Couldn't agree more

Saw this online and I thought its quite a good article.

30 Things to do in 2012!

1. Start spending time with the right people. – These are the people you enjoy, who love and appreciate you, and who encourage you to improve in healthy and exciting ways. They are the ones who make you feel more alive, and not only embrace who you are now, but also embrace and embody who you want to be, unconditionally.
2. Start facing your problems head on. – It isn’t your problems that define you, but how you react to them and recover from them. Problems will not disappear unless you take action. Do what you can, when you can, and acknowledge what you’ve done. It’s all about taking baby steps in the right direction, inch by inch. These inches count, they add up to yards and miles in the long run.
3. Start being honest with yourself about everything. – Be honest about what’s right, as well as what needs to be changed. Be honest about what you want to achieve and who you want to become. Be honest with every aspect of your life, always. Because you are the one person you can forever count on. Search your soul, for the truth, so that you truly know who you are. Once you do, you’ll have a better understanding of where you are now and how you got here, and you’ll be better equipped to identify where you want to go and how to get there. Read The Road Less Traveled.
4. Start making your own happiness a priority. – Your needs matter. If you don’t value yourself, look out for yourself, and stick up for yourself, you’re sabotaging yourself. Remember, it IS possible to take care of your own needs while simultaneously caring for those around you. And once your needs are met, you will likely be far more capable of helping those who need you most.
5. Start being yourself, genuinely and proudly. – Trying to be anyone else is a waste of the person you are. Be yourself. Embrace that individual inside you that has ideas, strengths and beauty like no one else. Be the person you know yourself to be – the best version of you – on your terms. Above all, be true to YOU, and if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it.
6. Start noticing and living in the present. – Right now is a miracle. Right now is the only moment guaranteed to you. Right now is life. So stop thinking about how great things will be in the future. Stop dwelling on what did or didn’t happen in the past. Learn to be in the ‘here and now’ and experience life as it’s happening. Appreciate the world for the beauty that it holds, right now.
7. Start valuing the lessons your mistakes teach you. – Mistakes are okay; they’re the stepping stones of progress. If you’re not failing from time to time, you’re not trying hard enough and you’re not learning. Take risks, stumble, fall, and then get up and try again. Appreciate that you are pushing yourself, learning, growing and improving. Significant achievements are almost invariably realized at the end of a long road of failures. One of the ‘mistakes’ you fear might just be the link to your greatest achievement yet.
8. Start being more polite to yourself. – If you had a friend who spoke to you in the same way that you sometimes speak to yourself, how long would you allow that person to be your friend? The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others. You must love who you are or no one else will.
9. Start enjoying the things you already have. – The problem with many of us is that we think we’ll be happy when we reach a certain level in life – a level we see others operating at – your boss with her corner office, that friend of a friend who owns a mansion on the beach, etc. Unfortunately, it takes awhile before you get there, and when you get there you’ll likely have a new destination in mind. You’ll end up spending your whole life working toward something new without ever stopping to enjoy the things you have now. So take a quiet moment every morning when you first awake to appreciate where you are and what you already have.
10. Start creating your own happiness. – If you are waiting for someone else to make you happy, you’re missing out. Smile because you can. Choose happiness. Be the change you want to see in the world. Be happy with who you are now, and let your positivity inspire your journey into tomorrow. Happiness is often found when and where you decide to seek it. If you look for happiness within the opportunities you have, you will eventually find it. But if you constantly look for something else, unfortunately, you’ll find that too. Read Stumbling on Happiness.
11. Start giving your ideas and dreams a chance. – In life, it’s rarely about getting a chance; it’s about taking a chance. You’ll never be 100% sure it will work, but you can always be 100% sure doing nothing won’t work. Most of the time you just have to go for it! And no matter how it turns out, it always ends up just the way it should be. Either you succeed or you learn something. Win-Win.
12. Start believing that you’re ready for the next step. – You are ready! Think about it. You have everything you need right now to take the next small, realistic step forward. So embrace the opportunities that come your way, and accept the challenges – they’re gifts that will help you to grow.
13. Start entering new relationships for the right reasons. – Enter new relationships with dependable, honest people who reflect the person you are and the person you want to be. Choose friends you are proud to know, people you admire, who show you love and respect – people who reciprocate your kindness and commitment. And pay attention to what people do, because a person’s actions are much more important than their words or how others represent them.
14. Start giving new people you meet a chance. – It sounds harsh, but you cannot keep every friend you’ve ever made. People and priorities change. As some relationships fade others will grow. Appreciate the possibility of new relationships as you naturally let go of old ones that no longer work. Trust your judgment. Embrace new relationships, knowing that you are entering into unfamiliar territory. Be ready to learn, be ready for a challenge, and be ready to meet someone that might just change your life forever.
15. Start competing against an earlier version of yourself. – Be inspired by others, appreciate others, learn from others, but know that competing against them is a waste of time. You are in competition with one person and one person only – yourself. You are competing to be the best you can be. Aim to break your own personal records.
16. Start cheering for other people’s victories. – Start noticing what you like about others and tell them. Having an appreciation for how amazing the people around you are leads to good places – productive, fulfilling, peaceful places. So be happy for those who are making progress. Cheer for their victories. Be thankful for their blessings, openly. What goes around comes around, and sooner or later the people you’re cheering for will start cheering for you.
17. Start looking for the silver lining in tough situations. – When things are hard, and you feel down, take a few deep breaths and look for the silver lining – the small glimmers of hope. Remind yourself that you can and will grow stronger from these hard times. And remain conscious of your blessings and victories – all the things in your life that are right. Focus on what you have, not on what you haven’t.
18. Start forgiving yourself and others. – We’ve all been hurt by our own decisions and by others. And while the pain of these experiences is normal, sometimes it lingers for too long. We relive the pain over and over and have a hard time letting go. Forgiveness is the remedy. It doesn’t mean you’re erasing the past, or forgetting what happened. It means you’re letting go of the resentment and pain, and instead choosing to learn from the incident and move on with your life.
19. Start helping those around you. – Care about people. Guide them if you know a better way. The more you help others, the more they will want to help you. Love and kindness begets love and kindness. And so on and so forth.
20. Start listening to your own inner voice. – If it helps, discuss your ideas with those closest to you, but give yourself enough room to follow your own intuition. Be true to yourself. Say what you need to say. Do what you know in your heart is right.
21. Start being attentive to your stress level and take short breaks. – Slow down. Breath. Give yourself permission to pause, regroup and move forward with clarity and purpose. When you’re at your busiest, a brief recess can rejuvenate your mind and increase your productivity. These short breaks will help you regain your sanity and reflect on your recent actions so you can be sure they’re in line with your goals.
22. Start noticing the beauty of small moments. – Instead of waiting for the big things to happen – marriage, kids, big promotion, winning the lottery – find happiness in the small things that happen every day. Little things like having a quiet cup of coffee in the early morning, or the delicious taste and smell of a homemade meal, or the pleasure of sharing something you enjoy with someone else, or holding hands with your partner. Noticing these small pleasures on a daily basis makes a big difference in the quality of your life.
23. Start accepting things when they are less than perfect. – Remember, ‘perfect’ is the enemy of ‘good.’ One of the biggest challenges for people who want to improve themselves and improve the world is learning to accept things as they are. Sometimes it’s better to accept and appreciate the world as it is, and people as they are, rather than to trying to make everything and everyone conform to an impossible ideal. No, you shouldn’t accept a life of mediocrity, but learn to love and value things when they are less than perfect.
24. Start working toward your goals every single day. – Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Whatever it is you dream about, start taking small, logical steps every day to make it happen. Get out there and DO something! The harder you work the luckier you will become. While many of us decide at some point during the course of our lives that we want to answer our calling, only an astute few of us actually work on it. By ‘working on it,’ I mean consistently devoting oneself to the end result. Read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
25. Start being more open about how you feel. – If you’re hurting, give yourself the necessary space and time to hurt, but be open about it. Talk to those closest to you. Tell them the truth about how you feel. Let them listen. The simple act of getting things off your chest and into the open is your first step toward feeling good again.
26. Start taking full accountability for your own life. – Own your choices and mistakes, and be willing to take the necessary steps to improve upon them. Either you take accountability for your life or someone else will. And when they do, you’ll become a slave to their ideas and dreams instead of a pioneer of your own. You are the only one who can directly control the outcome of your life. And no, it won’t always be easy. Every person has a stack of obstacles in front of them. But you must take accountability for your situation and overcome these obstacles. Choosing not to is choosing a lifetime of mere existence.
27. Start actively nurturing your most important relationships. – Bring real, honest joy into your life and the lives of those you love by simply telling them how much they mean to you on a regular basis. You can’t be everything to everyone, but you can be everything to a few people. Decide who these people are in your life and treat them like royalty. Remember, you don’t need a certain number of friends, just a number of friends you can be certain of.
28. Start concentrating on the things you can control. – You can’t change everything, but you can always change something. Wasting your time, talent and emotional energy on things that are beyond your control is a recipe for frustration, misery and stagnation. Invest your energy in the things you can control, and act on them now.
29. Start focusing on the possibility of positive outcomes. – The mind must believe it CAN do something before it is capable of actually doing it. The way to overcome negative thoughts and destructive emotions is to develop opposing, positive emotions that are stronger and more powerful. Listen to your self-talk and replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Regardless of how a situation seems, focus on what you DO WANT to happen, and then take the next positive step forward. No, you can’t control everything that happens to you, but you can control how you react to things. Everyone’s life has positive and negative aspects – whether or not you’re happy and successful in the long run depends greatly on which aspects you focus on. Read The How of Happiness.
30. Start noticing how wealthy you are right now. – Henry David Thoreau once said, “Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.” Even when times are tough, it’s always important to keep things in perspective. You didn’t go to sleep hungry last night. You didn’t go to sleep outside. You had a choice of what clothes to wear this morning. You hardly broke a sweat today. You didn’t spend a minute in fear. You have access to clean drinking water. You have access to medical care. You have access to the Internet. You can read. Some might say you are incredibly wealthy, so remember to be grateful for all the things you do have.

