the CRAZY lion's den...

i am overwhemed

2009-09-12T16:09:00.000+08:00

by the love that was showered onto Rach & myself & the little princess,
by the prayers that surrounded us,
by the gifts that overflow our small living room now
by how God make all these possible.

thank you

Nice animation...

2009-09-12T15:47:00.000+08:00

Stepping into winter

2009-08-17T14:35:00.002+08:00

many whom follow me on Twitter asked me what i meant by what i twit on Sunday...
Well.. to be honest, i am also still searching for a clearer idea too...

"A season of winter has come.."

Gone were the days that serving for most was something that we look forward to.
And maybe, gone too, were the days that growth was something that were desired, from us ourselves, instead of top down. (and even that... is something i am unwilling to comment)

Maybe its due to the fact that those who caught the fire for themselves, those hot coals, those history makers, are no longer around to spread the fire,
and those whom remained, are slowing losing the fire themselves in a sea of ice hearts...

Or maybe, the long marathon run has caused many to slow down, and choose to walk on the side ways, thinking that someone else will run the race for them..
the "new system" may be a cause, (after all, since day 1, many have express our doubts on how "beneficial" the new system will have on the ushers, and its starting to show the downward spiral of burnouts, but its the attitude that determine our victories, not the situation...

Or maybe, its just how God work?
to bring us through the winter season, to strengthen the core, and to let those who were never going to be here for the long run, leave...

Just like the tree.

A plant sown in spring start to grow its first leaf as it try to hold on to whatever they can find.

A young member recruited into the ministry start to serve, and begin to be intergrate into the team, into the ministry, trying to fulfil the Great Commission.
They learn of a greater purpose beyond their self, and would like to see where this ministry journey will lead them to.

When summer come, the plant start to strengthen itself, grow bigger, and stronger.
In a season where many are growing together in the ideal environment, some choose to work together for the common good, while some became giants overnight. Flowers start to bloom, and fruits are born.

When members show themselves faithful in the little things, more are given, and depending on the "DISC" personality,
some may be contend to follow,
some may become excellent facilators, leading based on what they see in their mentor's,
some lay hold of God for themselves, and begin to lead, based on what God Himself revealed.

some may work better in teams,
while some may be breakaway stars.

whatever the process, people grow, responsiblities are given, and for those who harvested wisely will start to see fruits.

what seem to be a seed in spring is now a plant of certain influence to the younger ones.

And then autumn come.
The sower come and harvest his fruits from the plant, while the plant start to shed its leaves as the enviroment turn cold.
the arrival of night time come noticeably earlier.

for many whom have been growing with a purpose, this is the season where they began to step into leadership, with a sense of sure-ness, and steafastness.

those leading, but may not be sure of their direction, may need some form of support and guidance, and they will grow in their own time,
but for those who were sitting on the fence during summer, start to feel "bored" and "not belonged", and begin to lose their "life" in ministry, and start to leave, just like the leaves...

is there a reason why some tress are called evergreens?
because they do not shed their leaves.
They grow silently, regardless of the seasons in their lives, even in winter.
Day after day, year after year.
The strongest and biggest trees are found in countries with winters, because they know how to overcome the external changes, while growing stronger internally.

As ushers (esp for the leaders)
we can overcome the winters too, and we must.
But we need to dig deep into His Presence, find His rest, and continue to serve Him,
but not as the blind following the crowd.

Let's stop serving as fulfilling duties.
The Great commission is not about duties.

Its about taking time, each day,
to teach someone how to be more like Christ,
to show someone how to live out a better life,
to encourage someone to step out, and be a overcomer and winner,
to be a person of faith, and strength.

we can fulfil the Great Commission every day, esp on Sundays.
Anyone that we interacts with are looking at us to show them the "better life".
A younger usher is looking at you to determine if he want to have the same lifestyle as a leader.
A church member is looking at you to determine if he want to join Usher, to serve with the same joy that you have.

Winters are dark, cold and harsh.
but out of winters come colorful reminders of God's faithfulness, and promises to each and everyone of us for a new season ahead of us.

Winters are the best time for us to find Him, rest in Him, and to agree with Him on the direction that we need to take for the next 1 year.

Are you ready for the winter?

A usher's heart that moves me to tears...

2009-08-03T19:08:00.001+08:00

Celebrating CHC's 20th birthday on Sunday was already a very emotional day for us..
watching and hearing how God used 1 man & his wife,
and through them,
a church,
and then a movement,
to change and influence Asia for His glory..

i may have tweet many times already, but i still stand amazed at the journey we walked through...
joined CHC on 8 Dec 1998.. and that mean i was with Ps Kong for the past 11 yrs..
yet.. the journey felt like only days...
(well.. except during my younger ushering days when we are serving back to back duties, running around like rabbits chasing carrots)

if everyone is waxing how God have changed their lives through the ministry of Ps Kong & CHC,
no one live it out more than this usher, who make me cry on Sun.

His son is in hospital (due to some lung infection),
but he still came to serve at 7am.
He didn't tell anyone, and didnt' ask for a more easy allocation
(he was serving with me for East SOF)

He didn't ask for time off, (even though no one will fault him)
He didn't ask for understanding (even though we will all stand with him in prayers)
He didn't even ask us to pray that God will heal his son that very day
(i wonder.. how did he feel when Ps was praying for someone's else child)

He could have ask to serve for only 1 svc, but he continue to serve willingly for both,
and only asked to leave SIS when Ps Kong took the stage for the sermon...

He could have done nothing, and just spend time with his family..

But he came.
And he gave his all to God,
to glorify God, for all that He has done for Ps Kong, and CHC.

Will anyone remember him?
I didn't even have the time to ask him for his name.
I was caught off guard, and was already lost in thought when he is going to the hospital.

Maybe, no one will ever remember this awesome brother.
But God will surely remember how this one man put all aside, to put God first.
Trusting that God will never let him down, when he put God first.

It's time to wake up.

I heard enough of ushers telling me that they can't serve becoz of this and that excuses.

Will your studies really be better if you don't serve?
You have so much faith that you will do well ONLY IF you don't serve for an extra 3hrs on a church going Sun..
BUT you can't have faith to believe that as you put God first, He will impart to you HIS wisdom.

Will your light cough, headache, and whatever really go away if you don't serve?
You have so much faith that you will recovered if you just rest at home...
BUT you can't have the faith to believe God that as you serve Him, He will take all your sickness away...

Will you have enough money if you just sit and listen to sermons week after week?
Or will you have faith to believe that as you give Him your life, He will give you His promises?

But more than anything else, i am sick of members coming late for services, and demands to be treated like royals.
If you can't even come on time, don't challenge my ushers who are simply trying to give God their best.
You are not part of CHC.
You are the stones that slow us down.
You are a shame.

The only reason why i won't bother to argue with you is simple:
You don't deserve my time, and my heart to reason with.

When we prayed on Sunday that we will all be united and continue to give God our best,
to follow His desires,
my mind has 2 "models"

1 that testify the DNA of CHC,
and the other, that call us their church, but is living otherwise.

Which one will we all become?
Which one will YOU become?

How a burnt out star can step out of the fire, victorious!!

2009-07-27T16:03:00.002+08:00

it was something that well... sad to say.. expected..

Stars do burn out..
but leaders are more than stars..

Leaders have been annointed, appointed, and called.
Called into greatness,
But also called into the fire places.

And how a burn-ed leader responsed determined how he/she will come out of the fire.

Like sugar, we can turn black and harden..
we can start blaming everyone else for the things that didn't happened, nor what should happened..
we can be angry, and start to lash out at people, thinking that they didn't care..
We can form a wall against the very people whom we need to find comfort in...

OR

Like stones, we can remain lifeless..
we can start to be routinely...
without passion, without interest, without a desire to influence & impact.
we can still stay in the race, but its following the crowd.
there is no more stepping out.
everything that we can do is "safe",
but before long, we start to lose interest, and begin to look for greener pasture, usually outside the kingdom of God.

OR

Like bread, we can allow bitter yeasts to be fed into our lives, and help us grow..
we can be accountable, and allow our leaders to speak words of guidance.
words that may not sound nice, but surely, words that are Spirit-led.
words that like yeasts, help us to grow in our character.

there are times that i know i have to allow my leaders to speak to me..
to be more accountable,
to be more humble,
to be more willing to be invisible and let other lead,
to be more Christ like in my ministry,

to die to myself.

it wasnt always easy.
dying to my own desires or even feelings when i am feeling real bad, lousy and unappreciated.

even though my leaders may not be there for me, i MUST still share.
i MUST still listen to them, and pray through their words.
i MUST still serve, even though there is no fruits, becoz i MUST remain ready when God bring in the next harvest.
i MUST still seek God, even though God didn't answer my prayers, becoz i MUST remember that God is always bigger than my problems.

the heat may not decrease, but like bread,
when i allow God to move, the yeasts will grow, and out of the lump of flour, bread will start to form.

Bakers don't bake the bread in fire for the whole day.
God know how much heat we can take.
And when we are ready, God will surely take me out of the fire, and prepare me for the next level.

Leavened bread are life giving.
How?

Your personal stories & testimonies will encourage others.
Your personal victories will inspires others.
But more than your victories, how God was able to bring you out of your defeats will motivate others to keep trusting God, even when all fronts are lost.

Do you enjoy bread?
I do.

And every time I enjoy bread, i can't help but remember how God will use the fires of life to make me better,
as a leader,
as a minister,
as a friend,
as a husband,
and soon, as a father.

May this bless you!

DISC results for 2009

2009-07-05T02:28:00.002+08:00

D: 56%
I: 40%
S: 0%
C: 4%

my goodness.. its a very big increase... and decreases!!!

the lion is roaring again,..
just don't let him bite you!

My Salvation is About Him

2009-07-05T02:19:00.001+08:00

Who would look at the cross of Christ and say,
"Great work, Jesus. Sorry you couldn't finish it, but I'll take up the slack."?

Dare we question the crowning work of God?
Dare we think heaven needs our help in saving us?

Legalism discounts God and in the process makes a mess out of us.

To anyone attempting to earn heaven, Paul asks,
"How is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles?
Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? ....
What has happened to all your joy?" (Galatians 4:19, 15 NIV).

Legalism is joyless because legalism is endless.
There is always another class to attend, person to teach, mouth to feed.
Inmates incarcerated in self-salvation find work but never joy.
How could they?
They never know when they are finished.
Legalism leaches joy.

