Life Escapades

My Light

2008-07-27T11:36:00.000+08:00

Hearing words of edification to our God above, in unison across the hall. A church lift their spirits and voices, with all their hearts. They sing "I trust in You". I've seen and felt my God's presence. In the light of adversities and trials, my God still stands high above them for me to catch a glimpse. Upon the sight of my God, I caught a smile on His face. An expression that answers everything. Your mind, soul, body and heart literally feels in and agrees with the same experience you encounter.

Assurance, grace, hope, love, wisdom.. He has them in Him. Those things you long for in life are in hands, wrapped and address to YOU. Not shared, its meant for you.

This is my God.. He thinks we're worth His son's life.

This is my God.. He thinks we're world shakers

This is my God.. He who holds our world

This is my God.. In who I will trust above every name..

I'm moving

2008-07-03T21:53:00.001+08:00

I'm moving out ttp://christshine.blogspot.com/

Its under construction now. Check it out soon! =)

1st entry in more than a month!

2008-06-18T20:17:00.000+08:00

Hello! Long time no entry! lol.. Finally a time to blog short entry. I believe its housing cobwebs by now.. haha..

Life has been pretty hectic. I'm now praying for a chance to jet away for a holiday to unwind. I'm entangled with my own time mismanagement. But thank God for His grace! It seems the more tired I am, the more open I am to Him. Surrendering to Him gets easier cuz its beyond my own strength.

I've been leaving alot of things undone. Hopefully now when I've iron things out in my time, I can be more effective in my ministry and studies. But that aside, life is much more meaningful now. =)

I've yet to post pictures of my maroon van. Wait for my next entry!

Gd nite!

Exhasuted

2008-05-22T18:37:00.000+08:00

Hello.. its been quite awhile since I last blogged. Been busy going to bed to sleep.

Now I have a new addition to my life: Work. Thank God for this job! They provided transport, a van to take home + basic pay of a poly grad. Total up with all the cost to maintain the van with my pay adds up to $2k plus!

I'm into my 2nd week at work. Very tiring and I once tried to study at night, only to study in vain because I was too sleepy. I think this is the time of transition to lean on God and crucify my flesh!

I'll update more soon. I'm tired. Tired people make a difference in the world.

Spirit of Life!

2008-05-08T10:49:00.000+08:00

Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord! I found a job! I'm working in Dray Construction as a Project Coordinator and I get to drive home a van! That kind of transport is what I need! Suddenly its breathes life into me!

What a relief. Been feeling so low in myself for the past 3 months feeling a burden to my family. Now the day has come to repay their efforts. Shireen would feel relief that our plans for our future can start now.

Its a new challenge, a new life now that I'm all an adult. I really thank the Lord for His Goodness. Throughout the past 3 months He led me to learn new things before setting out on something like this. I'm more aggressive in terms of believing in what I want and what I can have.

I love Jesus and my sweetheart, Shireen. She's been through my thick and thins in my life.

"Thank you dear, this day of victory is for you."

Lesson 101

2008-04-26T00:50:00.000+08:00

I've got alot to learn in being in a relationship.

Glorious Birthday

2008-04-24T21:21:00.001+08:00

This year truly is one to remember throughout my lifetime. Definitely gonna treasure this moment (more to come until Sunday).

Beginning this week on Monday, Shireen asked me if I was excited about my birthday. I said no because every year its always the same like every other day. But this year was fully loaded with surprises.