Haven't blogged for donkey years.

A lot of thoughts running through my mind. Sometimes I wish I could select the thoughts that I do not want, and clear them.

But I guess that is why I have to depend on God so much more. There is only so much that I can do. But if He is in the equation, He enables me to do even greater, even more.

I got to to learn to be bolder. Cannot always be that nice guy, especially if I am being put into a position of responsibilities.

Learning to be accepting. There are just so many things happening on the inside of people, that we have no idea of. Man sees the surface, and we make so many conclusions based on it. Though some of them help, it is just surface deep.

What shows on the outside, might not exactly be what's happening on the inside.

There are just so many things happening all around.

Rebuilding the walls, fending off attacks and worshiping Him at the same time.

Quite recently, I was reminded of an encounter I had.

I shared this encounter with my cellgroup, during my first ever birthday celebrations in church.

I saw myself as a painter and there were canvases in front of me. Some canvas were plain, some were torn and some had been painted on before but the colours were dull.

Then I saw the canvases being restored, given a fresh coat of paint. They look brand new.

In my hands was a palette, full of colours. I started adding colours to the canvases and one by one, the vibrant colours filled the canvas.. I was very pleased with the work, the transformation.

Then I heard myself telling my CG members that I want to be a painter for God, adding colours into the lives of others, and watch their lives transformed by the glory and power of God.

Joel
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Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

- Steve Jobs
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This deserves another post in my blog.

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

I found motivation, 2 yrs ago, by this quote. Today, I'm motivated, once again, to take the step, to trust, to have faith, to learn, to devote. Even if I fail, I know I have tried.

Joel
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I am destined for greatness!

Visualize awesomeness in my life, and God using me awesomely!

I am going to be awesomely used by my awesome God!

This is an awesome day!

AWESOME!

There are wounds that never seem to heal. You would think that everything is fine, until you pick on the wound and it bleeds again.

Maybe it's not as painful anymore, but there's this tinge of emotions mixed together.

Or I should just leave the wound alone.

What are you chasing for in life? Many people chase after their own dreams and aspirations. They seek a good life, one's that stable, secure and well organized.

Their life goes one everyday without fuss and there's comfort, peace and joy in all that they do.

But are they really really happy?

I guess I'd never know the answer.

I have absolutely no doubt that God is a good God and no matter what we choose, He would still bless and prosper us. However we live in a broken down world and there are so many bad things happening all around us. Lives are lost, children being abandoned and people dying from diseases.

Living a stable, secure life does sound enticing. One doesn't have to worry about what to eat, dress and sleep. There's a constant supply of income and an assurance that you are taken care of.

It all sounds like a good and well thought out plan, until one is being asked, "Where is the God factor?"

In all that one does, where is God? Has God been factored out of the equation? Has God lost His place because one didn't get what he wanted and decides to take things into his own hands?

Nothing wrong desiring a safe, stable and secure life.

But where's God in the plan?

Esau factored God out of his life. Caine ran away from God. Their lives wasn't so bad. They built cities, had kings and all the money that they wanted. But God saw their hearts and their carnal nature.

Jacob received his calling and became Israel. His life wasn't as "perfect" as Esau, but Jacob listened to God and was obedient. Seth and his descendants ran towards God, unlike Caine.

What may seem really "fun" and exciting doesn't mean the best option for me.

Where is God in all that I do, in all that I plan? What is the God factor in my life?

For the longest time possible, I have been denying, avoiding. I wanted out, run away, escape from all these. But I was wrong.

God is a God of second chances. God of new beginnings. Old things have passed away, and He makes all things new.

Doesn't matter what has happened in the past. I am now a new creation and God can and will use me. Doesn't matter what I have been through, He can use those experiences and glorify His name. Doesn't matter what I have done, His blood covers my sins.

But what matters is if I am doing what He wants me to do.

I do not have much to offer, nothing great to sacrifice. All I desire is to have a heart after Jesus. One that is pure.

Its never about me. But its about Him.

My life, lived for Jesus and His glory, for people to find God through me.



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Cross of Calvary

What does the Cross mean to you?

I had an interesting dream last night.

I dreamt I was in the mind of Christ as He was being whipped and scorned by the roman soldiers.

