Next Monday onwards, I'll be on a government-assigned local 'missions' trip till December 17th!
No support-raising needed for this trip... in fact, the govt. is paying for it all. =)
Yep... I'll be in-camp for my NS (Army) training for 2 weeks.
And this time, I'm reminded like last time, it's another opportunity for me to shine his light.
There would be, I'm sure, several PDA encounters... and I'm trusting God for it!
(You can read my the story abt my the great adventures in my previous in-camp - http://the_great_adventure.blogspot.com/2005/01/great-adventures-in-camp_17.html)
Do pray for Lil and kids tho'... esp. as she manages with the 2 younger ones. Josh goes to Kinder 1, but Emily & Zach are home with Lil.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Passionate & Committed Leaders & Followers
What made the VOiD season particular exciting for me was watching the team work together.
Sharon, a STINTer was put in charge of leading this project, and boy she led it with a passion. It was such a joy to see her grow as a leader, in spite of her feelings of inadequacies at times. In the initial stages of the project when I met to track with her, I was so impressed by her quick-thinking and organized leading. Well, Sharon, you may not know it, but you've taken FR's concert planning and execution to a whole new level! Kudos to you! Thank you also for leading humbly, and always teachable... This is a true mark of servant leader!
The rest of team were no less special. I saw in each person a very strong commitment to Christ, and to His service. Many of them made many personal sacrifices just to make this happen. VOiDers, your commitment had blessed me greatly! Thank you for the privilege to serve with you! =)
Sharon, a STINTer was put in charge of leading this project, and boy she led it with a passion. It was such a joy to see her grow as a leader, in spite of her feelings of inadequacies at times. In the initial stages of the project when I met to track with her, I was so impressed by her quick-thinking and organized leading. Well, Sharon, you may not know it, but you've taken FR's concert planning and execution to a whole new level! Kudos to you! Thank you also for leading humbly, and always teachable... This is a true mark of servant leader!
The rest of team were no less special. I saw in each person a very strong commitment to Christ, and to His service. Many of them made many personal sacrifices just to make this happen. VOiDers, your commitment had blessed me greatly! Thank you for the privilege to serve with you! =)
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
The fruit of many pple's labour...
The official VOiD season has ended.
VOiD brought their assembly program about self-acceptance to 5 schools & 1 counselling centre, and performed to over 3000 students. They ended their season with an evangelisitc follow-up concert of which 30 of those students showed up. That night, we saw 7 who prayed to receive Christ, and 6 more who wanted to know more about a relationship with Christ! Praise the Lord!
God had intended for these results, and much more! He had special (individualised) curriculums for every one involved in VOiD... especially about learning that we are fully accepted by Him, no matter what.
What a loving God we serve! Who gently draws us out to surrender more of ourselves to Him, as we learn more about His trustworthy character. =)
VOiD brought their assembly program about self-acceptance to 5 schools & 1 counselling centre, and performed to over 3000 students. They ended their season with an evangelisitc follow-up concert of which 30 of those students showed up. That night, we saw 7 who prayed to receive Christ, and 6 more who wanted to know more about a relationship with Christ! Praise the Lord!
God had intended for these results, and much more! He had special (individualised) curriculums for every one involved in VOiD... especially about learning that we are fully accepted by Him, no matter what.
What a loving God we serve! Who gently draws us out to surrender more of ourselves to Him, as we learn more about His trustworthy character. =)
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Ern weds Jaq
It's wedding month! November is usually weddings galore! Yesterday, there's at least 3 wedding that I know about. Of course, I knew which one I chose to go to.
It was Jacq's wedding! Yeah!
Jacq is an ex-colleague of mine (we were in the same GCTC new staff training batch!) She's also a former solo artiste with ForeRunner.
I was also the official wedding photographer... it was a long tiring day, but nevertheless fun. Cos' I was getting used to my new digital camera (Powershot S2 IS - which I esp got in time for this!) And continued to use my semi-pro SLR (Canon EOS Elan IIE) for some film shots!
It was Jacq's wedding! Yeah!
