You are Holy

This song keeps playing over and over in my head recently. I am very ministered by these words ...
" i sing your praises forever, deeper in love with you. Here in your courts where i'm close to your throne, I've found where i belong.."
At a time where i seek desparately to find answers to my many questions...these words simply tells me to come to the place where my heart can be quiet and be at rest, where it truly belongs...

God who are you really ???

Abraham Tested
1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.

2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”

3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”

6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, 7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”

“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.

“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.

9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”

“Here I am,” he replied.

12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram[a] caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”



God is Jehovah Jireh... He will provide.

Failure ? Not

while the nation celebrates the achievements of the top PSLE students and the news are of success stories, a group of kids have to pick themselves up from probably the first major failure in their young life - those who failed their PSLE.
Today's news featured this group of students who went to Northlight School for their orientation. It might be quite a heartbreaking experience for them and their parents. While their peers get to mull over which Sec school to attend; they do not have much of a choice. Some parents chose to sit away from their kids (dissapointment, anger, shame) yet there are some who still carry the hope that their kids can still excel in life, even if they are taking a path less travelled.
According to the report, the principle tried to motivate this group of student during the orientation with success stories and testimonies from alumnis who have gone on to earn a decent living and make the most of their time in the school.
They definitely need the motivation for it must be painful at this point in time and most of them will be lacking in confidence to face the future.
I pray that these kids will not let this hinder them from excelling in whatever they choose to learn at Northlight. Go on, do your best, build up your character and do not let your PSLE results determine what kind of person you can be. Jiayou to all of you.

Responding to 3 Challenges

CG 27 August 2010 – Responding to God’s Challenges (some thoughts)

Responding to challenge 1 - Learning to be involved again
Recently, I am involving myself to help out more in some events in our region like Movie Nite and DnD

What makes me do it?
There is always a need for more help, share the load with each other.
The realization that I have something to offer, no matter how small.
(All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.)

Learning points while serving
You can only serve well if you do not care who will get the credits. (1 Cor 3:6)
A sense of peace when you know that you have invested what God has entrusted you with, the right way. (matthew 25:14-30)
You have ownership when you are involved
Physically may be tired but spiritually refreshed
Confidence that God takes care of the rest of your concerns when you serve him.

Responding to challenge 2 – Learning to prepare my own teaching materials to feed my flock
I need to continue to be observant and sensitive to the things around me, to see God working in the everyday situations so that CG discussion/teachings can be more interesting. (Romans 12:6-8)
I have created a blog
http://the-first-garden.blogspot.com/
as a platform to post some thoughts, teachings, sermon notes

What makes me do it?
If you love me, feed my sheep. (John 21:15-17)
Feed with good quality food.
When we pluck other teachings wholesale and overload with bible verses, it becomes poor quality food for my sheeps.
You cannot give what you do not have. So I must be able to internalize what I have learnt, draw biblical lessons from my experience before I can deliver it.


Responding to challenge 3 – Learning to make CG nites different
http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC100724-0000048/Its-PE-,,,-but-not-as-I-knew-it

Even Physical Education is now being done so much differently, why not CG? As long as we keep the end goals in mind, we can explore different methods of delivering it.
Another example is my nephew’s school. They have so much experiential learning that even adult (i.e. Theresa finds it very interesting)
Remember the principle of contextualization (the need to make CG relevant to the people)
and the principle of competition (the need to ensure CG is still attractive )
It’s a happenin Friday evening; I can choose to chill out with my friends, why do I still choose to attend CG?

