There Is No Such Thing As "No Choice"!

I was out at Sentosa the whole afternoon doing a photography session with a few students. It was a hot and humid day. At one point I almost died of dehydration but thanks to a 500ml bottle of ice-cold H2O, it kept me alive to be able to blog this down.

The theme of the photo-shoot we had was on "Fun" and every one of us had to capture anything related to this one word. It was not easy especially when it involved people. Some were okay with having a stranger taking shots of their activities but there were others who were not very pleased.

Anyway, in the end all had fun. When we were done with the task, we discussed certain pitfalls to avoid by sharing our photos with one another.

We left the island at around 5pm and it was off to Bedok Methodist Church for the TRACkers' Graduation Service where 7 siblings-in-Christ from my church participated in the missions programme, organised by the Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC), where they were sent to countries like Cambodia, Thailand and India. I was touched when I watched their video presentations and also the sharing of testimonies from a representative of each mission team. Praise the Lord for His protection upon every of the 39 youths who went, even though one had to be hospitalised.

The Pastor-in-Charge of the TRACkers' programme (who is also a dear friend of mine) challenged the youths to consider what is their next step now that the two-month stint is over. Though it was a challenge to these my younger siblings-in-Christ, I was also ministered to consider my own life as in are there idols that I need to release in me; whether I dare to stand out like a sore thumb in this world where it is easier to go with the norms than to be different; whether there are hidden sins which I am not willing to repent from; whether I want to have a daily devotion with God; etc.

The Pastor also reminded every one present in the hall that it is easy to live a holy and godly lifestyle when we are with like-minded people. The struggle comes when a Christian goes into the world alone and that is when the true test comes to light.

Though it is a fact that being away from the fellowship of believers can cause one to compromise and be complacent in the faith, I was also challenged that it is possible to survive. Technologies have developed so well that though physically Christians may be apart from one another, it is still possible for us to account our lives to others via the phone (sms or call), the internet (email or MSN or ICQ) and even making time to meet (of course this is not so easy but it still can be done if one makes an effort).

Many times we tend to give excuses like "I have no choice - every one is doing it!" when we succumbed to the temptations and practices of the world. The question is - do we really have no choice? I think we do - it is either we say yes or no to the dilemma we are presented with and if our heart is for God, then we will say "yes" to godliness and holiness and "no" to sin!

Well, thanks be to God for the reminder.

Before I end, I have this to say after making a couple of observations when I was in Sentosa - the next time when we go on a holiday, let us not act ourselves as if we are the kings and queens of the world or that we begin to misbehave by mishandling the things and people available in the host country. Show some respect!

I was at an eatery when I noticed these two tourists demanding for things which are not even available on the menu, citing reasons that their son could not eat the stuff available. What do you expect the staff to do? Go grocery-shopping just to meet the needs of the two individuals? Yes, restaurants are part of the service industry and yes, there is this saying about customers always being right. Come on, please wake up our ideas and be fair to those who are part of this industry when absurd requests like the above-mentioned are being made.

If your son cannot eat the food which are offered in the menu of that particular cafe, then go to another place where they serve the right kind of food. If still not possible, then next time prepare and pack the food from home or hotel.

I really pity the waitress as she was stumped as to what else to say to this couple.

The next encounter was when I was in the train on my way from the Beach Station in Sentosa to Vivocity. There was this group of three tourists who obviously just left the beach. Their shorts were damp and guess what? They sat on the seats! On top of that, they left sand particles all over the train. The only lady in the group was not even properly dressed as her cleavage was showing.

I could not take it anymore and decided to sound my thoughts off to them. Of course one of them was not happy but it did not bother me at all. What needed to be said has to be said.

Well, of course it is my prayer that I will be careful in the way I carry myself the next time I visit a country.

Alright, time for me to stop here! The weekend is here! Yay! :)

"Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:14-15

Criticise Creation = Criticise God

Someone wrote a couple of nasty and insensitive comments on a blog belonging to a particular individual whom I know. When I read those remarks, I had to say a few things to that particular stranger.

I would have done so to anyone, even those whom I know, should I hear anything said or written which might have affected another. Likewise, I also hope someone would tell me off if I had insensitively or subconsciously mouthed careless words against another.

Ever heard of the following remarks? "Yucks! He is so ugly?!" or "Aiyoh, she is so fat?" or "Hey! Look at his shiny balding head - can see my face should I use it as a mirror" or "Why are there so many craters on her face?" or "So-and-so is prettier or more handsome than so-and-so"......

Ever considered how those words might have hurt someone deeply should the person hear them? What happens should someone else say those nasty words against us?

Let's get real here - like it or not, we will be affected! Our macho/gung-ho ego may not want to show it but deep down somewhere, we will feel lousy. I am not going to preach here but "Do to others as you would have them do to you." (Luke 6:31)

Some of you may argue that so long as the person involved does not hear about the remarks, that is perfectly alright! Well, you may be right that the person may not hear those comments but SOMEONE else does. When we start to criticise others, we are indirectly criticising the One who created us! God Himself, being the Creator, saw all things as good, even when His creation turned against Him! Who are we then to say otherwise of another individual? In fact, God, in His mercy and grace, even sent His Son to die for our sins.

The next time we want to say something about someone, please think first before we act! I am reminding myself too.

It has been a long day for me. I had two meetings back-to-back but praise God He pulled me through both sessions. I had to also do some things for two siblings-in-Christ - thank God all went well.

Well, I shall now go read up an article on "Photography"! :)

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Two New Friends And One New Toy

Singapore's Black Knights (Canon EOS 10D)

Singapore's Black Knights (Canon EOS 10D)

The Airbus A380 (Canon EOS 10D)

Australia's Roulettes (Canon EOS 10D)

Singapore Skyline (Canon EOS 5D) - The Lady on the Right is Pat

The Singapore Skyline (Canon EOS 5D)

The Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall (Canon EOS 5D)

I spent my lunch-time trying out my new Canon Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) Electro Optical System (EOS) 5D camera. I reserved it almost a month ago but stocks only came this morning. I am thankful to the shop which ordered the equipment - though only one piece arrived, they set it aside for me.

