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My Love Languages

My primary love languages are probably Acts of Service and Quality Time.
[Take the quiz]

Complete set of results
Acts of Service: 10
Quality Time: 10
Words of Affirmation: 5
Physical Touch: 4
Receiving Gifts: 1

This is such an unexpected result. I thought the 'as usual' results would be words of affirmation. I was taken by surprise. I did the test twice to double confirm.. haha..
Not only words of affirmation is not ranked top, it fell to the 3rd position. But I am certain that it will not fall any further because physical touch and receiveing gifts have permanently secured their place.

Actually to think about it, it is not really that surprising to myself. To others who always knew me to be a words-person - maybe, but to myself - no. No doubt that I am a very words-person, I still am. Who dislike hearing affirmation and encouragement anyway? However, now... words alone don't matter anymore.

I think what makes affirmation, correction and encouragement (ace) have meaning is the person who say it. I remember myself loving all the aec - but now, if you don't matter, your words don't matter.

Sometimes, people say the nice things to get their way.
Sometimes, people say the nice things to get out of trouble.
Sometimes, people say the nice things to get a favour.
Sometimes, people day the nice things and they don't mean it.

However, I'm not negative about people who ace me. But their actions will reveal whether this is what they meant. If I feel that they don't match up, then sorry, I can't help but think you are just saying nice things because you have to. Of course, no matter how I feel about the other person, I still take their correction as improvement points - but their ae, oh ok... like that lo.
Also, I also dislike people who always have only nice things to say. Ok, what's wrong with me right? It's not that I need everyone to say something negative but.. aiya.. you understand, you understand la huh. If you don't then, you simply don't -_-"

On the other hand, I've learnt not to take words at face value - meaning, if someone say something negative - I won't take it at face value - because their actions will still reveal their trueself. So don't worry if you piss me off with what you say, as long as what you do don't match up to it can le :)

So yup, words still matter to me a lot. It reveals the person's heart. I'm just more skeptical about the nice things that some people has to say. However, according to the test actions means much more to me now.

Spotting New Leaders - Part 3/3

4. People with a servant heart.
Sometimes all you need is a situational leader, someone willing to step up on a temporary basis. Situational leaders arise because of their willingness to serve. They know that even though they may not be the most qualified, they'll lead because, otherwise, needs will not be met. Their motivation is not because they enjoy leadership, but because they know that service pleases the Lord.

Situational leaders usually find the work tiring, and when the project is finished, they don't readily take on another leadership task.

5. People who take initiative.
Non-leaders are content to follow what others plan and rarely take initiative in relationships or tasks. If you see someone who is willing to take initiative to change something or to improve a situation, you have a motivated person who may be a potential leader. Place this person's name on your "undeveloped leaders" list.

Most leaders are not born with automatic leadership skills; they discover their leadership gifts over time. Those who discover their leadership gifts at a later age are usually unaware of their leadership potential. If others tell them they may have the gift of leadership, they may deny such a ridiculous idea, but with a successful leadership project or two, they can be convinced.

6. People who are reliable.
Look for people who have a track record of faithfulness and dependability, those who follow through. Undeveloped leaders are respected by those around them, even though their efforts may be haphazard due to inexperience.

Sometimes undeveloped leaders lack confidence to step forward, but their friends are willing to volunteer them! When my friend Mary and I began attending a new church, we saw an announcement about a meeting for those interested in how the church hires a pastor. Since we wanted to learn more about the church, Mary and I decided to attend the meeting anonymously and slip out later without being seen.

To our dismay, it turned out we were the only ones who attended—along with the senior pastor and chairman of the elder board! During the meeting, the pastor shared his dream of finding a leader to oversee the whole area of service ministries. I listened quietly, but Mary pointed to me and blurted out, "There she is!"

I would have never said anything, but today I am the leader of this ministry because of Mary. And it's my turn to do the same for others—point out new leaders. Finding and developing leaders is a challenging task. But for our ministries to be more effective, it's a task that we all must intentionally pursue.

Spotting New Leaders - Part 2/3

1. People already actively leading in ministry.
The most effective leaders are those who have been sharpened through experience. "Natural leaders" are easy to spot: they usually talk about leadership or ministry direction. The thought of impacting people gets them excited. They enjoy facing a challenge and empowering people to meet it.

Although natural leaders may already be quite involved, if the leadership opportunity is in an area they are passionate about or feel called to, they will be willing to lead and reprioritize their other commitments.

2. People who are leaders at their work, but not at church.
Sometimes those who are leaders do not realize the need for leadership within the church. They may be leaders in their career, but haven't stepped up to minister in the church.

Sometimes they mistakenly assume that only those with Bible degrees can be leaders, or that their skills are not needed, or that they are not called to serve. They need to have their misconceptions cleared up.

3. People with a passion.
The best leaders are those who have a passion for what they are doing. They are naturally motivated and their enthusiasm spreads to others. If you're trying to find a leader, find someone with a passion for that area. Not every passionate person is a leader, but passion is an indicator of a good place to start.

Spotting New Leaders - Part 1/3

[Leader's insight]

They may not step forward. Here's how to find the leaders you need.
by Angela Yee, Leadership guest columnist.


It's part of our calling as leaders to spot and cultivate other potential leaders to serve God and use the gifts given them. There's also a side benefit: we end up finding people for the many ministries that always seem to be in need of leaders! But how do we spot them?

Melissa stepped forward to coordinate a Vacation Bible School program at her church. The need was announced, and no one else offered, so Melissa took charge. In a small church, she was able to produce a program that tripled the number of children who attended. Because of her leadership, the majority of the adults in the church came to help, even though many of them had to take time off from work.

Afterward, Melissa returned to obscurity. She helped out with background tasks, but didn't step forward to coordinate any teams.

"Melissa," I said, "I really think you have a gift for leadership."

Melissa laughed. "Oh no," she said. "Not me."

"Why don't you think you are a leader? You coordinated VBS. You were on the church council. You've led Bible studies. You definitely are a leader."

"Oh, that stuff? Anyone can do that." Undeveloped leaders may have the gift, but they don't even realize it. Many, like Melissa, need a good nudge to enter into leadership, and stay there.

How do we spot new leaders?? Start with prayer. Ask God to bring you to the right people and to help them to be available. Then search. Where do you look?

I bless you (watermark) by Dennis Jernigan

[A song Huili shared with me]
Huili, thanks for always remembering me wherever you may be :)


Verse 1
I bless you with joy and peace and love that won't let go,
I bless you with grace and faith, and fire in your soul.
I bless you with dreams and visions most men don't know of,
I bless you with a deeper knowledge of our Father's love.

Verse 2
I bless you with a heart of a warrior, grace to stand and fight,
I bless you with brothers who will stand right by your side.
And I bless you with courage 'til your battles have been won,
I bless you with the faith to hear your Father say, "Well done!"

Verse 3
I bless you with strength and power, grace through any trial,
I bless you with wisdom and with comfort in your smile.
I bless you with great adventures, journeys yet unknown.
I bless you with a heart gone wild because you are His own.

Chorus
I bless you with joy and laughter,
And I bless you with a steadfast faith;
I bless you with the hopes and the dreams that your heart goes after,
I bless you with amazing grace.

Yes, Ministry Leadership Is Complex - Part 4/4

4. The church has the highest calling.
We can no longer afford to leave people leaderless in the arena of the church. For the church ever to reach its redemptive, life-giving potential, it must be well led. It must be powerfully envisioned, strategically focused, and internally aligned. Members must be motivated; values must be established and enforced. Resources need to be leveraged.

May the church be the one place where people who come out of leaderless homes and schools and jobs and athletic teams discover, maybe for the first time in their lives, the excitement of being valued, of being included, of being told that they are indispensable for the achievement of a common vision.

These things are the business of leaders. Which is why Paul cried out in Romans 12:8, "Men and women, if you've been given the gift of leadership, for God's sake, lead." For the world's sake, lead. For the sake of lost people, lead.

Yes, Ministry Leadership Is Complex - Part 3/4

3. The church is utterly altruistic.
When leading a business, you can hire a bright, energetic, young employee and say, "Here's our vision. Here's your part in it. Here's your salary, your perks, your car, your phone, your fax, your computer, your secretary, your office, your vacation plan. If you work hard, in five or eight years we're going to make you a partner or invite you into the profit-sharing plan. Down the road, you'll probably make big money. There will be more perks, more time off. And when we sell this place in fifteen or twenty years, we're all going to walk away transcendently wealthy. Are you interested?"

Who wouldn't be?

But as church leaders, what do we tell prospective church members? "You're a depraved, degenerate sinner who's in trouble for all eternity unless you get squared away with Christ." (And that's the good news. We call it the gospel.)

Then we say, "We're going to ask you to commit five or six hours a week to service and two or three additional hours for training and discipleship. We're going to ask you to get in a small group where your character flaws are going to get exposed and chiseled at. We're going to ask you to come under the authority of the elders of the church and give a minimum of 10 percent of your money. Oh, yeah, you get no parking place, no reserved seats, no special privileges, no voting rights, no vacation or retirement program. You serve till you die. But trust us: God's going to make it right in eternity."

