starSfish

2007-02-01T09:17:00.000+08:00

Cell at my place 330pm. XX, can you fly back? haha.
John 15:1-8. Do read it up, find out mroe bout vineyard,vine and etc that was mentioned last sat. God bless!
-ZEC

2007-01-30T23:06:00.000+08:00

Dear all, not sure if I've shared this b4, but during META last year, Joshua and I attended a leaders' session, and were given a questionair to help us evaluate and better prepare for our next yr in ministry. 1 of the qns that really struck me was, "how much of serving in 2006 was from an overflow?"

---YXX---

2007-01-26T10:17:00.000+08:00

Service to God. Hmm Joel that's a really long one. Learn to say Yes and No. Hear Jesus. Service is something we give out of LOVE. Out of LOVE FOR GOD. In ministry, what really struck me was is everything I do out of love for God. Am I feeding the sheep just like Jesus did. In anyway, am I helping the ppl around me fulfilling what Jesus commanded. But the greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our soul and all our mind. That's the first thing that we all have to do is to love Him. Walk with Jesus. Service is something that you do out of Love. Jesus doesn't need you to do everything for Him. He is God. But when you serve you do it out of Love because you Love him. It just really struck me hard are we really serving because we truly LOVE God doing it out of responsibility? I know we have to have all these but the most important factor is still LOVE. Been wanting to share this with you ppl.

2007-01-25T13:10:00.000+08:00

Hey! Joel here, first time blogging on this. Haha.
So I guess the article I'm gonna post has a sort of significance for me.
Hope this helps for whoever that's reading this. God bless.

Leader's Insight: The Subtle Sin of Grandiosity (Part 1)
Is my life in ministry helping or hurting my walk with Christ?
by John Ortberg, guest columnist

In a discussion with other pastor-types recently, the topic rolled around
to the state of our souls. "I don't mean to whine," said one of us (who
shall remain nameless, though I'm certain it wasn't I), "but I actually
found it easier to pursue spiritual health when I was not in ministry."
Almost everyone agreed: we felt hurried, overloaded, drained, and often
taken for granted.

This wasn't the first conversation I'd heard along these lines. We often
talk as if working at a church gets in the way of living the gracious,
winsome life Jesus calls us to. After a while the question is bound to
surface: What is happening when involvement in "ministry" seems to produce
less spiritually vital people?

I had breakfast recently with a friend whose father has ministered in
Christian circles for close to fifty years. His dad said to him recently,
"Well, son, we'll have to get together soon, as soon as I can get my
schedule under control." His son commented: "For all thirty-nine years of
my life, my dad has talked about what we're going to do as soon as he gets
his schedule under control. He actually seems to believe that someday his
schedule will come under control. He refuses to talk about or even
acknowledge the real reason why his schedule is out of control."

I remember a church-planting consultant who warned a group of us that we
would need to pay the price if we wanted a successful church plant. We'd
have to do whatever it took: let our marriages suffer, put our children on
hold.

But it seemed to me then, and it does now, that this cannot be the way God
intended ministry. If the purpose of ministry is to convince people to
live the kind of life Jesus invites us to live, how can the church be
built on people who give up living the kind of life Jesus invites us to
live?

The deeper truth
It may be that we get too busy doing ministry out of misguided but good
intentions. We think we are furthering the kingdom at our expense.

But usually the truth runs deeper than this. I believe that certainly in
my own case and in a fair number of others behind much of the fatigue and
overscheduling in pastoral ministry is a sizable dose of a subtle sin:
grandiosity.

This sin may involve saying yes when I ought to say no. It often involves
being preoccupied with my job and failing to be fully present with my wife
or my children or with God. That's because it's not just the kingdom, it's
my career or reputation that I'm extending.

A friend, a business leader, told me that one difficult thing about
getting older was reading accounts of other, more successful executives,
and then noticing they were younger than he. ("These articles always
mention their ages.") When he was younger, he told himself that when he
reached the age of whatever tycoon he was reading about, he'd match his or
her success. But as he got older, the game got tougher to play.

What struck me was I had done exactly the same thing in reading about
people in my line of work. I suppose this should not be a surprise. Ernest
Becker, in his classic book The Denial of Death, writes that narcissism is
in fact "the mainspring of human activity," which is, at heart, just a
good, Lutheran diagnosis.

This sin rarely gets named anymore. In our day grandiosity is tolerated as
acceptable, if not embraced as an outright virtue. To the Greeks,
Narcissus stood as a warning against excessive self-love. Were he alive
today, Narcissus would have an exercise video, a chain of mirror-walled
fitness clubs, and a string of successful infomercials.

But in our line of work, we are more likely to disguise grandiosity. We
don't give it its proper name, so we're tempted to think we've overcome it
when really we've just driven it underground. It comes out in resentment,
or frustration, or a vague sense of failure and shame.

Is Christ being formed in me?
A central question for my life these days is this: Is my involvement in
ministry helping Christ to be formed in me?

It's important to be clear on this question. How should ministry affect
the life of the minister?

This is not the same thing as saying people in ministry should do more
"self-care." Ministry may be inconvenient, tiring, even dangerous. It will
not necessarily make my life more manageable. When Paul speaks of
beatings, stonings, shipwreck, nakedness, sleeplessness, and hunger, he is
not describing a life that sounds particularly manageable.

But authentic ministry will never work in opposition to leading a life of
increasing joy and love and gentleness. Ministry must never be separated
from spiritual formation.

This central truth helps me identify grandiosity in my work: If ministry
is being done right, it will aid in having Christ formed in me. My
involvement in ministry (using ministry in the narrow sense of service to
the body of Christ) needs to be seen in light of an overall way of life
designed to help me become transformed. If it is not doing this,
something, somewhere, has gone wrong.

2007-01-24T22:43:00.000+08:00

Dearest ones,

Cell is on at Zec's place on Saturday @230pm.
Read up John 15:1-17 before coming.

Have a blessed week!
Take care till we meet again!

In His love,
Sharon

2007-01-17T11:30:00.000+08:00

starSfish

hey guys... I just realise how stupid I've been... the reason why God caused me to find out abt my heart condition last yr, is so that I can downgrade, and not need to do my ICT. please pray for my unit to allow me to get thru for a medical review asap.

---YXX---

2007-01-16T14:48:00.000+08:00

starSfish

dear all...
I wanted to save on my sms so I didn't sms you guys about this, but these are my flight details.

I'd be taking Thai Airways

24Jan Dep SIN 2100
Arr Bankok 2220

24Jan Dep Bankok 2340
25Jan Arr FRA 0530

25Jan Dep FRA airport BF 0658
Arr Bochum HBF 1009

1 more prayer request would be that MINDEF would grant me my exit permit till end of july, cos my ICT's on the last 2 weeks of july. ironic isn't it? the guy who can downgrade refuses to... haiz...

---YXX---

just for sam wong : now that you know the 1st half of my heart condition story, I hope you can find your way.

2007-01-14T23:18:00.000+08:00

Heya starSfish-ers.
I wonder who checks this place out.
If you see this msg, tag sth.
Then can make a headcount who comes here.
Thanks!

Haha.. Ya.. Abit bored. Actually tired. But do it k? So that know what to do next time for communication to cell.

How has everyone been? Keep pressing on in your walk with God! ;)

How good and pleasant it is when brothers (and sisters) live together in unity!
(Psalm 133:1)

Sharon

2007-01-09T15:00:00.000+08:00

Dearest all!!!

this is rather last min, but due to lack of time, just before my tentative date of departure, I've booked my IPPT date, 10Jan2007, which is tmr, at Maju Camp.
I'm not sure how things are gonna turn out cos I've not done serious running since my treadmill test in nov... after that I only ran once on a treadmill... so I've seriously lost touch with running. so am not too sure how I'm gonna fair tmr...

Prayer request:
To use this chance to learn how to physically run for God.

---YXX---

2006-12-31T01:07:00.000+08:00

1 Samuel 15:1-26
talks about how God delights in obedience more than burnt offerings and sacrifices. v22

Saul did not obey God's instruction to destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions completely. He and his soldiers spared Agag king of the Amalekites and the best of the sheep and cattle. v9 He wanted to sacrifice the plunder like the sheep to the Lord. v21
Because Saul rejected the word of the Lord, God rejected him as king. v23

v24 Then Saul said to Samuel, " I have sinned. I violated the Lord's commands and your instructions. I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them.

