The last 2 days were dedicated to the round-up camp. During which I deeply pondered why the older rangers didn't attend or even prioritise to attend it. Disappointing as it was to see them make sure poor decisions, during the moment of thought I realised that it was a costly affair to have so many commanders sacrifice their expensive hours being there for the fewer than expected rangers.
As I lazed in the mid morning sun yesterday, it dawned upon me that I sacrificed 1 precious day of leave just to be there and that itself is worth more than $300 per day based on the salary I draw. How incredibly scary to waste away such money just to take leave to supervise kids and occasionally stone by the beach doing tribal, kampong like activities! Especially if I can better utilise it on a personal holiday overseas.
However, as I left the campers last night at midnight and journeyed home, I discovered that I was dragging my foot and my heart was left behind with the companionship of the kids. I had enjoyed myself amidst their laughter, annoying characters and childish innocence and parting was now such a sorrow. I would have sacrifice much just to be back there and not have to go to work.
Today, I came to work with a heavy heart because I really wanted to be there with the kids as they journeyed to the last of the camp's activities. Working really sucked and had little value compared to being there in the camp. Sadly, as a new employee I cannot afford to take that additional day and I also had 2 important meetings to be in. (which I deem as marginally time wasting, based on my current mellow mood)
I cannot imagine why anyone would prioritise any secular life over christian fellowship and being there with the young, impressionable lives. As the night sermon asked: "How much is your life worth?". I come to realise that my secular life is truely expensive in terms of dollars per hours, but it pales in comparision with the value of being there for and with the kids.
As I look at the time, I know the kids are probably screaming in joy playing Nintendo Wii as they countdown the hours to the end of the camp. To be here working, I earned hundreds of dollars. But to be there with the rangers in camp, priceless.
M.
Psalm 84:10: Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere
09 June 2009
04 June 2009
I am blessed
I never imagined that I'll write this, but it really dawned upon me sometime when I got my current job offer that I am blessed. To write it another way, my life is blessed.
I am where I am without trying very hard. Sure I work hard and know I do great work. But still, to be in work positions which are specially suited to fit me and to be in places that gives me good salary advancement as well as meet my ever picky needs, how many can truely boast that life gives them a good hand everytime.
Sometime in my last job when there was a christmas & chinese new year celebration respectively, I told everyone that I will surely get a lucky draw prize. I didn't get the best, but I just know that inspite of the odds of getting a prize I just would get something. So, I did get something and everyone also remarked that I'm truely very 'heng'.
For a long while, I have been dying to leave my old job. I tried ways and means to, but I was also very selective because I knew what I liked to do, and what made me enjoy working. Part of the criteria was to avoid having multiple rounds of interview. All of which I received in my current job.
Why am I blessed? As I walked back last week, I realised that in the nine years of working, I've never suffered a salary freeze despite the different economic cycles. In fact, I've seen my salary increase regulary and in a sizeable amount too. I've always enjoyed jobs which allows me to take leave to attend my camps and holidays as and when I liked. Importantly, I'm in a role which allows me to do what I love to do. Even in the worst conditions, when I can't do anything more, God always seem to complete what I omitted or can't do. In times where it matters, I find favour in the eyes of others.
I look at my life and am grateful for being in the place I am and enjoying the things around me because God has given me a good hand of cards to enjoy. I am truely blessed.
M.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. —Psalm 90:2
I am where I am without trying very hard. Sure I work hard and know I do great work. But still, to be in work positions which are specially suited to fit me and to be in places that gives me good salary advancement as well as meet my ever picky needs, how many can truely boast that life gives them a good hand everytime.
Sometime in my last job when there was a christmas & chinese new year celebration respectively, I told everyone that I will surely get a lucky draw prize. I didn't get the best, but I just know that inspite of the odds of getting a prize I just would get something. So, I did get something and everyone also remarked that I'm truely very 'heng'.
For a long while, I have been dying to leave my old job. I tried ways and means to, but I was also very selective because I knew what I liked to do, and what made me enjoy working. Part of the criteria was to avoid having multiple rounds of interview. All of which I received in my current job.
Why am I blessed? As I walked back last week, I realised that in the nine years of working, I've never suffered a salary freeze despite the different economic cycles. In fact, I've seen my salary increase regulary and in a sizeable amount too. I've always enjoyed jobs which allows me to take leave to attend my camps and holidays as and when I liked. Importantly, I'm in a role which allows me to do what I love to do. Even in the worst conditions, when I can't do anything more, God always seem to complete what I omitted or can't do. In times where it matters, I find favour in the eyes of others.
I look at my life and am grateful for being in the place I am and enjoying the things around me because God has given me a good hand of cards to enjoy. I am truely blessed.
