Thursday, September 06, 2012
[Star Date] Son Yeon-jae, who won Korea's first ever gold in rhythmic gy...
How do you NOT fall in love with this girl?
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Michael Bublé - "Everything" [Official Music Video]
You make me sing.
You're every line, every word. You're everything
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Journey of a Run
Well, barely before 1km, I started to feel my calves aching. Either my calves lacked the strength or there's something wrong with my running technique. Pushing on, I tried to not think about the ache.
Barely 2km, I felt tired, yet not tired. My legs were tired, but my heart-rate wasn't exactly thumping at 80-90%. Felt more like 60-65%, very comfortable. Just very tired legs.
Walked several times.
Felt really dry, ran to KAP for a cup of iced water at McDonalds.
Continued running and walking towards my destination.
Throughout the run, my mind kept switching between two thoughts.
1. Reach West Coast Park before sunset.
2. I can't make it fast enough before sunset.
As I fiddled with my thoughts, it affected how I ran too. As I focused on reaching WCP before sunset, I was able to push myself to continuously run and not think about the pain. And the pain did go away as I continued running.
But the moment I allowed weakness in my thoughts, my body responded immediately and I couldn't run anymore.
I also realised that as much as the Spirit is willing, sometimes the body is really weak. As much as I really wanted to push myself to run further and faster, my body is not conditioned to take such abuse and harsh environments. Until my body finally got acclimatised, and the weather was much cooler, I was able to persist for longer distances.
I also realised that during the journey, the natural tendency is to focus on the pain, on what is happening now. However, as I started to focus on the possibilities of my destination, of how beautiful the sunset would be, I was able to push myself further.
Likewise, many times in our daily walk with God, the journey is not easy. We stumble and we fall. I definitely have stumbled and fell many times, and sometimes I fall so hard, it's also painful to even get back up and continue walking and believing.
However, if I were to focus on the destination, it doesn't matter how long I take to reach my destination. Just as long as I do not give up and I continue moving towards the goal that I set before me, I'd eventually finish the journey and reach my destination.
Recent times has caused me to really fall, hard. I could only blame myself for feeling that way and even acting on it, which was extremely foolish. However, this incident has the potential to mold me, to become stronger and more dependent on God. To find my sense of security in Him, my identity and my self-worth in Him.
And when I finally reach my destination, I know that I'd feel the journey's worth it.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Maybe that's why I love Calvin and Hobbes so much. He's just an ordinary kid, yet extraordinary.
He has a special relationship with his imaginary friend, one who would never disappoint him and is always there for him.
One that goofs around with him, and yet, also share quirky life experiences.
Full of adventures together and also fighting all the time. Yet they are cannot be separated.
Friends like this are hard to come by.
Wednesday, August 08, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
I was in a fortified place, I was not alone. The 'force' I was with was able to slay tigers and lions in an instant. It was a mystery and it was bizarre.
Ferocious tigers and lions would suddenly drop dead, and disappear.
But this 'force' would then tug me from behind, wanting me to turn around. I hesitated, I resisted. Then I gave in and turned, even in the physical sense, I knew my body turned around too.
And I woke up in shock.
The presence made me feel super uncomfortable, I felt unsafe. Fear and anxiety gripped my heart. An image of a face keeps coming back to me. My mind keeps going back to the dream..
What is this force? ...
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I was in a fortified place, I was not alone. The 'force' I was with was able to slay tigers and lions in an instant. It was a mystery and it was bizarre.
Ferocious tigers and lions would suddenly drop dead, and disappear.
But this 'force' would then tug me from behind, wanting me to turn around. I hesitated, I resisted. Then I gave in and turned, even in the physical sense, I knew my body turned around too.
And I woke up in shock.
The presence made me feel super uncomfortable, I felt unsafe. Fear and anxiety gripped my heart. An image of a face keeps coming back to me. My mind keeps going back to the dream..
What is this force? ...
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Friday, July 27, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
City Harvest Church
Firstly, my stand is "Standing with City Harvest Church. I won't be who I am, if not for what they have done." And very interestingly, it was picked up by Wall Street Journal.
Anyway, my reasons are relatively simple. Besides my natural family being here for me for the past 28 years, CHC has been a constant source of encouragement, inspiration and character development.
Through the Word of God, I have been transformed and through the preaching of the Word, I have grew in faith; not just in God and in His Word, but also in myself.
In Church, I learned about living beyond my comfort zone, serving and meeting the needs of others and living my life based on the Word of God. I do not claim that I am the "perfected" one. I still make mistakes and get discipled. But at the end of the day, its always for the betterment of me.
