Man... I have so many things I wanna share with you. I will try to share everything, but it will have to be a short sharing though, as I have to sleep soon.
1. Be a true leader, not a fake strong leader
A leader must be strong and also look strong even when s/he is down or feeling weak. The first is very right, but the second can be misleading. I say again, it can be misleading. Yes leader must be strong, but at the same time a leader must be true to himself/herself and his/her follower/member, because at the end of the day, a leader is still a human being with many weaknesses. Here's what happened to me few wks ago, I felt so down and I wanted to cry to release the pains in my heart but could not do so. Then I called my leader/shepherd but they didn't picked up my phone (they're all busy people). And then I called my sheeps and few of my guys and just told them my feeling. Instead of looking at me as a weak and useless/hopeless leader who needed a shoulder to cry on, they sat there and just listened to me. After I finished sharing, they encouraged me, prayed for me and kept on calling back to see how I was doing.
At that time (when I shared with them) I actually was a bit worried, if they'd think of me as weak and not strong, a leader who can't stand strong under persecution. But it turned out completely different. They thanked me for sharing my pains with them. I'm so grateful for having these guys as part of my life-group. I thank God for everyone of them. I can be truthful to them. There is trust, respect, love and that bonding between us.
Many times, leaders don't want to share their weaknesses/pains/struggles because they don't want to be seen as weak or their sharing might stumble their members. Yes as leaders we need to be mindful and wise with what we're sharing, BUT we should be truthful to them and be as open and honest as possible, as we ourselves are also human being who still sin and make mistakes. When we do that, and only when we do that, we can start seeing our own people be open and honest with us.
2. Birthday
For the first time in my life I celebrated my birthday long before the day, ahhaha... and I got such nice bday presents, an RL polo, the boardgame cranium and a tie. Guys, thanks for the pressies.
3. Polo RL
ahahha.... I think by now most of my friends know that I like Polo RL. I tell you why? It's one of the most famous brand with good quality but pretty cheap price. Here's my principle, I will not buy anything that is fake or counterfeit. If I can't afford the authentic, then I won't buy the fake. I like Tommy, Lacoste and most branded stuff. I'm not gonna lie to you. The reason being is because they have such good quality plus simple designs. But I'm not gonna buy a fake Tommy or Lacoste if I can't afford the real one. People asked me why I have so many polos (as in Polo RL) and if those are real. Well, I bought most of my polos in Indonesia, they're very cheap ($20-$30 after discount) and yes they are all original/authentic. I also bought few polos in here, but I only bought them because they were heavily discounted. Yday I went to Harbour Town in GC with some of the guys from my group, and I bought 3 polos at $40ish each. So you see, I actually don't spend much, ahhaha.... I'm quite careful with my spending.
4. Farewell, Christmas and bday pressies
Man.... I'm really blessed, honestly.
This yr I feel I got so many pressies. Some of the people in my LG cooked such a nice dinner last Fri for me and they bought me this facial products to help me look young or age slower (since I'll be helping leading a younger working group), ahahha.... Besides that, I got some very nice christmas pressies from different ones in the church. One interesting gift is (sorry, I hope you're alright with me sharing this) this gift I received from our church senior pastors. They bought me this cute little globe and pen holder. I'm not sure how much thought they put into it (some other leaders might received the same thing), but I have always wanted to have a globe ball. Although the size is way very small, but I was literally speechless when I opened the box. I couldn't believe it. Long long time ago I really wanted to have a good size globe ball, or a big world map to hang on the wall. I searched for them and found out that they're very expensive (the big globe ball, or big world map). After few yrs, I lost the desire to have either one. And tonight, I was like.... " W O W ", this is awesome. It's so God. ahahaha.... It's really really God. ahahhahaa..... I got a globe, ahahhaa..... I can't believe it. It's for real, ahahhaa.... Thank you Pastors. Thank you God for putting that thought in their mind to give me this cute little globe and pen holder. ahahhaa.... I have a globe, ahahhaa...... woohooooooo.....
