Staying With It

Once again, thank you to Joey for showing me the excerpt from today's article in "Our Journey", similar to Daily Bread devotional material. I'm greatly blest, and I really can't thank you enough. I'll highlight the important lines in red.

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1 Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Hebrews 12:1-3

A few years ago my daughter Libby ran the Chicago Marathon. I was so proud of her for training and staying with it. Needless to say, my wife Martie and I showed up to cheer her along and meet her at the finish line with camera flashing and flowers in hand. Watching her run kindled my interest in marathons—those massive, grueling 26.2-mile endurance tests. As I took in the event that day, I noted that friends along the way threw towels to the runners and gave them cups of water to drink. It became apparent that companions were essential to the runners’ success.

It’s like that with perseverance. You can’t run the marathon of life without it. Especially in difficult times.

It’s no wonder that the author of Hebrews wrote to his readers, who were under severe pressure: “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (12:1). The race marked out for them was like an obstacle course. It required that they run in spite of rejection, loss of friends, economic difficulty, and daily persecution. Perseverance would need to be their indispensable companion.

In the original Greek language, the word perseverance literally means “to remain under.” Perseverance is the ability to stay under the pressure of our difficulty with a steady spirit until God has finished his work. We usually want to squirm out from under the pressure . . . to be done . . . to hurry the sunshine.

But God intends that in time we will blossom under pressure. We can imitate Jesus, “the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (v.2).

Perseverance gives God time to do his work and prepares us for the future.

Joe Stowell www.rbc.org —Joe Stowell www.rbc.org

Seeking: Father, how have you encouraged me to remain under your wisdom and power today? What are you asking me to do?

Responding: What are the pressure points in my life right now? • What will I do to persevere through these challenges? • How will I reach out to God and seek his strength?

"Father, life can be so difficult at times. Teach me to persevere in your strength and not my own. Please show me the way to a resilient faith that will not buckle or fade away."

Following: Perseverance leads to a deeper faith in God.

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I like this.. perseverance in Greek literally means "to remain under", until God finishes with us.. so leave me alone stupid cupid!

Junction8 Day

Today is declared Junction8 day, not becos I spent 7 hours there, but a lot of people were there today! I was at J8 in the morning, then went to Suntec to meet the guys in the early afternoon and hung around til late afternoon. I returned to J8 for dinner on the way home, but too bad Karen's movie group had left by the time I arrived.

Met up with Joey and Rachel who were the remnant of a whole bunch of people from church who visited J8 (at different times for different purposes). They had a late lunch, so they werent really hungry and I had a super stomachache from a cup of capuccino in the morning, so we postponed dinner a bit and sat down at the playground in the open air area instead. We had a heart to heart sharing and it was really really nice talking to them both. For once, I felt I was sharing to friends, rather than cell members (whom I always have to be very dignified towards). Its rare that I find myself opening up to anyone, much less people whom I give advice to, 99% of the time. We talked and talked, and the 2 of them took turns to cry over different reasons. They enjoy it lah, when it's crying out from the heart and not cos someone punched you or something. I'm thankful for the trip to meet them both, cos it's really once in a blue moon I ever have time to talk like that, and with such wonderful souls. We should really do that some time again!

Yanquan suddenly popped up from nowhere at about 7.30pm! It was a pleasant surprise more than anything really, cos he's a really dear friend of mine and it's always nice to see him around. Didn't have much chance to chat though, cos he had to rush off to study with his friend. A pity the library wasnt up yet, but what the heck you doing in Bishan so far away from home man? Joey, Rach and I took a half time break from sitting on the playground floor yakking becos Joey suddenly craved for the Shilin chicken downstairs. We bought the chicky, some drinks and went back up to the playground to continue our very fruitful conversation. Before we knew it, it was 9pm and time for Joey to return home. I then walked Rachel to her house and went up to use her toilet, after tahaning for quite a while now. Checked out her house, and stayed there for a little while talking with auntie Lei Sun about ministry stuff. I really like doing stuff like these! Not so much cos I kay-poh, wanna see ppl's homes. But becos I enjoy visiting people, talking to people and encouraging one another (not one way from me all the time also lah). It's nice knowing people from their homes, cos that's where their hearts often are and you can know them so much better that way. I should think I will become a pastor one day :)

Thinking back on meeting those 2 wonderful ppl this evening, I think this evening has very much been one of my best evenings of the year. Godsend! Joey and Rachel if you two are reading this, I've seen you 2 grow up somewhat and I'm really glad for how you both have matured through the years. And for today, together with the many years ahead, I truly thank God for you both! Thank you.

