Thanks for always hanging around. Dun worry about the IPPT. Just keep training hard and I'm sure you'll get out of RT in no time. You can do it!

Junquan - If there ever was a best newcomer award in the cellgroup, I would definitely vote for you. Your attitude of always being hungry to learn more has challenged me and I have gained much from that as well. You are always giving your best in the things that you do and so you really do deserve that 'Just do it' award. CLAP CLAP!

Josephine - I always love the times when I can talk with you. Remember what I've told you in the card alright? And you are learning very fast in your guitar. Keep practising and I'll teach you more another time k?

Haitang - I will never ever forget last year's end of year celebration. You are always wonderful and gracious in your words and deeds. Wouldn't be able to think of how cellgroup would be like without you. Though you have few words, your heart is always with N246.

Suling - Boy! Those witty comments you made about Peggie really made me laugh! Peggie don't get offended and Suling don't make that a habit. Don't let others despise your youth. Live your life for God.

Peijin - The hosts really made the award ceremony so fun and I gotta say this, " GREAT JOB PEIJIN!" You truly made a difference. All the best for your results and I am sure that it will be good. Have a great year!

Peixuan - You are always so high! Go and do what is needed to fulfill your dreams. I'm sure if you put your life in God's hands, you will see yourself becoming a mighty woman of God. May this 2008 be your best year yet.

Joy - Stop calling me whatever you're calling me now. Call me by my name! Hahaz. It's great to always see you coming for services. Cellgroup meetings next okay? Thanks for the friendship! Happy 2008!

Rhoda - Always so shy and demure. But yet so easy to talk to. I think it's really great that you brought your mom for service. You're the priest in your household! Good to have you around!

Manyao - You are so young. But everyone has potential and you have it too. Do what it takes to maximise that potential in you and I'm sure you'll be living a life that shines. Jiayou!

Vanessa - Once again, I'll really like to say that you did a trememdously wonderful job for the decorations. Great to be in the same cellgroup with you and I'm looking forward to be celebrating our birthdays together again in this 2008.

Bingren - How can I miss you out? You are truly a leader in every right. I've said it before and I'll say it again. You have made such a tremendous impact in my life. If it wasn't for you, I guess I would still be pretty lost. Once again, thank you. 2008 shall be a great year for N246.

And to all those whom I may have missed out, it's probably because I do not know you very well. I would still want to appreciate you for who you are. And it's a blessing to know that we're serving God together.

Here's wishing all a great year ahead!

2007-12-31T00:29:00.000+08:00

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW

Bing Ren !!
missing: Yeling, Michel, PeiJin, Rhoda, Vanessa
missing: FooKai, RenCheng, YaoHui
BR's SOT GRAD.
N246 in the beginning.

happy girls = happy friends!

great friendship!

must have photo!

eh enjoying la...

seeing them smile on a warm day out..ALL WORTH IT.

bond that wont break

never never break like chopsticks!

lets pose for a nice one *cheeeeese*

caring for our sheep and loving them!

WITH ALL THE LOVE

HEY GUYS!
The year is ending! Before that, lets thank God for everything that happened in our CG. I am thankful for each one of you, for helping and moulding me. I am not perfect but I will keep on trying my best to change. After our annual IMAD, hope our lives are all challenged to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in someone else's life. There is potential in everyone of you, dont give up! We might not be the best and perfect cell group around but lets continue loving one another with the love of Christ =) So to each and everyone of you, you guys made a difference in my life !!

And not forgetting the man behind our change.. LIM BING REN. (ha ha ha) I think we thank you enough during our I.MAD la, dont um chio okay. hahahahaha

For the year 2008, lets enter it inheriting the promises of God, growing ever so strong with passion and fire and love. Lets continue making a difference in society, in our school, at home, wherever we go okay! GAMBATTE!

Heaps of love & Shalom!

Camp P.S.P. Things to bring

2007-12-09T19:16:00.001+08:00

Hey everyone!

here is the things to bring for the camp, just a guideline

No. Items Quantity
1 T-Shirt (Team colour) X 2
2 Shorts X 2
3 Undergarments X 2
4 Windbreaker X 1
5 Trackpants X 1
6 Slippers/Sandals X 1
7 Towel X 1
8 Toiletries (Eg. Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap) X 1
9 1 litre water bottle X 1
10 Torchlight X 1
11 Sleeping bag X 1
12 Writing materials X 1
13 Plastic bag X 2
14 Bible
15 Personal medication (Eg. Inhaler)
16 Whistle X 1
17 Cap (optional) x 1
18 Sunscreen/Sun block lotion (optional) x 1
19 Insect repellent (optional) x 1
20 Personal cash (approx. $10 for personal spending)

Camp P.S.P. Things to bring

2007-12-09T19:16:00.000+08:00

Our Very First Zone Camp, Camp P.S.P.!!

2007-12-07T23:38:00.000+08:00

This is a call for all you YOUNG people out there! (35 and under considered youth, according to Singapore!) If you fall into this category, but dun feel so youthful, this is the camp for you to shed out of the dusty aged old self! The rest of you, the most hip, young and happening people out there, do come for the camp and let your youthful exhuberance and zest shine in this camp! It is a one and a half day event, (most likely dont sleep at night one, haha) from the 11th Dec- 12 Dec.

Anyway just some things for you all.

Here is a link to some pictures of our new venue, MOE Dairy Farm.

myinsidespace.blogspot.com

Kudos to terence from jeremy teo's cg for going to take pictures

Also we will be having campfire!
Check out Joanne's cg blog, she posted a video on how to sing ALL THE CAMPFIRE SONGS!
so i believe you dun want to go there kuku dont know anything, so do go check it out!

e399.blogspot.com

If you do not belong to this cg and are keen to join us for a time of great fun, do give me a call at 91825052! (Bingren)

Invincible

2007-12-02T23:54:00.000+08:00

Hi guys,

Bringing you all back to remembrance of the outstanding performance from Carola Maria Häggkvist when Pastor Ulf Ekman came some 3 weeks ago.

The song invincible really lifts one's morale up. Not only that, the lyrics is quite meaningful. A song dedication to all those who are attached (you know who you are! *winks*) that your love with the other person is simply INVINCIBLE!

Here's the lyrics:
--------------------------
INVINCIBLE
Performer: Carola
Music: Thomas G:son, Bobby Ljunggren, Henrik Wikstro"m
Lyrics: Thomas G:son, Carola Ha"ggkvist

Never gonna run away
I'm not gonna hide
I know just what I feel inside
Oh... Nothing's gonna make a change
Forever with you
You're always by my side
You're always on my mind

Invincible
One love supreme
Unbreakable
One land of dreams
Two hearts unite
Insatiable
This love tonight
Invincible

Love is like a miracle
Invading your heart
And when it strikes, it hits you hard
Woah... And when it's comin' over you
You won't let it go
I'm always on your side (Always on your side)
You're always on my mind

Invincible
One love supreme
Unbreakable
One land of dreams
Two hearts unite
Insatiable
This love tonight
Invincible

I'm always on your side (Always on your side)
You're always on my mind

Oh... Invincible (Invincible, invincible)
Unbreakable
One land of dreams, one land of dreams
Two hearts unite
Insatiable
This love tonight
Invincible

This love tonight
Invincible
--------------------------

And here's the video from youtube! First is Sweden's Eurovision Semifinal 2006, and the second is the official music video!