Grace, however, dispenses peace.
The Christian trusts a finished work.

Grace offers rest.
Legalism never does.

Then why do we embrace it?
"Those who trust in themselves are foolish" (Proverbs 28:26 NCV).

Why do we trust in ourselves?
Why do we add to God's finished work?
But the truth is, we don't.

If we think we do, we have missed the message.
"What is left for us to brag about?" Paul wonders (Romans 3:27 CEV).

What is there indeed?
What have you contributed?
Aside from your admission of utter decadence, I can't think of a thing.

"By his doing you are in Christ Jesus" (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Salvation glorifies the Savior, not the saved.
Your salvation showcases God's mercy.
It makes nothing of your effort but everything of his.

"I--yes, I alone--am the one who blots out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again" (Isaiah, 43:25, emphasis mine).

Can you add anything to this salvation?
No.
The work is finished.

Can you earn this salvation?
No.
Don't dishonor God by trying.

Dare we boast about this salvation?
By no means.
The giver of bread, not the beggar, deserves praise.
"Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:31).

It's not about what we do; it's all about what he does.

Max Lucado
It's Not About Me

from one of the FB quiz..

2009-07-01T20:09:00.001+08:00

Hesitant, but forceful.
Usually a loner..

What Plastic Army Man Are You?"
Ans: Flame-thrower Guy!

My Message is About Him

2009-06-27T00:52:00.001+08:00

The request came when I was twenty.
"Can you address our church youth group?"

We aren't talking citywide crusade here.
Think more in terms of a dozen kids around a West Texas campfire.
I was new to the faith, hence new to the power of the faith.
I told my story, and, lo and behold, they listened!
One even approached me afterward and said something like, "That moved me, Max."
My chest lifted, and my feet shifted just a step in the direction of the spotlight.

God has been nudging me back ever since.

Some of you don't relate.
The limelight never woos you.
You and John the Baptist sing the same tune:
"He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less" (John 3:30 NLT).

God bless you.
You might want to pray for the rest of us.

We applause-aholics have done it all:
dropped names,
sung loudly,
dressed up to look classy,
dressed down to look cool,
quoted authors we've never read,
spouted Greek we've never studied.

For the life of me, I believe Satan trains battalions of demons to whisper one question in our ears: "What are people thinking of you?"

A deadly query.
What they think of us matters not.
What they think of God matters all.

God will not share his glory with another (Isaiah 42:8).
Next time you need a nudge away from the spotlight, remember:
You are simply one link in a chain, an unimportant link at that.

Remember the other messengers God has used?
A donkey to speak to Balaam (Numbers 22:28).
A staff-turned-snake to stir Pharaoh (Exodus 7:10).
He used stubborn oxen to make a point about reverence and a big fish to make a point about reluctant preachers (I Samuel 6:1-12; Jonah 1:1-17)

God doesn't need you and me to do his work.
We are expedient messengers, ambassadors by his kindness, not by our cleverness.
It's not about us, and it angers him when we think it is.
We who are entrusted with the gospel dare not seek applause but best deflect applause.

For our message is about Someone else.

Max Lucado
It's Not About Me

God is Cheering for You

2009-06-22T14:02:00.000+08:00

If your God is Mighty enough to ignite the sun, could it be that He is mighty enough to light your path?

God is for you.
Not "may be,"
not "has been,"
not "was,"
not "would be,"
but "God is!"

He is for you.

Today.
At this hour.
At this minute.
As you read this sentence.

No need to wait in line or come back tomorrow.
He is with you.
He could not be closer than he is at this second.
His loyalty won't increase if you are better nor lessen if you are worse.
He is for you.

God is for you.
Turn to the sidelines; that's God cheering your run.
Look past the finish line; that's God applauding your steps.
Listen for him in the bleachers, shouting your name.

Too tired to continue? He'll carry you.
Too discouraged to fight? He's picking you up.
God is for you.

God is for you.
Had he a calendar, your birthday would be circled.
If he drove a car, your name would be on his bumper.
If there's a tree in heaven, he's carved your name in the bark.
We know he has a tattoo, and we know what it says. "I have written your name on my hand," he declares (Isa. 49:16).

Max Lucado
Let the Journey Begin:God's Roadmap for New Beginnings

cheater!!!

2009-06-18T16:08:00.003+08:00

Burger King is promoting a new burger called 7incher...
but its a cheater!!

And here is the proof!!

Let's laugh @ our NTUC leaders!!

2009-06-17T17:51:00.001+08:00

twittering...

2009-06-17T14:07:00.000+08:00

with free sms, i am twittering more than updating my blog..
i have add my twitter page on this blog...
(check the tabs on the top left hand side)

let's get ready to rock and roll!!!
*roar!!!*

i wonder...

2009-06-17T13:51:00.002+08:00

read some comments on 8Days.. regarding Sun..
and i can't help but to wonder..

if the church is really the only reason why Sun is topping the charts..
the we must really be so "far reaching" that we can influence all the voters in UK & US to vote Sun to the top of the charts 4 times....

come on...
if only...

then we will not need to worry about our "promised land",
since the government will not dare to keep us waiting...
since we will have the "foreign backing" to buy all the land we need in singapore, to build our stadium..

so that we will not need to shift from hall to hall every 2-3 months...

if everything is so simple as those silly people think,
the only reason why 77th Street is successful is because only CHC members buy their clothing?!

only CHC members join Jacelyn Tay's health club?!

FIR, Milk, ,Ocean, Liu Genghong, Van Nes and all the other celebrities that are in church are only successful becoz of the church?!

all the successful lawyers, designers, financial planners, businessmen are successful, becoz they only sell their products to CHC members?!!

i wishes!!!
if only everything is so simple....

give us a break,
and give Sun and Ps Kong a break!!!

The Cure for Disappointment

2009-06-06T01:56:00.000+08:00

Don't ask God to do what you want.
Ask God to do what is right.

When God doesn't do what we want, it's not easy.
Never has been.
Never will be.

But faith is the conviction that God knows more than we do about this life and he will get us through it. Disappointment is cured by revamped expectations.

I like that story about the fellow who went to the pet store in search of a singing parakeet. Seems like he was a bachelor and his house was too quiet. The store owner had just the bird for him, so the man bought it. The next day the bachelor came home from work to a house full of music. He went to the cage to feed the bird and noticed for the first time that the parakeet had only one leg.

He felt cheated that he'd been sold a one-legged bird, so he called and complained.
"What do you want," the store owner responded, "a bird who can sing or a bird who can dance?"

Good question for times of disappointment.
Max Lucado
Let the Journey Begin

thanks for all the care & love..

2009-05-24T22:33:00.003+08:00

since news of my grandmom's death, i have received so many well wishes that its making me "embarrassed"...

well.. maybe because i wasnt close to my grandmom in the first place..

or simply because i was numb to funerals...

anyway, just wanna appreicate all my friends who made the trips down over the past many days..

Your presence speak of your friendship, and i am always thankful of you guys..

Eugene, Solomon, Aaron & Agnes,

Natalie & Van,

Cindy, Danny & Cassandra..

and all those who couldn't rush down due to our ever-busy schedules..

love you all the same!!

Really appreciate your efforts, care & love..

Bro Darren,

EG,

4S5 leaders & ushers...

i was very moved when i saw the 2 flower wreaths sent by CHC & 4S5..

Your love really inspired me to keep giving my best to whatever God has called me into.

Rested for 3 wks..

time to start the ball rolling again.

i am ready..

are you?

ray's theory on death..

2009-05-24T22:23:00.002+08:00

death come to all.
and if one goes naturally, in peace,
shouldn't we all celebrate the life, the achievements & blessings of the person who have left us?

let my funeral be a time of celebration.
come in bright colors, and let there be laughter,
coz i know, by the time i am going back to my Father,
i would have done my best.

but... the time is still a long time away.
i have many things that i have not yet started,
and many more that i have yet to complete.

starting from basic, all over again..

2009-05-16T11:38:00.002+08:00

its time for a change.
let's start from the basic structure all over again.

its going to start from the 5 of us.

we will build a strong team, from us, one strong step at a time.

ARE YOU READY?

WenWen has a new sibling.. and its not Rayanne!!

2009-05-12T23:43:00.002+08:00

WenWen has a new sibling..

while i go and get drown in green..

14 long days in camp..
hoping to book out every night, so that i can kiss my 2 precious ladies goodnite..

its was quite an effort to get my work "on track"...
and now.. got to put everythin on hold, becoz the ARMY need me to participate in some games to assure the top brass that they have the best people around to protect the country...
without thinking how to win the hearts of those who are affected....

wat we can be aware of, from Aware?

2009-05-04T22:09:00.005+08:00

the aware saga drew my attention without fail,
for a simple reason...

it was leadership, and cultural mandate in action,
carried out in a sincere, yet (in the eyes of the world) in wrong way...
and now that the dust is settling down, what can we learn from them?

for me, it was also a "documentary" of how i have fail (or succeed) in the past..

how can we live out the Cultural Mandate, if we are not at the top now?
for yrs, we have been talkin about the 3rd pillar of CHC.
this is our calling.
to go into the world to excel and shine,
to be a positive influencer.

but its not as easy as it sound like.
the fact remain that there are people that is better than us,
who know more,
can do more,
excel better than us,

us, people claimed to believe in, pray and serve God...

and when they hear our sermons on culture mandate,
hose with a proud heart,
those who have achieved much,
will look at christians who are not "there as them" as the lower class,
and the message to excel is lost to them.