It is amazing how everything fell into place when I was considering buying a new camera as the current one I have is old and cranky. It had basically reached the maximum limit of shutter count due to excessive usage. In other words, the curtain in the camera where light is allowed in when a shot is taken has broken down due to wear and tear. I have since replaced the shutter.

The shop assistant who attended to me is a camp-mate from an army unit I was attached to when I was doing my National Service 15 years ago. It was he who helped expedite the order and he also gave me a very good discount.

I was actually planning to buy a set overseas as it is apparently cheaper but in the end, I decided against it as there is no warranty for cameras bought outside of the country. I was also toying with the idea of getting a second-hand set but there was no peace due to the fear of how the previous owner might have handled the camera.

I do not wish to spiritualise this but I actually prayed and asked the Lord to provide me an avenue and answered He did!

I am very pleased with the purchase and I hope I will be able to use this equipment purposefully. Thanks be to God!

Oh yah, I had two interesting encounters with two tourists and both had to do with photography. Coincidentally both individuals were from the United Kingdom (UK).

When I was at the Singapore Air Show last Tuesday, I met this friendly gentleman by the name of Norman. He was with his wife. They were standing next to me when we were viewing the aerial displays. We started talking about aircrafts and also his experience in World War Two. He was also telling me about his son who has been working in Singapore for the past 14 years. It is amazing how we could discuss so many topics though we hardly knew each other. I also shared with him about my stint in the UK when I was an undergraduate and the few war museums I visited.

Anyway, before we went on our separate ways, we exchanged addresses and contact numbers. Norman comes to this island-nation annually - we planned to meet up in his next visit. I am looking forward to it and it is my prayer I will get to know him and his wife better.

This afternoon when I was along the Singapore River taking a few shots of the skyline, I met this lady - her name is Pat. She saw me with my camera equipment and asked whether I am a professional photographer. I told her it was more a hobby and from there we started talking about photography. We also discussed about her visit to this little red dot on the map. She was here three weeks ago before going to Australia and Thailand. She decided to come back for three more days during her transit as she enjoyed the food and the people.

Since she mentioned food, I introduced a few places for her to try the local cuisines. I hope she will enjoy her last day of stay here. I was tempted to bring her around this evening but decided not to as I felt it was inappropriate.

Well, praise the Lord for the opportunities to meet new people. I went back to work when I was done experimenting with my new camera. I am still feeling a little unwell - I have been feeling this way since last night but much better. Head is a little heavy and throat sore.

I slept quite early yesterday and I shall do it again tonight.

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:5-6

Speak Affirmation; Do Not Slander

It has been a hectic weekend but at the same time joyous and fun. Yesterday I was involved in the wedding of two dear siblings-in-Christ. One of them I knew her since we were in secondary school.

I led in the wedding service in the morning which was a really meaningful time spent together worshipping the Lord in singing of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs; listening to His Word during the exhortation and of course witnessing the couple exchanging their vows before God. I had to also lead in the singing of a Chinese song which initially I had a lot of apprehension due to the lack of proficiency in the language. Well, I made a mistake pronouncing a word. I thought I got away with it but the bride heard it. *teeth chattering* :)

In the evening I had to coordinate the banquet. Well, it commenced punctually as planned and ended earlier than some weddings that I have coordinated or attended. I had to attend to some last-minute inclusion of guests and also changes in the seating arrangements but thanks be to God all went well in the end.

The groom gave the bride a surprise. You see, the bride has always wanted a military wedding but because the groom has recently left the army, it was not appropriate to hold it in that setting. The interesting part came when the groom's former fellow officers suggested doing it anyway and of course, the bride's desire was met.

10 smartly-dressed officers in their ceremonial outfits received the couple when they made their first entry. It was Operation Hush Hush and praise the Lord, it was kept a secret till yesterday.

I only reached home at around 1:45am. A dear brother-in-Christ gave me a lift home. We left the hotel so late because a few of us were in the Bridal Suite with the couple talking and laughing about the day's events.

Well, all thanks and praise and glory to our God Almighty for having made yesterday a memorable one!

Oh yah, during the whole course of the banquet, I had a few chances talking to the banquet manager who was one of the most accommodating staff I have ever worked with. Though we did not know each other at all, I am happy that I got to know this individual better. He shared with me his plans for the future pertaining to his work. In our last conversation, I wished him all the best. I also whispered a prayer for the kind gentleman that God will provide and answer the desires of his heart.

I got to know another senior staff who was also very accommodating. She is so motherly - always asking whether I actually had some food to eat.

It is people like the above two individuals who made my day and job a lot more fun to work in.

This morning's sermon was a confirmation of a message I got from the Lord recently on the need to be careful not to speak ill of another person and also not to judge another. I like the way the assistant pastor ended his message - he asked the congregation a question, " So what now?"

I have heard the above message twice in a span of one week - what am I going to do about it? I guess I will have to act upon it and with the Lord's help, I pray He will help me to always affirm and commend rather than bitch, gossip or judge.

I need to sleep soon. I only had 4 hours of sleep since I got home from the hotel.

Good night, everyone and have a blessed week ahead!

"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely?But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?" James 4:1-12

God Not Only Listens; He Answers

Crowd at the Padang

Ronald MacDonald was there too!

Singapore! Host of the Youth Olympic Games 2010

Words from the Prime Minister

This morning I was actually planning to meet my accountability group of older brothers-in-Christ but due to a last-minute meeting scheduled at 8:30am in campus, I had no choice but to skip the fellowship.

Anyway, I took half-day leave after that as I need to prepare for the wedding tomorrow for two of my siblings-in-Christ. I have been asked to lead the wedding service in the morning and coordinate the banquet in the evening.

I was in church the whole afternoon - preparing the script for the service; photostating the lists for guests and tables; deciding the sequence for the photography session; calling and messaging a few people up to ensure everything is in order; practising the songs that the couple has chosen for the service; keying in the whole banquet sequence into my smartphone so that it will notify me of what to do next.

After I finished everything it was already evening. I had to meet a brother-in-Christ from Living Waters Methodist Church to obtain a camera lens that I bought over from him. I did not want to buy a first-hand lens due to two reasons: one, it is too expensive especially for a premium lens; two, the price quoted by this friendly gentleman was reasonable and the condition of the equipment was mint.