On Wednesday, my cell group friends came out to celebrate my birthday. Not knowing what was going on, they planned lots of things behind my back with my gf as well! They brought me to Cafe Cartel, paid of my dinner, surprise me with Shireen being there, presents and a mango cake! Btw, photos are with Ian. Thank man. As usual, not use to the kind of attention, I was shy. The presents were things I wanted. A polo tee by Zara, a super outstanding card from the cell group and a Bodyshop set consisting of hair & body wash and moisturiser. From Elene, a woodpecker! I went back home playing with it over and over again. After we parted ways, Shireen told me about how they arranged the place, the presents, the extent on how they get the presents and how excited they were. My goodness! I asked myself if I deserve it. Did i really do alot for them? *Guilty*

Then today I went to Shireen's house. She again threw a surprise mini birthday celebration. Her mum, her sister Jolene, Alvin and herself singing birthday song. Her mum gave me ang bao money as a gift. When i got back home, there was an envelope on my laptop. There was a card from my family. They wrote many thankful and encouraging words plus a ang bao gift!

As of now, I'm immensely overwhelmed! Celebrating my 23rd year on earth! I look up into the sky and thank God because I know all these events are all planned by Him. A birthday present to me from Him.

Pictures of the presents i got from the zone leaders and my cell group.

Happy Holidays

2008-04-23T08:35:00.000+08:00

Hello! i'm back blogging again! how have you all been? lol.. Anyway i'm done with my exams. It was ok. Overall i think i could have done better if i improve my study habits and facing fears of numbers and formulas. If i want to have a degree, think like a degree holder!

Not long ago, i received my timetable for next trimester. Hoping that it would be alot better, it came out the same like the last one. I have class, out of 7 days, 2 days weekdays, 2 weekends. Sigh..

I'm not gonna let it affect my way to getting my degree. I'll give my all and keep my spirits up with God's help. I'm empowered for victory! Amen!

I have break till 3rd May! Till then, I can do many thing with my time. Like spending time with Shireen and lots of catching up with friends.

Procrastination

2008-04-06T21:27:00.001+08:00

I lack will to do something about my bad habits of studying and time management. I have a problem. I'm always procrastinating. Thinking back of how i manage my time, i miss a completely perfect opportunity to study. Now I'm paying the price. I better stop thinking ridiculously negative about the things I'm involve in. Its time i think about "I can" instead of "I can't".

I'm gonna seek God for a clear direction for my life. I have a family, relationship, studies, ministry and work to juggle in a week in the future. Its either i take up all or give up some. Let the Lord decide my ways.

Anyway, Sweetheart Shireen bought me a new phone! W960i as a present for our 6 months anniversary and my 23rd birthday! Its cool.. THANK YOU DEAR!

Friends

2008-03-26T21:31:00.000+08:00

Today I just watched the last episode of Friends. Yes, Season 10 episode 20. It was so heart wrenching to know the 'Friends' era is coming to a close. I'm so lagging behind because the shows last episode was back in 2004.

Throughout every episode, the show made me grow attached to it making them part of me. I guess I long for friendship like that; when friends are your family. I'm overwhelmed with sentimental feelings because the show had been running for 10 successive years! Apart of the humongous salary they earn per episode, its the friendship they forge in the process of time.

I watched their interviews in the 'Tonight's Show', Opera Show, Ellen Show. I could sense the lost and sadness when reality hit them. Its not fame or money that they are missing but each other. Practically they spent their lives watching each other grow old!

I was badly affected, felt lost and saddened.. My god.. lol..

Re-focus

2008-03-21T22:09:00.000+08:00

My mind is all flustered with thoughts and worries. Now I know the root problem. Things can be under control with proper thinking w/o involving emotions.

Been feeling the stress about my studies. Paying the price for not managing my time properly and taking for granted the time I had back in the early days of this semester. Now exams are right around the corner. 4 weeks from now to be exact. Then there is my finances. Currently I'm relying heavily on my parents which I really don't feel comfortable. Since the beginning of the year, I've been deciding whether I should get a full time job, part time job or no job until I graduate. I get a full time job, I would have problems dedicating time for my studies, a part time job would mean I have to work outside my field such as Sales, Admin, etc. No work? No dough. By the time I graduate, I would be 26 and a fresh graduate if I take a part time job outside my field. Not feeling too good about that because I feel I've lost enough time.

