my new toy =)

haha my new toy TAPCO MIX 50..for some strange reason, i felt that i had to buy my own mixer.

one reason is that it makes teaching easier. i just need to bring one amp and i can have 4 instruments plugged in and good to go.

can't wait to test it out..although after reading the online review, i wonder if i should have spent a bit more and got the MiX 60 instead??

haha well....next time bah...but i think this would be useful during camps as well. now i wonder how to connect this to a recording device!

Are you LOST?

Lostness....people get lost all the time...in a new country, in an unfamiliar town...in a new school building...new office....

sometimes we get lost in our thoughts too....lost day dreaming....

Other times we lose our grip on our thoughts and emotions and our hearts...sometimes they start to run-off on their own.

Thoughts have a life of their own....you can't suppress a thought by thinking "I'm not goin to think about it"....cos when you say that...you are actually thinking about it....

other times we try to rationalise our thoughts....we reason and debate with ourselves.....but so hard to tell which way the internal debate will swing....

just like eating wrong food gives us a stomache ache....wrong thoughts can poison our minds....the only difference is that you can shut your mouth and not eat the junk, but it is rather difficult to shut your eyes and ears to the thoughts from outside...it could be the devil, it could be the TV or your friends...talking around you....it just seeps in....

The verse below gives an idea what we can do:
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

so we need to guard our hearts....how?

Phil 4 says:
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
so you see 3 things really:
1) No need to be anxious, TRUST God.
2) Guard your heart - what you see and hear
3) Replace your thoughts with the good stuff.

cheers =)

New Year Resolution

While it wasn't one of my resolutions for the year, this trip has certainly taught me how to read a map. People who have been to holidays with me know that i just stand at the sight (pun intended!) and relax while the rest toil through maps :) No more next time!

Should have put it down as a new year resolution huh? Then at least i will have one more cross.

How bout you? What are your new year resolutions?

For one thing, i decided that year 2009 will be a year of calmness. In the midst of adversity, messiness, and stress i am going to be calm and trust in the Lord. Kinda ironic and apt at the same time since its the wedding year :)

Think bout it, one year from today, what would your crosses be? How different would you be?


p.s. one year from today i will be married. scary!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL YOU LOVELIES!

Merry Christmas and loads of love from us.
You know you matter to us. And a prayer is never too far away.
May this Christmas be a joy for you and your family.

Give a smile to the stranger on the street.
Drop a coin into the old lady's frail hands.
Offer your seat to the tired looking lady.
Offer your helping hand to someone.
Give like you have never given
And expect nothing in return.

Remember, Christ is the reason for the season :)

Have you done your QT for this special day?

Thoughts from Sunday

Unveiling Jesus....the theme for our church next year. I think it is goin
to be an exciting 2009. A lot of things will be done, but things being done
doesn't always equate work done....laws of physics apply haha... People & programs

Anyway, past few days...this theme comes to me:
"Amazing Jesus, amazing love, amazing grace"....or over-whelming love and
grace...somehow I hope and believe that the coming year I will see and hope
to see more of this provision and experience of love, God's love on the
cross.

Another thought just came to me...over the past couple of weeks many have
experienced a greater revelation of God and a stronger sense of our
identity in Him. That reminds me of when Jesus was baptised and the Voice
said "My beloved son, in whom I am well-please". I think many have felt
something like that.

But immediately after that, the time of testing for Jesus in the desert
came. For those that may go through this, it will be good because it will
refine and seal the good work in us already begun!
I liked what David said last sunday, that its time to revisit the First and
Greatest commandment.

RAnDOm PoSt end

10 years since I left St Andrew's!

Establishing Dreams and Goals by Jim Rohn

Even as the end of the year approaches, its a good time to reflect on what we have done with the year that God has given us =)
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One of the amazing things we have been given as humans is the unquenchable desire to have dreams of a better life, and the ability to establish goals to live out those dreams. Think of it: We can look deep within our hearts and dream of a better situation for ourselves and our families; dream of better financial lives and better emotional or physical lives; certainly dream of better spiritual lives. But what makes this even more powerful is that we have also been given the ability to not only dream but to pursue those dreams and not only to pursue them, but the cognitive ability to actually lay out a plan and strategies (setting goals) to achieve those dreams. Powerful! And that is what we will discuss here: How to dream dreams and establish goals to get those dreams.

What are your dreams and goals? This isn't what you already have or what you have done, but what you want. Have you ever really sat down and thought through your life values and decided what you really want? Have you ever taken the time to truly reflect, to listen quietly to your heart, to see what dreams live within you? Your dreams are there. Everyone has them. They may live right on the surface, or they may be buried deep from years of others telling you they were foolish, but they are there.