I dreamt that He was thinking about me while going through all the physical pain, and He said, "For you, I will go through all these pain and suffering."

I dreamt that He had a smile on His blood stained face as He thought about me, free from sin.

I dreamt that even though I may disappoint and hurt Him from time to time, He still believes in me.

I dreamt that as He's being crucified onto the Cross, He assured me that everything is going to be ok, He's in control.

Jesus had done everything for me. What have I done for Him?

It is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me.

How did Jesus go through all the suffering, and not complain?

He really loves you and me. So much that He laid down His life, just for you and me.

Simple truths, yet so powerful.


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XCEL 2011 Promo

Stronger 2012 - Promo

Found: Lost Pictures of New York Blizzard

Story of how an American found a roll of negatives, developed it and eventually finding the owners of the negatives

Found: Lost Pictures of New York Blizzard PART 2

Found: Lost Pictures of New York Blizzard PART 3

Random thought

Pastor Kong truly loves CHC.

After conducting Church Wide Bible Study from Tuesday to Thursday, he preaches live in all 6 services in Jurong West with passion and conviction.

Stirring our hearts, getting ready for Suntec.

Entering the promised land in 2 weeks!

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Lady Antebellum - Things People Say (music video)

Nice song :)

PS-22 Sings Man in the Mirror Tribute to Michael Jackson

What do you see in these kids?

PS22 Chorus "VIVA LA VIDA" Coldplay (acoustic guitar version)

PS22 Chorus "DON'T STOP BELIEVIN'" Journey

The geek in me has taken over.

http://www1.ap.dell.com/sg/en/home/notebooks/laptop-alienware-m17x/pd.aspx?refid=laptop-alienware-m17x&s=dhs&cs=sgdhs1

Buy this for Joel, to express your love for him.

=D

Dream

I dreamt on the way to Church.

The key to forgetfulness is to recreate your memories.

Its easy to forgive, but the hardest part is usually to forget. You forgive the person, but find it hard to forget what the person did.

While recreating memory may trigger a burst of pain, it leaves a bittersweet effect. A new memory is created.

Over time, the hurts and pains are gone and what's left are the newly created memories, good ones, that tide you through.
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Putting God first

Matthew 6:33 - "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

Very familiar verse, very commonly used by Christians.

Seek first the Kingdom of God. In all that we do, we seek God first. But we do not just stop at seeking God first, we are to seek righteousness as well.

Seeking first the Kingdom of God means putting God first in your life. In your choices, you choose to put Him above everything else.

You make sacrifices and adjustments so that God gets the priority. But if its between honouring our parents and Church? I believe that's when the righteousness part comes to play.

Yes, we still seek God first, but when its something critical at home and it requires your personal attention, I believe the right thing to do is to attend to your household.

But if its something trivial, like a party, I really believe that adjustments can be made to attend Church Services first.

I like what the Message Bible says "Steep your life in God-reality, God-initative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met"

Righteousness- Morally right, doing what is right, fair and just.

I believe in putting God first and I believe in doing the right things.

Attending Church Service and Cell Group Meetings are vital to Spiritual Growth. Its not just about coming together to meet a bunch of people and have fun together.

Its all about character development and spiritual development.

Through your interaction with members, your character is being challenged. Resist the temptation to gossip about someone else, resist the temptation to ignore those who are different from you.

Take this opportunity to enlarge your heart, to not look inwardly, but to look to the needs of others and to work towards fulfilling their needs.

Its always the easy way out to stay in your comfort zone and do what you love to do. But once you get uncomfortable, you're stepping out, you're growing and developing skills and character. You'll do what you don't like to do and you'll love those who are just so different from you.

So when you have sought after God and His righteousness, all these things will be added to you.

Most people will think of wealth, abundance, material possessions. I believe in financial abundance, but is that what's gonna make you feeling really blessed?

I can be financially blessed, but die without making a single impact on Earth. But if I've made a difference in someone's life, I know most likely its because of my financial abilities.

How can I feed someone, if I can't feed myself?

How can I share the good news of the gospel, when I am suffering and in lack?

Do not worry! Put God first in your life. Stay righteous! God will provide for you and you'll be blessed! There's no losing out when you sacrifice for God.

"So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen."

Will you seek Him first today?
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Thoughts

At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what my timetable looks like, what I am teaching or what I am doing.

What matters is that

My students gets inspired and motivated to study.

They graduate with good credits, entering a course they desire in ITE, Polytechnics or JC.

They learnt that they are the master of their life and the choices they make today can determine their future.

And they also learn that there's always grace and second chances available for them.

No one's a failure.

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Hillsong - What The World Will Never Take - With Subtitles/Lyrics - HD ...

Dynamic.

Taylor Swift - Back to December

One of my favorite songs of Taylor Swift. =)

Nice scenes!

I've got the strangest allocation of lessons this year.

Geography, Social Studies and Elementary Math for NT.

Hmm......... Strange.

In the year 2011, my resolutions/hopes and wishes are-

1. CGL

2. Get into the Social Sciences of SMU, do well for my mods and get a decent GPA of 3.0 and above

3. Run 2-3x weekly, clocking at least 5km per run

4. Work out/gym 2-3x weekly

5. Get my driving licence

Joel
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RSA Animate - Changing Education Paradigms

Awesome food for thought by Ken Robinson =)

Christmas/Birthday Wishlist!

All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth... Not!

Woopieeee! Christmas! I'm probably the last person on earth to get a feel of the Christmas Spirit.

Every year, without fail, I post my wishlist online, in hope of a kind soul who's thinking of showering me with gifts.

So here goes.

1. Flashy running shoes, size 10.5
2. Hugo Boss T-Shirts, size S
3. Zara Jeans (Slim Fit), size 30
4. Emma Watson's mobile number. :D
5. The Best of Foxtrot by Bill Amend, $77 @ Kino
6. MacBook Pro 17"
7. Fully Equipped Gaming Desktop
8. Bose Speakers
9. A blank cheque to buy everything above :)

Woopieee! Let the blessings come!!

Joel
Hohoho!
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The Presence of God

Its not just how melodious, or lack of it, I sing,
Its not just how fluent or persuasive I may be,
Its not just how the technical details are fulfilled,

But its the love of God, and the love for His people that brings the presence of God into the lives of people.

Joel

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Time flies.

A year has past.

As I look back, I wonder if I have made developments, growth and progress in life.

I've slayed some lions, had victories and humbling times.

I've walked, ran, limped and dragged myself through. I didn't really have a good start in the year 2010. But God is ever so faithful.

The victories, favour, blessings and grace I received overwhelmed me. God is really a good God.

Darryl said 2010 gonna be a year of breakthroughs; it sure is.

I thank God for all that He has done.
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Harry Potter | Marchin On

One of the most awesome Harry Potter videos + the music.

One Republic - Marchin' On.

They are boyband? Not bad for a boyband eh?

Five Loaves and Two Fishes - Corrinne May (Illustrated)

Corrinne May - Five Loaves and Two Fishes

Five For Fighting - Superman (It's Not Easy)

Never tired of listening to this song.

