No Doubts About It

Today has been such an encouragement after all.
The worship duty. The turnout in cell.
I say it must be You.
It must be You doing something in our midst.

More of You Lord. More Lord.

My Sister's Keeper

Because there is just so much more to life, when we choose to embrace it by the Grace of God.

Togetherness

Because it is a good reminder.
Maybe I've seem to get ahead of myself.

To learn more about myself; to learn to love myself more is the first step to loving others and loving God. It'd have sounded wrong to me had I not gone into EHS. EHS has been like a calibration instrument, slowly but surely correcting much of my perceived thinkings that were keeping me back from going deeper with God.

Probably many ministries out there in SG are focused much on soul-winning programs and strategies, which are definitely God's heartbeat. But in this season, I thank God for this season in EHS. Because I believe with all my heart, that God will use WRPF/YAY! all to His glory as we get in touch with a side of us that we have cast aside for too long.

And I begin a journey of knowing more about myself. The good and nice parts. The terrible and disgusting parts. The proudest and shameful experiences. God doesn't just want the goody side I'm sure. He wants them all. And for me to be where I am, is all along a testimony of His grace. So yes, there shouldn't be a single worry for the future cause in the first place, I shouldn't have be here without the grace and love and mercy of my Lord Jesus Christ.

God has used wrpf to love me to where I am today. And now God wants me to love wrpf to where He wants it to be. To love my church to a greater church :)

I'll Stand By You

So tonight I commemorate my Quarter of a Century Birthday.

As I gratefully think back through the day, how I spent the evening unexpectedly with the loveliest and closest bunch of people I know on earth, it struck me then.

How do I appreciate the very people who saw me through the life giving process? The painful years of raising me up despite all the burdens and pains. I mean I love babies and kids myself. Yet I am always reminded of the reality in raising a new life. Sure everyone loves playing with babies and toddlers. But how many are prepared and willing to go through the tough times, the responsibilities and the liabilities?

So for me, being 25 is more than just thankful for having lived "so long". It's about honoring. It's about loving unconditionally. It's a time of venturing forward perhaps. It's a season to prepare oneself of how great the love is for one's own child.

So thank you all for being a part of my being. God, family, friends...
Those of you who stayed close, those of you who lent out a shoulder.

And hence I look ahead into the new day. New month. New year =)

Marvel

I marvel at the little I can offer, and yet see the utmost God can make out of it. Exceedingly. Abundantly.

And God tonight, this post goes out to You. My utmost gratitude. In the times of steering the undeserving grace to drive a car I may never be able to afford, how You remind me that the things of this world are not to be sought after.

These are good to have, good to bless someone else. Yet these are the very things that could derail me from my very purpose You have called me to.
So may I never forget, the story of the 5 loaves 2 fish. The miracle thought impossible that blew a child's mind away in a simple offering.

Lord I desire to be that child, as I willingly give You my 5 loaves 2 fish. Whatever they may be.

Praise the Lord.

Rule #32, enjoy the little things.

It has been a total energy draining 48hours, yet probably one of the best times I could recall.

1. Cause he's leaving on a jet plane.

It was a great time of fellowship on Friday (the entire day in fact despite the botched job interview I would say). And the evening time with the leaders of the worship ministry and teams just made it even better. The passing on of the vision cast earlier in the year. The heart to heart thoughts and sharing. The fei-lo-ship over steaming boats of veg and meat, well a lot of fishballs actually!

But for me, perhaps is the highlight of sending my brother in Christ off. Unknown to many, Joel was actually set to fly up north for 3-week reservist exercise. Unspoken of, yet I feel for him.
The time away from loved ones and friends, not forgetting cell and church.
The rising up to the occasion to lead a group of men who probably are all older than him by many years.

