The old broken melody, blowing through the trees of Eden.
They say the heart of man is too far gone to save...
yet in the quaint humdums of the neighbourhood,
in the midst of gains and losses,
joys and heartaches,
pleasure and pain,
friends and foes,
battles lost and won,
you can just hear that quiet whisper,
of an amazing grace....upon this unworthy life.
Managed to have dinner with Daniel Li over the weekend. Mann...it's been some time since we last met up. It definitely feels great to be able to meet up after a week of work, seeing each other again.
Met at bugis, and mann....it's people you see everywhere! Hated the crowds, but oh well, too tired to travel some place else for our meal. There wasn't any seats available at pasta mania...so we went to this chinese/shanghai type of restaurant.
The food tastes great by the way. =)
Gao Ji Jiao Zi La Mian. Woot.
Side dish of garlic-honey glazed pork slices and butter dough fried silver fish (they're nice!)....
...main serving of beef and dumpling noodles.
It's real great to hear from daniel once again. All the way from Serve life, poly life, army life, and now working life. Different paths it may have been for the both of us, but it's the diversity of the things we each face that makes the sharing of our lives with each other interesting.
He's a person of few words...but deep within I guess...after all that's happened between, within, and around us...I'm only glad he's still around.
Too many has turned to leave. (oops...this is not the direction this post is supposed to go..stop stop.)
Anyway, I thank God for the evening. Reminds me of the past we had shared and that it means something, that he's still around and open.
Daniel, may you walk stronger and free from the past, finding the stumbling blocks to be stepping stones from Him to draw you closer.
Take care, and God bless. And if He wills to grace me, may we continue to journey together in this life.
To everyone who's lost someone they love Long before it was their time You feel like the days you had were not enough when you said goodbye
And to all of the people with burdens and pains Keeping you back from your life You believe that there's nothing and there is no one Who can make it right
There is hope for the helpless Rest for the weary Love for the broken heart There is grace and forgiveness Mercy and healing He'll meet you wherever you are Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus
For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on They lost all of their faith in love They've done all they can to make it right again Still it's not enough
For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains You try to give up but you come back again Just remember that you're not alone in your shame And your suffering
When you're lonely And it feels like the whole world is falling on you You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus Cry to Jesus
To the widow who struggles with being alone Wiping the tears from her eyes For the children around the world without a home Say a prayer tonight
in the death of someone, of something, of somewhere, without, or within,
“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.”
Genesis 28:15
When God calls us into the deep valley of death, he will be with us. Dare we think that he would abandon us in the moment of death?...Would the shepherd require his sheep to journey to the highlands alone? Of course not. Would God require his child to journey to eternity alone? Absolutely not! He is with you!
What God said to Moses, he says to you: “Me presence will go with you, and I will give you rest”(Exod. 33:14 NIV).
What God said to Jacob, he says to you: “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go” (Gen. 28:15 NIV).
What God said to Joshua, he says to you: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you”(Josh. 1:5 NIV).
'And The Angels Were Silent', A Max Lucado devotional, 28th Sept
2. I'll challenge you to try something. write out the lyrics of your own song! :)
[..do you know, that's something I had wanted to do the most, deep inside my heart for a long while. a desire to write a song to Him, of the things I've lived through until now...i hope. :) ]
3. I'll pick a colour that I associate with you. dull green
[cool...i like earthen colours. but why huh?]
4. I'll tell you something I like about you. you are easygoing and i like how you're able to crap and be serious at the right time! :) oh oh plus your design skills! :)
[thank you, an honour that you like what you've seen so far :) ]
5. I'll tell you my first/clearest memory about you. the rather tall guy in church!
[haha...and how old were you then ah? :D ]
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of. bird!
[chirp chirp..i mean err...okayy...WHY?]
7. I'll ask you something I've always wanted to ask you. would you rather have a Christian name at birth if given a choice?
[nope. I'd prefer it to be given after I've received Christ. seems to be more meaningful in telling about my changed identity in Him :) ]
Had a pretty quiet weekend. Quiet as in....minimal activities.
Was actually supposed to be in the worship band, but Yeepeng decided to give me a break, and slotted me out. Looking back, I'm really thankful for it. And it couldn't have been more timely.
I really needed the rest...from within. It was really a time of refreshing for me through the service. No...not really those 'feel-good' type of refreshing...more of being refreshed by the intimacy with God.
Psalm 33 worked its way into my heart, as I read it before the worship started.
"From His dwelling place He looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works."
Psalm 33:14-15
I was approaching a God who knows me more deeply and intimately, than I do. And the songs just flowed, as it drew me to place of kneeling before Him. Refreshing tears flowed as I felt the freedom to cry out from within to Him, as I brought my broken weary heart before Him.
And then another verse that had jumped out at me earlier, resonated off Yeepeng's lips...
"Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for His lovingkindness, to deliver their soul from death and to keep them alive in famine."
Psalm 33:18-19
...and then...stillness. It was too precious a moment to let go. He knows, and He cares. Perhaps that is 1 thing that He wants me to remember, in this season.
The cup of refreshment was then filled to the brim, with the sharing of Rev. Daniel Wee...