Sunrise @ Bintan

Sitting in a hut, by the beach in Bintan. Its only 5.47am local time, but the sky is bright and clear blue.

I wonder if the sun has risen.

Listening to the waves crash periodically has its therapeutic effects. Who else, but God, orchestrated all these to happen.

He set the skies and oceans in place. The landforms, rock formations and all, He crafted them.

The gentle breeze never ceases, seemingly rushing to another place; carrying a message.

The rustling of the leaves make the trees alive; as though they are communicating with each other.

Dark clouds threaten to overwhelm the blue skies, strong winds beating against the wind struck trees. But out of every storm comes a new story, the silver lining.

When there's movement, there's life. Dead logs, cut up into small stumps, look strong and sturdy. But they are dead. Yet the young shoot of a tree is full of life, bursting forth with leaves, reaching for the sky.

I sit here in the hut, there's so much to be amazed of. Yet why do people choose to be emo about life?

Life is an adventure with God. Yes, things happen and it shakes us. But take joy! You're alive! I'd rather be the young shoot that reaches for the skies. Even though I'll never touch the clouds, but I won't despair; I keep reaching for the skies.

While I may feel stretched, pained and agony, I keep going on. A dead tree is only good to be a stump, you'll never be able to achieve what you once thought possible; touch the skies.

Do not stop believing. God is in control. The universe, the orbits of the planets, distance between each other; all meticulously calculated by God.

He has formed you, thought great thoughts of you.

Don't give up.
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This is my 800th post =)

-

Just came back from 2N1's class chalet. Somehow, 2N1 is still very dear to me. Despite not being able to teach anyone of them Geography in the first term, or torturing them during PE lessons, I do enjoy my limited time with them.

I was quite encouraged that I'm more like a friend to them, and some of them feel more comfortable with me around.

Well, I never had a chance to say, but I am really awesomely proud of 2N1 =)

Travelling

Travelling on the train and buses are somewhat becoming really private.

On the journey, I reflect on my thoughts, actions and future.

As much as I find myself holding on to the past, I confess and visualise a positive future.

Need to lean on God more.
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The Prodigal

Life's kinda too short to be stuck in the past.

I am moving forward, speaking positive confessions, believing in myself and God.

Time to be bold, consecrated and courageous.

Filled with the love of God, receiving and giving His love freely.

I will smile in the face of adversities, strengthen my strengths and manage my weaknesses.

I will be upward looking, not inward; at my own weaknesses and imperfections. God is able and He will.

I will learn from every experience, because He's gonna use them all, for someone that needs and for me to grow.

I will be who God called me to be.

Joel

It's been a million years since I last blogged. Feeling rusty.

Still deciding if I should write about that person. But I think it's rather redundant now. She's not gonna read it and she's happier than before.

Perhaps I just got myself to blame. My actions propelled her away and being 50,000 miles apart, it is really quite difficult to hold on to me; something that hurt you so much all the time.

Recent revelation shook me up a little. I guess I never wanted to know, even though the possibly is great. I haven't really dealt with it and I guess because I'm ready for it, God revealed it.

Was like a floodgate of emotions, but this time, I was able to control my emotions pretty well. I felt stronger and in control.

Thank God for a really understanding friend at that ungodly time.

To you, and you, I am really happy for you both.

Joel

Don't write me off just yet (with subtitles)

PoP! Goes My Heart - 80's Parody - Hugh Grant

This is SOOOO awesome.

I have a friend. He's very cool.

He's always hanging around me, encouraging me on. He's the best cheerleader you can ever find, cheering me on during the difficult times.

He's full of wisdom, analyzes every single situation with great detail and gives me excellent advise.

He's full of purpose. When I am tired of what I am doing, he comes on and remind me of the purposes.

He's full of joy. He's able to find joy in the simplest of things, teaching me valuable lessons of being contend with what I have now and at the same time, cherish and treasure valuable things before they are gone.

He's full of character. Even when tough times comes, he doesn't crack or lose his temper. He has reminded me countless of times when I have lost my temper, broke down emotionally and simply drained, that I can be a better person.

He's full of vision. Always believing in the potential of me, and everyone else, he has taught me that with the right amount of encouragement, time and belief, everyone can succeed.

He's full of love. Though I have made him angry many many times, he has not condemned or abandoned me. Though I have hung up on him many times, he keeps calling and messaging me.

He wakes up earlier than me, waits for me to wake and starts the day with excitement together with me.

This friend of mine is amazing.

His name is Jesus.

Do you know Him?

Norwegian Recycling - How Six Songs Collide

This is kinda old, but still nice!

Breakfast In Bed

Such an amazing dog!!

Amazing Dog Tricks by Paige the Border Collie!

This video makes me HAPPYYYYYY!!!

Jie: Why isn't Scout as smart as Paige!? Almost the same family of dogs mah!

God does not need a perfect vessel to do His work. He uses a willing vessel, one that is broken.

The smell a cologne cannot be appreciated if it's not applied by the user. Only when the cologne is released, the fragrance can be appreciated by yourself, and the people around you.

Similarly, the presence and the anointing of God cannot be released if you are not broken before Him.

To be broken is to be humble, willing, and dependent on Him.

The love of God cannot be felt if you are not broken.

How would people know that God loves them if you do not humble yourself and bear with their troubles?

It is in the darkest period of times when we feel the love of God the strongest. It is in that period of time, your friends gather around you and support you. It's during that period of time, when you are all broken and humbled, crying out to God.

In the dark, all you need is a little light.

Are we being the light that shines and guides people to God during their dark periods? Or are we also blinded by the darkness?

The blind sense where they are going through their touch, or walking stick. Even they have a direction, they know where to go.

Do we know where to go when we are blinded? Do we sit down, lament and blame the circumstance, or do we sense what God is doing, where God is leading and how He is leading?

For that one sheep that strayed away, the shepherd would leave the ninety nine behind.

Isn't he afraid that the ninety nine would be scattered?

Psalms 23:1
¹ The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.

For a sheep to lie down, the sheep has to feel total security and comfort. The shepherd makes the sheep lie down. The shepherd makes them comfortable, feel secure and safe.

How do you become comfortable, secure and safe? When you become broken before God, allowing Him to do a work in your life, in your attitudes.

Brokenness maybe painful, but it releases the fragrance of God that attracts people who are blind, people who are seeking for directions.

The fragrance of God gives them hope, direction and purpose.

Are you going to be the one that makes a difference in someone's life today?

She has to be the cutest, smartest and most creative 4 yr old toddler I've ever seen. Haha..

Back from the Fired Up Camp!

Its probably one of the best camps I ever participated in. It felt like Asia Conference, in a zone level.

Our sessions with Pst MJ and Jason were amazing. It was like a build up on each other and I just got so hungry and thirsty for more of His presence and His Word.

Learnt and got reminded of many thing regarding leadership.

I went to the camp, guarded, ready for any form of sudden "arrows", thinking that it would be a "step out of your comfort zone" camp. But I was totally wrong. Right from the first session, I could feel myself breaking, and desiring for more of Him.

The floodgates opened when Jason ministered to us on the second day. I really cannot express what went on during that period of time, but all I know is that I do not want to depend on my own natural strength to lead anymore.