It is quite interesting to know that the seller is actually a fellow sibling-in-Christ. We spoke a little about his interest in photography and also his experience as a teacher in a Methodist school. Praise the Lord for this opportunity to know a brother from another church.

I have not been able to blog yesterday as I was very tired - a long day at work. I was supposed to meet a sister-in-Christ in the evening but I had to postpone that as I was asked to attend the announcement of the Youth Olympic Games at the Padang. It was an experience to be there especially when the announcement was about to be made. It was tense and every one present was able to feel it as there was a moment of complete silence.

When it was clear that Singapore has won the bid, the cheers were deafening and every one was jumping. Even office workers were there to support the youths and they too celebrated when they heard the good news.

This afternoon I was informed by a sister-in-Christ that her father suffered a heart attack and he is under observation now in hospital. It saddens my heart because I know her father as he is a leader of the church. He actually just recently recovered from renal failure but the Lord healed him after a few months.

I pray for the Lord's will to be done here and that He will take care of this dear brother-in-Christ.

I shall end here. I hope to sleep soon as I need to be in church early. I pray the Lord will lead and guide me in everything I will be doing tomorrow. I know He will because He is a God who listens to every prayer cried out by His creation.

"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:13-16

How Is Your Light?

I just got home from the accountability group meeting with my younger brothers-in-Christ. We have not met for a month and it was great to have caught up with them. In the course of our meeting, I was moved to ask every one (including myself), "How is your light?" I wanted to know whether we are still shining for God everywhere we go.

I have been evaluating this myself because I know sometimes I have not been shining my light - basically the way I carry myself in word, thought and deed. It is important for me to be conscious of these three areas because like it or not, whatever I say, think and do will either build or stumble another.

I wanted the accountability group to help each other fan the flame in us so that we will constantly be shining for God. This is especially important since we are all leaders in the church and mentors to our younger siblings-in-Christ. Putting this on a wider perspective, we are also God's ambassadors to this world.

Lately I have observed one bad practice that I am equally guilty of and that is this word, 'bitching'. I could have used the word "gossiping" but I shall not. I think it is important that we put a stop to this as it shows and speaks a lot about our arrogance and ignorance.

Yes, sometimes we are unhappy with some friends, colleagues, teachers, classmates, siblings, leaders, parents, etc. We may have felt betrayed or injustified or hurt or disappointed or angered by these persons but it should just stay as that and not spoken to others unless there is an intention to find a solution.

If we start to bitch to others, we are then no different from those whom we have negative impression of. In fact people will see our arrogance because by putting someone down behind his or her back shows that we are simply proud, ungracious, unforgiving and not trustworthy. It also shows our ignorance because by talking about the faults of others for the sake of just talking, people can see our own faults and that does not reflect well on us.

This is just one example of whether as Christians, we are shining for God or not in this world we live in. Instead of gossiping about others, why not pray for them? Why not go to that person and seek reconciliation? Doing all these do not speak about us being a coward; instead it shows our bravery and maturity.

Food for thought!

It has been an easy-going day for me - not too busy in office and being able to complete what I have set out to do. Thanks be to God.

Oh yah, I am enjoying my new pet - the parakeet. We are still thinking of a name for it. Dad simply named it "Birdie"; mum called it "Baby"; my brother "Bird Bird" and grandma "cheep cheep". How original, yah? Haha.

Well, I shall go check out the web soon to see how one may check the gender of a bird and from there decide a name for it. I hope it is not too difficult to ascertain the gender aspect. :)

Time to go. Very tired now as I did not have much sleep this morning - I was up watching a Champions League match between my favourite football team (Liverpool!) and Inter-Milan. 2 - 0! Way to go, Reds!

Okie, good night, everyone!

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Matthew 7:1-5

“He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” Proverbs 17:9

New Member Of The Family

I had to visit the Singapore Air Show in the afternoon because a couple of us were given passes for the Trade Show at the Changi Exhibition Centre. I decided to do some work at home before heading for the East.

While I was having breakfast in the living room, suddenly a parakeet (I think that is what it is called) landed on the ledge of the window. My doggy spotted it first and before I could do anything, the bird flew into my flat and perched itself on the window grill.

I was at a loss as to what I should do. I did not want to scare it but at the same time I needed to catch it before the bird injure itself should it bang against something in my home.

What happened next really surprised me. When I got near to the parakeet, it did not move at all. Then when I stuck out my finger, the birdie just climbed onto it and the bird even allowed me to stroke it. Initially we did not know what to do with it. When grandma saw the colourful creature, she suggested that we keep it.

My brother did a make-shift cage. We also fed it with fruits and bread. The parakeet seemed contented and it kept singing non-stop. Even now as I type this blog, I can hear it singing in the kitchen. Haha.

Anyway, after the Air Show, I bought a small bird-cage and a packet of food at a pet shop along Upper Serangoon Road. Well, it looks like the Chew Family has added another type of animal reared in the household. We had fish before; then it was a couple of tortoises; after that were many hamsters; next was a dog and now a bird. Haha.

I shall stop here for now as I need to go for a family dinner.

Beware of Over-Commitment

This morning when I was spending some time in quiet along the Singapore River where Clarke Quay is, praying and reading God's Word, I was prompted to consider the commitments I have in church. The sense I got was that I am doing too much and that I need to cut down.

Well, what are my commitments in church? I am the chairperson of the Missions Committee; I am in the Local Church Executive Committee (LCEC) (of course this is by default since I am the chairperson of a ministry); I am in two accountability groups; I am involved in the Youth Ministry (YM); I am a Worship Leader of the 11:15am service; I play the drums in the band; and I am a photographer of the Communications Ministry.

When I listed the above-mentioned, I almost could not breathe as I did not realise I am over-committing. It is scary to suddenly realise this because for a while I have been doing and doing and never stopping to reflect and evaluate.

I prayed about it and deep down in my heart, I know which ones I am just doing for the sake of them. The weakness in me is that I always think I should be the one filling in the gaps because some of these ministries are short of people but if I keep doing this, then I am not allowing others who are not serving to step up.

I was reminded I cannot be the 'saviour' of the world and in this context, the church.

