Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. (1 Tim 4:16)

Thursday, December 30
~The Adjam Experience~

After the 24-hour event comes to an end, I can't help but keep looking back and thanking God for what has happened. I'd like to bring you through the whole event in this post so that I can refer to and remember this event.

Initially, my group kept thinking that this is an adventure race where we race from the start to the end, crossing obstacles along the way, and pushing ourselves to the limit. It turned out to be more like a 1 day-orientation camp, or a super extented outdoor session. It was still a competition but it's like the station games you have in camps where you earn points in each place and the total score determines the winner.

We arrived at NUS LT3 on tuesday night only finding ourselves not updated on the changes in location and time. It was changed to LT11 at 1930 instead of 1900. After about an hour of waiting, the briefing started followed by advertisements from each University's ODAC (pictures, slide shows, presentation).

The competition finally began and the 1st location is Macritchie Resevoir. It was lame when we hurriedly find our way there only realising we have to wait for all groups to arrive before we start! 1st was the night cycling.. I have wanted to go night cycling ever since the start of this holiday but was too busy so was quite glad. So the gladness was washed away by the continuous drizzling and cold breeze of the night. It was made worse when we were not given a map and is expected to nagivate around Bukit Timah Road region...

Then came trekking. That wasn't so bad except that we had to trek in the darkness with our torches and in the drizzling cold rain! By the end of the 2 events, it was 0530h and we got a half hour rest before we were to go to toa payoh central to answer some "treasure hunt" questions like "how many ticks does the NTUC fair price logo have?"

Next was rock climbing at Emmanuel House..haha I didn't know that place is the same place SYFC office is...until I check the lift director. The rock climbing was super easy.. Not much of a challenge..

The next clue led us to Kallang Sea Sports club... by then it was 11 plus.. We kayaked within the kallang basin so basically the time spent in the kayak and the distance was very short and boring. We spent most of the time finding a small cardboard which contains a clue hidden about the fallen leaves in a grass patch.

The next place was at Clark Quay.. There we ran up to the fort gate and then ran around the fort canning park as being led by the clues. The last clue actually led us to Seah Im food centre and if you have no idea where that is it's alright. Nobody knows unless they take special notice. It's the food centre outside Habour Front. Guess where's the next place we went.. Sentosa! (Kind of unexpected) We went in not by Bus, not by foot, but by a lorry that they rent! (kind of like illegal immigrants =p)

Gathering at the visitor arrival center we waited... for nearly an hour for all the groups to arrive. Then on this island we had more tasks to do. We were to combine with another team and go to checkpoints and in each place there is a task to do. Haha, when i was told the 1st task I was like "you got to be kidding!" We are suppose to evacuate 3 casualties - 2 fractured, 1 unconscious. I was asked to led and was easy because I have been doing stuff like that for 4 years... There was also a weird task where we were to listen to a taped french converstion and with a french dictionary we are to guess our next checkpoint.. (Gee did they ran out of ideas?)

After that, we gathered at Palawan beach for our final task.. Build 4 rafts and paddle across to the small island (e one that you can cross with the bridge). The whole competition ended with water bomb fight (rather common eh?) And our team was awarded the most spirited team (in terms of bonding, team work and concern for each other)

Now you know why I said it was a 1 day orientation camp rather than a adveture race? For me, I liked the whole thing but my friend was dissapointed. I guess when one of the objective was to bring together the various JC ODAC in singapore and have fun, we should have expected something like this. Overall the event wasn't as tough as what I 1st thought. In fact the main reason i feel so tired now is because the race was 24-hour with no sleep. Nevertheless, thank God for this competition =)

-=P3ng=- | 1:17 pm

Tuesday, December 28
Adventure Jamboree 2004

Within 4 hours from now, I'll be in NUS starting on one of the biggest competition I had ever participated... Adventure Jamboree or Adjam is an annual competition that aims at getting junior colleges ODAC to come together for a day of fun-filled outdoor activities... This event will take place between 28th-29th December 2004. Students will be able to pit their skills and endurance levels in a 24-hour non-stop outdoor challenge. With fun and thrilling activities like night-cycling, rock-climbing, kayaking and so much more, this event will surely satisfy the contestants’ hunger for adventure...

