focus

when you're at the mall and you discover some awesome shoes, what happens when you show them to your friends? there will be some those who think the shoes are the best they've seen, there will be some who are jealous, they will discourage you to buy it in hopes of buying the same pair for themselves later. there will be some that will laugh so hard they'll fall down and many other reactions will come along the way, come one people, don't pretend that this hasn't happened, we live in a real world and this is how the world is now. you will find it hard to please every one and make everyone happy.

trying to please everyone can be a frustrating and painful experience, just about when you think that you've pleased one person, another one comes along. this will cause your attention to be diverted, you will find yourself stopping to please one and start pleasing the second. if this goes on and you keep riding this cycle, you'll end up crashing very very soon.

the Bible says to love God with all your heart-to focus your attention on HIM. focusing on God means trying to please HIM in your attitudes and actions and everything else. and the cool thing is, when you focus on God, your relationship with others will get better. so, remember this, stop pleasing other people, please God first and others next, then you will see the power of God moving in your life. have a great day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"Dear God, Your will, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else." by A.B.Simpson

we were the reason

something for all of you to see during this christmas season, enjoy:

TAGGED AGAIN !!!

LIST OUT THE TOP 5 PRESENTS YOU WISH FOR :
1) A big house so that i can invite many ppl over
2) the latest skyline GTR (it's a sports car)
3) a new LCD tv for my rooom
4) PS3
5) to receive all the above at one go

THE PERSON WHO TAGGED YOU IS :
Michelle Paulsen and Jerrica Liau
YOUr 5 IMPRESSIONS OF HIM/HER :
1) MP: nice and sweet JL: cute and adorable
2) MP: chatty JL: toks only if she feels like it
3) MP + JL: they are both so skinny escpecially JL
4) MP + JL: they can be considered pretty for their age
5) MP + JL: they are both trustable people

MOST MEMORABLE THINGS HE/SHE HAS GIVE/DONE FOR YOU:
they help me remember things

THE MOST MEMORABLE WORDS HE/SHE SAID TO YOU:
this is a hard one....cant think of it now (2 of you better say something memorable to me so i can blog this out)

IF HE/SHE BECOMES YOUR LOVER, YOU WILL:
impossible, i am oledi married, and they are too young for me man !!

IF HE/SHE BECOMES YOUR ENEMY, THE REASON WILL BE:
work of the devil

PASS THE QUIZ TO 10 PEOPLE THAT YOU WISH TO KNOW HOW THEY FEEL ABOUT YOU:
1) James Tan
2) Mark Hwang
3) Jason Lee
4) Jin Ing
5) Su Jane
6) Susana
7) Jenny Yap
8) Michelle Phoon
9) Rebecca Wong
10) Nicholas Hee

1. WHO IS NO.7 HAVING RELATIONSHIP WITH ?
rumored to be wif some one whose name starts with "D", but to my knowledge this rumor is unfounded

2. WHO IS NO.9 HAVING RELATIONSHIP WITH ?
single and available to anyone of you who are interested

3. IF NO.9 AND NO.1 ARE TOGETHER, WILL IT BE A GOOD THING ?
i dun think so

4. WHAT ABOUT NO.1 AND NO.5 ?
hahahaha, dun make me laugh-it's more like "kor kor" and "mei mei"

5. WHAT IS NO.3 STUDYING ?
no idea, go read his blog

6. WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU CHATTED WIT NO.6 ?
today

7.DOES NO.4 WORK ?
still studying

.8. HAS ANY COUSIN IN HIS/HER OWN SCHOOL ?
dunno

9. WILL U BE WITH NO.10?
no way, firstly-i'm married, secondly-i am not gay

HOW ABOUT NO.5 ?
like i said, i am already happily married

11. DOES NO.2 HAVE ANY SIBLINGS ?
Yeap!

12. HOW DID U GET TO KNOW ABOUT NO.2 AND NO.4 ?
no.2-youth camp, no.4-same church

13. WHERE DOES NO.1 LIVE AT ?
somewhere on planet earth

14. HOW DID U GET TO KNOW NO.8 ?
youth group in my church

15. IS NO.5 THE SEXIEST PERSON IN THE WORLD ?
i would rather say she's cute for now but in future i dunno

Get Real Youth Camp pt1

values

everyone has beliefs or values that determine how he or she will act or react in given situation. whether they are spiritual, moral, financial, or political, you, too, have values that affect your behavior. there are some things you are willing to do and some things you won't do simply because of what you believe.

tv, magazines, and billboard ads try to influence your beliefs all the time, for instance, some challenge you to wait until you are married before you have a sexual relationship. "I am worth it," the ad slogan reminds you. that's the same as saying, "I have some beliefs about my self-worth that will determine my behavior."

abstinence may not be the most popular belief, but it's a good one-and practical one too. just think of all the things you have to worry about now, do you really want to carry all the baggage that comes with growing up too fast? this is the world that we are living in now, it forces us to grow faster than we ever thought, way beyond our actual ability and capacity. so young people, watch out for it, use wisdom from God to know where you should be at your life.

always remember to put your value system at work and say, "I'm too valuable to do anything contrary to my beliefs." your commitment to abstinence may influence someone else just when he or she is making decisions about his or her own behavior. remember this: values are valuable. have a nice day !!!

quote of the day:

"True love waits." by Josh McDowell

TAGGED

LAYER 1: ON THE OUTSIDE
name: Nicholas Wong
birth date: 12/2/19.....for me to know for you to find out
eye colour: dark brown
hair colour: originally black but changes when i colour my hair
right or left: right

LAYER 2: ON THE INSIDE
my heritage: cinapek
my fears: people i love die
my weaknesses: talk too much
my perfect pizza:Hawaiian with extra cheese

LAYER 3: YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW
my thoughts 1st waking up: good morning God
my bedtime: anytime between 1am-4am as and when i am tired
my most-missed-memory: school time and church youth time