Personal reflections
In this passage, I have seen that God delights in our whole-hearted obedience to His commands, and not disobeying some part, rationalising that this pleases God, as in Saul's case. "I did obey God, destroyed everything except the best of the plunder, so I can sacrifice to the Lord" paraphrased from v20-21

I think his soldiers were probably greedy and wanted to keep the best of the plunder. For Saul, he was afraid to the people(soldiers) and so gave in to them. v24

This passage speaks to me deeply. Knowing God delights in my total obedience to Him, and not compromising His commands under pressure from friends, yet I lack the courage to stand up unwaveringly for God. I do not want to fear men and give in to them; I want to fear God and stand up for Christ, to be His salt and light in this world. I'm weak but God is strong, I believe He can give me strength to live the life that is pleasing to Him.

Abba,
I pray that You'll fill me with Your Holy Spirit continually, that I may have power to live the life that reflects You, to walk in obedience of all Your ways. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Zeniv

2006-12-19T00:10:00.000+08:00

SAT CELL IS ON!!!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!
Time to meet, greet, eat, worship, share! Myammar pple back, PS pple back, US pple back. 230pm at my place. Come with an expectant heart and be blessed! Think cell may be long this sat. Get ready to be blessed and recieve a touch from God!
Sunday, we will be having a combined Young adults Christmas service at Sharon Sim's place 630pm. Invite friends. Bring a gift about $5-10 for gift exchange.
Zec

2006-12-08T13:39:00.000+08:00

Hey all...

just wanna thank you all for keeping me in prayer all this while. its been a really interesting time, as I begin my uphill climb with the Lord & if its not the uphill, then I'm starting to enjoy my downhill... either way, I'm evermore confident in the Lord's decisions!

my last few check ups, were great. everything was as what the Lord has told me. I broke my ban and rode to NUH for my check up with the doc. the doc got me hooked up to this mobile ECG, and told me I could do anything I wanted to, except bathe, cos the machine was attached to me.
I smiled, and asked, if that meant that I could cycle?
he nodded and added that he'd prefer that I clocked some higher HRs.
that brought a big smile on my face.
since I was at NUH, so the next place I went was south bouna vista rd. aka 99 turns. wahaha!!! I even went for a worship prac in church...

the next day, I went back and the doc told me the results. haha!!! it was as what the Lord has told me. I could ride all I want. and based on all the analysis, if I want to keep be able to cycle, I've got to consistently maintain a base level of fitness. well, that to me is a much better deal.

at the review of my neuro scan on thu, the doc looked at my results, and then said, your head and brain's ok.

so what does that mean?
the next time you want to hit me, you might want to reconsider. cos the car hit me, and was in turned !!!hahaha!!!

You give and take away, You give and take away,
My HEART will choose to say, BLESSED be YOUR NAME!!!
---YXX---

2006-12-06T22:55:00.000+08:00

Heya.. Some updates for this sat.

Tentatively, we will be meeting at 3pm to chill and catch up.
We will be watching 'Open Season' @the Cathay.
Time of show? Either the 410 one or 525 one.

Please report strength to J Mo. Your attendance and number of friends coming. If possible report to him by Friday morning. Thanks!

Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. (1Chronicles 16:11)

2006-12-02T02:13:00.000+08:00

starSfish

Hey ppl!!!
just wanna share this with you.
Nov, has been quite a month for me, venturing into the extremes of emotions, struggling with being immobilized, struggling with exams, and having the attachment in Germany approved. for now, I can't really see how they could be related, but I know that in the larger picture, they are.

As I reflected on this month, I recalled the "$80 bike story" I shared in Aug. and realized a very interesting pt.

[what's a bike designed for? it's been designed to help ppl get around over all sorts of terrains, distances, at all sorts of speeds, regardless of the weather... ... as Christians we are said to be vessels for God.if I were a bike and God was the rider, would God like to ride me around?while riding, would God be able to trust me?or would I be a burden to him, that He'll be praying that I don't breakdown?
am I going to be the type of bikes that God would ride to all sorts of places speeding downhill comfortably? or would he only entrust me with small mundane tasks?]

did you know that I find it a lot easier to make decisions while cycling on the $80 than my other bike?
for example, when I'm on top of a hill, I look down and see a really steep and challenging route ahead. on my better bike, I'd hold my breath, anticipate & imagine the adreline rush, hold my guts and then hesitate... but when I'm on the $80 bike. the decision's made even b4 I reach the top. I definitely won't try the slope, cos the bike might just fall apart, a car in front of me might just jam his brakes etc... in fact I won't even think of bringing the bike up there.

notice the difference. on the good bike, my concern is of myself, am I going to have enough guts to go thru? on the $80 bike, the concern is on the bike.

often in our lowest moments, confused & frustrated, we wonder how we actually ended up there. how did I actually get this genetic disorder? how?!!??! What!!!? why!?!?? its not fair!!! the fact that we can feel down means we've been up b4, somewhere better, somewhere higher. so how did we end up in the ditch or valley? well, God wanted to bring us from a high pt to another. [Ps 84:7]

the fact that we're down in the valley means that the rider feels that this bike is able to take all the stress, have the appropriate traction, reaction, etc. it means the rider TRUSTS the bike! We're down there, becos God TRUSTS that us!!! [1Cor10:13]
seeing the problem from this point of view, makes the object of focus rather different doesn't it?
Its not about me,
As if You should things my way,
You alone are God and I surrender,
To Your ways

---YXX---

2006-11-29T09:26:00.000+08:00

Cell this sat

Hey starSfish!
Cell is at my place but TIMING changed to 330pm. I need to work on sat so be back by then. Sorry for the change. You can come earlier if you wanna chill, pray or fellowship. My parents will be around to open the door for ya But do let me know what time. If not only Bobo and Jacq will be greeting ya. Think about " Did we?" that was shared last week. This week, we'll be continuing on Heb 10:24-25. God bless, keep the cell in prayer!

Zec

2006-11-28T05:41:00.000+08:00

starSfish

http://cjcphoto.com/can/

Click on link to view, amazing story!

Zeniv

2006-11-26T23:32:00.000+08:00

starSfish

here's an old song that summarizes what I would like to comment about what's been posted...
you can click on the link below for the mp3

---YXX---
btw, is there anyway I can load an MP3 onto our blog?

God Forbid

The more I know your power, Lord
The more I’m mindful
How casually we speak and sing your name
How often we have come to you
With no fear or wonder
And called upon you only for what we stand to gain

(chorus)
God forbid, that I find you so familiar
That I think of you as less than who you are
God forbid, that I should speak of you at all
Without a humble reverence in my heart
God forbid

Lord, I often talk about your love and mercy
How it seems to me your goodness has no end
It frightens me to think that I could take you for granted
Though you’re closer than a brother
You’re more than just a friend

(repeat chorus)

You are father, God almighty
Lord of lords, you're King of kings
Beyond my understanding
No less than everything

(repeat chorus)

God forbid
God forbid

2006-11-26T23:29:00.000+08:00

2006-11-26T21:34:00.000+08:00

The below article is interesting but....
Hmmm...

The writer wrote about "God is my boyfriend" song. True enough that as we sing those songs, let us not take for granted the sovereignty of God and His holiness but I believe God wants us to come before Him transparently like King David.

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" (Psalm 42:1-2)

All He desires is us. : )

I guess as long as we come before God with no pretenses, just wanting to offer our best to God, it does not matter what we sing. He delights in no offerings at all but our heart, us. I guess even if we sing "You are holy, holy. Lord, there's none like You" and we do not mean it, what is the point?

Yuppers.

So... Just come before God just as you are. :)

What do the rest of you think?

2006-11-26T20:29:00.000+08:00

starSfish

blessed by this. Zeniv:)

GRACE@WORK MAIL 44/06
[November 24th 2006 Edition]
Commentary: How To Approach a Bear
Recently I discovered what I should do if I were to encounter a bear in the wild.* If the bear is close to you, back away slowly. Never run.* Act calmly. Move deliberately, as if you are not alarmed. This will help to calm the bear, too.* If you are in a group, bunch up, or join other hikers nearby.* If you are carrying pepper spray, get it ready, just in case.* Speak to the bear in a normal tone of voice. This helps to identify you as a human and satisfy the bear's curiosity.(The Official Parks Canada Visitors' Guide)The underlying premise of the above instructions is that bears are dangerous. They need to be approached properly.

It seems we are more afraid of bears than we are of God.I think of how we saunter into the presence of God Sunday after Sunday. I think about the kind of songs we offer to Him.Often we offer what my friend Leon calls "God is my boyfriend" songs. Forgive me Kutless fans but when I hear lyrics like the following, I blush. ( I know they do good Christian rock stuff.)"You are my desireNo one else will do'Cause no one else could take Your placeTo feel the warmth of Your embraceHelp me find the way to bring me back to YouYou're all I wantYou're all I've ever neededYou're all I wantHelp me know You are near""To feel the warmth of your embrace?"

Are you nuts? Do you think you can embrace the Divine Flame and not be fried to a cinder? What were you thinking?