And they are right to think that the message are "not for them".
after all, if christians are preaching about leadin in the marketplace on Sundays,
then why are they still not as good as non christians?
esp on Mondays and Wednesdays in the office?

then how can we carry out the cultural mandate in the marketplace?

certainly not by shouting in our work place that we are christians, and that people should listen to us, and follow us, because we are following God's word...
(neither will you want to band together a group of people over sunday lunch, and plan a takeover)

for christians who are not as good as their non christian friends,
the cultural mandate mean that we humble ourselves,
and submit to those who are better,
to be taught, even if their words hurts.
to be corrected, even if its public embrassment.

remember Daniel?
he learnt the ways of leaderships, while treated as 2nd class citizens.
they were given names, names that humilated and seek to destroy their self-worth...

would you think the teachers / mentors spoke to them nicely?
or were Daniel and his 3 friends the subject of humilating jokes?
(esp about been captured and "given" a second chance to learn obedience" in the class?)
ouch!

remember what Paul said to Timothy?
humble yourself, listen and honor the "non christian" slave masters!

for the past few wks, a mentor in my work place have been "helping" me to be a better sale person.
her words were blunt, sharp, and many times, painful to listen to.

there were no "sandwiches treatment".
it was you failed, you need to change these areas, or get out, and get lost.

it was painful, but it showed me how lacking i was now.
and to believe in God meant in God, i will humble myself, and learn, and seek to be better.

to fulfill the cultural mandate in this aspect mean that i will first have to treasure and learnt from the lessons that she taught,
and be as successful as i can in the company,...

and when i am successful,
i honor her,
and let her know how much she has helped me.

i believed that i need not bluntly tell her about church, or asking her to come church..
but through my lifestyle,
and my testimony,
esp how i am willing to humble,
and learn and be better,
she will know that it take someone different,
a true discipler of Christ, who are willing to change, for the better.

and when my hard work paid off,
through all the hard and painful lessons,
when i am in a leadership position,

i can choose to demonstrate christ like discipleship and mentoring to my juniors.
i can choose to take the love way, and not the dog eat dog way.
i can choose to believe in others, instead of killing others.

when we are successful, then we can be an influencer.
but we must first go through the learning way.

and its the same principle in every area.
esp in ministry.

fellowshipping with the leaders can only bring you to the table.
if you fail to recognise those who have helped you to be there,
you lost their support.

if you fail to engage the ground, you end up with such a far gap, that no one bother to reach in to you.

how can we lead?
both in society, and in ministry?
Was it right or wrong for the "new team" to desire to lead? my view?
we are commission-ed to lead, but we must first win the support & respect of the team.

the problem with the Aware saga was not christians leading, but how they seek to lead using the shortest way possible.

the wrong was how they plan to take over leadership, when they were not involved on the ground.

it was a coup.
not leadership in progress.

it was people tryin to take over, becoz they thought they can do better,
when they are not even involved.

the worst attitude one can have is to think they they can do anything better,
when they did nothing to make something happened in the first place.

the old guard let their guard down, and the consitution did not specify that nominees must have at least clear certain criterias before they can even be consider.
that was the whole org's fault.

but, no one should come, and organise a coup, just becoz they think they can do the job better.
who will be willing to be be defeated, and yet follow the winner?
esp when there was no reasons why they lost?
except by the numbers of the votes?

to lead in the old 4S2 was to plough through stones for the first 3 months.
no one want to listen,
or to try,
to do things differently.

until i stop leading, and got them involved, at least in the planning.
until i stop forcing my view, and give them a chance to give theirs, and get them to try.

when i stop pushing them to alight their views to mine,
and get them to understand and see why they may need to change,
it became easier, and people start to move.
and within a yr, we grew, and outgrew all our expectation.

the reason for bitterness is not on religion, nor the homosexuality issue.
the main reason is on a lack of communication.
when we failed to communicate, even the smallest thing can become the stumbling block,
or the spark that start the bush fires.

i knew all along that due to my enlistment, i could not be the official CGL.
and i will have to hand over my "mini zone" to someone when i "enlist myself"

but the lack of communication,
and lack of proper transition,
AND lack of consideration to how i was feeling, made the whole transition particularly painful.

it took me months to let go, and even longer to push the pain down, trying to forget,
while trying to remember how i would want to take ownership of the "mini zone" again,
one day.

many of you have read and heard how i rebelled againt DT.
i am never proud of it.

would things be different if we have all talk about the transition from day 1?
would things be different if i never entertain the "comeback" thought?

to not desire to lead is as good as me giving up.
but was there a second option that i could choose at that point?

things would surely had work out differently.

i was taught that we are to assume that our listeners do not know everything that we know.
thus, when we shared with them our "messages", it is important that we bring them through an intro before the main topic, so that there is a point of reference.

when there is communication,
when there is points of reference,
nothing is too deep for people to understand.

for the "new team", they felt that something was wrong, and it was for them to step out and contribute...
but to do a coup, without explaining,
esp when they were not involved on the ground,

caused them huge embrassment,
caused the church (and themselves) to come under undue attacks
caused them to waste all the resources that were meant for good works..

let's hope that we will not make the same mistakes,
while trying to shine in our marketplace, and in ministry!

disruption to my life..

2009-05-03T23:33:00.002+08:00

there can be no worse disruption to any working man other than servin our nation, in green.

its true that a small country like us need all the manpower we have to defend our nation..
but have anyone consider how "illogical" it is for us to "plan" to stop workin,
stop taking on new projects,
stop scheduling to meet new clients,
jus becoz our nation need someone to report to came for 2 wks, so that our army size is so solid that our neighbours will think twice before forcing us to complete their crooked bridge.

i mean...will they ever dare?
when all they have are borrowed, & overseas investment.

anyway, this is not about ASEAN politics..
its about our lives, as working men..

in 10 days time, i will have to go back to a far far camp, where its so isolated that no public bus travel to.

do i hate SAF? no.
but i am sure thankful that i am doing only a 6 yrs cycle,
and this is my 3rd reservist....

jus prayin that i will not injure my back again this time round.

choices... again!!

2009-04-29T12:43:00.002+08:00

many weeks ago, i felt it may be time for me to go, and join my father in his vision...
but somewhere, in the midst of all that were pulling me...
i stopped thinking of it...

then come the zone meeting.... specially named as "the revival"....
but i couldn't attended, as we were already booked to mc for a wedding...
somehow, i can't get rid of the thought that if i were there, God would have spoken, and moved,
just like how He moved at Sentosa, 6 yrs ago...

then... it all came back to lead me to think.. and to pray...

the final hint come last week...

"Ray, you are a great man..
BUT you can be greater, with US"

i want to come back to join you,
but how?

havent i disqualified myself?
how can i wipe off the black mark off my records?

and can i ever join your wonderful team again?

you talk about fulfilling the talents of everyone within your zone,
and my greatest joy is to be with you,
serving you...

i do not want any titles..
just let me worship together with you,
just let me run this race with you,
with my family....

but how?

the other side will have to be ready for time without me.
maybe they will rejoice.
maybe they wouldnt even notice.
but its ok.

i believed i didn't let God down for the past 3 yrs..
and that is all i need to know....

I dreamed a dream

2009-04-17T14:50:00.007+08:00

Susan Boyle on Britains Got Talent 2009!! Incredible Voice!!

a wonderful story..
the perfect example that if we only dare to take the step out to follow our dreams,
nothin can stop us..

cried when i first watch this clip (both on Youtube & Yahoo)..
and in fact, i still have tears when i hear she sing now..

no one gave her any chances...
but she braved on..

people's mocks were only noises to her..
she knew her purpose, her value, her talents,
amd she is not afraid of doing what she enjoyed the most..

when people laugh or doubt her, she laughed at them,
knowing that she will proved them wrong.

she didn't just dreamed a dream.
she lived it.

Susan Boyle.
a dream creator...

below is the lyric:
I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high,
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving.

Then I was young and unafraid
When dreams were made and used,
And wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung,
No wine untasted.

But the tigers come at night
With their voices soft as thunder
As they tear your hopes apart
As they turn your dreams to shame.

And still I dream he'll come to me
And we will live our lives together
But there are dreams that cannot be
And there are storms
We cannot weather...

I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I'm living
So different now from what it seems
Now life has killed
The dream I dreamed.

finding some peace within..

2009-04-15T21:42:00.002+08:00

after a long day of stress and frustration...
i asked myself...

what's all these for?

feeling frustration at work, becoz of mistakes, and unrealistic demands (by clients)..
for what?
for money?
for personal glory?
for mag spaces?

feeling like a blunt ax in ministry?
for what?
what do i need to prove?
that i am still "in God"?
that i am still someone who can fight the good fight?
that i am still useful to God?

no.

all the stress today nearly robbed me of the miracles that God showed me today through my precious baby gal..

went for the detailed scan at TMC today..
and when we were in the room... everythin is so "big, yet small, at the same time"...

the scans didn't jus show me how well & healthy our baby is...
it show me how great God is.

that our baby's bones structure & organs are growing perfectly, without any human inputs..
that without fail, both mom's and baby's body work together to provide all that both parties need..

that our baby's heart is beating, regularly...

and that is all that i need to remind that God never stop to love us..
with every heart beat, He is always thinking for our good...

i know i can trust my God for the provisions for His visions...
both at work, in ministry, and also at home.

i know that even though i may not be able to see how God will steer the ship,
He will bring me to the destination...

i know i can start to sleep peacefully at night again,
becoz when i let God, He will never fail me.

i know i can always go home without worry,
coz i have 2 wonderful people who will always be cheering me on,
with their most beautiful poses & laughter...

i know, with my family beside me,
each day will be a new, bright day.

the lion is starting to smile again...

how do we value ourselves??

2009-04-12T13:04:00.004+08:00

was talking to my work team recently, and something "has been buggin" me since...

we were discussing about the insincere couple that i was ragging about recently when Eddie said this:
"its ok to let them go, and let them signed up with other companies..
let others suffered..
let others do the project at a prices that is neither profit earning, nor reputation building.."

reputation building..

will i want to be known for a designer who offered low prices, for something common?
or should i be recognised as a designer who always offer THE enjoyable design experiences, at a reasonable price range?

where should i position myself in this "cut prices" market?
certainly not at the lower end...
after all, like what John will say.. that's clients' referrals will also be cut price referrals..
"how many cut prices client do you want to serve?"

my answer to that will be to know how to manage the clients' demands..
if the clients from the on start has already indicated pricing to be their main deciding factor, maybe its not even wise to go for a designer home concept...

and thus, my "learning experience number 1":
must learn know to differentiate the cut prices owner,
and the real owners, who want a good mix of design, within a reasonable price...

but that is not the root of the struggles...
i believed at the end of the discussion, God posed this question & revelation to me..

"at a time where things around you may seem bleak, and your clients are going for the lowest prices, how do you value yourself?

will you lower your value to meet their demands?
or will you position yourself as a value giving person?

"how you value yourself will determine the value you give to others."

even though they may be on budget,
do you still give them the experiences of a lifetime?
(positive experiences! of course!!)

or will you be rushing through your proposal,
and asking them to commit, to show their interest?

will you still give them a designer home reality,
even though their budget indicate otherwise?

will you still give them your best?
becoz you are the best?

wow...
in a instant, Jesus brought us back to His way of serving clients..