In Church, I served in various ministries like Security, City Harvest Community Services Association and the Cell-Group Ministry. In was in such ministries, I learned more about myself as I served others. Such experiences gave me the opportunity to connect with various ones, lead teams, witness transformation in lives and meeting needs. If I were not in Church, I'd probably be quite a narrow minded, cynical and selfish person.
In Church, I learned to give. Yes, I tithe 10% of my gross income to CHC, every month. And yes, I also give to my Mom monthly too. Was it difficult to manage my finances? Yes, definitely. My ever increasing phone bill, insurance and investments, transport costs, food and all. But I am a believer of sowing and reaping. God is my provider and He provides for me. Yes, there are days I struggle, yet somehow, He provides.
I also appreciate my family for providing for my studies and daily needs as well, I thank God for my family daily and though I do not express it enough, I am really grateful to be in the Kuek family.
Were there times when I got too emotional and gave beyond my means? Yes, but everything turned out fine. God came through, miracles happen and all is fine.
From an outsider point of view, you might not understand why we do what we do. My family has reminded me time and time again, and I appreciate it. It keeps me in check. But if you, as a friend/stranger/concerned citizen, tell me what to do.. Who gave you the rights? Thank you for being concerned, but if you do not understand (or think you understand) please try not to give "constructive" comments. You may not understand, until you are part of the vision.
I thank God that on social media platforms, there's a great outpouring of testimonials about the love of God demonstrated in CHC. How Pastor Kong, Sun and Pastor Tan made a difference in the lives of so many.
Though the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.
The Crossover Project, that started 10 years ago, has seen thousands of lives changed and transformed. Ordinary folks like me have experienced the power of God, listened to Sun's testimony and Pastor Kong's messages of faith.
Now if you were that hopeless and aimless youth/adult, would you be filled with gratitude when someone cares enough to take care of you, teaches you that there is a greater purpose to live for and connects you to the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords?
Allegations are allegations. My trust is with Pastor Kong, Sun, Pastor Tan, Eng Han, Sharon, John Lam, Meng Hao and Jacqueline. This will not stop me from attending CHC, from worshipping, from tithing, from doing my best. We are not people who are blinded, or idolise the leadership. Simply said, we are just fools for Christ, to build and expand His Kingdom, whichever way God has spoken to the leadership.
It is not a religion I subscribe to, but a relationship that I'm connected in.
We are family.
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Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
I strongly believe one of the ways I show love and appreciation is by acts of service.
Though sometimes people do not know, but at the end of the day, as long as others are blessed, I am blessed.
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HH encouraged me, saying that I was the best house captain for the camp.. I was quite humbled and encouraged because I felt that I did not do a lot, neither did I really "rah-rah" the house all the time. All the other house captains were just as amazing and awesome.
We all did what we could, to the best of our ability, being available and ready to do whatever that we might have to do.
End of the day, I thank God for such a great opportunity to serve alongside the leaders. Watching them run the camp was amazing; they brought unity and such great effectiveness in the camp. Though there were hiccups, solutions were never too far away and no problem too difficult for them to handle.
I remember HH sharing with me last year that as we serve, there must be joy in doing what we are doing, then it won't be tiring.
I recall having lots of laughter and joy together with the other house captains, the commandants as we went through each day. I looked forward to meeting the other captains, the commandants and the members. Everyone was having fun, cheering and encouraging each other on.
At the end of the day, the toughness and tiredness is not remembered. But whats left at the end of the day, is the joy in serving.. The joy in seeing lives changed and transformed for God.. The joy of being in His presence, worshiping Him.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Heaven on Earth
Despite the tiredness, feeling uncomfortable and thirsty all day, once the presence of God came... It felt like heaven on earth.
Its a feeling that cannot be comprehended. A feeling that no words can express the love, admiration and gratitude I have for God. He came and did a surgery in my heart.. He came and took away all my tiredness and gave me strength to believe.
I did not see any mighty vision or received a mighty prophecy.... But God's presence was more than enough for me. I could do this all my life, for more of His presence... More of Him in my life.
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Spirit and Soul must come in agreement before the body can be used by God for His works. Else, it would be just human efforts.
Spirit is constantly in contact and communication with the Holy Spirit. As the Holy Spirit speaks, the soul is just supposed to facilitate the thought, not judge it.
When there is total agreement, no doubts or fears, then the power of God flows through the body, into the lives of others.