Compare how the biblical saints respond to encounters with God.
Isaiah becomes acutely aware of his sinfulness and think his destruction is imminent. (Isaiah 6:1-5)
Ezekiel falls face down on the ground. (Ezekiel 1:1-28)
Daniel faints, his face to the ground. (Daniel 10:1-9)
Moses is given specific instructions as to how he is to approach God — He is to take off his sandals as a mark of holy fear and submission. (Exodus 3:1-6)

In the totality of biblical revelation, we learn that God is also our Father (Matthew 6:9) and our friend (John 15:15). But as Jesus Himself points out after He washes the feet of His disciples, He is friend, but He remains Teacher and Lord (John 13:13).A lonely and fatherless generation wants to draw near to God. They crave intimacy. But on their terms. And they run the danger of idolatry, drawing close to a god of their own making.

Miroslav Volf is but one of many voices who warn us of the dangers of confusing God with our images of Him. He warns us that:"But in fact our images of God are rather different from God's reality. We are finite beings, and God is infinitely greater than any thoughts we can contain about divine reality in our wondrous but tiny minds. We are sinful beings, and God is different from what we conceive in our selfishness and pride. Finite and self centered as we are, we often forget God's warning through the prophet Isaiah: "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts' (55:9).

When we forget that, we unwittingly reduce God's ways to our ways and God's thoughts to our thoughts. Our hearts become factories of idols in which we fashion and refashion God to fit our needs."(Free of Charge, p. 22)

Recently I had the opportunity to thank a lecturer that had blessed me so much in my time in seminary. I was in my late 20's then. He was in his fifties and had a number of successful pastorates before becoming principal of a theological college. He was an excellent teacher but what shocked me was how he treated me — he treated me as a peer when obviously I was not.His condescension was encouraging and empowering.

It was used by God to help me gain confidence about life and about ministry. I was touched that he reached out to me as a peer precisely because I knew I was not.We will never appreciate what it means that God "came down" (Exodus 3:8) unless we realize how far that journey was.Yes God is a welcoming Father (Luke 15:11-32) but He is still the Wholly Other. He is both.

Any intimacy that forgets His awesome holiness and majesty is an encounter with an idol we have made in our own minds, and not an encounter with God Himself.In the end a God who is intimate but not big is of not much comfort.

As I write this piece, I am very aware of so much need — growing racial tensions in my own country, a number of friends fighting cancer, fresh violence in Lebanon, etc, etc, etc. I need a God big enough to take all these and more in His stride.

A "boy-friend" God isn't nearly big enough.And so daily I ask God for grace to fight the idolatry of my mind and my heart. I continually allow Scripture to edit my images and thoughts of Him. Periodic retreats to places of natural beauty helps. And so does good literature.

C. S. Lewis is always helpful:[of Aslan] Mr. Tumnus: He's not a tame lion.Lucy Pevensie: No... but he's good.God is wild and dangerous. Approach with care. But He is also good.

I feel loved in the embrace of this God. I feel safe entrusting the world, and my life, into His hands.

Your brother,
Soo-Inn Tan

2006-11-24T22:15:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

I just lost my handphone a few hours ago. So will be uncontactable via call or sms. I left my handphone and wallet on the bus, very careless of me.
Still, wanna thank God that my wallet can be found, with my IC, Nus card, and money intact. Praise God!

P.S. My exam starts tomorrow and ends on 6 Dec
Can pray for me tks!

In Christ,
Zeniv

2006-11-20T22:57:00.000+08:00

Cell is ON! My place at 230pm. Those who wanna come earlier to chill or fellowship are free to do so but inform me. Just in case i go out for lunch or something.

Scripture memory for last week:
Hebrews 10:24-25 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let 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

Sunday after church, let's go to Acts for their sale. Can buy gifts, books, cds and dvds ( 2+1, 1+1 ). Who's keen?

Keep each other in prayer! Prepare something to share on sat on what the ord has done, been speaking to you, what u have learnt n etc.. Who knows, we might be a hidden ram?

From Zec

2006-11-15T10:22:00.000+08:00

Cell is on this Sat @Zec's place.
Time: 2pm
Come early and fellowship with one another k? ;)

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. (Psalm 27:4)

2006-11-13T20:02:00.000+08:00

starSfish

hey all,

thx for all the prayers, I really appreciate it. its really needed. I've got a couple more things that I'm praying about.

1st of all, I really thank God that my parents are taking the news of the disease well... also thank God that I've more or less gotten over the hump of sulking over what my disease can do to me. it is really thru this weakness that I'm now a little more sensitive to the Lord's voice. the qns that I have now isn't what I can do or not, but what does God want me to surrender or do.
the Lord really surprised me last thu during the check up. my resting heart rate(HR) was 45. John would tell you that's an athlete's HR. the Doc put me on the treadmill, he pumped me up to the highest stage, which raised my heart rate to beyond 200. I was alright. it was then that I realized what would put me into the state of fits; HR spike. and I even know how not get out of the 'fainting spells'.

but for now, out of respect for my aunt and the docs, I still won't do long distance cycling.

Once again I shall declare, "as long as I can breathe, I will BLESS the NAME of THE LORD!!!"

2nd, Exams
Exam Date Exam Time Subject
15-NOV 1700-1900 Integrated Electronics
21-NOV 1700-1900 Communication Principles
22-NOV 1700-1900 Semiconductor Devices & Processing
23-NOV 1700-1900 Microprocessors
27-NOV 1700-1900 Engineering Electromagnetics
29-NOV 1700-1930 Engineering Mathematics II

The 3 back-to-back papers btw 21-23Nov are supposed to be my stronger modules, but with such little time to recuperate, I can only pray for a clear mind and good memory.

3rd, Attachment!!!
(Big 1 that I've got to worry about later)
Nokia, Germany has approved of my application, and I've checked with my parents, they'd rather me go overseas than do my attachment in SG, so I guess I'd be gone from Jan to Jun!!! I did complain to God that I'd prefer a southern Germany posting so I can attend the church I attended b4 with ease... but something tells me that God has something else installed. I wonder what!!!

Lord forgive me for I am indeed of little faith.Please help & teach me to have more faith in You. For the times when I felt like giving up, Father please forgive me...
You indeed are faithful! Your Love is amazing! Your Love is astounding!
Once again I shall declare, "as long as I can breathe, I will BLESS the NAME of THE LORD!!!"
---YXX---

2006-11-09T15:54:00.000+08:00

http://www.andiesisle.com/icanonlyimagine.html
(on your sound when viewing)

Nice. Indeed at the end of the day, all that we do for eternity counts. God bless.

2006-11-08T23:34:00.000+08:00

Cell this sat (11/11) is at 2pm @Uncle Nat's place.
Be there at around 145pm so cell can start at 2pm.
Please don't let what happened last sat happen again this sat.
Thanks. Cya there.

Anyone has problem getting there?
Tag on tagboard or sth or sms any of the Com i/cs.

2006-11-08T00:45:00.000+08:00

starSfish

hey all, I just wanna thank everyone for last sat, for praying for me, being with me, sharing etc... it really blessed, comforted and encouraged me.

I've been rather disillusioned from fri-mon... finding it very hard to accept myself cos from young I've been enjoying outdoors, and a fair bit of strenuous activities. and at least
till last on sat, numerous ppl have told me some of the things that the Lord has planned for me. some of these include the music ministry, others include cycling along with other stuffs. at that pt in time, it was really hard for me to see them cos I'm so concerned that for the rest of my life I might be a cardio-handicap, as in someone that can't allow his heart rate to go far beyond resting limits.

and its really like what was shared, Abraham, thru Issac is to 'create' a nation. then God tells Abraham to sacrifice, which includes killing Issac. the bible doesn't tell us if Abraham was unwilling. but it certainly tells us that Abraham obeyed, perhaps fearful, but still with faith that God can resurrect the dead.

the sharing spoke directly to my situation, here I am, as a considerably experienced and strong cyclist, am suddenly stripped of my strength.

whilst cycling to the mrt station from sch last evening, (at least I can still do short distance cycling) I prayed this prayer, Lord if you want me to submit my cycling life to You, I'll do it, not so as to get back my ability to cycle, but simply out of obedience to You.

1 last thing, I'd like to say b4 I sign off this sharing is that, I pray that we'd all be more open to each other.
I'm not saying we aren't, but that we should be more of what we already are.
Let's step out of our comfort zones, into some uncharted waters of trusting the ppl in our cell.
Forever I will Bless Your Name!!!
---YXX---

2006-11-06T11:03:00.000+08:00

"Hear, O Israel (starSifish) : The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts."
(Deuteronomy 6:4-6)

2006-11-02T20:21:00.000+08:00

starSfish

hey ppl!!!