In church work, people must be motivated internally. The Scripture says unless the Lord builds the house, unless people have an internal want-to, leaders have no power, no leverage, no buttons to push.

When business people in our churches give free advice—how we should be doing it right—we need to say, with no malice, "It's not that easy, and it's not the same. It's apples and oranges."

Yes, Ministry Leadership Is Complex - Part 2/4

2. The church is utterly voluntary.
But in the final analysis, we have little or no leverage, no real power over anybody we lead. At Willow Creek we've had people attend our services week after week, create trouble throughout the church, and tap every resource we have. Then, when they cross one too many lines and the elders bring correction or discipline, they bail out of the church or even sue.

To mobilize an utterly volunteer organization requires the highest kind of leadership. We cannot compel people; we must call them. One great writer about leadership says, "Most people are just waiting for someone to call them out so they can rise above their petty preoccupations."

I used to play on a park district touch football team led by Don Cousins, my associate pastor for 17 years. We played against construction workers who came after work, semi-inebriated, with the sole purpose of hurting people. In one game, my job was to try to sack the quarterback; I lined up across from a guy who was supposed to prevent me from doing that. I thought, I'm going to run right over the top of you. I was breathing hard, getting all pumped, when I looked up. This guy's eyes were bloodshot, and he was drooling. I thought, Maybe I'll just drop back in case the quarterback passes this time.

We were smaller than most of our opponents, but we won almost every game we played. Don Cousins led that team. At the end of the season, if we had said, "Anybody want to play next season under the leadership of Don Cousins?" every person in the league would have signed on.

Yes, Ministry Leadership Is Complex - Part 1/4

When business people offer free advice, we should say, "It's not that easy." by Bill Hybels, Leadership guest columnist

My friend runs a company with about 3,000 employees. He says he wants to relax after retirement and lead a church. He said, "It doesn't have to be a Willow Creek-sized church. Maybe just 7,000 or 8,000 with some growth potential." I told him that leading a church would ruin his retirement, because the church demands a higher and more complex form of leadership than business does. In fact, I believe the church is the most leadership-intensive enterprise in society.

I've been on both sides. Running a business is challenging, but the leader of a company has a clearly defined playing field and enormous leverage with his or her employees. The business leader delivers a product or service through paid staff who either get it done or get replaced.

Church leadership is far more complex than that. The redeeming and rebuilding of human lives is exceedingly more difficult than building widgets or delivering predictable services. Here's why:

1. Every life requires a custom mold.
You don't stop the line in a factory every time a product comes down it. In church work, we're developing individual, custom-made lives. We stop the line for every life.

I've read books about Napoleon, de Gaulle, Eisenhower, MacArthur, Patton. They were all the great military leaders. I don't want to minimize their capabilities or the courage it takes to charge a hill in time of battle, but I've wondered, What would it be like for some of those leaders to have to work it out with deacons before they charged up a hill? How well would they do if they had to subject their plans to a vote involving the very people they're going to lead up the hill? How would the whole military system work if you took away the leadership leverage of the court-martial?

Anyone could build a church with that kind of leverage! I can hear the generals now: "Teach a Sunday school class or go to the brig." "You call that an offering? Give me fifty push-ups right now." That's leverage!

Wait at the airport

I finally realised what flight I'm taking to Bangkok - Thai Air Asia.
Suppose to be a 3.05pm flight... and guess what, now the tie is 3.30pm, and why am I still blogging at this time? Because flight delayed -_-" I'm at the transit mall @ Changi Airport now.

This is the 2nd time I'm flying... haha, the last time I took a plane was when I was 5, and that was a flight to KL. I'm so proud of myself... I paid for my own air tickets and other expenses for this holiday.

Anyways, I'll be in Bangkok on the 3rd & 4th Novemeber. 5th - 11th, I'll be in Phuket. I'll be going to Hope Bangkok (Hope Place) for the first time, after hearing about them for 10 years of my Christian journey - It's like celebrating my 10th Anniversary with Jesus :) I will be attending their service on Sunday morning & 'Power of Praise' in the evening. Then I'll be attending LC in Phuket.

So long...
Boarding soon :)

[15 mins later]

Sa La Lah... Flight delayed till 4.50pm, I thought was 4.15pm -_-" Chey! I can actually attend the whole service one loh. I'm still in Singapore. Haha. Eh yer..

Prophecies

February 2007: Pastor John (Australia)

• I'll speak into the lives of people
• God will send good people and form good team
• God will reveal 'my job' along the way

July 2007: Peter Truong

• Continue to praise Him till you see a breakthrough
• Don't give up until you see the doors open [Matthew 7:7-8]
• Active in asking and seeking (aggressive)
• Until you find what you want, don't stop knocking and asking

Matthew 7:7-8: Ask, Seek, Knock
7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Closure week

Closure week
This week is actually my closure week. I will put an end to my youth ministry and an end to my life of ‘no need to worry about money’.

My ministry in youth will end soon. But I’m not feeling sad or anything. Anyway, I have accomplished what I planned to do, no regrets. In February this year, Pastor John from Australia prophesied that God will give me a good team. At that time, I didn’t know that there will be some restructuring, I it didn’t come across my mind what the prophecy meant, I thought it was referring to my current team. After that in early April, we had one restructuring and another one in June – then I realized that God really gave me a good team. God gave me a good team of ULs and CLs that enabled me to accomplish what I wanted to in North. Thank you, Jesus.

Holiday week
Next week is my holiday week. I’ll be in Thailand (Bangkok + Phuket). 4 days of shopping, eating and relaxing & 3 days of LC. Perfect timing – to have a break between the ending and the beginning.

A new beginning
Now I need to work and earn a living… Eeee, sound so old… yucks. And before I even start working, already there are people hounding after my pay. Though I’m quite excited to get my first pay, but I’m even more excited to start work. Oh ya, minus off CPF… hiya, there goes my 20%. Tithing – 10%. Student loan – 30%. Parents – 10%. See I do not have much left for myself – aiyo, now then I realized I’m left with… But having earning and spending power also means more power for negotiation and to do what I like without getting nagged at. YEA.

Currently, I’m excited at what I will be doing in my new pastoral ministry, church ministry and job. I have some plans in mind already. I know what I want to do.

In my Christian walk, whatever that I desire to do and have for God’s purpose, God always give them to me at His own timing.

As a young shepherd, I desire to be able to teach like my shepherd – I was so amazed that she was able to use anything in sight to give an illustration to help me understand God’s word. I just kept this desire and God developed me in this area. I am able to explain the word of God or bring across understanding in simple ways.

I remember when I was leading North A, I told my core team that whenever I desire something biblical God will give it to me at His right timing. So I told them to note down that I wanted to be able to be word-centered in how I do my ministry and how I lived my life. I want to be able to apply God’s word in my life and give explanations of how I choose to do ministry based on the word. [At that time, I felt that I knew how to do ministry the usual way but it should be more guided by the word then by my experiences] I told them that when these come to pass, I’ll tell them that “see, I told you so”.

“See, I told you so”

I know that whatever that I want to do for God; He will enable me at His own timing. I believe that God takes His time to develop me to be able to carry out certain tasks and to take up certain responsibilities but He is never late.

iLoveBlessings: Pink luggage

God did it once again. Haha.

I am going to Thailand this weekend but got no luggage. So I decided to post on my msn nick “Anyone has a luggage to lend me?” – Hopefully someone would respond. Actually, it was just for fun, I doubt anyone would respond.

In my heart, I wished that the person who is going to offer to lend me has a nice luggage, if not, how to reject nicely ah? Haha. I know I shouldn’t be so picky la, but I won’t want to carry an ugly luggage bag lo – so spoil image right. I also wished that if the luggage would be pink. I had in mind what kind of luggage I wanted – rectangle, small/medium-sized, hard cover (not those cloth material ones), pink, got handle and wheels so can drag the luggage around.

Then yesterday, someone whom I did not expect to even respond msn me.

Jennifer: You need a luggage? I have.
2inc: Ya, I’m going Thailand but no luggage.
Jennifer: I can lend you. Mine is pink.

(Hahaa… come again… Pink?!)

2inc: So how can I get it from you? I can go to your house on Thursday, 7.30pm or Friday 6.30pm
Jennifer: Thursday would be better. I’m working on Friday.
2inc: Ok sure. Thursday, 7.30pm
Jennifer: I’m temping at Sentosa
2inc: HEY
2inc: I’m working at HarborFront
Jennifer: I can meet you and pass to you tomorrow morning

I met her today. Guess what?! The luggage was exactly what I had in mind. Though I wished it was a darker pink – but hey, no complains here.

I also realized that she is only temping at Sentosa this week. Timing perfect.

God did it again right! My pastoral ministry goals, plans and desires, my church ministry goals, plans and desires, my temporary job, my permanent job, my motivation and now, even my luggage.

iLoveMakeup: Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil

Highly recommended.

