Sunday, March 29, 2009
Hi guys,
Just felt the need to share this, to encourage all of you.
Ulf Ekman said this: "Every season has a purpose. The current season always happens to prepare us for the coming season. Blessed is he who understands the season he is in now."
I understand for most of you, your cg is going through a tough time. It's a season of pruning.
People start to leave, and you are confused. The pounding question is.."is it 'cause i'm not a good leader??" Dear friends, God didn't make a mistake when He chose you and sppointed you to be shepherds for His sheeps. If God believes us, who are we to doubt His decision? Guys, God believe in us...God believes in you! If you are not fit to be a leader, God wont even bring you to where you are.
God didn't bring you out here to drown. =)
When God called you, He will give you grace. As leaders, we must always stand clean before God. In every situation, do what is right. We don't have to live to seek approval from our members. As you uphold God's standards, God will uphold you with His righteous right hand. =)
Guys, God will uphold and protect us when we do what is right.
So if it's not our fault, why are members leaving?
Guys, may i introduce to you...it could be your cg is going through a season of pruning.
Why do gardeners (like me) do pruning of plants?
A few reasons: (speking as a professional...lol)
*To stimulate more growth- each time you prune a shoot, more shoots grow out at the point of pruning. The more often you prune, the faster they grow!!!
*To maintain the shape of the plant- hello, plants do grow out of shape at times. regular maintenance is definitely a must!!!
*To remove diseased parts- well, so that the disease wont spread!!!!
Similarly, when our cg goes through a season of pruning, the purpose is to (1) bring greater growth, (2) to better define the structure of the cg, (3) to remove impurities.
And when plants go through pruning...they under-go 'plant stress'. They start to respond by growing faster 'cause they felt 'threatened'. Good response from plants. We should learn from them!!
Pruning is necessary, in order for our cg to move to the next level. We should rejoice when God take His pruning shears and start 'pruning' of cg. Yes, it's painful process, but it shows that God's mighty hands are moving in our cg. I'd rather be in the valley with God, than on the mountain top without God.
Guys, dont be discourage when members leave. Yes, as shepherds, we will definitely feel grieved by members who choose to go astray. But guys, when you've done your best and can stand clean before God, it's enough. Some members are just not going to flow with you, no matter what you say. Of course Jesus is grieved, but He still allow them to make their own choice. Certain members...it's like no-return investments. But God will honor your efforts.
Understand this, that when certain members leave, God will bring in more. God is the One who give increase, not us. And be confident in this, if God allow a few members to leave, He will make sure He bring in even more. Just like a plant that was prune will grow even more shoots.
Some members are like poison in the cg; if they stay, your whole cg will be 'infested' with the particular disease those people carry. Yes, we try our best. But some members are just stubborn and stiff-neck. Bible says...a fool will hate correction, and the more you correct a fool, all the more he will resent you.
When your cg go through pruning season, those members and COCs who are with you will become stronger. Your cg will become stronger and closer. Bonds are formed fastest during times of crisis. Crisis is a chance for cg to grow closer. CLose friends are born during times of adversity.
Guys, those COCs who are with you right now, those are the ones who are serious about following God's anointed, and willing to lay down their lives for your vision. Dont just believe your COCs when they say with their mouth that they will be with you. They must be tested and proven faithful. And when you are under fire, do they run, or do they stand in front of you and shield you?? Those who are still with you after this period of testing, these are the people you can really trust.
God puts our cg under fire, to make our people purer and stronger. It's painful to see people leave, but God knows what He is doing...He is always in control.
Job 23:10,"But he knows the way that I take;when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." When our cg goes through testing, it will come forth as gold. Amazing thing to know...that in every season of purification, God does His work in every level in the cg...leaders, COCs, members. Every person will go through the fire of testing. Very uncomfortable, but if you endure it, you will come forth as gold. =)
After this season, you realise you're a bigger person on the inside. Especially in the area of emotions. You realise you can handle set-backs and disappointments better. You will still feel grief...but you won't be so affected. You attained a level of emotional capacity.