Enjoy!

Wasabe? no no. It's Wesabe!

2007-11-30T00:15:00.000+08:00

Hi Guys,

I've chanced this website (actually it was a friend from NUS who emailed and intro this website to the whole group of us) Wesabe . Well, to summarise, it is an online tool which helps us to keep track of our expenditures and income, letting us know where on earth did the money went into at the end of the month by generating for us a brilliant presentation of bar-graph charts. It is simple to use, but all it need is for the user to be very disciplined in recording his/her daily transactions. Well, we're in the midst of our building fund, and if you're those impulsive spender, Wesabe may be a good tool to monitor your spending, and make necessary adjustments and calibration for your next month's spending. The following is a video on how Wesabe actually works.

Enjoy!

All I want for Chrsitmas, is....

2007-11-29T23:55:00.000+08:00

Top 10 items on my Christmas Wish List:

#10: A classic sports watch (to be worn in beach and while jogging)
#9: A pair of jogging shoes
#8: A good pair of stylish spectacles
#7: A stylish jacket
#6: A cool sling bag (those small ones which you can put an umbrella, a bottle, and a notepad)
#5: A leather bag for office work
#4: A pair of good-looking dark blue jeans
#3: A nice long-sleeve shirt
#2: The iPhone
#1: 3 "A"s, 1 "A-" and 1 "B+" for my five modules (coincidentally, the results release date is during that period...)

Hahaha. I'm a very practical person. But if my wish-list could be granted, I'll be a very happy man! hahaha!

Have a blessed day!

Something Beautiful

2007-11-29T10:30:00.000+08:00

Hi guys,

As I was watching youtube, I finally come across this song's original music video! I first watched this music video while I attended a church in America! (Well, Newsboys is more based in America) It's by the Newsboys, a contemporary Christian band who has been in our church once last year, and the music video was made in conjunction of the film Miss HIV. Well, the music video is conducted in some African country, which has, by the grace of God, the least number of HIV infected people. Well, enjoy the music video!

I chanced upon another Newsboys video which I guess is played in some part of Latin America (since the lyrics are all in Spanish), and the environment seems to me like a shopping center (with all the various levels within the building and escalator-like structures!) Wow, imagine having live praise and worship not in Singapore Indoor Stadium, but level 1 of Vivo City! Enjoy this music video!

Haha.. it's not over yet. This is a nice song from Newsboys, He Reigns. Is about He Reigns everywhere! From Asia and Australia to Europe and Africa, and from N.America, to S.America. Even in Antarctica! Amen!

Finally, a very nice music video pieced up by a believer, using Newsboys song, I am Free.

A galore of praise and worship songs! Have a blessed time!

2007-11-29T00:53:00.000+08:00

Hi all..tis is my 1st post in tis blog..enjoy^^

As i was looking through the net for a christmas gift, i came across something which really kind of surprises mi..and is it one of the gifts u could give to some1 w/o even spending a single cent..and the most amazing thing is...the reciever will like it just as much as what other gifts would bring..and from the webpage it is one of the top gifts tat most ppl would want..its the gift of LOVE..In Cor 13:13 "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." U might have all faith to move the mountains, but w/o love i am still nothing..so guys, learn to love one another and treat them the way u want to be treated. All of us are God's children, by loving them, you are also loving God..

Another video uploaded!

2007-11-27T20:09:00.000+08:00

Hi All!

Wah, this is very addictive man! Just uploaded a live praise on youtube! It's the new song, run to you, which was the theme song for our Arise and Build 2007 video! Well, enjoy and be blessed!

Another new video post

2007-11-26T22:37:00.000+08:00

Hi guys!
Yea! 3rd consecutive post. Someone please break my posting streak... Hahaha. Well, I've finally calibrated the length of the video so that I can post this on youtube. Guess you'll be very blessed by this live worship! It's God of my Youth! This song is really very key to those who have been with Christ for years, and really drive us to not to look back but strive on!
Be blessed!

At the threshold of 2008

2007-11-26T02:15:00.000+08:00

Hi guys!

Wow, I managed to blog in 2 consecutive times. Haha... Actually just a suggestion what we could do at the threshold of 2008. Well, we could do a lot of things, but one good thing to do is to do a Vision Statement for 2008. Or best, do a Vision Statement for your life! Well, the concept of making a Vision Statement video can be learned from this link: VisionStatement

And an example for a "My Vision Statement for 2008" (well, this is random search on youtube, it's a 2007 example):

Have a blessed week ahead!

First Vid Post at YouTube

2007-11-22T01:00:00.000+08:00

Hi guys,

Finally I've posted 2 videos at youtube! haha. Quite an achievement. Well, the best is now I've learnt the technique of recording videos from streaming sources. So... hehehe.

Well, do be encouraged daily as you watch this Arise and Build video. It's the first one to be shown. I'll soon post the one with the pledged amount. Hope it will spur you guys on to fulfill your pledges!

This other video is a nice worship song on Hosanna. Oh, love the song so much that the bridge is my alarm tone in my hand phone. :)

2007-11-19T23:52:00.000+08:00

MR N246

CONTESTANT #1: TAN JIA RONG JACKSON

CONTESTANT #2: LEONG FOO KAICONTESTANT #3: TAN WEI SHAN GRAYSON

-SERVICE WITH PST PHIL

WOW GUYS, I am sure the paintings Pst Phil painted on the spot was phenomenal yeah? Saw many mouths gasped and gasped and gasped and he slaps the acrylic paint on.
the #1 paint is The Lord's Supper
the #2 paint is The Cross

as a man wills so is he

Blessed week ahead =)

2007-11-18T01:37:00.000+08:00

*DRUM ROLLLLLS*

Today we celebrated Joy's & Ryan's 17th & 23rd bday respectively.

The CG wanna wish both of you HAPPY BDAY !

1 2 3
happy bday to you
happy bday to you
happy bday to J, R (joy&ryan)
happy bday to you!!!!

May this year end with your purposes fulfilled
and the coming year be filled with greater purpose in the Lord.
God grant the desires of your heart.

With love, N246 =D

Funny Video

2007-11-13T18:44:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone!

This is a super funny video that my boss showed me the other day. Although it is about insurance, yet i feel that it relates to our experience in reaching out to people. Do persevere on, service with Pastor Phil this week is going to be a fantastic for your friends and yourself!

Short Post

2007-11-05T01:08:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone!

great to see lively discussions going on. Everyone is entitled to their own views, so please dont take any comments personal or what k. Learn to respect the differences in people.

Anyway, wow... long post by Weishan, my mind is in a daze now, busy rushing assignment and brain not thinking too well. But in response, i just feel i can make a little comment.

We all wear a mask, some hide more, some hide less. But the reason we do that is because deep within us, we are afraid that other people will not accept us if we take that facade off. We all have insecurities. It is normal. That is why we got to learn to love one another.