It is selling at $31.50 for 120ml bottle over Fancl counters. However if you buy it online (Yahoo Auctions Singapore), they are selling at $24. $7 cheaper.
I heard that it is half-price over at Japan. Anyone going Japan?!
You can actually get the 20ml bottle to try it out first. It will cost about $4.50 – currently.

I love it :)

iLoveBlessings: Job Search (Final Chapter)

From a short chat, it turned into 3 impromptu interviews.

Lastly, I was supposed to meet my director supervisor (DS) whose office is not based in the HQ. I agreed to this impromptu meeting because I took a whole day off for this short chat. However just as I was about to set off with another staff, someone realized that DS was coming over to the HQ for a meeting. Perfect timing. I did not even need to travel. Just as I stepped out of the OH’s office, DS just came into the office. Then we had the impromptu interview over his lunch at the pantry. He ended the interview by informing me that I’ll be notified at the end of the week for a final interview.

I felt quite good after the whole thing. Quite positive but yet still anxious, since nothing is confirmed. Hah.
I waited… and it was Friday. And it was 5.30pm. No calls. So what does it mean?
Humph… but I told God since you gave me this opening, I’ll continue to trust you. I claim by faith, “This job is mine!”
Friday night gone, comes Saturday morning. I saw Jinqi online.

2inc: They never call me back eh.
Jinqi: What did they tell you?
2inc: They said they will get back to me at the end of the week.
Jinqi: Their week ends on Saturday.

Whahahaha… Ok God, I’ll trust you. (But I told God that I’ll continue to trust Him even if they fail to call me on Friday, I believe they will call me next week or so.) I carried my hand phone around during prayer meet and service. It was my hosting week – I brought my hand phone backstage as well, in case they call at anytime. When it was time to go on stage, still no call. I’ll wait some more :)

Then as I was worshipping on stage, I thought I felt my phone vibrated. Excited, but on stage le, cannot check hand phone lah :( So after hosting, I straight away rushed out of Nexus and checked my phone. Unfamiliar number. First instinct, call back immediately. To cut the long story short – yea, confirmed for final interview.

The same thing happened again, after final interview, they ended by saying, “We will get back to you at the end of the day” – this time faster. But still… no confirmation, cannot relax yet. Then I waited again. 5.30pm. Still no call. “God, why like that? God, I’ve learnt what it means to trust in you le – can skip this mah? Ok… I wait some more” :p

At 6.30pm, HR called me and confirmed my job. YEA. And I went to sign the employment letter on Friday.

It is such a relief that I have a permanent job. With the money issue settled, I can free my mine to do so many other things. This is the freedom of mind I have been waiting for, for the past 3 months since exams ended. YEA YEA YEA.

God has such perfect timing in my life once again. Just when I was worrying about my permanent job, He gave me one – but first settling my faith & trust issues.

Thank you, Jesus.

Repented (Final Chapter)

Just how good can God's timing get? Just when I was telling Him that my life seems to be lacking in motivation.

Actually, for the past year, God has been very good to me; taking care of me personally. He has a perfect timing for everything in my life and I really mean perfect timing. Each incident flows perfectly into the next. Everything works out perfectly for me. I basically relaxed in God. God's grace really propels you to give even more back to Him.

Now once again, perfect timing. What can I say? Just when I was about to go back into the field.

I have been telling God in my heart...
I want to do field work again. I want to leave my behind-the-scene comfort zone. I want to learn to serve in a new area in your Kingdom. I want to be able to outreach to new groups of pre-believers. I want to impact from near and not just inspire from far. I want to be able to experience another type of ministry other than the one that I have been serving in for a long time. I need to see, experience and do new things so that I can be more effective in planting the Kingdom. I want to understand new needs of your people.

Just when I was preoccupied with my own issues, feeling bored and telling God all these - Just how perfect can His timing gets?

Repented (Chapter 5)

I repented not because I was judging their sincerity for God and by the way, I did not. I repented because it was a long time since I’ve shared the gospel to pre-believers in such a bold manner. If those 2 person with a misinterpretation of the bible are so sincere and hardworking then what about me? Though I’ve been serving as a leader for the past several years, but I was hardly on the field, just merely equipping and focusing on a small aspect. I’m not saying that what I did was a waste of time, it is definitely necessary and very important - if not, I’ll not invest so much time, effort and money into it - but I really see the importance of being on the field even much more so now.

I repented because they more equipped to tell me more about their stuffs then I am to contest their argument. I thought that I was equipped at any situation to help people understand the gospel, but just how wrong can I get. Ok… I am equipped with the Word, I know the Word pretty ok, but just not in the way that draws people to receive Jesus. I would have convinced a believer that he should stand firm in Christ, give his all to God and trust God for the results; but I probably wouldn’t be able to satisfy a pre-believer’s doubt. I would have been able to tell a believer how God can meet his needs but I probably wouldn’t be able to convince a pre-believer that God is enough.

Repented (Chapter 4)

As they kept sharing, the sermon that Pastor Ben preached on "Myths, Truth and the Clueless" - 1 Tim 1:1-7, came to my mind.Point 1: Recognizing the authority of apostolic teachingPoint 2: Oppose false teachingsPoint 3: Emphasis the purpose of sound teaching Thank you Pastor Ben!!!

It was during this incident that these 3 points came alive. I recognised the authority of apostolic teaching. I remember that anything we hear but was never mentioned by the apostles were erroneous. Their interpretation of the bible was way off – especially it being a major doctrine – even more jialat. Their interpretation was never close to what the apostles taught; actually the apostles never even mentioned about it. During their sharing, I kept asking myself, “where in the world did the bible mentioned those things?”

The more they share, the more questions I asked and the more sincere they think I am in finding out about their version. But I was not interested the way they thought I was. Actually, towards the end of their sharing, I almost wanted to cry. I’m like “God, what is this?” – They are sincere people yet sincerely wrong. At that moment, I repented.

Repented (Chapter 3)

We just need to believe. By faith. Faith, is believing in what we do not see. God will help us to believe. Trust me; I know what I'm talking about when I say God will help us to believe, because I never understood what faith is until he showed me. God Himself will prove to you that He can be trusted - if you give Him that chance by leaving the results to Him and submitting according to His leading - then test and approve His ways.

Romans 12:2 - Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Just before I continue, I just want to share that I account to Shirley because she can take note of this incident in my life. The person that was sharing to me wasn’t a convert in the church - she was from another church but joined this church after hearing the ‘new gospel’ (which I bet would even confuse the priests).

No one is above temptations, above sin or fool-proof to stumbling blocks.

Repented (Chapter 2)

They shared to me very sincerely about their version of the gospel and they used bible verses (genuinely NIV) to support what they said. However, I belief any Hope members will be able to spot that they were interpreting the bible wrongly - I'm serious. At some points in their sharing I was like "huh?!". During the conversation, I was not being defensive but rather concerned about their sharing, so I did not purposely spot mistakes and 'bang' back. So there were many times that I posted them questions when I feel "huh?!", but 100% of the time they could not give me a clear explanation and I went "HUH?!" even louder - in my heart though. There were some questions that they do not even have an answer to offer. I'll not share the conversation here, but one thing that I'll share here about what we discussed and it is definately wrong in their doctrine which will jeopardise their salvation is that they mentioned that Jesus' death on the cross is not enough for salvation.

Wrong, wrong, wrong.

Jesus paid for the sins of the world through his death on the cross; all the punishment of sins are nailed together with Him on the cross, so that those who acknowledge His work on the cross will be saved through Him. Jesus said, "It is finished" (John 19:30).

John 3:16 (MSG): This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.

John 3:16 (NLT): For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (NIV): For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Repented (Chapter 1)

I was on my way home today around 9.30pm, I was stopped to do survey by 2 Christians. I told them that I'm Christian but they still insist that I do the survey. So being gentle and kind I thought, "How can I reject fellow Christians like how I reject those always-hanging-around-doby-ghaut-mrt-insurance-agents" - so I did the survey. The questions were regarding the Christian faith and I just answered accordingly. As I was going on to the last 2 questions, I realised that I don't know how to answer them because the questions were weird. Then I told one of them I did not understand the questions and couldn't answer.

Then they began asking me why I couldn't answer those questions and began to share to me another gospel doctrine that I have never heard before in my entire life. I have heard several weird versions of the gospel before but this is new. At that moment I was like "should I just walk away" or "should I stay to hear what they have to say"?

Then I thought, since I've been in church for 10 years already, I have been through many sermons and teachings, I've experienced God in many ways and was personally shepherded by God through many occasions, my 'spiritual sieve' should be able to sieve out the wrong doctrines. So I decided to stay, though throughout I prayed for my mind to be spiritually alert. I'm not saying that because I'm a Christian for that long then I won't be influenced so I stayed to listen. Our spiritual maturity is not determined by how long since we first say the sinner's prayer, or by how many years we have attended church, or how many sermons we have heard. I bet you know 40 years olds that behaves like 14 right? Anyways, I accounted the incident to Shirley shortly after.