God is in the business of making disciples. Jesus says "if you are not for me, you're against me". There's no sitting on the fence when it comes to following Jesus. He made it very clear. Eventually members who can't accept what it takes to carry the cross will go. They will leave when the fire of testing comes.
My ex-zone supervisor's wife always tells us this: If a member can't take your correction, it's just a matter of time they will leave; but members who are willingto be corrected will stay no matter how you discipline them, becuase they are serious about following Jesus, and pleasing Him." When fire comes, impure things melt under strong heat; when fire of purification comes over the cg, people who can't take it will leave.
Guys, let's be firm. Don't be afraid to set a standard, 'cause Jesus was bold to set standard. Ya?
God wants you to have quality, not only quantity. He is helping you right now, by exposing certain issues in members' lives, or problems your cg may be facing.
Every problem is a chance to re-correct and strengthen you people. Grab the chance. Don't focus on the problem, but focus on the purpose of God in every situation. There's something new He desires and purposes to do. Sometimes we can be so overwhelm by problems in the cg, we missed out God's very purpose of allowing the problem to occur. Yes?
So, what should we do now?? Whenever such times of testing sets in, people are looking a leader, people are searching for a voice, a strong leader who will stand up and set a clear vision before them, to give them hope to keep on fighting; they need to know YOU WILL NOT GIVE UP. When they know you are not giving up, they will be encouraged and strengthen. Your sheeps need you to be strong during times like this. And when you stand firm and strong during times of crisis, your people will respect you for your strength and 'never-say-die' spirit. BE STRONG FOR YOUR SHEEPS. They are looking at you... =)
Tell your mountain how big is the God you serve!!!! Procliam it and tell yourself never give up!
Great leaders arise in times of crisis. Great leaders are born in crisis. YOU ARE A GREAT LEADER IN THE MAKING. Yes, YOU. =)
Pro 17:3," The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart."
May you heart be deeply encouraged to know that you are in the furnace, 'cause God wants to make you and cg into gold. Let's rejoice greatly for God's amazing works!!! Yes, God will give you strength to rejoice.
Amen
Cindee/Tengster
11:29 AM
hulllooo a post that cannot wait (im listening to im yours again!)
a sunday with cindy @ expo..
i had a sudden revelation the expo carpark is filled with baby raintrees.. hahaha cindy says its a DISASTER!! ALI BABA! (to quote her) cos there is no space for them and the roots will crack the road.
ok, peektures of the day..
EH you can see my dimple in this pic!! hahahaha so it is not non-existant okay!! :P
me trying to take peektures with cindy's nice earphones
cindy: "buddy can you dont *makes a face* like that!! just smile normally!!"
i think she is refering to my disappearing eyes..
spying at my CUTE buddy over the top of my laptop
cindy: "huh???"
we went to amk hub and Little Match Girl had so many nice dresses i wanted to buy over the store!!! this is one of them.. so nice!!
but OH SO LONG. not meant for short bodies like me :(
oh and buddy, yes, i LAUGHED over the lyrics of crush! haha! like WHAT!
4:34 AM
Saturday, March 28, 2009
hey buddies. just wanna say...
thats what friends are for (:
LOVE JING
9:37 AM
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Hihi powerpuff girls!!
LOL, we're powerful powerpuffs!!!!
I'm suppose to come out with our 'wish list'!! Rah Rah, pls tell us what's your wish list!!
It's been a pretty fun day, but tiring. It's this colleague who's sitting in front of me
today. Jing, he's the one who help you book bbq pit. He is FUNNY!!! LOL! We
were talking about "places to go during weekends". He recommended me some places
to go...really quite good!! Shall we go next time?? Tell you gals more.
Anyway, some photos to tell my beautiful day...
This is part2 of what i took yesterday. Opps, but i forget to wear spectacles again!!! LOL!
Hey!! What's this thing doing on people's roof??!! Hee! Rah's enemy!!