Get the idea of the race? The part that worries me is the 24-hour... Geez, when was the last time I did such a thing? 1 year ago perhaps? I joined this competition hoping to put myself back in those positions where I push myself beyond my limits and I hope to depend on God throughout the race. I just pray that I do not faint... =s As for other prayer requests, pray for the event that it'll not rain, that my team will enjoy good fellowship while racing together and that I can be a light to them in anyway possible...

As for the previous post, I was shocked that the death toll has doubled... How much more lives were lost we do not know... But let's just continue to pray for them... =)

-=P3ng=- | 3:38 pm

Monday, December 27
Tragedy After Christmas

If you haven't been reading the newspaper, or watching the news or somehow you had detached yourself from the world and enjoying this festive season... well... wake up! Here's an extract from an article...

One of the quakes, the fourth largest recorded since 1900 and measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale, struck off the Indonesian island of Sumatra, unleashing tsunamis that hit Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Indonesia, the Maldives, Myanmar and Malaysia. Terrifying walls of water up to 10 metres (33 feet) high were reported across the Indian Ocean, roaring ashore with bewildering speed, sweeping people off beaches, flattening hotels and homes, uprooting trees and overturning cars.

The death toll is still rising and the last numbers I saw on the news was over 11,000!

Certain feelings are bound to rise... Why such a natural disaster? We are trying to hard to fight terrorism, why now? If God sent His son because He wants to save the world why He sends a disaster!?

Understanding God's will is never Man's job simply because we do not possess that perfect knowledge that God has. These type of disaster reminds us that ultimately God is and has always been in control. Just when you are too hooked to the daily life trying to make it through the day, God bring about these changes and Man hates to change when he get comfortable...

The disaster is brought about due to Judgement by God on sin. The world is already cursed and that is due to Man. Perhaps in a way, this also reminds us that what we own today, our material possessions and even our lives, we might lose it tomorrow. This happening after Christmas reminds us that we should hold on of things that are eternal and those are the Christmas gifts from God - Salvation through Jesus Christ and eternal dwelling with God in Heaven.

If you are still not bothered or interested, let me remind you that the epicenter was at Indonesia... The areas where people died are our neighbouring countries... Understand that it's God's grace that we are spared from this tragedy...

Of those who died, some are judged by God, some gets to join God in heaven. What we can do is to pray for those still struggling to keep alive, the families of the victims, the rescue workers who are giving their everything to help, and that more will come to God, that more will speak boldly about God, and most importantly, that may God's will be done.

Our Father who art in Heaven
Hallowed by thy name
Thy Kingdom come
Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the Kingdom
And the power
And the glory
For ever and ever
Amen

-=P3ng=- | 1:03 pm

Saturday, December 25
CHRIST-MAS not X'Mas

I didn't realise how these 2 words cannot be interchangable... In this new age, we usually like to shortcut a lot of words but I've realised how Christ was taken out of Christmas and replaced with a X...

Christ is the reason we celebrate... The day when God sent a saviour... Xmas has no meaning... And it shows how the world is already forgetting why we celebrate Christmas.. I mean try asking your friends.. How many of them do know the true meaning of Christmas...Because they don't know, tha't why we need to tell them!

-=P3ng=- | 1:12 am

The Different Christmas

1stly, pardon for not posting for the past week... Ever since Tuesday till yesterday, I'm out from 9 plus in the morn to 10 plus at night... Busy with the Different Christmas... It's a evangelistic party my cell group is organising and the decorations and logistics were so much we were just too busy... But we didn't mind being busy for God... It's something much worthwhile and I thank God my holidays are spent meaningfully.