I believed, in His time..
Jesus the carpenter always gave his best service to His clients,
regardless of their budget.

He will be the best salesMan possible around..
He will always be giving His best proposal for every projects..
He will always be giving His best to ensure the whole projects are carried out smootly, and without the need of corrective works...

He will be the best...
Becoz He is the best...
regardless of the clients' budget...

and that was how Jesus, as the teacher, could be so efficient in His ministry.

He learnt, through his working experiences, that the listeners' facial expression, body languages & even (selfish) demands are not the deciding factors on whether should Jesus served them.

Jesus will serve,
will teach,
will heal,
will even wash the feets of his own disciples,
becoz He is the best person to do so.
Simply becoz He is the only one who can show us how to live.
Simply becoz, He is the only one who can save us.

Is there any wonder that the bible said Jesus has to learnt that He is the Savior.
i believed that Jesus learnt through his time as a carpenter, never let what people said or demand determine our value & destiny in God..

bringing this back to home..
since God has placed me here, i should always give my best to my clients.
tirelessly,
faithfully,
all the time..
regardless of their "unrealistic" budget restrictions..

afterall, i guess what Wincy said is true..
"if they really like the proposal, any sincere owners will find ways to increase the budget"
"beside, when will we ever find a owner who said they have a lot of spare cash to spend?"

but more than work.. i believed that the same is true for all aspects of life...

how do we value our ministry?
is it to serve, just to be noticed, and be given more responsibilities, and with that, status & ranks?

or is to to serve, becoz we are possibly the best people who can make a difference in someone else' lives today?

my prayer will be that i will not serve for the sake of maintaining my "duty log book"..
but each time i served, i will be adding value to people's lives..

coz i am mindful that Jesus's comission to us is not to get the colored tag, but to be a person of influence.
In and Out of church, ministry & marketplace...

back to basic..

2009-04-11T19:51:00.003+08:00

a friend reminded me of the basic of why we do the things we do...

Reasons why i love ushering so much.
(despite the earliness, the lateness, the detailed-ness...)

1. Simply, having the joy of serving, in simplest term, just enjoy lo.
2. If u really love something, you’ll go the high ways and by ways to get things done.
3. When i see people happy, enjoying the presence of God, and having a seat, that to me, is more than enough.

There was no place for honor seeking, for positions hagging, for personal glory...

There was only 1 reason..
Child-like joy to be able to serve.

maybe if someone else were to read this, his life would have been so different.
are you getting this?

4th generation leadership, and beyond...

2009-04-05T14:49:00.004+08:00

looking around the hall today, i can't help but notice that almost all the set holders are "4th generation" leaders..

and something just set my mind running..

with the first generation at Hollywood,
(where Alex, Lawerence & Peng Boon were the 3 dashing TLs,
and Esther & Beatice were our SLs..)

we were taught one-to-one...
discipleship is a lifestyle, and in a way, almost school like.

maybe in reflection of our young church then,
things were very "legalistic"..
many rules, many tapes to follow, many communication lines to go through...
its amost a taboo to go out with ushers for a meal without approval of our SLs..

will never forget the friendships built over repairing the umbrellas with Sean & Lawrence..

and how can i NOT mentioned the "very fun" time running around around SIS 16 times (within 1 try) with Sean.. haha..
him as 80's runner,
me as Lawrence's runner..

memories were formed with how and who we broke our body with..
esp for all the big days....

Then come the shift to the West, and with that, come the 2nd generation..
You Mei became a leader, and a friend,
and i have the chance to train and encourage the next generation with "much given freedom"..

one of my "proudest moment" was when i throw my "next in line" in the ocean to run the west zone alone, and throughout the service, i sat in my seat, enjoying my cup of starbuck coffee...
all without the knowledge of the "leadership"...
(in today's context, i was happily doing west alpha) haha...

God called one nite, and i gave my heart to follow Him to another "harvest field"..
went into campus ministry, falling on my face on my first session,
join Sir in his team, and in the short 3 yrs, showed how God do not moved through ranks..

I understood that in God, there is only ONE ministry in His context: to reach out, and to be a discipler in all areas of influence that He has given us...

for the first time, i gave bible studies to the ushers that followed me..

soon after, "took" a "CG", that became two..
my reputation of a crazy lion also start to form...

i also became the "crying preacher"
(ask those who know me at JW for details)...
but no... they didn't cry becoz i was whipping them...

Expo welcome the 3rd generation of leaders..
More chiefs were introduced..
and soon, 4 services were started at 2 venues...

most of the old guards became SLs in their own rights..
most of the TLs were "new faces", with whom friendships were forged going through the challenges together...

i joined this generation...
and from this generation, i found mentors, advisors, and my soul mate...

and now, the 4th generation are taking up the baton, running the race for Christ.
who are they?
look around...
or rather, look at the allocations...

young people with a sense of destiny..
with plenty of opportunities waiting for them...

they may not have go through fire yet...
but surely, most will survive... stronger, and bolder..

i smile when i think of what will be possible, for the good of the ministry,
when the 4th generational leaders take full ownership of their roles,
and start to create.

EG is a living example.
Many of the board members are all achieving "histories daily" in their own sections now..
I know that given a next few yrs, if everyone keep walking in the narrow path,
they will be the ones who will bring this ministry to the next level of breakthrough...

time do not wait for anyone.

when i read how God has raised up at least 4 generation over the past 25 yrs of church building in CHC, i can't help but to wonder.. where will i be if i didn't jump in 2000?

but that is just a kiddish thought..
coz i know, deep within me,... if i had not followed Him, and step into the water when He called,
i will not be who I am today...

my only prayer is that with Rayanne, both Rachel & myself will not be deaf to what God is saying to us...

counting my blessings...

2009-04-04T01:24:00.002+08:00

somehow, i am prompted to count my blessings..
(maybe.. if something happened to me... there is somethin people can shared at my funeral?)
hahaha..

1. My in-laws..
its not easy living with people that don't share a single common ground with you.
ok.. there is ONE single common topic: the Queen..
but other than that, nothing else clicked.

the food,
the house keeping,
the languages spoken,
the interests
the train of thoughts,
the actions..

maybe others will have a easier time, but with a demanding lion,
things can be very pickly at times..

but i guess we survived?

the trip to Genting was a "all paid for" event..
all thanks to my in-laws, and a certain uncle.
it was something that i didn't expect, and i am certainly thankful for the kindness..

more than a time where Queen and myself can spend quality time with each other,
it also allow us to interact with both in laws..
in fact, it was the first time that i heard her dad said more than 2 sentences...
(in case you wondered, her dad don't said more than 10 words daily when he is in the house)

2. EG
if there is one reason why i am not giving up in this thing people called ministry,
it's becoz of you guys..

you showed me how when people really have passion, nothing is able to stop them.
you showed me how friendships are able to last beyond the distance..
and that friendships are what matters...

3. the history making 4S2 (2008)
Kristal, Gordon, ChangYan, Liting, Huifen..

what else do i need to say?
i am proud to be part of a winning team that show how with willing determination,
nothing can be too hard for us to achieve..

4. Bro Darren
without ur distance discipleship, i guess the lion will have fallen out from this race a long long time ago....

i still spend countless nights thinking and regrettin the "fall out"..
but time don't wait for us,
and all i can do is to hope that people around you will run the race well with you.

it pain me that there are none who is taking care of you,
but who am i to complain?

maybe one day, i will join you again?
i am hoping, but God is not showing...

5. Queen Rachel
you had the hardest time.
i am demanding, crazy, and easily offended...

and even if you are innocent, you are still affected.

i am sorry.

let the Genting trip be a milestone in our relationship ya?

to live to 80 together need a lot of rubbing, and understanding,
and i know none of us will want to give up, right?
*huggz*

6. Princess Rayanne
you are the reason why i smile before i sleep every night.
look forward to catch up with you in 3 wks time..

7. Jesus
if you haven't extended Your hand, and pull me out in 1998,
if you haven't kept holding me throughout the past 11 yrs,
esp through the sand storms in 2004,
i may have a different future?

i may not be here writing this, with a wonderful wife beside me,
and a great future lying ahead of me..

choosing between the steep route, and the gentle path..

2009-04-04T00:47:00.003+08:00

while on the way up and down the mountain that people call Genting,
one thing that striked me the most was how the paths upwards were created..

have you ever wonder why roads are not cut in a direct route upwards the mountain top?
instead, what you have are winding paths that go around the mountain...

instead of having steep but short direct roads,
you have long and gentle tracks that seem to go on forever...

and that is what God used to "set me thinking"...

Can a bus full of passengers go up the direct steep path?
even if the passengers are the most willing people, and the driver the most experienced?
even if the bus itself is the best?

gravity would had brought the bus toppling down...
the very weight of the people will pull the bus downwards, even if their dreams & visions are of God..

And if all I can do is to take the lion way,
to get things done, the way that i am "known for"...
achieving the results asap...

will it last?
will it allow others to follow?
will it allow people to duplicate the success?

chances are that people will be crushed by the lion..
rather than given a chance to follow him...

well...
another double edge sword..

the first sword cut deep, and when people forgot, they played with danger.

i am not sure how things will be like for the future..
but if this is what God want me to learn this year..
I am trusting Him... *roar!!*

3 days of bliss...

2009-04-03T23:46:00.012+08:00

it was 3 days of sms free, calls free, & even email free..

and it was bliss..

to be able to spend quality time at Genting with Rach,

without all the technology disturbance..

didn't do much at Genting..

we can't go theme park, becoz Rach can't take most of the rides..

we WOULD'NT go casinos, becoz i "hate" gambling..

Rach didn't want to travel to KL, so we were stuck on the mountain top..

so.. what did we do for the past 3 days?

1. Eat (yes.. i got fat again!)

2. Shop (window shopping most of the time)

3. Got our feets bitten by fishes (and i was allocated the bigger fish!!)

4. Watch 2 movies... (Jackie's was a let down)

5. Shoot some guns!!!

The last was my "highlight" for this trip..

After all, the last time i shot something was in army...

ok... its not real guns.. (its a simulator..)

but its still "more shiok" than arcade...

and the thing is...

Rachel joined in!!!!

Can you surive a day without ur phone(s)?