Lastly, something nice =) Let's work hard like a BEE!! Cindee/Tengster
2:06 AM
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
i am cow
THE LYRICS
I am cow, hear me moo
I weigh twice as much as you
And I look good on the barbecue
Yogurt, curd, cream cheese and butters
Made from liquid from my udders
I am cow, I am cow, hear me moo (moo)
I am cow, eating grass
Methane gas comes out my ass
And out my muzzle when I belch
Oh, the ozone layer is thinner
From the outcome of my dinner
I am cow, I am cow, Ive got gas
I am cow, here I stand
Far and wide upon this land
And I am living everywhere
From b.c. to newfoundland
You can squeeze my teats by hand
I am cow, I am cow, I am cow
I am cow, I am cow, I am cow!
I weigh twice as much as you
And I look good on the barbecue
Yogurt, curd, cream cheese and butters
Made from liquid from my udders
I am cow, I am cow, hear me moo (moo)
I am cow, eating grass
Methane gas comes out my ass
And out my muzzle when I belch
Oh, the ozone layer is thinner
From the outcome of my dinner
I am cow, I am cow, Ive got gas
I am cow, here I stand
Far and wide upon this land
And I am living everywhere
From b.c. to newfoundland
You can squeeze my teats by hand
I am cow, I am cow, I am cow
I am cow, I am cow, I am cow!
hee hee hee. SPECIALLY FOR ALL THE COWS IN THE WORLD. love jing.
7:25 PM
hey BUDDIES.
ive been wanting to BLOGG for the longest time but im drowning in work. HAHA.
but i am saved!! my NICE NICE prof decided to push the deadline to mon. so i only have one deadline on friday instead of 2. THANKS BE TO GOD!! wahaha.
ok heres just some weird photos to update all of you about my weird days. maybe i should start a serial drama called Chronicles of My Life!! HAHA.
monday - terrorised by a YELLOW FURRY CATERPILLAR.
it dropped onto my foot and traumatised me!!
tuesday - lunch with buddy and raintrees (outside the window) at munchie monkey in NUS
big buddy with big spoon & small buddy with small spoon
hee hee!
wednesday - my KFC uncle guest lecturer
RANDOM contact lenses on a window sill.. GROSS
cindy - "maybe if you laugh too hard your contact lenses will drop out like this"
mini COW cheesecake for mini COWS.
so cute!!!!!
tiny feet
size 5 & size 4
hehehe so THATS all.
love all of you!! i shall be set free next week!! (:
JINGSTER
5:52 PM
Huh...
it's been a really gloomy day...surrounded by stressed up people. =)
my colleague in front of me...she's about to breathe fire...cos of all the nonsense
feedback she received today.
my colleague in front of me...she's about to breathe fire...cos of all the nonsense
feedback she received today.
Will you ever call NParks to actually request for us to go & check your house
for beehive?! It's in your house...so it's your pasar...correct? lol.
for beehive?! It's in your house...so it's your pasar...correct? lol.
Another colleague just too fed up to talk...cos her park got fined by NEA for
mosquito breeding. Like what....mosquitoes can breed anywhere...not only in
parks la c'mon! Oh please...give me a break!!!
mosquito breeding. Like what....mosquitoes can breed anywhere...not only in
parks la c'mon! Oh please...give me a break!!!
Anyway...let's talk about my day in the park....
I was appraoched by this funny old uncle in my park. He asked me what time is it.
After i told him, he aked me where am i going. (wat?) I was a bit shock, but
just act calm. (hee hee) I continue to do my checking...then after a while,
I was appraoched by this funny old uncle in my park. He asked me what time is it.
After i told him, he aked me where am i going. (wat?) I was a bit shock, but
just act calm. (hee hee) I continue to do my checking...then after a while,
he asked me what time is it...again. So i got fed up and i asked him how many
times must he ask? I guess he was kind of amused by my reply. He ask me how come
i dont need to go to school. I seriously felt like telling him i'm from NParks and
if he still dont move his butt off my park chair i'll take down his particulars.
But i didn't wanna spoil his morning i guess.
times must he ask? I guess he was kind of amused by my reply. He ask me how come
i dont need to go to school. I seriously felt like telling him i'm from NParks and
if he still dont move his butt off my park chair i'll take down his particulars.
But i didn't wanna spoil his morning i guess.