OK, it's getting late, good nite. ahahhaa..... I got a globe, ahahhaha....
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
A simple yet powerful testimony
I think if I share what this girl shared today at church about her walk with God, it wouldn't be powerful at all, or as powerful as when she shared it at church. So I won't do that.
Basically she shared how she persevered in trusting God even when things went wrong or hay-wire. In a very short period of time, she got bad medical report, her studies were so hard and her dad faced financial difficulties hence she too had financial problem (because she had to undergo treatment and surgeries to help cure her disease). But in the midst of all that, she still continued to seek God and find comfort from Him. She couldn't see the end of her painful journey of life, but she chose to keep trusting God. She used James 1:2 as the basis of her testimony and to encourage those who're currently facing hard times in life.
If I tell you her age, you would even be surprised, she's only 19.
Although we're not supposed to compare our sufferings and glory, but I felt like my suffering is nothing compare to hers. So many times I wanted to give up, because giving up is so much easier than to continue fighting and persevere, especially when you couldn't really see the end of the road.
The timing of her testimony was just so right, it's so God, as I was asking God for strength and wisdom to carry on. ah... her testimony really blessed my heart. Sister, thank you for sharing your journey in life with us at the church today. I truly thank God for you, for blessing me with your testimony.
:)
Basically she shared how she persevered in trusting God even when things went wrong or hay-wire. In a very short period of time, she got bad medical report, her studies were so hard and her dad faced financial difficulties hence she too had financial problem (because she had to undergo treatment and surgeries to help cure her disease). But in the midst of all that, she still continued to seek God and find comfort from Him. She couldn't see the end of her painful journey of life, but she chose to keep trusting God. She used James 1:2 as the basis of her testimony and to encourage those who're currently facing hard times in life.
If I tell you her age, you would even be surprised, she's only 19.
Although we're not supposed to compare our sufferings and glory, but I felt like my suffering is nothing compare to hers. So many times I wanted to give up, because giving up is so much easier than to continue fighting and persevere, especially when you couldn't really see the end of the road.
The timing of her testimony was just so right, it's so God, as I was asking God for strength and wisdom to carry on. ah... her testimony really blessed my heart. Sister, thank you for sharing your journey in life with us at the church today. I truly thank God for you, for blessing me with your testimony.
:)
Saturday, December 13, 2008
My stupidity
I woke up at 9am this morning.
Did my laundry and some house cleaning. At about 10.30am I sms-ed Francis telling him how hungry I was (I was so hungry at that time). He sms-ed me back saying that he could only cook lunch at 1pm, because had to run some errands.
An hour later, in desperation (after searching the wholehouse for some left-over food), I found a packet of korean noodle, cooked it and ate it. FYI, the packet was already opened (I believe since early this yr). ahahhaa.... taste was not that good.
After shower suddenly I felt sick and got headache, and wanting to vomit. I told Francis (who came and fetched me to buy a birthday cake) what happened, and he laughed out so loudly while saying, "you deserved it. why did you eat noodle with its packet already opened for long time."
ah... my stupidity. I felt sick the whole day and though I wanted to vomit, I couldn't.
Lesson to learn, DO NOT EAT UNSEALED/OPENED/EXPIRED NOODLE/FOOD. IF you're hungry, go to some restaurant to eat, or mcdonald. I've learned my lesson, ahahha....
Did my laundry and some house cleaning. At about 10.30am I sms-ed Francis telling him how hungry I was (I was so hungry at that time). He sms-ed me back saying that he could only cook lunch at 1pm, because had to run some errands.
An hour later, in desperation (after searching the wholehouse for some left-over food), I found a packet of korean noodle, cooked it and ate it. FYI, the packet was already opened (I believe since early this yr). ahahhaa.... taste was not that good.
After shower suddenly I felt sick and got headache, and wanting to vomit. I told Francis (who came and fetched me to buy a birthday cake) what happened, and he laughed out so loudly while saying, "you deserved it. why did you eat noodle with its packet already opened for long time."
ah... my stupidity. I felt sick the whole day and though I wanted to vomit, I couldn't.