I desire to move in signs and wonders, in sensitivity towards the Holy Spirit and in obedience to Him.

I could feel what a shepherd should be like, caring and tending for his sheep, no matter what happens.

I could feel the heartbreak and burden for a sheep that's wayward, the love and acceptance for the sheep and the sense of joy a shepherd has for the sheep.

Learnt about leadership too. Achieving the objective that was being set for us.

It's gonna be a greater time ahead!

06 City Harvest Church - Out Of My Hands

Asia Conference 2010 was more than amazing.

First night session felt like the grand finale already. In fact, every single session felt like a home run, increasing the faith and expectancy of every single member.

Believing what Dr Cho prophesied; CHC will be the largest church in the world, led by Pst Kong.

Thus that also meant that the Church and Pastor will definitely go through testings.

And so swiftly, they came.

My stand?

I have my complete trust and faith in Pastor Kong, the Church and the leadership.

Hero - Marathon of Hope

The first marathon I ever ran was The Terry Fox Run!

I wonder if it is still organized in Singapore.

Keep getting the goosebumps listening to History Maker. Somebody get me the DVD of their last gig in London!!

Delirious? (History Maker) Live From Final Gig In London

Delirious - History Maker

Probably one of the few songs that really touches my heart whenever I listen to it, even after so many years.

Fondly recall singing to this song during Emerge 2004. Tears simply flowed, confessing and believing that God has made me to be a history maker.

Arms around the brothers beside me, we just kept praising and jumping throughout.

It was such a magical moment.

It was at Emerge Conference 2004, I believed God has a great plan for me. I believed He has a specific purpose and He will make us all History Makers.

When Delirious came and perform for FOP. I was thrilled, honored and privileged to serve Martin Smith, the lead singer of Delirious. For all three days, I ran beside him, got him strepsils, honey water and bottled water.

Delirious performed for two more years and I had the honor of being with Martin Smith.

Like what he said in the video, Delirious is who they are because of the people.

It's because of their song, that liberated so many people. People believed what they sang and shook the planet.

I started listening to this song again recently. It has been on repeat in my iPod and I really believe what the song says, "I'm gonna be a history maker in this land, I'm gonna be a speaker of truth to all mankind."

Yes I'm gonna be a history maker, a speaker of truth to all mankind.

Joel

Be Glorified

Simple lyrics, yet so powerful.

Thankful that I went for CG yesterday. I guess I really missed the "shooting" from Darryl. Haha..

Really appreciative/thankful/grateful that I've the privilege to attend W372 Cellgroup Meetings, till I'm barred from attending.. =P

Blink of an eye, it's been 7 years I've been attending Church. Been through storms, valleys and paradise. So much has changed in Church, in the people around me and myself.

But for all that I went through, I can't help but be extremely thankful for going through them. Every single experience has made me a better person, stronger and wiser. I am not the finished product yet, I have my flaws, but I know the God I worship has great plans for me.

He has not condemned me for my mistakes, He has not forsaken me and He remembers me.

Condemnation comes from the devil, to stop us from doing great things for God.

God convicts us, gives us the strength to try again. Each time we fall, He doesn't laugh at our shortcomings. But He quickly comes and lifts us up, encourages us to continue walking forward.

God is not a God that would lie.

He's not a God that sits on the throne, waiting to punish you with His lightning rod. He's not a God that demands you to do miracles for Him. He's not a God that expects you to become a Saint overnight.

He simply wants to fellowship with you, He wants you to know Him.

He's your cheerleader whenever you go through tests, He's your no. 1 fan and He wants to be your best friend.

No matter what happens, He will never disappoint you.

He is in control.

It's gonna be an amazing year. 2010, a year of breakthrough for me, for many people.

I will not be hesitant, will not forget the promises, will not fear, will not look back anymore.

Jesus, be glorified in the earth

1 Cor 13:11
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

I guess God is molding my character, big time.

Finding myself losing my cool a little easily and getting really gritty at times. Doesn't help a lot when I'm fasting.

Hungry man = angry man?

Need to stretch my capacity.

Love all, serve all.

Help me Jesus.

Eyjafjallajökull - You're doing it wrong!

Phil 3:13
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

What if we looked at every child, with the purest of hearts? Believing in their potential and their ability to excel in life.

Their strengths may not be in their studies, in their attitudes or in their behavior.

They may have given you so much trouble, it frustrates you all the time.

But despite all these, would you still forgive and love them?

Would you still give your 101% to nurture every single one of them?

Would you love those that you find hard to love? People that are constantly rebutting you or putting you down.

Wouldn't it be a better place if every child was treated equally, with respect and the expectancy to do great things in life?

Despite the negative outcomes, every child desires to achieve something.

May not be a teacher-student relationship.

The person maybe your close friend, a good friend.

Let's not get too comfortable, time to mold, stretch and contain.

Recently I went to my friend's Church dedication service.

It may be a young Church, but the leaders of the Church were way beyond their age, in terms of maturity.

Humble, serving and proactive, I was really blessed by their acts of service. They made sure everyone was comfortable, greeted and served.

Above that, they were radical for God.

Radical.

A word that we seldom use to describe Christians now. Used to be a word that I would frequently hear. Even for myself, I wouldn't say I am radical, yes I am on fire, passionate. But radical? I have my own doubts.

When my friend shared about the members/leaders of her Church. I nearly teared. The sacrifices they made to build God a house, the things they did daily just to save that extra cent and the vision that had, in sync with their leader, was just constantly in their mind everyday. The extra miles they went, just to build God a house.

And they were secondary school students. Youths.

I was really blown away.

A young youthfy Church, being able to rent a space and pay for it every month.

I am not suggesting that my CG or Church's youth is bad. But there is this Spirit that seems to be lacking.

A Spirit of determination, breakthrough. This excitement in their Spirit, to live and die for Jesus. This pioneering Spirit, wanting to try new and creative things. The Spirit to serve others, to love everyone and to make their day.

I was greatly blessed by the service and I really believe my youths CAN and WILL be RADICAL for Jesus.

As for myself, I really believe that service was a wake up call. Time to gear up, and not look back.

Our life is a message.

Whose story are you writing for?

In life, we ought to be

Simple but not naive
Sophisticated but not complicated
Confident but not arrogant
Meek by not weak

Not just about being an idealist, opportunist or a realist

Its about being

a light in the dark
a guide to the blind
a comforter
a true friend

Ultimately, it's all about being like Christ

People will believe the message you're sharing, when you become the message in their lives.

What is motivating you today?

What are the motives in your heart?

Are you coming to Church/bringing friends/attending cellgroup meetings/prayer meetings/zone meetings because you love God, because of the people you met, because of someone or because you have to?

Day in, day out. Week in, week out. Weeks, months and years.

Proverbs 4:23

"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life."

God, keep my heart pure.

It is You I live for.

Fall in love with You once again, lost in Your presence.

Psalms 50:22-23 (MSG)
"Time's up for playing fast and loose with me. I'm ready to pass sentence, and there's no help in sight! It's the praising life that honors me. As soon as you set your foot on the Way, I'll show you my salvation."

Psalms 51:16-17

"Going through the motions doesn't please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my price was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice."