What is love? The famous verse in corinthians, love is patient, love is kind etc. In short, to me, love means accepting a person for who they are. This does not mean you must agree with everything the person is doing, yet, you tell the person that despite of all these, they are valued and important. If you can only accept a person when they are riding the waves in good times, then disappear the moment a problem crops up. That is not love at all. I always believe in a chinese proverb i learnt in primary 6, Huan Nan Jian Zhen Qing, if my hanyu pinyin is bad, or if you simply have no idea what i am talking about, it is better known in english as, "a friend in need, is a friend indeed."

Can we afford to love each other more? I certain believe so. Nobody is perfect. If you know me, i have a mountain load of weakness. Haha... maybe many of you can attest to that, but like Weishan said, lets be true to ourselves. There will always be a fear in us to take off that mask, because it hides us from our vulnerabilities.

But, in every friendship and relationship, there is always risk involved. What if, the person does not accept me for who i am. So will everyone accept us, when we choose to take off our masks? I believe not all, but i believe many will. Yet why take the risk of getting hurt? Of getting rejected? Because, when we choose to take that risk, we open up a door where there can be true communion. Where each other can know that they are true, and no pretense. In the atmosphere of trust, can a friendship really blossom.

Lets build a cg where we accept who each other, for who we are. Weakness and all.

Building Funds, Building Lives, CG, Love, God

2007-11-04T22:57:00.000+08:00

Hey everyone,
I believed everyone of us who went for service pledged our "Isaac" on the altar. There is already power in the seed we sowed, there is power in reproduction. Let us not just stand by the sideline because of thoughts like "there are so many people giving" or "aiya i need to buy this buy that pay this pay that" or "if i give i dont have any left"

Through our givings, our character is being built up, our faith elevate to a whole new level.

Many of us come with needs in our life but its only when we sacrifice and give our BEST, give our "Isaac", our faith is being released because of our stepping out. Let us not be limited by what we have but a little becomes much in the Master's hand.

Do not grow weary while doing good for in due season you will reap a harvest if you do not lose heart.

Don't lose heart. Continue to sow on good grounds and in due season, your harvest for your family's salvation, for your friend's salvation, for your cg revival, for your financial debt cancelled and entering into financial prosperity, for your studies to excel, for many many other more. Lets stand together to believe for a stadium for 30 000 people !!!!

Whats your greatest desire?
God will supply all your needs through His riches in Christ !

-
with regards to Grayson's post... Hmm..

I believe, as much as we want our CG to grow, let us love one another more with the love of Christ, caring more for one another. Let us not only love the lovable and acceptable but pray to God to enlarge our capacity to love people that are unacceptable. If we Christians say we love God yet does not obey His word to love His people, how are we different from the world?

Few weeks back during service, everyone us pledged our life to be a Star Thrower once again, how many of us actually still remember?

When tonight comes to an end, we will only be left with

7 mondays
7 tuesdays
7 wednesdays
7 thursdays
7 fridays
7 saturdays
7 sundays

and the days will just keep on decreasing, but will the souls that we have come to touched and blessed increase as the day decrease?

Let us not say in our hearts "the grass is greener on the other side" and yet be superficial both outwardly and inwardly. There is a PURPOSE of the CG you are in now! THERE IS A PURPOSE! Whats your ideal CG?

"i want my cg to be more encouraging but but but"
"i want revival but but but"
"i want my cg to this... i want my cg to that..."
YOU BE THE ONE TO CHANGE, STOP COMPLAINING.
Seriously, people who complain and blame God all the time goes nowhere in the end because they are often the one who resist changes in life!

I am not perfect but I can be better in my character and every aspect of my life. None of us is perfect but let us all strive to love people more, love God with all our heart. Come to the place of denial of ourselves, bury our cross and carry His's.

It is in the secret place where God has seen you!

PRESS ON !!!

"Critical" Story

2007-11-04T02:38:00.000+08:00

Time: 2.39am
Date: 4th November 2007

Hi guys, i have seen so many entries regarding revelations, sharing of the word and i guess its time i write something on the blog too, :p. Well, i observed that all the entries posted are very relevant to everyone, edifying, encouraging, enpowering and very educational. People who read them are enpowered especially the aquiring of wisdom & fear of the Lord. Well, i am sure that the cell group are growing, stronger and stronger, faith to faith, glory to glory. People are educating themselves, encouraging themselves to look upon the Lord for wisdom, understanding and love. It seems that people are really stepping out of their comfort zone and beginning to make a difference in the society, in people's life. Well, certainly, as a cell group blog, we edified and esteemed others more than ourselves, thus if there is any offense to whoever he or she might be after reading my posts, ha, please forgive me and i sincerely want to say sorry to you.

Yup! Questions are a constant in our life. It is the same as Change which is also a constant. Questions brings about answers which brings about changes, be it in our life, society, culture, standard of living etc etc. If we do not have questions, we are not progressing. Throughout history, well if you study them, well dun doubt, you studied them, eg, bible; human beings are progressive creatures, as the bible are being preached, as God gives us the anointing and inspirations, humans beings begin to develop, Science and Technology, Finances & Economies, Systems and Buildings are established. Thus questions are inevitable, we must also ask questions to improve ourselves, to enrich our knowledge and comprehend the importance of numerous complex systems in our societies. Thus so much for explaination, it lies to one point. I have a question...

Are we being true to ourselves?

1,2,3! raise up your hand if you think you are, and please do not response if you think you are not. Sometimes, in the course of persuing something, achieving goals and dreams, discipling people, we completely forget about oursleves, we rushed through the heavy duties in our life, stretching ourselves to the limits and eventually daily stuffs kept on going and going. Yup! that is solid, good, we are being fruitful, fully utilising the time God has given us cause He tell us to number our days, remember? ok Grayson, please get to the point!

Putting up a front for people?

Huh? Why did you ever say that?Did we put up a front and show people who we are?Questions upon questions clouded my mind. Well, the underlying answers, only you will know. I just want to share something, not ego or anything cause like what bible says, out of the abundance of my heart, the mouth speaks. Yup! thus after reading, you all can evaluate me, ha! Bing always tell me one thing, " Weishan, dun always please man!" I do not really understand the questions when he told me one and the half year ago, and he told me again, one year ago, i still do not understand! " Bing, i never leh!, i really think doing it makes me happy and people are happy too ma!"
" Weishan, dun always please man!"
Finally, i begin to evaluate myself, well it seems to be the darkest time when everything in my life falls apart recently. Am i pleasing man? Why am i doing all these things? Thats when the theif comes in to steal, kill and destroy, faith begin to dissipate. Finally, after sometime of struggling, i awaken to realise that all the while i am doing everything for God, to see the happiness of people smiling as their lives improved as you make changes to their lifes, their enviornments, a sense of satisfaction. I am sure you all have that kind of feeling. : )

Some people, throughout their lives are always putting up a front for others to see. They live life to the "fullest" as i called it cause they are always covering themselves up, afraid to expose their flaws, their deep secrets. Their presentations made them the limelight, people are so inspired by them, people look up to them, to people they look so perfectly fine, whereas inside them, they are so fearful of people knowing their abilities and insecurities. I do not deny, i am one of them, haha! Well, there are always two sides to a coin, there are people that i see that is so broken, true and genuine. Their presentations are so real so concrete that you will know their foundation is really built on a rock and Christ is the rock. Temptations and rough moments may come, they may fall, but every fall, every burden they are carrying, they are taking a step, one at a time, climbing towards their ultimate prize. They do not deny their fear, their insecurities, though they may seem weak but these are the true strength that one aquires as they carry the cross and stand in the gap. ( I am not talking about me btw). Though they are tired, they persevere, doing everything out of a genuine heart that little things they do will make a difference, like the starfish stories, though the boy may not save all the starfishes, but for that one starfish, he has actually make a difference.