M.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. —Psalm 90:2
26 May 2009
A new phase of life
It's been a long while. Too long
I've been really busy and have finally closed a chapter of my life in S.E. For that I'm grateful that I've finally been given a chance to leave.
As I commence the next phase of life in my new workplace, I do feel that there's a need to simplify how God and His word plays a part of my ever so busy, maddening secular work life. So, I'll try to simplify my postings.
- I've started work in anew place
- My buddy's married and off to his honeymoon
- Desmond's away for weeks in Perth for his flight grading test
- I'm struggling to keep up with understanding what I need to do in my new work place
There's a lot of things in my mind as I attempt to settle down in my new phase of life, but I would trade it all just to see changes in my RA's lives. It's been too long since I saw CGH and Lydia. God be with them and let them know you are there.
M.
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”- John 3:17
I've been really busy and have finally closed a chapter of my life in S.E. For that I'm grateful that I've finally been given a chance to leave.
As I commence the next phase of life in my new workplace, I do feel that there's a need to simplify how God and His word plays a part of my ever so busy, maddening secular work life. So, I'll try to simplify my postings.
- I've started work in anew place
- My buddy's married and off to his honeymoon
- Desmond's away for weeks in Perth for his flight grading test
- I'm struggling to keep up with understanding what I need to do in my new work place
There's a lot of things in my mind as I attempt to settle down in my new phase of life, but I would trade it all just to see changes in my RA's lives. It's been too long since I saw CGH and Lydia. God be with them and let them know you are there.
M.
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”- John 3:17
03 December 2008
Christmas is coming soon!
Galatians 4:4-5
"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons"
In a flash on an eye, the year is coming to an end and soon it's Christmas! Somehow, I'm always excited over Christmas because it's THE season which gets me tingly with a festive mood of happiness. I'm quite certain it's also to do with all that buying and receiving of gifts. Although, as we age, the process of buying endless amount of gifts is getting more taxing and often get a bit meaningless when we give them to people simply because we feel obligated to.
Perhaps you have certain expectations of what you hope to find waiting for you on Christmas day. In church, we give out Christmas presents to friends after the sunday Christmas service. It is an annual Christmas gift exchange frenzy as we lug all our gifts to church and then rush about to find people to give presents to. Often, when someone buys us a gift and we didn't buy them one in return, we'll end up feeling guilty. This would then result in adding them to next year's Christmas present list which of course would balloon in size. That truely makes Christmas a nightmarish time of the year.
If you put your hope in what Christmas gifts you'll get and who will give it to you, be prepared to be very disappointed. But if you can get past that to what Christmas is really all about, it truly can be "the most wonderful time of the year."
The wise men brought the rather unusual gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus. But the first Christmas gifts were not gifts to the Child. The first Christmas gift was the gift of the Child. Christmas, at its best and purest state, is a promise of God's love for mankind, something that no holiday or experience or earthly thing can satisfy.
When the actual day of Christmas is over, all presents are opened and the floor is strewn with discarded wrapping paper, what do we have left? It often doesn't enrich our lives one bit more.
Last Christmas, I recalled seeing how Christmas can be a boring, lonely thing for the few who don't have many friends in their inner circle. I realised that I rather get a gift for them than to get gifts for the friends which I already spend time, money and love throughout the year. So, this year I shall start to celebrate Christmas differently, and I'm choosing to start with those who have lesser presents during Christmas and hopefully demonstrate the love of God for them during this Christmas.
The real message of Christmas is not the gifts that we give to each other. Rather, it is a reminder of the gift that God has given to each of us. It is the only gift that truly keeps on giving and with what we have, I pray that you too will show to someone that God loves them, not just your inner clique of friends.
blessings,
M.
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him." (1 John 4:9)
"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons"
In a flash on an eye, the year is coming to an end and soon it's Christmas! Somehow, I'm always excited over Christmas because it's THE season which gets me tingly with a festive mood of happiness. I'm quite certain it's also to do with all that buying and receiving of gifts. Although, as we age, the process of buying endless amount of gifts is getting more taxing and often get a bit meaningless when we give them to people simply because we feel obligated to.
Perhaps you have certain expectations of what you hope to find waiting for you on Christmas day. In church, we give out Christmas presents to friends after the sunday Christmas service. It is an annual Christmas gift exchange frenzy as we lug all our gifts to church and then rush about to find people to give presents to. Often, when someone buys us a gift and we didn't buy them one in return, we'll end up feeling guilty. This would then result in adding them to next year's Christmas present list which of course would balloon in size. That truely makes Christmas a nightmarish time of the year.
If you put your hope in what Christmas gifts you'll get and who will give it to you, be prepared to be very disappointed. But if you can get past that to what Christmas is really all about, it truly can be "the most wonderful time of the year."
The wise men brought the rather unusual gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus. But the first Christmas gifts were not gifts to the Child. The first Christmas gift was the gift of the Child. Christmas, at its best and purest state, is a promise of God's love for mankind, something that no holiday or experience or earthly thing can satisfy.