Narnia explained

Yesterday, I got to watch Chronicles of Narnia organised by Shalom with Zihan, Joey, Rachel, Rochelle, Manna, Tim, Nat and Algene. I had no idea what the overall storyline was like, but I know there'll be a parallel drawn between Christianity and the story. As I sat there and watch, bits and pieces of the story became clear to me that they were extracted from the bible, as C. S. Lewis had intended them to be. Honestly, I almost teared watching the show. It's quite a fantastic show really. For those who intend to catch Narnia, don't read any further cos there are SPOILERS ahead. :)

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe was written by C.S. Lewis to help people better understand the meaning of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Even though he was a university professor, Lewis wrote this delightful story in the simplicity of a children’s story. Lewis’ life had been transformed by Jesus and he wanted others to share in that experience.

The story is about the four Pevensie children, who enter through the door of a “wardrobe” into the wonderful world of Narnia. The two girls are called “the daughters of Eve,” and the boys are called “sons of Adam,” just as we all are. Humans are all descendants of Adam and Eve. These four children represent what is good and not-so-good in each of us.

LUCY - Queen Lucy the Valiant
Lucy is the youngest of the four Pevensie children. She is always kind, cheerful, and very brave. She is the first of the children to venture into Narnia. She is very optimistic, the exact opposite of her skeptical brother Edmund. She is an example of compassion, which means putting others first. This selflessness is demonstrated when Lucy makes a special drink to heal the wounded who fought the Witch’s troops.

SUSAN - Queen Susan the Gentle
Susan is the second-oldest child. She and her sister are called “the daughters of Eve.” Her beauty is derived from her sweet kindness. Like her sister, Lucy, Susan uses what is given her to help others.

EDMUND - The Willful Brat
Edmund is the third-oldest Pevensie child. He is a mean, spiteful brat who enjoys teasing his sister Lucy. He is an example of how sinful greed, in this case for the enchanted Turkish Delight, leads one down a very destructive path. He joins forces with the evil White Witch and betrays his own brother and sisters. He represents all of us in our drift away from God. Fortunately, he eventually changes his ways and is forgiven.

PETER - High King of Narnia
Peter is the oldest. He and his brother are termed “the sons of Adam.” He is noble and courageous. He protected his sister Susan from a fierce wolf at the risk of his own life. With his good character, he quickly matures into a young man in Narnia. King Aslan rewards him by crowning him “King Peter the Magnificent!” He represents the wonderful image of God that we are all born with.

There was also a part where the leader of the wolves told him,"Go back! This is not your fight. Leave Narnia and you'll be safe." To me, it was a representation of Satan's temptation of the Son of Man (Jesus). The humanity of Jesus would certainly feel that it was not His fight, and it would be so much easier to abandon the path of suffering He needed to tread down in comparison to a long life of prosperity. But Jesus didn't waver and He stood His ground, as did Peter.

THE WHITE WITCH - The Evil Queen of Narnia
The White Witch is very evil and represents Satan. She places a spell on the land so that it is always winter (a symbol of death). She prevents Christmas (a symbol of Christ’s arrival). The Witch is the “Emperor’s hangman,” using her wand to turn creatures and people to stone. She also produces the delicious Turkish Delight treat (which represents sin and its appeal). Through it she enslaves Edmund and transforms him into a greedy, voracious boy.