2009-03-30T22:40:00.000+08:00

brought and read this week's 8 Days with great interest..

the main story?
"will you surive a day with your phone(s)?"

must let Queen read the whole story...

crossing the bridge in 18 hours..

2009-03-30T11:45:00.003+08:00

going to Malaysia tomorrow morning, at 5am!!
(so early... what is wrong with all the travel packages?)

just sent out all the msges to inform the team.
and now, trying to do as much work as possible,
so that i can go and relax over the next 3 days...

wasn't really looking forward for the trip,
since the next 7 days after the fair is usually the best time that we follow up with our leads.
but well...
no point complaining, and living in "what ifs".

If the clients are meant to be mine...
they will be...
Praying that God will help to screen through the leads..
and advise me how to bring in the right catch...

looking forward to spend some quality time with Queen...
Quality time...
sound so easy.. but so hard to achieve....

but more than anything,
I am expecting God to move again.
expecting with faith that God will speak and give a "new vision".

there may be no wind to sail the boat now...
but there is still the motor!!

"switch on the motor"!!!!!

2009-03-28T22:50:00.003+08:00

God works in ways that we can never understand...
Only He know how to speak words that will turn us back to Him,
even when we thought its all over...

somewhere somehow,
i made it to service today..
Yes...its been a long time since i attended my own service...
but that is not the point here..

there was just so many things that are calling my attention...
was busy at work since morning...
met client from 2 - 5pm..

then took mrt to expo..
overslept.. reached Pasir Ris.. and made a u-turn...

and when i reached hall 6..
the booths were overflowing with clients with floorplan...
and i was tempted...

tempted to stay back, and give God a miss...
(afterall, i still have Sunday svc)..

HS prompted..
and i responsed...

in a way, when i realized that Ps Phil is sharing, faith arise.
somehow, i start to expect God to move.
to share something with me, that i need...

and it came at the start.

just a few days ago, i asked...
"what should i do when there is no more wind to sail the boat?"

God's answer?
"Just switch on the motor."

Through Ps Phil, I felt the HS encouraging me not to give up,
and dwell in frustration in the midst of the journey.

If I have lost the vision to the destination,
pray it back.

If i have lost the fire and passion,
pray it back.
and start small again.

"don't complain that the winds are blowing against me,
or blowing me off the track"

overcome the negative thoughts, and use it for our advantage.
Make a detour, sail along the wind if needed...
and if the wind stop, switch on the motor.

speak the word of God into life.

there is a phrase: motor mouth..

now... i know what it meant.
speaking words into our lives, to create our destiny.

Miss World 2028?

2009-03-27T02:17:00.002+08:00

was suppose to update on baby Rayanne...
but guess i was distracted by what is on-going within the team...

was at the gynae yesterday...
and both the Queen and myself were looking forward to see baby...

so you can imagine how wide Queen's smile was when we saw baby's looking at us, "rubbing her face with her hands" shyly...
it was like she was posing a cute face...
(like Queen, she is already camera friendly, and always ready to pose!)
hahahahaha...
so cute.. and adorable...
*huggz*

doc said he couldn't determine whether is baby rara going to be Rayanne, or Rayner...
and Queen was a bit "ooooooooo ok"

then doc said (after doing another round of scanning)
"o wait... there you have"... "M"

M: male?

me: ok... that is great...
Queen: o.... ok....

then doc start to key in the following words in slow motion....

M..... .... .. .I..... .... .. .S..... .... .. .S..... .... .. . WORLD.

thinking back... and looking forward...

2009-03-27T01:39:00.004+08:00

its really very very funny...

when you are at one side of the field, you will always think of the "better yesterday",
and complain non stop of the present...
and wonder how good tomorrow can be....

and when things happened, and you are at another field,
you are thinking how good that 2nd side of the field is,
and start getting frustrated with the present...

well...
if you know what i mean...

i remember bloggin how i missed the "old 4S5"...
or rather, should i be more specific...
how i missed, and will always treasure the times that EG served together...
it was fun, and i look forward to serve and fellowship with like-minded people,
week in, week out...
serving was never a duty..
it was what i will give everything for...

and then.. when the news come that i will be leaving 4S2..
i blogged about the achievements that a small section achieved...
all those great achievementst that will never be repeated again,
becoz of all the great team mates that made it happened..

thinking back... nothing can take all that from us.
from me.

there was a reason why both sections grew to be the most united, strongest, and largest.
i know i can proudly say it.

Being humble is knowing that with God, we can do great things.
Humble doesn't meant that you put yourself down, or choose to think small.

Being humble in Christ meant that you acknowledged that with Christ,
all things are possible....
In Christ meant we can always think BIG....

and this is where it set me thinking....

with Gordon & team...
there was a lot of fiction in the begining...
egos were bruised, whips were lashed out,
Some would say that the first 6 months of "pushing" were hell on earth for them....

their committment to the vision were tested,
and their character grew.

but when everyone know their roles,
and played their roles with excellence...
the section "multiplied"
not just in numbers..
but in strength, and leaderships.

someone from the team once commented that ray is like the slave master...
always whipping people into shape...

this kind of discipleship is not for everyone...
but only for those who are like minded...
who are committed to the common vision..

look at the results.
maybe, just maybe...
just like every church need the 5 fold ministry...
maybe... every team need the discipline master...
the fierce teacher, who chased after everyone...

under the new management, i was asked to be more pastoral..
to be more caring, and to give more "benefit of doubts" to people who made mistakes..
in short, to be less of a slave master, and to be a cheer leader...

i thought.. why not?
anyway, why die young from all the high blood pressure, and blood vomitting?

God encouraged, my partner agreed.

yet... with all that is happening...
it really set me thinking....

should i take up the whip, and start getting things done?
should i switch on the hairdryer again?

let others take care of the wounded, and softies...
maybe, we should allow some fire into this team now,
so that those who are not ready to run the race wholeheartly can take a step back,
before we start to drop.

maybe things are not lookin as bad as i see it.
proof me wrong.

welfare come after order is put in place.
you will never see any team succeeding, if there are no TEAMWORK.

T: Total Committment
E: Equal Sacrifice & Efforts
A: All about ONE goal
M: Momentum
WORK: there are works to be done.

Success is positive work done, multiplied by faithfulness...
not just by good intention, or playing games....

you dont see Man U winning the championship by having good intention to win every games,
or by just showing up for every games...
To win the best league in the world, they must produce wiins everytime that there is a game.

Are you playing for a winning team?
Or are you just looking for your 5 sec of fame?

Will Jesus gave that person a chance?

2009-03-25T22:09:00.002+08:00

straight after I msged the team on the things that someone(s) forgot,
a friend replied:

"let's not forget that Jesus' gentleness is what make us great"
"We are not here to push people down when they failed,
but to encourage them to better themselves, esp when they failed"
(all in my own words, so that you won't know who wrote it)

Well....
What will Jesus do?

1. He wouldn't destroy them (that will be James' primarily nature)
2. He wouldn't kick them out of the team (that is the Pharises' nature)
3. He will be disappointed, esp since its the smallest "tasks" and they failed to do so countless time...

and maybe, 4, He will "chide" them.
For their forgetfulness... and for their lack of ugency...
and maybe... just maybe... their total lack of desire to make things happen...

You can't just "blanket state" that becoz Jesus is gentle and caring to the people in general,
He is the same for His disciples.

As people stepped higher to leadership, the more is expected of them.
That is true in any disciplines.
Be it in church, or in the world.

Ps is loving to everyone in the church,
but if he failed to discipline his close leaders,
will we ever, by any chances, grow to where we are today?

it's not just plain talks.
We have been there before.

Let's stop allowing softies to be leaders wannabe.

what should i do when the same people let you down countless time?

2009-03-25T21:49:00.002+08:00

i am numb.
yes.. that is what i told JC..

if you make the mistake the FIRST time, its my fault.
Maybe I didn't give explain everything to you in a way that you understand, etc...
I can give you all the benefits of doubts..

if you make the same mistake the SECOND time, its our fault.
Maybe I failed to ensure that you understood your role(s),
BUT its also your faults that you didn't check back, and do whatever you need, to ensure that the same mistake is not made....

BUT IF YOU MADE THE SAME MISTAKE THE THIRD TIME.
You are waiting to be buried.
Coz its your fault.

I almost stop counting how many times have I reminded you.
its THE MOST SIMPLE task, and yet, both of you failed.

If you think you are leading, stop dreaming.
Even if you are playing balls with the leaders...
You can't even ensure that such simple task within your dept is carried out faithfully...
You think you can ensure that bigger things are carried out?

Both of you said that you HAD stored the data in your mobiles...
TELL ME THEN,
How did you forget this, again?

Don't bother to explain yourself.
You lost the only chance to explain yourself.

preparing for the party...

2009-03-25T21:37:00.002+08:00

in 168 days, we will be welcoming MS Rayanne Chua!!!!!!!

If you watch the "Lion King" movie, you should remember the party that the "kingdom" had during the "baby dedication"...

something tell me that Rayanne's 1 month's celebration will be something that most people have not seen...

who know...
maybe we will be meeting at OCC again?

hahaha...

ROAR!!!!! (with laughter).... hehehehe

12 hours more to go..

2009-03-24T21:57:00.002+08:00

in another 12-14 hours,
we will be able to know whether will we be expecting
baby Rayanne
or
baby Rayner...

hahaha...
its so exciting!!!!

decision time...

2009-03-24T11:32:00.002+08:00

ok.... here i am writing this when i am runnin very late for work...
but i am just happily bloggin... writer wind...
hahaha...

after Sunday...
i felt distanced, & dis-visioned..

something just tell me that it may be time to step back..

distanced from all the hoo-ha..
distanced and even "dont care" with what is happening, or what will happened..

somehow, whatever i joined this for, became too far fetched to do.
i am never here for the tag, nor positions..

my position is very clear...
i am here to influence, and to show how ministry is not about admin, but people based.
that the great commission is not to see which ministry is better than the rest,
but every ministry is the great commission, as long as leadership is being practised, from top to bottom...

but when there is no more wind to sail the boat, what should i do?

there are other battles to fight..
more wars to plan for..

if we have all lost the plot,
then its may be time to replan our routes..

after the storm...

2009-03-24T11:25:00.001+08:00

the storm that i "was afraid of" did not happened yesterday...

but well...
then again.. both (or rather, all 3) parties did not met...

and also partly, i don't want to blow it out of context.
esp since he himself did not made any comment, nor attempted to do so..

communication lines were kept to the "professional" kind..
KISS, & emotionless..

let's wait out this storm..
I am prepared to forget this whole incident, and move on..
but if you step too near, you are digging your own burial ground.