Foundation: Make up is important

Compact powder vs. Loose powder
I also discover that compact powder works better than loose powder. Loose powder becomes cake-ish after awhile but compact powder blends into the liquid foundation. L’Oreal’s blendable makeup is really blendable.

Liquid foundation vs. Powder foundation
I prefer the liquid foundation as it last longer than the powder ones, which means you do not need to keep touching up (especially if you are lazy like me and don’t want to carry makeup in your bag because too heavy). However you will need to apply compact powder over the liquid foundation for the lasting effect, liquid foundation alone will not do. But if you are lazier than me – then just get the compact foundation.

Why is it important to put on makeup?
It is reported that children respond better to childcare teachers who put on make up than those who don’t. Personally, I feel that this could be a good reason. However more importantly, putting on makeup will help prevent dust and dirt from getting into your pores and clog it. I don’t put on heavy makeup; actually I only know how to put foundation, blusher and bronzer – that’s all. Wahaha. Oh… but you need to have a good makeup remover (Link to the Fancl blog), if not, your pores would also get clogged with makeup retained in your skin.
Unless you have good genes that results in good skin or maintains a good and healthy lifestyle that causes glowing complexion – you will need makeup to cover up.

Why do I think you need to spend money on good foundations and just buy cheap blusher and eye-shadow?
If your foundation sucks, whatever goes on it will suck as well. Good foundation makes it easy for you to apply the other makeup on top of it and holds them for long as well. If you cover your whole face with cheap foundation then you need to spend a lot of money to repair your damaged skin in the future. If you have budget issue, I suggest that you get a good foundation, and other things such as blusher, get cheap ones – my logic: since it is on your foundation, and it does not directly touch your skin, so it doesn’t matter (foundation is like a middle man).

iLoveBlessings: Job Search (Chapter 3)

Several minutes after reading the passage, I received an sms from Jinqi informing me of a job vacancy at her work place. I was very excited – because the job description is exactly what I wanted – government job, managing job… so I told God there and then to give me the job. About two days later, I submitted my first and one and only resume and I waited nervously for them to get back to me.

Then about two or three days later, before the online job application closed, I was informed to go for a short chat at the office – it was to help me understand clearly what the job was about. So funny right – short chat?! I later realized the reason behind was that many job applicants went for interview without proper understanding of the JD, therefore a lot of time was wasted on the interview sessions and also hiring of wrong people.

I went to the office the following day. The meeting went really well. It was suppose to last for about an hour, but in the end it lasted almost two hours. During the meeting, I met up with three important people and was ‘interviewed’ by them – all impromptu. The last question that shocked me was “What is your value in life?”

One of the ‘interviewer’, whom happened to be the most important one of the three, ended the session by saying, “Ok… you starting work tomorrow?” – I was like ‘whoa’ does this mean my chances are high?

iLoveBlessings: Job Search (Chapter 2)

I was in the office worrying about permanent job search – I already signed up for leadership conference in Thailand and I needed to end my temporary job before that and have a permanent job that I can start work after the trip – if not, my parents will start scolding me for being a slacker. I’m not slacker la, if you know me; you know I never slack one lor… I just take my time… whaha… EH… but I always get things done ok! Anyways, while I was worrying, I haven even send out any resume yet. Ok, maybe I was lazy, I dunno – but I know I don’t want to just sent out resume to ‘trial and error’ for interview chances, I don’t want to waste my time. I have no interest to go for interviews until I know what kind of job I really wanted or until I know of a job description that is close to what I wanted.

So one day in the office, on the first week of October, I read The Message Version of Matthew 6. I was so amazed at how God’s Word spoke to me that day.

Matthew 6:25-34 (The Message)
25-26"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

27-29"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

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

34"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

All my doubts and uncertainties were eradicated after reading this passage and I told God that I’ll trust in Him in the circumstance – though I really have no idea how things will work out. However, I really have confidence in God, as I have experienced how he blessed me in my exams and the finding of my temporary job and many other incidents.

*****

Through many experiences over these years as a Christian, I have learned what it means to have faith and trust in God. Being logical, I thought that how possible is it to get what I want by just trusting in God and not working for it. I struggled a lot in understanding what ‘faith in God’ is. Then after many experiences and teachings of the Word, I realize that if we believe that something can be done, we will work hard. So if I believe that God will bless me, I’ll work hard at the given opportunities.

*****

iLoveBlessings: Job Search (Chapter 1)

I started my temporary job at Mapletree in July and I’m ending this job next Friday - I have already worked there for four months plus le. From July till late September I never really looked for a permanent job even though I consistently get nagging from people because I thought even if I managed to get a permanent job, the company will have to wait till my temporary job contract to end in end October then can hire me – so a bit no point in hurrying. So I just ‘float’ around until September lor.

Then funnily, on the first week of October, I started to feel anxious to get a permanent job. If I can’t find a job before my temporary job ends then how? I also dunno how :( However, I have something to fall back on – Mapletree extended my contract for another 6 months. Even so, I would like to get a permanent job because it would pay better and I’ll feel more secure to venture out to do more things, other then worrying about money issues.

*****

I never really told anyone about what kind of job I wanted – Firstly, because I have no idea exactly what kind of job to go for, so it’s very tiring of trying to explain the kind of job I might like. Secondly, I feel insecure sharing to others what I really wanted because people will always make judgment according to the degree that I hold and determine (for me) if I can get the job. I don’t really need discouraging comments so I never say.

I have a rough idea of what kind of job I wanted. I wanted a government job because I thought that it would be good to be able to serve the community – like that work got more meaning mah. (Ok… I know got other jobs also can have meaning, but in my impression, I can only think of government job la.) But I know people will tell me that with my kind of degree, CMI la – so I don’t dare to say lor, later more discouraged by others’ responses only. Aiya, actually I feel that whatever job I said I wanted to do sure got people tell me I dunno how to choose job properly. I know my strength is in managing, administrating and organizing – but I have no idea what job needs these, but I would like to work within my strength.

*****

Cafe Cartel with Mei Mei

It has been a long time since I blogged. It took me awhile to make my way through the thick layers of cobwebs accumulated over the past few months before uploading new photos :)

Anyway, here goes...

A birthday treat from me for my sister - during my birthday month... and until now she still haven got me my present lor...

We sat at table 2 at PS Cafe Cartel... lousy place.. so cram..

We ordered pork ribs & ham and cheese macaroni in tomato sauce :) We ordered snapple also - cheap cheap & how can we forget the 'free bread' whaha.. sure kill.. -_-"

Ok... I'm freaking pissed now.. spent the past one hour trying to fix the alignment of the photos..

Some goodies from Mapletree

Mango & Apple - distributed to all staffs

Front view - so beautiful. Back view - bruised -_-"

SINS Chocolate - Treats from promoted staffs

Nice Packaging. Nice box with magnetic seal. Sinful chocolate; eat 1 small cube only... must skip 200 times to burn it off - like I care :p Just eat la.

Ma Maison & Hokkaido Ice-cream @ The Central

Ma Maison @ The Central




Hokkaido Ice-cream @ The Central

Mr. Bean, Beard Papa, Pocky

I love soya bean drink. Need not be from Mr. Bean. Market one also can, Jollibean also can :)

This is from Beard Papa. I love their cream puff. They have a new strawberry cream filling. So I bought it to try... hmm... but I didn't really like it, taste a bit too sour, not sweet at all, I still prefer the original one - 30 cents cheaper some more... Haha..



This is from Joyce. This Pocky (Japanese version) has real strawberry bits on it. Very sweet and tasty. I still keep the box - I like the packaging :)

Ti Amo @ Hougang

Ti Amo @ Hougang

Hong Kong Restaurant @ Cineleisure

Hong Kong Restaurant @ Cineleisure

30 Random Questions

1. When was the last time you shaved your legs? I never shave my legs.

2. What were you doing this morning at 11 am? Working.

3. What were you doing 15 minutes ago? Uploading photos.

4. Are you any good at math? Primary school math - very good! Secondary school math - B3.

5. Are you mad at anyone right now? I'm always mad at someone. Easily excited, easily pissed as well.

6. What do you drink most often? Nova coffee.

7. What is your favorite kind of potato chips? I don't like chips.

8. Do you know the words to the song on your MySpace profile? I don't have MySpace.

9. Last thing received in mail? A reply.

10. How many different drinks have you had today? Two. Nova & Milo.

11. How many people did you talk to on the phone today? One. Asked mama to buy dinner.

12. Any plans for tonight? Sleep.

13. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach? No.

14. What is the most painful dental procedure you ever had? I don't remember pain. But I did extracted 4 wisdom teeth at one appointment.

15. What is outside your front door? Shoes and slippers. I love slippers.

16. Do you have plans on friday night? Yea.. this friday, probably going to watch fireworks at marina.

17. Do you like the ocean? Who wouldn't? I would love to go on a cruise :)

18. Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different popcorn? No.