As for myself though I thank God I probably won't have to go through such situations, I'd always want to be there to see a brother off at the airport right up to the departure entrance. Aside from being there physically, I believe one's presence and willingness to show up at the airport really encourages the one leaving knowing a family left behind remembers him. Hence me making it a point as best as I can, to come down to the east despite its remoteness from the city. If you are reading this, pray for him. Pray for Joel as he goes through a high-key exercise because we don't want to take God's protection for granted.

2. In serving is giving back from a position of receiving

A thank point this week in preparation for cell duty in YAY! An honest concern that finding help with icebreakers and worship can seem to be a challenge. But surely my God is able to do all things, especially those that most glorifies Him. And I don't care who eventually gets the credit. Sure names can be brought up but I know one thing for sure, His Name is lifted high above all in my giving my all.

The willingness to step up and being the lead worshiper.
The willingness to stand on the supporting lines backing up the worship leader.
The willingness to coup up at the back, unnoticed yet faithfully moving the slides.
The willingness to move out of the comfort zone to bring Him due glory.

It proves beyond a willing heart to give. It reflects a receiving posture to give back to the rightful Lord and master. And yes, God came through amidst the united worship of the body of Christ and though the positive feedback of Man, I give my gratitude to the Audience of One whom all the praise and worship is given to. And I can trust my God to draw the members' hearts back to Him slowly but surely. That is my belief.

3.The 24th Birthday Girl

And so the weeks of planning, preparation and squabbling has finally come down to D-Day.
It was this. It was that.
To get this. To get that.

We thought we had it all covered, yet the Lord revealed to us how silly we were through a sudden downpour. The heavy rain caught everyone off guard and threw us off the original plan. We could not explicitly change the plan so with a little tweaking and a whole lot of Oscar-level acting, we staged the birthday surprise in a random location. Haha.

Thereafter things were back to original plan though slightly behind schedule. Nevertheless, I saw how the Grace of God provided for us.

The car when the rain came.
The market where we could take away dinner.
The NTUC where we got last minute items.
The willingness from all to chip in, in one way or another, especially for the big birthday present!

I believe this time, the birthday present meant more than just what one likes or justifies that a costlier gift has more significance. I believe the birthday present, at its cost, revealed just how much love everyone has for our birthday girl. It revealed how much more the Gift of Love from Jesus Christ our Lord is worth. And for that, the birthday present is only but a shadow of how much we cherish our birthday girl.

So now that the countless celebrations are finally over (I think!), a new season is here. To look back in gratitude of one's life in a year is good because one can then look ahead to better year with the Lord! So Happy BirthDAY Sarah (again)! and yes, the Lord be with you and make His face shine upon you! That the Lord grant you favors. That His goodness and mercy will follow you, all the days of your life as you dwell in the house of the Lord!

4. D & J

The Big Day is less than 3 weeks away! I'm pumped up for it really! Especially this coming week with stag/hen night. With cell outing on Sat. Yesterday's gathering of the wedding core helper team was a great time despite the "warm" reception! =D

So yes D&J, I said yes to helping you for your big day. And it will always be a yes for you guys! Both of you are my God-sent guardian angels in the family of Christ and it will be my joy to see you through the joyous day of your lives!

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

So the dawning of a brand new day,
the setting in of a brand new week.
Lord I have worries and issues and challenges,
but I have You God.
Choosing between perhaps or Promise, 
I know now it's not about me-conscious,
I know it's about GOD-conscious. =)   

Come and Go

Just sent off Yong En for his mission trip.

Come to think of it, I have been to the airport in the last few months more than I have had in the 24 years of my life. Seeing people off, receiving people or even flying off myself.

Coming and going has seem to be such a routine that I have to constantly remind myself that even if someone is leaving for a 3day trip, I should never take for granted that the person is leaving and able to come back safely. Also for myself, to acknowledge God's faithfulness and protection over me when I travel. Because we never know when the matchstick of our lives burns out and we're taken home in the blink of an eye.