LAYER 4: MY PICK
pepsi or coke: coke
single or grouped dates: depends on situation
Addidas or Nike: nike but i dun mind addidas
tea or nestea: both
chocolate or vanilla: both
cappucino or coffee: i am a tea man

LAYER 5: DO YOU...
smoke: nope
curse: not really
take a shower: of course lah, love it
have a crush: my kids, i love them, they're so cute
think u've been in love: of course lah, married some more
go 2 skul: those were the days
wanna get married: already done so
believe urself: 200%
think ur a health freak: nope

LAYER 6: IN THE PAST
drank alcohol: yup
gone to da mall: of course lah
been on stage: yeah man
eaten sushi: yes, but i prefer sashimi
dyed ur hair: all the time

LAYER 7: HAVE U EVER...
played a stripping game: no
changed who u were to fit in: i can adapt but i dun change

LAYER 8: AGE UR HOPING...
to b married: done so
to ride a motorbike: anytime soon

LAYER 9: IN A GUY...
best eye colour: black or brown
best hair colour: black or copper or brown
best hair style: either short or long
short or long hair: doesn't matter

LAYER 10: WHAT WERE U DOING....
a minute ago: facebooking and doing this tag
hour ago: checking mails
4-5 hours ago: testing driving cars
1 month ago: can't remember
year ago: same as above

LAYER 11: FINISH THE SENTENCES...
i love: God's Creation
i feel like: eating ice-cream
i hate: The Devil
i hide: other ppl's secret
i miss: everybody
i need: to go toilet now

LAYER 12: TAG 5 PPL!
>>> James Tan
>>> Rebecca Wong
>>> Sandra Wong
>>> Michael Sin
>>> Mark Hwang

christian comic

10 things God won't ask on that day

Caring

Tom was a loner, when he moved with his parents and attended a new school, he kept to himself. he never talked to anyone and also never let anyone get close to him. basically, he was afraid to love and didn't let his feelings for others to show out of fear that they wouldn't feel the same way. parents, friends, classmates, co-workers-it didn't matter. everyone was just kept at a distance.

at times, tom saw people who were in real need and wanted to reach out to them, he wanted to show his love and concern for them. but he didn't want to take a chance on showing his true feelings. he didn't understand that loving others is a risk worth taking. love openly expresses itself, even if it's being misunderstood or rejected.

so, give love a chance, be open with others about your feelings, don't be like tom, you wouldn't wanna live the rest of your life as a loner. your heart and your head will tell you when and how to love, the spirit will prompt you, when it happens, just let it happen and start showing someone you care.

remember this: if you keep your feelings bottled up too long, they might spoil. so give give someone some love today. have a nice day !!!

quote of the day:

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment." 1 John 4:18

outlook

an ancient proverb says, "Focusing on the gloom and doom makes even your bones tired." it's hard to focus on the positive when you feel like slumping around in your own little world of doom. often it's just hard to see the positive in other people, but if you focus on the negative, it eats away at your very core. it makes your bones tired.

look for the good in others, every person has at least one good characteristic. why not stretch to find it? it's there one, you just got to make the effort. God created human life, and HE doesn't do inferior work. when you discover that good quality in a person, focus on it, think about the good instead of the bad.

look at life's circumstances in the same manner as well. develop a healthy outlook so that people comfortable and confident in you. you know, some people look at the sky and only see clouds. make a determination to look for sun beams instead. with this kind of positive outlook, you chase away the blues and the glooms, making you a stronger person. on top of that it also influences and encourages the naysayers as well. have a nice day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"Every child born into the world is a new thought of God, an ever-fresh and radiant possibility." by Kate Douglas Wiggins.

respect

if you're familiar with the ten commandments, you should know the expression "honor your father and mother" of course, it's the commandment that usually comes up when there is a parent-teen discussion. why not think about the commandment in a different light? did you know that it's a commandment that comes with a payoff? the Bible says to honor your parents so that "it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on earth"

honoring your parents doesn't mean bowing down to them when they walk through the door. honoring your parents is an inward thing. it means to respect their values and also living by their rules-not out of duty but out of your love for them.

honoring your parents means looking out for their welfare. always remember, love is a two-way commitment. when they love enough to provide for your protection and well-being, you should acknowledge and appreciate their support in return.

so, respect voluntarily, not forced. honor your parents on purpose. have a nice day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"All that I am or hope to be I owe to my mother." by Abraham Lincoln

dependability

judy's dad worked in a local factory. the work was demanding, but her father didn't go home and lie on the couch after work. since he was a single parent, he made sure the house was in order, the dishes were done, things were picked up and so on. and after that, he would go outside and mow the lawn. he knew others in the home were depending on him and he knew the house would not take care of itself, though he was tired. he had a responsibility.

whether you're a volunteer or a paid worker, remember, someone is depending on you. your work makes the difference. when you work in a responsible manner, you create a good impression and help lighten someone else's load.

be a dependable worker, do what your supervisor asks you to do, arrive on time, finish your work, be neat and clean. smile always and go that extra mile. if you want to be a good worker, give it your best effort. have a nice day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste." by Henry Ford

wedges

have you ever seen anyone cut a tree down the old-fashioned way-with an ax and a wedge? the cutter chops a slice in the side of the tree and the uses an ax or a sledgehammer to drive a wedge shaped like the head of the ax farther into the tree. the pressure of the wedge causes a weakness and separation in the tree, making it easier to chop it down. sounds "canggih" right? even i never tried it before, maybe we should all try it one day and see how tough it actually is to chop down a tree.

anyways, what i am trying to say is the weakness and separation can happen in our relationship with God too. an unconfessed sin, an attitude of rebellion against HIS will, or an unforgiving spirit toward someone who did you wrong is like a wedge between God and you. it weakens your fellowship with HIM and it causes a break in the lines of communication towards Heaven. spiritual wedges make you vulnerable to the attacks of your spiritual enemy without you even knowing it sometimes.