So how do we know what our dreams are? This is an interesting process and it relates primarily to the art of listening. This is not listening to others; it is listening to yourself. If we listen to others, we hear their plans and dreams (and many will try to put their plans and dreams on us). If we listen to others, we can never be fulfilled. We will only chase elusive dreams that are not rooted deep within us. No, we must listen to our own hearts.
Let's take a look at some practical steps/thoughts on hearing from our hearts on what our dreams are:

Take time to be quiet. This is something that we don't do enough in this busy world of ours. We rush, rush, rush, and we are constantly listening to noise all around us. The human heart was meant for times of quiet, to peer deep within. It is when we do this that our hearts are set free to soar and take flight on the wings of our own dreams! Schedule some quiet "dream time" this week. No other people. No cell phone. No computer. Just you, a pad, a pen, and your thoughts.

Think about what really thrills you. When you are quiet, think about those things that really get your blood moving. What would you LOVE to do, either for fun or for a living? What would you love to accomplish? What would you try if you were guaranteed to succeed? What big thoughts move your heart into a state of excitement and joy? When you answer these questions you, will feel great and you will be in the "dream zone." It is only when we get to this point that we experience what our dreams are!

Write down all of your dreams as you have them. Don't think of any as too outlandish or foolish - remember, you're dreaming! Let the thoughts fly and take careful record.
Now, prioritize those dreams. Which are most important? Which are most feasible? Which would you love to do the most? Put them in the order in which you will actually try to attain them. Remember, we are always moving toward action, not just dreaming.

Here is the big picture: Life is too short to not pursue your dreams. Someday your life will near its end and all you will be able to do is look backwards. You can reflect with joy or regret. Those who dream, who set goals and act on them to live out their dreams are those who live lives of joy and have a sense of peace when they near the end of their lives. They have finished well, for themselves and for their families.
Remember: These are the dreams and goals that are born out of your heart and mind. These are the goals that are unique to you and come from who you were created to be and gifted to become. Your specific goals are what you want to attain because they are what will make your life joyful and bring your family's life into congruence with what you want it to be.

December Reflections

Wow! Matz is back from America =) Glad we can spend some time together.
After cambodia, it was CAMP. and i must say that i regret not taking leave for this camp.
Every session I attended, I felt it was great =)
Some great reminders to me personally....
Even as i was worshipping during the monday nite session, as I sat/knelt down, my hands starting touching the floor. And as i touched the floor, it came to me once again:
1) We can bring nothing out of this world materially, once we leave it.
2) We are but the dust of the earth, yet God loves us so much and chooses to use us for HIS kingdom's work.
A reminder to me to focus on the eternal and unseen.
Even as MY HOPE comes around, I hope that the people I am trying to invite will come. Something special will happen this friday.
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I also want to say a THANK YOU for the people who prayed for me during the last night of camp. honestly, it was very touching and encouraging to me =) love you all =)
Thanks for praying for matz & me, cos as Dan Yan said, at next year's camp, our "status" will be different =)
Even from the time we went to Berakit, that message about God's family has been on my heart. Unity that comes out of our love (not our human love alone, but a reflection of Christ's love for us) is powerful & wonderful.
A lesson to learn about being a welcoming church - genuine people who love each other WILL attract people into our fellowship. the world is full of broken relationships, so let us do what we can to protect the fellowship in church, amen? And it will be the beautiful thing that lifts Jesus high and draws men to HIM!
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busy busy busy@work...new job, new role, new responsibilities. I thank God again for the opportunity HE has given me in this new place. I hope i can be a light for Christ in this place =)

Back from Cambodia

wow! matz is having super fun in USA!

and i am back from cambodia! fantastic time, wonderful experience for everyone!

a bit the sianz to be back in Singapore. miss the place and people there already.

In summary it was an amazing feeling, waking up everyday, knowing that we are doing something for the Kingdom, spending time sharing His Word, being in prayer and worship.

The fellowship and unity was awesome too!

Certainly things that i hope will carry on in the days back in our sunny island! One of the best things was seeing the Lord use the younger ones specially, in greater capacity throughout the trip! wonderful to see younger people rise up and attempt bigger things for God!

Its quite a natural thing to come back on a spiritual high and then lose it after awhile....years of experiencing that tells me to expect it. but i remember what Ps Benny Ho said about being "Living Stones" - we can infect others with that same spirit, passion and excitement to serve God in bigger and greater ways!

This trip has been a great reminder to me of God's goodness and greatness and of the importance of Love & Unity in the family of God.

Back of my mind, i wonder what's next.....thinking about 2009 that's coming, even as we prepare for our wedding, i hope & pray that we (matz & me) can serve God in a greater capacity together.

I am truly thankful to have had all sorts of opportunities to serve God over the years I have followed HIM and Super Cambos will certainly stand out as a special point.