19. Have you ever been to a planetarium? What's this? Martian? Channel 5 can?

20. Do you ever drink coffee? Yes. I love blended mocha.

21. Something you are excited about? I can get excited at almost anything. It depends on the mood I think. Well, I'm trying to fit in the emo-generation - no... not elmo.

22. Who around you has the most problems? I think I have the most problem. Oh gosh, is that a problem?

23. Are any of your great-grandparents still alive? No.

24. Describe your love life? With Jesus... It'll last forever.

25. Where do you keep your change? Change of what? Change of clothes? I don't keep them. I dump them in the laundry bag.

26. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group of people? Last Saturday.

27. What is something you usually look forward to everyday? Lunch time & Knock-off time.

28. What was the weather like on your birthday? I'll let you know on the 17th of September.

29. Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed? Closed.

30. Have you ever personally met a celebrity? If so who? Yea... I saw her in the mirror just now and said 'hi'.

大小爱吃

http://www.crunchyroll.com/showmedia?id=117171

http://www.crunchyroll.com/showmedia?id=118725

Transfer the Vision

Let say, you are doing a good job as a leader. You're modeling the way. You are developing relationships with your people and building them up. You've trained them. You are developing them and plan to continue doing so. Now what? It's like you’ve taken the time to build a fine weapon and load it. So what so you do? You aim at the bull’s-eye and pull the trigger. In the area of leadership, that means transferring the vision.

The vision cast by the top management rarely gets transferred to the people without the whole-hearted participation of the leaders lower in the organization who are closer to them. Though leaders in the middle may not always be the inventor of the vision, they are almost always its interpreters.

1. Clarity

When the vision isn't clear, the people aren't clear. They just can’t figure it out. You have to pull all the pieces together for them to help them 'get' it.

When preparing to cast vision, ask yourself: What do I want them to know, and what do I want them to do?

And once you know the answer, keep communicating and filling in the blanks until you can sense that most of your people get it – not just the quick ones.

2. Connection of past, present and future

Any leader who casts vision and neglects to tie in the past and present is really missing an opportunity.

Talking only about the past gives no hope for the future, so you certainly don't want to put your focus there. But if you ignore the past, you fail to connect people to the organization's history. If you show that you value what has gone before and honor the people who laid the foundation to get you where you are today, you validate those people who have worked hard and sacrifice to build what already exists. You also give the people who are new to the process the added security of knowing they are part of something bigger.

When people are able to touch the past, they will be more inclined to reach for the future. Anytime you can show the past, present, and future are unified, you bring power and continuity to your vision casting.

2inc: Those people who weren't involved in building the foundations of North wouldn't realize how 'bad' it was in the beginning and what price were paid to build it till where it is now. Therefore if we do not include this as we challenge our new generation of believers then they will not see the importance of why we started out and carrying on where we left off. A successful leader is one who has a successor.

3. Purpose

Although vision tells people where they need to go, purpose tells them why they should go. Not only does that help people to make sense of what they are being asked to do, but it also helps them to stay on target. It helps them to make adjustments, improvise, and innovate as they encounter obstacles or experience other difficulties.

4. Goals

Leadership is leaders inducing followers to act for certain goals that present the values and the motivations – the wants and the needs, the aspirations and expectations – of both leaders and followers. Without goals and a strategy to achieve them, vision isn’t measurable or attainable. When you give people a process, they realize that the vision is realistic. And that increases their confidence in you and the vision.

5. A challenge

Just because you can make the vision realistic doesn't mean you can't make it challenging. In fact, if the vision doesn’t require people to stretch, they may wonder if it is worthy of their dedication. Some leaders seem to be afraid to challenge their teams, but a challenge makes good people want to spread their wings and fly. It fires up the committed people – and fries the uncommitted ones. You will accurately define your people if you ask them to stretch.

2inc: You will find out who is committed and who's not when you give them a challenge that will require them to stretch.

6. Stories

If you want to put a human face on a challenging vision, then include stories. They make the vision relational and warm. Think about people who have been involved in the advancement of the group so far. Tell about their struggles and victories. Praise their contributions. Make it personal. When you do that, you make the vision and the process identifiable to the average people who are wondering, Should I be a part of this? Can I be a part of this? Can I make a difference? A story helps them to see that even though they may have to reach to help achieve the vision, it is within their grasp.

7. Passion

If there is no passion, then your vision isn't transferable; it is just a pleasant snapshot. Who's going to work hard, put in long hours, fight through obstacles, and go the extra mile for that? The wonderful thing about passion is that it is contagious. If you are fired up, then they will get fired up, and they will need that fire to keep them going.

There is definitely a link between ownership and success. You don’t get the latter without the former. Take the vision 'from me to we.'

Handling the weight

A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a
glass of water and asked,


"How heavy is this glass of water?"

Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.

The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter.It depends on how long you try to hold it.

If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.

If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.

If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.

In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

He continued, And that's the way it is with stress management.

If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. "

As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again.

When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden."

"So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can"



So, my friend, why not take a while to just simply RELAX.

Put down anything that may be a burden to you right now.

Don't pick it up again until after you've rested a while.

Life is short. Enjoy it!

Blessings

Finally I have time to share about my blessings from the past week.

Firstly, I want to thank God for a good job. I'm working at Mapletree Investments' Asset Management department as a temporary administration assistant assisting the administration executive, Joo Ai. You have seen my previous blog mentioning about her having a very sweet voice. She is a mum to 2 kids, 9 years old daughter and 11 years old son. She was married at 24, gave birth at 26… haha, 'hip' mum.

My friendships with the 2 Christian colleagues; Deana & LC, are fruitful. We always have biblical conversations during lunch time. I thank God that even at work I can receive biblical inputs from others and share my learning with them. I enjoy lunch time!!! They always try to bring me around to new food courts or hawker centres around harborfront to explore new food. Deana recently shared with me a place where they give free Christian talks – Crest, a Christian book shop at far east plaza – I haven really check it out though.

My ‘lao ban’… always ask me the same question, “You ok?”
Then I always reply with the same answer, “Yup!”
I appreciate it though.

I never expected to have such a good first working experience. I got this job on my first interview. I thank God I did not have to go through the experience of being rejected by a company. I also realized I was the highest paid temp employee among the others that was working for Mapletree just before I did… haha… not like as if my pay is super high, but I thank God that I didn’t get their kind of pay – that one really cheap (x3) labour.

I’ve learnt a lot during these few days, of which many, I have nothing big or important to do; so I’ll usually spend time to do ministry stuff. I even fell sleep during work yesterday – I really do all I need to do le…

I feel that the other colleagues quite like me too. Haha, it’s good because they will be more willing to teach me more stuff and more lenient when I make mistake.

During the most recent DL huddle, we had to share something about us. I had to share my fear. At that point, I really don’t know what I really fear, so I just said worms. However, I didn’t really want to share about those cliché things, but I really got nothing in mind. This question really bothers me – I kept thinking about it on my way home and it suddenly struck me – I fear… haha... you think I so stupid to disclose it publicly and let people use it against me… whahaha… ok, but I can give clue.

I think I fear these 2 things, of which, 1 is known by most people – _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ & _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. Oh, why did I suddenly insert the DL huddle incident here? I realized about 1 of the fears I had while working.

Anyways, back to blessings.

I’m very blessed with a good team in North – Joyce, Daryl, David.

They are a bunch of leaders that have their own conviction in Christ. They know what they want to do for God and what they need to do for God – in their personal lives and in their ministry. It’s not difficult to lead them because they know what they want and how to get there. I simply just need to evaluate and approve their plans – just like the senior managers in my work place; everyday sign documents can le… haha… They are people that make the difference in the North. They execute plans and follow through the plans. They have to lead their people and solve their issues.

From the North CLs, I learnt that it is not difficult to lead people pastorally. Students of different personalities, strengths or background can lead other students. As long as your heart loves the people you lead, then the other things (e.g. skills, resources…) can fall in nicely to help you to be an effective leader, but if you have the skills but not the heart – no use. Just like ornaments on Christmas trees – your skills are for ‘bai sui’ purpose only. So many times, I see the leaders who love God and love their people, worked hard to learn skills, to find resources… and in the end reach their goals – so the issue is not about what we don’t have but are we giving what we have for the Kingdom. The right heart manifested into right attitudes in leadership.

Their attitude towards God and God’s people motivated them to achieve beyond themselves. They taught me that the first important thing to have as a leader is the right heart.

The wrong heart --> wrong desires --> wrong actions --> wrong results --> affect him & others.

The biblical heart --> biblical desires --> biblical actions --> biblical results --> blessings for him & others.

However, it is not easy to lead and having to work in a ‘9-to-5’ job at the same time. I understand how DK feels. Each day after work, I have only enough time for 1 shepherding – from 7pm – 10pm. By the time I reach home, on the laptop, type some stuff, it’s 12pm le… so need to sleep and then… the next day.

Really salute the adult ministry, Filipino ministry, mandarin ministry and especially family ministry, having to serve God, serve family & serve babies… haha… For now, working as a temp, it’s still ok… as you can see… I can still blog entries. It’s easy when you are a full-time pastoral staff – anyway your job would be to do pastoral ministry; with flexibility of time also. However as an employee in a secular company, you have to IC your work from ‘9-to-5’ and whatever time you are left with, to IC your pastoral groups – 2 different things.