New Layout..

2009-03-24T11:08:00.000+08:00

After weeks of trying, choosing, and within 4 hours,
(since my wife woke me up)...

here you have...
the new blog layout!

nothing very "new"..
just something that i am looking forward..

Death bell ringing?

2009-03-21T00:44:00.005+08:00

within mins, i am given a choice.

to choose to lay down the lion part of myself,
and to let the human side show...
some may even want to say...
let the Christ side lead me...

let's watch...
becoz I am on a warpath now.
against many decisions that may potentially shock many people.

The hardest thing for a man to do is to let his nature self die.

The most dangerous time to be near a snake is not when he is hungry.
The most dangerous time is when he is shedding his old skin...
Come too near, and its all over for you.

let this warning bell be heard to all circles..

dont try your luck too far.
you may run out of space to run.

i love a good fight...

2009-03-21T00:08:00.004+08:00

if you think you had won the fight becoz i made a mistake....
you better watch your own back.
and watch it real hard.

if you never need me to chase you,
if you never need me to send reminders...
if you always reply, on time, and accurately...

will i step on your toes?

you may win this time.
but i will make you pay.

i love a good fight.
esp against people who claim (and want to accuse me) that i am not doing my roles well.

a lion do not look at the stone that hit him, and be sorrowful.
a lion look at the thrower, and is sorrowful until he devour him.

you are not an exceptional case.
anyone who tried to help you is standing in my wrath.

a warning bell has rung.
you better watch your back.

You shall know that Ray is not a gentle dove.
He is a lion, who smell your blood.
And he is hungry...

flied kite to holland and back...

2009-03-20T08:42:00.003+08:00

what am i doing in office early in the morning at 8am?

suppose to go and help out to set up booth at hall 6....
it's not even my "job scope", but since you asked,
i agreed...

and now...
changed timing to 5pm...
and no one remember to tell me...

really flied kite to holland...
and back...

saving grace?
i have a floorplan to work on..
but askin me to wake up at 6am,
come office at 8am to work?

i could be enjoyin my sleep..
especially since i spent yesterday nite attending a wedding!!!

*ROAR*!!!!!

Will you call 999 becoz Mac don't have nuggets?

2009-03-17T13:31:00.004+08:00

Classic example of "customers from space"..
space is such a nice word, compare to the palace that S.A.Tan lives...
Even though I strongly believed that they could come from the same place..

They are not just irrating,
nor over demanding,
nor plain cheapo...

They have the special ability to induce blood vomitting when we talk to them...

Want the best designs, but only willing to pay contractor's price...
Try asking contractors to first do all the design works...
And you still have to live in doubts whether will the work(s) turn out as they promised you...

Here.. we work with you over so many meetings to come up with a design that suit your lifestyle and wants,
create numerous 3Ds before we start work,
and hand over quality works...

Interior designers build lifestyles....
not carpentry...

If you just want a contractor, go ahead.
Don't waste my time..

a revelation that cut both ways...

2009-03-08T20:51:00.003+08:00

somewhere this week, God revealed something to me..
something good...

first... maybe I should start by sharing the "revelation"...

God said:
"Ray, you are not SO IMPORTANT to the ministry, as you think, or what people are telling you".

In fact, as long as you are the one trying to make things happen in the section, the section will not grow.

Why?
Becoz of your reputation.

Your people will do all that you asked them to do, not becoz they see the same goals, or needs as you, but becoz you sent the instructions...
and by not following it, your people know that they are counting death...

so... in order for them to stay safe,
they will ok to everything that you asked them to do...

but as long as they are not united in the things that you are passionate about..
even if its "My commission", they will not do it wholeheartly...

"You" are doin everything right.. but you had a reputation of a lion... and this has spread throughout the ministry... to the effects that even ushers that never served know who you are...

"Ray, stop leading, and its time to release others to fulfil what is good for the section / ministry"

release the leaders to be the ones to challenge each others,
release the leaders to take up the burdens,
release the leaders to run the race with Me,

You are not called to run this race alone,
nor lead the run all the time.

You are not the saviour of this ministry...
and while you may know a lot, people may choose not to hear you.

Its ok.
"I" am still in control, and i will deal with those who are not in the same waveline as Me"

But as for you...
"Release."

Well...
its not quite a bad revelation right?

i meant...it just reminded me of what my mentor once said:
"you may command every CGL to follow your plans,
but don't think they are following you, becoz of your talents."

"They follow you, becoz they understood that if they didn't,
they are not helping (me) to make the events a success.
Thus, all the CGLs chose to humble themselves,
and follow, support and play their parts in accordance to your plans,
becoz THEY LOVE ME."

Its never about Ray.
Its always about the bigger pic.

About people getting saved.
About people experiencing the love & acceptance of Jesus.
About people receiving a vision bigger than themselves.
About people doing something big for Christ that they never thought possible.

And for that,
I told God...

"ok... God, help me to release"...

And within 2 days,
I released 2 helpers to take up their depts...
and it feel good.........

UNTIL the devil attacked.

If this is what people like...

2009-03-07T16:19:00.000+08:00

Getting Things Done..

2009-03-03T01:06:00.000+08:00

Every now and then God gently taps you on the shoulder and reminds you of what life is all about.
I got just such a tap the other day.

It was a day when there was too many errands to run,
too much work to do
and not enough time in the day to do it.

I was rushed, stressed, and irritable.

I even snapped at my kids to hurry up and get ready for school as I worried about how I was ever going to get everything done that day.

It was then, however, that I got my gentle tap on the shoulder.
Actually, it was more of a one, two punch from my furry friends.

As I stood there frowning with worry and tensed up with stress, I felt a sticking in my left leg.
At the same time my right hand suddenly felt warm and wet.
I looked down and found one of my cats with her claws on my knee looking up with that scratch my head look in her eyes.
When I turned to my right I saw my drooling Saint Bernard nuzzling in for a few pets himself.

I smiled at my loving, furry friends and at the same time heard God’s gentle voice in my mind saying:

“You are not here to get things done.
You are here to love.”

I thanked God for the reminder as the stress disappeared and the worry faded away.

I gave each of my kids a hug before heading out to start the day.
I still had a lot to do, of course, but now I did it with a smile on my face.
I sang joyously along with the music in my car as I ran my errands.
I did my work at home happily and easily taking several breaks to pet my dogs, hold my cats, look at the Fall leaves, and to tell God just how much I loved Him.

I got everything done with time to spare and most importantly I did it all blissfully, peacefully, and lovingly.

The next time that the stress of getting things done starts to build up inside of you, then take a break and remember why you are really here.

In the end, it is the love we share, the joy we spread, and the happiness we create that matters.
Those are the things God wants us to get done.

Joseph J. Mazzella

God answers... at His own timing...

2009-03-03T01:03:00.001+08:00

right after i publish my previous post, i received an email...
or rather, an article that God used to remind me of why am i here...
and why He sent me here..

Jesus answers...
i am His living testmony...

things are still in a mess now..
but with God, all things will work out for His glory...

i am tired...

2009-03-03T00:09:00.002+08:00

i am tired.

tired of fighting this fight,
running this race...

i sounded the first alarm when you first proposed this arrangement,
and nobody want to listen...
why..i guess no one listen to members...

and it bring me back to what the bible said...
somewhere in Proverbs, it was written that people will rather listen to the rich fools, than to the poor wise men...

maybe God should have another proverb:
"that people would rather listen to the ranks themselves, than to the laymen"

i read a long long time in a mag that often engineers working with ships at the sites are usually the ones that help the companies to solve problems,
save costs,
reduce shortage,
handle complaints,
and all thats...

things that the "bosses" have no ideas on...
but when bosses tried to solve the problems, they often made a mess out of it,
not becoz they are not good enough,
nor they started with wrong intention...

but simply becoz they didn't understand the root of the problem...

there used to be a cartoon clip that i kept...
it should how the "thinkers" spent time & energy coming up with theories and "case studies" to try to solve a problem...

where else all it take was for a person who is working on the ground minutes to check through the problems, and find the solutions...

from recruiting, we are now doing retention...
what went wrong?

you start the mess.
i blew the whistle.
and you think i am not flowing with you.

now, solve it with your plannin..
failure which you will see more people dropping out.

RARA family!

2009-02-27T00:09:00.004+08:00

Ray (THE Lion):
Hebrew: Little lamb, ewe; one with purity (little?)
Scottish: Grace (so un-ray!!!!!)
English: Doe (??)
German: Wise protection
Latin: Ruler
German: Wise protection
Hebrew: My song, my lord
Old English: Doe (??)
French: Kingly

Rachel (Lion Mummy):
Hebrew: Little lamb, ewe; one with purity

Rayanne (Sister Lion):
American: Grace; combination of Ray and Anne

Rayner (Lion Di Di):
Norse: A wise leader
Old English: Worthy protector

source:http://baby-names.familyeducation.com/

the new fortress

2009-02-24T01:43:00.001+08:00

i am designing across the bridge.
i-bridgedesign.com

why must a paying customer be asked to move every 6 months?

2009-02-24T01:22:00.004+08:00

i don't get it.
why must we be asked to move to hall 1 every now and then?

its not as if we are getting hall 1 for free, or the overall rental will be lowered by a few hundreds of thousands..
nor the move(s) are fully sponsored.

all we wanted is to have a place to worship,
to reach out,
to encourage,
to serve,
to love,
and be loved.

why are we always at the losing end?
especially when we are paying customers?

i dont hear our neighbours having the same issues,
and they are USING the best hall.

the unlikely answer came when i threw the question to God.
in anger,
in frustration,
with a tired body,
and a more tired mind.

and with 1 answer, God refreshed,
reminded,
and rechallenged.

God said:
"Because "My church" is still not big enough, and i have yet to use "My church" to build "My house" in the marketplace.

"Every move is to remind each other to pray for the church, and His leaders that we will be able to secure the land within this year (as what Ps mentioned during vision weekend)"

"Every move is to remind us that Expo & JW are the not His best plans for us yet, and that we must never think that we have "arrived" , and think its time to relax"

"Every move, no matter how tiring, is for a purpose of growth"
(but how? i still don't understand... but God knows, and I know I can trust Him.. )

"Every move is a reflection of His faithfulness & protection"
If Israel had travelled in the deserts for years, they must have built, torn down and rebuilt the tabernacle a thousand times...
but not once did the people complained.