I left but i didn't go very far, just some place around the corner. After a while, i
heard someone calling from behind...and realised it was the uncle. Sianz. So i quickly
got on my bicycle and cycle off to a safer place.
heard someone calling from behind...and realised it was the uncle. Sianz. So i quickly
got on my bicycle and cycle off to a safer place.
Then when i reached another park...i realise there were lots of red ants around where i
was standing. And i'm having an event this Sat. Red ants are NOT invited. =) Sian.
Next thing i know, the ants start crawling into my shoes. And into my shirt, and on my neck.
There's something mysterious about red ants...they like can fly wor!!! I dunno la....
they seem to be able to get around you without you knowing. "flying red ants".
There's something mysterious about red ants...they like can fly wor!!! I dunno la....
they seem to be able to get around you without you knowing. "flying red ants".
Anyway enough of my story. Interestinf pics to cheer my day...and maybe yours.
Pineapple!! Hee. So cute. Found it outside a residents's house. But dont think this is edible species...opps. But still...quite nice.
Here's a pic...which is quite relaxing to look at. Oh God...take me to the place....
where my heart longs to be...a place of rest and refuge. =) amen.
Cindee/Tengster
1:47 AM
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Hi hi hi,
ok...i know it's very late/early (depends on how you perceive it).
It's...hrm...3am now. Just decided to blog a bit before sleeping.
I brushed my teeth...but in the end my brother toasted bread...i felt hungry...
so i ate bread with peanut butter spread. DUH. So need to brush my teeth again....
since that's the case...i drank a small packet of chocolate milk...hee hee...
Just finish calculating all the building fund outstanding of all my 33 members.
No joke man...tedious task. But must really monitor. SIGH. Was talking to Elaine Goh...
she really dont look ok just now after we get off Yilun's car. So called her to make sure she's
alright. I believe she feels better after sharing.
Don't understand why people can spend money on branded stuff, when their
building fund outstanding is like...$2900??!!! Hello...yes..get the decimal pt right,
it's not $2.90!!!!! Not even $290.00. It's $2900.00!!!!
Cannot!!!! I must stop this!!! Must do something to make them 'wake up thier idea'.
Must teach them to be faithful in the little things.
Afterall, loving God is not words only, but it's all about action. Our lifestyle.
How to give God your life when you can't give God your finances?? like wat?
I'm praying and believing, for God to do a miracle for those members who are
struggling due to real reasons.
Anyway...let's not talk about this building fund stuff for now. =) Today Yilun really
very burden. I can feel it...let's carry her burden. As leaders, let's really pray for greater
capacity and anointing, to be more effective.
Here's a cute cow in my office. It's actually a door-stopper!! Hee! Cute right?
What race does this cow belongs to???? *grins*
Ok, lastly...the candid shot!! HOODIES!!
K thx bai!!!! Gonna sleep!!!
Cindee/Tengster
11:59 AM
Monday, March 23, 2009
Hello hello!!
can i just blog about my very normal day as a park manager??!! =) Hee. It's interesting....!!!
In the morning, most people will go to site, cos the sun is not as super hot as compared to that in the afternoon. Sometimes, it's just taking a walk and checking things are alright. At times, gotta check for specific stuff...esp when there are complains (well, 'feedback' is a nicer term)... hee hee.
The types of 'feedback' varies...sometimes it is due to real problems, sometimes can be unreasonble and ugly. The list goes on...
There are tonnes to check; no stagnant water, grass length not too long, all equipment are alright, no litter, no dog poo, no pest, all plants are well and presentable, trees are not sick and no broken branches...bla bla bla. We do tree inspection from time to time, to assess trees' health...
It sounds easy...but it's a rare skill...not easy at all. Gotta be super observant...sharp...alert..yup!
When i get bored...i'll walk around and collect photos of plants and creatures...or nice scenery..
or even interesting stuff. Like these...
Ok,this is Cordia sebestina. Nice right? But this picture wasn't taken by me. Bleh...
Here's a kingfisher!! I ambush for quite long before capturing this pic!!! So hard to take pictures of birds. Oh Rah Rah HATE birds. I dunno why...