ASLAN - The Noble Lion King
Firstly, "Aslan" means Lion in Turkish. Aslan the lion is the king and god of Narnia, and he represents Jesus Christ - the Lion of Judah. He sacrifices his life so that the White Witch will spare Edmund. And he said this,"Fortunately, the witch doesnt know the true meaning of sacrifice". The very thing Jesus did for us all. The next morning when he is resurrected, having overpowered death, he defeats the White Witch once and for all.

THE STONE TABLE
The Stone Table represents the stone tablets that contained the Ten Commandments, which God gave to Moses. It was part of the old set of promises between God and his people, a relationship based on law-keeping, with harsh penalties for disobedience. When Aslan is resurrected from death, the Stone Table is shattered, bringing an end of the former age and the birth of a new era based on grace, forgiveness, and restoration. The creatures and people who had been turned to stone were made alive again. Aslan defeated death, making forgiveness and new life available to all.

The Important Connection
Although the story of Narnia has many similarities to the story of Jesus, there are also some differences. For example, Aslan sacrificed his life to save only Edmund. But Christ gave His life to save everyone. Aslan takes on the punishment for Edmund’s sin so that Edmund can live. Christ came so that all might be free from sin and experience eternal life with God.
Adapted from CBN.com

Youth Camp 2005

It has been about 38 hours since Youth Camp 2005 ended now, and it's now a bitter sweet feeling of missing yet relief. No joke, but this camp has been my most tiring one to date and no surprise for that. I was almost everywhere the camp was involved in, Chun Xiang being my saving grace for handling the food with such flair I could keep my mind off it completely. But at the end of each long day, catching sleep on the cold hard floor was perpetually impossible. Still, it was a good camp, made only possible by the most supportive of committee members and most wonderful bunch of enthusiastic campers. I really believe everyone who was there made a difference in the camp, and without them the camp would never have been the same!

I shalln't go through with the programmes, unlike my normal entries, I'll just pen my thoughts down instead. The run up to the camp was rather hasty, not everything was done quickly enough but thank God the committee was really capable in their own rights and jobs. I haven't been feeling 100% for quite awhile now, and my confidence hasn't been too fantastic either, for a couple of reasons I won't disclose here. But everyone heard my testimony on the 2nd night, I really felt a like a complete failure just before the camp. I brushed that thought aside and pressed on, my motivation being a hope of wanting to make the camp special for everyone in it. I didn't hold back, I brushed aside every other agenda and I pulled through. For those whose lives were changed one way or another through the camp, your success is as good as mine and my joy will be complete.

The turnout for the camp has really been fantastic, the largest number ever. To be honest, when I was doing the initial calculation for groupings, I had estimated a number of 40-45 people max inclusive of leaders. But everyone was just so enthusiastic in finding time to come for the camp, even if it was just for a day.. and the numbers averaged 57 in the camp at any point of time. We even had to create another group just before the camp to accomodate everyone! It's not the numbers that count, but the fact that 50 plus changed lives going back to the ministry with a common vision is extremely powerful, especially for the vision of the upcoming year.

For those who encountered God, especially for the first time, I'm really really glad for you because I know how far that will bring you. And if you keep pressing in on God, you'll have much much more in the not too distant future! It was the same for me, and the people before me, and it'll be no different for you cos our God is a faithful God!

My only regret from this camp was my inability to maintain a big picture of the running of the camp, whilst zooming in onto the individuals that actually make up the camp. I wished I had a programme IC to actually ensure the programme timetable so I could take care of the campers in a more intimate manner. But in the end, it was them who really made the camp special for me instead. As I waved them from the Campsite gate, watching their backs carrying their heavy bags disappearing behind the bending road, my heart sank and I knew the good times would become a sweet memory for the next one year that is to come.

"Hurry up! Hurry up!"

The formal "classroom" shot

The "Fishing Style" shot

The "Look holy my own way" shot

The "be yourself" shot.
And me saying,"Why so many pictures? Hungry leh.."

The "distracted" shot

The "crazy" shot

The "crazy" shot retaken. James covered my face the first time round.
I took precautions this time, so I booted Jon before he blocks me.

The "I want my Oreoooooooooo" shot

Mighty "Dags" Group

No stranger to winning, "Piscis" Group

Closely-knit "Ichthus" Group

The ever bubbly "Nun" Group

"Who're we talking about?"

