God is in the house!

Just too tired to move on.

2009-11-06T14:07:00.002+08:00

Ever felt that you're just too tired to move on? You just want to stop and breathe? Recently, 2 of my friends told me something like that. One, because the world was crashing down on her. Her world was falling down. Everything she had was disappearing all at the same time. The other, had to bear all the burdens of the people she loves. So many things were happening to her loved ones. " It feels like all the arrows are pointed towards me. Waiting. Waiting for me to slacken, and they will release the arrows." She said.

One had God in her heart. The other, had God outside of her heart. God was a Sunday friend that she meets. So what's the difference here?

Romans 8:26-28 " In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And we know that in all things god works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose"

The world can crash for both of them. But who will be the ultimate survivor?

People studying really hard: We're keeping you in our prayers.

Here's a song: We cry out- Kari Jobe

2009-10-18T19:40:00.002+08:00

"As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

Luke 21 : 1-4

This should be a fairly familiar bible passage to most of us, but there's a lesson to learn from here that we should still be mindful of, especially for those who are preparing for their major exams. It's easy to be faithful when all's going well, but when we are stressed and pushed to breaking point, are we still able to give as the poor widow did? Are we able to give everything we have to live on, to offer it all up to God?

Think about it

2009-10-09T22:19:00.003+08:00

"He will not let your foot slip- He who watches over you will not slumber;"
Psalm 121:3

to all those who are having your exams now, ALL THE BEST!

May you fight the good fight, finish the race and (always) keep the faith.

hang on to the very end and always believe and trust that God's strength will be with you.

hmm... and always bear in mind the following:

never stop praying and always believe :))

2009-09-27T18:36:00.002+08:00

I was looking through some of my old drawers for an old book that I wanted to reread when I came across something I didn't really expect to find. It was the Thief Of Always booklet from last year's musical in march, and surprisingly enough the booklet was in near perfect condition. So I ended up flipping through it and hearing the songs all over again in my head, and one song kinda stuck. It's entitled "Trust His Heart"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh65wLVbaww

Lyrics
All things work for our good
Though sometimes we can't see how they could
Struggles that break our hearts in two
Sometimes blind us to the truth

Our Father knows what's best for us
His ways are not our own
So when your pathway goes dim
And you just can't see Him
Remember, you're never alone

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His hand
When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart

He sees the master plan
He holds the future in His hand
So don't live as those who have no hope
Our hope is found in Him

We see the present things
But He see's the first and the last
And like a tapestry He's weaving you and me
To someday be just like Him

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart

He alone is faithful and true
He alone knows what is best for you

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart

When you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His Heart

I hope this song will be a great encouragement to everyone, just as it was to me when i first heard it.

Think About It

2009-09-16T21:10:00.002+08:00

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

-Deuteronomy 31:8

As teenages, mega emotions are a part of us. We don't know whyy but we can't help get frustrated over the smallest thing, fuss over little incidents, drive ourselves crazy trying to do well, or give up half way. We are afraid, we get discouraged. But fear not! There is hope, we hope in the Lord. We're safe and secure in His mighty hands.

And everybody says, Amennnn! :D

2009-09-14T16:38:00.000+08:00

What is love to you?

Father, you are love that binds us all.

God and His Creation

2009-09-03T13:07:00.002+08:00

Hey, here's a really cool video that I really like... Please click the link below to watch it because I really have no idea how blogs work -_- Either that or my school's computer doesn't work very well... haha :P

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Fp78lx-8fM (for the best effect, try to make the screen as wide as possible and blast the music... of course not too loud that it makes your neighbours angry...)

It's a planet earth trailer... I guess some of us have probably watched it before but... heh... If you have the time... watch it again :) and just spend sometime lingering in front of the computer screen when the video has finished playing, thinking about all the wonders of the Earth that God has created... How beautiful... how majestic it all is...

Then think about how small you are compared to the vast tapestry our LORD has woven around you... think about your worries... which are much much smaller... and just... let go. Because if God can make all the wonders of the Earth, if He holds their existance in the palm of His hands, how hard could handling your worries for you be to Him?

Haha... just a little something I enjoy doing when i'm anxious about stuff :)

2009-08-30T19:20:00.003+08:00

I'm sure we all know the story of Job, and how he refused to sin against God in his hard times. Since DBS this week was about dealing with hard times, let's draw some inspiration from Job, shall we? =)

So we probably already know that Job had all his possessions taken away from him in an instant. That's all his livestock and his children gone in an instant. Yet when Job heard about all that had happened, he did something that I doubt many of us could do.

"At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing."
Job 1 : 20-22

After that, Job was again afflicted with painful sores on his body, and even his wife told him to blame God for all his sufferings. Job's reply?

"He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said."

Again, Job refused to curse God, or even begrudge God for all that had happened.

There's a lesson to be learnt from all this. It is inevitable that we meet with hard times in this fallen world. We may not always be able to choose what kind of hard times we meet with, but we always get to choose our response. Will we choose to say

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4 : 12-13

Or do we choose to curse God and blame Him for all that's going wrong?