But looking at last night's party, i really wonder if those who attended see why we put in so much effort in doing this party... There was this scene where Jean Shen was commenting about the skits we had put up, about life, about human beings... It was suppose to guide these youths to think about these issues.. But what I see is some being restless or not bothering, some talking among themselves, some worse still play connect 4! I mean from a point of view you'll be like HELLO! WE ARE TRYING TO SAVE YOU ALL! WE ARE TELLING YOU ABOUT SOMETHING MORE VALUABLE THAN LIFE ITSELF! Haiz, the world is like that 2000 years ago so what should I expect any difference today.. When Christ came to save the world, the world rejected and even crucified Him.. No one can accept Christ unless God chose them..

Nevertheless, what we seek to acheive was to plant the seed of the gospel in their hearts, to inform them about the truth and how God works in them is out of our control. Just as what I've mentioned the last post... Process over product... What we had gained from this experience is far more valuable... Praise be the God...

-=P3ng=- | 1:00 am

Monday, December 20
Performing at Orchard - Process over Product

Sometimes we work in hope for the reward we may gain... It's those times when we become very goal-minded and forget to look at and enjoy the whole process... Romans asked this question during one of the devotion sessions we had during the mission trip - "If one day God tells you your reward is the process, how will you react? Will you thank God for the experience or will you feel What! that's all?!? "

When I was told we were going to perform at orchard at a satellite stage, I expected a simple stage, but I expected something much bigger than what we were given... On top of that, the stage was in front of a pathway that was so narrow that it totally discourages people to stop and watch our 25min performance... Somehow we as performers enjoyed the whole performance more than those who are willing to watch and choke up the whole pathway... But I thank God that overall it was rather smooth...

As I was saying, the whole process of practising was a lot more than the performance.. Staying in church till late nights, practicing both vocals and dance moves, interacting, fellowship, even the need to give up personal sacrifices like class BBQ and etc...

Whether it is the mission trip, or performance, life itself is a journey. You can choose to hit the road and walk as you enjoy every bit of it or rush through it in a car only to find yourself missing out on so much more.. This journey is amazing because we are going through it with God, knowing that at the end we'll meet Him.. It's filled with joy and peace because He is with us.. So forget your worries and embrace this journey, every joy, every sorrow, every struggles, every suffering, everything!

-=P3ng=- | 10:40 pm

Saturday, December 18
Devotion vs Religious

Just as what Romans said today, the line between being a devoted Christian and a religious Christian is very thin, and very blurred. Hence, it is important that we have to keep asking ourselves this question.

So what's the difference? Devotion is being devoted to God, doing things for God, working together with Him, having this close relationship with Him...
Being religious is simply going to church, singing songs, doing things so that others will see you as religious...

Being a Christian is all about that relationship with God. At times when I am busy, I find myself forgetting about God. That should not be the way. I must continue to let God be a part in every part of my life and walk together with Him. It really hit me when Romans asked that when we die and see God, will we be able to recognise Him? Will we hug and cry that we can finally meet Him? or will we just like "thanks for saving me" and walk in to Heaven?

For my Christian friends, as much as this question hit me hard, ask yourselves this question, "Are you devoted or religious?"

-=P3ng=- | 10:31 pm

CHRIST-IAN

Something interesting about the word Christian and how true.
If you take away the word Christ, then you'll be left with i.a.n. which stands for
I am nothing
So without Christ, I Am Nothing...
How true... =)

-=P3ng=- | 1:10 am

Friday, December 17
Feeling being "robbed of time"

I must admit, the past few days aren't easy for me. This blog isn't about how good my life is nor do I want it to be a mask to cover who I truly am. To struggle is normal, for to me it is given that not only I believe in Christ but also suffer for His sake. My life isn't smooth sailing now but I've learnt to not sit and complain but to understand and embrace.