I have already indicated to the band leader that I will be stepping down as a drummer after the March roster. Now I have also decided to let go of my role as a Worship Leader though I have not mentioned this to the Worship and Music chairperson. You see, being involved in this ministry also requires the person to attend a time of feeding of God's Word pertaining to the area of worship and service. The fact that I have not been able to attend for the past few months actually speaks a lot of my commitment. To be fair to the rest who have been attending, I think I need to stop serving in this area for now. Another worrying sign related to this area of ministry is the lack of joy whenever I prepare for the worship session. Sometimes I do it grudgingly and it is not right to have this kind of attitude when service to God and the church should be one of joy and willingness.

There is, no doubt, a lack of worship leaders as one is already down because the dear sister is expecting a child but like I said, I cannot, because of that, fill in gaps.

I have also decided to let go of my role as a photographer in the Communications Ministry. Yes, I like photography but interest is different from doing it as a commitment. In fact I have not given my all in this area and again this is not fair to the coordinator of this ministry.

I am not relinquishing my role as the chairperson for the Missions Ministry as it is not time yet. I feel I can still contribute to this area of service. I also want to assist in the YM as my heart has always been for the youths. I am continuing with the accountability groups too as it is important for me to account my life to a few of my brothers-in-Christ. I may let go of one eventually but not now.

Well, these are my thoughts for now.

It has been a long day at work. I came back not too long ago from a rehearsal for this Saturday's wedding service that I am leading for two of my dear siblings-in-Christ. After that I had supper with two ex-coursemates from university.

Thanks be to God for sustaining me till now. Time to sleep. Another day of adventure awaits me. :)

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:10-11

God Knows And God Provides Accordingly

What is the hardest thing for a person to do when he or she is going through a trying period? I guess the word is "thanksgiving". Though it sounds absurd for one to be thankful in times of trouble, the Bible actually challenged the readers to do that.

It is against logic to give thanks because the natural thing for one to react in a trial is that of anger, frustration, disappointment, hurt, self-pity, etc. Yes, one may argue that it is only human to feel that way but it is precisely that fact of God knowing we are humans that He wants us to be thankful and surrender all our cares to Him.

If we take matters in our own hands, then in the course of it, we will experience more of those negative reactions. But if we place our anxieties and burdens before His throne of grace, then we are basically telling Him, "Lord, let Thy will be done" - an assurance that He has our best interest at heart and that He will not fail us. When we see His Lordship even in our trials and struggles, then our hearts will be filled with thanksgiving - knowing that once we have pulled through them with God's intervention, our faith and character will be strengthened and developed respectively.

He does not wish for us to deal with our worldly cares using our limited wisdom and ability. Instead He wants to go alongside us and help us deal with our struggles - provided that we allow Him to.

I am writing this because I got to know of a sister-in-Christ from another church whose parents are not well physically. In my encouragement to her, I shared Philippians 4:6-7 with her.

I held this passage close to my heart throughout the whole day: in the morning, I used it to surrender my worries to God when I needed to present the proposed Revised Missions Policy to the Local Church Executive Committee (LCEC). It has not been approved yet but I left the meeting feeling joyful. Though I have to relook one section of the Policy, I was thankful that it is only one section that I need to work on.

Prior to the meeting, I spent some time praying with the Pastoral Representative to Missions for the LCEC meeting and it was a humbling experience. I realised all these while when I was feeling troubled over the presentation of the Policy is due to one word - "Pride." I basically did not want to lose face should people query about the contents and I also wanted to gain the acceptance of man. The time of prayer was a moment of rebuke and it was brought to my attention that the Policy is not about me but God. Even if the Policy was approved at the meeting, it is not to my glory but His. This realisation took the whole burden off me and I praise God that I was able to leave the meeting room with thanksgiving in my heart. Yes, there is more work ahead; yes, I need to present the Policy again to the LCEC after the amendments have been made but what is the big deal? God will see me through this. That is a great comfort, I must say. :)

I have to leave the meeting early as I have to coordinate a wedding for two friends. Praise the Lord all went well though I was a bit late at the beginning. All went according to plan though in my heart, there was this fear of things going wrong. I was also pre-empting what I should do if it did. Anyway, the passage again brought comfort - I prayed as I went along dealing with the various matters. It is over and another couple happily married.

I am very tired now and it is time I stop here.

All thanks and glory be to God!!!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

The Party Must Go On

I came back not too long ago from my annual appointment with some old folks in Chinatown to celebrate the Lunar New Year over a simple meal. All of them have dietary restrictions so I had to watch what I cooked for them.

Anyway, the original 12 dwindled to 6 last year and this year, it was left with three. The others have passed on since. Two new faces joined in the feasting though and I thank God for that. I was hoping for more so that the tradition can go on but for now, two more is fine. Hopefully there will be more next year.

I bought the "Yusheng" for them but I had to cut down on the plum sauce and also not add the sweetened winter melon. Of course it did not taste as good but they ate to their hearts content. Oh yah, I could not serve them with the raw fish so I had to use a few slices of steamed "snakehead" fish instead.

Other dishes were mainly porridge with diced beancurd cooked with minced meat, a few drops of dark soya sauce and sesame oil; steamed baby kailan with a bit of oyster sauce, fried garlic and chives; steamed promfret served with ginger strips, spring onions, a few diced salted vegetables and tomatoes.

As always, we would drink Chinese tea. What saddened me most this year was the loss of one aunty affectionately known as "Tai Sou" ("Big Aunty"). I did not even know that she is no more with us. She died in her sleep last month and from what I heard in my conversation with the rest, she was looking forward to the Lunar New Year and one of them even said she was anticipating this dinner. When I heard that, tears just rolled but I quickly dried them with my hankerchief as I do not wish to dampen the happy occasion.

I cannot deny that whenever I do this for the old folks, it is emotionally draining because I know and I believe they know too that their time is almost up. When they will leave this world, I cannot control but the least I can do for them is continue with this annual cook-out.

Oh yah, one joy to share though - two of them are currently attending some seniors' activities at Fairfield Methodist Church. Praise the Lord for that.

We finished at 8:30pm as most of them sleep early. Before we departed, I took up the courage by asking whether I could say a prayer of blessing for them. They were okay with it and I prayed in two languages - Mandarin and Hokkien. I told them the words used may not be perfect and they all smiled.

I asked the Lord to continue to be close to them daily and to provide for their daily needs. I also prayed that His love will always be upon them. My prayers were not long because of my limited vocabulary for these two languages.