It'll be 43 hours to my departure. My longest time away from Singapore, away from home, away from my family as well as my spiritual family. People I've been so used to seeing so often, people I may or may not have taken for granted. I'm still asking God my objective for this trip. I know I've signed up for Hillsong Conference. I know I've committed to stay in Sisterhood for 3 weeks thereafter. But time waits for no one (other than Joshua in the Bible). And I really don't want to miss out what the Lord has prepared for me.

I suppose the most vital thing for me is to constantly remain in the NOW-ness. Be it in the midst of a crowd of worshippers or by myself in the center of God's natural creation, I'll maintain a posture of being in the NOW with Him. I'm still afraid of penning down my expectations because I may blind myself to what He wants to reveal to me. In a way, I'm in a fix!

Nevertheless, I will simply go in faith and be in the NOW! =D

Side note: God has been really gracious to me and faithful in providing. Just when I settled in my mind to live with 500AUD for the time there, how You've provided at least 1000SGD for me. How every debt I have is cleared and every expense along the way has been met by Your grace. O Lord, teach me truly to live with no more or less but be satisfied in You. My heart gives thanks to You for Your Goodness and Kindness.

Thank You Abba.

The Extra Mile(s)

And I know in my heart that all the effort gone into tonight's fellowship was not in vain because the Lord was with us.

I know all the sacrifices is worth it all because unity is formed and fellowship in Christ is priceless.

I know all the hardwork is not worthy of mention because I saw how the leaders truly have a heart and love for the cell.

I know all these is not possible, without the Lord.

So thank You God for tonight and the time of fellowship in the cell, thank You for blessing the Shins to bless us all thank You for each and every loving leader of the cell, and thank You Lord for every single precious member.

Thank You Jesus.

The Lord his God

So much has been happening, both around and inside me.

Probably feels like a popcorn making machine inside my head (and my heart too).

It is eye-opening to see how God takes one (me actually) on a journey and to TASTE and SEE personally.

And getting involved in the 40-day spiritual formation program, I found myself handed various tasks as the days go by. But if there was any progress I've made, it definitely would be the attitude in receiving.
Receiving these tasks regardless of their glamor, is God's way of molding me, preparing me.

Plus it doesn't help when matters-of-the-heart comes knocking on the door this season. I pondered whether this would be censored here but I guess no, since I treat this as my platform of journal. But no worries to my readers, no names gonna be mentioned here =)

Indeed the Word of God holds many gems and treasures. Do not be mistaken, do not be deceived. The BIBLE is the very Word of our God. A possibility why we doubt what it says because we can't and never be able to comprehend God totally. His ways are higher and He knows exactly what He is doing.

Having to spend my holidays doing school project and completing tasks in church and ministry, I have learned to see things from His perspective. Why am I doing all these? Why don't I use my time to do things that I want to do?

I could, if I lived for myself. The plain and simple truth. If we claim to live for Jesus, to give ourselves to God, then perhaps a good start point is to serve Him with gladness and joy in the very tasks we are given.

And nothing beats the joy of seeing the younger ones coming day after day for the 40-Day S.F.
I pray the 7 of them who have chosen to give this 40 days to God will find Him, find themselves set on fire with a passion for Him and His Kingdom.

Coming back to the hearty-matter, I find myself struggling. Struggling because I'm afraid of my First Love will go out of focus, I'm afraid because I may find myself loving another person more than God Himself. And I know I cannot afford to let that happen. Easy to say, hard to apply. But I keep praying and I'll press on, I'll resolve to overcoming this through surrendering to Him.

Definition of Love has been redefined for me many times. Before knowing God and after, I seek to know the true measure of Love and what it means to really love. I thank God I have gained much insight of the years but I think I have more to comprehend. And I won't stop finding out.

All in all, God is good and has been good to me. I thank You Lord because even when I don't deserve, You still gave. I won't know what is ahead for me and what is coming for me, but one thing I know, I can and I will and I choose to trust You Lord.

Going for Gold

Humbling journey and an unexpected experience.

Though I was not the critical factor to the success, I rejoice knowing my players have fought their best for the glory of the Hall, for themselves.