Lion and the lamb

Last Sunday, we started on the 1st part of our ESS, titled Marshmallow Man.
Pastor Jeff started off by sharing about how different people have different ideas of what defines a “TRUE MAN”.
Is he the muscular, alpha male type like Stallone, Bruce Lee? or is he the SNAG metro sexual type (Zac Effron, Becks). Definition of true man evolves over the years and changes regularly with society’s expectations and demands as well as media portrayal…
So what is the bible’s take on the definition of True Man??
Firstly, a true man is TENDER.
In particularly, tender to express emotions.
Jesus wept over Jerusalem in Luke 19:41 and in John 11:35 Jesus wept over Lazarus his good friend.
Contrary to many Asian cultures, it is really ok for man to exhibit our emotions appropriately
A true man is also tender towards other people.
Especially the seemingly weaker group. (Children, elderly and women) as illustrated in John 8:9-11 and mark 10:13-16.
A true man is not a robot neither is he a block of wood. A true man is someone in touch with his emotions and he is not afraid to express it appropriately.
Secondly, a real man is also TOUGH.
Tough when it comes to what is right.
Although he is soft in heart, he is strong in character and mind as displayed by Jesus in John 2:13-16.
Something that pastor shared which is key to this point is “When we do not stand for anything, we will fall for everything.” That is so true…it is indeed frustrating to see man without any kind of convictions and principles and who goes wherever the wind blows. They flow towards whichever direction that bring them the most advantage even though they are clearly walking in the wrong path.
A real man is also tough in the face of difficulties.
They take personal responsibility to stay strong in marriage, family and work even when the going gets tough. They never give up but become more determine to overcome that situation they are in.
In conclusion, it is not easy to be a real man because we tend to veer towards the extremes. However, if we take the life of Jesus as a guide we will get pretty close to being the ultimate real man… After all, He is not known as The Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God for nothing…

Guten Tag

Was chatting with wifey just the other day about the topic of furthering of studies and we both came to a conclusion that both of us dislike the idea of going for more academic studies.Really admire those who work and study at the same time. However we want to learn things that we like or some life skills along the way. Things like keyboard, handyman, cooking etc... short, affordable courses from the cc. It will be good if we can learn together. Learning a new language will be pretty useful too... German anyone?
Deutsch English
Everyday Pleasantries
Guten Tag! - Tag! Hello! - Hi!
Grüß Gott! Hello! (southern Germany & Austria)
Grüß dich! Hello! (familiar, informal)
Guten Morgen! - Morgen! Good morning! - Morning!
Guten Abend! Good evening!
Gute Nacht! Good night!
Wie geht es Ihnen? How are you?
Wie geht's? How are you? (familiar, informal)
Danke, gut. Fine, thanks.
Also see:
10 Ways to Say 'Thank You' in German
Sehr gut. Great.
Es geht. Okay. So-so.
Nicht so gut. Not so well.
Auf Wiedersehen. Good-bye.
Tschüs! Bye! See you later. (casual)
Requests - Bitten
Was möchten Sie? What would you like?
Ich möchte... I would like...
Darf ich? May I?
Können Sie mir helfen? Can you help me?
Yes/No - Thanks - You're Welcome
Bitte! - Ja, bitte! Please! - Yes, please!
Danke! Thanks! - No thanks!
Note: "Danke!" in response to an offer usually means "No thanks!" If you want to indicate a positive response to an offer, say "Bitte!"
Danke schön! Thank you!
Vielen Dank! Thanks a lot! - Many thanks!
Bitte schön! You're welcome! (in response to "Danke schön!")
Nein, danke! No thanks!

One - Star Spain

write the future ? ... they just did it ! FIFA World Cup Champion 2010... ESPANA!!!!

Truth Telling

Was listening to Ps Jeff's sermon online during lunch yesterday. He spoke about the topic of truth telling. We need to be truth tellers and we need to take in the advise of truth tellers in our life so that we can be a better disciple and disciple maker in the kingdom of God. The most important point about truth telling?...
it needs to be done with LOVE. If we are correcting somebody, always always check our intention and motives. Are we being self righteous and will our comment/remark tear the person down??? Truth telling MUST always be done with the intention of helping the other party cover his blind spot and to build him/her up. Something he quoted really sums up this point beautifully.. " we do not want uncritical lovers and we certainly do not need unloving critics " If we care , we will tell someone the truth which he or she cannot see... lovingly.

Nike Tiempo Mystic III FG (Performance)

Wifey bought me this pair of boots, after my old pair gave way last week playing against the JEDI. Bought it at Queensway Weston after much deliberation. Tried numerous pairs Addidas Predator X, Nike T90 Strike III FG amongst them. Finally decided on this pair because it is the most comfortable and the least flamboyant. I still like my boots in plain, simple design.. haha..Just like the wearer..Thank you wifey, i absolutely love my advance birthday present . ;o)

Titans FC - Hope Premier League Champions 2010

A great team to play for ...