After talking to dear, I've decided! I've made my final decision to concentrate in getting through this semester first then I'll find a part time job. Most importantly I work hard for a good degree. Its true.. I'm blessed to have my studies and expenses taken care of. 26 yrs old a fresh degree graduate is not an issue rather than at 26 yrs old and still a diploma holder. I must treasure and focus on this opportunity that I have now.

I will not entertain negative thoughts. Thoughts of worry, thoughts of myself being incompetent, thoughts of bailing out of studies. I'll focus and work hard. I still have time to make amendments and make things right!

I thought Easter Drama production was a fresh concept. Fusing the past and future together and made it quite an enjoyable journey. They add a personal touch at the end of it in which I was impacted by it. Jesus loves us even though we turn our backs many times. Jesus experience betrayal twice by Peter and Judas, yet He still loves them unconditionally. Like a husband taking his adulterous wife back with wide open arms. All over the world, the worst crime you can commit is betrayal. You will get your citizenship revoked and blacklisted from entering the country! Imagine the level of love Jesus has for us up to this present day!

Today's drama made me think about my life. At times I did mistakes of omission and then feel bad after that. I asked myself how do people who love God, like Pastor Kong, abstain from sin? The answer: Relationship experience

When one experience God's love in a personal way. Like really know the heart of God kind of relationship. One would always bear God's feelings in mind like how a loving husband is to his wife. When they encounter a situation that they know their love ones would feel something against it, they are immediately reminded of it and would choose a choice that would be pleasing to his/her love one. Same with our relationship with God. How to establish that kind of relationship? Personal quiet time with God, enjoying His presence and communion with Him in your secret place. When God has a place in our hearts, He'll express himself in our lives. Then we shine for Him!

I want Him in my heart.

Trials

2008-03-16T21:17:00.001+08:00

Pst Phil was in town over the weekend to minister to us in church. He was sharing about how we can move in the Holy Spirit through our trials in life. I like it when he steps in and touch on issues at the right time. A word in season for the church.. that's moving in the Spirit!

Pst Phil said trials are present as a 'compliment' from God. Every time we are hit by trials means God knows its time for you to receive a higher anointing! A real statement from him:" Things go wrong when you are in the will of God."

What really impact me the most was the issue of where our confidence lie in. Like plants, we root ourselves to environments, we come alive when we're under these conditions and thrive. All of us receive Jesus into our lives, our root system is drawing life from the teachings and encounters with him. But its also important that we have our root system within itself. Most of us are swayed by people's opinion on us. For example, we are 'alive' when people recognise the things we do or receive compliments and praises, once these are taken away, we wilt spiritually and in ourselves. Rooted within ourselves gives us happiness and confidence in being us. We're real, don't feel threatened, being free in expressing who you really are and that results in loving ourselves!

Personally I 'thrive' when people around me, especially my family, doing well in their walk with God and others would recognise the things I do. All that must change. I need to be rooted in myself. Its an important issue especially when I'm rising up as a CGL. A leader leads, confident of himself and his ability. I want to have confidence in myself.

*Picture taken from City Harvest Church website "Photo Gallery"*

My New Chair

2008-03-11T21:03:00.001+08:00

Muahahaha.. I got this chair when I complained I couldn't study well with my old one. So happen that day my parents rented a car and I had this idea of getting a new chair while we were out having lunch. I bought this at Ikea Queensway! Price is at around the $100 range. =)

We went to Plaza Singapura after the shop trip at Ikea to buy groceries at Carrefour. But before that, we met up with Sisca there. Then as a whole family, we ate sandwiches at Subway! I had a very nice Subway Club sandwich! Had a great time talking, sharing and laughing. =) On the picture above, i bumped into King prawns! Look how juicy it will be once cooked! MMmmmmm....