This IHG season for the badminton has come to a closure with us clinching the gold medal. We are officially IHG Badminton Champion for 2011/12!

We have been clouded with injuries and the odds seemed to be against us many times, nevertheless we pushed through each encounter and last night, we stood on the courts rejoicing (though we didn't cry!). We cheered, we rejoiced as a team, as a hall because the glorious title of Champion was restored to our hall!

I do hope the team has benefited much this season of walking together on this journey. Indeed I can only give thanks to God being so kind to the team and as one of my team mates prayed, let Your will be done if we were to win, or not. God, may You be glorified in all I do, regardless of the outcome.

5 Loaves and 2 Fish

Serving God's purpose is probably one of the best ways to see Him provide.

A submissive heart.
A simple offering.
A supernatural experience.

It is more often mind-blowing to experience first-hand of what God does.
And He's not doing for you or me. He does it for His glory.

As the clock counts down to Christmas, the entire team is working to keep up with pace.

Rehearsals after rehearsals; Gigantic props and stuff to be made; issues to be ironed out.
Yet in the midst of all these, we see God's Hand both in individually and corporately.

This Christmas feels really different and definitely a faith-raising one given the boldness for a 300+ congregation to target a 1100+ seating service.

Then again, the ship that never leaves the port will never discover new shores right?

Lord God Almighty, we look to You.
Not Your hands or Your provisions, but to You.
To hear You; To follow after You; To glorify You.

How Much More

Hearing Sunday's message on God's Goodness and His provision, I really didn't see this one coming! =S

I had been hyped up for this coming week's mission trip to Myanmar and halfway through, I hit a roadblock. The amount I expected to raise for the trip was only suffice for the air tickets. I had to raise another sum of it for the lodging and food. Usually for my trips I would take it for granted and ask from my parents.

Well this time round, I wanted to go in faith, by faith. I want to go knowing God is the One providing for me. And He did. The way God worked in the situation, really threw me off and sweeping me off my feet! I cannot imagine in my little brain how God could have turned this around just like that but HE DID.

Just weeks ago, I couldn't come up with enough to pay up for the trip and I had to ask Pastor for deferment. I don't know how and I don't know when but I will do all I can to raise the outstanding amount for the trip. And I thank God for Pastor's understanding to let me pay back later.

Now after tonight, I stand to testify God's provision when we ask of Him. How God always provided for His people especially those who give everything for Him, I may never understand fully but now I have tasted and seen of His Goodness.

I will go forth and be the blessing I was blessed to be. With every cent and bit of the love you all have given, I will put them to use for His glory. And the kids of Myanmar will receive the Good News, knowing that I made it there because of you love and generosity in Him who is able to so much more, exceedingly and abundantly.

On a personal note: My heart is filled with gratitude and warmth of all of your love and giving. Each one of your name written down on the card. Many things tend to be forgotten but I will never forget this. And I pray that as you have given, that you receive much in return and be blessed as you grow more and more in Jesus.   Love you all!

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. ~ 1 John 3:16

Cake baked with love =)

Hand Burger

The wonderful people

Zac - Always ready

Reminder that my friends are very sweet!

I get it I get it..any takers?

The prop makers

The cake bakers

Eventually I did enjoy the night! ~ Sam and Pavit

Smile always! ~ Zac

Always joyful ~ Jean

I'm 24, not 16 ~ Rachel

Good times ~ Zeph

Keep Growing tall in Him ~ Brian

My awesome sister for life and forever ~ Ethel

Loving siblings ~ Amanda and Ryan

Never fails to make me laugh each and every time ~ James

Stay 'hot' for Jesus! ~ Eudora

You are always a dear friend to all especially me ~ Sarah

Sure glad to know you so much more since 2005 ~ Donnie

The card of love

My version of the "card of life" with the names written on it

All your love, now I hold onto in memory for life

The stand ~ Made with great love and effort

Thought this is quite apt for a sweet friendship

Thank you for the magical night

My symbol of offering to Him for all these blessings in my life

The night to come before I turn 24

 And I look back today, giving thanks to God for the little surprises and reminders that He loves me!