Well, praise the Lord for the time spent with them.

This morning before I left for work, I apologised to dad if I had said something which might have offended him. He also said sorry. We smiled while saying that one word to each other - putting pride aside and sought reconciliation. Thanks be to God!

I do not know why but my heart is anxious about this Saturday's Local Church Executive Committee (LCEC) meeting where I have to present the Revised Missions Policy. I am scared because I never like having to answer queries because my thoughts will get all jumbled up - sometimes what I want to say in relation to the questions, I do not say. It is funny (not as in the haha funny) but true. Weird is the word actually.

Anyway, I shall pray and ask God to help me compose myself.

Alritey, time for me to get some work done.

Good night to one and all. Happy Valentine's Day - whatever that is left of it. :)

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

"He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." Proverbs 14:31

Pride - Is It That Important?

I was looking forward to going home just about an hour ago because mum bought "Yu Sheng" for the family but just one remark made by dad spoilt the whole atmosphere. This is also where some weaknesses of mine are still there for me to overcome.

I am not ashamed to share this because it is a real struggle. Though life is not bad generally, there will be times when it yields the ugly side but when dealt with it correctly and with God's help, the journey still goes on and eventually it will be well again.

What happened just now could have been overcome if all practised patience but obviously my dad and I did not. This one incident also showed how childish humans can be at times.

We were tossing the Chinese salad with raw fish, a dish only served during the Lunar New Year, when I accidentally spilled some. It was meant to spill actually as it signifies blessings overflowing but it was not my intention to do so at that time. Anyway, dad said something which I felt injustified and I told him it was not done on purpose. Because of that, he stopped tossing and just looked in my direction as if I have said something vicious or rude to him.

Of course things added up when my bro got agitated and started saying things which insinuated as if I should not defend myself when something wrong is said against me. Then as usual, things of the past were brought out and that pumped fuel to the raging fire already roaring in the kitchen.

I had to bring every one back to how the whole thing started and it was due to one insensitive remark made. After that I went to my room.

I cannot deny that when dad said something which was totally untrue, my pride got the better of me and I went on an offensive mode. I could have practised self-control which at that point of bursting out, I knew I should have done that but obviously the opposite happened.

Now as I reflect on the above-mentioned, Would the whole outcome have been different if I had not tried defending myself. Probably. We could have carried on with the tossing and eating. I just needed to swallow my pride and be patient at that time but of course I did not.

Well, I will explain to dad at another time why I reacted the way I did and apologise to him if I sounded rude towards him. I also need to speak to my bro to share with him why I reacted.

Anyway, I did not plan to have this happened but it did. It basically reminded me to be more sensitive and careful because a simple word or remark can affect someone else.

What a way to end the day.

"It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor. Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." Proverbs 25:27-28

"A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense." Proverbs 19:11

"The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools." Ecclesiastes 7:8-9

Define - "Love Is ......"

Valentine's Day is just two days away and I have already heard of a few guys stressing over what to do for their partners. One of them is exceptionally affected by this because his girlfriend demands that she be made happy. Hmmm... He called me this afternoon about it and I got his permission to blog this.

This poor chap was asked by his partner to think of a unique place for their candlelight dinner, a gift of an item that she has been thinking of lately; that the whole experience cannot be worse than that of her friends.

It is sad that a day commercialised by the world now becomes a stress factor for some just so that their partners can be happy. Why just 14 February? Does that mean that if a partner does not make the other happy on this 'special' day, then the relationship is over? If that is the mentality one has, then I think it is better off that the relationship ends there because it will not last long.

Why must one demand to be made happy? Why must one expect a certain standard from another in an act of love? If this is the ideology of a relationship, then I must say the definition of love is totally wrong.

Love never expects; it should accept. If not, everything a partner does in a relationship becomes an obligation. There is no more joy in giving love because now there is an expectation tagged to it. One's love for another is not gauged by how much one gives or does for the other; the true measure I guess is how one accepts however little he or she receives from the other and is still happy and contented with it.

I hope whoever reads this and is in a relationship may want to reflect on what is fundamental in a relationship. Do not fall into the beliefs of the world that one has to do something special on Valentine's Day and that it has to be really really SPECIAL!!!

Is it not that the time spent with one another SPECIAL enough? Is it not that a present received is better than not having one at all? Is it not that being able to share one's life with another a blessing already? I can go on with the list but I shall leave it as that.

Spare a thought and be sensitive this Valentine's Day. Having the honour to give and receive love is already SPECIAL enough.

I thought I have to share this because of what I have heard and observed. I am not an expert on this topic but being in one relationship before and learning from those who have been in love for many years have taught me enough to understand it.

Anyway, I have to get back to getting some work done. I had planned to do so after dinner but some friends from the MacRitchie Running Fellowship (MRF) called me to join them in a birthday celebration for one of our siblings-in-Christ. I decided to make an exception because I cannot let my busyness take away this opportunity to bless a sibling-in-Christ. :)

Back to work! Played enough! :)

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Prayer Changes Perspectives

Today is a day of multi-tasking! As predicted, workload reached critical level. When I saw the number of things in my In-Tray, I almost died. There were post-its everywhere on my desk. On top of that, I had to deal with the Missions Policy that the Committee and I have been looking into for the past three months. I also needed to write a script for the Wedding Service that I will be leading on 23 February.

Well, just picture three different sets of documents on my table and Andy Chew dealing with them almost all at one go. Haha.

I want to thank God for one of the Christian disciplines which I have been taught all these years - "Prayer"! When I stepped into the office and saw what I described above... yes, my heartbeat began to accelerate and the anxiety button activated. At that moment, I got the prompting, which I know is by to Holy Spirit, to pray. On my knees I went (not literally though) and told the Lord to pull me through the day. As I look back now, I am thankful I survived through it. Guess what? I completed most of the three major stuff that I needed to handle.

Prayer allows me to look at things in perspective and having the assurance that God has heard my prayers and is in the process of helping me, that was a relief. I could deal with even the most difficult task and still do it with a smile, rather than with a long face.

My account may have been different if I had decided to deal with the multi-tasking in my own strength.