I'm back from the hospital... erm... apparently, I got things mixed up... my appt was with the neurologist, not the neuro-surgeon. anyway, after talking to the neurologist, he decided I should go for a series of tests... MRI, brain scan, EEG, ECG, etc... (whatever these things are) but anyway becos of how crowded the public hospitals are, I could only do the ECG today, which apparently produced some very interesting results; irregular pulses...

& now... I've been referred to the cardiologist... Haiz... more scans... that means more time wasted. [EXAMS are round the corner]

anyway, after talking to my aunt, who's a GP, she explained more of the stuffs yo me in detail. and for the 1st time we found out that I've had a damaged heart from birth... hmmm... its weird that they only realized it after so many years, and what even weirder is that despite being a hyper active kid, I never had fits. not to forget the grueling and strenuous training I went thru in the army.

my aunt concluded the session by saying that none of these were coincidental. the Lord preserved me for a purpose. once again, the same line "The Lord has preserved you for a purpose!"

to top it off, my aunt made me promise her not to do strenuous activities including cycling ... haiz... now kena immobilized... so I guess I won't be doing more than 10km a day.

well... more scans, more exams...

---YXX---

2006-10-31T18:27:00.000+08:00

hello people.

cell this sat at 1pm over at Zec's house.be early so that cell can start on time for a change.

thank you.

2006-10-31T11:57:00.000+08:00

Please pray for XX
He is going for a neuroscan appointment at SGH on this thurs at 330pm. Yup.

2006-10-25T11:01:00.000+08:00

Some of us are meeting @SIM marche-look-alike place for lunch tomorrow (26/10) at 1215. See whether you guys want to join us. Yupz. Person to contact will be Joel Mo. Haha..

2006-10-24T23:27:00.000+08:00

I found the location of Uncle Nat's place on the online street directory. Wonder if I could link it here. Just testing:

http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel.php?x=20371.7692&y=38165.5896&star=1&iconlist=star1,20371.7692,38165.5896;&searchcompany=&searchunitno=&searchblock=29&searchstreetname=Hillview+Avenue&searchbuildingname=Hillview+Heights&searchpostalcode=669561&searchmasterid=118518&searchbuildingid=3693&level=4

Hopefully, it helps.

2006-10-24T20:23:00.000+08:00

starSfish

Hi ppl,

I'll be coming for cell at 230pm. Want to bring my bro and sis for bbq at 6pm.

Updates
I just came back from Yunnan trippers team-building day.
Thanks to all who prayed for me.
Thank God for bringing our team closer and His faithfulness as I come to Him with a right heart. That indeed, out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. I can share deeply with the ppl in a way that glorifies God.

2006-10-24T16:38:00.000+08:00

Dear starSfish,
for this coming saturday, we will be having a BBQ over at uncle Nat's place @Hillview (Can someone update the address here? Thanks.). The BBQ will start @6pm. However, we will be having a time of teambuilding, prayer and worship before the the BBQ (only exclusive to starSfish members). BE THERE (uncle Nat's place) at 230pm. Attendance is compulsory.

Please bring your own towels, toiletries, change of clothes so that you can freshen up after the teambuilding session. We will be required to bathe at the condo toilet. (Be nice to the host la. Busy prepare food for us le, let's not mess up their house too.)

Friends can be invited to the BBQ. So just pray about it and invite whoever the Lord impresses upon your heart. So be friendly towards the newcomers that day k? For friends who are coming, tell them to wait @Bukit Gombak MRT @545pm. There will be people to ferry them to the condo.

As we need to cater food for the BBQ, please reply by Wednesday (25/10/06; 2359) to indicate the numbers (yourself and your friend(s)) coming. Cooperation is MUCH appreciated. Thanks! God bless! (p.s: For those who needs direction to get to the place or need a lift or whatsoever, indicate in your sms. Yup.)

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. (Hebrews 10:25)

2006-10-23T09:31:00.000+08:00

starSfish
Updates 23/10

Thank God for prayer and fellowship with my sister Naomi this morning. Was wonderful, prayed for one another and our family-parents and 2 brothers. Also praying that my sis will come to visit our church this sunday as she is leaving her previous church. My heart's desire is that my whole family will all come to World Revival Prayer Fellowship to worship the Living God!

Thank God I'm increasingly learning to focus on Him, and not men. In my speech, to say things as God has prompted me to, not tailor it to men's liking. Yeah ppl has told me i tend to be 'politically correct' as I have unusually high fear of offending ppl. I need to delight in the fear of the Lord, and not men, obeying Him whole-heartedly not only in things He called me to do, and what He wants me to say to ppl.

Going for Yunnan nightover at Nav HQ this evening until tomorrow. Pray that the 30 odd Yunnan trippers will get to know one another better and bond together, that God will prepare us for the trip in Dec.

Thank God for His faithfulness!

2006-10-20T21:58:00.000+08:00

heya,

please note that cell has been changed to 1pm in church. we'll be meeting in the meeting room on level 3. see you there!

cheryl

2006-10-19T10:49:00.000+08:00

Hey beloved cell members,

As Zec will be working this sat, hence we won't be able to use his house for cell this weekend. The venue has been changed to Auntie Cecilia's house in Bukit Batok (Hillview). Those who are unsure on how to go, please contact me. Cell will be between 11am to 1pm so that you all will have time for yourselves after that. This cell meeting is COMPULSORY so please turn up (even for those not attending regularly). Please be punctual as we understand that time is precious. We want to start and end on time. We'll be planning things to do in the cell for future times so that we'll always be growing in the Lord and that we'll remain united as a family. Please pray for the cell before you come. Thanks and God bless. BE THERE!

In God's love,
Cheryl

2006-10-05T23:32:00.000+08:00

Praise the Lord, I'm going to ORD from army soon. Will be taking leave the following few weeks. Pls pray that I can get "day-offs" without much of a hassle, and will spend all my time wisely with God. Thanks for praying! God bless you all!
-John-

2006-10-04T22:45:00.000+08:00

No Cell on 7 Oct 06. Those who signed up for the wholeness course, do remember that there's part 2 this sat at 3pm.

2006-10-02T10:56:00.000+08:00

Heya all,
How are all of you? It's me again! Haha..

Wanna make a confession to all man.
I have been ponning lessons for the past half a sem.

Everyone is given the right to check on me to make sure I go for all my lessons because I wanna shine for God and I think this is not the way to get about doing it. Check on me especially on tue and fri for it's my early days. And thurs also because these 3 days start with lectures. So... ya. Haha..
The following is my time to report:
Mon-10am
Tue-8am
Wed-FREE DAY!! :D
Thurs-10am
Fri-8am

Yup. But one thing I wanna thank God for and that is I passed my last EL test (but passed barely) though I pon a lot of lec and even 1 tut and guess what? I even pon 1 test away. So... Yup. Must change! Cannot idle anymore.

Keep this place alive! We are a family yea? Just talk. Anything.

Luv ya peeps!
Stay close to God! :)

-Sharon

2006-09-27T00:07:00.000+08:00

Cell is starting at 230pm sharp this Saturday.
So be there at 1429.

Let's make punctuality a good habit of ours.
We wait for God and not the other way!

Cheers! God bless!

Sharon

2006-09-24T20:17:00.000+08:00

Ok.. I am bored. Start of mid-sem break. Also, was finding out meanings of name since like Zec mentioned the importance of names

Samuel-asked of God
Samantha-listener
Cheryl-Beloved
Sharon-princess
Christine-Follower of Christ
Nathan-He Gave
Matthew-gift of God
Matthias-gift of God
Nelson-son of Neil (meaning of Neil:champion)
John-God is gracious
Joel-the Lord is willing
Elsa-form of ELIZABETH - consecrated to God
Jeanne-Form of JANE. god is gracious
Zechariah-Remembered by the Lord

Wonder anyone comes to the website. Said i'll make alot of noise if noone does.

Kk...Have a blessed week ahead people! Keep chasing and running after God throughout the week and be sure He will be found by you.

For those starting poly this week, Have fun. And the rest have more fun. :p

Sharon

2006-09-18T23:18:00.000+08:00

starSfish

hey guys, I've got a prayer request.

last wed, I was doing bible study in sch with my campus crusade friends, when a bunch of my friends from my course saw me.

some of them were curious and surprised. today one of them actually asked what I was doing, so I explained that it was a bible study grp.
he was surprised to learn that I'm a Christian, simply becos I cycle, and am a rather outdoor person...

pls pray that I'd grab hold of this chance to be a light to them.

---YXX---

2006-09-18T22:29:00.000+08:00

(copied from the mass email)

Hey ppl,

for Dec, my exams end on 6 Dec.