the longer the wedge is left there, the more that separation weakens your relationship with God. so, get rid of it quickly, ask God to forgive you for the things that separate you from HIM and start forgiving everyone else. get rid of the wedges so you can live a wedge free and happy life with God beside you. have a nice day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"I will not stifle the efforts of the Holy Spirit to make a great Christian out of me." by Stan Toler

gratitude

sometimes you receive things that are undeserved, it happens to me as well. for instance, the traffic lights turns green at just the right moment, or maybe the school exam result was much better than you thought it was going to be that you just about pass out! sometimes, right out of the blue, that certain someone suddenly notices you. most of us acquire things that we don't deserve, and with them comes the responsibility of being grateful.

do good things just happen, or do they happen because someone has the power to bring them into your life? you guessed it! someone does. God brings goodness into your life and sometimes most of us don't even realize it. HE is the source of every turn for the better and HE is the sunshine behind every cloud. when you get ready to be grateful for the good things around your life, then you're ready to thank God.

so, how's your gratitude machine? is it on good working order? is there any rust on it? crank it up, keep it in good condition and start thanking God for everything. don't just "Thank Goodness!", you've got to thank God. have a nice day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"The deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated." by William James

selection

apple farmers know how delicious a bushel of apples can be. they also know how much damage one little worm can do to that bushel of apples. they know that the tiny worm doesn't take a bite out of every apple in the bushel; it only has to find one. if an apple looks like someone's been chewing on it, the farmer throws it out. by doing so, he gets rid of the bad apple along with the "chewer" (the worm)

know any worms? just like a worm, one person with bad habits or one who is bad influence can ruin a whole group of friends. and just like the worm, he or she works on one person at a time until that person, too becomes a "bad apple". so, all of you must be choosy about your friends. do the people you hang out with reflect the best things about you? do they represent your values? do you have a stoop to be like them, or do they have to rise to be like you? don't hang out with worms. have a nice day!!!

quote of the day:

"You will never soar with the eagles if you spend your time running around with a bunch of turkeys." by Carl Summer

just a little encouragement

hi all, recently i have really been busy, so haven't been blogging much. but i will try my best to blog whenever i have a bit of spare time. just a little encouragement for all of you:

If you plant honesty, you will reap trust

If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.

If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.

If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment

If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective.

If you plant hard work, you will reap success.

If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.

So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later.

openness

have you ever heard of the expression, "some things are better left unsaid'? well, what i can say is it doesn't work all the time. for example, as a small child, did you ever do something that you knew was wrong? maybe you were sorry for doing it but didn't know how to tell your parents, so you tried to avoid them instead. maybe you ran to your room and hid in your closet.

after 20 minutes or so, you realized that no matter how long you hid, you would still have to face your parents. so you walked slowly to the living room and mumbled, "I'm sorry". if you had said it right away, you'd have saved 20 minutes of worrying in that closet.

what i am trying to tell you guys is this, it's always better to say "i'm sorry" than to just think. telling someone that you're sorry for the words or actions brings the potential of healing to them, and it also brings closure to you. telling your family or friends about your feelings is risky, but its worth it. like they say, better be "said" than sorry. have a nice day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"When you're wrong, admit it, and when you're right, shut up!" anonymous

anticipation

while billy was walking past his older brother's room, he heard some strange noises. he got up really closed to the door and pressed his ear against the wood. it sounded like his brother was either doing push-ups under his bed or building the eiffel tower! and so, instead of knocking, billy just opened the door and walked into the room. his brother tried to jump in his way and cover his eyes, but it was too late. billy saw the pieces of a new bike lying on the floor. his brother was putting it together so his parents could give it to billy at his birthday party the next day. and so billy basically ruined his own surprise.

what i'm trying to say is that sometimes we have to be careful not to ruin our surprises. "nothing ever good happens to me.", or "i never get a break.", or "there's no way i can ace that exam.". always think positive and believe in the impossible because with God, all things are possible.

always anticipate a surprise. it could be that somebody's "building a bike" for you. believe the best, even in the worst situations. positive thoughts often brings positive results. so, keep a surprise in your heart, you never know when you might need it. have a nice day !!!

quote of the day:

" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' " Jeremiah 29:11

honesty

hi all, it's really been a long long time since i last updated my blog, been really busy with a lot of stuff lately. anyways, hopefully, i can get back on track with my blog, hope all of you still enjoy reading.

the first president of USA, George Washington once said this, "I cannot tell a lie," when he had to 'fess up to his father about chopping down a cherry tree. "I cannot tell a lie" doesn't mean he wasn't capable of lying. it simply means that he made some character choices. "I cannot" means "I will not". today, that story seems a bit old-fashioned and funny. but guess what, the truth is, the message of the story is as fresh as now as it was at that time.

our parents and ancestors taught us a very important lesson: we must always be truthful, even when telling the truth seems out of style or if it will cost us something. honesty is the best policy. lying may fer you out of a tight situation now, but it will just plain get you later. it's like deleting a harmful e-mail. it's gone from the screen, but it's still on your hard drive.

that's why we should always be honest to ourselves and to people around us. this is not an easy habit, but once you get the hang of it, it will carry you a long way in your life and character. it's not only tooth decay that we worry about, watch out also for TRUTH decay. have a nice day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"Our society finds Truth too strong a medicine to digest undiluted. In its purest form Truth is not a polite tap on the shoulder; it is a howling reproach. What Moses brought down from Mount Sinai were not the Ten suggestions...they are commandments." by Ted Koppel

routine

laying bricks isn't the most exciting work in the world. it's tough work, and it requires time and skill. sometimes, it's plain boring-one brick after another, measure, place the brick, add the cement, and scrape off the surplus. it's a continual process. but seeing the beautiful house or majestic cathedral as a finished product makes it all worthwhile.