Break me.

Let your anointing flow through me.

Pixar's Up - Married Life

This is a really good piece of music.. (:

Love the show!

Back from an awesome service by Pastor Tan.

We had a guest singer, Zac Kao, from Hong Kong coming to share with us his testimony.

Basically his testimony was about how he led a carefree life, getting into relationships and all sorts. His testimony was amazing. I really feel that he touched on many sensitive areas that many young people are struggling with, or are just confused about.

As he was sharing his testimony, I really couldn't help but be amazed by his courage.

It is really not easy to stand up on stage, share with everyone your past mistakes and failures, encouraging youths to not give up hope on God and to always pursue a Godly life. Wow!

That really blew my mind away.

And it's not like he's some old grandfather. He's still young, with a huge career ahead of him!

I really believe this is what brokenness brings into our lives. When we are so broken before God, we are willing to be used by Him. Our past failures, disappointments and embarrassment can be used by God for His glory, showing everyone His grace, mercy and love.

How many times have we allowed self pride to control us? Just because we want to look good in front of everyone, we put up an false act. How long can we keep up that act?

Why think yourself to be that perfect person on Earth?

I think it's so much easier to be a person that's real, has the courage to admit his mistakes and is broken.

Someone that allows the Holy Spirit to come into his life, and starts living in a Spirit-filled life.

I really love what Pastor said regarding conflicts, strive and all. It's really easy to be condemning, judgmental and all, because it's the flesh! It's always easy to point fingers at others, blame them and become self righteous because you do not want to go through the pain of admitting mistakes and the consequence of it.

But when you have the Holy Spirit in your life, when you are broken, no matter what happens you allow the character of God to come forth during that situation.

You will be the first to forgive, to love, to reconcile.

I really believe that we would be tested in this area almost every stage of our lives. Many times I have failed in the past, but I hope not fail this test again.

Let's be the big hearted ones, the ones carrying the presence of God!

Whatever issues, past hurts and disappointments we have, it's time to give it all to God.

Starting from today, I will push my boundaries of love. Even to those who are different from me.

God, help me!

Being serious with the Kingdom of God.

We are now living in a time where we cannot afford to play with God.

The Kingdom of God is sacred; It is Holy.

As a human being, we can achieve a certain standard, which may even surpass many. Even when it comes to the Kingdom of God.

But when you want to do extraordinary things for Him. You need Him.

To stay relevant, anointed and see growth, we really need God.

At the same time, we need to work. The harvest is ready for collection. We are mobilized to bring in the harvest, before it's too late.

Focus, focus and focus.

“ Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords, And strengthen your stakes. "

The Call of God.

When the call of God is issued, how many people respond? Many are called, but few are chosen. Many people responded for the altar call, but how many burn on, for Him, for His Kingdom and for His glory?

Why do so many people fall away, get tempted by other offers or burnt out?

If You're willing, I am willing.

Last night, we had a youth meeting with Pastor Kong. Pastor has a burden; the percentage of youths in our Church has dropped drastically.

Youths; the next generation of leaders.

Are we going to sit back and watch the revival die down in this generation? Are we going to sit back and watch the Church, dying and losing its cutting edge?

Let it not happen for my generation. The world today needs Christ more than ever before. This lack of faith, hope and love, evidently missing in everyone's life. We are now living in a "I, me, myself" world.

Will someone lay down his life, out of his comfort zone and trust in Him and know He is the true God and He will come true for him.

Will we see another Pst Kong, Pst Tan, Pst Derek, Pst Aries in our generation, taking the World by storm?

The burden to shoulder is great. But God says that My yoke is easy, My burden is light. Its a huge responsibility, but if God could raise up David when he was just a young shepherd boy, God will raise up someone to fulfill the will of God for CHC.

The Call of God will not stop in this generation, neither would it stop at the next generation. The Call of God goes on, just as long someone is willing to sacrifice and pay the price for the anointing of God.

Lord, I am your vessel. You've chosen me. What I have today, is all because of You. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of God, than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

No matter the outcome, I will serve You.

The announcement has been made (:

I am really touched by the edification of Darryl as she was explaining to W372 the need for me to be transferred out. I think it caught everyone by surprise, as no one expected such a change. But I really believe with all my heart that the CG will grow even stronger with the new additions of Desmond, Valerie, Vanessa and Sue Ee.

This blog entry is dedicated to W372, the world shakers (:

Darryl:

Thank you for being the bestest leader I ever have. You are a great inspiration to me and I have really learnt a lot from you. Thank you for helping me grow as a person, to learn to open up and share my struggles and difficulties with others, especially you. Thank you for believing in me, even though I've made so many mistakes. I really believe that who I am today is what you have imparted into my life, through your prayers, preaching of the Word and discipleship sessions. I really am very grateful to have such a great leader in my life and I feel really blessed to have gone through (and hopefully go through more) of your sharing sessions. Thank you for being there for me during the darkest period of my life, your love and support really pulled me out of the valley. Thank you for being so understanding when I got confused and irrational, your grace really kept me from condemning myself. I am really blessed to be under your leadership for the past 1 year. I really hope and pray and also believe that this relationship will never stop! And I will continue to learn from you and Ming Jin! (:

Aloysius:

You've transformed so much! You came in quiet, not wanting to speak to anyone of us. But you just kept coming back week after week! I feel so encouraged to see you coming back every week, and even more encouraged when I see you engaging in conversations with the members. I really believe you're gonna continue transforming for the glory of God and you're gonna be such a great testimony for many!

Anton:

Hey dude! Future MIT Scholar! Really touched by what you shared in the past, that you love coming to Church and Cellgroup because of the songs, the preaching of the Word and the fellowship. I really hope and pray you will continue attending service and cellgroup and be a blessing to your school and family!

Bernard:

THE CHAMPION OF ASIA CONFERENCE'S BIGGEST LOSER!!!! I am confessing and believing together with you! I think you're the most positive and encouraging friend. Really enjoy the times with you, ever since SOT days; especially during our mission trip to KK! Haha! Such great memories. (: I really believe you're gonna shine in Drama Ministry and I am looking forward to your performance during Easter!!

Brian:

Thanks for being so willing to drive the ladies around after service! Your willingness to serve is really amazing and you are always willing to go the extra mile for others. I really believe God has placed you in Keat Hong Camp for a specific reason and He has a great plan for you. Stay strong in the face of adversity and no matter what happens, believe and trust in Him alright? (:

Eugene:

My brother who fought alongside with me for 9 years. (: You've seen how my life has been transformed by God, the same God that you love and worship. If God can do it for me, He can do it for you too. God doesn't require a perfect vessel, but He's looking for one that's willing. Circumstances maybe difficult, but never let go of God. I really hope to see you soon. (:

Gabriel:

Thank you for giving me a chance to be a part of your life. You're always so willing to take on projects, duties and all. What others are unwilling to you, you are always willing to stand in the gap. I really believe this willingness will bring you to great heights! I also believe that whatever you've been through, God has a reason and in due season, you will understand why you went through some of the darkest periods of your life. I also believe as you set to achieve your heart's desire, you will start to see doors opening for you (: Keep on keeping on! And you are our ASIA CONFERENCE MAN HUNT CHAMPION!!! (:

Georgina:

HEY!! Future vet ok! I will bring my doggies to your clinic and you can be their doctor! (: Thanks for being so faithful to take care of the members that attend Sunday Service! You will ensure that they have taken their lunch before CG and also ensure that they arrive safely for CG. Thanks for trusting in me, even after several incidents and thank you for being such a wonderful friend, I know that you're always watching my back (:

Ginger:

The Fashionista of the CG! Always coming to service with really cool dresses and style. You too have transformed so much! You're now always serving the CG, booking seats and preparing Darryl's place for refreshments. And serving us with food!! So that we all would be happy and well fed! Thank you for being so willing and early for CG! It's so amazing that you would cycle down to Darryl's place every Sunday and you're always one of the earliest to reach. I'm really looking forward to greater transformation from you and I believe you're gonna be such a great blessing to your family and friends in school!