David, we know of too well. We read of psalms and sing of songs telling about David slinging down Goliath, the affections of his heart after God. But what of Obed-edom? No choruses to point to his faithfulness, in service unto God. Any encounter he may have had with God, was not chronicled. Yet, the life he lived most probably spoke much more than what we could ever hope to have, in that few verses of him.
He didn't ask for the ark, yet it found him. The things he had to surrender and give up to follow God...literally. The multitude of things he served in. To stay where others run.
Pain and joy that goes untold, giving way to a bigger statement about this God he encountered. The verses given to account his life was minimal...yet enough to remind me of what it means when a life is captivated, by God.
...and the cup overflows.
How I need to drink from it.
And He knows, for so forgetful and foolish, I can be, to forget His promise to never walk away or leave behind,
His promise of a lifetime.
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[Promise of a Lifetime] - Kutless, 'Hearts of the Innocent'
I have fallen to my knees As I sing a lullaby of pain I'm feeling broken in my melody As I sing to help the tears go away
Then I remember the pledge You made to me
I know You're always there To hear my every prayer inside I'm clinging to the promise of a lifetime I hear the words You say To never walk away from me and leave behind The promise of a lifetime
Will You help me fall apart Pick me up, take me in Your arms Find my way back from the storm And You show me how to grow Through the change
I still remember the pledge You made to me
I am holding on to the hope I have inside With You I will stay through every day Putting my understanding aside
And I am comforted To know You're always there To hear my every prayer inside I'm clinging to The promise of a lifetime I hear the words You say To never walk away from me and leave behind The promise of a lifetime
I know You're always there To hear my every prayer inside I'm clinging to The promise of a lifetime Looking back at me I know that You can see my heart is holding to The promise of a lifetime
to surrender my understanding for Your presence, i am comforted
Oh boy...due to the rain this morning, traffic was really slow, and I missed the company's shuttle bus service from City Hall. But...was I glad too! :D
Well I went over to Harbour Front for the other shuttle bus. This particular bus driver of the bus was really friendly and nice, giving a smile and 'hellos' to every passenger boarding his bus.
Ooh when I boarded the bus, I gave him a big smile and said morning. Guess what..?
He gave a big smile and said "Hello handsome, morning!"
Wooohhoooooo!! That was so cool lah. Hehe...maybe I should start taking buses from Harbour Front every morning now?!
"Ehh nono...get a grip on yourself man, Deqi!!"
*Ahem* Okok...hehe. But I think it's really cool, to be able to have that friendly personality early in the morning, in the same routines of meeting so many people everyday driving the same route. Kudos to him.
Woah but this rainy morning...man how I'd love to sleep in. Oh well...week begins, work begins.
I'll see you around, my dear friend.
=)
*He said "morning handsome" to me!! wheeeeee! oops.*
Finally decided to sell my handphone today. It was kinda scary...seeing how the re-sell value of it drop like....like.....humpty dumpty's great fall?
It was then that I realised...I'm not going to be able to keep the messages stored in my phone, and I didn't have the time to transfer them out.
I cringed at that thought.
To lose all those messages....it means something to me as I looked back at it. All the way from last year..the messages from people who have left a mark in my life, but no longer in sight. It was really a sweet feeling to the heart and soul receiving the messages from them....to know that they still reserve a part of their heart for me.
But also....messages that have left a scar were to be lost as well. The messages that have burdened my heart, as my eyes read them into my heart...to see them coming out of people whom you wish you never have to hear it from. Messages that are too painful to read, and shuts one up from within.
Somehow...all those messages have become a part of my life and memory. Whether is it joy inducing, or pain inflicting...it's a gentle nudge to my heart, of the lives I had once shared in, as well as the days He has walked me through.
But as reluctant as I am to lose them...somehow, there's a faint whisper from within...
Would this be part of the route of a new beginning?
Would the release of my grasp upon those good and bad memories, finally free my calloused hands to be open for Him?
For a field to bear fruit, it must occasionally lie fallow. And for you to be healthy, you must rest. Slow down, and God will heal you. He will bring rest to your mind, to your body, and most of all to your soul. He will lead you to green pastures.
Green pastures were not the natural terrain of Judea. The hills around Bethlehem where David kept his flock were not lush and green. Even today they are white and parched. Any green pasture in Judea is the work of some shepherd. He had cleared the rough, rock land. Stumps have been torn out, and brush has been burned...
With His own pierced hands, Jesus created a pasture for the soul He tore out the thorny underbush of condemnation. He pried loose the huge boulders of sin. In their place, He planted seeds of grace and dug ponds of mercy.
And He invites us to rest there.
A Max Lucado devotional, Thursday 21st Sept
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Amazing...I can't really find a word to describe it. It suddenly dawned upon me...that God actually prepares the place of rest before inviting me.
"You prepare a table before me, in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
Psalm 23:5
I still remember explaining this verse to my youth cell in one of the BS sessions we had a few years ago, explaining the picture of the tradition where the host of a dinner who prepares the table and food for his guests, is actually responsible for the safety of his guests as host, as well as ensuring that the guest's cup or plate, never runs empty.