The priests continue to do their duties (and shiftings),
the people continue to draw closer to God,
the land of "milk and honey" became closer as the days start to grow.

Why should we complain now?
God will bring us through this "losing contract" that we have with Expo.
AND God will surely bring us to the promised "land"

new fortress..

2009-02-20T22:35:00.000+08:00

a black house is now my new fortress.

time to do a self check.

2009-02-19T01:52:00.002+08:00

its time that we did a self check, and prioritize our "needs /wants".
and i really have to thank God that He didn't just "confirm" my plans,
He make it easier for us to talk through it.

many things are still in the "infant" phrase..
not just baby rara, but many more...

and even though it was quite a simple, straight forward plan,
it was not what we want.

and thus, the heartache.

but God know,
and He will always deliver.

taking 3 risks now.
let's hope all 3 will bring in rewards.

my wife is freed!!

2009-02-19T01:47:00.001+08:00

finally... she is freed from the back biting, late nights, and negative environment.

let the people judged.

a wrong word that come out of your mouths may not reach our ears,
but there are people who are watching.

you are not the only one that has access to the "kings".
there are others who have more access than yourself,
and if you are silly enough to think you can use her as a "wrong demo",
think twice.

its easier for people to pull you down,
than to put up with you..

not when you are messing with what matters to the hearts.

my sexy wife with the sexy gal...

2009-02-16T23:02:00.002+08:00

what can i say?

i am so green with envy...

aiyoyoyo...

new job offer...

2009-02-16T16:11:00.000+08:00

maybe i should start to look for this factory?

a person after my own heart...

2009-02-13T23:40:00.002+08:00

someone used to say that disciples are always looking for the right mentor that can teach them everything, onto a path of success...

that is the often quoted part..

what is unquote is the next line:

"the difficult part is not finding the mentor,

but the mentor finding the right disciples to mentor."

think about this.

and stand in awe of the wisdom of this sage.

i received a christmas gift from this friend of mine,

and truth be spoken, i didn't expect it from him.

not that i am sayin that i am not appreciative of his gift.

but its through his gift, i am reminded of the reason of my "ministry" at large.

and its a reminder that beyond the "duty", is the friendship.

a relationship that grow from duty to mentoring, to friendship.

a friendship that is built over numerous fires & trials will always be the one that stand when we are apart.

a friendship that has gelled to a state that words are not needed,

and the hearts beats with each other.

when we can find a friend like him,

we can understand Jonathan's emotions when he declared that he love David more than his future & riches.

Gordon,

you are a friend that i will treasured, and be proud of, all the times!

tied down..

2009-02-07T14:12:00.003+08:00

i am so sianz....

tied down, with nothing to do, or watch...
things to be done, but i can't just do watever i want...

when you spell bored another way, it read "rob"

i hate mobiles!!

2009-01-31T21:59:00.003+08:00

mobiles are suppose to help us stay connected,....
but at what cost???????

u are always on the phone, either sms or when people called...
at what abt those that are WITH you in person?
are they not more important than those on the "line"?

why should someone put value on you to spend time with you,
if you dont put value over their presence and efforts?

mobiles are suppose to help mankind,
not turn man into OMS.

giving is better than takin?

2009-01-26T15:45:00.004+08:00

1 reason:
to bless

2 words:
new experiences

3 families:
ours, mine, IL's

i don't really like CNY since a few years ago..
coz its was turning into a circus act..
people coming together for that few hours,
acting as if they have been communicating throughout the year,
asking some questions that put people down...

but well..
at least there was a "pay" to it..

but this year was just dragging..
more than giving,
it was really turning into a show...

CNY is suppose to celebrate family unity..
it should end there..
visitations are done with close and immediate families..
not (so) distance relatives..

but well..
baby telling me that its only me who hate CNY..

maybe its true...

7 wks and counting...

2009-01-23T20:10:00.002+08:00

in a few hours, its going to be 7 wks...

i guess everything is pre-scheduled.
just when the news started to really sinked in, the morning sickness start to be more common...
and poor rach is getting "disoriented" becoz of the signs...

i guess this CNY will be more of a rest, than a celebration..
and its not i enjoy CNY anyway...

Why did i post 3 different mario videos.

2009-01-23T20:04:00.003+08:00

answer 1: becoz its 3 different videos.

answer 2: becoz both Rach & myself like to play Mario when we are younger.

answer 3: becoz i can't find any downloadable Super Mario games online.

answer 4: becoz this is my blog.

answer 5: all of the above.

since you asked, you shall received.

Super Lego Mario!!!!

2009-01-21T23:28:00.000+08:00

Interesting Quotes...

2009-01-15T16:16:00.002+08:00

"the only reason why people celebrating Labour Day:
to appreciate the mothers who went through "in-labour"!"

"And to further honor women whom created us,
Mother's Day is celebrated 1 week after Labour Day..."

"but the men are not happy...
so we arrange to celebrate Father's Day 1 month after Mother's Day..
But then... who care?"

aiyo.....
so sad right?
sobsob...

Press Release..

2009-01-14T00:27:00.001+08:00

there have been quite a few requests for updates on Wenwen's sibling on this blog...

please refer to http://rayrachel.multiply.com/ for updates, as Rachel has been uploading information on that page regularly..

on behalf of Wenwen & her siblings,
we would like to thank everyone for your care and concern.

=D

Baby's first scan...

2009-01-13T15:52:00.001+08:00

our baby's first scan... @ 5 wks...

wow... the Lord of the ring...

walking out to nicer pasture?

2009-01-09T21:54:00.001+08:00

Watch more cool animation and creative cartoons at aniBoom

sometime we felt like we are stuck in a cycle,
where everything is preplan, and things have to happen like "clock wise"..
where its seem like its dead boring,

and the other side feel nicer,
where the "the outside" look more appealing
where one may just want to step out, and experience..

and when we are out, the excitment is dead.
colorless, lifeless.

remember this story.
we all have a reason to be here.
for better, and for worst.

to strenghten and build each other.
to edify and encourage each other.
to help each other, and the section, as a family, to grow.

you have a reason to be here.
don't walk out.
don't misuse ur reasons.

aniBoom's Grand Winner

2009-01-09T21:21:00.001+08:00

what a touching story..
look beyond the voodoo theme, and its really a story about sacrificing...

a new forum to keep PB busy...

2009-01-08T21:53:00.001+08:00

well... its an upgrading of sort...

happy, but unsure..
excited, but still unexpected..

its a new experience...
and its something that i have no control over...

just got to keep praying..

Thailand should use this!

2009-01-07T21:49:00.001+08:00

i want a crusher for Christmas!!!

2009-01-07T21:34:00.001+08:00

3G army? this is 4G!!!

2009-01-07T21:22:00.001+08:00

SAR 21? Try using this

2009-01-07T21:20:00.001+08:00

What the SAF need: Cougar APV & CROWS!

2009-01-07T21:04:00.002+08:00

Reflection...

2009-01-03T20:11:00.003+08:00

Planning the group outing 2008 was.... ( blank )..
So many things happened...
and when I reflected back..

there are so many things that I missed & appreciated...

1. EG!!!
come on!!
without EG, esp "the original EG"... would we have rose up to who we are now?
Without the encouragement, fellowship and love from everyone,

will we dare to step out?
dare to try?
dare to lead?

one can try to deny and try to move on to other flocks of eagles, thinkin that they have outgrown this nest... but if they were to be honest to themselves, we all have EG to thank..

we all can afford to thank Van, who is the glue of EG.
No matter how busy she is, she will always try to make things happen for us.
She is not only the life of JW UM.
She is our becon of light!!
and well... that is why she is the Head of EG!!

we will appreciate the "Breakaway" gals in XinYan & JingXuan..
esp when 2008 is the year that they found their perfect partner...
"baking" in the tender love of Desmond & Terence...
haha..
thanks gals for always trying to join us, and encouraging us..

the F4..
FM, YQ, Kenneth & Jeff...
Really missed Jeff during the outing...

i meant... hey... we have 2 years of appreciation /song items that were as hard as this year..
but with Jeff around, nothing is impossible..

this year... we have enough time to practice,
we have sound system,
we gave out more than enough song sheets,
but it still didn't have the effects that we had in the past...

It must be Jeff.

OF course, I thank God that I still have FM around this year.
Without him, the outing will never happened.

YQ & Kenneth.. (along with Soo Eng & Xiao En)
Don't let your busy-ness stop you from joinin us more this 2009 can?
My life is so "incompleted" without you for...

2. Gordon
A brother like him can never be found again.
He is like a man after my own heart,

and friend, let me say this again....
"I am so proud of what you have achieved, and I believed together with you that you will continue to shine brighter!!!"

3. Rachel
my friend, my partner, my wife, my soul mate.
you are everything I can ask for,and some more.

you brought a smile to my weary soul, and motivated me to be the best that i can be.
you are the perfect example of the perfect "wife"

4. Huiming
without your faith in me 3 years ago, i will never wanted to come back to leadership (again).

think about it....

if i never have the chance to organize the 4S5 outing 3 years ago,

i will never organized the FIRST group outing, back at ECP..

and I will never organized the SECOND group outing at Pasir Ris...

And I will never have the chance to organize 2008 "Combined Group" outing...

You planted a seed, and if there are any appreciation regarding the outing,
its you who deserve all the appreciation..

i know i am not perfect, and that there are many areas that i need to learn.
but with your guidance, I know maybe, all things are possible...
haha..

Wenwen is revealed..

2009-01-03T20:06:00.000+08:00

WenWen, our precious baby gal was revealed to the public on Mon...
and... well... its time i guess that people know who is WenWen..

hahaha...

well.. if you still don't know who is she...
you can ask around.. hahaha...

my second wedding

2008-12-13T15:36:00.002+08:00

my 2nd wedding this sat is so.....

rush: i have to rush to the hotel after booking out on sat..
and that is if i can book out in the morning

uncertain: i do not know wat to expect, or what to do, or what to say.
i hate not knowing

no fun: its not a rara wedding without fun.

err... you are lost?
check out Rachel's blog...

hahahahaha

Future Weapons: Gate Crasher

2008-12-13T15:34:00.002+08:00

wow man... maybe i was just too bored today... so I watched the whole playlist of the Discovery "Future Weapons"...

and a lot of those new weapons are... woW~~~

and i saw this...
should have used this during my wedding...

hahaha

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuSPi16MVUo

RESERVIST...

