The function was held in Bayshore condo. It was a wonderful time of fellowship with family and friends. Everybody enjoyed themselves and there was plenty nice food around.

 

Auntie Dorinna made some cupcakes for the function. “I tried new recipe,” she mentioned.

 

The family function was conducted in this Function Hall at Bayshore Condo.

   

A view around the Function Hall. “I don’t think I want to buy a condo,” I shared with Auntie Dorinna and Uncle Mike. “I don’t think I will ever use the facility.”

 

They really had a big relatives! I played with this little kid most of the time although it was my first time seeing her.

 

Nice food was around. By the way, I was there not to help clearing the food, ok?

  

Big relatives. That kind of reminding me of my own relatives, especially from my Mom’s side. Unfortunately, I seldom see them.

  

Taking photos of pretty girls is compulsory activity to do in any occasion.

Surprise! We celebrated Michelle-san’s and Ben-san’s birthday too!

You can view the photos and videos in the following link:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=298680&id=720576756

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150094700566757

Thanks God for such a joyous event!

The praise and worship session last Saturday really impacted me. The words in the lyrics really meant something to me, really huge.

 

From the song Nothing is Impossible by Planetshaker:

“I am NOT gonna live by what I SEE. I am NOT gonna live by what I FEEL.”

 

From the song Forever Reign by Hillsong:

“You are here, you are here, in Your presence I am made WHOLE… I am running to You arms… Nothing compares to Your EMBRACE.”

 

From the song My God Reigns by Abundant Life Ministries:

“My GOD REIGNS, His love will never fail me… In every situation I know, my God is GREATER, my God is over all.”

 

From the song I Will Bless The Lord by True Worshippers:

“God of all the earth, GOD of all the earth, JESUS.”

 

Pastor Kong preached about Joshua as he was about to conquer Jericho. Joshua first met Commander of the army of the LORD (that is, Lord Jesus Himself) who taught him what to do. Using human’s method, Joshua could have besieged the city and let the inhabitants starve to death. Yet, Joshua chose to obey God’s method which seemed irrational. The Israelites army walked around the thick city wall for six days in silence. Jericho’s soldiers must have thought they were mad. However, the army kept believing God’s promise and plan. On the seventh day, the army walked around the city wall seven times and at the end they shouted. A miracle happened: thick wall tumbled down out of the blue.

 

Lesson learned: As I draw close to God in prayer, I surrender my battle to Him and it becomes His battle. As He tells me the battle plan, I obey Him no matter how irrational the plan looks. In the end, the victory is for God’s glory, not mine.

 

Turn to your neighbor and say: “Never miss any single service.”

It was my make up duty with Team A. So, instead of serving part time, I did full time duty.

 

Eat Live Pray campaign really brought in wonderful book titles. I really want to buy some of them as I do not like borrowing from people. However, due to budget constraint and my current book reading, I will not be able to buy them anytime soon.

But at least, I bought this CD as to support the sales. This CD is compilation of several songs in other Hillsong’s album.

New products of the week: daily devotional booklets.

 

Some fund raising for Janelle’s cancer treatment. Please do consider supporting her, ok? The notebook only costs 2 dollars whereas the Christmas cards 10 dollars per pack.

 

New improved display for Live and Pray campaign.

Praise really changed the layout of the right arena!!

The service was very good. During the praise and worship session, I used up almost one pack of tissues. Not because I was sneezing, but because… (you should know what happens to people who are in God’s presence). The sermon was fantastic too. It  was taken from Joshua conquering Jericho with God’s intervention. I will talk about it in the next post, ok?

After the duty time, we had our debriefing.

Stanley shared about the book Maximized Manhood by Pastor Edwin Louis Cole.

Jingyi shared about the book The 15 Revolution by Pastor Paul Scanlon.

 

Even a grasshopper reads the Bible. Shame on us, Christians, who are often lazy to read the Bible.

 

We had dinner at Bedok Interchange.

Question: can you guess which hand belongs to who?

Find the answer here:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7197436&id=720576756

 

Thank God for such a fun filled Saturday.

Last week’s Wednesday, my CG had breakfast together at McDonald King Albert Park

  

We played UNO Spin too.

 

As such there was no message last week’s Wednesday.

You can view the full photos here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=298175&id=720576756

 

Last night my CGL preached about goodness. Again, there was an assignment: I need to do one good thing to someone whom I may not really like and I have to report to him by tonight.

Well, I am not sure if I can do it in the next few hours. Hopefully I can.

Pastor Phil shared a wonderful message about hospitality on Tuesday.

In short, I have to be hospitable towards strangers, newcomers who come to church for the first time. This message is truly suitable for the coming Christmas season where thousands of people will come and visit churches and hear Christmas message.

“The key to win people to Christ is by winning them first to yourself and to church, then you win them to Christ.”

“15 minutes after the church service determines the church growth.”

Somehow, I have not been pretty hospitable to people recently. Maybe I have been too busy that I did not enough time to chat with them. When I talked to them, somehow I felt awkward. Or, maybe I have been too tired.

