Thermometer vs Thermostat

Many times, we live our life as a thermometer. We know how to feel, assess and critique a situation or an environment. We think in our hearts and say things like "The group is too boring, We need to be more pro active... the people are very cliquish etc..." without doing anything to help or improve the situation. Many times this will feed and lead to a cycle of negativity which does not value add anything.

Either this, or we can choose to be a thermostat. By definition, A thermostat is the component of a control system which regulates the temperature of a system so that the system's temperature is maintained near a desired setpoint temperature.

In other words, a thermostat will take action. When the thermostat feels that the group is too cold, it will help to increase the warmth. When the thermostat feels that people around is feeling discouraged, he will try to lift up the spirits of all around. When the thermostat feels that there lack of support, he will increase the level of support.

A thermostat is invaluable.

So, would you rather be a thermometer or do you want to be a thermostat to make a difference...?

Be a thermostat!

Hero Zeng

This is Mr Zeng, he is from China and he is also THE MAN i call upon whenever things in my house needs a fixin.
Lighting, plumbing, painting, renovating etc... he can fix them all.
I can see that he is intelligent from the way he solve problems, always seeking ways for us to minimise our spending by his innovation and creative. Other than that, what impresses me most is his work ethos.. always serious, hardworking and a perfectionist.
Thank you Mr. Zeng!

A Vacation at Tioman Island - Paya Beach Resort

What: Wifey and my birthday celebration
Where: Tioman Island, Paya Beach Resort
When: 21st - 23rd June 2011
What we did:Snorkelling, chit chat, rest & relax, play pool, ate cheap seafood (3 crabs cooked in different style), and lots of Sprite with lime ... Nice all very nice !!!!

June/November is always special for Theresa and myself as we celebrate our birthdays/anniversary, and this year's trip to Tioman Island remind ourselves of how blessed it is to be married to each other and celebrate our birthdays with “the one”!!! How wonderful to reminisce through 3+ years of marriage and to look forward with anticipation to the many more years ahead.

An Officer and a Gentleman

Finally, the dust of GE 2011 has settled (somewhat) … it’s indeed been a watershed election of many talking points and a couple of politicians coming under the intense spotlight.
I would not be writing much on any issues here.
However, the gentlemanly and gracious manner by which our outgoing Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo conducted himself throughout the campaign and especially in defeat has left a deep impression on me.
Vanquished but much respected.. God Bless you … Sir!

I have a date with wifey...

Last eveining after work, i decided to surprise wifey by going over to her office to meet her for dinner. It has been quite awhile since i did that.
I was reading while waiting and did not realise that she has already made her way sneakily behind me to surprise me instead. Yes, i have a playful wifey.
We then went to walk a bit at Marina Square and decided to have our dinner at Tembuah Mas ( an Indonesian restaurant ) . we ordered sambal KangKong, fied chicken and oxtail soup (Sup Buntut)and finished off the meal by sharing a cup of chendol.
It was a nice dinner in a quiet environment. I love such date nights with wifey.
After dinner, we went to city link to shop at the Hersheys Shop. They have alot of interesting stuffs there and the smell of popcorns next door enhance the sweetness of the shop.
We then took a train home and i did my 3,20 and 40. ;o)

3 , 20, 40 and 不用加饭

Recently, I am making an effort to have a regular exercise regime.
It goes something like 3 laps around my neighbourhood (about 1.2 – 1.5 Km), 20 push-ups and 40 sit-ups on most of the nights.
I hope that it will make me physically healthier, and sleep better at night.
Also, I have been trying to eat lesser rice during meal times. I have decided that 1 scoop is sufficient, and I try to eat the dishes more instead of rice.

Beyond Beauty

Last night, wifey did facial for me. She has actually prepared a potent concoction of egg white and cucumber (left over from saturday's sushi making session)
I was initially very resistant to the idea because it is cucumber we are talking about, which is my worst enemy for the past 32 years.. Anyway I decided to try after some hard selling from my beauty consultant cum wifey.
I thought i am ok with the home made mixture but when she opened it... whoa man ! the cucumber smell it strong and it doesn't look too good to me so i changed my mind straight away. After more challenge and egging on by wifey , i decided to try it anyway... she applied and it actually feels very cooling and relaxing so i just close my eyes and enjoy the facial. Left the mixture on my face for about 20 mins and than wash off with warm water... refreshed! ;o)

Too Much of a good Thing

Last evening was the first time I tried my hand at eating a footlong subway.
I was certainly bloated after the meal.


Reminds me of what the bible says about having too much of a good thing.

If you find honey, eat just enough—
too much of it, and you will vomit. Proverbs 25:16.

It’s a dilemma really, the 6 – inch sub is not enough for me; the footlong is too much for me. As I told wifey, a 9-inch would be just nice.

This is how I spent my weekend.

Last weekend was a cold and rainy weekend. On Saturday, me and wifey woke up early and followed folks to my favourite Ghim Moh Market. Folks ate their comfort food, Yong Tau Foo and me? Thye Hong fish ball noodles of course. It was yummy … wifey just have a bowl of fish ball soup.

my fav fish ball noodle stall at Ghim Moh We wanted to get fish for our aquarium but the fishes there do not appeal to us. We then went to Tanglin Halt but unfortunately, the fish shop there doesn’t open until late afternoon. So we headed home. Read the newspaper and played with my nephews and nieces and then went back. (ate cup noodles for lunch)
As we woke up very early in the morning and the weather is so perfect for sleeping, we took an afternoon nap until about 6pm!!
It was still raining, so me and wifey went back to Tanglin Halt and the aquarium was open. We chose our fishes (2 black goldfish and 3 goldfishes plus a sucker fish) we also got a decorative rock and an artificial plant to spruce up our empty tank. Total cost $21.20.
Next, we headed to Ann’s Saloon for wifey to trim her hair and after that we went over to the food center for dinner. We shared a sirloin steak, it was DELICIOUS ;o) we also have stingray and a plate of vegetables. Dinner was great as we chatted while eating, very relaxing. After dinner, we braved the rain and took a bus home… really appreciate to be home from the wet weather.
We than put the fishes into our tank. It was beautiful.
That night, I also caught the Asian Cup final between Japan and Australia. It was a pulsating match, with end to end actions. Japan eventually won the match 1-0 after extra time. A superb volley from Lee settled the affairs. I was expecting Penalty Kicks though.
Sunday was another wet day. Went to service and than to CL meeting by Pastor Jeff. He shared on the church direction again whole city , whole world. 1) Discipleship and outreach. 2) Giving 3) going going gone and 4) Prayer. He also shared that the strength of a church is the CG and who can dispute the fact?? Heard some testimonies as well on how some groups grew during the last year.
Next we moved on to AG1 leaders meeting by Michael at olio bites Café at Starhub Centre. It was a rather relaxing time just hearing about testimonies again.
this is michael

After the whole session we went over to Far East Plaza as wifey wanted to look at some clothes… she bought 2 cardigans at Viola. One grey and one white. Nothing for me though, I can never find something suitable at that place.
Had our dinner there and headed home… it was still raining at 8+pm…

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...

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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...