Oh yah, I was at a rehearsal just now for the Wedding Service that I am leading in two weeks' time. It was fun though I was tired. I had to lead in the singing of a Chinese song. Haha. It will be a feat for me since the Chinese language is not really my mother-tongue. What I am concerned about is the way I pronounce certain of the words - I hope they sound right on the day itself. Otherwise the bride will probably throw her high-heel shoes at me. Haha.

Anyway, time to go!

"The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock." Psalm 27:1-5

De-Stress Or Be Distressed

It just dawned upon me that I cannot attend the Local Church Executive Committee (LCEC)meeting this coming Saturday as I will be coordinating a wedding for two friends which was planned last June.

I am in a fix now as I have a major presentation to make at the leaders' meeting. This is regarding the revised Missions Policy that some leaders and I have been looking into for the past three months.

The meeting starts at 8am and I have to be at the couple's place at 10am. If the LCEC chairperson allows me to present the revised Policy at the earlier segment then I will be able to attend. I pray everything will turn out well eventually.

I am waiting now for a member of the Missions Policy Review Committee to submit to me the final draft so that I can begin to disseminate it to the rest of the LCEC leaders - hopefully by Tuesday.

Even as I write this blog now, my heart is rather troubled and burdened. This new week will be a very busy one for me as I have a lot of backlog of work in office to deal with since I have just completed my reservist. On top of that I have to attend two rehearsals (Monday and Wednesday) for the other wedding that I am coordinating on 23 February. I also need to meet my Accountability Group which we have not met for more than a month already. The problem is I am only free on Tuesday. One group member may not be able to make it if we hold the meeting on Valentine's Day, which is on Thursday - he is currently the only one attached and the rest of us do not want to deprieve him of spending time with his girlfriend. On Friday I cannot because of some final preparations for Saturday's wedding that I need to attend to.

Just the look of the above paragraph scares me. I cannot skip any of them as I am the key person involved.

After this I shall seek the Lord to lead and guide me. I also pray He will make a way for me and that at the end of it all, everything will flow smoothly.

Today has been a hectic day for me. I was in church early in the morning to meet the Youth Ministry Mentors (YMMs) for a time of prayer; then I attended the Youth Ministry (YM) meeting for a while; after that I had to do some final amendments to the details of a wedding briefing that I needed to conduct after lunch; after the briefing, it was off to town to buy some wedding items for this Saturday's wedding and then I had to meet the couple to sort out some details which required immediate attention and action.

When all the above-mentioned were dealt with, it was already around 5:30pm. I met three siblings-in-Christ for a birthday celebration for two of them. We went to P.S. Cafe in Dempsey Road for dinner and then to the Ben & Jerry outlet for dessert. Well, I am thankful to have known my siblings-in-Christ better. I also give thanks to God that the two birthday girls enjoyed themselves. I am quite amused by how the two sisters-in-Christ are so into photography. They took so many pictures! Haha.

Anyway, we went home early as we were all quite tired.

It is amazing how I pulled through this day. Praise the Lord for His sustenance.

Well, time for me to stop here as I need to submit to God the anxieties of my heart.

Good night, every one and have a blessed week ahead! :)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Household Of Believers

I stayed home the whole day. I woke up quite late this morning as I wanted to really refresh my body. I must say I am very much re-vitalised. Praise the Lord for that. :)

During lunch time, grandma's God-son came over with his family. As usual, food was served and we caught up over meal.

While my parents were talking to them, I decided to go to my room to prepare for two siblings-in-Christ's Wedding Helpers' briefing to be held this Sunday. I started at around 1pm and by the time I completed every detail of the programme, it was already 6:15pm.

I decided to get the above-mentioned over and done with as I will be out the whole day tomorrow - having a Lunar New Year reunion with the MacRitchie Running Fellowship (MRF) at Legends Country Club. After that I have another gathering at a good friend's home. I am still undecided whether I can make it for another evening get-together with members of the Youth Ministry (YM). I am looking forward to a wonderful time of fellowship with everyone whom I will be meeting tomorrow. May the time spent allow us to build each other up.

At around 2:30pm, a huge group of visitors came by and they were my mum's cousins. Initially we thought they would not be coming because their mother (who is my grandaunty) passed away just last year.

When Sasha, my doogy, started barking, I thought only one of them came by for a visit. I was wrong. One after another entered and there were in all 15 of them. We were not prepared to receive so many of them but we tried and praise the Lord we managed to host them to the best of our ability. Haha. It was a great time of catching up and I am glad most of them have overcome the pain of losing someone they loved so dearly.

I whispered a prayer for every visitor today and I pray the Lord will continue to bless and keep them. I also prayed that one day these my relatives will come to know the saving grace of my Lord Jesus Christ.

My shoulders feel lighter now that I have completed preparing for the Wedding Helpers' briefing this Sunday.

Well, time really flies and two days of public holidays are almost over.

Anyway, I thank God for letting me experience a rather different Lunar New Year - blessing all whom I have met with the blessings of my God Almighty.

"... "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." Acts 16:31

Part-Time Christians?

Today has been a day of entertaining guests. Many relatives came over to visit my family since grandma is staying with us. One wave after another - literally had no time to rest. I had also planned to prepare for a wedding briefing for this Sunday but had no chance to.

Actually I did. I was thinking of doing it after dinner but my eyes were so heavy that when I decided to just lie down on my bed to relax, I slept. I only woke up at around 10:50pm. I was still in a daze, thinking that it was already morning. Then I realised it was still dark and my brother was awake. He was the one who informed me that it has not even passed midnight.

For my family, the definition of entertaining guests involves food as well. When I woke up this morning, I helped grandma cooked a few Peranakan stuff. When came lunch-time, the feast began. Relatives caught up with one another over meal and it went on till around 3pm.

After that we visited two families - my grandaunty who is now immobile and my grandma's god-son's mother. I already had in mind to bless the families I visit this year and it started with these two. Well, I did not want to make it too aggressive so for my grandaunty's home, I basically just whispered a prayer for her and her children as I looked at each of them.

As for the other family, I was rejoicing when I heard that my god-uncle's three nieces are now Christians and they are worshipping at Adam Road Presbyterian Church. Almost every year, we basically did not talk much but this time, I fellowshipped with them. I am so happy they are all attending church now. I also whispered a word of prayer for every one in that family.

Oh yah, instead of the usual "bye bye", I changed my words of farewell to "God bless!"