So leh, I really thank God for my leaders :)

That’s about all for now… *Feeling sleepy* at 10:35am.

Transformers, Roborts in disguise

Haha… It’s 8:51am right now. Just did my rounds as a ‘postman’ so now currently nothing to do as yet.

I went to watch “Transformers” yesterday night at 9.40pm until about 12pm – about 2hrs 20mins movie. So cool ah… so glued to the screen, can – even though I was sitting the 3rd from the screen and my neck felt a bit uncomfortable. This movie so totally deserved my $7. Haha.

I like the whole show – all the way from the beginning.

The scene where the robots went to Sam’s house to find the spectacles was so funny la… aiyo, can laugh until siao ah… But then in the movie, everyone was so quiet la… I want to LOL also pai sei… The scenes where the robots transformed are like WOW – so fast and so cool.

I TOTALLY love the fighting scenes man… sit there mouth open and watch… to one point I nearly feel like crying la… cause the show so nice!!! My mouth was kept open almost throughout the whole show… I was like “wah” – all the way…

If I was in shorts or pants, I would have squat on the chair and watch lo (and then fall off the chair at some point in the movie… haha… because leaned too forward…). Kept smiling and laughing to myself because the show so nice la… If I was watching DVD at home, I probably am able to be more noisy and expressive without being a nuisance. The whole time I was trying so hard to keep myself from expressing out the “wah-ness”… haha.

The scene where bumble bee morphed into a brand new car… wah seh… Bumble bee so loyal, in order to protect Sam and the girl, he kena caught and froze like pork. He never give up without a fight man – no legs already still fight while being dragged around… haha…

There is this robot that wants to ‘get rid’ things all the time; including Sam’s parents.

There’s another ‘hip-hop’ one… haha… so cute la.

Then the Megatron, always announcing his own arrival, “I am Megatron” – laugh until pengz…

But then, I totally don’t get the ending?!
How come Megatron just died like that – by absorbing the cube?
How come the cube killed him?
How did Sam know that the cube can destroy him?
I was so excited about the fight… eh… then suddenly Megatron die liao… I sit there and blur loh…

If you understand the ending, please ‘enlighten’ me :)

To know more about characters in the Transformers series --> Click here.

Ah Peh's Conviction

Hi everyone. Now I would to share about my group NORTH B.We had been stagnant for sometime already and we’re not seeing much fruits even after camp. Some weeks we tried really hard but the results are awfully disappointing. Guess what! We’re in wilderness!!

Yes, there are very little growth, in this case it’s street convert and people who are far away came back to join us. What we really wanted is exponential growth! The altar call to me, during the service for the past weeks makes my stomach extremely uneasy. I believe not only me, but the people in my group too. There’s really this stirring within our hearts to continue to work and be greatly assured by God’s promises.

So the solution was out. We aren’t supposed to think so much about growth. We are supposed to work so that we could grow! This week was a week of growth in terms of quality and quantity. We even have visitor already! Most people in the group had their fervor increased.

God have been evident through our lives this week. We’re all godsmacked this week. The turning point is when we all decided to commit to the common vision and allowing the same God that did miracles, as seen in the bible, to move through our doings. Reality is another stumbling block for us, in the sense where there will be some people that will not fully commit to the whole movement along with us. Nevertheless, we moved on and there’s BREAKTHROUGHS!

People sometimes will say, “God, you’ve not been evident in my life”. But the fact is that we’re not even doing anything to allow God to be evident in our lives!! In the end, we’ll grumble and start blaming God. God is not an object or idol, He should be the Lord of all in our lives.

I’m also convicted about D4RE(Determination 4 Reaching Everyone)! It is our group’s motto! We want to be people that, Dare to be different! Dare to stand firm for the Gospel! Dare to make a difference in Sphere of Influence!! For me, I beg to differ from the World! I want to be a Daring Christian! And for the group, we really wants to be believers that are not easily influenced by people of the world. We wants to burn that bridge that leads us back to the world. Because our lives are changed by God, through that very cross paid by flesh and blood, not the World.

[By Sherman Peh]

Copy and Paste

Part of Vivien's latest post

and i wanna affirm TINGTING :DDDDDDDDDDDshe's so hardworking, because she's going to shepherd her very first sheep soon, it's not a really easy sheep to take care[i mean tingting need to go the extra mile for her (((:], but i believe God will guide her and also be there for her ;DDi believe she's going to be a great shepherd :)) 加油，婷婷!

Part of Xinru's 2 latest posts

met up joyce just now.really had fun, videoed down how we interviewed joyce.all of us came to the miting with our eyelids half closed.almost going to sleep cause of the lack of sleephaha. then we prayed.devotions in the morning for 80plus more days.god! let me go with ur strength and joy!haha.help me, god, let us set the standard,let us be at the first frontier for you.

today's yishun de cg, only 6 ppl turn up!!!but that did not drown the hyper atmosphere we had.we prayed for the 2 new be's that came.baptised them in the holy spirit.both recieved it and started crying!god! that was such an awsome sight.reallyits god in the picture.then ting ting sang a song! its cool! haha.let the unit listen to it tis sat.we had such fun in fellowshipthat none of them wanted to leave.haha. it was a great success.thank u god for all you've blessed in yishun!

Part of Joan's latest post

After meeting , Joyce shared somethin' with us and it made wanting , celine and i teared . I have never seen Celine cry before . I love each and everyone of you so dearly . This family is filled with LOVE , FUN and ENTHUSIASM in serving God . We know each other's strengths and weaknesses .We've been through good times and really tough times together . I am really really very happy that im part of this team . I will never ever leave this family . =) Over my dead body . HAHAHAHA .

Part of Ace's latest post

Affirm people now..
joyce tan : joyce thank euu that euu leadingg this north A and hadd some joy withh euu and ii really cann learn alot of thingg..and euu are mine belovedd leader forever! xD

xinru tay : thankk euu sherpherdd that euu teachingg me as well..and we hadd cchy as cg ! but ii know that will be veryy toughh..but ii know that this word " united " we really can win win win ! soo jiayo! and ii love euu sherpherd..xD

sherry lee : thank euu sheepmate for accompanyy me no matter ii am sadd or dicouage..but yet euu still withh me no matter ii hadd upset.and euu are mine forever sheepmate.and ii love euu..and ii with euu..ii hadd bornn withh euu like that..hahas..and we look sister..cause ii think 1year sheepmate it euu are my forever sisterr lovedd ! xD

yuwen : thank euu sheep that euu are very first sheep to take care of euu in spiritual..and ii hadd withh euu alot of joy together..and ii also saw that euu are really enjoyy in this group.and i hadd seen euu grow too..anyway sheep, ii sherpherdd ii love euu as my sheep forever!

celine ho : heyy heyy! thank euu that eu last timee teachingg me..as my ex-sherpherdd..but thank euu that euu teachingg alot and ii hadd joy withh euu..but now also have..euu at my heart euu are my forever laughterr gall..hahas..butt ii lovee euuu too ! xD

euise : xiaoo ma ! hahas..ii love your laughter!! xDD hahas..butt euu hadd in this group ii hadd with joy withh euu too..and jiayoo OPSS! okaays!! xDD myy xiao ma! xDD love euu!

vivien LIM : hahas..my parnter! hahas..also thank euu that euu alway accompany me no matter ii am upset etc.and ii withh euu ii feel warm..and wee aree veryy forever foreverrr loveee! xD

ting ting yeo : haha! mommy! thank euu too also lahhs..thenn alwayy withh me too..no matter ii am upset etc..but mommy euu are my best mommy in kingdom of God ! hahas..xD lovee euu!

joan hoe : jojo! hahas..mojojo! hahaahahahaha! no lahhs..also thank euu that euu also withh me forever too.and we are like hunbandd and wife like that..keep on kissingg..hahahaha! butt ii love euu too! xD

messlisa : haha..thank euu also withh me too..ii love euu too! andd ii withh euu ii hadd joy withh euu..and euu are my blurrrr gall in my mind..but ii love euu too! haha xD

liyan : ii lovee euu ah ma! xD hahas..thank euu that euu alway with me no matter ii am upset or wadd...but thank euu! xD ii lovee euu too!

val : hahaha myyy cute cuteeeee val !! haha..thank euu that alway hadd joy withh euu!! thank euu!! ii lovee euuu! xD

joggina: hahas! myy usher leader!!! hahas..thank euu also alway peii me andd hadd joy withh euu! ii lovee euuu too!! xD

mandy : hahas..myy laughterr ! and ii feel warm with euu..hahas..ii dunno why..but also thank euu that hadd joy with euu too! and we had taken a emo andd tooopidd pic too! hahaa! ii love euu too ! xD

banana: iii loveee euu! hahaa my cutiee honey! haha! and euu are veryy forever cute lahhs..hahas..ii love your face look japan.hahas..but ii loveee euu too! xD

jiaxin: hahahahahahaha!!! myyyyyyy crazyy parnter! hahaha!! ii loveeeee euuuu!! hahaha..myy cute lahhs..ii lovee euu too! xD

Diary Entry [Part 2]

[Start 12:28pm] 17 minutes before lunch time… hehe…
At 11.58am, some information finding again on the 13th floor… need to climb again…
Just came back. I think after lunch need to do some proof-reading.
At least got something to do :) [End 12:30pm]

[Start 5:22pm] Yeah!! Did some work for Linda after lunch. Then went to the drink dispenser to try kopi and teh… haha… Free mah…

During lunch, I went out with LC and Deana. Deana is from FCBC. So she shared with me that her group is on a project called 100k., whereby 500 ‘warriors’ will outreach to 20 pre-believers each by asking them to select from a list of 20 ‘needs’ so that the ‘warriors’ can pray for them. This is to connect the pre-believers to them then to God. She is a serving Christian at the age of 50++, eh… I think she grandmother le… maybe 60+… not sure... but I thought I heard her talking about something to do with ‘granddaughter’… -_-?
Then I got to learn from them how to outreach in the marketplace… wah… so cool la!!