Servanthood at the highest level

2008-03-10T00:05:00.000+08:00

The way to servanthood is at its highest is the way down. Pst. Kong shared a strong message which I personally found it hard to take. I felt really serviced on the inside. Major overhaul of myself getting rid of the worn out, bad stuff that affects my performance in my service to God. Gosh! I now describe myself like a car. My pride stripped apart from my heart, the love of God was overwhelming that melts my heart from its cold harden state.

I admit my life needs a long process of change. On being a leader which seems to be an uphill task. But I sense in my heart that it takes the heart to decide on being one. For the past 6 years being in City Harvest, God has brought me to higher places, higher calling for my life. My mindset is renewed time and again, always reminded of the one thing I'm in church for a cause. Not just being saved but fulfulling a commandment to make disciples.

The week before last week was a kick-ass service, last weekend was a hard kick in the butt! I'll never forget that service when I stood up before God to tell Him He can use me as and when He wants to. I've decided on a choice to be willing to fulfill God's true calling on my life.

"Lord I pray for strength and wisdom to last through a life time glorifying Your name. Whether is it at work, in school or in church, I want that life where I have the ability to influence. I was passive but now I want to be proactive for my life. But this life, I can never live out through my own strength BUT Christ who strengthens me. I don't believe in just a cross, I believe in a living God in whom I am well please to serve." -Chris

Action

2008-03-03T18:37:00.000+08:00

I took action on sunday, doing something about cell group. Its housekeeping time! I'm honestly not satisfied about how things are going in cell group. Both inside out are not up to standard. Glad i'm not saying i'm gonna do something about it, i'm doing something about it already..

Last week service was kick-ass. Pst. Kong preached about servanthood. I felt it was something that needs to be addressed in church. Personally i was convicted. I complained in my heart and gave an earful to God and dear.. hehe.. But now i'm glad i'm serving God as a CgL (connect group leader). I also have plenty of housekeeping within myself. My character and mindset. The thing about me is that i'm passive. I have knowledge but not putting them into action. Its time i slain my flesh, cut off the bad parts in my life and mould myself anew.

Wake up call

2008-02-29T00:50:00.004+08:00

I've been struggling with myself ever since school started. Life had been quite stagnant for me and frustration grows as days go by. I've sent out 40 resumes since the beginning of the year only to have 3 job interviews. In the meantime, feeling apprehensive of getting a full time job. Studies wise, been lacking of drive to study hard. Negative thoughts loomed in my mind, like giving up on certain things including studies so that I could just work and support myself.

Today I met up with dear and we're suppose to have a night out in town. But didn't in the end because Shireen was on standby, she might be called back to office, her job got into some trouble and needs to be rectified in order to get work done as scheduled. We watched TV together.

The last hour before I went home, we went downstairs and we had a good talk. I poured out my concerns over my future to her. She started nagging at me. But her nagging was anointed, with substance! What she said made me reflect my state of myself. Its like she showing a mirror of myself of what is inside of me. Her words are like a two-edged sword. I felt something break as she cut through my spirit. There was pride and ego shattered, crumbling away of the surface of my spirit, exposing my weakness. With that she instilled a new belief in me to get started on my conquest for victory!

I really thank God for bringing Shireen into my life. I can see how much of a woman she can be.. The woman behind a successful man. I'm not gonna let her slip through my fingers. *Thank You God*

Secrets of Growth

2008-02-12T12:00:00.000+08:00

Shireen blogged some nice entries and I asked her where she got all those verses from Pastor Phil Pringle. She said she subscribe to Leadership Files with Phil Pringle ministries. So I went and take a look at Christian City Church’s website to subscribe. As I was browsing the site, I came across a link to Pst. Phil’s podcast feed of all his preaching. I downloaded all that is available from iTunes.