When the actual day of Christmas is over, all presents are opened and the floor is strewn with discarded wrapping paper, what do we have left? It often doesn't enrich our lives one bit more.
Last Christmas, I recalled seeing how Christmas can be a boring, lonely thing for the few who don't have many friends in their inner circle. I realised that I rather get a gift for them than to get gifts for the friends which I already spend time, money and love throughout the year. So, this year I shall start to celebrate Christmas differently, and I'm choosing to start with those who have lesser presents during Christmas and hopefully demonstrate the love of God for them during this Christmas.
The real message of Christmas is not the gifts that we give to each other. Rather, it is a reminder of the gift that God has given to each of us. It is the only gift that truly keeps on giving and with what we have, I pray that you too will show to someone that God loves them, not just your inner clique of friends.
blessings,
M.
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him." (1 John 4:9)
12 November 2008
Nothing
2 Corinthians 2:5
"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves...to claim anything for ourselves, but our sufficiency comes from God."
This is a spiritual paradox, but so true. We may have stuff, but we can only be sufficient when we surrender everything to God and trust Him to provide.
God has given us ability, gifts, talents, and discernment, but these virtues must be surrendered to His control and authority. Otherwise, we plod through life making our own decisions, doing our thing, and living on the perimeter of all God wants to do in and through us. It's really easy for me to live life on auto-pilot as I utilise what I have to make decisions. I'm not talking about easy what to eat decisions, but those which consume more of my time and effort, and what I will place effort in. For example, I have ideal jobs which I just want to apply for and get. However, I must learn to be dependent on God that He will dictate the job which I am to have.
As long as you and I are self-sufficient, we need not ask God for anything. God will not impose His will or way on us. He has given us a "free will" to either obey Him or disobey Him. Have you ever prayed harder than when you are no longer in control and desperate for help that you ask God to make things happen, because we simply can't?
Our choice will determine the consequences we will experience. It is only when we surrender our rights that we can learn to lean and trust God to be our sufficiency. God wants us to be in the center of His will and for Him to be the center of our life.
It's little wonder why people who have little are often the happiest when they receive simple pleasures, rather than us contented folks who can never be satisfied. May we learn to be surrender our self-sufficiency to God.
blessings,
M.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest upon me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves...to claim anything for ourselves, but our sufficiency comes from God."
This is a spiritual paradox, but so true. We may have stuff, but we can only be sufficient when we surrender everything to God and trust Him to provide.
God has given us ability, gifts, talents, and discernment, but these virtues must be surrendered to His control and authority. Otherwise, we plod through life making our own decisions, doing our thing, and living on the perimeter of all God wants to do in and through us. It's really easy for me to live life on auto-pilot as I utilise what I have to make decisions. I'm not talking about easy what to eat decisions, but those which consume more of my time and effort, and what I will place effort in. For example, I have ideal jobs which I just want to apply for and get. However, I must learn to be dependent on God that He will dictate the job which I am to have.
As long as you and I are self-sufficient, we need not ask God for anything. God will not impose His will or way on us. He has given us a "free will" to either obey Him or disobey Him. Have you ever prayed harder than when you are no longer in control and desperate for help that you ask God to make things happen, because we simply can't?
Our choice will determine the consequences we will experience. It is only when we surrender our rights that we can learn to lean and trust God to be our sufficiency. God wants us to be in the center of His will and for Him to be the center of our life.
It's little wonder why people who have little are often the happiest when they receive simple pleasures, rather than us contented folks who can never be satisfied. May we learn to be surrender our self-sufficiency to God.
blessings,
M.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest upon me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
06 November 2008
Perspectives
Psalm 73:17
"Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end."
It's only day 2 since I returned from my holidays and here I am sitting in irritation and annoyance at the idiocy of my superior/s. People who sit there and do nothing and yet look extremely busy. Apart from creating problems which they can't or won't solve, they sit on work and do nothing until I return. What's worst, the two of them claim to be church attending folks. Yah right!Right now, I've the right frame of mind to call down heaven's fire down on them. Grrrh....
Why do we have such frustration over the many circumstances in life? We are perplexed by the actions and life-style of believers who profess to be devoted to the Lord and cannot understand the ways of man in relation to God. How can they fare so well and yet be so ungodly and abusive to others and live in such unethical principles.
Until, this verse and insights of it came into my inbox some 30 minutes ago, I realised that we, as David, need to go into the sanctuary.
David had this problem as viewed in Psalm 73. He could not understand the prosperity of the wicked, their wealth and welfare, when their life-style was so averse to God. He even thought his efforts to follow God and to live godly was in vain. He said, "When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me." BUT then he said, "Till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny."