Ok, here's a 'fresh' tree cut...RAW! Just pruned on Friday. You can see the wood grain...hee.
jing, here's Yellowflame's tiny flowers. Witness the power of close-up...!
Hey!!! Wait! Don't run away!! Run-away flower!!
Finally, a koala @ night.
and a koala wakes up the next morning!
Cindee/Tengster
1:19 AM
Sunday, March 22, 2009
something interesting i found on my sis's notebook:
there was a girl
who had a happy singing bird on her head
she doesn't have any friends
because people thought she was weird
so they called her a mad
and bullied her cat
there was this girl
who liked sitting at the peak
and only with the little bird
she will happily speak
together they will sing
and much joy it will bring
there was this girl
who wondered why was she always alone
in her mind, she fought
in her mind, she wondered in her thoughts
"does He not love me, just because I'm different?"
there was this girl
who then heard a song
and realised that no, she was not alone
it sang,
"I am your creator.
you were in My care even before you were born"
Isaiah 44:2
nice right! reminded me of rahrah cos of the cat!
but anyway its a notebook full of little anecdotes like these - by CROSSED www.theodoredesign.multiply.com. you guys can go check it out if you want!
LOVE, jingster (:
8:06 AM
Saturday, March 21, 2009
hi guys!!
pls allow me to blog abt jing's chronicles ep 2 - actually i dont know, haha think i lost count.
anyway on 20th March 09, I HAD LIKE A CRAZY DAY. hahahaha.
1. Early the morning, i forgot my adaptor and brought only my laptop.
2. Me and project mate spent 30 mins trying to find a multi-media station to watch my project video on because either
a. the disc cannot be play
b. its a LD player, cassette tape player, or some like really antique nonsense.
c. the sound is spoilt, we can only hear from one earphone
d. the tv is unplugged and THERE IS NO TWO PIN PLUG.
like what!!!
3. i gave up, left school only to... thought i saw my friend. so i snuck up behind her and said: gwendolin mah! to my HORROR OF HORRORS!! she turned around and its not her... AHHH.. SO PAISEH!!
4. mortified, i went to take my bus. and took the wrong bus. i realised only 20 min into the journey... and took almost 2 hours to my tuition place.
5. as i was about to get off the final bus to my tuition place, it started pouring CATS AND DOGS. like......... AHHHHHH. one bustop before it was still like fine. i ran 5 mins in the rain.. totally soaked!!
6. and lastly, having missed 2 buses in the span of the day.. i got lost in ang mo kio before finally meeting my parents for dinner.
yes. but i survived. haha. WHAT A DAY RIGHT.
today there was a really really pretty rainbow outside jurong west -
cindy called me.. "BUDDY BUDDY!! got rainbow!! go see!!"
her pic from the rooftop
the one i took from level 1 - check out the security guard
i think its cos my whole cg stopped at the area and snapped away with our camera phones
"I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh..."
Genesis 9:13-15
Love, JINGSTER. (:
10:23 AM
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Hello cupcakes & a fork,
Went to east coast park this morning...after going to my parks.
For some reasons, east coast park seems to be extra beautiful today.
I dunno why. =)
Well, some pics. A picture speaks a thousand words. A picture has the power to ispire vision, stir inspiration, and tell a story.
Greenish-blue waters...i thought it is quite rare? LOL.
"He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psm 40:2
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you." Isa 61:1
"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psm 18:2
Never despise the days of small beginnings. Small things do grow bigger!! Like this baby-mango.
Buddy...here you go. It's US who make the garden complete. *smiles* =)"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Pro 18:24
Cindee/Tengster
12:50 AM
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Hey guys!!
jing got something to share.. smiles.. :D just felt God really spoke to me through this verse when zhipeng shared during worship. and i really just teared in His presence..
Psalm 51: 17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and contrite heart --
These, O God, You will not despise.