11-14 Dec - Navigators Training Camp
15-27 Dec - Yunnan Mission / Community Service trip

Zeniv

2006-09-17T23:18:00.000+08:00

End-of-year camp

For the benefit for those who weren't here on saturday:
Zec suggested that starSfish should have a camp before the year ends. As he needs to book a place like soon as end-of-year is a peak season, Hence, we are to come up a date that accomodate majority, if not all. It will be a 3D2N camp full of fun, fellowship and all.... Yuppers.

For the people going to Mynmmar, they are only coming back on the 22nd December. Some of the others are going for Crusade Camp. Ya.

To start the ball rolling, I will start by throwing a date. Let's fight about it here by adding posts or tags. 27-29th December 2006.

Okie.. Keep sharing about your lives here in this place- our very own blog. :)

Sam Wong.. Glad to see you today. We all did I guess. Hope you'll see this. Heex.

Excited. Having a test this thurs. You may say I am nuts but... I quite like studying. Yes. Absolutely mental nutcase. But I am very frightened about doing vocals this thursday. Suppose to like conduct warming up with the singers. Like...... I dunno. Scared. Fighting with inferiority complex I guess. The 'I can't do it' spirit. But...... Yes.. I know I can do it with God. Ok. I am monologuing. Better stop here for now.

Talk people talk. Otherwise I will continue to rattle on by myslef in the next few entries. Hah.

In His love,
Sharon

2006-09-17T00:51:00.000+08:00

starSfish

alright!!!

so what's the thing we're supposed to talk about online?

---YXX---

... let's see who's the last to comment or blog....

2006-09-10T22:37:00.000+08:00

2006-09-10T21:36:00.000+08:00

Some photos we have on sunday. Yup. Keep this place alive people!
Share our lives here. *guilty*

May we not be just a saturday cell but a family, embracing one another. ;)

Just to start... I need to be discipline in studying boy. My readings are piling and I have been starting to skip classes. Crap. So wanna glorify God but what on earth am i doing? Haiz... Wanna shine for Christ thru my life. Wanna be bold in sharing God with people. Wanna be a 24/7 Christian. Yup. That's my life and struggle.

-Sharon

2006-08-30T21:29:00.000+08:00

Yeah! Praise the Lord! I passed the test.
Haha, can start driving on the road liao. Thank God.
The weather was great, not too hot nor cold. The traffic conditions were, you wouldn't believe - very little cars around. It was quite easy coz very little cars haha, praise God!

2006-08-30T13:55:00.000+08:00

starSfish

So... John...
how's yr driving?
pass right?

---YXX---

2006-08-27T22:53:00.000+08:00

starSfish
Hi all, John here.
Will be taking my driving test this wednesday afternoon.
This is my first try, soooo pls pray for me k? That I will pass this test the first try so I can quickly start driving my parents car haha.
Pray that I will have a very very good and kind tester (a Christian one), and that I will be calm n not nervous at all times, and have great and clear weather and traffic conditions, and that I will be very careful and will not make mistakes anddd especially no serious mistakes that will cause an immediate failure AND (finally, lol) drive along the road plus do the obstacles safe and well.
Thank you for the prayers! God bless you all!
-John

2006-08-26T20:13:00.000+08:00

Are you a $80 bike or what??

it seems like our cell's blog has once again been kinda quiet these days....well... here I am again, with yet another story about bikes.sch started 3weeks back, and I've been cycling to and fro ntu and home... its approx 45km/day.honestly, its not that tiring, but if you put boring lecturers into the picture... KO!!!
so to deal with the situation, I've been toying with different ideas .after some trial and error, I decided to buy a really cheap bike & plant it at boonlay, and ride btw ntu and the train station.the problem's... riding 20+km on that kind of bike can really kill.
anyway, last evening, I bought 1 of those bikes, and rode to boon lay from home. its been years since I last rode on such bikes. & for the 1st time I truly know the diff btw a REAL bike and a chepo 1.the handle is sightly tilted. the gears don't respond properly, the tyres are made of some cheap rubber which made it more prone to punctures. they also slip almost everytime I put in a moderate kick into the pedals. best of all, the brakes are so sluggish, I'm not sure whether the bike could stop.
anyway most of journey was filled with fear. & I spent a lot of my journey time praying against breakdowns, punctures & accidents. seriously, the bike felt as if it could fall apart anytime. I was also afraid of was cars doing 'stunts' on the road, and becos of the sluggishness of the bike, i might crash. not becos I didn't respond in time, but that the bike didn't respond. well, I really thank God that none of these happened.
while thinking of the ride, the Lord revealed to me some very important spiritual lessons.
what's a bike designed for?it's been designed to help ppl get around over all sorts of terrains, distances, at all sorts of speeds, regardless of the weather.on this bike, becos the gears won't respond properly? I don't think I can speed very much, and definately can't take corners swiftly.
as Christians we are said to be vessels for God.if I were a bike and God was the rider, would God like to ride me around?while riding, would God be able to trust me?or would I be a burden to him, that He'll be praying that I don't breakdown?
am I going to be the type of bikes that God would ride to all sorts of places speeding downhill comfortably? or would he only entrust me with small mandane tasks?
all of us start of being the $80 bikes meant only for simple commuting btw the mrt. as we draw closer to the Lord, He'll upgrade (entrust us with bigger stuffs) us, perhaps put in new and better parts (gifts)as we love Him more, and have ourselves set apart for Him, He'd literately take all over the world, to the mountains, to the valleys.and when we breakdown, He'll be there by our side, fix us up, patch us up so we can carry on.
---YXX---

2006-08-26T19:59:00.000+08:00

Are you a $80 bike or what??

it seems like our cell's blog has once again been kinda quiet these days....
well... here I am again, with yet another story about bikes.
sch started 3weeks back, and I've been cycling to and fro ntu and home... its approx 45km/day.
honestly, its not that tiring, but if you put boring lecturers into the picture... KO!!!

so to deal with the situation, I've been toying with different ideas .
after some trial and error, I decided to buy a really cheap bike & plant it at boonlay, and ride btw ntu and the train station.
the problem's... riding 20+km on that kind of bike can really kill.

anyway, last evening, I bought 1 of those bikes, and rode to boon lay from home. its been years since I last rode on such bikes. & for the 1st time I truly know the diff btw a REAL bike and a chepo 1.
the handle is sightly tilted. the gears don't respond properly, the tyres are made of some cheap rubber which made it more prone to punctures. they also slip almost everytime I put in a moderate kick into the pedals. best of all, the brakes are so sluggish, I'm not sure whether the bike could stop.

anyway most of journey was filled with fear. & I spent a lot of my journey time praying against breakdowns, punctures & accidents. seriously, the bike felt as if it could fall apart anytime. I was also afraid of was cars doing 'stunts' on the road, and becos of the sluggishness of the bike, i might crash. not becos I didn't respond in time, but that the bike didn't respond. well, I really thank God that none of these happened.

while thinking of the ride, the Lord revealed to me some very important spiritual lessons.

what's a bike designed for?
it's been designed to help ppl get around over all sorts of terrains, distances, at all sorts of speeds, regardless of the weather.
on this bike, becos the gears won't respond properly? I don't think I can speed very much, and definately can't take corners swiftly.

as Christians we are said to be vessels for God.
if I were a bike and God was the rider, would God like to ride me around?
while riding, would God be able to trust me?
or would I be a burden to him, that He'll be praying that I don't breakdown?

am I going to be the type of bikes that God would ride to all sorts of places speeding downhill comfortably? or would he only entrust me with small mandane tasks?

all of us start of being the $80 bikes meant only for simple commuting btw the mrt. as we draw closer to the Lord, He'll upgrade (entrust us with bigger stuffs) us, perhaps put in new and better parts (gifts)
as we love Him more, and have ourselves set apart for Him, He'd literately take all over the world, to the mountains, to the valleys.
and when we breakdown, He'll be there by our side, fix us up, patch us up so we can carry on.

---YXX---

2006-08-17T22:16:00.000+08:00

dear cell, please pray for the following people having exams:

J Mo- 22nd August

Nathan and friends- 18th, 23-25th August

Matthew- 18th Aug: Technical Analysis
21st Aug: Equity Analysis
23rd Aug: Fixed Income Analysis

For those who want to update/be more specific in your exam timetable, please feel free. :)

Also, pray for Nel as he is still in the missions field. Latest update is that he will be going to an island from 18-19th Aug (fri & sat). But he will be returning next week! Yup. Drop him an sms if you miss him. Haha...

Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

2006-08-09T20:50:00.000+08:00

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

for those who have bought their planetshakers tickets for this saturday's (12/7/06) event, please meet me at 6 pm SHARP outside hall 7 , foyer 3 to collect your tickets. For your information, it starts at 7.30pm. Please note that should you decide not to turn up on saturday there will be no refund made. Please be punctual as I'm sure that you want to get in on time and so do I. Do come early to queue as we're expecting a huge crowd and there is no appointed seating.