Jacq is an ex-colleague of mine (we were in the same GCTC new staff training batch!) She's also a former solo artiste with ForeRunner.
I was also the official wedding photographer... it was a long tiring day, but nevertheless fun. Cos' I was getting used to my new digital camera (Powershot S2 IS - which I esp got in time for this!) And continued to use my semi-pro SLR (Canon EOS Elan IIE) for some film shots!
Friday, November 18, 2005
God's timely provisions...
Yes, He's done it again! God is never late...
Just 2 days ago, caught up with a friend whom I've not seen for a long while. As I was leaving she gave me a card, and in it a check! Wow... how did she know? Truth is, she probably didn't know that her gift was like God's timely provision for a need.
Josh's surgery has set us back more than $5k. And altho' some of it will be covered by our company insurance, and some medisave, there's still a fair bit of cash portion. God kept reminding me from the beginning not to worry.... not to be anxious about how I'm going to pay for it.
And yesterday, Josh went for his review at the clinic. Not only did the doctor say he's healing well, he also indicated he do his best to help us with the bill. He didn't have to do it (to help us out financially) but he chose to. And once again, we're blessed! =)
Thank you, Lord! for your ever so timely provisions for ALL our needs.
Just 2 days ago, caught up with a friend whom I've not seen for a long while. As I was leaving she gave me a card, and in it a check! Wow... how did she know? Truth is, she probably didn't know that her gift was like God's timely provision for a need.
Josh's surgery has set us back more than $5k. And altho' some of it will be covered by our company insurance, and some medisave, there's still a fair bit of cash portion. God kept reminding me from the beginning not to worry.... not to be anxious about how I'm going to pay for it.
And yesterday, Josh went for his review at the clinic. Not only did the doctor say he's healing well, he also indicated he do his best to help us with the bill. He didn't have to do it (to help us out financially) but he chose to. And once again, we're blessed! =)
Thank you, Lord! for your ever so timely provisions for ALL our needs.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Rich weekend
These past few days has been really good. It's been like 'feasting' on a delicious chocolate cake... that's so rich that you're still savouring it...! And so my mind & heart has been 'soaking' in lots of wisdom, knowledge and life experience the past 3-4 days.
It started on Thursday with my 3-weekly mentoring time with my Pastor, where I was challenged to have proper 'thinking frameworks or paradigms' in my leadership. Then on Friday, we had an engaging NLT (National Leadership Team) meeting where I found myself processing through what's our main call as a ministry... Then that afternoon, I took our STINTers to Kent Ridge Park, and had a meaningful time catching up, and hearing them share of God's grace in each of their lives. =) Saturday, I went to our church's Leadership Conference at the invitation of Pastor Fab; it was particularly exciting for me to track with the vision of the church, and observe how the Covenant Leadership is putting 'handles' and 'feet' to the principles they are learning as a team. Lots of things that set me thinking about the way I lead too... Finally on Sunday, God's word was preached and once again spoke to my heart, recognizing that I've sooo much to learn and grow. Thank you Lord for being patient with me!
It's an exciting life! And I'm thankful to be living it for you Lord! =)
It started on Thursday with my 3-weekly mentoring time with my Pastor, where I was challenged to have proper 'thinking frameworks or paradigms' in my leadership. Then on Friday, we had an engaging NLT (National Leadership Team) meeting where I found myself processing through what's our main call as a ministry... Then that afternoon, I took our STINTers to Kent Ridge Park, and had a meaningful time catching up, and hearing them share of God's grace in each of their lives. =) Saturday, I went to our church's Leadership Conference at the invitation of Pastor Fab; it was particularly exciting for me to track with the vision of the church, and observe how the Covenant Leadership is putting 'handles' and 'feet' to the principles they are learning as a team. Lots of things that set me thinking about the way I lead too... Finally on Sunday, God's word was preached and once again spoke to my heart, recognizing that I've sooo much to learn and grow. Thank you Lord for being patient with me!
It's an exciting life! And I'm thankful to be living it for you Lord! =)
Friday, November 11, 2005
Here's how it looks now... =(
broken djembe
Originally uploaded by muffyn.