It has really been hard for me. For the past 3 days and for the weekend to come, I'll be leaving home at 8plus 9 in e morn and coming home after 11pm plus. Now that's worse than during sch days. Why so busy? Busy with preparation for the Xmas party, with rehearsals for this sunday's performance, evaluation for the mission trip and in between there is the OAC Junior treat Senior and badminton with my class..

In the midst of all this, I'm feeling the strain. I keep feeling I'm being robbed of my time. I wanted to do so much, write letters and do cards for my friend. Isn't the holidays suppose to be a time for me to relax? Why I'm working so hard?

That's when I realise I had the wrong mindset. I prayed that this holiday will not be wasted, and now I should be thankful for the works that God has placed in my hands. I guess that I should also take joy in doing His work. I mean the attitude really affects a lot. I guess what I should be doing now is not worry about what I have to do for God has made everything according to His time, but focus on what I'm doing and rejoice in it, knowing that this is all for the glory of God.

-=P3ng=- | 11:54 pm

PS is performing at Orchard!

Hehe, yea... My church has taken the timeslot to perform in front of Nee Ann City at 6pm to 630pm THIS SUNDAY!... We'll be performing a dance/ song followed by Xmas carols.. hehe, pray I don't get stage fright! Let us show you the true meaning of Xmas!

In addition, from 8pm to 10 plus.. THERE WILL BE A PARADE down orchard road! SUPER HAPPENING! NOT TO BE MISSED! GO AND FIND THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS!

-=P3ng=- | 11:36 pm

Tuesday, December 14
Making decisions - a weaknees?

That's seems to be the case for me for quite some time le. And it has caused me problems especially when I was an instructor in Outdoor Activities Club. My inability to stand my ground sometimes really stresses me out... My problem is I try to see if I can find the best option and be responsible in ensuring the decision I make is right... I become a very "qian jiu other ppl" person. The problem arises when the decisions involving sacrifices and losses in a certian sense. In those cases, I get very easily influenced by others. Each side will argue its case and each has its own good things and bad. In those cases, I become very indecisive. Even after I've made a choice, I'll still look back at wonder if I really should have not made the other choice...

It's a prob I gotta change. It's a prob I must always remember to seek God and keep to His principles and make my decisions upon when I know and what I've learnt from His word. If things are clear-cut, I'll follow my heart, hoping that the Holy Spirit's desire and pray it's what God wants me to make...

-=P3ng=- | 11:07 pm

Monday, December 13

Introducing the Orion: The Hunter. Isn't it beautiful? Too bad Singapore is too bright to ever see something like this in our night sky... Notice the bright orange one. That special one is called betelgeuse. I'm sure you can identify the orion belt? =)

-=P3ng=- | 10:58 am

This diagram should give you a idea on how it should look like. Notice the bow-like shape at the right? Cool eh? Now you know more than just the orion belt =p

-=P3ng=- | 10:55 am

Sunday, December 12
Longing for that special person...

I'm 18 so what's new
Loneliness isn't the reason
I just want someone to love
Be patient God said
He will set everything perfect
That special person will be perfect
Trust Him He said
Such wonderful promise
so why worry you ask
But I'm human
In the midst of waiting
I struggle
Infatuation, Longing, Seeking
Holding on to God isn't easy
but that's faith I guess...

-=P3ng=- | 7:17 pm

The Holidays...

A break to do everything I ever wanted to do is what I hoped this holidays will be... Looking back, the past few weeks things haven't really been going as what I dreamt it to be (except for the mission trip of course)

So far it has been 1 thing after another.. Mission Trip/ Grad Nite/ Class Chalet/ Cell Group/ Sunday School/ Then this wed is JTS (Junior treat Senior) / This week is also filled with practices for Xmas @ orchard and preparation for our own Xmas concert...
I realised I begin to long for a actual break where I can laze around and not worry about time just passing...