Jean Lim

Zeph

Elaine

As Promised

Well now that the most stressful season is over, I shall continue on my previous post.

Anyway having posted 300 blog posts seemed to remind me that I have come a long way in blogging. Still remember the first time I actually blogged was in Poly Year 1 and it's been almost 7 years now!

I was actually contemplating to blog about 300 people in my life and dedicate a minimum of 300 words to each of them. But writing 90000 words is seriously NO JOKE! So yes, I'll try to write for as many of you as I can =)
Think I'll work backwards, writing to the people I've been working with most recently and see how far I can go!

1. Sarah

This is one person I know you can always rely on. Since the time I first got to work with you, your unwavering faith and confidence in Christ is always inspiring and I am definitely very blessed to have you as a co-leader and a friend despite having to juggle so many ministry commitments and your work and being the oldest sibling. Though we probably only got to know each other better in the last few years, but we sure have had many opportunities to work together.

It still seemed like yesterday when we worked together on the “Game of Life”. It was one of the very first times that amazed me at how efficient you can be and it was definitely a great time since having to partner you in many different ways.

The one thing that always awes me is how much respect you get especially from the younger ones who look up to you, in particular those who are being mentored by you. Your undivided love for them is evident from the common acknowledgement that Sarah is a “big sister” who goes out all the way to look after those under her care.

Your talent in worship is also one to thank God for, especially in blessing the communities around you. Your voice must undoubtedly be a God-given talent so please, do keep singing for God! And not to forget your many other talents such as drama productions, song writing etc. I believe many will agree with me that your chairing of ‘Captivated By Love’ would not have been a great success without the contribution from Grace and yourself!

Recalling the first time I heard the song CBL, I just knew that WRPF is so blessed to have you. And I pray that you’ll keep rolling out those songs as God leads you. Now that you’re in the working phase of your life, I really pray and hope that you’ll labor on with the favor and blessing of God especially in your work life. Thank God for you and I really appreciate you being a part of my life! God bless =)

2. Ethel

You are probably one of the first few people I actually knew when I first came to Serangoon Cell and WRPF. I can still recall so clearly the first time the door opened at your place and I was greeted with great enthusiasm and joy. The overwhelming welcome is always one of the simple reminders for me of the importance to equally love the members and guests around me.

Looking back at our friendship, it has been like 6 years and counting! And what more that you are the first few people I’ve known since I came to WRPF! I am always encouraged by your love for Jesus and your sensitivity towards God, especially when you are leading worships. It is always great to be able to hear the Lord speak and move in the Spirit.

Well I’m definitely glad that I have most, if not all, of our memories a pleasant one than not! And thank you really, THANK YOU for lending a listening ear and just being here to share my heart-felt burdens. I would have never thought it possible that I could share my thoughts with you, but I am definitely glad that I can and I have. You have had been a pillar of support to me especially a few years back coping with my issues.

It has been a journey seeing you move from season to season. From the period you were in Whitley to TP to now you working with kids, it’s nice to know that you are always hearing from God and moving in His plans.

And I pray and hope that in the days ahead, we’ll continue to enjoy this wonderful friendship we share. And there is just so much more lined up ahead for all of us, I’m sure God has it all planned out already! You have been a great friend and I pray that we’ll find opportunities to serve and enjoy God more and more in time to come! You are deeply appreciated =)

3. Elaine

I’ve only gotten to know you better a few years back when we were still in youth ministry’s Knights for Christ. It was always an encouragement to have you along with the rest stepping up to serve God as leaders, especially in leading the youth. I still remember the many of us I see in church when I first came, many whom were really quiet and keeping a low profile. And as I reflect on the individual journeys of faith, I am amazed at how God works and raises up a people for Himself.