2008-12-13T15:30:00.002+08:00

going back to camp... with a different status..
well....

i don't know what to expect this time..
both in the training, and emotionally...

wonder if i can still run as far and as fast as i used to..
wonder if i can still carry the loads that i used to...
wonder if i can still manage...

but with God, i will,
and with PB, i know i can..

hahaha..

sabo-ed by someone

2008-12-06T00:04:00.002+08:00

kena sabo-ed big big big time...

how can you tell me that there are "2 ticks" to the air con units that you are selling to my client when there is only 1.

and when have i tell you to install the aircon at that location?
and now when everything is bad, you want to threaten my client.

you are a real loser.

you cause my reputation to be placed at doubt.
you will not walk through this mud clean.

wiping off the spider webs

2008-12-02T10:55:00.002+08:00

well... its been a very busy, tiring & (painful) time for me for the past few weeks...

why busy?
AC was a test of faith, and everyone's "everyday knowledge & SOP"...
Its really by faith in one another that the leaders go and "do their things",
and its by faith in the ushers that we trusted them to carry out the job descriptions...

and with AC, everything else was placed on the back sit, for only for a while.
Jeff's side is up and running, and it was really by faith that everything work together.

why tiring?
emotional and phyiscally, its draining.

our decision to retreat back to OCC after AC was the best decision we made in Nov...
but coming back home (and to work & ministry)... well.. it sort of burst the bubble, and bring us back to reality...

how i long for the day i can just be free up, and do whatever i want..
with no bills to pay,
with no clients' face to see,
with no boss' naggings,
with no families' expectation and ...
with no ministries that drains your passion...
with nothing that hold us down...

that day will not come.. i guess... so..
suck thumb lor...

and that is why its so... emotionally draining..
you know its bordering you... but you can't do much..
and you are fighting it alone... or at best... with your loved one...
and you dont want to affect anyone.

why painful?
the pain in my legs substained during AC is still there.
Walking with sharp pains never feel good...
and with Army calling me back soon... i wonder will i survived the forest walk this time...

army.....
becoz of national duties, i will miss christmas duties...
becoz of their call up, i lost my calling, and now, i wont be doing my callings (forecast, invitation)
becoz of them, its confusion time...

ARMY...
"ARM" with a lot of "Y"

somehow... I lost it.

hope.

2008-11-07T22:22:00.002+08:00

hope.

that is why we dream,
stir ourselves up each morning,
and give our best every single day.

hope.

the basis of our leadership,
and why our members want to follow us.

hope.

is there why a black man like Obama will win, against all odds?
becoz he understand that beyond everything,
nothing beats hope.

leaders,
its not about how good you are, or how good your admin / system is.
its about your people.
its about you giving them places where they can hope, and dream, and achieve.

Yes, we can

2008-11-06T00:06:00.003+08:00

A great motivator & orator.
i am not surprised that he won almost 2/3 of the votes.

Now... only if I can always be able to motivate others as effortlessly as him...

We're All In This Together

2008-10-31T12:53:00.004+08:00

Someone great once taught me this:
"the greatness of your dream is only determined by how many dreams it helped to realize."

And its so true.
Its not about my dream, my desire, my calling, my achievements....
Its about US.
What we can achieve together..
What team work really mean..

Went to watch HSM3, and to tell you the truth, it may be a "teenage film", but its so nice...
and when I went back to listen to all the songs that they sang,
this song brought tears to my eyes..
so motivating, so inspiring, so... personal..

well... enjoy the song here...
Lyrics attached below.

Ooooooh, oooooh
Together, together, together everyone,
Together, together, come on lets have some fun

Here and now its time for celebration.
We finally figured it out (yeah yeah)
That all our dreams have no limitations, That's what its all about.
Everyone is special in their own way
We make each other strong (we make each other strong)
We’re not the same, We’re different in a good way
Together's where we belong

(Chorus)
We're all in this together once we know
That we are, We're all stars, And we see that
We're all in this together And it shows
When we stand Hand in hand
Make our dreams come true
(Make our dreams come true)

(Bridge)
Together, together, together everyone
Together, together, come on lets have some fun
Together, were there for each other every time
Together, together come on lets do this right

We're all here and speaking out with one voice
We're going to rock the house (YEAH YEAH!)
the party's on, now everybody make some noise
come on, Scream and shout
We've arrived because we stuck together
Champions one and all

(Chorus)
(All in this together, Together, ahhhh)

(Chorus)

(End)
We're all in this together
When we reach We can fly Know inside
We can make it
We're all in this together
Once we see Theres a chance
That we have And we take it
Were all in this together
All in this Together!!

Exodus: did it really happened?

2008-10-29T21:04:00.002+08:00

saw the write up for a documentary film "The Exodus Decoded", and it mentioned how through 6 yrs of research, incontrovertible evidence were found to show that the Exodus did happened, as well as the 10 plagues, the parting of the Red (Reed) sea, and even mount Sinai...

WOW!!!
Its really a faith booster!!

I have attached a Youtube clip of the film.
Let me know if you want a copy to show during CG, or just for your own faith encouragement!!!!!

decision... decision... deciding..

2008-10-23T23:41:00.002+08:00

its time for me to decide..
but i dont know which path will be right?

we prayed for open doors that will be super obvious,
and we prayed for doors that should be closed, to be close tightly...

but what is the right decision?
still delaying my decision...

where should i go?

the complete concert...

2008-10-18T20:25:00.001+08:00

Avril Lavigne Live in Concert

one of my favourite singer...

If only I can be innocent...

2008-10-18T19:03:00.002+08:00

Song Lyrics

"i with you"

2008-10-18T14:33:00.003+08:00

"i am with you..."
stay strong,
hold on,
and keep your head up high..

i am still in control,
i am still in work..
and you are still my son..."

it may be cold,
it may be lonely,
it may look strange,
or out of place...

but i am with you.."

nobody's home?

2008-10-18T14:12:00.002+08:00

knock, knocked, knocking..........

2008-10-18T13:39:00.005+08:00

keep holding on?

2008-10-18T13:25:00.003+08:00

Is this what You are telling me?
to hold on?

hold on to what?
hold on to when?
hold on to?

keep holding on....
that was what the song say, and what Your spirit say to me...

but is there a future that i can hold on for?

this blog is for all those who think you know who i am.

2008-10-18T13:16:00.004+08:00

this blog is for all those who think you know who i am.

i am crazy,
i am a wounded lion,
and i bite.

stay away.
all of you.

a better tomorrow??

2008-10-18T13:06:00.006+08:00

somehow, something happened...
and there is nothing that motivate me to go ahead.

markets crashed, and its seem so hard to find clients..
not prospects, but ppl who really want to do their houses.
but then.. who can i blame?
i wasnt there for the fair...
and that is all another story...

communication seem to break down between us.
reading your email, and i can't help but agree.
are we living separate lives?
well...that is another story again...

tired of doing things that i am not interested.
if its ur desire, then u do it.
if u are not open, then why get me involve?
ifs u think there are so many tapes to cross, and its based on ur own experiences, then stay out of what i am doing.

i hate rules.
i hate boxes.
i hate limitations.
i hate tapes.
i hate guarded hearts.

its all another story all together...

my father's business....
what is his business for me?
i don't know anymore.
its seem so different...

something is wrong...
and it has to stop somewhere, and somehow...

tomorrow....
what will tomorrow bring?

Avril Lavigne: 'Girlfriend'

2008-10-18T13:03:00.002+08:00

wonder did XY sing this song for the past few days until D popped the question?
hahahaaha

He Can Do The Impossible

2008-10-16T17:11:00.002+08:00

He Can Do The Impossible
by Max Lucado
(The Applause of Heaven)

The kingdom of heaven.
Its citizens are drunk on wonder.

Consider the case of Sarai.
She is in her golden years, but God promises her a son.
She gets excited.
She visits the maternity shop and buys a few dresses.
She plans her shower and remodels her tent ...
But no son.

She eats a few birthday cakes and blows out a lot of candles ...
Still no son.

She goes through a decade of wall calendars ...
Still no son.

So Sarai decides to take matters into her own hands.
("Maybe God needs me to take care of this one.")

She convinces Abram that time is running out.
("Face it, Abe, you ain't getting any younger, either.")

She commands her maid, Hagar, to go into Abram's tent and see if he needs anything.
("And I mean 'anything'!")

Hagar goes in a maid.
She comes out a mom.
And the problems begin.

Hagar is haughty.
Sarai is jealous.
Abram is dizzy from the dilemma.
And God calls the baby boy a "wild donkey"
An appropriate name for one born out of stubbornness and destined to kick his way into history.

It isn't the cozy family Sarai expected.
And it isn't a topic Abram and Sarai bring up very often at dinner.

Finally, fourteen years later, when Abram is pushing a century of years and Sarai ninety ...

When Abram has stopped listening to Sarai's advice, and Sarai has stopped giving it ...

When the wallpaper in the nursery is faded and the baby furniture is several seasons out of date ...

When the topic of the promised child brings sighs and tears and long looks into a silent sky ...

God pays them a visit and tells them they had better select a name for their new son.

Abram and Sarai have the same response:
laughter.

They laugh partly because it is too good to happen and partly because it might.

They laugh because they have given up hope, and hope born anew is always funny before it is real.

They laugh at the lunacy of it all.

They laugh because that is what you do when someone says he can do the impossible.

They laugh a little at God, and a lot with God--for God is laughing, too.

Then, with the smile still on his face, he gets busy doing what he does best--the unbelievable.

He changes a few things
Beginning with their names.
Abram, the father of one, will now be Abraham, the father of a multitude.

Sarai, the barren one, will now be Sarah, the mother.

But their names aren't the only things God changes.
He changes their minds.
He changes their faith.
He changes the number of their tax deductions.
He changes the way they define the word impossible.

Vintage Leadership Wisdom

2008-10-15T09:40:00.000+08:00

"I have three precious things which I hold fast and prize.

The first is gentleness;
The second is frugality;
The third is humility, which keeps me from putting myself before others.

Be gentle and you can be bold;
Be frugal and you can be liberal;
Avoid putting yourself before others and you can become a leader among men."

Lao-Tzu (fl. B.C. 600)