Making a difference starts from you, yes please do not look around, its you. Actions go with Words. I do not deny the fact about flesh being weak, spirit strong, but questions i want to challenge you!

1) Are we being genuine ourselves? True to ourselves, being double minded as what the bible tells us are denied, thus why do people have to work so hard to become double-minded?
2) What is the underlying motive of standing in the gap and edifying people?
3) Are we putting up a front and hiding, chucking away our little secrets?

These actually boils down to the fact that, how do you think about our cell group?

These questions are not to pinpoint anyone and definitely not to criticise but these questions are questions which i use to evaluate myself and i hope to share with everyone, be it you received or not. Thus after thinking through the questions, if you feel that you are genuine enough, praise God and continue to become a true person, and if you are not, well still praise Him, but i personally feel that its time to evaluate yourself, Why not being true? doing things not just for man but for God who truly loves us and the underlying motives are genuine. I believed that people who always like to put up a strong front is like Shrek the movie, where "he" due to hurts and fear begin to have layers upon layers of emotions repressed like an onion. Like what Bing says at the airport, real changes comes from the heart, do not be hardened, do not feel pressured, but in everyday of our life, be true to our emotions, ourselves, anything that is not pleasing to God, try to change. Some changes may take a shorter time, some may take a longer time, but like what the "God" in bruce almighty says. "Isn't it beautiful that in Christ, anything that is messed up can be cleaned up" ( a little distorted). Isn't it beautiful?

Cell group is a place where brothers and sisters fellowship in the light. A place where people can be edified, enpowered, strengthened. A place where people can share their emotions, happy, sad, anger and joy. A place where people can find solutions for problems they cannot solved. A place where people felt loved. A place where people can feel the unity and every burden can be shared, rising to greater heights, soaring under the wings of the Lord. A place where you do not have to hide and change masks but you and you know in your heart, people around you are true.... what is your ideal cell group?

What is our cell group like?

How to say i love when we do not love? How to share if we not have a relationship with one another? How to grow stronger together if we not help each other? How to help if we do not express to each other how we really feel? How to know if we never ask? How to know what we need to know?

Friends, we change so that we can make changes, not just only for your sheep, not just only to show people that we "really" changed, but its for God and people will know you have change. We rise up not because we have to become a Leader, to be in the limelight, to have a wider social circle, to become what we want aim for, to become someone people will look up to, but all of us are called to become a leader in different areas of our life, our ministries, our marketplace, 2 bring about changes to societies, be it a neighbour's cat. But we rise up, because thats how we choose to believe in God, as what my leader says, "Obedience brings about faith in action". We believed and acted upon His promises and sincerely wants to improve lifes, build people's life so that they can become leaders too, and with the power of One, we can shake nations and move mountains. All these are expressed in simple languages, we know them, but are we making changes in our lifes so that we can make changes in other people's life? Did we really engaged our own cell group members, not just only the marketplace. The people around you are the marketplace people cause their lifes are revealed just in front of you. Stepping out to chnage your own life and other people's life? Are u??

Well, some of you may say that, "Weishan are you not doing the same thing, a pot calling the kettle black?" Well, in a way, i am trying too.. but this is the moment where we need to hold each other to press on? Anyone wanna hold me?( Yes i can see lot of hands , yah you, yes you, yah lots of hands, lots of hands!, your hands, your hands, your hands!)oops!

Friends, let us take sometime off your hectic schedule to evaluate ourselves, to become a genuine person where our light shines not through our mouth but hidden inside us, a fire burning deeply, passionate for God, for each other's well being, that we can minister to one another and everyone will really rise up to another level, not just for helpers but everyone, focusing on what you have, not what you do not have, trusting and resting in God's hands and i believed that miracles upon miracles we can see, happening to all of us..

Old Proverb: A friend in need is a friend indeed. Hey how much do u know me and u????

PS: A simple message for simple people to understand? Ooi! YOU understand ma????

; ))

Ending Time: 4.38am

2007-11-01T23:33:00.000+08:00

We wanna wish Yao Hui Happy Birthday!
~ ~ ~1 2 3 ~ ~ ~
Happy Bday to you
happy bday to you
happy bday to youuuuuuuuuu
happy bday to you!

To Haitang
Take care for your trip
the CG will miss you
You are so gonna have fun there, enjoy yeah!
We will see you in 15 days time!
With all the love =)

To Michel
I know you are enjoying yourself back home
eating sleeping and watching korean/indo movies
Dont forget to read the books, test awaiting you.
Just wanna tell you I miss you alot, you are my happy apple!!
the CG misses you too.. especially your leader haha
with all the love from Singapore : )

To PeiJin, Rhoda, Van
Girls, continue to mug hard, the ordeal gonna be over soon!

To Everyone Else
Continue to press on, I know everyone is busy, like the Uni guys rushing assignments and projects with deadlines due next week, the army (fookai) guy gonna ORD in 5 days (!!!!), the girls having their school holidays and some back in their home country till Dec (oh school days!), the working and studying youths juggling all at a go, continue to press on.

Exhausted but still in pursuit !

2007-11-01T00:07:00.000+08:00

Proverbs 15:2
"the tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
but the mouth of the fools pours forth foolishness"

Okay as I was reading and thinking, this is the most simplest conclusion I have.

Wisdom is simply the right application of knowledge because wisdom is directive and tells you what to do practically wherelse knowledge is informative giving you facts intellectually.

As wisdom is one of the nine spiritual gifts.. therefore we must earnestly desire after it. So we're the one seeking after it.