Quite tired now anyway.. Its been a terribly long week and more to come. Watched Chicken Little for the 2nd time (on laptop) with Karen and Chunxiang after working til night at Church for Youth Camp. Ahh man, its so cute I won't get tired of it. Another time of good laughs again. My favourite character is Fish Outtawater btw, he kinda reminds me of myself, just that he's super much cuter. We like to do funny stuff, generally calm and have little fear for anything. Okie why am I talking about Chicken Little anyway? Oh yes.. "Who're we talking about?" That's a commonly used phrase when characters in the show wanna change the subject of conversation. It sounds funny just to hear them say it. Just seems ultra out of point.

Ah, 6 more days to youth camp. I was supposed to do a sample for James' publicity this Saturday to show him my idea, but I ended up having so much fun doing it I finished it anyway. Ya, I do until high.. Took me 4 hours til 3am to do from scratch, but I like to do this kinda things anyway. Here's a little something of what James did for publicity:


I saw this pretty cool billabong leather wallet on the net. Should I buy? Any concerns if white is girlish? In my opinion not so, but I'm open to votes! :)

So wrong..

I just caught the last bit of Star Awards tonight. I saw the bit where Christopher Lee went up to collect his Top 10 Most Popular Male artiste award, and the fans started chanting "Propose! Propose! Propose!". Of cos it was directed at Christopher Lee, urging him to propose to Fann Wong. Christopher, quickly brushed the crowd aside, saying that he would be the first to announce if any proposal was successful.

And suddenly, Zoe Tay popped out from behind and grabbed a mic on stage, further urging Christopher Lee to propose. She got pretty pushy and just mounted immense pressure on him to propose, saying that he told her he had a surprise coming on stage before the show. Obviously, the guy was not ready to propose then and Fann Wong got so embarrassed she zipped out of the studio. My goodness, this is so wrong.. This got me thinking, being a couple with eyes watching your relationship's progress sure isnt easy. The kind of pressure people put on these poor folks. Please!! Such things are a private affair. I don't think making someone propose in front of a live TV audience, or millions of viewers, is gonna make him appear more loving. Poor Christopher, I was pretty sure I saw his angered, deep blush beneath his tanned appearance tonight.

Recce!

Pastor Mark was giving the briefing for Celebrate Christmas In Singapore (CCIS) programme in Orchard on 25th Dec today after service. Quite exciting! Rachel and Joey sitting next to me kept whining and complaining that they didn't know what he was talking about. Found out today that I was appointed to be some team leader of the day. Went to ask Willy what was my jobscope and he said,"We haven't decided yet." WHAT?! Wonder if I will get the collared T-Shirt instead then? A bit extra lah.

I got to wear "old shirts" both yesterday and today when I went out. Not really old I guess, about 2-3 years ago, but I havent worn them for long long time. Main thing was becos my shape didn't allow me to look good in them. I tried them on late last week and they fitted! Well, at least I dun look swollen in them, so I finally managed to wear them. One of them was given by YanQuan and Tommy about 2 years ago, and I've never worn it out before. I'm down to 70kg from 74kg, hope to hit 65kg some time (quite impossible, unless I go out on missions for awhile). Anyway, the routine push ups and sit ups have been pretty effective. Now I know what Philip has been talking about man, haha. Okie, going for a run later too but quite boring to run alone. Then again, I rather run alone than to run with the likes of Philip who will leave me far far behind.

A few of the youth camp committee members went for final recee today. Really thank God for the weather man, cos the skies were super dark as we approached Changi. But we prayed and God held back the rain. Not just that, but the chalet was occupied.. by a nice group of youngsters who let us in! My goodness, you really can't tell the size of the chalet from the outside man. I mean, we had expected it to be bigger than last year's one, but not that much bigger! It's huge!! I shalln't spoil the surprise anyway. We ended up at Jalan Kayu for sumptuous dinner, which explains why I need to go for a run later too. Haha!