And I've always been thankful in remembering that, that God takes it upon Himself, as His responsibility to keep me safe from my enemies and see to my needs, if I would choose to refuge myself in Him.
But I've never realised...
"You prepare a table before me, in the presence of my enemies."
To just invite me to rest isn't enough for Him apparently. He prepares. He knows the journey I've taken, and exactly where do I ache and tire. And the place is prepared according to my needs, of which no one knows better.
And herein lies another reason why He delights in my taking refuge in Him.
He knows, and has prepared accordingly....specially.
Check out these creatively cool creations using nothing more than our daily-taken-granted-for papers. (ok...a pair of scissors was most probably involved as well..)
But it's cool man...great if can use them to deco your room.
Woah...after 2 weeks, my colleague has finally returned from her overseas trip, her trip to the land of Lord of The Rings, New Zealand. Wahh nice man....to just put everything aside and put your mind to rest.
My dept head and I were so excited to see her...cause really missed her presence. It has been so quiet in the office during this period. And with me covering some of her stuff while she was away, I'm only so glad that she's back. :D
Oooh...she got some stuff for me as promised!
Loot from NZ
Some assorted sweets, a box of Swiss chocs, and this cool bottle of chilled spring drink or something....tastes like lemon sprite.
Mmmmm...thanks!
Hmmmm makes me wonder...how shall I spend that unimaginable long period of leave of 2.5 days?
Hmmm....came across this online personality quiz (just one of the millions out there..) from some friend. Well....not really accurate and true for all....but..it's interesting.
:)
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Your view on yourself: You are intelligent, honest and sweet. You are friendly to everybody and don't like conflict. Because you're so cheerful and fun people are naturally attracted to you and like to talk to you.
The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for: You are a true romantic. When you are in love, you will do anything and everything to keep your love true.
Your readiness to commit to a relationship: You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.
The seriousness of your love: You are very serious about relationships and aren't interested in wasting time with people you don't really like. If you meet the right person, you will fall deeply and beautifully in love.
Your views on education Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.
The right job for you: You have plenty of dream jobs but have little chance of doing any of them if you don't focus on something in particular. You need to choose something and go for it to be happy and achieve success.
How do you view success: You are afraid of failure and scared to have a go at the career you would like to have in case you don't succeed. Don't give up when you haven't yet even started! Be courageous.
What are you most afraid of: You are concerned about your image and the way others see you. This means that you try very hard to be accepted by other people. It's time for you to believe in who you are, not what you wear.
Who is your true self: You are full of energy and confidence. You are unpredictable, with moods changing as quickly as an ocean. You might occasionally be calm and still, but never for long.
Apparently it doesn't depend on how much I know, for You to bring me through days that I can't see much out of.
I could have made the choice to run away from it. I could have insisted on having a guitar with me for the worship service....to hide behind with. (surprised that the instrument can also be used to hide away with? yes it can.)
I could have excused myself and left right after service, and just pass the youth cell to someone, or some other time.
I could have insisted on playing drums, and hide behind it.
And honestly...I really wanted to. And tried to infact.
But it wasn't what You wanted. Things just happened and led me to the place. But I still had to make the choice, not to run away.
I don't know why...but it felt useless to try to run away.
And during the worship as I stood there singing "Still" and "With All I Am"....
"hide me now...under Your wings.. cover me, within Your mighty hands.. when the oceans rise... Jesus I believe...I belong to You..."
I sensed a nudging in my heart. It seemed to be a similar nudging that Jeremy Camp had...and his own testimony came to my mind as I stood in Your presence in my brokeness....it seems...
...You wants me to stand, and praise and honor Him. To choose to turn my tear-stained face to You, to lift my weary hands to You, to lay my disappointed heart before You...because...
..because You are still alive. Because You still reign. Because You still holds everything in Your hands. Because You are still worthy. Because nothing of You have changed. Because You....still love.
So...let me stay with You through this period. If I stand, if I kneel, if I fall and just curl up like a feotus helplessly before You, let it be in Your presence. Draw me to the posture You want me in...
that would find me the rest and restoration in You.
Help me to wait, patiently.
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[Mountain of God] - Third Day, "Wherever You Are"
I thought that I was all alone Broken and afraid But You were there with me Yes, You were there with me
And I didn't even know That I had lost my way But You were there with me Yes, You were there with me
'Til You opened up my eyes I never knew That I couldn't ever make it Without You
Even though the journey's long And I know the road is hard Well, the One who's gone before me He will help me carry on After all that I've been through Now I realize the truth That I must go through the valley To stand upon the mountain of God
As I travel on the road That you have lead me down You are here with me Yes, You are here with me I have need for nothing more Oh, now that I have found That you have lead me down Yes, You are here with me
I confess from time to time I lose my way But You are always there To bring me back again
Sometimes I think of where it is I've come from And the things I've left behind But of all I've had, what I possessed Nothing can quite compare With what's infront of me With what's infront of me
Even though the journey's long And I know the road is hard Well, the One who's gone before me He will help me carry on After all that I've been through Now I realize the truth
That I must go through the valley To stand upon the mountain Yes I must go through the valley To stand upon the mountain Yes I must go through the valley To stand upon the mountain
I thought that I was all alone Broken and afraid But You are here with me Yes, You are here with me
We've all had those mountaintop experiences.