everyday life is a lot like laying bricks-one chore after another, this is what i call routine!!! hear the alarm clock, try to wake up, shower, brush your teeth, comb your hair, pick your clothes, go to school, go to the same work place, do the same thing for the whole day, go home, eat, watch tv, sleep and repeat the cycle again the next day. the routine things may be the toughest coz
sometimes it just seems to wear and tear us down and bore our lives to death.

turning really routine stuff into cool stuff begins in your mind with thoughts like these. "I'm alive", "I can make an impact on the world today!", "I can change someones life with a word or an action!" so, are you brick laying? find meaning in the bricks, start building your dream building the will stand and last forever!!! have an ice day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but I still can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something I can do." by Edward Everett Hale

growing

after you reach a certain age, do you stop eating? like, once you're fifty, do you still have to eat? of course you do man, otherwise you would die of hunger. you have to eat everyday to stay healthy. your body needs constant intake of nutrients, minerals, and sugar for growth. weird diets and quick fix weight loss schemes are dangerous because they may short circuit your growth-and ruin your health in the process.

your mind needs a constant intake of knowledge as well. you're never too young or too old to learn. but learning isn't caught like a cold. it's done on purpose. you learn by putting stuff into your mind. positive stuff has a positive effect and guess what? negative stuff has a negative effect. your "intake choices" make a difference in your daily attitude.

how about spiritual growth? you not only need to "feed you face"; you also need to "feed your faith" taking time for Bible reading and prayer is like stopping for lunch. both activities have a positive effect and a powerful effect. so keep growing !!! have a nice day !!

quote of the day:

"It's what you learn after you know it all that counts" by Coach John Wooden

listening

have you ever tried to talk with a friend who just wouldn't be quiet? every time you tried to put your "nickel's worth" in, he or she just keep talking, and rambling, and going on, and on, and on. if you've ever felt that way about a friend, look into your own life. do you ramble and do the same like your friend? or are you a good listener?

in today's world a hand phones, palm pilots, and emails, there just too much output and not enough input. sometimes we are need some input as well. sometimes, we just need to be quiet and start listening for once. listen to your friends, family members, to yourself, to God or even what the sunday preacher is actually saying. remember to unplug and just listen.

listening is step one in learning. you learn by listening to others. their life experiences and testimony can really be of help to you. so, why not learn from their triumphs and their tragedies? why make their mistakes? listen for the advise that will help you avoid some pain. all you need is an open mind and a closed mouth. remember this: quiet can sometimes mean learning in progress. so listen and learn !!! good day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"Talk is cheap because supply exceeds demand." by anonymous

kindness

have you ever wanted to do something nice for someone? why not just do it? make an effort to be nice to people in small and big ways. maybe you could walk around your neighborhood and pick up trash. perhaps you could let your younger brother or sister hang out with you when you're around your friends. be nice to others. smile and show people that you care about them even though you don't know them.

then just step back and watch. it's a riot! unexpected kindness catches people off guard. it you're being paid to be nice, that's only half fun. but when you're nice for free, that's major fun man! whether you're working behind the fast-food counter, bagging groceries in a supermarket, waiting on customers in a retail store, or receiving any of these services, throw in an act of kindness. give an encouraging word, give a compliment, ask people how they are and so on.

go that extra mile and trust me you will go a very long way. be nice on purpose and start seeing the fruits of your kindness. have a nice day !!!

quote of the day:

"Do what you can to show you care about people, and you will make our world a better place." by Rosalynn Carter

generosity

remember the pair of pants in your closet that you haven't worn in two years or the shirt that is still nice but just hasn't been in your regular rotation of clothes? here's and idea: take a bag to your closet and fill it with all the clothes you don't wear anymore-even throw throw in a shirt you really like-and take it down to the local charity box or salvation army store and give it away. giving is a rewarding experience.

you know, rewards are everywhere these days. you fly a particular airline, and you get so many free air miles in return. purchase 4 CDs, and you get one free. there are just so many freebies out there nowadays man. giving offers rewards as well. what you give is what you get. the first reward goes to the people who receive your gift. they are rewarded by your interest in them and your compassion for their need. the second reward goes to you. when you commit a random act of unselfishness, it simply makes you feel good inside.

so, what are you waiting for? go and be generous to others, trust me, it is worth the investment. learn to give by the bag-loads and see how much more God can bless you. have a nice day !!!

quote of the day:

"We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." by Winston Churchill

nice video

got this tube thru an email, found it very interesting and suitable for the rest of you to watch, enjoy:

effort

think about teachers whom you really like or that coach whom you really respect, or even a particular person in your life that can really command your full attention and respect. you'd do almost anything to please them. you work hard for them, complete everything that they ask of you efficiently and effectively. very often you would work extra time and spend extra energy just to complete a given task. you give those individuals your very best because of your devotion to them. these people gets the best from you because you believe in the things that they believe are important.

personal faith is your devotion to God. HE also wants you very best effort. imagine it, the Creator of the universe wants a relationship with you-a relationship of faith, hope, peace, love and forgiveness. your relationship with HIM includes giving HIM your very best. and the awesome things is this, HE wants to give HIS very best to you also, isn't that cool.

being devoted to HIM includes believing not only in HIM; it also means believing in the things that are important to HIM also-HIS world, the people in it whom HE loves, truth, and character. before you could even count, you could count on HIM! have a nice day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"Do the best you can with what you have, wherever you are!" by Adam Toler

discovery

archeology is a dirty job, but somebody has to do it. by the way, have you ever met an archaeologist who found anything without digging to find it? the great archaeological discoveries didn't just fall out of the sky. someone actually dug them out. they discovered where the hidden treasures were and then committed themselves to uncovering them. just think, without digging, King Tut's tomb would just another basement apartment! the archaeologists who found the tomb made their outstanding discovery only after a diligent search.