A Note from Jesus

My beloved and precious Marc,

I know what you are going through now and I will help you through your situation. I will bring healing and restoration and I will walk together with you. Just trust me and do not fear, do not be anxious also for I will make everything beautiful in my time... I always do ... JESUS


A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. Isaiah 42:3

We are the CHAMPION!!!!!

champion

Summer of 98...

Got these 2 pictures from Adrian, taken during our NS days... ah.... memories....


war heroes


Going Vege for a buddy @ Taiwan

Going UP UP UP!

The Canaries have clinched promotion to the championship, courtesy of last saturday's 1-0 victory over Charlton Athletic . A season that started horribly wrong for city (1-7 defeat to colchester) turned out to be anything but.Now for the league title, just one more point needed. C'mon you yellows!!ON THE BALL CITY!!!

and the whistle blows...


and the man who made it all possible...Paul Lambert

Gathering for Fellowship

Spent the last couple of days preparing for CG discussion.
We are just starting on G of GOD’S AIM. (G stands for Gathering for Fellowship).
While preparing, I found myself asking myself how I am doing in this area of my spiritual habit.
Am I convicted of the importance of gathering for fellowship? Do I still struggle in this aspect?
It is a good exercise because it makes me reflect and evaluate.
As compared to the past, I think I have improved in this area but I know I can do better because there are still times where the body gets lazy and gathering for fellowship takes a back seat.
However, I realized that as with other spiritual habits, I have to be intentional about it. I need to recognise that not all gathering will be super fun or very special but that is still where God wants me to be at. When I go by feelings; there will be many times I will choose to stay away. So, instead of focusing on what I can get out of the gathering, I can learn to seek ways contribute to the fellowship.
While on this, care group inadvertently came to my mind… care group has always been a very important part of my life. Bill Hybels once said this "There is nothing like the local church when it’s working right. Nothing even comes close” I think it also applies to CG and I truly believe in the potential of CG… only when we are all committed to gathering for fellowship, does covenantal relationship happens and when there is covenantal relationship …. You wouldn’t want to trade it for all the gold or silver in the world…



And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Heb 10:24-25

Aye Aye Captain!

Last night, i went to Mariner's Corner Restaurant at Maritime House for dinner. (Heard that its a hotel for seaman) I love the ambience there, a throwback to the 80-90s (they are even playing Thats what Friends Are For!!). Cozy Christmassy feeling, soft music playing in the background and the best thing its not crowded ;O). The food is nice too. Was there with wifey and Yilong, my bro in law. I Had Fisherman Pan, Wifey had Cod fish and Yilong ate Salmon with Teriyaki sauce. I have long wanted to visit this place ever since Kunfa recommended it to me. I am glad i finally did.

Triste Coeur ;o)

Souvenir D' Enfance ... love this

The early birds

This morning, wifey and me went to church early to attend the 2nd catch up lesson at Kaplan for the leaders' retreat we missed. They showed a video where Wayne Crodiero preached about "Dead Leader Running" It was a very useful,timely and interesting video which i can really identify with. He gives many anecdotes and illustration on how a leader should and can lead without burning out. More of that, maybe in another entry. The session ended about 11a.m and we still have some time for breakfast. Instead of Loh Mai Kai which we usually eat , we decided to try Santa Fe outside cuppage which sells American Style Breakfast. You get to choose any item for $1 each. We chose chipolata sausages, bacon, sunny side up and ham and enjoyed our meal comfortably at the airy seat. It was a nice and relaxing time with wifey. It is good to start the day early indeed. The air is fresh, the sun is shinning and the birds are still chirping... ;o)