You feel so close to God.
You can see for miles.Vision galore.
Then life happens, the valley, the struggles.
We often think that the valley is a consequence for the sin of our life.
But at times, maybe it's just our life.
We're all promised struggle.
We all experience suffering.
The hope that we have is wonderfully expressed in this song.
'You were there with me.'
We don't have to go through the inevitable trials of life on our own
Have all the seasons been in preparation for a time as this? Yet at times, it feels like it's all one big season...one that doesn't seem to pass. But I've long since stopped asking how I got here. I'm only wondering where it all stops, for the relief to come.
Or maybe the Relief is here...only to have myself missing the point of it all. Maybe until the point where answers and reasons don't matter anymore, that I would let you take my wounds. Surrender. That's what people call it.
I wonder....how much of me does it take to surrender? Everything I think. It requires all of me to give everything of me and lay it down...so that there would be none of me left. Yet to the "weakest", battle-torn, wounded weary person out there, it is an ability that will never be lost, yet often the last to be considered.
Sighh...I really don't know. Honestly, for all the things I say and share with people, it seems I don't really know much at all.
I don't know how I'm going to go through tomorrow. I've tried to step back, for I'm not up to it...yet things happen.. ..hands injure, people plan, guitar breaks....and it all leads to me being up there.
What do I do? It seems I have no song within my heart... ..how do I stand up there to lead in worship? I don't know.
And in the midst of it all....I can't help but question... Are You against me?
I don't know.
You say, I'll follow.
wounded echoes...would You listen where others do not?
Why are we so quick and eager to speak, to react, to defend, to explain and justify?
Is it our own insecurities acting up? Or does the stature of the other party not measure up to our level of tolerance and respect?
Does it matter to you, whether the other party gets to speak up, whether you know the whole picture? Am I running low on my supply of 'B.O.F' (benefit of doubt) to give around?
I guess our instinct to snap back a well-reasoned reply is like a dog having a ball thrown at him....there is the tendancy to rush for a good, quick satisfying bite at it. And it's hard trying to hold back the reins...especially when the rein is on you.
But think of what it could do, when you choose to remove those ear plugs, and give a moment and grace to listen....
You could be instrumental in preventing another hurtful heart found right at the end of your next sentence. ...
You could find yourself being invited to a little known corner of the person's heart that has been closed in until now....
You could find yourself growing in your P.Q. (patience quotient) ...
You could save some pages of your journal/diary that might have been used writing and lamenting of the heartaches and regrets of spoilt relationships over hurtful words...
You could find yourself being on the receiving end of some grace instead...
You might realise that you are not as good as you thought of yourself to be...
You could experience what He roughly felt when He chose to open His ears and heart, the joy in giving...
And you most probably would come to realise, how much lighter and relaxed your ears feel without the burden of those earplugs.
- Deqi
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Love is Patient
“Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do.”
James 1:4
Sometime ago our church staff attended a leadership conference.
Especially interested in one class, I arrived early and snagged a front-row seat. As the speaker began, however, I was distracted by a couple of voices in the back of the room. Two guys were mumbling to each other. I was giving serious thought to shooting a glare over my shoulder when the speaker offered an explanation.
“Forgive me,” he said. “I forgot to explain why the two fellows at the back of the class are talking. One of them is an elder at a new church in Romania. He has traveled here to learn about church leadership. But he doesn’t speak English, so the message is being translated.”
All of a sudden everything changed. Patience replaced impatience.
Why? Because patience always hitches a ride with understanding. “A man of understanding holds his tongue” (Prov. 11:12 NIV).
Don’t miss the connection between understanding and patience. Before you blow up, listen up. Before you strike out, tune in.
For those of us, who know what it feels like to have a door slammed shut in your face, the loud reverb of rejection from the slam, that tells you in some way, that some aspect of you or your being, is not really wanted...
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An Open Door
Now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away from God are brought near.
Ephesians 2:13
Nothing remains between you and God but an open door.
Something happened in the death of Christ that opened the door for you and me. And that something is described by the writer of Hebrews.
"So, brothers and sisters, we are completely free to enter the Most Holy Place without fear because of the blood of Jesus' death. We can enter through a new and living way that Jesus opened for us. It leads through the curtain–Christ's body" (Heb. 10:19-20).
To the original readers, those last four words were explosive: "the curtain–Christ's body."
According to the writer, the curtain equals Jesus. Hence, whatever happened to the flesh of Jesus happened to the curtain. What happened to his flesh? It was torn. Torn by the whips, torn by the thorns. Torn by the weight of the cross and the point of the nails.
But in the horror of his torn flesh, we find the splendor of the open door.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation of the southern United States, displaced families and individuals were often referred to in the media as “refugees.” For some, this term was viewed as insulting, so it prompted reporters to scramble for another word that would not be perceived as negative. They decided on the word evacuees.