Being sensitive to His presence and His voice. Allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through me, into the lives of others. Carrying and being aware of Him.
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Monday, June 04, 2012
Especially worst when the memories do seem somewhat similar to the situations/circumstance. Then random negative thoughts start filling up your mind and you kinda start feeling down and defeated.
Put on e mind of Christ, the bible says.
So one can only assume that daily, regularly and habitually, one HAS to put ON the mind of Christ. Its not a natural thing to do, but after developing it, I suppose it should become something as natural as putting on clothes, or even brushing teeth twice daily.
When one puts on the mind of God, how are the negative thoughts dissipated? Its very unlikely that mindless repetitive confession of a bible verse would help, UNLESS its a Rhema Word from God.
The Word is a lamp onto our feet. The Word gives very clear directions. And the Word, the Logos, resides in our mind. It becomes a Rhema when it strikes a chord with our heart and immediately the mind is renewed.
And when its a Rhema Word, the repetitive confession of a bible verse helps because one BELIEVES in it. The mind then renews because the heart is convinced.
The truth of the matter, is the heart.
Guard your heart, for out of it springs the issues of life.
How do we guard our hearts?
Everyday we choose to believe what we want to believe in. A rich man can believe that he's in poverty and chooses to work extra time to earn extra cash, yet a not-so-rich man can believe that he's living in abundance and chooses to spend time with his family.
If I choose to believe that people are against me, then people ARE against me. Which results in my heart being heavily guarded and defensive against people, because I believed that they are against me and they will hurt me. So in order not to be hurt by them, I build walls all around my heart.
Circumstances, encounters and experiences can change beliefs. Praise God for the good ones as they strengthen our beliefs in others, in ourselves.
But the bad ones? They too can become a stepping stone and probably some of the most important decisions ever made is during tough times. Decisions like letting go, forgiving and choosing to love.
Always not easy to guard our hearts. Sometimes we have been so wounded, its so difficult. Heartbreak can be literally felt and as you cry out, it feels like no one understands.
Yet there is a High Priest who does understand, and He never fails to be with me.
I may feel alone, but I never am.
What am I believing in? Its not just about the positive confessions... But what do I really believe in?
Let there be a rhema, to renew my mind.
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Sunday, June 03, 2012
So while in the midsts of waiting, do things and prepare yourself for the day when you get what you have been waiting for.
Its like, "Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
Be it the area of your calling, ministry, relationships or finances, do not grow weary.
Not getting tired doing the 'boring' things over and over again. Not tired doing the same old routine repeatedly. Not tired being good. The Word of God promises us that we will reap what we have sown.
Sometimes the outcome may not be what we expect. But God's ways are higher than our ways. We may feel 'cheated', but trust in Him and in His heart, that He gives the best gifts for us.
What we think is the best, may not be the best for us.
Open up your mind, your heart. What God is doing in your life, in my life?
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Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Sundown Marathon 2012
Not much of excuse for a really slow timing of 6:19hrs. Hoping that I'd better 5:55hrs during the end of year Singapore Marathon.
End of the day, the truth of the matter is that I lacked training. The discipline to run 2-3x a week, increasing in my mileage and speed. And most definitely, doing strengthening exercises for my legs.
Why do I run so much? Not that I really love it, or am into it.
I've no idea.
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Thursday, May 24, 2012
Desperately wanted to attend the morning sessions, but because of work commitments.... I can't.
But the 3 nights with Dr Robi was amazing. Totally beyond my expectations, imagination. I feel so empowered to make a difference, empowered knowing that there is hope, empowered knowing that God is here with me.
The call to serve beyond the needs of myself. Looking beyond my own needs, and looking into the needs of the people around me.
I feel a change of seasons. A period where all are charged up, in the quiver, ready to be used by God.
Before we are being sent, be watchful, guard our hearts. Don't let this fire be quenched.
Monday, May 14, 2012
I feel like I'm speaking to myself as I'm encouraging him.
Relationship is like flying a kite. You got to release the string, then the kite would be able to fly higher, on its own. Yet there will be times when the string has to be reeled in, to prevent the kite from falling.
But, unlike flying kites, the act of releasing sometimes is difficult. Tons and tons of questions, fears and doubts. Sometimes I'm afraid of losing someone special, sometimes I feel I suffocated the person. Or sometimes I'm just afraid that the person thinks I'm giving up.
So complicated. But I do enjoy the moments when the kite is flying on its own and the tension on the string is just right. Just wish that it stays longer that way.
Or perhaps, I am just thinking too much again. Maybe there's no kite at the end of the string.
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