I had an interview with Recruit Express and so took the opportunity to listen to one of Pst. Phil’s message about Secrets to Growth. He opened his message with this verse:

"But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue,
to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to
perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly
kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither
barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who
lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he
was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to
make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never
stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the
everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." – 2 Peter 1:5-11

Pst. Phil shared that on top of our salvation, we must add diligence, virtue (moral excellence), knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love. Only then can we grow in the inside. He went to mention about our current lives here on earth that our world is leading irresponsibly, blaming others of their shortcomings and how things turn out in their lives. But as long as we lead these values in our lives, we will see our lives prospering.
He took job as an example. We all know how tragedy struck him. Notice that the devil challenged God that Job would curse God when all the blessings from God are taken away from him, proving that he served God for His blessings. But Job passed the test in the end. But take a moment to think about the ordeals he had to face. He lost his children in a day, lost his property and assets in a day, struck by sickness, tension with his wife over calamities that happen and friends judging him that he had hidden sin in his life. Most of us would already walk away from God when his blessings are taken away.

I’m convicted by what I heard. All of us want our dream life but do not want to pay the price. Not willing to come before God in surrender and have confidence that His plans are higher than our plans. As we read on, Peter wrote this as a reminder to the church. That means this applies to all of us young or mature in the faith.

“For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor
unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 1:9

It is a promise that as long as we live out these values, we'll lead fruitful lives!

Happy Chinese New Year!

2008-02-07T00:26:00.000+08:00

My Chinese New Year this year is different! I went with Shireen's family to their reunion dinner at her grandma's house. The plan that day was to come over to Shireen's house and wait for her uncle to pick us up to her grandma's place. So I was there at her house at 2:30pm. Waited till 6:45pm till her uncle came to pick us up by van (=.=)

By the time we got on the van, I felt like dozing off already. In the van were all her cousins. The feeling is kind of awkward, imagine in a place full of strangers. When we got there, I got to see Shireen's grandma face to face.

My experience reminds me of the time I visited my relatives in Indonesia. Everyone is talking in a language I don't quite understand, occurrence of moments when there is total silence, etc. But still I feel its a warm tradition, a time where we, in our own family, can come together and catch up with one another. I think tradition is a nice warm culture if applied in a contemporary way. =)

Oh I also have to thank God for financial blessing! 3 hong baos already add up to 3 digit sum! The highest 'turnover' in Chris' lifetime! lol!

Believing

2008-01-31T18:54:00.000+08:00

Its the 31st of Jan. End of the month! I'm still jobless. But nevertheless, I'll never stop believing that I'll have one! 2nd Feb is my 1st term test for Maths. I'm just 50% confident. By God's grace, I'll make it!

Sorry if I haven't been updating my blog. Currently uninspired to write an entry. lol.. But please keep patronizing, you'll never know a new entry might pop out of nowhere. hehe..

Inspired

2008-01-23T00:35:00.000+08:00

Felt rotten all day today, weighed down by the fact I'm unemployed still. March building fund on its way and its a hefty amount! I spent the afternoon studying and it was fruitful. Thank You Jesus!

I remembered I committed the day to God, that today would be blessed! And He did! Leaders Meeting with Charles Whitehead was inspiring! Praise God for Charles! He is a member of the Catholic Renewal Committee. Catholic! *Repenting*

God really use all denominations for His Work here on Earth! And today Charles was sharing with us about his journey with the Lord. How when he travelled in between countries around the globe, there is always a perfect set up for him to win someone to Christ! I left the auditorium inspired! Indeed all that come into the House of God are blessed! Amen! Its all worth the travel time and the trouble to getting to Jurong church today.

God forgive me of all the nasty things I harboured in my mind and heart. Truly Your Love is perfect. Its unconditional and it means You love ALL. No sin that You can't forgive, no person You can't restore, NO ONE is left out on having You as a personal friend and Saviour..

Lost a battle but NOT THE WAR

2008-01-22T11:16:00.000+08:00

I experienced one of my lowest point in my spiritual walk. when everything about is a burden, everything about is dull. Eventually would think its better to quit.