As I do not have everyone's contacts, I'd appreciate it if you could help me to inform the rest about the collection of tickets. Your cooperation is much needed and greatly appreciated. Thank you and God bless!

In God's love,
Cheryl

2006-07-31T22:46:00.000+08:00

Cell this sat 050806
Hey StarSfish! This sat is a special Sat! We'll be helping out in the deco in church and there after cell in church! What's so special? Well, we're going to have our very first StarSfish JAM!! Yes JAM! All in cell are welcome and MUST COME! Those with songs written, please bring them and if possible send me the lyrics n chords thru email or bring it on sat. SO we all can learn, touch up and help out. Time for new songs to burst! For those who feel that they can't play any instruments or sing, NOT to worry. Your presence and comments and support is very much needed. We'll be having some sharing and worship also. Tiem to be confirmed, cause no details of what time deco is.

2006-07-25T22:38:00.000+08:00

Cell 290706
Hey StarSfish, there's cell this sat at my place. 430pm! Come with your journals and sharing! Help inform the rest-Zec Note the change in time!

2006-07-23T04:04:00.000+08:00

hello. what am I doing. 4 more hrs to church I'm still wide awake doing what. doing the blog. I copied all the entries over to this blog. alright. now. photos people put it in alright. again. I must say sorry that we moved back here. much user friendly. because to put picture in the other blog. it requires some tedious stuff. so blogspot. here u go. user friendly. warning do not touch the template. the settings as well alright. ok. i think I gotta sleep. i am a big panda today i guess. heh. bear with the graphic alright. i know it is ugly. can't generate ideas in the night. I'm too tired. cya.

-sam.leo

2006-07-23T03:07:00.000+08:00

19 July, 2006
Saturday Meeting 220706
Hey all,
We’re meeting 2pm at somerset mrt for late lunch then support Marcus’s team at Hereen before heading somewhere to fellowship and then support Matthias at 7pm at Hereen. See you all there! Help spread the word around!

9 July, 2006
Thanks
Dearest cell….THANKS for coming last friday. It would not have been possible without u guys (n gals).THANKS for the help you all have given. Be it physically helping, morally supporting or the slackish job of eating and clearing the food. Haha..
Thank you. All of you are such darlings. Love you all too!
Sharon,His Warrior, Daughter and Princess (in the making)

Cell on 150706
Hey StarSfish!Cell is on 230pm at my place. Do prepare a sharing and those who tried STARS, do share! Bring your journals! Worship by Charissa Wong. Games by……. Will arrow soon. Auntie Martha will be bringing her nephew (Pre-believer). Keep Him in prayer. Those who want to come early to play game, fellowship, eat or admire the marine fishes. Let me know - Zec

5 July, 2006
Sharon's Birthday Celebration
Hi cell,
Sharon needs help with her party on friday so please let me know if you can help in any way. For those who have confirmed their attendance, Sharon would really appreciate it if you could help to clear up stuff after the party because we need to clear out by 10pm so your cooperation is highly valued. Thanks!
Cheryl

28 June, 2006
NO Cell this sat.It's cancelled
Hi all,
Cell is cancelled. There will be not cell this sat. You can go to the FIRE conference by Reinhard Bonke rally on sat. Details obtain from Cheryl. She will be rallying those who want to go to go together.There’s worship jam in the morning and then some involved in Tapestry have a meeting and some going for rally. All on sat.- Zec

26 June, 2006
Sharon's Birthday Celebration
Hey people,
Sharon will be having her 21st birthday party on 7th July (Friday) at 7pm at Castle Green condominium. It’s near Yio Chu Kang MRT station and it will be held in the function room. The whole cell is invited so please let me know by thursday (29/6/06) if you are coming for catering purposes. If I don’t receive a confirmation from you, it will be treated that you’re not coming and therefore even if you turn up at the last minute, please remember to bring a present and your own food. The dress code is semi-formal so please dress towards the formal side. Don’t ask me retarded questions because Sharon and I won’t entertain and we don’t have the time. Thanks.
Cheryl

Cell Pics and Announcements
Hey StarSfish,
Hope the STARS helps out a bit. This sat, there will be cell at my place 230pm or later. Depends on the time the jam ends. Then we’ll head over to my place. Do bring your journals, for those who have tried STARS, please share. - Zec

Hey to all,if anyone of you have pics of the cell in the past 1-2 yrs ( Outings, alpha, bday’s etc….recent Char’s bday), please post it up or somewhere compiled so we can have a folder for it. Can someone help? - Zec

23 June, 2006
Charissa's Birthday Celebration
Hey people,
We shall be celebrating Charissa’s birthday at Village. It’s a Marche-like restaurant in China Square Central where we can have a lot of privacy and it’s affordable then we’ll head down to some other place along the Singapore river for dessert or drinks. The guys can meet us ladies at Furama Hotel itself so that we can all go down together. We should be done at around 6pm so please be at the lobby by then and DO NOT BE LATE. Please sms me by tonight (23/6/06) if you’re coming so that I’ll know how many and who to expect. Don’t ask me retarded questions because they will not be entertained. Thanks.
-Cheryl

22 June, 2006
Error!
erm…
wah J mo’s made my place into a palace man…
well… my place aint huge and luxurious, and its not my house!!!its my parents’
but as Jo Mo’s said… bring yr swim gear, towels AND TOILETRIES!!!
oh btw, Jo mo says that the 2 must come ppl are Sam Wong and John2.
see you on sat!!!—YXX—
ps, J Mo…, is the sg river thing still on?

20 June, 2006
Guess it was a anonymous decision lol. is there a way to put a tag board here so we can just chat in it without having to flood this dashboard when we talk? lol

Guess it was a anonymous decision lol. is there a way to put a tag board here so we can just chat in it without having to flood this dashboard when we talk? lol

Hey all, who’s this Anon.J?The guys outing confirmed? 12pm meet at tiong bahru? then swim?What about the girls? Have they decided where to eat and celebrate Charissa bday? - Zec

Sorry guys can’t join u on sat. Meeting my nus pscyh og in east coast park.Will join everyone for dinner.
Zeniv20/6 0900

26May, 2006
Dear all,taking a break from cell. May be perm, may be temp. But see how God leads.
Will miss you guys and gals. Drop me an sms, email, call or talk to me on MSN. Still here for anyone who needs a pair of listening ears. : ) Keep running after Him all the days of your lives!
Luv ya ppl!
-Sharon

25 May, 2006
site with some chords
they’ve got please don’t pass me by here, but its only the basic basic chords… sounds decent enough…
—YXX—
http://www.guitar4christ.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewforum&f=17

22May 2006
The Hike+ Recce Trip
Hehe… Yahoo!!!
I’m glad we’ve got 1 more hiker in our cell!!!Nathan, it seems like you’ve experienced some very interesting stuff…I totally agree about yr gear.
Inappropriate footware can result in unnecessary falls, lost of grip, and even knee injuries.Inappropriate backpack can result in strains on back and shoulder muscles; which can become chronic injuries.Egronormic packs would allow you to go further, and carry heavier stuff…
anyway just wanna let you guys know that I’d be following Barny to Batam to recce the campsite for our church camp this sat, so I might not be able to join you guys.
—YXX—

Cheryl's Run
Yeah man…
I think it’d be a great time for us to go down as a cell, and as a church for this run…
how about running the whole 6 rounds together?
—YXX—

16 May, 2006
Hello!
Just wondering if anyone would be free or would like to participate to help out in the cheryl run?It’s on the 2nd july right after combined service and it’s held at Singapore Poly I think.Yup, it’s to commemorate cheryl, not Toh, but Sam Chan’s sister.Oh, and it’s a marathon and by helping out I meant like logsitics stuff, carrying boxes of water bottles and stuff like that.Anybody interested?
And this is my first time posting btw. Yay! Congratz to me. Haha. (:Btw why dont you guys setup a tagboard?
-Joel