Things are packed, I'm very busy... That's why I must remember why I'm doing so much - that is to serve God and make this holidays meaningful.. Time is not in abundance.. Careful planning is required again.. I guess it'll be like this throughout my life so might as well get used to it.. =)

-=P3ng=- | 6:28 pm

Saturday, December 11
The Battle Within

A few months ago, I posted on the struggles I had with my desires - How I find myself caught in the middle of the conflict between the Holy Spirit's desires and the human (sinful) nature's desires. I felt I became this 3rd party watching the battles and I became weary as a result.
Today I was doing my quiet time and came across this passage which explains it in detail.

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful
nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the
Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each
other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit,
you are not under law. (Galatians 5: 16-18)

From verse 24 and 25,

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its
passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the
Spirit.(Galatians 5: 24-25)

I failed to realise that I was the one which allowed the battle to takes place. I realised I was fueling both sides, not wanting to side with either one. I'm suppose to remember that God had 'crucified' my sinful nature with its passions and desires. And that what I'm suppose to do is not to struggle and judge everything, but to be led by the Holy Spirit and yielding to God's will. That way, I will not hold on to my earthly desires nor will I have endless battles in my head. The Holy Spirit isn't here to battle the sinful desires, He's here to win over them and all I have to do is to allow Him to do so.

Thank God for understanding... Amen

-=P3ng=- | 10:06 pm

Friday, December 10
Fellowship

A Christian's life is not a smooth sailing one... Having a Christian friend to share with and mutual encourage is really something very valuable. I had always felt alone in my struggles to live my life among my classmates. Thank God for Peng Li. The idea of working together to do what we can for God and trying to bring our other friends to God is really cool. I mean to have others sharing the same view and purpose isn't something I expect but I'm glad he's there. Of course, ultimately God is in control and God decides.. But doing God work this way is wonderful..

-=P3ng=- | 4:42 pm

Tuesday, December 7
Being set apart

Haha, if i knew everyone is going to prom night with suit, long sleeve shirts and black pants, I wouldn't have to worry so much about what to wear .. Gee, I was the only one wearing casual there (guess i was in too much of a rush to remember that it's a super formal occasion).. Haha, oh well so much about being set apart from the rest.. =p

Last night grad nite wasn't as memorable as I thought it would be... Somehow I guess the building up of the mood wasn't there since I just came back from Thailand.. But the startling contrast was greatly felt for me... Last night I had difficulty adjusting back to our culture... I see so many people spending so much for last night... Clothes, make-up,hair, so much so that it felt like everyone was wearing a mask... Covering themselves... To see the extremes ends of can't even afford proper shoes and people of the same age buying such expensive outfit... I'm not criticizing, I'm just saying I wasn't prepared to be put to both extremes within such a short period of time... So much so that it becomes very thought provoking...

-=P3ng=- | 3:02 pm

Monday, December 6

See below for more info about pic...

-=P3ng=- | 11:35 am

Back from Thailand, Life changes, A better servant..

After ten days, my journey ended... For some, they may think it's stupid to waste ur precious holidays, choosing to work rather than enjoy the shuang-ness after A levels. But because I know God, I'm more than willing to serve God and I really think it's the best way to spend my time after the A's.

Throughout the trip, God was kind. If you are going to ask me how's the trip, I'll reply," Thank God for His providence and guidance. For without Him, the trip would have been chaotic." Indeed, much of the trip is being led by faith, that God will help us to serve Him in His work.

There is just too many experiences to talk about and lessons to learn from. I'll be typing out my journal of the ten days into a doc. If you wanna know more of what I went through, you can ask me to send it to you. I will not edit the journal so some of the things are quite personal but I thought it will be better to leave it that way... =) It'll be ready by the end of the week.. I hope..

I like the photo above because it kind of captures our work in Thailand. The Thai lady on stage is a Christian and she's singing about Jesus Christ in Thai to the hall of pri 4-6 students. At the background stood a Buddha altar. That showed the established religion. To me, it was very thought provoking and it showed the urgent need to direct them away from idol worship to God...

Praise God for all He has done!

-=P3ng=- | 11:18 am