now, why am i telling you stories about archeology? well, what i am trying to say is you can make a diligent search of your life too. there are things about you that will never be discovered until you start digging. for example, you may have hidden talents and abilities. you may have the talent to be a great musician, the ability to be a best-selling author, or the interest and skills to be a renowned computer programmer. perhaps you have those talents and don't know it. start searching by trying new things, practicing the things you can do, and being open to using your abilities. remember, you have to dig to discover. have a nice day!!!

quote of the day:

"Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." by Brent Hardesty

kindness in action

the noted american theologian Phillips Brooks advised, "Be such a man, and live such a life, that
if every man were such as you, and every life a life like yours, this earth would be God's Paradise." one tangible way to make the world a more godly place is to spread kindness wherever we go.

for christian believers, kindness is not an option, it is a commandment. in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus declares, "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets." (Matt 7:12). Jesus did not say, "In some things, treat people as you wish to be treated." and HE did not say, "From time to time, treat other with kindness." but what Jesus said is that we should treat others as we wish to be treated in EVERYTHING and AT ALL TIMES. this, of course, is a tall order indeed, but as christians, we are commanded to do our best.

today, as you consider all the thing that Christ has done in your lives, honor HIM by being a little kinder than necessary. honor HIM by slowing down long enough to say an extra word of encouragement to someone who needs it. honor HIM by picking up the phone and calling a distant friend.....for no reason other than to say, "hi, how are you? i was just thinking of you, that's why i called." honor Christ by following HIS commandment ad obeying the Golden Rule. HE expects no less, and HE deserves no less.

even as we celebrate our beloved country's 50th independence day, go and show kindness to our fellow countrymen irregardless of race, culture and religion. Christ came and loved the whole world, not just selected people but everyone. we must also do the same, don't just reserve acts of kindness to our loved one and fellow christians, but also to the rest of the people around our lives. this is how we become a good testimony for God. have a nice day all of you Happy Merdeka Day !!!

quote of the day:

"When you extend hospitality to others, you're not trying to impress people, you're trying to reflect God to them." by Max Lucado

know where you're going

one summer, 2 sisters decided to take a bike trip. they packed a few sandwiches, bottled water, and some oreos in their backpacks, and off they went down a country road near their house. they peddled fast, laughed, and stopped at each creek to throw rocks in the water. riding on a little bit farther, one rider suddenly stopped and asked, "by the way, where are we going?"

her sister replied, "i don't know, i thought you knew!"....."well, if we don't know where we're going, how will we know when we get there?" the rider responded.

life is a lot like that. you'll never get where you want to go unless you decide where it is you want to go. so, what's your mission? college? career? family? before you start the trip, think about your destination. then think about going in the right direction and about the route you're going to take. and be sure to pack your backpack! if you want to go somewhere, be sure to know where you're going ! have a nice day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"If you don't know where you're going, you're likely to end up some place else." by Yogi Berra

Goals

ever heard of this? "if you're going to score, you gotta aim high!" anyways, here's a story for you....it was the last game of the tournament. time was running out, and the score was tied. one of the players took the ball up the left side of the court, calling out the final play: a pick 'n' roll designed to put the ball in the hands of the teams best player. but when he set a pick for his teammate, no one switched, leaving a wide-open lane to the basket.

as the seconds fell, the player ducked his head and drove the lane, shooting just in time. the ball slowly rose, the hit the bottom of the rim. as the players watched, they remembered the words of their coach: "To score, you gotta' aim high off the backboard." the player had all the right moves, but he missed because he didn't aim high enough.

that coach's advice works in every area of life. if you want to reach your goals, you have to aim high. set goals that are reachable, but set them high enough that you have to stretch to reach them. if you can dream it, you probably can do it. have an nice day !!!

quote of the day:

"The quality of a man's life is in direct proportion to his commitment of excellence." by Tom Landry

my new born son

hi all, haven't been updating my blog recently, been busy running around with the birth of my second son Isaias. anyways, now that everything is beginning to settle down......blog writing will commence soon....anyways, do enjoy this pic below, something very nice that a friend sent to me recently. makes you see the wonder of God's creation.

making forgiveness a high priority

do you value the role that forgiveness can play in your life? hopefully so. but even if you're a dedicated believer, you may have a difficult time forgiving those who may have hurt you. if you're one of those folks who, despite your best intentions, has a difficult time forgiving and forgetting, you are not alone.

life would be much simpler if we humans could forgive people "once and for all" and be done with it. but forgiveness is seldom that easy. for most people, the decision to forgive is straight forward, but the process of forgiving is more difficult. forgiveness is a journey that requires effort, time, perseverance, and prayer.

sometimes, it's not "the other person" whom you need to forgive; it's yourself. if you've made mistakes (and who among us hasn't?), perhaps you're continuing to bear a grudge against the person in the mirror. if so, here's a three-step process for resolving those feelings. 1. stop the harmful behavior that is the source of your self-directed anger. 2. seek forgiveness from God (and from any people whom you may have hurt). 3. ask God to cleanse your heart of all bitterness and regret.....and keep asking HIM until your feelings of anger and regret are gone.

if there exists even one person, alive or dead, whom you have not forgiven (and that includes yourself), follow God's commandment: forgive that person today. and remember that bitterness, anger, and regret are not part of God's plan for your life. forgiveness is.

perhaps you need a refresher course in the art of forgiveness. if so, it's time to open your Bible and your heart. when you do, you'll discover that God can heal your broken spirit. don't expect forgiveness to be easy or quick, but rest assured that with God as your partner, you can forgive......and you will. have an ice day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"Forgiving is a gift God has given us for healing ourselves before we are ready to help anyone else." by Dr. Lewis Smedes

the power of encouragement

the 118th Psalm remind us, " This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psa 118:24). as we rejoice in this day that the Lord has given us, let us remember that an important part of today's celebration is the time we spend celebrating others. each day provides countless opportunities to encourage others and to praise their good works. when we do, we not only spread seeds of joy and happiness, we also follow the commandments of God's Holy Word.