I’ve been planning for the group since 3++pm…
Updated my CG08 list and sort…
Just sent a long email to DK… wahahaha… When there is nothing to do in the office, I’ll send emails out to get other people to do things… whahaha…

Received sms from Jogina about her getting a big hole in her tooth filled… wahahah... She had 3 jabs in her gums and the procedure took 90 minutes?!
“Please brush your teeth, girl… This is what you get for not brushing your teeth…”

Another sms from David saying that as of now, he passed his papers, but not very satisfied with the results… “Aiya, give thanks la boy.”

Today, my ‘lao ban’, Mr Chan Tuck Kay, came and talk to me… just to give me a whole idea on how I contribute to the project with what I do…
Actually, I’m very impressed by him. From the interview, I realized that he is a person that wants to develop people. I thought that managers just want to get things done.
He said that he wants his employees, even his temps, to learn on the job. He put it into action today by sharing with me some stuff so that I learn new things.
Many people want to get things done quickly, very seldom someone is willing to take time to develop and teach someone else. *Impressed*

He reminds me of Ps Jeff. He kinda has the same mannerism and quite funny also. Haha… the funny thing is my response to jokes from the both of them, also the same one…
When Ps Jeff attempts to say something funny to make fun of me, I will don’t get it and dunno how to respond. With Mr. CTK – same thing.

I’m going to fix SOW now… haha… 22 more minds to ‘pang gang’… heh heh.. the got shepherding with Joyce Tan. [End: 6:08pm]

Diary Entry [Part 1]

[Start 9:31am] Reached office around 8.27am. Saw my VP at the lift lobby, she was on her way out, I was on my way in, so no awkwardness... haha… Went to look for something to do in the office, but nothing to do as yet… So I write entry for blog lo… if not sit too long never move, will fall sleep…

I’m like so new in everything (I just confirmed that I’m working in the Asset Management Department) that the Admin Executive, Joo Ai, has to guide me step by step and I feel so bad, like I’m wasting her time. Anyway, she is a very cute person. On her desk pin-board, she pinned up pictures for Jonathan (Singapore-idol), Show Luo Zhi Xiang and some other cute guy celebrities… by the way, she is married with kids le… Her voice very gentle but can tell she quite havoc kinda person; meaning very gung-ho for fun things one… This morning she was amazed that I wore colored lens and she shared that she also wears them in the past.

Anyways, something cool to share… You know the drinks dispenser, the one where you see in hospitals and each cup costs about 50 cents… Can dispense like coke, coffee, milo – with ice or no ice… you know? Ya la, that one la… haha… my office also has… but it’s FREE... just press and no need to pay… whahaha… yesterday got nothing to do, so went to check out the pantry and discovered free la…

Yesterday was my 3rd day working; LC invited me for lunch again – together with Deana. I lunched with them both on the 1st day as well. Both of them are Christians from both different churches, around 50+ years old… they said they were near retirement age so I guess it’s around here ba.

Anyways, during lunch, both of them started talking about spiritual things. LC is going to start attending a bible study course tonight at her church; it is a bible study that’ll last for 7 years… wah seh… I like so impressed at her desire to learn the word of God.

Deana attended her cell group gathering yesterday night, and she told me in the afternoon that her pastor just came back from a 9 years mission trip to Russia and she adopted a Russian orphan, who is around 25 years old now. She is currently looking for a part-time job and to learn English as well. She said her pastor is 40+. So cool yea!! Some spiritual talks during office hours.

Yesterday was kinda boring at work. Nothing much to do after lunch hour. Sat in the office from 3pm – 6.30pm, planning for group – sending emails to leaders to ‘get-things-done-‘ in their group. So free until can call David and ask him about his stats.

Now, I’m trying to find things to do and wait for people to approach me with work to do… but half-an-hour le… still no have… There is no internet access for the temp-staff com… haiya… see you later [End: 10:06am]

[Start: 11:24pm] At 9.45pm, finally, got work to do!! Linda, the HarbourFront Centre Manager IC, asked me to verify some worked done yesterday. Walked up and down 12th and 13th floor three times, to find, verify and print information. No lift suitable for use. Have to walk down long passage ways and up escalators. Then after that, become ‘postman’, cleared managers trays for ‘out’ documents and put them in ‘in’ trays of others. Walked up and down 12th and 13th floor, twice… because ‘boh-doh’ me… left the COO’s document in wrong person’s tray… Went down from 13th floor to 12th floor, back to 13th floor – haha... on my way up, took photo of nice view from 12th floor of Vivocity top view. Worked for the past 1 hour 40 minutes. [End: 11:32am]

A sudden thought

If you can complain about what you don't like, why don't you go do something about it?

Now, what is the difference between you and the one who created the trouble.. you just add fuel to the fire by just complaining and pushing the blame? In fact, you make matters worse - causing disunity, bitterness, hatred..

Proverbs 14:23 "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."
Proverbs 20:19 "A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much."

It's would be better for you to keep quiet, if not, you better be prepared to be responsible for what you are spreading.

Hebrews 4:13 "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

If you don't like it, then do something about it and stop pointing the finger - with your mouth :)
If you can complain, you can make a difference - then why hesitate?

If you really believe that something is wrong then show it by doing what is right.
With only talks, it only goes to show how much you believe if what you are spreading.

There is no such thing as 'I'm not in the position to do so', if what we are doing is for God.. then why wouldn't God bless it?

Acts 5:38-39
38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."

2nd day at work

My high heels are killing me.. I love my heels.. but wearing it to work is a bad idea.. pain pain pain..

Anyways, working makes me realised what I don't like.. that's a good start at least.. I may not know what I want yet.. but at least I know what I don't..

People are like talking about how to earn big bucks.. get degrees for big bucks.. big bucks, big bucks.. Sorry, it's not getting into me at all.. I hate it.. but I guess for practicality sake.. money is necessary.. but can I earn it in a more meaningful way???

Ok.. I totally don't know why people are excited about making more money.. I'm simply not motivated at all.. I hate it when the conversation always revolves around money.. ok.. I'm so not used to this.. I think I hate the 'status' people give to money but I don't mind having more myself.. It's not that I don't want to work hard but I don't see the need to slog for money.. money can just come along the way as I work.. but to find ways to earn more money everyday?! To change jobs just to get better pay?!

Ok.. I think I'm in trouble now.. I think probably I'm not seeing something in the right perspective.. or perhaps seeing them in just one perspective.. perhaps I should be less judgemental about many new things that I just got in contact with.. haha..

I really need to get out of my comfort zone and mix with people whose '2nd home' is like the company.. but I have no intention to make that place my '2nd home' and I feel it's a waste of time to socialise and know a lot of people.. but I guess we all need to build good relationships to get the jobs well done.. I guess I'm a bit confused about how to relate with these people and what is expected of me.. I'm trying to fit in the right way, I guess..

I don't mind if they just give me work to do and leave me alone to do it.. but I think what makes me feel weird is when we go for group gathering and I'm feel obliged to somehow fit in to their 'culture', understand their inside jokes and laugh, and talk what they are interested about.. If I don't enjoy it - I'll naturally give the 'sian' look.. but I mean no harm but according to 'survey' people usually understand it differently, usually negatively.. So I feel super doom.. so everytime when I see them I need to smile, smile.. err.. smile.. If I were to be natural, I'll make people feel that I'm cold and sort..

Ok.. I think I'm in trouble (again!).. so self-centered.. It's 'I, Me, Myself'.. *sob sob*..

"Ok.. admitted it.. you are just lazy and can't be bothered to mix around with people."

"Yes, that's pretty true.. and all the more when I feel we have totally different agendas on our mind."

So I'm still trying to figure out some common grounds.. but I guess it'll be alright.. I'll always need sometime to figure out my 'place' in the environment.. and after that.. I'll start exploiting my rights as much as I can.. haha..