Has it been an eventful day? You bet! I enjoyed it though I was sucked dry physically. Haha.

Thanks be to God for sustaining me through it all.

Tomorrow there may be more visitations to be done. If there are, I will surely look forward to them!

Lunar New Years from here on will be different as I have decided to add in the spiritual elements to them. In fact as I was on my way home reflecting on the blessings I gave to the above two families, I realised that everything we (Christians) do should have the spiritual elements involved. Why detach them in some of our life's activities? If we do that, then we are simply saying that we are not Christians all the time. I hope those reading this gets my drift.

Once we are Christians, every second of our lives will be about living that Christ-like lifestyle. The spiritual elements cannot be detached at all. Jesus Himself did not do that and He was always ready to minister and bless wherever He goes.

I guess it is precisely this notion that only some moments of our lives we live as Christians that many of us (including myself) struggle when confronted with certain issues or experiences of life. That is also why some people around us are stumbled when they see Christians living a double lifestyle.

Well, like it or not, debate all we can, a Christian must be one ALL THE TIME! There is no such thing as a part-time Christian. It is either we are one or not.

Praise the Lord for this reminder.

Okie, time for me to end here. :)

"Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked." Psalm 97:10

"Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God." Luke 9:23-27

Blessed To Be A Blessing

I think all my friends know that I am an avid supporter of Liverpool Football Club - a Reds fanatic basically. Well, this afternoon while I was on my way to Chinatown to buy a couple of new year goodies, I met a couple of other Reds fans in the train along the North-East Line. Nope, they were not Liverpudlians but the Red Devils wearing their Manchester United Football Club jerseys. I was in my Liverpool polo-tee.

The moment I boarded the train, all our eyes were fixed on the emblems of each other's outfit. I turned my attention towards them and we eye-balled each other. We walked around the hand-railing. Our stares got more hostile. Then I raised my right hand - ready to do something I have always wanted to do to my opponents. I walked closer towards these two young men...... and smiled. We shook hands and started talking about English soccer.

We were total strangers but because of one common topic, we were able to talk as if we were good friends.

Some of you might think I am kidding in what I have written above. I did shake the hands of the two gentlemen but we did not do the walking around the railing thingy. I thought I add that to make more dramatic. Haha.

And yes, we spoke about soccer. It was that easy to begin a conversation with strangers. Find a common topic and there you have it. :) I decided to shake their hands because I found it pointless to focus on the rivalry. Haha.

Anyway, it was an effort but it was all worth it. :)

I am very tired now. I cooked dinner for my family's reunion. Though exhausted I am glad my family and my uncle's enjoyed themselves as we feasted together. The theme for the food I prepared this year got to do with anything with the word "DIP".

Other than the usual steamboat where we had to dip the ingredients into the soup, I also did dishes like steamed tiger prawns dipped with wasabi-mayo sauce and then sprinkled with fish roes; a couple of different sauces (chilli with vinegar; peanut butter sauce; sweet and sour sauce; and fish sauce with diced garlic and minced fresh radish) for my family to dip their satayed meat and vegetables. The last dish to mark the closure of the gathering was dessert - pear dipped into melted chocolate and then chilled. Ben and Jerry's were added when served.

Well, as always - after cooking I was unable to eat but I did chomp down the dessert though. :) Just completed all the washing up and finally being able to be seated in front of the computer to account what I did.

Oh yah, I completed my reservist stint this morning.

I guess that is all. All glory to God for today!

Before I go, here's wishing all of you a blessed Lunar New Year. Enjoy!!! :)

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.

His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.

His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:

His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders,

His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens,

His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters,

His love endures forever.
who made the great lights —

His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day,

His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night;

His love endures forever.
to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt

His love endures forever.
and brought Israel out from among them

His love endures forever.
with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;

His love endures forever.
to him who divided the Red Sea asunder

His love endures forever.
and brought Israel through the midst of it,

His love endures forever.
but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;

His love endures forever.
to him who led his people through the desert,

His love endures forever.
who struck down great kings,

His love endures forever.
and killed mighty kings —

His love endures forever.
Sihon king of the Amorites

His love endures forever.
and Og king of Bashan —

His love endures forever.
and gave their land as an inheritance,

His love endures forever.
an inheritance to his servant Israel;

His love endures forever.
to the One who remembered us in our low estate

His love endures forever.
and freed us from our enemies,

His love endures forever.
and who gives food to every creature.

His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven.

His love endures forever."
Psalm 136

Make This Lunar New Year Different - Bless Someone!

I have one more hour to the Missions Policy Review Committee meeting. I thought I take this time to blog a little. I am unwell actually - I have been sneezing the whole day. I think I got this yesterday when I was doing house-work. The cold got worse this morning. The dust particles are irritating my nose.

I am very tempted to postpone the meeting but due to the urgency of the matter, I am unable to do so. I pray we will be able to end early tonight so that I can go home and rest.

I hope it is the due to the dust that I am sneezing and not some flu-bugs as I do not wish to pass them to the rest of the committee members later. The Lunar New Year is so near and it is my prayer that they will not fall sick because of me.

Anyway, today is the second last day of my reservist stint. I was sneezing all the way that it looked rather comical when I was carrying out my duties. I thank the Lord for sustaining me till now and I know He will continue to do so. I pray He will make me well soon as I also wish to enjoy the new year celebration with family and friends.

I am especially excited to visit homes this year as I want to pass God's blessings to my family and friends. The Assistant Pastor of my church challenged the congregation on Sunday to do so and not treat visitations as a drag. He encouraged us not to go through the motion as it can be sometimes. He urged every member and friend to say a prayer of blessing for the families we are visiting.

It never dawned upon me that I can do this - many times I felt that it was pointless to visit certain relatives as it was rather fake to do so. Only seeing them once a year and the reason being the Lunar New Year. Well, I shall change my attitude this year and may the Lord use me to make a difference.

Time for me to end here. I am feeling a little drowsy after taking the flu medication. I shall nap for a while before the meeting commences.

10:35pm

I just came back from the meeting and I praise the Lord it only took the Committee an hour to complete our discussion. Tonight is the last meeting before the Proposed Revised Missions Policy is submitted to the Local Church Executive Committee for approval. Well, all glory to God for seeing the Review Committee through the past three months. It was not an easy time for all as we had to scrutinise every word and paragraph but looking back now, it was all worth it!