In actuality, the word refugee is filled with hope. One dictionary defines it as “one who flees in search of refuge, as in times of war, political oppression, or religious persecution.” Refugee comes from the word refuge, which speaks of safety, protection, and care for the hurting. It speaks of a safe haven in a storm-filled world.
For those who have been battered by the storms, tragedies, and disasters of life, refuge is what they long for most. They may seek shelter in the arms of God, who alone can give us refuge and who longs to cover us and protect us and preserve us.
Jesus said to the broken people of His day, “How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings” (Matthew 23:37). He continues to offer refuge to the hurting hearts of our day if we will but seek His care and trust His heart.
O Rock divine, O Refuge dear; A shelter in the time of storm; Be Thou our helper ever near; A shelter in the time of storm. - Charlesworth
We need not fear life’s dark shadows
when we rest under the shadow of God’s wings.
A devotional by Bill Crowder
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[Strong Tower] - Kutless
When I wander through the desert And I'm longing for my home All my dreams have gone astray When I'm stranded in the valley And I'm tired and all alone It seems like I've lost my way
I go running to Your mountain Where Your mercy sets me free
You are my strong tower Shelter over me Beautiful and mighty Everlasting King You are my strong stower Fortress when I'm weak Your name is true and holy And Your face is all I seek
In the middle of my darkness In the midst of all my fear You're my refuge and my hope When the storm or life is raging And the thunder's all I hear You speak softly to my soul
(Video to the music of "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe)
This video is about a father and son partnership. Dick (father) and Rick (son) Hoyt from america. Rick was partially strangeled by his umbilical cord when he was born so was brain-damaged and cannot control his limbs. But He can communicate by tapping a computer key with his head.
After he told his father that he wanted to run in a charity run for a paralysed schoolmate, his father agreed and ran the race carrying him.
Rick said that he did not feel paralysed when he was being pushed in a wheelchair by his dad... so from then on, they enter marathons and triathalons together. They cant enter as a singel runner, or as a wheelchair competitor so Dick just runs so fast pushing his son, that they qualify within the regular race qualification time for regular runners. (the young man qualifying time not the senior category!)
Its amazing! and they are only 35 mins off the world record marathon time! Because of the races, Dick (the dad) even managed to survive a heart blockage simply because he was very fit. So in some sense the son even saved the father. As of June, 2005 Team Hoyt had participated in a total of 911 events, including 206 Triathlons (6 of which were Ironman competitions), 20 Duathlons, and 64 Marathons, including 24 consecutive Boston Marathons. They also biked and ran across the USA in 1992, a 3,735 mile journey that took them 45 days.
When asked what one thing Rick wished he could give his father, his reply was "The thing I'd most like is that my dad would sit in the chair and I would push him once."
(some info from wikipedia)
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Quite a touching video to me....the love of a father examplified, motivated by the joy his son would receive by his actions. It also kinda brings new meaning to the promise of my Heavenly Father who promised to carry me when I can't go on, to hide me in the shelter of His wings, who delights in me, Whose strength is made perfect in my weakness....unto His glory.
Managed to have lunch with this colleague of mine from a different department, who's a christian.
He shared and lamented on how difficult it has been trying to get things done on his department side....what with all the colleagues who keep pushing their responsibilities, and clients who are only concerned with getting what they requested, while any difficulties you encounter is of no business to them. He has no one to cover his work, and because of which, he doesn't know if he will be able to make it for this upcoming mission trip.
I guess that partly explains the condition of the working world that some people face. When everyone all around you is pulling recognition while pushing responsibilities...there really isn't much sane reason for any average Joe to choose to be different, to give his best and consider others.
All the more it highlights the reason that we have, as Christians, I guess...
- Deqi
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Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.
- Colossians 3:23
Most Christians are not engaged in professional ministry. They don’t preach or sing or work for an evangelistic agency. Their time between Sundays is spent doing jobs that don’t seem to have value for the spread of the gospel. Therefore, some believers may view themselves as second-class disciples.
That may have been the way some members of the church in Colosse regarded themselves. Paul addressed an erroneous viewpoint of secular work when he wrote, “Obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, . . . in sincerity of heart, fearing God” (Col. 3:22). You see, if God’s purposes in this world are to be fulfilled, we need a structured society with all its indispensable activities. The people we work for are servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. Whether they know it or not, our employers are carrying out God’s good purposes. As long as the assigned task is not sinful or unethical, when we serve those who rule over us we are serving the Lord.
So let’s view our daily work—whatever it is—as an extension of God’s work in the world. As we do so, we’ll find there is no better place to spread the good news of salvation than right where God has placed us.
Teach me, my God and King, In all things Thee to see, And what I do in anything To do it as for Thee!
Sighhh deqi ahhh...why are you still so careless...tsktsk.
This boy ahh...lost his wallet in the morning. What a way to start the day huh? And apparently, his wallet reached the office earlier than him...
Thankfully, his wallet was dropped on the company's shuttle bus. Thankfully someone from the company picked it up. Thankfully the person decided to take the trouble to pass it to the reception counter. Thankfully that silly boy opened up his company mail account to see an email sent from the receptionist to call back. Thankfully the wallet was retrieved.