My guess on how it ripped was probably because the air is quite dry in my room (air-con). Plus the skin of the drum is quite well-worn, and tightly tuned. Sigh....
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Broken...
Yesterday I discovered to my horror that my Djembe drum skin had ripped! The damage is really bad... Basically it's ruined. =(
I was completely heart-broken. This was a hand drum that I finally decided to get while I was in Bali for vacation. I had deliberated it over 2 days, prayed and discussed it over and over again with Lil. I really loved the sound so much, and it was really like love at first 'sound'. And I was really really looking forward to use when I perform with 7Days. Now alas, it's gone... And it hasn't even gone on the road. Aaarrgh!
Frankly, I'm struggling to accept this loss....
I was completely heart-broken. This was a hand drum that I finally decided to get while I was in Bali for vacation. I had deliberated it over 2 days, prayed and discussed it over and over again with Lil. I really loved the sound so much, and it was really like love at first 'sound'. And I was really really looking forward to use when I perform with 7Days. Now alas, it's gone... And it hasn't even gone on the road. Aaarrgh!
Frankly, I'm struggling to accept this loss....
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
J & Lil b4 myringotomy
here's a pic of lil & josh (taken w my phone) right before he went into the operating theatre. Lil accompanied him in and stayed with him.... untill he 'knocked-out' under GA (General Anaesthesia)
Monday, November 07, 2005
Root of Bitterness
Today I read this online.. and figured it was good 'food for thot'
The Root of Bitterness
See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up
to cause trouble and defile many - Hebrews 12:15
The enemy of our souls has a very specific strategy to destroy relationships. Whether these relationships are in business, marriage, or friendships, the strategy is the same. A conflict arises, judgments are made, and feelings are hurt. What happens next is the defining point of whether the enemy gains a foothold, or the grace of God covers the wrong.
When a root of bitterness is allowed to be planted and grown, it not only affects that person, but it also affects all others who are involved. It is like a cancer.
Breaking satan's foothold requires at least one person to press into God's grace. It cannot happen when either party "feels" like it, for none of us will ever feel like forgiving. None of us feel like talking when we have been hurt. Our natural response is to withdraw or lash out at the offending party. It is only obedience that allows God's grace to cover the wrongs incurred. This grace prevents the parties from becoming victims who will seek compensation for their pain.
The next time you are hurt by someone, realize the gravity of the crossroads where you find yourself. Choose grace instead of bitterness. Then you will be free to move past the hurt, and a root of bitterness will not be given opportunity to grow.
Taken from TGIF Marketplace
The Root of Bitterness
See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up
to cause trouble and defile many - Hebrews 12:15
The enemy of our souls has a very specific strategy to destroy relationships. Whether these relationships are in business, marriage, or friendships, the strategy is the same. A conflict arises, judgments are made, and feelings are hurt. What happens next is the defining point of whether the enemy gains a foothold, or the grace of God covers the wrong.
When a root of bitterness is allowed to be planted and grown, it not only affects that person, but it also affects all others who are involved. It is like a cancer.
Breaking satan's foothold requires at least one person to press into God's grace. It cannot happen when either party "feels" like it, for none of us will ever feel like forgiving. None of us feel like talking when we have been hurt. Our natural response is to withdraw or lash out at the offending party. It is only obedience that allows God's grace to cover the wrongs incurred. This grace prevents the parties from becoming victims who will seek compensation for their pain.
The next time you are hurt by someone, realize the gravity of the crossroads where you find yourself. Choose grace instead of bitterness. Then you will be free to move past the hurt, and a root of bitterness will not be given opportunity to grow.
Taken from TGIF Marketplace
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Bounce Back Soon!
We've been resting at my mom's place... and Josh is back to his normal silly self. Together with Emily, they're little 'terrors' screaming and shouting and running around!
Josh: (sitting on my lap as I type this) 'heee yah, i dunno...(looks at me) hee yah.. is all I want to say'
Josh is fine! =)
Josh is doing well. Surgery, according to the doctor went fine. Now we just need to pray that they won't be any infections, in the wounds.