I really felt God saying.. God will never despise us when we're broken, we're down and out.. and I'm truly feeling broken now. I think for us uni people its crunch time (cindy's term haha) and i seriously hate all the work piling in. We're seriously reaching our ceiling (if not already reached) and its just not easy to keep on going, keep on ploughing.. I truly felt that way today.. emotionally and physically stretched.. basically STRESSED.
but God spoke to me.. that I am precious in His eyes.. that my broken spirit, my sacrifices, everything, He sees and appreciates me for it.. and I really felt love of God ministered to me.. and most of all, i really understood that when I reach the end of myself, its the beginning of God.
lets pray for each other.. we need GRACE and FAITH more than ever before. but i really believe its the beginning of something great He is preparing us for.. as we lean on Him, we will experience mighty breakthroughs!
JIAYOU guys! REVIVAL!
hee just a memory of all 4 of us squatting outside zp house..
love, JING.
10:27 AM
Heyo buddies....
I just wanted to thank all of you for encouraging me to go for the meeting today.
Am really encouraged by the Word and am also refreshed by the presence of God.. Guess I really needed a touch from God. I'm so touched because despite my slight hardened-ness, God really reached out to me . He's always faithful although we're faithless at times.
Thank You Lord for awesome friends like all of you.... I really appreciate you! Fork and cupcakes and muffins and all..
I'm hoping to get through this week with all your love and support. Thanks for calling and thanks for the concern!!
9:44 AM
Monday, March 16, 2009
Rainy picture taken on the bus. Buddy, can you see what tree is that? =) Hee hee....Cindee
2:02 AM
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Hello buddies...
just for fun....hee hee.
This is how a flower looks like IF i didn't put on my glasses....
And this is with glasses....
Hee hee. Anyway, today is such a moody day in office. My colleagues seem busy...
or maybe they act busy. LOL. I'm just clearing my emails. Tonnes. It just keeps coming in.
Waiting for 2.50pm so we'll make our way to botanic gardens for a road show....lol.
Rah...my friend is driving!! So i won't get wet!!! Okie, so next time when you say 'TP',
it's TOA PAYOH. Not Tanjong Pagar, TamPines, Temasek Poly or wateva.
Okie dox...blog later....
Cindee
11:32 PM
Was listening to this song title 'Above All'.
Really ministered by the lyrics...although i've listened to it so many times.
It just reminded me of how much God thinks about us....
our thoughts, feelings, heartaches, joy, matters so much to Him. =)
"Crucified, laid behind a stone.
You're left to die, rejected and alone.
Like a rose trampled on the ground,
You took the fall..
And You thought of me, above all."
Well...so fast...weekend over. Tomorrow is Monday! (trying to be excited)
Hope tomorrow will be well for Rah Rah. And please guys...please pray for Jing...
NO MORE funny chronicles!!!! Oh please!!!
Anyway, i'm really looking forward to having lesson with Poh tomorrow!
Hee...every leson is a surprise! Not sure what we'll be learning. But should be
secular song again. I pray tomorrow NOBODY buys coke for Poh! Huh..... =(
And i'm definitely going to ask him about song Making a Difference. Yes!!!
OKie dokie....i need to take a tram to dreamy-dreamy land....with a blocked nosey...
God bless my nose.
k thnx bai
Cindee Tengster
9:16 AM
6:48 AM
hey buddies! we should really make it official. we eat steamboat every saturday.
steamboat saturday (:
kiwi, jing, rah, pearly EM PROMOTION - the kiwi looks disconnected.. haha..
the beginning of the steamboat pictures...
rah's signature emo look
uh, my tissue pouch
yay its cindy's cam time! haha SO CUTE
buddy can i say this is my fav pic of yours HAHA
GND LOOK
GND LOOK 2
haha.. friendly abit la..
DOH look
fierce rah rah!
i really didnt want to upload this.. but rah likes it.. so..
its actually abt the beautex buddies cos we all carry beautex TISSUE
no more paparazzi pls k thanks BAI
er.. can i blog more abt jing chronicles? ep2 on saturday
1. my coins and cards exploded from my wallet to everywhere (thanks to mr james zhuang) while we were standing on a crowded 242 on the way to church - DISASTER
2. my right shoe decided to be hungry and the whole thing came apart after service!! SAD
spirit of murphy get out! hahaha. but God is good cos he provides me with good friends who saves me from kuku situations :D
yay blogged!
love, jing
12:36 AM