in his letter to Ephesians, Paul writes, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up accordingly to their needs, that is may benefit those who listen." (Eph 4:29). this passage reminds us that, as christians, we are instructed to choose our words carefully so as to build others up through wholesome, honest, encouragement. so, how can we build others up? easy, by celebrating their victories and their accomplishments. as the old saying goes, "When someone does something good, applaud-you'll make two people happy."

today, look for the good in others and celebrate the good that you find. when you do, you'll be a powerful force f encouragement in the world........and a worthy servant to your God. good day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"A lot of people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could." by Zig Ziglar

today's work

have you acquired the habit of doing first things first, or are you one of those people who put off important work until the last minute? the answer to this simple question will help determine how well you do your work and how much fun you have doing it.

God's Word teaches the value of hard work. in his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul warns, ".....if any would not work, neither should he eat" (Thess 3:10). and the book of Proverbs proclaims, "One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys." (Pro 18:9). in short, God has created a world in which diligence is rewarded and laziness is not. so, whatever it is that you choose to do, do it with commitment, excitement, and vigor. and remember this: hard work is not simply the proven way to get ahead, it's also part of God's plan for you.

Norman Vincent Peale said, "Think enthusiastically about everything, especially your work." if you're wise, you'll take that advice. when you do, you'll soon discover that the old saying is true: attitude determines altitude.

you have countless opportunities to accomplish great things for your God, for your family, and for yourself-but you should not expect the work to be easy. so pray as if everything depended upon God, but work as if everything depended upon you. when you do, you should expect very big payoffs. why? because when you and God becomes partners in your work, amazing things are bound to happen. good day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"If you want to reach your potential, you need to add a strong work ethic to your talent." by John Maxwell

HE rules

the heart of God, like the hand of God, is sovereign: it reigns over all God's creation, including me and you. your challenge is to recognize God's sovereignty and live in accordance with HIS commandments. sometimes, of course, this is easier said than done.

Proverbs 3:6 gives you guidance: "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." when you think about it, the words in this verse makes a powerful promise: if you acknowledge God's sovereignty over every aspect of your life, HE will guide your path. that's an important promise. so, as you prayerfully consider the path that God intends for you to take, here are the things you should do: you should study HIS Word and be ever-watchful for HIS signs. you should associate with fellow believers who will encourage your spiritual growth. you should listen carefully to that inner voice that speaks to you in the quiet moments of your daily devotionals. and as you continually seek God's unfolding purpose for your life, you should be patient.

your Heavenly Father may not always reveal HIMSELF as quickly as you would like. but rest assured: God is sovereign, God is here, God is love, and God intends to use you in wonderful, unexpected ways. HE desires to lead you along a path of HIS choosing. your challenge is to watch, to listen, to learn......and to follow. good day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"God has charged Himself with full responsibility for our eternal happiness and stands ready to take over the management of our lives the moment we turn in faith to Him" by A.W.Tozer

entrusting our hopes to God

on the darkest days of our lives, we may be confronted with an illusion that seems very real indeed: the illusion of hopelessness. try though we might, we simply can't envision a solution to our problems-and we fall into the darkness of despair. during these times, we may question God-HIS love, HIS presence, even HIS very existence. despite God's promises, despite Christ's love, and despite our many blessings, we may envision little or no hope for the future. these dark days can be dangerous times for us and for our loved ones.

if you find yourself falling into the spiritual traps of worry and discouragement, seek the encouraging words of fellow christians, and the healing touch of Jesus. after all, it was Christ who promised, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation:but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

can you place your future into the hands of a loving and all-knowing God? can you live amid the uncertainties of today, knowing that God has dominion over all your tomorrow? can you summon the faith to trust God in good times and hard times? if you can, you are wise and you are blessed.

once you've made the decision to trust God completely, it's time to get busy. the willingness to take action-even if the outcome of that action is uncertain-is an effective way to combat hopelessness. when you decide to roll up your sleeves and begin solving your own problems, you'll feel empowered, and you may see the first real glimmer of hope.

if you're waiting for someone else to solve your problems, or if you're waiting for God to patch things up by HIMSELF, you may become impatient, despondent, or both. but when you stop waiting and start working, God has a way of pitching in and finishing the job. the advise of American publisher Cyrus Curtis still rings true: "Believe in the Lord and He will do half the work-the last half."

so, today and every day, ask God for these things: clear perspective, mountain-moving faith, and the courage to do what needs doing. after all, no problem is too big for God-not even yours. have a nice day !!!

quote of the day:

"When you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God." by Charles Allen

1 of the most succesful advertisement in Malaysia ! Malaysia Boleh !

Malaysia has not really been known to come up with super creative or super impact ads over the years, but this particular ad really took the nation's attention by storm. as a Malaysian, i feel proud that we can come up with such great ads and just hope that this is just the beginning of greater things to come for our nation !!! Malaysia Boleh !!! 50 years and still going !!! May God bless our country !!!

the disciplined life

are you a self-disciplined person? if so, congratulations.....if not, it's time to think hard and long about your values, your priorities, and your habits. God's Word makes it clear that HE doesn't reward laziness, misbehavior, or apathy. to the contrary, HE expects believers (like you and me) to behave with dignity and discipline.

we live in a world where leisure is glorified and indifference is often glamorized-but God has bigger things in store for you. HE did not create you for a life of mediocrity; HE created you for far greater things. God has given you a unique assortment of talents and opportunities........and HE expects you to use them. but beware: it is not always easy to cultivate those talents.

sometimes, you must invest countless hours (or, in some cases, many years) honing your skills. and that's perfectly okay with God, because He understands that self-discipline is a blessing, not a burden.