The Coolest Piece of Music ..... Ever ! feel soooo good

Joga Bonito = Play Beautifully

Buddies unite

Met up with Roy, Ah Huat and Aidi last night for dinner at Sin Hoi Sai @ Tiong Bahru. Its been quite awhile since we last gathered. It was a nice meal. Food was good (we had fried baby squid, four season beans, Furong egg and prawn rolls (Huat's all time fav), spare ribs and Black pepper crab) better was the company. These guys have been my best-est buddies for close to 10 years already, having went through NS together and sharing life, bunks, beds, food.. everything those days. Roy is the "cultured arty farty one", Aidi is the techie and my "preferred IT vendor" .. Ah Huat, what can i say about this guy, prince of CRAP and lame jokes, Highly nonsensical but totally funny... haha. Really glad to know them back then . They have truly added so much joy and laughter to my life. Oh and how can i miss out Sebby who is now in the USA, he is the best driver we ever had and was the organiser of countless midnite suppers,  soccer sessions, and night adventure trips back then . He knows every nook and corner of Singapore and can take you there in minutes. They are all wonderful people, loyal friends whom i can trust. Thank you guys for the years of friendship ;O)


Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

"I'd rather be a really good one-term president than a mediocre two-term president,"

President Obama sometimes gives very inspiring speeches and quotes.

In one of his interview with ABC's "World News". He made this comment "I'd rather be a really good one-term president than a mediocre two-term president,". In the midst of criticism to his massive health care reform bill and election setbacks, he remained determined to tackle health care and other big problems despite the political dangers to his presidency.

He continues "You know, there is a tendency in Washington to believe our job description, of elected officials, is to get re-elected. That's not our job description," Obama said. "Our job description is to solve problems and to help people."
"I will not slow down in terms of going after the big problems that this country faces," he said. "The easiest thing for me to do, Diane, would be to go small bore, avoid controversy, just make sure that everybody's comfortable and we only propose things that don't threaten any special interests in Washington. If you do that, then you can get a boost in the poll numbers."
Seated across from Sawyer in the White House, the president added, "I don't want to look back on my time here and say to myself all I was interested in was nurturing my own popularity."




I am very impress and inspired by his steadfast faith and single mindedness pursuit in what he believes in. Many of us settle for mediocrity and focus on the wrong things in life without really going beyond the superficial and beyond THE comfort zone. I want to learn to have that kind of conviction in what i believe in and not waver in whatever circumstances. Just like what the bible says
Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them. Deuteronomy 28:14

This is the animal that wifey touch.

Family Time during the CNY

As fast as they began, the CNY holidays has ended as quickly. Now its back to work. So what did i do for the past few days? Other than the customary visitations, i spent time with my family. Played some badminton. Went to River Hongbao on the 2nd Nite after ABC market dinner with Mike, Deb,Matt, Micky, folks and wifey. Had a hard time convincing dad to join us but he finally relented. It was a markedly improved event tis time round as the deco was more elaborate, and the rides brought in throngs of people. Great festive atmosphere there @ the float. Even had a chance encounter with MM Lee who was whisked past us. First time seeing him close up. Anyway we walked a bit and then the kids went to one the rides before we head home after a drink at MS Mac. It was funny seeing how the kids scream everytime their mini helicopters went past us.
Tuesday morning was spent at the zoo. Brought Wifey's parents there as its been a long long time since they visited this place. Josh and Steph planned this excursion.
Started off, full of energy as we took in the sights and sounds of the different animals. Some cute (otters) , some ugly (warthog) and some weird looking (the big nose monkey). As usual, wifey attempted to steal a touch here and there ..hahaha.
Perhaps is the age or the weather but we soon found our strides getting more laboured in the later part of the noon. i suppose wifey's dad enjoyed the trip alot as it is not often that he can go to faraway places ever since his stroke. Anyway walked on, capped off the trip with the iconic Polar bear show and then took a cab back. Reached home just in time for dinner, around 6plus. Spent a whopping 7 hours there. Totally spent force.... but certainly well worth every minute of it.

Err...Twist!

Wifey and me ,taken during eve of Chinese New Year 2010...

The Beginning

Finally... after much delaying and procrastinating, this blog was finally created. Its long overdue and blogging may have already lost its popularity to the likes of Facebook and twitter but its okie, better late than never i reckon. Hmmm... Why The-First-Garden ..if you know me well, you know why...