And as for you, I continually thank God for you and being placed in the lives of many to be a blessing especially to me. I think it has been like 5 years since we first started working together in the Youth and one thing I’ve learnt from you is always to trust God and sometimes, doing nothing is the best solution to allowing God to do something.

Your ability to balance the different priorities in life has been inspiring and I always thought if I could spend a day sneak-peeking into your daily routine, I’m sure I’ll gain much in learning how to give my time to the different priorities. I thank God and also thank you for your willingness to be a mentor and a sister to so many of the younger ones in church and it is evident in your relationships with them!

Well you have been more than just a co-leader to me and being a friend to me, I can only say that I’m very blessed! Thank you for always encouraging me and giving your advices, it serves as a reminder for me that probably no other would give =)

I would think there’s so much more I can thank you of. Maybe words aren’t the best avenue for me to express my gratitude but trust me that I will always have this gratefulness in me, you have made a difference in my life.

4. Matthew

Hey matt, thank you for being a brother to me all these years! Your constant presence and support is very much appreciated and I will always miss and look forward to our guys’ nights out and stay overs! Who says only the girls can have fun having stay overs!

Interesting fact, do you recall how we got to know each other? Haha… If my memory has not failed me, I believe it was either being in the same worship team or when we started going lan lol… But anyway I’m glad our friendship has grown stronger than ever and I can safely say that you are probably one of my closest guy friends around and with you, I find support and comfort in sharing my heart’s concerns.

But thank you for being there to listen to me especially a few years back. Just to have you coming to meet me at Starbucks when you are in camp is just heartwarming and it just shows how great friend you are. It was definitely one of the most depressing seasons for me but I thank God that He sent you to be there for me. I never understood nor treasured people around me but having known you just changed everything!

Now that you are in Thailand and probably going to be in Sisterhood of Mary,  I pray that you  will find God in that very place and continue to be a blessing to those around you! And I have been reading the book you gave me and thanks for the thought. I really look forward to you returning and resuming our weekly prayer meetings.

And talking about that, thank you for expressing interest in coming for prayer meetings when you are back! I am praying and hoping for the greater works of God in our midst, especially in the young people! Can’t wait for you to get back! See you soon!

300th Blog Post

To commemorate my 300th blog post, I shall attempt to write a minimum of 300word thanksgiving for the close ones in my life. But this will only take place after 16th May and may occur over a period of time and even a few posts as I'm unsure if Blogger would have a word limit for a post!

Nevertheless, I really want to take the time after exams to reflect on the relations in my life and thank God for everyone if possible.

Disclaimer: If I do not mention your name but you are a follower of my blog, I ask for your forgiveness beforehand and you may wish to drop me a note so I can add you in =S

Thank you for being a loyal reader here and see you soon! Till then, it's mug mug mug!

Oh, Happy blessed birthday to Samantha Sin, Justin Lim, Ben Yuen and Uncle Swee Ewe!

Filled with Thanksgiving

Lord I thank You for today, and witnessing how faithful You are.
I thank You for showing Yourself so real, least to me.
Thank you for the assurance and peace even in the face of negative news,
cause I know I worship a God who provides for those who does His will.

Lord I find it really hard to love like You love, especially unconditionally.
Forgive me for all that thoughts I've had and the conclusions I jumped to.
May I learnt to view things through Your eyes,
and maybe just one day, I'll be able to have a breakthrough in my life.

Things were out of control today, things went against the plans that was made.
But one thing for sure, I know God is/was in control.
I surrendered to Him to make things work, if not so be it.
And Lord, I'm still amazed at how You put things together this day.

People may not be as supportive as I thought so.
It hurt me a lot to see how things turned out.
It really made me consider if this is Your will for me.
If it is, then I pray that You cause my burden to be light.

Father, may I learn to be humble and accepting.
May I learn to come to You first in all things.
I live in an imperfect world, but I know I am not restrained by the principles of this world.

I love You Lord, and thank You Lord.
You have been faithful and always will be.
Cause us to turn to You always and never seek to turn away from You.