Lesson to learn, DO NOT EAT UNSEALED/OPENED/EXPIRED NOODLE/FOOD. IF you're hungry, go to some restaurant to eat, or mcdonald. I've learned my lesson, ahahha....
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Communion
I had one wonderful moment during communion today at church.
During the communion, Kelvin being the co-chairperson for today's service asked everyone to think about the meaning of communion (btw, in case you don't know, communion here means the time when we took the piece of bread and cup of cordial as to remember the death of Jesus on the cross).
As he finished with that question, I asked myself in my mind what communion means. I started to sing the bridge from the song 'You'll Come';
Chains be broken
Lives be healed
Eyes be opened
Christ is revealed
As I searched the meaning of communion, God was telling me the reason why I had communion in the first place, and it was because of what Jesus did on the cross. His sacrifice means freedom to those who have been living their life in prison, whose life been shattered by hurts/pains and circumstances, whose eyes were blinded by what the world has taught them, and eternity that can only be received through Jesus Christ.
It's as if I have another revelation from God, although I know all these stuff already. ah... it was such wonderful moment, me and God, ahaha... Here's a clip of the song from youtube.
During the communion, Kelvin being the co-chairperson for today's service asked everyone to think about the meaning of communion (btw, in case you don't know, communion here means the time when we took the piece of bread and cup of cordial as to remember the death of Jesus on the cross).
As he finished with that question, I asked myself in my mind what communion means. I started to sing the bridge from the song 'You'll Come';
Chains be broken
Lives be healed
Eyes be opened
Christ is revealed
As I searched the meaning of communion, God was telling me the reason why I had communion in the first place, and it was because of what Jesus did on the cross. His sacrifice means freedom to those who have been living their life in prison, whose life been shattered by hurts/pains and circumstances, whose eyes were blinded by what the world has taught them, and eternity that can only be received through Jesus Christ.
It's as if I have another revelation from God, although I know all these stuff already. ah... it was such wonderful moment, me and God, ahaha... Here's a clip of the song from youtube.
Friday, December 5, 2008
My idols
I was just browsing youtube trying to find some nice and encouraging song or video clip, then I stumbled upon this video clip about worship. Instead of getting an encouragement, I felt I got a rebuke from God through this song, cause as I listened to the song, I realised that many times God is not the only one I worship in my life.
ah... I'm sorry Lord, help me to make you the only 1 I worship.
I hope this song can help you see who it is that you worship, really.
ah... I'm sorry Lord, help me to make you the only 1 I worship.
I hope this song can help you see who it is that you worship, really.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Retail Therapy
It's been pretty crazy at work.
I just had my monthly review on Tuesday and it was so.... ah dunno, so many things I need to learn and improve.
Today was another hectic day. So busy and intense I wanted to throw-up. But I kept on telling myself to be calm and focus. I felt so weak I told my friend that I wouldn't go to my friend's bday dinner celebration. So after work I went to garden city to buy few things to cook at home.
But instead of going straight to woolworths, I felt like taking a walk around the shopping centre to help ease my mind and my muscle's stiffness, thinking... maybe there's some good deal that I can grab for my secret santa.
As I looked at all the shops, I noticed one of the 'sale' sign at a shoes shop, it read Crocs 40% Off. I've been wanting to have one since last yr, but they're so expensive. The original price was about $50 something. So I went in to the shop and tried them on.
Aaww..... it felt so comfy. I bought the sandals and went out straight away. Now I have a pair of crocs. When I got home I realised I haven't bought anything for my secret santa, ahahaha..... Oh well, will look for it this Sat.
I just had my monthly review on Tuesday and it was so.... ah dunno, so many things I need to learn and improve.
Today was another hectic day. So busy and intense I wanted to throw-up. But I kept on telling myself to be calm and focus. I felt so weak I told my friend that I wouldn't go to my friend's bday dinner celebration. So after work I went to garden city to buy few things to cook at home.