In His presence, God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit who dwells within each believer. He gives us His perspective, and an understanding that He is in control and all these little, petty frustrations are temporal and not meant to consume us. Honestly, one day we will all pass away and all these won't matter, so why spend the time fretting and getting agitated over people who don't matter to us?
So I say to myself today, Perspective! Relook at things and adopt a better, clearer perspective because all that is creating annoyance to me is nothing in God's eternal timeframe. As to the idiocy of those above me and still living successfully. Who cares! I'm fine in God's plans and purposes and I shall choose to be happy because His joy is my strength.
blessings,
M.
"For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever" (Romans 11:36).
"Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end."
It's only day 2 since I returned from my holidays and here I am sitting in irritation and annoyance at the idiocy of my superior/s. People who sit there and do nothing and yet look extremely busy. Apart from creating problems which they can't or won't solve, they sit on work and do nothing until I return. What's worst, the two of them claim to be church attending folks. Yah right!Right now, I've the right frame of mind to call down heaven's fire down on them. Grrrh....
Why do we have such frustration over the many circumstances in life? We are perplexed by the actions and life-style of believers who profess to be devoted to the Lord and cannot understand the ways of man in relation to God. How can they fare so well and yet be so ungodly and abusive to others and live in such unethical principles.
Until, this verse and insights of it came into my inbox some 30 minutes ago, I realised that we, as David, need to go into the sanctuary.
David had this problem as viewed in Psalm 73. He could not understand the prosperity of the wicked, their wealth and welfare, when their life-style was so averse to God. He even thought his efforts to follow God and to live godly was in vain. He said, "When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me." BUT then he said, "Till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny."
In His presence, God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit who dwells within each believer. He gives us His perspective, and an understanding that He is in control and all these little, petty frustrations are temporal and not meant to consume us. Honestly, one day we will all pass away and all these won't matter, so why spend the time fretting and getting agitated over people who don't matter to us?
So I say to myself today, Perspective! Relook at things and adopt a better, clearer perspective because all that is creating annoyance to me is nothing in God's eternal timeframe. As to the idiocy of those above me and still living successfully. Who cares! I'm fine in God's plans and purposes and I shall choose to be happy because His joy is my strength.
blessings,
M.
"For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever" (Romans 11:36).
04 November 2008
Overseeing your flock
Acts 20:28
"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood."
I stand here in the morning of Kansai Airport awaiting for my flight back home. It has been a fast 8 days of holiday and extremely purposeful. The most purposeful holiday I ever had in all my trips to Japan.
Many reasons exists for me being here and one of the key top priorities is for me to be here for one of my flock. Despite the fact that I have an annual national leaders conference to attend, I willingly skipped it, not because there was a social holiday excuse, but because I knew this was the most opportune time for me to be here to talk, counsel and encourage one of my mentees.
As I read this verse via my email newsletter, I am again reminded of the purpose of the call of a leader. Firstly, we are to be vigilent over ourselves. Without taking good care of our lives and soul, we will be unable to do anything more. A maintained vehicle is a operational vehicle good for transporting people.
Thereafter, being ministered, we need to keep our eyes over the others placed before us. Life comprises more than US, OUR STUFF and OUR GOALS. People whom the Lord purchased with His blood are treasure which need to be guarded and watchfully monitored. What good does it do when we someday go up to heaven, safe and sound, but without bringing along people with us?
May you too recognise the truth of this passage as I did, standing here in front of the free internet portal, with the morning sun shining at the airport runway. Keep watch over yourself, and then, the flock which is before you.
blessings,
M.
"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20-21)
"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood."
I stand here in the morning of Kansai Airport awaiting for my flight back home. It has been a fast 8 days of holiday and extremely purposeful. The most purposeful holiday I ever had in all my trips to Japan.
Many reasons exists for me being here and one of the key top priorities is for me to be here for one of my flock. Despite the fact that I have an annual national leaders conference to attend, I willingly skipped it, not because there was a social holiday excuse, but because I knew this was the most opportune time for me to be here to talk, counsel and encourage one of my mentees.
As I read this verse via my email newsletter, I am again reminded of the purpose of the call of a leader. Firstly, we are to be vigilent over ourselves. Without taking good care of our lives and soul, we will be unable to do anything more. A maintained vehicle is a operational vehicle good for transporting people.
Thereafter, being ministered, we need to keep our eyes over the others placed before us. Life comprises more than US, OUR STUFF and OUR GOALS. People whom the Lord purchased with His blood are treasure which need to be guarded and watchfully monitored. What good does it do when we someday go up to heaven, safe and sound, but without bringing along people with us?
May you too recognise the truth of this passage as I did, standing here in front of the free internet portal, with the morning sun shining at the airport runway. Keep watch over yourself, and then, the flock which is before you.
blessings,
M.
"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20-21)