One big round within 15 minutes. I hoped that Mr. Wallet enjoyed his trip. I think the incident did strike deqi in some manner.
Deqi....remember to be careful, and take good care of the things under your care....and after all....
...you know best that not everything lost comes back. Sometimes when you lose them once, you lose them all...
Ooh...here's some more of those quizzes...these quizzes seem to be everywhere now man...
To deqi (from lydia)
1. I'll respond with something random about you. you've got great musical skills
[oooh....thanks for the compliment. wouldn't dare say it's great, just enough for His service :) ]
2. I'll challenge you to try something. try learning the keyboards =)
[heyyy....that was actually the very 1st instrument I wanted to pick up! can't seem to do it though...no teachers also :( ]
3. I'll pick a colour that I associate with you. white
[how come so many say white for me huh? not that I'm complaing though :D ]
4. I'll tell you something I like about you. anything u can think of?
[errr....no? I'm not good at reading people's minds?]
5. I'll tell you my first/clearest memory about you. someone tt looks young.. when he is actually old?
[the 1st part of your answer makes me :) , the 2nd part is :( ]
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of. human. heh. can't think of any, now.
[ohh good good...human ish always the bestest :) ]
7. I'll ask you something I've always wanted to ask you. Were there any other English names that you wanted to have?
[Heh...there's always only 1 name that I wanted. Marcus. :) ]
To buttie: (from jia en)
1. I'll respond with something random about you. you're a funny human bean who likes muahchee! and made me crave for it too! haha~
[mmmm muah cheeee...I can't remember the last time I had it :( ]
2. I'll challenge you to try something. say 5 things that you LIKE about legolas/orlando bloom or whatever mushy names i call him by. HAHA!
[........ ............ .............. I GIVE UP! I LOSE! NO ANSWER!!!
actually I have.... 1.) i LIKE him for reminding me that there's actually something to dislike about Lord of The Rings 2.) i LIKE him for helping me show mercy and feeling sorry for the baddies who always kenna his arrows, but never got to hit him no matter how many arrows they shoot 3.) i LIKE him for showing me the meaning of "ridiculous" by coming out of all the major war battles in the movie unharmed and unscratched. 4.) i LIKE him for teaching me not to be selfish and full of pride by taking down an oliphant all by himself and doing all those unrealistic cool stuff in the midst of battles. 5.) i LIKE him for giving me ample break period during the 3 hour movie by closing my eyes and shutting my ears everytime the girls in the cinema scream out whenever his face appears on the screen.
dun say me horr...u ask me do one. heeeee kidding lahhh he ish the most handsomest perfectest flawless elf okay? :D ]
3. I'll pick a colour that I associate with you. white? cos of snowy. haha!
[yaayyyy!! this I like! :D ]
4. I'll tell you something I like about you. your craps that never fail to make me laugh out loud even when i'm in school! and how u can ren the yths when they disturb you. hehehe.. xing ku ni le!
[but you everytime ask me to shuddup one leh. xing ku, so must console and treat me better :( ]
5. I'll tell you my first/clearest memory about you. i remember the first time i saw you... i tot you looked like a cartoon character. u noe that plasticine human, wallace from wallace and gromit? haha! i dunno why though..
[....can at least give me a cooler cartoon character?]
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of. stick insect! hahaha~ =X
[why you like that...hurting leh.. :( ]
7. I'll ask you something I've always wanted to ask you. that movie marathon day.. u fell asleep first right?! grrrr...
[wahaaa you still haven't let go of that?! NOOO....i rest my eyes only, really never sleep! still waiting for your muah chee!]
For DeQi (sarah)
1. I'll respond with something random about you. You have very strange nicknames!
[yeahh I know...but they were all given by strange people...not that I want them :( ]
2. I'll challenge you to try something. Play a prank on Rachel!!! Wahahahaha!
[waahhh you have this deep seated hidden desire that hopes to see me suffer? speaking of which, she's the one who's been pranking me all along man :( ]
3. I'll pick a colour that I associate with you. Green
[hmmmmm interesting....i wonder why?]
4. I'll tell you something I like about you. Your sense of humour, although you can be a bit lame at times. Your also very easy to talk to,and to disturb! Ahahaha..!
[waah okaay....I shall proceed to make my jokes more intelligent]
5. I'll tell you my first/clearest memory about you. One of the tall dudes. Your sense of humour, and your fear of my dad
[ahh....my fear of your dad was so apparent right from the beginning??! nooooo....]
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of. Horse
[ooh horses are cool with their mane and all...but how come not the white shining knight on the horse instead ah? :D ]
7. I'll ask you something I've always wanted to ask you. Why did you decide to help out in Poiema?
[mmmm....very good question. because I like to be the oldest sticking out among the youths and pretend to be young and get laughed at it every week? :D
nahh not really. basically in a nutshell, I'm reminded of how and where I could have ended up in, were it not for the presence of some people in my life who have guided and showed me an example to look to, who listened to me. I was already 1 foot on the other path, and would have walked on were it not for the person who helped me by being around. So yeah...if it meant so much to me, I figured it could be just as much to the youths for me to be around, if they want :) I guess He also put within me this desire and passion for the youths, and I really think that you guys are JUST so awesome and great to be around with. My privilege.]