I had a good chat and sharing with dear and that spurred me on. I'm coming back, starting small once again. building my life upon relationship rather than knowledge. With that little faith I have, God will not fail to impress me as long as my eyes are set on Him. To witness His hand moving upon my life even to the slightest of motion!

His Perfect Love, I adore Him.

Confidence

2008-01-21T10:12:00.000+08:00

Till 2011, I'll need alot of that to go through the tough life. But courage is the substance in me that makes the difference!

Parables

2008-01-08T20:38:00.000+08:00

"And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”
11 He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the
mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For
whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever
does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I
speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do
not hear, nor do they understand. 14 And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is
fulfilled, which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And
seeing you will see and not perceive; 15 For the hearts of this people have
grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should
understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.’
16 But
blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; 17 for
assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what
you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it."
-Matthew 13:10-17

How is it like to live life yearning for something fresh. Though one may have the money to explore new things but still end up unfulfilled. I found my walk with God quite routine and dull.. until I read the passage while doing my bible reading...

15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of
hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and
turn, So that I should heal them.’

When hearts are dull and cold, we made ourselves handicapped in hearing the mysteries of heaven. When we are still before God, our hearts yielded towards Him, we hear His Voice with our hearts. Notice that everyone reads the bible and draws different amount of revelations? Jesus has a purpose for the Word to be written in mysteries! Jesus reveals revelations that are requested by each and every Christian and we are judge according to what we know. God doesn't reveal alot to a christian who is very new, if He did, the individual would end up living in condemnation, not in liberty.

I must get back on track on my walk with God and my destiny! I know too much but have yet to live out the kind of life I should lead as a Christian!

1st Christmas Date

2007-12-26T15:47:00.000+08:00

We met a photographer while we were here looking at the art work

Dear always have that sweet smile

I look awful!

Stairway to heaven

Lovely nightout

Taken at Merlion

"Although we may fight so bad sometimes
thoughts of how we're going to get through it in future, would all end up disappearing into this whirlpool of love in our well, which we share together. Photos of
us happy together makes up the water, the emotions pictured in it makes up the whirlpool element..."
-Chris

Subject to Change

2008-01-01T14:48:00.000+08:00

Lead the change or change will lead you..

Pastor Tan was sharing with us about having the ability to change to gear ourselves up for the year 2008.

I've always thoght I could adapt to changes fast but the kind of changes didn't occur to me until I lived it through. The way we handle change depends on our mindset. As a Christian myself, its a challenge to live up to the title. Being a Christian isn't about a religion we decide to take up. But its a title people will see an image of how God looks like. We are people of a different spirit then the others. For example, when people around us are worried about a global crisis happening at that moment of time, we're the ones coming out victorious and optimistic. Its not for the sake of having to be one but its all about the power of our minds. When the mind says it sees an opportunity, no matter how good or bad, situations around us will result an opportunity. I'm convicted yet excited and looking forward to each day moulding a successful life!

Last Sunday, Dear and I met up for shopping. SHE IS SO NICE TO ME. She splurge cash on me for clothes, haircut and a brand new shaver because my previous one doesn't shave clean. A total of $180! *stress*

At a Thai Restaurant eating mango rice dessert. Yummy!

We tried this dessert and it tasted nice and sweet...
...so is dear. hehe..

Last Night of 2007, I went with Dear, her sister Elene and her boyfriend Kevin, to Esplanade for countdown. ALOT OF PEOPLE OVER THERE! Its body to body contact everywhere and getting pushed around. Its hot and humid till my whole shirt was soaked. Thank God for the gust of wind to cool us and refresh the humid air.

We witness 3 fights in a row and we happen to pass by that area. If we decided to stay there, we would find ourselves involved in a brawl. Thank God! But the spirit was still good, everyone was counting down in unison as the skies were lited by fireworks as they shot through the night sky. It was a work of art and its a feeling of achievement the moment we look back how we got through 2007.