So what I want to say is..

wisdom is the right application of knowledge

the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom

2007-10-30T02:05:00.000+08:00

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom . What is wisdom ? I read somewhere - wisdom is the ability to execute the right thing at the right place at the right time, but i prefer wisdom is the ability to make the right judgements at the right time, avoiding the pitfalls , and gauging the matter at the back of your hand ,
In this world today , many people are doing things that unknowingly that got pain and regrets , maybe i should say this wisdom is the safety net that protects you from hurts ,regrets , .'it prevents you from doing things that hurts you. "Is wisdom philosophical ? " Can you assess wisdom?" well i guess not, it will only show how much you can handle undera crisis ? it's like your lifejacket , it will only come in handy in during aircrashes. but it's our responsibility to keep it clean with air . It is like an axe, it helps you to chop down obstacles in life, .
Next how to get wisdom ? how to get wisdom , it comes through work , your own work, your self-evaluation , what applies for you maybe nt be applicable to others . Does it comes through experiences ? maybe , maybe not? For me , i learnt through other experiences , but my own experiences are the greatest lessons taught , . Does it hurt , yes pain, stupidity, maybe that's where you learnt wise.
C.S Lewis once said the moment you think you are better than others , you have a problem of pride , " I think i know this he doesn't know", I have more money than him, I think i can do better than him, " . Many times our questions towards people sometimes it's just simply assessing others and i know i am under the scrutiny of others? Jr please be secure , I am .
Back to wisdom , it's the most powerful tool for your life, my success is built on other ppl success , if ppl are successful i am successful , empowering others is the same means as empowering yourself.
Hmm my personal nviction is , what i learnt or experienced i tend to release it fully , no holds ba to that extent , i will not rehold, held back i will go all out to protect it even it costs my hurt, . my personal belief is i won't want another person to experience the same pain i had, i won't want to protect him.
you may ask , if he won't experience it he won't learn , but i believe if it's possible i won't protect him. but i would give my piece of advice to help him ,seeing a person going through the same thing and getting that kind of nonsense is unbearable for me, Jesus and his disciples leh? i'm sure Jesus will not want his disciples to feel the pain , however Jesus suffered , likewise , we like suffered too. "not my will but yours be done" Even the savior suffered , are we greater than him?
" now you understand how i feel" i guessed each and evry one and a set of sufferings to go through , lol , not " Journey To the west " i think he won't wants us to get hurt , but through each ordeal every trial there's glory behind it , and we comes out victorious and I believe that Jesus is the greatest cheerleader of your life , because he gave up his life so that you could run and finish it.

2007-10-29T18:20:00.000+08:00

Hey peijin, i like the analogy that your sister gave. Wisdom is from God. Proverbs 2:6 For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Truly when the curtain is unveiled, what you see and receive comes from God.

But there's something about that analogy which i disagree with. Your sister mentioned, "you only attain wisdom when God choose to unveil the curtain and let you see whats beyond it." Does it mean that it's only when God chooses to give you wisdom that you receive it? Does it then mean that we should just wait and hope that one day God will decide that it's time to unveil the curtain so that we can receive wisdom? And even right now i just decided that my usage of the phrase "receive wisdom" is wrong. Yes! Wisdom is not received, it is obtained.

Proverbs 2:1-5 says, My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God.

There has to be a certain crying out and a lifting up of your voice. There has to be a seeking and a search from you. Yes! The unveiling of the curtain has to be done by someone. But that someone is not God. It's you!

So can i make some tweaks to your sister's analogy? Perhaps it would be better to say,

You will attain wisdom when you choose to step up and unveil the curtain, and see the treasures that God has stored up for you behind it.

And so now we ask, what are the practical steps we must take to "unveil the curtains"? Maybe we can start by understanding what is written, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Anyone wish to provide their views?

2007-10-28T23:08:00.000+08:00

"In all your getting, get wisdom."
my sister told me this sentence and got me thinking about what really is wisdom.
anyhow, i was simply thinking about it.
and when i asked around for opinion, someone told me this.
"wisdom is anointed common sense".
not exactly the answer i was looking for.
i was thinking, wisdom probably has something to do with being able to deal with people's emotions.
but i havent exactly get the gist of it.
when i was conversing with my sister one night,
she was telling me that wisdom is somewhat like an uncovered curtain.
so she gave me an analogy.
she said that normal people can only see the curtain when they step into this certain room.
you only attain wisdom when God choose to unveil the curtain and let you see whats beyond it.
i agree.
my opinion: wisdom is definitely not pragmatism, neither is it simply logic or intellect.
could wisdom be the ability to look into the long term goal even if in the short term, others might think its stupidity?
what do you guys think?

2007-10-23T09:14:00.000+08:00

what are your strengths are your weakness overcome.

Insecurities?

2007-10-23T01:58:00.000+08:00

For the past week, i was pondering about the word insecurity. Why do we feel insecure? What must we do to overcome them? Is this an emotion that will stuck with us for our whole life?

As i was thinking through, i felt God remind me the first time man felt insecure. That was in the garden of Eden. Both Adam and Eve had transgressed God's commandment and were afraid. So they hid themselves in the bush. I believe running through their minds were thoughts such as "What if God won't accept me anymore? What if God punishes me and kills me? What is going to happen to me? What if i had said no earlier?... The list could just go on and on and on..."

I realized that the premise for insecurity is based upon two words. "What if" Insecurity plagues us when we start to worry about what would happen to us; many times, we allow our negative feelings to cloud our sense of judgment. Instead of looking at reality, we choose to look at despair. Very often, worries and despair really do not happen. Research has shown that most of our fears are actually unfounded.

Let me bring it across now. For example, "What if, my parents will hit me when i confess?" "What if i cannot serve in ministry anymore? When they find out about my weakness?"

I believe at the point where Adam sinned, if he choose to confess to God, rather than to hide in the bushes, things might have turned out quite differently today. Maybe, they might not have been driven out from the Garden of Eden. While yes, it would all seem to be imaginary possibilities, we can only find out the answer when we get to heaven. But the thing is this, when we realise that our fears are usually unfounded, and that in Christ, EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT.

Rom 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

If everything is going to be alright, then what do you need to be afraid of?What do you need to feel insecure about? If today you struggle with insecurities, why dont you put your trust in God? He will never let you down!

2007-10-22T00:24:00.000+08:00

something interesting which i came across while reading....

CAT'S IN THE CRADLE
Words and music by Harry Chapin and Sandy Chapin

My child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away
And he was talkin' 'fore I knew it,
and as he grew he's say
"I'm gonna be like you, Dad
You know i'm gonna be like you."

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,
little boy blue and the man in the moon.
"When you comin' home Dad?" "I don't know when,
But we'll get together then; you know we'll have a good time then."

My son turned ten just the other day
He said, "Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let's play.
Can you teach me how to throw?" I said, "Not today,
I got a lot to do." He said, "That's okay."
And he walked away but his smile never dimmed,
it said, " I'm gonna be like him, yeah,
you know I'm gonna be like him."

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,
little boy blue and the man in the moon.
"When you comin' home Dad?" "I don't know when,
But we'll get together then; you know we'll have a good time then."

Well he came from college just the other day
so much like a man I just had to say,
"Son I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?"
He shook his head and he said with a smile,
"What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
see you later, can I have them please?"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,
little boy blue and the man in the moon.
"When you comin' home Son?" "I don't know when,
But we'll get together then; you know we'll have a good time then."

I've long since retired, my son's moved away
I called him up just the other day.
I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind."
He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I can find the time.
You see, my new job's a hassle and the kids have the flu,
but it's sure nice talkin' to you, Dad, it's sure nice talkin' to you."

And as I hung up my phone, it occured to me,
he'd grown up just like me. My boy was just like me.