when you pause to consider how much work needs to be done, you'll realize that self-discipline is not simply a proven way to get ahead, it's also an integral part of God's plan for your life. if you genuinely seek to be faithful stewards of your time, your talents, and your resources, you must adopt a disciplined approach to life. otherwise, your talents may go unused and your resources may be squandered.

so, as you plan for your future, remember this: life's greatest rewards are unlikely to fall into your lap; to the contrary, your greatest accomplishments will probably require lots of work and plenty of self-discipline. and it's up to you to behave accordingly. good day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"A spiritual life without discipline is impossible. Discipline is the other side of discipleship. The practice of a spiritual discipline makes us more sensitive to the small, gentle voice of God." by Henri Nouwen

amazing kids

saw this in a friends blog, sit back and enjoy the performance by these amazing kids:

Christ-centered leadership

the old saying is familiar and true: imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. as believers, we are called to imitate, as best as we can, the carpenter from Galilee. imitating Christ is often difficult and sometimes impossible, but as christians, we must continue to try.

this generation faces problems that defy easy solutions, yet face them we must. to do so, we need leaders whose vision is clear and whose intentions are pure. Daniel writes, "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever." (Dan 12:3). that's why our world needs leaders who willingly honor God with their words and their deeds, but not necessarily in that order.

if you seek to be such a leader, then you must begin by making yourself a worthy example to your family, to your friends, to your church, and to your community. after all, your words will always seem insincere unless you are willing to live by them.

Christ-centered leadership is always an exercise in service: service to God in heaven and service to HIS children here on earth. Christ willingly became servant to HIS followers, and you must seek to do the same for yours. and as you serve others, you must also do your best to inspire them. so, how can you do so you may ask? simple, by becoming genuinely inspired yourself.

are you excited about serving God? and are you willing to encourage others to do likewise? hopefully, you can answer those questions in affirmative. unfortunately, far too many christians
seem bored with their faith and stressed by their service. don't allow yourself to become one of them! serve God with thanksgiving in your heart and praise in our lips. make your service to HIM a time of celebration and praise. worship your Creator by working for HIM, joyfully, faithfully, and often.

and finally, ask yourself this question: are you the kind of servant-leader whom you would want to follow? if so, congratulations: you are honoring your Saviour by imitating HIM. and that, of course, is the sincerest form of flattery. good day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"a wise leader chooses a variety of gifted individuals. He complements his strengths." by Charles Stanley

the optimistic christian

are you a hope-filled enthusiastic christian? you should be. after all, as a believer, you have every reason to be optimistic about your life here on earth and your eternal life in heaven. as english clergyman William Ralph Inge observed, "No Christian should be a pessimist, for Christianity is a system of radical optimism." Inge's words are most certainly true, but sometimes, you may find yourself pulled down by the inevitable concerns of everyday life. if you find yourself discouraged, exhausted, or both, then it's time to ask yourself this question: what's bothering you, and why?

if you're overly worried by the inevitable ups and downs of life, God wants to have a little chat with you. after all, God has made promises to you that HE intends to keep. and if your life has been transformed by God's only begotten Son, then you, as a recipient of God's grace, have every reason to live courageously.

are you willing to trust God's plans for your life? hopefully, you will trust HIM completely, it's never easy you know. after all, the words of the Psalmist make it clear: "The ways of God are without fault. The Lord's words are pure. He is a shield to those who trust him" (Psalm 18:30)

Woodroll Kroll noted, "Ir our minds are stayed upon God, His peace will rule the affairs entertained by our minds. If, on the other hand, we allow our minds to dwell on the cares of this world, God's peace will be far from our thoughts." these words my friends let me tell you, are very strong words and it should serve as a reminder that even when the challenges of the day seem daunting, God remains steadfast. and, so should you.

so make this promise to yourself and keep it-vow to be an expectant, faith-filled christian. think optimistically about your life, your profession, your family, your future, and your purpose of living. trust your hopes, not your fears. take time to celebrate God's glorious creation. and then, when you've filled your heart with hope and gladness, share your optimism with others. they'll better for it, and so will you. have a nice day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"Other men see only hopeless end, but the Christian rejoices in an endless hope." by Gilbert M.Beeken

finding contentment in a discontented world

topic today sounds long, hopefully i won't be long in explaining it....hehehe !! anyways, here we go: guys, when we conduct ourselves in ways that are opposed to God's commandments, we rob ourselves of God's peace. when we fall prey to the temptations and distractions of our irreverent age, we rob ourselves of God's blessings. when we become preoccupied with material possessions of personal status, we forfeit the contentment that is rightfully ours in Christ.

so, where can we find lasting contentment? is it a result of wealth, or power, or fame? guess not. genuine contentment is a gift from God to those who follow HIS commandments and accept HIS Son. when Christ dwells at the center of our families and our lives, contentment will belong to us just as surely as we belong to HIM. do you seek happiness, abundance, and contentment? if so, here are some things that you should do: love God and HIS Son; depend upon God for strength; try, to the best of your abilities, to follow God's will; and strive to obey HIS Holy Word. when you do these things, you'll discover that happiness goes hand-in-hand with righteousness. the happiest people are not those who rebel against God; the happiest people are those who love God and obey HIS commandments.

what does life have in store for you? well, what i can say is, a world full of possibilities (of course it's up to you to seize them), and God's promise of abundance (of course it's up to you to accept it). so, as you embark upon the next phase of your journey, remember to celebrate the life that God has given you. your Creator has blessed you beyond measure. honor HIM with your prayers, your words, your deeds, and your joy.

now, are you a thoroughly contented christian? if so, then you are well aware of the healing power of the risen Christ. but if your spirit is temporarily troubled, perhaps you need to focus less upon your own priorities and more upon God's priorities. when you do, you'll discover this life-changing truth: genuine contentment begins with God......and ends there. have a good day all of you !!!


quote of the day:

"God is most satisfied in us when we are most satisfied in him." by John Piper

renewal day by day

when we genuinely lift our hearts and our prayers to God, HE renews our strength. are you almost too weary to lift up your head? then bow it. offer our concerns and fears to your Father in heaven. HE is always at your side, offering HIS love and HIS strength.

sometimes, the demands of daily life can drain us of our strength and rob us of the joy that is rightfully ours in Christ. when we find ourselves tired, discouraged, or worse, there is a source from which we can draw the power needed to recharge our spiritual batteries. that source is God.