15 May 2006
Trek to Berkelah
Hi,Just came back from a “the adventure seekers” camping trip to Berkelah waterfall haha… was madly fun… mind’s still there while my form’s back here… Learnt lots of new songs, met lotsa new people, lovable bunch… a few close brushes with death but otherwise survived phew… NEVER, I repeat NEVER go trekking with a $20 aqua shoe… the money saved might just cost your life… the friction on its base is pathetic, not to mention high cliffs with everyday rain and rocks slippery from algae… so I slipped abit… but thankfully not at crucially dangerous points… thus got off with a few mild scratches…Vivid memories of the cool water just screaming out for u to jump in after a hard day’s trek, all sweaty and cranked. Water fights and more… Some fella’s nose turned purple cause the water was too cold haha… was fine with me though… learnt never to use budget shoes and camping bags, they really suck…The president was from SJI haha… didn’t see him in a long while… quite a number of Cat high people there too… suprising to see so many girls… I didn’t believe girls would actually pay to suffer… admirable… My salutes to the ladies…Campfire was gorgeous, lit up the SJI scouts way (The president was from SJI) which involved fireballs from the 2nd/3rd storey… of course in the open, this had to be modified somewhat. Can’t wait for the pictures to come in… Trekking and investing must be my new life…
Nathan

13 May, 2006
Reflection on NAV camp 8 - 13 May
Thank God I am able to go for the camp. Cos i strained my legs badly that I couldn’t walk. Thanks for all who prayed for me, that after seeing docs on sat and sun, I can walk without strain.
The Navigators camp was in Malaysia, Pulau Dayang, 3 hrs bus ride to Mersing, then 6hrs boat ride to the island. Went fishing there, first time I caught a fish, missed the mountain climbing as my legs were ‘not ready’ yet. Was a very relaxing camp. Thank God for all the wonderful brothers and sisters in the camp.What I learnt:1) To put my confidence in Christ2)speaking the truth in lovenot just sincere praise, affirming othersbut also speaking the ‘hard’ truth when necessary3)more aware of my sinful nature, area of sins in my life to addressDespite that, GOD still loves meMy prayer Ephesians 3:16-19 “to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God”
In His loveZeniv14/5 0130hrs

10 May 2006
Post Exam Trauma
hey all,
sorry for not being able to turn up for the last cell mtg. I had to send my bike for repair.well, what happened?hmmm…
well… I got into a car accident on thu. After my exams on tues evening, I spent wed at home doing some chores etc… & returned to sch on thu to run some post exams errands, like filing up my notes, clean up my room etc…
after lunch, I cycled back to my hall from the canteen, it was downhill, but I wasn’t going very fast cos I was carrying some stuffs on my handle bar. the construction of the road was such that ppl turning from the major road to the minor road that leads to my hall have to oversteer, so I ended up somewhere in the middle of both lanes as I turned into the road that leads to the my hall, it was only then that I saw a car charging towards me. everything happened so quickly.
b4 I knew it, I was on the roof of the car rolling in the direction I was traveling, and a split second later I was hurled in the opposite direction. and then landed on the ground in front of the car. I laid on the ground for a few moments, and then some a guy from the next-door construction site came over and helped me up, I did a quick body check & apart from a little pain on my head, back, and the leftside of my left knee, I didn’t feel any pain. so I proceeded to check my bike. by then the driver and his passengers have alighted, to see how I was doing.
at that moment, 1 of my friends drove in, and parked a little behind the accident scene. he took a few glances, and pointing to the driver that ran into me, he said, “its your fault! you’re turning from the minor road to the major road, and he was on the major road. so… and you can’t run away with it!”
it was only then that I realised that in my shock, I wasn’t thinking about that. and it was only then that I realised that the car that hit me was actually in the middle of the road too!!! a crucial point to note was that his tyres were a meter or so beyond the stopline. wanting to find out more, I walked to the front of the car, and for the 1st time, I saw the front of the car. the windscreen had 2 “spiderwebs” 1 at top right, with a dimiameter of about 80-90cm, and a 2nd 1 somewhere btw the driver and the rear view mirror, about 10-20cm. the roof of the car where the larger spiderweb was, was dented in. and according to the driver, after he sent the car to the workshop, he said that the bonnet was also damaged.
when I saw the amount of damages the car sustained, my shock doubled. 1 of the passengers who was standing beside me asked if I were ok. the only thot in my head then was ‘God saved me! God saved me!’ so I replied the person repeatedly “its a miracle!!”
I know that this whole thing might sound a little too drama, you know… getting hit by a car, rolling on its roof from the front to the back and then to the front again and then rolling to the ground. to be honest, it felt like a dream to me… almost unreal, and with me escaping with minor abbrations and cuts on my back, and a brusie on the knee…
I guess I must have been really overwhelmed by this whole accident that I kept thinking about it, even now, how I could have died, but how I actually survived etc, replaying the whole accident in my head, I figured that God must have caused me to ‘pull right’ in the crash, and allowed me to be hit by the car on my side, and not head-on, then some how let go of my handle bars, cos my usual panic reaction is grip. and then while being flung onto the car, tensed up all my muscles so hard that they must have been rock solid so that the car took the damages, and not me. guess that’s the only way I could explain why my back and shoulder muscles felt sore after the accident.
after talking to a few ppl about this accident, most ppl said I was stupid to let the driver go off so lightly, 1, not reporting to the police, 2, minor compensation of $150. when I could have asked for a lot more, since he could lose his license, and would have to pay a higher insurance premium.
but when he exaplined that his family was in finanical difficulties, which I don’t fully believe, I decided to be merciful to him, cos since God so graciously granted me life, and not death, I too ought to be merciful. even if it meant being cheated. 1 of the verses that kept coming to mind the verse in the beautitudes, blessed are the merciful for they shall be shown mercy.
it was a real struggle for me to set down a sum of money for him to compensate me, cos I could have easily demanded for a lot more, cos in the 1st place I don’t feel alright that we didn’t report the accident to the police, & if we were to have made a report, he would have suffered a greater deal, esp with the prospect of losing his driver’s license, and having to pay an increased premium.
—YXX—

8 May, 2006
Cell at Zec's place at 230 pm
Hi StarSfish,I hope you all do read this. Those who have can help contact or inform some of the StarSfish that you are closer to?Cell is at my place. 230pm.Do prepare something to share in cell. Be it a story, something u experienced, read, or your journal. This sat will be more of fellowship.-ZecGod bless!

26 Feb, 2006
Small Reflection
Was reading the bible when this verse struck with such tenacity, I was compelled to pen down some thoughts. (1 Timothy 6:7-8) For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. While reading this passage, God spoke to me in a way oddly irrelevant to the passage I was reading.
It is just interesting how sometimes I often ask God questions about why things happen unecessarily, bad things. Questions like: Why in life, the one climbing up a mountain carries more than the one climbing downhill. Why certain things elude those who need it most, falling into the hands of those who need it least. Why can’t this happen instead etc. Why couldn’t everyone be on a same leveling plane. And I would always be left feeling empty without a proper answer from God, when it occured to me how God never inquired about my wrongdoings and that if he were to ask: Why should I forgive your sins and permit you into heaven. I would be rendered speechless. Instead, he chose to die, forgiving all our sins, willingly loving us in spite of our manifold imperfections and transgressions against him. Sigh… God’s unconditional love is so marvellous, it truly is the greatest gift humanity ever received. It requires neither accountability nor answers. Who are we then, that we should expect answers from him all the time. We should love him simply because he is our heavenly father, with this love that transcends all sense of logic and reasoning, this unconditional love…
-Nathan

23 Feb, 2006
:)
Zeniv.. God is really good and awesome.
Dear all,please pray for my dad. Though he was discharged yesterday, he went back to the hospital today again as he can’t pass urine at all. Please keep him in prayer. Thanks SOOOOoooo much. Trusting in God that one day, for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
Sharon

19 Feb, 2006
Testimony
been praying for God’s confirmation to go Malaysia to visit my relatives coming friday to sunday. I believe He spoke this morning and assured me that I’ll be able to fellowship with my relatives and have boldness to testify for Him. Actually have too long a story to tell. currently have a 2000 words assignment due on friday and exam on friday as well. then next tues another exam. so my concern is mainly may not have enough time for studies if i go over, at that time, i prayed if God wants me there, I’ll go. But this morning, after i got the assurance, in my heart i was thinking maybe i shouldn’t go, or see how this week goes, and even things go well still harboring in my heart i definitely do better for my exam if i don’t go.
Since then, everything went out of place, was ruffled, the peace i had during the week was gone. eg my essay which i thank God i started planning on wed, when i went to research today, realised no material, have to change topic, and have to finish by wed, so i can study for exam on thurs etc.Only when i am broken, it dawned on me God wants me to trust in Him. I repented of my disobedience and commited to go Malaysia Fri to sun and pray that He’ll help me keep my commitment to go. In his mercy and compassion, He forgave me and I see things falling in place. Now praying I can finish 2000 words psych essay in this three days. I believe God will help me through my paper, without Him, I’m helpless: I am not good at writing essays, or researching for materials. Pray I’ll find my research materials in library tomorrow. I believe God will make everything work out well. eg immediately after I repented and ’sacrificed’ three days to malaysia, my friend msg me a suitable time for study group for exam next tues, which was holding me to go back
Through this, God also answered my constant prayer to reveal Himself to me as I struggle in doubts in my faith, which is more evident as I went evangelising in crusade and navigators. Now I know what it means that by obeying God, He will show Himself to me. John 14:21 “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, He is the one who loves me. He who loves Me will be loved by My Father and I too will love Him and show myself to him.” I learn to trust him with the resources He has given me, esp time(so precious), and know what it means to not ‘ offering sacrifices that cost me nothing’. Through exercising of faith, trusting in Him, I see Him working more evidently in my life. Thank you Father for your faithfulness, that you’ll really show yourself to me as I seek you with all my heart, that your Words are indeed true. May I continue to know U better as I put my trust in U, esp things that matters most to me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Zeniv 20/2 0030hrs

16 Feb, 2006
This Saturday
Dear all,This saturday, it’ll be 230pm in church. Still thinking whether we should use main hall of chi hall.. Decide when we are there. Think most likely chinese. Anyone who sees this post can give me an sms to tell me whether you are coming can? Thanks…… -Sharon
Btw, pls pray for me. I’m really busy and tired this week…
Cya!!