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,
little boy blue and the man in the moon.
"When you comin' home Son?" "I don't know when,
But we'll get together then; you know we'll have a good time then."

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

How is our relationships with our parents right now? How is our relationships with our kids in the future going to be?

2007-10-21T21:04:00.000+08:00

This is a special entry.. dedicated to my friend Angeline Har :)

We were classmates and cca mates.
She find my need and met it, find my hurt and heal it.

I still remember the first time I stepped into CHC was on a week before Easter 2003 Sunday and the Preacher was Pastor Tan. I couldnt remember what he preached, all I could remember was the tangible presence of God as I stepped into the hall with unbelief in my heart. I never knew God existed.. I never knew Jesus could be so true.

She started just simply being a friend to me, being there for me.

The drama touched my heart even as I watched it through rehearsals and drama. Look at so many of us and people around, we all beneifitted from the Caring System because of the one person in our life who is willing to make a difference.

Our past doesn't tell our future, it is our present that create our future.

I am so touched because I am one of the benefitter of the Caring System. Sometimes as I think and reflect back, I would often think who will I be right now if I hadn't accept her invitation to go to church that fateful sunday and responded to altar call with tears..

Because I experienced God myself 4years back at Jurong West and it changed my life. I finally experienced love that gave me peace.

Never belittle the power of one! :D

Hosanna, Hosanna?

2007-10-17T02:10:00.000+08:00

Matt 11 9-10
Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the kingdom of our father David
That comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest

How the people of Israel hailed and exalted Jesus, when he sat on the colt, riding into the streets of Jerusalem. He was esteemed by all, as they laid their garments and palm leaves on the road to pave the entry of the Messiah.

Come three days later, and all the praise was turned into curses. The people did not welcome Jesus with kind words and a warm embrace, but with curses as they spat at Him. Mocked Him. Despised Him.

This is a damning account of the ephemerality of men's praises and emotions. On Saturday, we can praise Jesus, jump up and down, cry buckets of tears. Yet, come monday, and for all we know, profanity and expletives may fill our mouths? Hatred and strife abides in our heart, rather than love and peace?

Will we have transformed into the most un-Christ-like person we can ever imagine? To be the very person we seem to urge others not to become?

As humans, we all mess up. Peter messed up. He denied Jesus three times that very night he swore that he would not deny Christ. The issue is not whether we will mess up or not. It is a given, we will all mess up in our life. Rather it is following Jesus all the days of our lives. If we make a wrong turn, we can always turn towards Jesus again.

Jesus told Peter this, upon His resurrection.

John 21:18 Most assuredly, i say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish... Follow Me

When we were young, we make all sorts of foolish mistakes. But when we grow up, we put away our childish thinking. Allow God to carry you, even to places where you do not wish. Will you carry your cross today? Obedience is better than sacrifice.

2007-10-15T22:38:00.000+08:00

Happy BIRTHDAY

Michel !
You are finally 13 !

On Sat we celebrated for Michel her bday which was a
week's late but nonetheless, we hope you like the gift
we bought and had a good time with us :D

Just wanna say, we are so glad you came to join us.
Thanks for so much joy you've added to N246.
Continue to Shine for Jesus :D

N246 WISHES YOU HAPPY BDAY !

Agape & God Bless

2007-10-15T21:52:00.000+08:00

HAPPY 20TH BDAY
FOO KAI!

2 weeks back we celebrated for our dearest FooKai his 20th bday!
@ Cafe Cartel.
Followed by a loooooooong breezy walk along Esplanade.
It was all good and fun :D

We just wanna say, we are so thankful for you in our Cg.
Continue to be a blessing with the songs you've written and more
to come. N246 is so blessed to have you!

Wishing you a HAPPY BDAY!

2007-10-14T22:12:00.000+08:00

Hey girls!

Exams over! Happy?

Van and Rhoda - Continue to PRESS ON for O's ! Believe you can do it!
Jin - Aim for all As!

And everyone else.. GAMBATTE.

Don't let your circumstance freeze you, it is a cycle, it will keep coming but don't give up. Anchor yourself in the the faith of your standing in God :)

Love you all plenty.

2007-10-13T14:44:00.000+08:00

Pay it forward

I hope and believe that you would have enjoyed the show as much as i have.
But there must have been something that you would have brought back with you.
The idea of living a life greater than yourself.
My friend Kenneth would often say, a life worth living is a life worth dying for.
Consider this, if life is solely meant for self-indulgence and enjoyment,
then the world would be a truly sad place. The world is beautiful, not because of the objects we own, but for the relationships that we have, the memories we hold dear.

A Wonderful Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom.

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all 'mean it'. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

I Will

2007-10-12T01:51:00.000+08:00

May you find serenity and tranquility in a world you may not always understand. May the pain you have known and the conflict you have experienced give you the strength to walk through life facing each new situation with courage and optimism. Always know that there are those whose love and understanding will always be there, even when you feel most alone. May you discover enough goodness in others to believe in a world of peace. May a kind word, a reassuring touch, and a warm smile be yours every day of your life, and may you give these gifts as well as receive them. Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending.

Teach love to those who hate, and let that love embrace you as you go out into the world. May the teachings of those you admire become part of you, so that you may call upon them. Remember, those whose lives you have touched and whose have touched yours are always a part of you, even if the encounters were less than you would have wished. It is the content of the encounter that is more important than the form.

May you not become too concerned with material matters, but instead place immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart. Find time each day to see beauty and love in the world around you. Realize that each person has limitless abilities, but each of us is different in our own way. What you feel you lack in the present may become one of your strengths in the future. May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility. Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience. May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself, and not be dependent on another's judgment of your accomplishments. May you always feel loved.
- unknown

2007-09-26T02:42:00.000+08:00

Another great song by Hillsong United, Hosanna. Enjoy :)

Verse 1
I see the king of glory
Coming down the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes, the whole earth shakes
I see his love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing, the people sing

Chorus
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest

Verse 2
I see a generation
Rising up to take the place
With selfless faith, with selfless faith
I see a new revival
Staring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees, we're on our knees

Bridge
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart for what is yours
Everything I am for your kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

Hosanna

Happy Birthday!

2007-09-24T00:22:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday Yeling and Jinru!

2007-09-23T21:36:00.000+08:00

Hey guys! Wow.. be ready for a long entry !

Back track a little. . .

Just wanna say I am truly blessed by what a great and positive man Nick Vujicic is. He used his disability as an opportunity to give glory to God! The more we should be positive and a mighty conqueror having placed our joy in our salvation. So guys whatever you are going through, always be positive and be strong, don't give allowance for doubts and thoughts of impossibilities to get you down.

God is a sovereign God.
Rest in His joy and peace.
Trust in His faithfulness.
BURY THE CROSS AND CARRY ON!

-

As we are all getting busy each day with our commitments and personal agendas, don't forget to seek God daily. Encounters will only come when you seek after it. Bible says seek and you will find.

I feel so blessed so blessed so blessed by the word this weekend to prepare us to give for Arise & Build. Now is really a good time to start saving up and give your best with guidance and wisdom on your managing your fianances from the Lord. I say NOW!