Guo En:

Our CG's Cristiano Ronaldo! I really see your effort in trying to build relationship with your parent. I really believe that as you continue to be a blessing to your family, and to love them, they will start to respond back to you in love. There will always be things that you will never understand, but I guess that's the beauty of life. (: don't allow circumstances to drag you down! I really believe that you love God with all your heart and I really believe that you've made arrangements just to attend service and CG. PROUD OF YOU!!

John:

It's all written in your birthday card, which you've yet to receive. :P I'm really blessed to have you together with me for 2 years. Watching you grow is really very exciting! It's like an dormant volcano that suddenly becomes active!! Very very exciting! I really believe that you're gonna grow and stretch like never before. And I really believe you will achieve your dreams! MJ always reminds me that my destiny is in my hands, likewise, your destiny is in your hands! You can do it!

Joseph:

The ever secure brother. Very busy lately! Really hope to see you back in action! I believe the CG misses having you around during CG meetings! Once you come back from Taiwan, lets meet up and catch up alright? (:

Kiat Kiong:

Ok! I spelled your name correctly here =P I am really encouraged by your conviction to come Church and Cellgroup! It's really amazing to see you serving in POD and wherever that requires help. I really believe that as you embark on your next phrase in life in Polytechnic, you're gonna have a headstart and you will start influencing your peers! Stay excited for the things of God and never let Him go!

Kiat Seng:

Our champion volunteer, future social entrepreneur and leader in the marketplace (: When I see you, I get reminded of this - Never despise small beginnings. I really believe that you will be able to achieve the goals you desire of. Thanks for all the hugs that you give, takes my breath away (literally)

Meiyan:

SOT Student! Proud of you! I'm very sure that your life will be drastically transformed after going through SOT! You will be confident, strong and anointed! I really believe you're gonna make a difference in the lives of many people! Jiayou!!

Meihui:

Thanks for giving me the chance to leave such a deep impression in your life. I am really honored and humbled (: I think you are one of the most cheerful people in the CG and you really can build atmosphere very well! You're always thinking of others, always interested in what they are doing. I really think you would make a wonderful connect group leader! Continue to shine and do well in Oosh! Remember me when you're a famous hair dresser!! (:

Meilin:

Martial Arts Exponent! Don't mess around with this lady because she can bring you down in 1 move. Haha (: Thanks for blessing me tickets to Fishball Pingpong! I really think that you're a person with a HUGE capacity! Serving so actively in JAMs and always willing to queue and book seats at expo! Thank you for really fighting alongside with me and covering my back! Really very encouraged by your acts of service for the CG and your love for everyone, including your JAMs members. Really believe you're gonna experience greater growth this year and you're gonna be a great blessing to W372 and to the JAMs ministry!

Pearly:

Thanks for being so patient with me! Thank you for fighting alongside with me, so strongly, and always believing and encouraging me! I think you've really received a lot of SMSes from me, asking many questions regarding Service and CG, but you've rarely lost your cool at me. Thanks for believing in me and trusting in me even though I was new and all. I really believe that the things that you've been praying and believing God for will come to past (: Don't get tired, but run in a manner that you would receive the prize!

Tallie:

The future Medical Doctor! One that will not charge exorbitant rates and one that really cares for the patients! I really believe you're gonna be awesome! I pray and hope that you'll grow even stronger in your walk with God, we are gonna see you rise up with maturity and wisdom, with great understanding of the bible and His ways! (: have faith and believe! Nothing is impossible!!

Trish:
ASIA CONFERENCE'S BEAUTY QUEEN!! I really feel super encouraged after that incident we had with you at the airport. You had a tough day at work and you broke down. But at the end of it, you picked yourself up and declared that you will still put in your best effort at work, no matter what happens. Till today I still remember what you said and I really see it happening in your life. No matter what happens, you always give your best. Even in CG refreshments! I will definitely miss eating your refreshments!! Really believe that you're gonna do great things for God, shine for Him and sign up for SOT next year!! SUNTEC! Haha..!

Valerie:

Thanks for the many months of sacrifice you made, playing the guitar for W372. We are really blessed to have you in the midsts of us! Thanks for fighting alongside with me all these while, you've really made a huge difference in my life. Thanks for ALL the encouragement that you've given me, all the advise, all the counselling during a particular rough period of time, deeply appreciated! Thank for watching out for me, reminding me to bring offering envelopes and all. I really believe W372 loves you a lot and they just can't wait to shower you with great love and blessings. And I also REALLY BELIEVE that you're gonna BREAKTHROUGH SOON! Haha! (: Thanks for running with me! I am really honored to serve alongside with you (:

Wei Lin:

You're really blessed you know? (: Do not be afraid to dream! I really believe God has great plans for you and He's gonna see you through every stage of your life. Even when you will be flying off to America soon, I really believe that you WILL make the trouble to travel 2 hours to Dr Bernard's Church every weekend. And I really believe that through you, your family and friends will be blessed by the love of God! (:

Wei Xin:

It's a pity that we won't get as much chances to interact! I really hope that your relationship will be blessed! And that you will come to Church often! Hang out with us more! Haha! Just remember that you are booked by W372 every Saturday at 5.30pm and Sunday at 2.00pm! Ok? The booking starts with immediate effect! See you this week! =P

Xin Yu:

Remember to do homework k? Don't be afraid of failing your small tests. Because if we never failed, we will never learn to succeed. I've failed so many times, I need a million pairs of hands to help me count. I really believe you can be the TOP student for your level in "O" Levels and I really believe that you will really be a blessing to your friends in school! And prepare refreshments often!! I will come back just to eat them! (I hope it's allowed!)

Xue Ni:

Haha! One of the greatest changes that I've got the privilege to witness. (: Thank you for being so willing to submit, even when you didn't feel like it. Thank you for fighting alongside with you, covering my back and always believing in me. It's really my privilege and honor and I've also learnt a lot from you. Really believe that God will continue to do amazing things in your life as you are in SOT this year. It's gonna be a wonderful journey for the next 6 months! Continue to grow, stretch your tents and be fruitful!