Well, my sneezing has eased a little but I am still sniffing. I hope to sleep soon so that I will feel better by tomorrow.

I guess that is all.

Good night, everyone and have a wonderful reunion dinner with your family!

"When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.'" Luke 10:5

God - The Bondage-Breaker

Finally I am able to sit down and rest. Since coming back from my reservist duty, I have been spring-cleaning my room. I thought it would only take me an hour or two. In the end, it took me 5 hours!

After cleaning one segment, I decided to do another one and then another. I also rearranged all the books on the shelves after cleaning them. I even took some time to categorise certain types of literatures. I also shifted my hi-fi system onto my computer table and the available shelves are now used for my files, printer and some photo frames.

It feels good now as I enter my room because all the books are in order; the shelves are clean; my bags are arranged properly at one corner of the room; the ceiling lights so much brighter after removing all the dead insects accumulated over time.

I feel refreshed basically. Haha.

I actually ended at around 8pm but while dad was cleaning the fan, he tripped over the wire. He did not fall but the fan did. The impact damaged the motor. I tried repairing it but to no avail.

I decided to make a trip to Mustafa Shopping Centre in Little India to check out some standing fans and also a blender. It is amazing how things in the house decided to break down one after another in a period of one month. First was my desktop computer, then the television in the living room, next was the blender and now the fan. Oh yah, after shifting my hi-fi set, I tried the CD player and it also did not work. Can you imagine that? Haha.

Anyway, I managed to buy a fan and it comes with a remote control - this is a big deal for me as I never had a remote-controlled fan. :) I also got grandma her blender. She is very particular about this so I had to make sure the new appliance is similar to the old one.

I did not get a new CD player since I already have a DVD player in the room - connected it to the set and it now doubles up as a CD player as well.

I pray nothing else in the house will break down. I have spent quite a bit on a new desktop computer (thanks to a dear brother who helped me set it up), a LCD TV (which I got at a very good price), a fan and a blender.

There are two things that I want to share which has to do with the spring-cleaning I did earlier. I shared about how refreshing it is each time I enter my room. I want to parallel this to that of one's life.

Once in a while, our lives need to go through spring-cleaning as well. What do I mean by this? Basically all of us need to take time off to reflect on our lives and see what are some areas that need to be cleaned or sometimes disposed of. It could be bad habits or sins. If we do not do this, then we become numbed to some of the things that we do which are displeasing to God. Our lives basically get clogged up with all the dust of life.

I can also confidently say that our lives tend to feel kind of gloomy/dark because we know there are things we should not be doing something but yet we keep doing. That knowledge then make us guilty and frustrated. It feels as if we are caged up. Well, I guess that word is "bondage".

Regular upkeeping will break these bondages and free us from the clutches of the evil one who is constantly at work to lure us away from God.

I was talking to a sister-in-Christ from another church and she was sharing about how she needs to overcome certain insecurities in her life. She has been feeling rather lousy for a while. I guess what she is going through is something similar to what I have just shared. I encouraged her to take time off to evaluate her life and to make right what is going wrong now. I am glad she wants to do something about it. It is my prayer that the Lord will refresh her in time to come.

The other thing I want to share got to do with the many photos I came across while I was clearing the mess on one of the shelves. It brought joy as well as sadness to my heart when I looked through every picture.

Joy because of the good times I had with my family, siblings-in-Christ and friends; sad because some of them are not around anymore - either passed away or have left the faith. I blame myself partly for these my friends who have fallen away. I did not follow up on them and now they are no more in fellowship with God. I know some of them are struggling badly especially in their outlook towards life; some are pursuing the pleasures of this world; and yet there are a handful entering into vices.

Did I do something about it? Nothing much. Yes, I tried but should I stop? That is the question I am asking myself now. What should my next move be - give them a call to catch up? Perhaps I should.

The Lunar New Year is just three days away. On Wednesday every Chinese family (actually I should say most since some may not be able to do so due to circumstances) will be having their reunion dinner. I hope one day I will have a reunion with those who may decide to come back to God.

Food for thought for me and you.

Thanks be to God for giving me the perseverance to finish the spring-cleaning and also for teaching me lessons from it.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

The Third Party Of A Relationship

I have been out the whole day. In the morning I met two siblings-in-Christ for the first time to discuss about their wedding plans. Praise the Lord for a great session of fellowship as I gathered all the information needed.

Over the 8 years of being a wedding coordinator to more than thirty couples, I realised that being one is not just about dealing with the administrative aspect but also the spiritual - to remind the couple of the reason for their union especially when they are busy dealing with the preparations.

I realised that they can plan all they want but if their eyes are not on God, then it is quite pointless to go through all the hassles because at the end of the day, they become exhausted and the whole meaning of marriage gets diluted and clouded by the non-essentials.

To me, preparing to exchange the vows before God involves the couple taking time to seek the Lord as to where He is leading them and how He must become the Third Party of their relationship. That to me is preparing for marriage. Everything else is secondary.

If He is cast aside, then everything the couple do on their big day is just going through the motion.

Having the most ideal wedding lasts only one day but grasping the true meaning of marriage lasts a life-time.

That is why there are many divorce cases nowadays - couples always dream of a fairy-tale wedding, like those featured in Hollywood movies. They forget that marriage is a life-long commitment hence when they begin to realise that they are now living together as one and having to bear with the other party's nonsense, that is where the end of their union begins. Over time, it worsens and eventually the one becomes two again... the fairy-tale now becomes a horror movie. Lives broken; love lost and the devil laughs.

Though I am not married, I thank God for showing me certain lessons about love and marriage; I also praise Him for allowing me to use these that I have learnt as a ministry to those whose wedding I am coordinating for.

All glory to Him!

Time to go. I am leading worship at the 11:15am service tomorrow. I should rest early and be spiritualling, physically and mentally prepared. May the Lord be my help!

To all my siblings-in-Christ - have a blessed time of worship at whichever church service you are attending! Give praise to God for all things - both good and bad. He will make all things beautiful in His time! :)

Good night!

"Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them. Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" "What did Moses command you?" he replied. They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away." "It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied. "But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery." Mark 10:1-12