Build an altar that will cost you something.
Maybe for some of us, there will be tears rolling down, on bended knees for open doors as we give, or some might have endless mucus (eew!) ha ha kidding, whatever it takes, build an altar before God which cost you something.

For me personally, I am not a good manager of my finances. The previous Arise & Build really trained me and moulded me to be wiser with my finances. At times I failed, but God kept supplying as I kept giving. The amount might not be great in many's eyes, but my harvest is and continues to be great. Greater than I gave.

God is really faithful and good, all glory to my King :)

Face the brand new week with positive confession of His promises. His word will never fail. Claim the promises and make them come to past in your own life. I am looking forward to the brand new week though its gonna be OT and OT and OT every night to hit another $14M sales target, doing legwork is never easy. But God's grace is sufficient and it comes in ABUNDANCE.

So everyone lets JIAYOU okay!
For the O levels students , the Sec students, the A levels student, the Uni, the Poly and the YOUNG working adults + everyone else la (ha ha!)

Trust that God is gonna make provision, give you strength to overcome the impossibles (I-M-POSSIBLE!), and most importantly confidence in God that He will carry you through :D

Agape Love From God.

2007-09-22T02:20:00.000+08:00

Hey Yaohui, it's so good to see you visiting our cellgroup blog. Hahaz. If you wish, approach Peggie, our wonderful blog administrator, for access so you can post on the blog also. Please bu yao ke qi.

'Unite our hearts to fear Your name' actually came from Psalms 86 : 11. It says ' Unite my heart to fear Your name.' I believe it means every part of the heart coming under the authority of God. And personally I think that every part of the heart is equivalent to every part of one's life that means something to one's heart. So it kinda means that whatever that is dear to us, our relationships, our finances, our interests etc, we submit them to God. And in that sense, we can also say that we cause our whole heart to be focused on God and His kingdom. Hahaz. I believe Bingren will be able to explain it much more better than me bah.

One interesting fact. I did a bible search on G4C just now to find this verse. And I realise that the word 'Unite' appears in the whole bible only ONCE. So can I say of all the things we wish to see unity in, the first and the most important thing we have to 'unite' is the heart? Hahaz. Even now I'm reminded of a verse Bingren shared in CG today. Revelations 3 : 15-16 'I know your works, that you are neither cold or hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you our of My mouth.' So indeed let's not be lukewarm (and of course not cold) towards God. But unite our hearts to fear the Lord.

Cheers!
Fookai

2007-09-16T20:25:00.000+08:00

I'm pleased to post a new song that I've written. This song was written yesterday night and the whole song, including the chords, took me about 10 minutes. Hahaz. Praise God! It's really a simple and straightforward praise song but what was so special (and surprising) about it was that it came really smoothly to me. I didn't have to crack my head to write it out and I am so very grateful to God for it.

Verse
We shout to the Lord
We shout out His praise
We shout to glorify Your name

We shout with a voice
A voice that will break
The ropes that the devil's binding us with

Chorus
And now we are free
Freed by Your love
A love that brought the Son to earth

The whole heavens shake
When the veil was torn apart
Come God, as we lift up our hearts

Verse
Stir up our hearts
Stir it up we pray
Stir it up with fire and with grace

Keep our hands pure
Let them be full of faith
Unite our hearts to fear Your name

Chorus

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

Have a blessed week ahead. Remember to be sons and daughters of encouragement.

Comic Relief

2007-09-12T13:35:00.000+08:00

Take a break!

2007-09-09T21:33:00.000+08:00

i went to check out my personality!
D=32, I=16, S=24, C=28.
do you think its true? ha..

2007-09-05T01:20:00.000+08:00

BR SOT GRADUATION
Warning : Pictures Heavy

Enjoy!

While waiting for BR
Everyone decides to play around with
the camera they could get hold of

Presenting the guys:

Left to Right:
James, Ryan, Grayson (front)
Jiarong, Fookai (back)

While waiting... killing excess time..

Texting BR:
HURRY WE ARE WAITING!!

Guess the MISSING person

Presenting the girls:

Left to Right:
Angel, Jasmine (front)
Jermaine, Vanessa, Peggie, Josephine (back)

FINALLY THE ARRIVAL OF BR
*DRUM ROLLS*

BR & Parents

N246 :)

DISC Personality test

2007-09-05T00:47:00.000+08:00

Hey guys!

instead of asking around what your personality is, why not check this out and test for yourself. My personality is D=12, I=28, S=40, C=20. Haha i dont care if you agree or not, at least this was what the report told me. Tell me yours too!

http://www.mtselect.co.uk/testing/DISC.htm

Nick Vujicic- Life without Limbs

2007-09-05T00:14:00.000+08:00

Nick Vujicic - Life without limbs

Living Inspiration .........read pls...
My name is Nick Vujicic and I give God the Glory for how He has used my testimony to touch thousands of hearts around the world! I was born without limbs and doctors have no medical explanation for this birth "defect". As you can imagine, I was faced with many challenges and obstacles.
" Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds."

....To count our hurt, pain and struggle as nothing but pure joy? As my parents were Christians, and my Dad even a Pastor of our church, they knew that verse very well. However, on the morning of the 4th of December 1982 in Melbourne (Australia), the last two words on the minds of my parents was "Praise God!". Their firstborn son had been born without limbs! There were no warnings or time to prepare themselves for it. The doctors were shocked and had no answers at all! There is still no medical reason why this had happened and Nick now has a brother and sister who were born just like any other baby.

The whole church mourned over my birth and my parents were absolutely devastated. Everyone asked, "if God is a God of Love, then why would God let something this bad happen to not just anyone, but dedicated Christians?" My Dad thought I wouldn't survive for very long, but tests proved that I was a healthy baby boy just with a few limbs missing.

Understandably, my parents had strong concern and evident fears of what kind of life I'd be able to lead. God provided them strength, wisdom and courage through those early years and soon after that I was old enough to go to school.

The law in Australia didn't allow me to be integrated into a main-stream school because of my physical disability. God did miracles and gave my mom the strength to fight for the law to be changed. I was one of the first disabled students to be integrated into a main-stream school.

I liked going to school, and just try to live life like everyone else, but it was in my early years of school where I encountered uncomfortable times of feeling rejected, weird and bullied because of my physical difference. It was very hard for me to get used to, but with the support of my parents, I started to develop attitudes and values which helped me overcome these challenging times. I knew that I was different but on the inside I was just like everyone else. There were many times when I felt so low that I wouldn't go to school just so I didn't have to face all the negative attention. I was encouraged by my parents to ignore them and to try start making friends by just talking with some kids. Soon the students realized that I was just like them, and starting there God kept on blessing me with new friends.

There were times when I felt depressed and angry because I couldn't change the way I was, or blame anyone for that matter. I went to Sunday School and learnt that God loves us all and that He cares for you. I understood love to a point as a child, but I didn't understand that if God loved me why did He make me like this? Is it because I did something wrong? I thought I must have because out of all the kids at school, I'm the only weird one. I felt like I was a burden to those around me and the sooner I go, the better it'd be for everyone. I wanted to end my pain and end my life at a young age, but I am thankful once again, for my parents and family who were always there to comfort me and give me strength.