I guess the latter is more likely. Before I become hospitable to others, I need to be first hospitable toward myself.

Well, I shall keep reaching out by practicing hospitality then. Many people still “need” the LORD.

In the previous post, I mentioned about the importance of praise to gain a victory in the midst of difficulties.

Recently, one song of praise has been ringing at the back of my mind.

I was first introduced to this song when I was still a kid.

I have given the English translation as this song is in Indonesian language. (http://www.kidung.com/bersama_yesus.htm)

 

BERSAMA YESUS LAKUKAN PERKARA BESAR                          Together (with) Jesus (we) do mighty things

BERSAMA YESUS TIDAK ADA YANG SUKAR                              Together (with) Jesus (there’s) nothing difficult

BERSAMA YESUS ADA JALAN KELUAR                                         Together (with) Jesus there is a way out

UNTUK MASALAHKU, UNTUK MASALAHMU                            For my problem, for your problem

UNTUK MASALAH KITA SEMUA                                                     For all of our problem

YESUS ANAK DOMBA ALLAH                                                           Jesus, Lamb of God

JURUSELAMAT UMAT MANUSIA                                                   Jesus, Savior of mankind

YESUS TABIB YANG AJAIB                                                                Jesus, miraculous/wonderful Healer 

DIA MENYEMBUHKAN                                                                      He heals

DIA MENGUDUSKAN DIA MEMBENARKAN                              He sanctifies, He justifies

DIA RAJA S’GALA RAJA                                                                     He is the King of kings

 

How can praise bring victory in the midst of difficulties? Because praise and worship “invites” God, the Source of Victory, to come.

A quote from Pastor Phil from his book Moving in the Spirit (page 25):

“We can create atmospheres charged with God’s power through the use of spiritual tools that are at our disposal. One of the most valuable tools we have is praise. The power of praise cannot be underestimated. We rout Satan and purge spiritual atmospheres with worship. Praise makes way for God’s presence.”

Yes, I shall keep praising the LORD until the breakthrough comes.

(Get your copy of Moving in the Spirit in Attributes today, ok? )

Last weekend I attended Sunday service at Expo.

Pastor Phil preached a great message. There are four weapons we can use to gain a victory in difficult situation:

a.) The name of Jesus.

b.) The blood of Jesus.

c.) The Word of God.

d.) Praise.

The Word of God and praise… Things have not been going well indeed. Nevertheless, Pastor Derek had given us a passage from Psalm 91 before preaching session. Somehow, verse 14-16 (NKJV) have become my rhema.

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
         I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
         I will be with him in trouble;
         I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him,
         And show him My salvation.”

Pastor Phil shared with us from his personal experience how the Word of God is so effective in binding the devil.

I shall have faith in God’s Word then.

I helped out in the closing of bookstore for a while.

 

Susanna asked us to improve the design of the shelves of gifts’ products.

 

Unfortunately, I had to leave earlier as I was about to attend a meeting at 3 pm at City Hall.

Well, it’s time to apply God’s Word then.

Saw some birds on Saturday afternoon!

   

Bought this notebook by Janelle.

 

Please support Janelle by purchasing this notebook, ok? It costs only 2 bucks. The large part of the money goes for her cancer treatment.

My sixth book review!! I did read a lot this year!!

My my my. Although the book is primarily intended for married couples (and for women specifically), at least there are some sections for singles. On top of that, although the title refers to ladies, there are sections for men as well In order not to be gender-biased, I will use the word “we” as much as possible rather than “women” or “men”.

Here you go!

 

Background of the Authors

Holly and Philip Wagner pastor and co-pastor Oasis Church in Los Angeles. They have been married for 25 years and here in this book they honestly share how they went through difficulties in marriages and how they handled them. They have been conducting GodChicks conferences as they focus their ministry on improving women’s  lives all around the world.

You can see their website here: http://www.godchicks.com/media/godchicks–the-men-they-love/

 

Introduction

Marriage is a union between two individuals. Since each individual has unique personality, strength and weakness, there will always be conflict in the marriage. As divorce is not an option, the couple should really work on their marriage. Differences should not be viewed as  the reason for the conflict. Rather, differences are there so the couple can complement each other.

 

Chapter 1: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

We need to love ourselves just like how God loves us the way we are. There are few things happen when we love ourselves. First, we become whole, not needy. Second, we are not envious with friends’ successes because we know God has great things in store for us. Third, we tend to be happier and can easily create a happy atmosphere wherever we are.

 

Chapter 2: Victorious Secrets

We all face tragedies, storms and heartbreaks. Maybe because of that, we give up hope. However, God wants to restore the future. Although it seems difficult, serving and worshiping God when there is no result to the hope is really the step to healing. Lord Jesus offers unconditional love, a healing love for every wounded heart. If necessary, we should share our wound with trustworthy people as sharing relieves us from carrying the whole burden alone.