Shutter Part II.. Haha
To the lovely folks soon to be at SR camp, have a most blessed week! Take care of ur healths, and dun fall sick. May God bless the children mightily through the works of your hands!

Ups and Downs

Couldn't find a more appropriate title for my entry this time in the week. Certainly has been a week of ups and downs! Somethings happened over the course of the week that sparked off some hope. A small hope it was, but kinda like lighted matchstick in a dark room - sticks out like a strand of white hair on a baby. It was a really nice feeling of hope, as surreal as it had seemed to be haha. Well, that l'il fire was kinda put out pretty quick and that got me thinking again. I'm not much of a firestarter in the first place, I cant start fires. Yes, quite hopeless at that. But I catch fire pretty quick though. Not a good thing, for me at least. Haha.. Now, that I think about it, the good thing about this week was that I got to clear some things off my chest I had held out for months, and through it all I think I've made a better friend! At least I hope so. :)

Anyway, that 5 random facts about me thingy. Alright, my turn:

1) I like to perform, speak and entertain. Dun ask me why, I think it's in my genes. My mum said I was a freak of a baby, cos I had started talking when I was 8 months old and picks up speaking real quick. I remember my parents had this old little radio that could record on cassette tapes. When I was five, out of curiosity, I learnt the record function myself and I recorded a 2 person conversation by myself. I think it was between a girl, and a boy trying to ask her to help him buy something. I don't have much chances to do performances now though, been awhile since I last acted, or hosted any concerts for the matter. Been spending too much time in church getting people to do them instead. Haha

2) I love the arts. Musicals, operas, movies, dances and anything aesthetically splendid is quite my cup of tea. I'm not musically talented but I love music. Not those loud bang bang type though, I was quite a fan of 92.4FM (if you young ones even know what that is). Anyway I picked up the Saxophone during my JC days, though I haven't touched one since then either. I love drawing, since I was a kid too. Almost topped my secondary school for Arts in ACS(I), in still life. Lost to my then bestfriend in school, by 1 mark overall despite beating his final exam piece. Hence I have a thing for graphics too, and is quite icky picky about designs. Oh yes, I almost wanted to skip JC to go to an Arts School!

3) An interesting fact might be that I can't swim (well). Basically, put me in a olympic size swimming pool and watch me drown trying to swim to the other side without touching the floor. My main problem is breathing in between the strokes, but I never really got down to getting it right either. Ooops.. I remember I kinda freaked out once in Sec 1, when David wanted to bring me out about 40m from the beach shore on a float. Jon Wong was worse off then though, his nose bled, halfway out from the shore. *mooohahahah*

4) I've a pathetically weak stomach. Feed me some weird stuff, and I'll spend my day sitting on the toilet bowl. Taking cold water, eggs or milk in the morning is like eating the Fruit on the tree-of-knowledge-of-good-and-evil, I will surely die. There's a long list of things my stomach doesnt fancy, but peach tea was the most recent case so I remember that one pretty well. Shalom best, go and turn my peach tea into bubble tea somemore.

5) I've never had a girlfriend! 23 years old and still going strong (like real). Quite a debatable topic lah, my NTU good friends would be like asking me to try this, try that. And erm, I've had many comments about my sexual preference. For the record, I AM NOT GAY!!! I know I'm not much of a sniper, one shot one kill, but I would really like my first girlfriend to be my FINAL girlfriend. I don't think its worth getting through MANY relationships when you only intend to have ONE life partner. Then again, some might say that I'm being too traditional or conservative. But I think it's a pretty cool thing for my wife to know that she's my first and last (machiam alpha and omega). Not sure if girls think likewise though.. Scully all think I'm retarded. :(

Okie I'm obligated to make 5 people do this test too. So the nominations are:
1)Shalom
2)Manna (yes yes, the rotting one)
3)Kristin
4)JW
5)Mel-anie (no more mcdonalds plzz!)

Ah yes, my new Oakley sunglasses arrived on Thurs! Polarized one. Meaning the lenses reduce the glare from reflections (off glass and water) and also makes the skies look clearer! I like it!!