But instead of going straight to woolworths, I felt like taking a walk around the shopping centre to help ease my mind and my muscle's stiffness, thinking... maybe there's some good deal that I can grab for my secret santa.
As I looked at all the shops, I noticed one of the 'sale' sign at a shoes shop, it read Crocs 40% Off. I've been wanting to have one since last yr, but they're so expensive. The original price was about $50 something. So I went in to the shop and tried them on.
Aaww..... it felt so comfy. I bought the sandals and went out straight away. Now I have a pair of crocs. When I got home I realised I haven't bought anything for my secret santa, ahahaha..... Oh well, will look for it this Sat.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Stop being positive
Yes, stop being positive and start being godly.
That's what I felt as I was writing some words of encouragement to my group. If we're truly the disciple of Christ, we should not be positive all the time, cause positivity won't take as far at all, but godliness will take us further, to eternity.
Jesus' teaching is somewhat different from the world's teaching. In Matthew 5:43-48 you would know what I'm talking about. Jesus said:
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."
Man, if you read it properly, where is the positivity in His teaching. Yes there's a bit of positivity, but more than that, it's godliness that is required. Because that is basically the essence of God's command, to love God and our neighbour.
So if you are a believer, if you think you are the disciple of Jesus, you should stop being positive (let alone having that negativity in your mind/heart), you should start being godly.
That's what I felt as I was writing some words of encouragement to my group. If we're truly the disciple of Christ, we should not be positive all the time, cause positivity won't take as far at all, but godliness will take us further, to eternity.
Jesus' teaching is somewhat different from the world's teaching. In Matthew 5:43-48 you would know what I'm talking about. Jesus said:
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."
Man, if you read it properly, where is the positivity in His teaching. Yes there's a bit of positivity, but more than that, it's godliness that is required. Because that is basically the essence of God's command, to love God and our neighbour.
So if you are a believer, if you think you are the disciple of Jesus, you should stop being positive (let alone having that negativity in your mind/heart), you should start being godly.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Troubled? Smile please.
I finished work at 7.30pm tonight.
My heart was actually quite troubled because there's lots of things I couldn't finish at work.
While walking back home from Garden city bus station, with so many things going on in my mind, I sighed, breathing so deeply/heavily. As I exhaled, I looked to the sky and... I saw the crescent Moon and the 2 planets (Jupiter and Venus) above the moon.
It was beautiful. I felt God was smiling at me while saying, "Why are you so sad. Don't worry, don't let your heart be troubled by circumstances."
ah... it lighten my heart a bit. And I just started praising God for the His greatness and awesomeness. Feeling in awe, I called a friend to tell what I saw, and her respond was "Wow... you're so random" when I ended the conversation. ahahhaha.... come to think of it, yeah... that was pretty random, ahahhaha..... But man, if you saw the smiley, you would be like " W O W . . . "
Ah... what a nite. Tomorrow will be another busy day in the office. Help me Lord to stand firm and strong, bless me with your wisdom so I know what to do. Good nite.
My heart was actually quite troubled because there's lots of things I couldn't finish at work.
While walking back home from Garden city bus station, with so many things going on in my mind, I sighed, breathing so deeply/heavily. As I exhaled, I looked to the sky and... I saw the crescent Moon and the 2 planets (Jupiter and Venus) above the moon.
It was beautiful. I felt God was smiling at me while saying, "Why are you so sad. Don't worry, don't let your heart be troubled by circumstances."
ah... it lighten my heart a bit. And I just started praising God for the His greatness and awesomeness. Feeling in awe, I called a friend to tell what I saw, and her respond was "Wow... you're so random" when I ended the conversation. ahahhaha.... come to think of it, yeah... that was pretty random, ahahhaha..... But man, if you saw the smiley, you would be like " W O W . . . "
Ah... what a nite. Tomorrow will be another busy day in the office. Help me Lord to stand firm and strong, bless me with your wisdom so I know what to do. Good nite.
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