Due to my emotional struggles I had experienced with bullying, self esteem and loneliness, God has implanted a passion of sharing my story and experiences to help others cope with whatever challenge they have in their life and let God turn it into a blessing. To encourage and inspire others to live to their fullest potential and not let anything get in the way of accomplishing their hopes and dreams.

One of the first lessons that I have learnt was not to take things for granted.

"And we know that in all things God works for the best for those who love Him.
That verse spoke to my heart and convicted me to the point where that I know that there is no such thing as luck, chance or coincidence that these "bad" things happen in our life.
I had complete peace knowing that God won't let anything happen to us in our life unless He has a good purpose for it all. I completely gave my life to Christ at the age of fifteen after reading John 9. Jesus said that the reason the man was born blind was "so that the works of God may be revealed through Him." I truly believed that God would heal me so I could be a great testimony of His Awesome Power. Later on I was given the wisdom to understand that if we pray for something, if it's God's will, it'll happen in His time. If it's not God's will for it to happen, then I know that He has something better.

I now see that Glory revealed as He is using me just the way I am and in ways others can't be used.
I am now twenty-one years old and have completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Planning and Accounting. I am also a motivational speaker and love to go out and share my story and testimony wherever opportunities become available. I have developed talks to relate to and encourage students through topics that challenge today's teenagers. I am also a speaker in the corporate sector.

I have a passion for reaching out to youth and keep myself available for whatever God wants me to do, and wherever He leads, I follow.

I have many dreams and goals that I have set to achieve in my life. I want to become the best witness I can be of God's Love and Hope, to become an international inspirational speaker and be used as a vessel in both Christian and non-Christian venues. I want to become financially independent by the age of 25, through real estate investments, to modify a car for me to drive and to be interviewed and share my story on the "Oprah Winfrey Show"! Writing several best-selling books has been one of my dreams and I hope to finish writing my first by the end of the year. It will be called "No Arms, No Legs, No Worries!"

I believe that if you have the desire and passion to do something, and if it's God's will, you will achieve it in good time. As humans, we continually put limits on ourselves for no reason at all! What's worse is putting limits on God who can do all things. We put God in a "box". The awesome thing about the Power of God, is that if we want to do something for God, instead of focusing on our capability, concentrate on our availability for we know that it is God through us and we can't do anything without Him. Once we make ourselves available for God's work, guess whose capabilities we rely on? God's!

Sunflower : We bloom most beautifully when we keep our faces toward the Son.

May or May not know it...

2007-09-03T01:40:00.000+08:00

May or May not know it...

Personality Traits

The most destructive habit..... Worry

The greatest Joy.............Giving

The greatest loss...........Loss of Self-Respect

The most satisfying work............Helping Others

The ugliest personality trait......... Selfishness

The most endangered species..........Dedicated leaders

Our greatest natural resource.............Our Youth

The greatest "shot in the arm"..........Encouragement

The greatest problem to overcome......Fear

The most effective sleeping pill.......Peace of mind

The most crippling failure disease.........Excuses

The most powerful force in life.......................Love

The most dangerous pariah.............A gossiper

The world's most incredible computer..................The brain

The worst thing to be without...........Hope

The deadliest weapon...........The tongue

The two most power-filled ..............." I Can"

The greatest asset...........Faith

The most worthless emotion........Self-Pity

The most beautiful attire............SMILE

The most prized possession.............Integrity

The most powerful channel of communication...........Prayer

The most contagious Spirit............... Enthusiasm

The most important thing in life..................GOD

Hope everyone lives by it... God bless ya guys...

2007-09-01T04:02:00.000+08:00

These bones were better off as dust
Wretched they were
You could have just burned them in the fire
But a light You shone

My face it was covered in shame
Guilt was untold
Now my God You ignite me with a flame
Redeemed my soul

You have saved me
With You everything's alright
Jesus my King
With You everything's alright

I walk through the valley of death
But it's not death I fear
Though I could be the only one left
Of this I'm sure

You have saved me
With You everything's alright
Jesus my King
With You everything's alright

You are the Light
You are the Light
That ignite my bones
You are the Light

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

2007-08-29T13:29:00.000+08:00

Hello hello hello!

I am on a week's leave! Yippy.

Anyway guys, I just wanna share a good news! I am "promoted" to a new department and of course pay increment. All this will not come true without God. Really thankful for the opportunity :) :) :) I will commence on September thus speaks of my week's leave. All Glory To My King :)

I was reading some blogs and something this blogger wrote caught my heart

"... we are all products of our past, but we are not prisoners of our past."

Alot of people based their lives on guilt, condemnation, and these people are the ones never truly happy about their lives, living in resentment all the time.

People's perspective of us won't change until we learn to truly love ourselves, accept ourselves and respect ourselves. Don't behave like weak baby Christians, those are the ones that never truly know who their King is.

Know your identity in the King.
Don't shortchange your destiny with all these minute passings of the past. Gear yourself up, prepare yourself. What is your conviction that has brought you so far? Are you still sitting on The Rocking Chair?

2007-08-29T05:46:00.000+08:00

loving out of my comfort zone is true love flowing from within"

"if you find yourself someone in love with you but you don't love him back, feel honored that love came and called at your door, but gently refuse the gift you cannot return. do not take advantage; do not cause pain. how you deal with love is how you deal with yourself. all our hearts feel the same pains and joys, even if our lives and ways are different."

Loving is giving from the innermost part of our lives.

quotes from purplefaith

2007-08-29T05:43:00.000+08:00

"loving out of my comfort zone is true love flowing from within"

"if you find yourself someone in love with you but you don't love him back, feel honored that love came and called at your door, but gently refuse the gift you cannot return. do not take advantage; do not cause pain. how you deal with love is how you deal with yourself. all our hearts feel the same pains and joys, even if our lives and ways are different."

Loving is giving from the deepest most of our life.

2007-08-27T22:41:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone!

Yes it a braaaaaaaaand new week!

3 cheers!

Well hope everyone like the new layout yeah? We grow and learn along the way, so do give advices if you wanna improve this place, most welcome!

Just like what BR say, lets really do a change in our thinking/mindset. We will not grow until we make a decision to change the way we think. View thing in another perspective. Change your glasses if need be (pun intended). If you are not growing, review your thinking and change it. We improve as we keep in trying and trying !

The story BR shared got me back to the saturday evening when Joyce Meyer preached about The Rocking Chair. Are you struggling with what you already have? Start using and maximizing your gifts and talents. :)

Keep on improving!

love is what truly matters

2007-08-27T06:51:00.000+08:00

The law of giving- It is essential to receive love, but it's better to give love.

God Of My Forever

2007-08-27T00:03:00.001+08:00

God of my forever...

ieatishootipost

2007-08-26T23:39:00.000+08:00

Hey guys feel free to checkout this website! It previews some nice food

http://ieatishootipost.blogspot.com/