Yiquan:

My man! The gentle giant of W372. With you around, I have no worries. Thanks for standing in the gap for me when I was in UK and when I was going through a different period of time (: You're amazing! Your capacity to make people feel comfortable is amazing and I always love hanging out after service with you! You're gonna be a great financial adviser and I really believe you're gonna do great things for God! Let's WIN the Asia Conference Basketball Tournament TOGETHER!!

Esther, Siying, Stacy, Vanessa, Xin Yi:

I really wish I had more time to interact with you guys (: You're never forgotten by me. My prayers for each of you is that you will continue to be strong and successful in every area of your life. W372 will always be a place where you can call home. Give us a chance (:

Each and everyone of you have really made a difference in my life. I am really honored to be standing in the midsts of giants in W372 and I really believe that great things are going to happen!!

W372 - A Cellgroup that's bonded together, like a three-fold cord. Strong and unbreakable, with Christ strengthening us. A Cellgroup that's available for each other 7 days a week, going the extra mile for each other.

I love you guys (:

I was reminded of this message by Louis Giglio on how great is our God by a friend, who shared something similar.

Loaded the videos last year April, but I still think it's worth the time to watch the videos once again.

I am left speechless, amazed and touched.

Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKMw1ndl-EY
Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBkY1Ff46Bg&feature=related
Part 3 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVxdRrWjh0g&feature=related
Part 4 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6AB5IvogHc&feature=related
Part 5 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVBNKSjg-LQ&feature=related

Have fun watching the videos!

City Harvest Church Arise and Build 2010

ARE YOU READY!?

It all seemed like a dream.

It's MONDAY already! Gosh. The weekend has come and gone.

The whole world now knows that we are shifting to Expo by March 2011. Besides being super excited, I have no idea what else to describe this feeling inside of me. Greater things can only happen from now on.

God is simply good.

No matter what happens, the times that we fall flat on our faces and feel the pain, God is still good. These experiences has made me stronger, made us all tougher and made everyone have battle scars; proud to show it off.

Friends that never quit fighting, they fight along side with me.

For the past 3 months, I am truly appreciative of several friends that fought with me, leaders that shielded and defended me and a physical and spiritual family that's always there with me.

So much has changed and happened. But it's all good; for His glory.

No time to look back too. It's time to move full speed ahead; like what Romans 8 says-

"That's why I don't think there's any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what's coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens. All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy."

Elderly Couple of 62 Years plays piano

Will you be willing to live for the Kingdom of God? Where all your decisions is based on the Kingdom of God and for the rest of your life, you simply do the things of God.

Even when a greater and better offer comes to you, would you reject it and stay focused on the call that God has given to you?

Many are called, but few are chosen.

Is it because they are unwilling to serve? Could it be because they didn't want to pay the price?

Why is it that only a few are chosen?

Serving God demands sacrifices.

It's been a million years since I last ran. Since I had the morning free, I decided to go for a run, to burn some fats.

Made up my mind to run towards Bukit Timah Hill. The last time I did that, I was young and fit.

The run towards Bukit Timah Hill nearly killed me. But I managed to reach my goal.

Forgetting how tiring the walk up the hill would be, I gamely took it on. Barely up the steep slopes, I wanted to turn around. BUT, I didn't. Too many families around, even grandparents, seemingly finding it easy to walk up the hill.

Finally reached the peak of Bukit Timah Hill rest for 5 minutes before I started my descent. Decided to walk through the Dairy Farm Trail, since it's new and I have not walked through it before.

The peace and tranquility is ever-present. But I was too focused on my own pain, tiredness, that I didn't experience it until further.

As I was walking along the trail, suddenly I felt this prompting to not focus on my own tiredness, but focus on what's on the outside. I started to listen to the crickets, the birds and the silence.

I found myself getting stronger, feeling less ache and breathing normally.

Felt God telling me that many times we run after a vision so hard that we lose track of Him. We become so focused on ourselves, developing and giving our all that we forgot to tune back to Him.

Right from the beginning of the trail, there was a sign.

It didn't say the distance, or how long it would take.

I started off strong, covering great distances, thinking that it would be a short distance. But after walking through the terrain, I got tired and I wanted to give up. Not sure when would I reach my destination, I could have turned around; back to where I was familiar and take another route.

But as I continued walking, I learn to depend on God for strength and direction. A trail is there; someone has walked this road. I am simply walking on the route that giants before me have walked. If He wants to change my direction, a sign comes up and guides me towards the new direction. If not, I carry on walking on the trail.

Every step I took, my legs were trembling. It was tiring. There were steps, rocks and slopes ahead of me. The journey is hard, it's difficult. I went through obstacles and they were the only way to the end. I had to overcome them, else I wouldn't reach my destination.

But these obstacles make me stronger, even though I may feel tired now.

It felt as though Heaven wasn't open. I kept wondering when would I reach the end. I didn't even know where I am, which part of Bukit Timah Hill I'm in. But I keep moving forward.

But all these while, Heaven IS open. Else the journey would be dark and I'll be blinded by the darkness in the forest. Did I realize? Nope.

Met people along the way. Some maybe slower than you, some are walking towards you. Everyone of us are in our own race with God. He gives everyone a different vision, purpose and destiny. It would have been easy for me to walk with someone else; change my direction. But He has called me to this route, this destiny.

After the wilderness experience, the roads are paved. It's easier to walk. You're stronger; the sky is brighter and you know where you are. You are walking in your destiny.

But is that all? No!

I continue walking, till I reach my destination; my home.

Couldn't resist creating a tumblr page after viewing several friend's tumblrs.

Neat stuff.

Check it out!

www.joelkuek.tumblr.com

A flurry of emails this morning.

Unconditional Offers to both Environmental Science and Environmental Studies.

Decisions, decisions and more decisions.

I like this new blog skin!

Clean, simple and nice.

LOVE IT!

Planet Earth Long Trailer

Wow. Amazing.

Five Loaves and Two Fishes - Corrinne May (Illustrated)

For the longest time possible, I've neglected this blog. Uploading songs that I feel for and more, I think that was the best possible way of expressing myself.

Things have finally changed for the better.

Read through several old mails and I'm glad to say that it doesn't bring as much hurt as before. But more of a lesson learned. Nobody's at fault here, we are all journeying in this part of life and it's all a learning process.

Am glad that my relationship with my family is getting better. Dad's really an inspiration and a great source of comfort. Driving me to school every morning and literally talking about general things keeps me reminded that my parents really love me.

Several doors opened onto me and I'm excited about it. Yet I approach it cautiously; what is His best plan for me?

Feels like a long time, but it's only 1 month plus. Feel maturer, a little more understanding and graceful.

Truly, all things work for His purpose and glory; every rejection comes a new appointment (:

The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved lyrics

Overtone - Colorblind (Invictus OST)

The Fray: Never Say Never with lyrics

The Fray - How To Save A Life + Lyrics

In the midsts of everything, I shall sing a song of praise
My life, placed on the altar
I shall take a step, against all odds
Beated, battered and bruised
But unconquered I will be

ONCE: Falling Slowly

Michael Bublé - Haven't Met You Yet [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

Kris Allen - No Boundaries [Lyrics on Screen]

Nickelback Far Away

Nickelback-Gotta Be Somebody (lyrics)

BUILT TO LAST - Official Music Video