Ohh.....now I'm a dog..according to Linn. Which is good...dogs are good, I love dogs.
:D
1. I'll respond with something random about you. A man who seeks after the LORD...has a heart for the youth...talented musican who worships HIM and does his best for HIM
[woah...I don't dare to claim all that, but for you to see it, appreciated. Guess can only say I try to do it :) ]
2. I'll challenge you to try something. BLADE AT OUR SPEED..muahahaha...
[hah...now don't even know when's the next time I can blade :( ]
3. I'll pick a colour that I associate with you. White
[Nice...I guess this is from the clothes I wear when the youth band plays? heh]
4. I'll tell you something I like about you. Your love for God
[thank you. I can only say that it's far from perfect]
5. I'll tell you my first/clearest memory about you. The long hair guy who tried to tell the same jokes over and over again for a few sundays thinking that it is funny!ahhaa.. The Bruce Lee's favourite drink joke..hehehe
[oohh cool...you remember it! hmmm you know what...I think it's time for the new generation to hear the classic joke once again]
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of. Dog
[nice...I like :D ]
7. I'll ask you something I've always wanted to ask you. Why you hardly share about yourself?like..how you really feel and all...
[you know what...I realise that too. I guess partly....with all the things that happened these 2-3 years....it kinda closed me up in a sense. seems like a time for change...]
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And here's the inky for charmaine who requested for it. Tsk...didn't even bother to tag on the board ahh....tsktsktsk... :D
1. I'll respond with something random about you. You're random! Hah...and when you're high or something...your topics and crappiness can go sky high. :s
2. I'll challenge you to try something. Sing a duet song with your bro and let us hear the next time we pop over to your house! :D
3. I'll pick a colour that I associate with you. Black.
4. I'll tell you something I like about you. Your sensitivity and attention to feelings and things that are beneath the surface, you seem to be able to observe them from a side. :)
5. I'll tell you my first/clearest memory about you. The seemingly quiet girl who looks fiercely dao and stones alot.
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of. Baby chick.
7. I'll ask you something I've always wanted to ask you. What is the 1 talent/skill that you've always wanted to have or learn?
Promises shattered Answers don't come Friends say goodbye Plans come undone Dreams get crushed Lies get told Words can turn cruel Hearts can grow cold
In a broken world where we cry to feel Some hope that helps these hearts to heal You're my strength, You're my refuge In a broken world, Jesus I'm holding to You
You make sense of the madness And You make darkness flee You bring such a calm To the chaos in me Show me life Tell me truth Day after day I keep running to You
Long ago, we fell so far Yet You came to where we are
In a broken world where we cry to feel Some hope that helps these hearts to heal You're my strength, You're my refuge In a broken world, Jesus I'm holding to You
Sighh...the weekend is here....but I'm feeling too sick to do anything. Guess it's a day of rest at home then...which is good. Haven't really had the chance to do so for quite some time...
and yep...can finally get down to doing all that quizes Sotong owes everybody. For the dear peeps who waited...sorry ah...
1. I'll respond with something random about you. You're so extreme man! You can either become so crazy and high like a wild horse, or go all silent like a tiger ready to ponce & react any moment. :s
2. I'll challenge you to try something. Heh, lead the youth band that you're training now to lead in a session of worship for the youths! :)
3. I'll pick a colour that I associate with you. Hot pink
4. I'll tell you something I like about you. Your straight forwardness in letting yourvoice and opinions be heard.
5. I'll tell you my first/clearest memory about you. The quiet girl who always stick with linn, and go about mousey-ing around
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of. Hamster
7. I'll ask you something I've always wanted to ask you. Up to now...what is the 1 single thing that you're most happy about yourself?
For Buttie
1. I'll respond with something random about you. Wahh you can really sleep! After seeing how much you slept that day after our Lord of The Rings marathon...I tink you rank the top among the girls I know :D
2. I'll challenge you to try something. Say 1 thing that you DON'T LIKE about legolas/orlando bloom or watever mushy name you call him by! Hehe
3. I'll pick a colour that I associate with you. Light brown
4. I'll tell you something I like about you. Your love and affection for your animals...and especially the dogs...woah. It's really deep.
5. I'll tell you my first/clearest memory about you. The quiet girl who suddenly pop out of nowhere & appear with yanquan.
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of. Dog.
7. I'll ask you something I've always wanted to ask you. Is there an english name that you really want for yourself?
For Lydia
1. I'll respond with something random about you. You're so quiet & soft spoken in church! Often hiding among the crowds..but it seems there's this louder side of you tat isn't shown yet :)
2. I'll challenge you to try something. Be in front of the youths 1 day to share a testimony or something...or at least be more out spoken. :)
3. I'll pick a colour that I associate with you. Grey
4. I'll tell you something I like about you. You seem to have this mix of outward quietness, but inner firm stand that is quiet straightforward. Hmm...it's interesting.