Perhaps it's just the 2nd day only.. I may just enjoy the work and find my interest in something somehow along the way.. I'm in the property assets managment/investment sort of department.. I've no idea why I'm there but I'm there.. how I wish I were in Marketing or HR kinda department..

I'm praying for God to speak to me where I should go, to close 'wrong' doors and open up doors to the right direction :)

ART of Harvesting 1

Acts 2:42-4742
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

I decided to read this verse while waiting for the consulation.

I was planning what to teach in this Saturday's ART of Harvesting meeting.
The first session is Attract & Attach. It is about how to attract pre-believers through first time contact or through community interaction (CG) and attach them to the CG.

Then as I was reading this verse, I decided to teach about 'Community Evangelism' - What kind of school communities attract pre-believers to want to know God.

I realised that the believers were this.. this.. this.. then the Lord added to them.. hmm.. North girls came to my mind.. they have regular fellowship, they love one another in the cg and the Lord added to their number.

The North brothers are also building committed and encouraging communities in their groups. They meet in the mornings before school for prayer and QT, they do outreach together after schools. We have seen 1 weekday convert from last week.. and this is only the beginning!! The convert is a friend of our half-German, half-Indonesian member, David Sentosa.
From some things that he shared, I sense that the brothers in Sherman's new cg are maturing and many great things will start to take place in this group as the people grow. Ministry growth results from our spiritual growth.

Ok.. I'm so excited for this Saturday's meeting.. cause I'll be meeting everyone.. including all the new believers.. everyone will learn how they can contribute to building a biblical and attractive communities in their schools.. and all of them will be trained specifically on how they can be a harvester in their specific roles - we need workers at different levels, doing different things but together in the same direction, achieving the same goal.

Ok.. so if you read this post.. please pass this message on:

ART of Harvesting I
4pm - 6pm
Istana Park

Out alone

I spent the whole of today alone. Quite relaxing :)

Woke up at 8.10am this morning to prepare to go polyclinic to have my ears cleaned and asked for some medication for mu sore throat. Suppose to wake up at 7am to go and fight the kiasu crowd queueing at the polyclinic, but decided to sleep more in the end.

My polyclinic visit

Reach the polyclinic at 9.03am, got my queue number for consultation at 9.31am.. and saw the doctor at 10.50am.. waited for 1hr 19mins.. but I knew this kinda thing would happen.. haha.. so I planned to read bible and plan for 'ART of Harvesting'.. so the waiting time didn't bother me that much. The consultation lasted for around 15 mins only.. and I waited for 1 hour ++ :(

Then went to submit prescription and paid for everything, by the time I collected the medication and left, it was already 11.37am. So in total, I spent about 2 hour 34mins.. a total waste of time if I just sat there and do nothing while waiting..

Went for a haircut

Then, next up, I went Anchorpoint to get my hair cut. My mum bought a 8 sessions haircut package, so I just use 1 session.. This is one place - I guess the only place - that I dare to let the hairdressers cut my hair. The only thing that is different now is the length and the thickness.. oh.. and so much neater now..

My Brunch

I wanted to eat at Delifrance.. but then I realise bread+soup+coffee=$9.90... I decided to settle for Subway tuna sandwich [Favourite!!].. Same thing everytime, honey oat bread+toasted+tuna+all veggie+one cookie+small drink.

I read the newly bought 'A love worth giving' while eating.. yea! yea! as i was reading some parts of the book I feel like crying.. but cannot cry.. then got tears in my eyes but must control cannot let it flow.. so funny.. I left anchorpoint around 2.30pm..

Search for the goggles

I walked over to Queensway shopping centre with the intention to buy goggles, caused I forgot to bring out my sister's pair - I actually planned to wear my contact lens to swim, so that I can see while swimming. I tried searching for a cheap one, but the cheapest one I found was $22 -_-.. so sad cause I thought can find $10++ ones.. so I decided to just head to the swimming complex to buy, hoping that they sell cheap ones there..

Then when I reached the pool I realised that there was no goggles on display.. oh oh.. how? I just went to the stall and ask the aunty there if there were goggles on sale.. then yea!! have!! and only $10!!

Swam for 80mins

Feel so good swimming.. I love swimming.. I hate running.. anyways I intended to swim for 1 hour.. haha.. feel so proud of myself.. I actually finished 30 laps (15 laps if you count 100m/lap) within 1 hour.. hahah!! it was a continuous swim ok.. so must have stamina to tahan.. not easy ok.. then I wanted to leave but still feel that I can swim some more.. hehe.. then decided another to swim another 10 laps.. haha.. the final result - 40 laps in 80mins.. average 2 mins per lap.. haha.. like very slow hoh.. I think so too..

Good news

Just as I left the swimming complex, Joyce called to tell me that Yishun Secondary had 2 converts today and Chung Chung High Yishun Branch had 1 convert today.

Today was really fruitful for me.. cause I read books, swam, ate.. haha.. great!!

Talked to God about the group also and about myself also..

Tomorrow is going to be another great day as well :)

Today

Intro to my part-time job
From 5th July on, I'll be starting my part-time job as a full-time admin stuff at Mapletree Investment.. haha.. My working hours are like 8.30am - 6.30pm from Monday - Thursday & I end slightly earlier on Friday at 5.30pm.

This is my first step into the working world.. *sob*..

Ok, don't ask me how much I'm getting, it is a part-time job, so I get paid what part-timers get paid per hour.. anyway, don't bother discussing the salary issue with me.. cause that is totally not my concern at all.. but thanks for your concern..

Anyway, I've been in such a relax mood for the past 1 month since my final papers ended at the end of May, I wonder if I can keep up with the daily 'waking up early' + 'ministry after work' kinda lifestyle.. so I decided to go swimming to build stamina.. whahaa..

The last time I swam was before the exams period.. haha.. so long ago..

My swimming experience
Anyways, the swimming pool was slightly crowded.. I felt as though I'm trying to cross the road at a traffic junction or sort. I must always observe if there is anyone coming in my direction and change lane in order not to collide.. Then when there is someone swimming much slower in front of me, I need to change land again to move forward faster, while making sure that as I change lane I don't knock into someone who is swimming behind me who happened to be using that lane.. whahaa..

Yep.. nothing much happened during the swim.. then decided to leave when I'm tired.. so went to bath and change..

As I was walking to the locker to collect my stuff.. I felt like vomitting.. oh man.. though this time round it has nothing to do with NYNY.. It felt like the day when we had captain's ball match during the camp games, run like 'siao' then after that feel like vomitting. So went to the toilet but nothing came out.. fine.. so went to bath..

Then, I became giddy and very giddy.. cannot raise my head.. a little movement makes me sick.. sometimes my vision was a bit bright/blur... I took about half and hour or so to bath.. It felt like when I had fever and no energy to bath kinda experience.. but in the end I still make it out of the bathroom.. hahah..

The kopitiam incident
Oh.. I forgot to mention, I went with my sister. Moving on.. we took a bus home and walked to a kopitiam near our house to get dinner.. as we walked into the kopitiam, we heard one 50++ man shouting vulgarities like nobody's business.. shout so loud some more.. at one woman, about the same age, who was sitting with a group of friends..
Suddenly I heard a voice within me said, "Sounds familiar?!".. whahaa.. laugh until 'pengz' within..

I don't know what both of them were quarrelling about.. but the man became more and more angry.. then suddenly he took up a beer bottle and smash against the wall.. I think he felt very 'shiok', cause he smash another 2 more..
My sister and I were choosing our dinner when the smashing of beer bottles happened.. we were - maybe - 4 tables away? When he smashed the first bottle, I stood there watching.. but when he smashed the 2nd one, the broken pieces flew really far, and we walked further away quickly just before he smashed the last bottle.

My sister was so pissed with the man being so rude to a woman.. seriously I have no idea why she was pissed at that.. cause both the man and woman were like in a drunken state and both were quarrelling.. -_-? The customers at the kopitiam just sat at their table, continue eating while watching the drama mama that is going on.. nobody dare to do anything.. but I guess in the end someone did, cause the police from the neighbourhood police post across the street came shortly after the bottles were smashed.

I think everyone was glad that the police came.. because they can settle the saga.. it was about 8pm then.. then my sister said that police post usually closes at 8pm.. haha.. poor policemen must OT.

Tomorrow
Anyway, these are today's interesting happenings. Tomorrow I'll be going polyclinic to get my ears checked and cleaned, cause I feel that I'm becoming deaf. Maybe will ask for some throat medicine too cause I still sound 'out-of-tune' since camp - which is very bad. Will be cutting my hair too - no need to expect new style, I'm too lazy to do hair-maintenance daily - probably a shorter and neater version of current hairstyle. Then perhaps will drop by ikea to look see look see.. Maybe, most likely, go swimming again.. hahah.. yeah!!!

New book
Bought a new book. Max Lucado's A Love Worth Giving. Wanted to buy another of his book - Facing your giants; perhaps next time :) I haven really got the time to start reading it, I'll do it tomorrow!! I'm very excited about buying and reading new books :)