God intends that HIS children lead joyous lives filled with abundance and peace. but sometimes, abundance and peace seem very far away. it is then that we must turn to God for renewal, and when we do, HE will restore us.

are you troubled or anxious? take your anxieties to God in prayer. are you weak or worried? delve deeply into God's Holy Word and sense HIS presence in the quiet moments of the early morning. are you spiritually exhausted? call upon fellow believers to support you, and call upon Christ to renew your spirit and your life. your Saviour will never let you down. to the contrary, HE will always lift you up if you ask HIM to. so what, dear friends, are you waiting for?

remember, God is in the business of making all things new: Vance Havner correctly observed, "God is not running an antique shop! He is making all things new!" and guess what? that includes you and me. have a nice day !!!

quote of the day:

"Walking with God leads to receiving his intimate counsel, and counseling leads to deep restoration." by John Eldredge

the positive path

if you're like most men, you seek the admiration of your neighbors, your coworkers, and, most importantly, your family members. but the eagerness to please others should never overshadow your eagerness to please God. if you seek to fulfill the purposes that God has in store for you, then you must seek to please HIM first and always.

Matthew 6:33 reminds us that when we allow God to reign in our hearts, HE will provide for us. each new day presents countless opportunities to put God in first place.....or not. when we honor HIM by living according to HIS commandments, we earn ourselves the abundance and peace that HE promises. but, when we concern ourselves more with pleasing others than with pleasing our Creator, we bring needless sufferings upon ourselves and our families. don't take this lightly, it is as serious as it sounds, even though most of you knows me as more of a joker, but this is serious !

would you like a time-tested formula for successful living? here is a formula that is proven and true in my humble opinion: seek God's approval in every aspect of your life. does this sound too simple? perhaps it is simple, but it is the only way to reap the marvelous riches that God has in store for you.

remember this: righteous living leads to joy. Bill Hybels said this: "Christianity says we were created by a righteous God to flourish and be exhilarated in a righteous environment. God has "wired" us in such a way that the more righteous we are, the more we'll actually enjoy life." so guys and gals, Holy living doesn't take the joy out of life, it puts it in. have a nice day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"Our progress in holiness depends on God and ourselves-on God's grace on our will to be holy." by Mother Teresa

spiritual maturity, day by day

God doesn't intend for you to be a stagnant believer. far from it! God's plan for you includes a lifetime of prayer, praise, and spiritual growth.

as christians, we can and should continue to grow in the love and the knowledge of our Saviour as long as we live. when we cease to grow, either emotionally or spiritually, we do ourselves and our loved ones a profound disservice. but, if we study God's Word, if we obey HIS commandments, and if we live in the protection of HIS will, we will not be "stagnant" believers, we will, instead, be growing christians.....and that's exactly what God wants for our lives.

if we are to be the kind of righteous christian men that God intends, we must continue to grow in our knowledge and love of the Lord. in those quiet moments when we open our hearts to God, the One who made us keeps remaking us. He gives us direction, perspective, wisdom and courage.

so, are you continually seeking to become a more mature believer? hopefully so, because that's exactly what you owe to yourself and to God.......but not necessarily in that order. remember this: spiritual maturity is a journey, not a destination. and the sooner you begin that journey, the farther you're likely to go. have a nice day !!!

quote of the day:

"Being a Christian means accepting the terms of creation, accepting God as our maker and redeemer, and growing day by day into an increasingly glorious creature in Christ, developing joy, experiencing love, maturing in peace." by Eugene Peterson

Influence Conference

went to a conference for young people last week and found it quite helpful for people of our generation that is heavily enticed by the world. for those of you who didn't go and doesn't know what is this all about, there are videos available, just email me and i will get hold of the copies for you. anyways, here are some photos of the conference, enjoy:

cheerful christianity

cheerfulness is a gift that we give to others and to ourselves. and, as believers who have been saved by a risen Christ, why shouldn't we be cheerful? the answer, of course, is that we have every reason to honor our Saviour with joy in our hearts, smiles on our faces, and words of celebration on our lips.

few things in life are more sad, or, for that matter, more absurd, than the sight of grumpy christians trudging unhappily through life. Christ promises us lives of abundance and joy if we accept HIS love and HIS grace. yet sometimes, even the most righteous among us are beset by fits of ill temper and frustration. during these moments, we may not feel like turning our thoughts and prayers to Christ, but that's precisely what we should do.

Mrs. Charles E.Cowman, the author of the classic devotional text, Streams in the Desert, wrote, "Two wings are necessary to lift our souls toward God; prayer and praise. Prayer asks. Praise accepts the answer." that's why we should find the time to lift our concerns to God in prayer, and to praise HIM for all that HE has done.

John Wesley correctly observed, "Sour godliness is the devil's religion." these words remind us that pessimism and doubts are some of the most important tools that satan uses to achieve his objectives. our challenge, of course, is to ensure that satan cannot use these tools on us.

so, are you a cheerful christian? you should be! and what is the best way to attain the joy that is rightfully yours? easy, by giving Christ what is rightfully HIS: your heart, your soul and your life. good day all of you !

quote of the day:

"When I think of God, my heart is so full of joy that the notes leap and dance as they leave my pen; and since God has given me a cheerful heart, I serve him with a cheerful spirit." by Franz Joseph Haydn