5. I'll tell you my first/clearest memory about you. The quiet girl who kept to herself.
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of. Sparrow
7. I'll ask you something I've always wanted to ask you. Did you have another name like karyn or something?
For Sarah
1. I'll respond with something random about you. Your artistic flair seems pretty good leh...from what I've seen so far. Could be something you want to pursue eh? :)
2. I'll challenge you to try something. Do a whole song with just the keyboard playing the full lyrical tune, and handling the vocals all by yourself! :)
3. I'll pick a colour that I associate with you. Purple
4. I'll tell you something I like about you. Your willingness to speak up and offer what you can to cover when no one seems willing to come forth.
5. I'll tell you my first/clearest memory about you. The outspoken girl who has the courage and is always ready to share and express what she feel and thinks. Abit too strong in fact! :D
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of. Lion cub
7. I'll ask you something I've always wanted to ask you. What is the one thing that can cause you to react and show an outburst of anger right on the spot?
For Linn
1. I'll respond with something random about you. I realise you can be quite fierce and forth coming upfront man....seeing the way you question and do things and all at times. Not as reserved & held back as I thought man :D
2. I'll challenge you to try something. Hmmm...u seem to have touched abit of guitar, bass & drums...now try keyboard! :s
3. I'll pick a colour that I associate with you. Baby yellow
4. I'll tell you something I like about you. Your willingness to try & do things unto Him. Still amazed at how you manage to stand up there & lead the congregation in worship...while my legs would just shake like jelly when standing infront.
5. I'll tell you my first/clearest memory about you. The quiet girl who always stick with daph, and go about mousey-ing around. :D
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of. Cat
7. I'll ask you something I've always wanted to ask you. If you had to choose, would you rather be just a member and help when needed, or take on the responsibility to lead as a leader?
Oh and here's the quiz that I've been owing lydia for err.....quite some time. =)
List the names of 20 people who are at the top of ur head without reading the questions! If you are tagged a second time, you dont have to do it again.
1. lydia 2. yanquan 3. her 4. dewei 5. angel 6. daniel li 7. linn 8. daph 9. daniel ng 10. james 11. an ee 12. wei lun 13. meng hwee 14. luke 15. sarah 16. charmaine 17. buttie 18. faith ang 19. pastor david 20. him
1.how did you meet 14? (luke) saw this new guy who repeated in my sec 3 class, sat next to him for almost 2 years.
2.what would happen if u didn't meet 1? (lydia) ooh...i wouldn't need to do this quiz then!
3.what will you do if 9 and 20 dated? (daniel ng and him) I'll faint...after I kill sweetiepie :(
4.did you ever like 19? (pastor david) of course, he's likeable. Loved and respected, he holds a special place in my heart
5.will 6 and 17 make a good couple? (angel and buttie) err...NO...not in my idea of a good couple?
6.describe 3 (her) someone whom i thought i knew...but apparently not so
7.do you think 8 is attractive? (daph) wahahahaha. dangerous question. well, she's in the process of being so. she's really changed alot over these years, and still is.
8.tell me about 7 (linn) hmmm...a young girl back then that used to stick under and protected by older ones back then. life issues and situations are moulding and growing her in maturity and dependance on God
9.do you noe anything about 12's family? (weilun) hmmm..only abit here & there. have been wanting to know more though
10.what is 8's best friend? (daph) "what"? shouldn't it be "who"? anyway, my guess is....7? :D
11.what will you do if 18 confesses that she/he likes u? (faith ang) woahh...err...we will have a good talk over things & see how we can work things out! :D
12.what language does 15 speak ? (sarah) err...mostly english?
13.who is 7 going out with? (linn) Wahaaaa....i dunno? :(
14.how old is 16 now? (charmaine) HAhaaaa....16 is 16....to be :D
15.when was the last time you talked to 13? (meng hwee) last sunday :)
16.what is 2's favourite singer?? (yanquan) errrrrr.....Dennis Jernigan?
17.would u date 4? (dewei) errr....NO???! that is DOUBLY wrong!
18.would you date 7? (linn) hehh...all those "group dates" with the youths considered? =D
19.is 15 single? (meng hwee) woohhh...i suppose so? he haven't show me anyone yet :D
20.what is 10's last name? (james) err this one is considered the name after surname? Oh nooo...i forgot!! =(
21.would you get into a serious relationship with 11? (an ee) yeah we should. he's my bro, & i don't really fancy "fake" superficial relationships :D
22.wat school does 3 go to? (her) Some JC
23.where does 6 live? (daniel li) tampines :)
24.what is your favourite thing about 5? (angel) ohh...a nice companion to chill out with
25. which church does 1 goes to? (lydia) all saints' english! =D
26. how r u related to 20? (him) my ex-discipler
About me
Who am I? You sure you want to know?
The story of my life is not for the faint of heart.
If somebody said it was a happy little tale... if somebody told you I was just your average ordinary guy, without a care in the world...somebody lied.
Gao Ji Jiao Zi La Mian. Woot.
Side dish of garlic-honey glazed pork slices and
...main serving of beef and dumpling noodles.
Anyway, I thank God for the evening. Reminds me of the past we had shared and that it means something, that he's still around and open.