 

Chapter 3: I Wish I May, I Wish I Might… Have a Great Marriage by Midnight

As mentioned above, marriage is not smooth. It takes a lot of work to build a happy marriage. Conflicts may arise as we may marry someone different from our expectation. The key to overcome these conflicts is really to learn and understand our spouse’s personality. If possible, we should not try to change his/her personality.The easiest way to learn about our spouse is by asking him/her questions about his/her likes and dislikes. Committing ourselves to be a student of our spouse is never convenient. Yet, it is worth the reward: a great marriage.

 

Chapter 4: The Precarious Practice of Kissing Frogs

We should not give access to our heart to just anyone. We should carefully evaluate any candidate when it comes to relationship. Evidence of character development has to be there. There are some warning signs in relationship: unrestrained emotion, lack of personal and spiritual growth, unwillingness to negotiate incompatibility, romantic-feeling-based decision making, and selfishness.

 

Chapter 5: Irreconcilable Differences

Differences between man and woman makes life stronger and interesting, not to separate them. In spite of the differences, they should work together toward unity. Unity takes time and effort to realize. The key to handle differences is to appreciate other’s opinion, negotiate on a agreement and focus on similarities. Some examples on these irreconcilable are differences in upbringing, personality and love language.

 

Chapter 6: You Had Me at Hello

There are 5 qualities of a thriving relationship. First, the couple express honor and admiration to each other. Second, the couple communicate their interest, expectation, encouragement and commitment to each other. Third, the couple show patience to each other’s difference. Fourth, the couple have to be dependable; they do what they promise each other. Fifth, the couple are humble; they admit, their mistakes and failures to each other.

 

Chapter 7: Sleeping with the Enemy

Conflict usually arises because we are selfish. It is not to be solved with hateful words, abuse, indifference or neglect. There are certain ways in handling conflict: First, pray; ask God to reveal one’s fault in conflict if there is any. Second, apologize. Third, try to see it from another perspective. Fourth, choose the right timing. Fifth, seek counsel from couple who do well in their marriage. Sixth, recall of spouse’s good qualities. Seventh, “we” is more important than “me” in marriage. Eight, relationship is more important than money. Ninth, we listen then talk, listen then talk again with regard to thought, feeling and desire.

 

Chapter 8: Purpose-Driven Wife

Every woman has a life purpose. The role of a man is to empower a woman to achieve her purpose, to make sure she succeeds in life. So significant is the role of a man that a woman has to careful in giving a man access to her heart. The role of a woman is so important that the world is awakening to an important truth: women and girls are the solution of many global problems today. In Scripture, God has revealed that a woman holds an important position even in a ministry.

 

Chapter 9: Shift Happens

Children are an important part of the marriage. However, no matter how busy a woman is in taking care of them, she still needs to spend time with her husband. The couple should definitely honor their parents and parents in law. However, the marriage now takes higher priority. The couple are to choose friends who are supportive of their marriage. Work is important, but it should not compromise marriage. Last but not least, the couple should be planted in the house of God, not just attending, because church is community of people who are committed to build a strong marriage.

 

Chapter 10: Give Me Five!

There are five important needs of a man. First, he needs respect as a man likes to win and be a hero. Second, he needs encouragement, affirmation in his accomplishment and support in his weakness. Third, a man needs humorous and fun companionship. Fourth, he needs sex and physical beauty from his wife. Fifth, he needs adventure. A woman’s needs includes non-sexual touch, conversation, honesty, financial security and family commitment. There are two extremes of guys. First, a passive guy who is undependable and abdicates responsibility. Second, aggressive guy who is self centered and to be a leader all the time. For Lord Jesus, a real man can be both strong and compassionate, leading and serving.

 

Chapter 11: S-E-X Is Not a Four-Letter Word

Sex is God’s gift and is enjoyable to both husband and wife. It is only meant for married couple and virginity is honorable. Reasons for great sex include for enjoyment, unity and producing children. Great sex requires communication between what husband and wife want and need, honesty about sexual fulfillment, orgasm, physical attraction and temptation, and willingness to grow in each “practice” session. Other tools for great sex include a sense of humor, creativity and imagination and the right atmosphere.

 

Self Reflection

In the end, I can’t practice most of the concept in this book although this book is very practical. But at least, I can prepare few stuffs for future marriage. For instance, in chapter 10, a woman needs financial security. Well, I have to work hard and get more money for future. A wedding may cost at least 50K. I had a conversation with a couple yesterday. To buy a flat, I may need at about 500K. Well, that’s seriously a lot of money. Also, I am also practicing to be strong and compassionate, leading and serving.

 

Whether you are married or still single, do get your copy of this wonderful book in Attributes today, ok?

One unfortunate bug came to Mr. Spider’s house (read: fell to the web).

   

Mr. Spider asked the bug to join him in a feast (read: with the bug as the meal, of course).

The bug rejected politely and tried to leave (read: struggled to free itself up from the web).

Mr. Spider insisted with his offer (read: wrapped the bug with more web and silk).

So, in the end, Mr. Spider had the feast he wanted!

Congratulations , Mr. Spider!

(Sorry for the poor video quality. At least, that tells you how clean my lab is).