4 years ago, i went to Cambodia, i found my wife-to-be. Now, i come back with a refreshed spirit and a BIGGER view of God! I hope one day we (matz, me & all the SCs) get to go back again!

Cambodia, you are in my prayers!

USA: A Hearty Breakfast & Chinese for a Shopping Queen

We woke up at 11am today :) Haha! Seems like we are operating at a time that's neither Singapore nor USA!

Nina brought us to this amazing American breakfast place :) It's filled with yummy food.. all American goodness! And as usual, we cant finish the food! Hee hee.

Mine - Farmers Something!

Nina's - Something omelette!

Then we adjourned to the post office to send mail. Ladies and gentleman, this is especially momentous for me because its the first time i am sending mail in an actual post office in USA :) After post officing, we went to our destination of the day - Niagara Falls factory outlet! Possibly the only one we will go to in USA for this trip :)

Char and myself shopped from 2ish to 9! My my, time flies when you are surrounded by good deals. And the place was pretty quiet and deserted as it was a weekday. This suited us pretty well. By the time Na came by at 8-ish (in fact, i made a call at the Coach store to tell her not to hurry down!) we were still not done. 3 more stores i wanna cover - Fossil (beng belt for Isaiah), Bath & Body Works (HUGE tote bag) and Coach :)

The girls were such an amazing bunch!

Since it was too late for Walden Galleria's fondue or cheesecake factory, we had chinese (now i can finally say it!) at home. Jin Jin was great! And Nina also helped by bringing us to starbucks where they sold Cheesecake factory's cheeseake. YUMMMM! :) Original & pumpkin!

Chinese takeout

We're heading to San Francisco tomorrow - the place where everyone's been telling us is beautiful :)

Pray fervently for the Youth Camp. EXPECT.GREAT.THINGS.FROM.GOD!!

USA: Dun need to jealous, i happily enjoying myself :)

Ben & Jerrys are sooooo cheap here! AHHHHHHH. I want to eat all of them :)

Buffalo is beautiful, its white white everywhere :) And Niagara falls is just majestic, an awesome awesome display of God's creation.


Isaiah is doing well in Cambodia. He says that amazing mighty things are happening to the youths there. Its just great how sometimes we meant to give... but we receive so much more isnt it? All praises to God :)

Buffalo wings to end the day :)

USA: Lovely Central Park on Saturday :)

A dream come true :) Hot dogs in central park.

Only that it was bitterly cold... but beautiful nonetheless.

Isaiah and I have this dream - to visit Central Park together one day and eat a hot dog bun. He even gave me a US $1 bill for the hotdog. One day we will :) 

And the miracle has happened :)

All praises to God :)

waiting for the miracle!

finally managed to get thru the the traffic police.

the officer said that the appeal was not even processed yet!!

today is wednesday, we leave on friday.

so if i get to go - really, truly, surely - its a MIRACLE!

but the wonderful thing is that we serve a miracle-making God, God of the impossible.

One part of me is quite excited, to see the Hand of God move.

part of my message that i will share that is about the will of God & really if i get to go, it IS the will of God!

Amen =)

We are in USA & Cambodia - Please Pray!

matz is in the U.S.A! she's having a great time there =)

i'm going to cambodia on friday! woot!

but before i go, i ask for your prayers!:

- i need to get a wavier to travel overseas cos of the traffic fine that i forgot to pay for! so i got to go down to sub courts today & ask for one! so pls pray that they approve it! if not, i can't go =(

- pray for the team as well & the people, that we can be a blessing however big or small to them!

- pray for safety

- pray for unity

keep on praying, in the Spirit for all the saint! - eph 6:18

USA: Vegas Updates

Things are GREAT! :) I love holidays and how they feel so loong and fulfilling and fun and exciting. The only drawback, i miss my family, Isaiah and my pals! I wish they could all be here with me!

It was my first time on a long flight and i must say it was great. Singapore Airlines rox! The food was good and the service not too bad. It's economy after all! But personally i am glad i paid the extra. Get peeved by bad flights easily. Jetblue from Vegas to NYC was pretty irritating though! And the new terminal 5 was so confusing for us sleep deprived babes!

Anyway, its 3am here on Monday. I betta get to sleep! Here's some pictures of Vegas which is so lovely and beautiful. I love the city and the romantic feel of the place :)

At San Francisco Airport on Transit to Las Vegas

Venetian Hotel and its replica of the Canal :)

Indoor Botanical Gardens in Bellagio Hotel. PRETTY!

Misty Rainy SUPER COLD Grand Canyon

Us @ M&Ms store inhouse cinema which we stumbled into

Ok, going to sleep now! Boston is super cold. It was 1.9degree celcius this morning! I hope we see snow!

Pray for youth camp! Expect something great to happen!