Only one grommet (ear tube) was inserted into the left ear. He only did a small cut in the eardrum of the right ear. Doc also said his adenoid (tissue in his nasal passage) was so large, he must be breathing hard each night during sleep, which naturally tires him out in the night.
Josh is in good spirits. except when he has to do ear drip and nose drips! Aiyoh... it's so unbearable... for US! ha ha... =)
Anyway, he was very calm going into the operating room; even the surgeon, anaesthetist and nurses all commented that he was very brave!
Thanks so much for many who sms-ed, emailed to show concern. We really appreciate your prayers. =)
Only one grommet (ear tube) was inserted into the left ear. He only did a small cut in the eardrum of the right ear. Doc also said his adenoid (tissue in his nasal passage) was so large, he must be breathing hard each night during sleep, which naturally tires him out in the night.
Josh is in good spirits. except when he has to do ear drip and nose drips! Aiyoh... it's so unbearable... for US! ha ha... =)
Anyway, he was very calm going into the operating room; even the surgeon, anaesthetist and nurses all commented that he was very brave!
Thanks so much for many who sms-ed, emailed to show concern. We really appreciate your prayers. =)
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Surgery tomorrow...
We'll need to be at Mt. Elizabeth at 7am. Josh is supposed to fast from midnight till the surgery. No food or even water till his scheduled surgery at 8am.
I've was quite concerned initially about this whole surgery thing, but Lil kept encouraging me not to be anxious (I sometimes worry too much!) It helped a little after I read up more about it online. The whole procedure will only take about 30mins. We'll then wait for the GA to wear off, and he'll be discharged.
Josh is feeling quite ok abt the whole thing. He knows he will 'fall' asleep and the doctor will insert a little tube in his ears etc. He's all quite happy about it. Not much worries... for now at least. =) Thanks to many of u who asked abt him...
p.s. if u want to read more abt the surgery/procedures u can surf to:
Adenoidectomy http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003011.htm
Myringotomy http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003015.htm
I've was quite concerned initially about this whole surgery thing, but Lil kept encouraging me not to be anxious (I sometimes worry too much!) It helped a little after I read up more about it online. The whole procedure will only take about 30mins. We'll then wait for the GA to wear off, and he'll be discharged.
Josh is feeling quite ok abt the whole thing. He knows he will 'fall' asleep and the doctor will insert a little tube in his ears etc. He's all quite happy about it. Not much worries... for now at least. =) Thanks to many of u who asked abt him...
p.s. if u want to read more abt the surgery/procedures u can surf to:
Adenoidectomy http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003011.htm
Myringotomy http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003015.htm
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Ear surgery...
Joshua needs to go for surgery, for his ears.
Doctor says if he does not do it, it could lead to permanent hearing loss when older.
There are 2 procedures he's going thru.
one's called Adenoidectomy- which is the surgical removal of the adenoid glands from the area between the nasal airway and the back of the throat, this is related to the second procedure...
the other procedure is Myringotomy and grommet tube insertion.. which is to drain fluid that has built up behind a child’s eardrums. The purpose of the procedure is to restore the normal functioning of the ear
the surgery has been scheduled for this Friday Nov 4th.
he'll need to go under GA, should wake up afternoon, after the surgery.
please pray, as i'm personally quite anxious abt it. The whole idea of a surgery on a little kid just 'shakes' me.
pray for peace. for lil, josh and me & pray for skillful hands as the doc operates.
pray that this surgery will help Josh in the end, hearing improvement, no sinus problem, no asthmatic condition anymore etc.
Grab a Bite!
Yeps, it's the annual Mass Media Supporters' Sale again! from November 2nd to 7th. If you've never gone for one... this is truly a must visit. Crusade's Mass Media is one of the largest importer and supplier of Christian books & resources here in Singapore!
Prices are unbeatable! And all this specially (and exclusively) for Crusade supporters, like you.
Visit www.sccc.org.sg for more detials
Prices are unbeatable! And all this specially (and exclusively) for Crusade supporters, like you.
Visit www.sccc.org.sg for more detials
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