Feb14, 2006
OCBC
Oh forgot to leave the name… btw, $720 in OCBC is actually not bad compared to the others attached to DBS and the private companies… heard they get $440 haha… $1.80 per hr, somewhere arnd there… quite sad… HSBC pays the best, 1k++, though only top students get positions there… probably won’t be eating fast food in a while… one meal at macs = 2 hrs of crate lifting, ouch… - Nathan

Feb13, 2006
HIHI
I got my attachment details haha… It appears that I’ll be in the wealth management department of OCBC… lifting endless boxes of loan documents… for like ermm… 7 weeks… for a miserable $720 a month… which boils down to 3 bucks an hour… whats worst is we gotta keep a journal… and write a 2000 word essay at the end of the attachment program… I can almost imagine my first and subsequent entries: Today I broke my personal record, lifting 2500 boxes of documents, photocopied 2000 sheets of paper and… u get the picture… So begins my first small step into the corporate 9-5 lifestyle… hmm… apparently not the nicest of pictures… but with my dear classmates around, I think it’ll be really fun… especially after work… since it’s near the city…

Feb 7, 2006
Cell this Sat 110206
This sat, we will be having cell in Church, venue most prob Chinese service room or Cafeteria. Reason? This is because some of rather 4 of our cell members have duty/prayer in church for youth at 6pm. As we have just talked about unity, this decision is to help encourage placing others before self. Could we all sacrifise some time to travel to church for cell? Let’s press on towards unity in StarSfish! Let Christ’s bond of love and Spirit of Unity be in us. As Sharon put it, Let’s Punch for Christ! “1 fist 5 fingers” Do pass the message around esp to the younger ones like Elsa, Jeanne and Matthias. Can someone help? Also sms to Sam Wong.
So 230pm in church. Anyone wants to meet for lunch? - Zec

Feb 4, 2006
Thanks!
Dearest starSfish,thanks for coming. If hadn’t for you, the food would still be there. If hadn’t for you, there would not have been so much fun and laugher. It’s YOU that made it possible! Haha.. Talking nonsense here. It’s late and it’s time. :p
Anyway, thanks guys!
Love ya all! Continue to keep each other and starSfish in prayer. Let’s unite and let God use us mightily for His kingdom’s sake! Let’s PUNCH for Christ!(1 fist 5 fingers)

Jan 31 , 2006
CNY
Hi all StarSfish!This sat 4/2/06, we shall meet 215pm at Yio Chu Kang Mrt control Station. We’ll be having a short cell meeting then let the food, fun and celebrations begin! I will be sharing om ” One fist Five fingers?”. Do join us! Please RSVP your attendance to Sharon or myself, see you all!- Zec

Jan 30, 2006
CNY
Hi all StarSfish!
A little House warming cum CNY celebration this sat 4/2/06 at Sharon’s new home(Very near Yio Chu Kang mrt 2mins walk). More details to be given soon after tues.- Zec

A Weekly Prayer
Taken off an email sent to me:“Dear Lord, As I begin a new “work week,” I first want to cast my eyes upon You, most beautiful and precious Savior. Without You, my world is dark and lonely. With You, the sun shines brighter and my cares are lighter. I pray that You will help me be productive this week; to accomplish much and be an efficient worker. I pray that my work will bless You. I pray that You will direct my every thought and action along the way. May I share Your love this week and touch lives and souls for Your kingdom, starting first in my home, then in the workplace and into the community, creating a ripple that will travel throughout the world. May You receive glory and honor. In Jesus’ name, amen.” - Zec

29 Jan, 2006
Minutes For starSfish 2006
StarSfishTheme 2006 : Aliens who know God and make God known!
Five arms of StarSfish
1. Prayer/ intercession
2.Word/ Bible Study
3.Meditation/Reflection
4.Worship/Worthship
5.Evangelism/Fun
Schedule:
5 Weeks month 4 Weeks month
Week 1: BS ( Bible Study ) Week 1: BS ( Bible Study )
Week 2: M & D ( Meditation / Reflection ) Week 2: M & D ( Meditation / Reflection )
Week 3: EWP ( Extended Worship & Prayer ) Week 3: EWP ( Extended Worship & Prayer )Week 4: Fun day planning & Testimony Week 4: FUN DAY
Week 5: FUN DAY
Roles & Responsibilities
Responsibilities:
1) Punctuality: Cell at 230pm
2) Prompt Response to sms/emails
3) Pray for cell, members & people
4) Give my best and let God do the rest
Positions Held:
Supervisors: Uncle Nat & Auntie Cecilia Wong
Cell Leader cum Roster/Arrow IC: Zechariah Chan
Prayer IC: Matthew Chee
Treasurer: Nathan Xu & Cheryl Toh
F & B Coordinator: Sharon Lee
Web System Admin: Samantha Leo
Logistic ICs: Samuel Chan & Asriel Tan
ICs for FUN: Samuel Wong & Nelson Chong
Birthday ICs: Christine Bong & Kwang Khai Hong

26 Jan, 2006
ANNOUNCEMENT PPL …. on the 21st Jan 2005. starSfish is having a chalet at changi. It’s an overnight chalet. Then on the 28 Jan 2005 there is NO CELL. Due to chinese new year. On 1st saturday of FEB we’ll be going to Sharon’s place to have cell.

2006-07-23T02:59:00.000+08:00

bear with the graphic ppl. I cant generate ideas for starsfish. I don't know why. alrightie. finally did a tagboard and all. now keep it going people. set this as your permanent homepage. I promise. I've changed and changed the blogs. I'm so sorry. Because I can't do one that is is so perfect but I guess blogger the best still. so here I am. well I just had a sudden urge to do this so here it is. ta da! heh. alrightie. u ppl edit the profile and all. pls pls don't go and touch the template. alright. click and post. :)

-sam.leo

2005-09-25T22:10:00.000+08:00

just wanna say that I'm very tired, esp after this morning's sermon on the sabbath, I really need to take a maj break, a sabbath. am physically & spiritually drained.

please forgive me if I don't make sense... I'm tired... really am...

sch has been rather hectic. guess the army has really caused a maj lag in my brain. somehow try as I might, I'm just unable to grasp some concepts. its almost as if army has hit the 'kill the brain button' and I can't find the 'revive button' 7weeks into sch, 1week of break followed, but that week seemed to be more of a 'catch up or die' week. following that was a week of tests. have been mugging hard to do well for the tests/quizzes... am mentally quite drained.

I nearly died yesterday, on my way to Bong's. (Can almost hear Zech laughing out "you should have ended yr last sentence with 'again'") after my physics test I took off from NTU telling myself tt I don't want to be very late. so pushed hard on the journey. at the junction just b4 cheveron, at JE, the traffic lights were red, so I stopped. it was then that I felt my head spinning. guess the heat from the sun was causing me to overheat. with that I slowed down. b4 I knew it, I was pass the clementi fire station, and once again I had to stop becos of the traffic lights. it was then that I nearly passed out. just thank God for keeping me alive.

after this morning's sermon, I've concluded that I need a break which I cannot afford, but still gonna take it. so please pray for me. pray that I would never place education on the throne of my life.

Jesus! Be the Center of my life!
Renew my life Lord Jesus, I never want to be the same.
Renew my life Lord Jesus, change this heart inside of me.

---YXX---

2005-09-22T19:24:00.000+08:00

ok i'm first! woohoo!

ok but seriously, i think zech is right, i think we need to pray more for i) alpha, ii) guest & iii) our own cell members! yeah, we really should keep praying for each other as we seem to have more and more commitments and as we try to take on alpha as well.

nothing much to say for now. just keep going people

samchan

ps: how come there's no subject heading?