Think About It

blessed

2009-08-09T23:18:00.001+08:00

hi people!!! HAPPY NATIONAL DAY!

is it just me or does anyone else feel that national day is rather contrived at times, and that its the only time of the year whereby we say that we love singapore alot and that Singapore is really awesome; regardless of whether or not we really mean it. i guess i'm pretty guilty of feeling like that sometimes.

well if we put a little more thought into singapore our home, we're actually very very very very blessed by God; more that we can ever imagine. compared with other countries around the world, we're actually very lucky and blessed to be able to live in a country that we feel safe and protected in- we do not have to fight for our lives. compared to children in other parts of the world, we have the chance to be educated, parents who care for us, food to eat and much more (like PSPs, Wiiiiiis and what not). Other children are out there fighting for their lives, battling with starvation, working as child labourers under extreme conditions, fighting as child soldiers. compared to them, our lives are indeed very comfortable and great. too great, in my opinion, that we tend to take things for granted and forget that we're indeed very blessed.

i really hope that we will always remember to thank God for everything in every season, and to always keep in mind that God has really blessed us. (and not complain or grumble so much).

in the meantime, enjoy your holiday tomorrow :)

Amanda

What would life be without God.

2009-07-28T23:07:00.002+08:00

Without GOD, our week would be: Sinday, Mournday, Tearsday, Wasteday, Thirstday, Fightday & Shatterday.

2009-07-22T21:45:00.002+08:00

"Come to me, my child. I'm here. Always."
Our Father

We cry out, Abba Father.

2009-07-22T21:20:00.003+08:00

The post today is especially for a particular someone, a sibling in Christ.

She gives me a warm squishy feeling inside.
Take time to listen to this child of God.

Are you still?
Be still, for God is faithful.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippines 4:7
Ask our dearest Father today, tomorrow and forever more, to help you offer up all your burdens to Him, for He is awaiting for your call.

So we cry out Your Name, El Shad-dai, God of grace.

A chain prayer ( for us, for them, for all)

2009-07-20T22:24:00.005+08:00

If you have the time now, let's say this prayer together.

"Dear Lord, I thank you for this day, I thank you for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I am blessed because you are a forgiving God and an understanding God.

You had done so much for me and you keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for your forgiveness.

Please keep me safe from all danger and harm.

Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from you.

Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. Let me know whine or whimper over things I have no control over. And give me the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart.

Continue to use me to do your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others.

Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep my uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others.

I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way.

I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood.

I pray for those who don't know you intimately.

I pray for those that don't believe, but I thank you that I believe that God changes people and God change things.

I pray for all my sisters and brothers and for each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes; that they are out of debt and all their needs are met. I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in your hands for you to fight.

I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every person who reads them in Jesus' name. Amen."

Special thanks to my ex-classmate, Samantha.

The more i seek You

2009-07-20T22:14:00.005+08:00

Dearest,
just thought i should share this beautiful song i came across a year back with all of you, my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. This is my personal favourite. When times are rough for me, i'll always plug in and move my thumb till the song plays on my ipod. I'll put it on repeat, letting it play over and over again. Then, i'll take this time to pray, to cry, to reflect and sometimes get away from everything.

Here are the words: reflect on it, mediate over it. make this your prayer.

The more i seek you,
the more i find you
The more i find you, the more I love you

I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath, here your heart beat
This love is so deep, it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming.

Kari Jobe-The more i seek You

About my week O_O

2009-07-16T13:05:00.004+08:00

Hey all! :D

Not really sure what sort of stuff I should be blogging about so... I shall just write about my week :)
Ugh... this week has been pretty crabby for me... getting back June Common test results and realising that I kinda failed almost everything... haha... :P Well, anyway... I told my parents (as any good girl should do. heheheh...) and my Mom insisted that I drop some of my service in church. I dunno, but I felt a little horrible when she said that... Her story was that she put God before her studies when she was my age, and now she's regretting it... which is really sad... but anyway... she doesn't want me to follow her footsteps. And she told me to go think about it, to go pray about it... She said that I should act in preparation of my future (or something of the like) and... that if God gave me a vision that I am going to die soon so I should serve Him with all I've got now.... then I would have her blessing... :(

So I did pray about it... haha... I must've been really bothered about the whole situation that my feelings were written all over my face! Even my teacher came and asked me why I looked so stressed... :P And you know all those spiritual ups and downs that we sometimes have? Well, I was having a spiritual down at that point in time... so I was so glad when I felt God direct me to what I learnt during dg last week: hearing His voice and making hard decisions. I had learnt last week that God speaks to us through the bible. That should we be searching to hear His voice, most of the time we can find it in the bible. After all, it is HIS Word :D

I started trying to recall the stories and parables that I had read before... and wondering if there was any bible person that ever put other things before serving God and yet earned His approval... Perhaps it's because I haven't read the bible sufficiently that I couldn't think of anyone... Instead I thought about Jesus' parable of the rich fool... The Fool was so busy accumulating earthly riches and planning what he might be able to spend them on. In a way it was exactly like me should I decide to stop serving God (even if I were to give the excuse that I'm gonna come back to serve when I'm better off), just so that I can focus on my studies! Then I would become your "mordern-day study fool" ... haha...

I told my Mom my decision, and (Halelujah! Thank You LORD! :D :D :D ) she didn't kill me or anything! *Grinzzz* She was still really skeptical, though... But I don't blame her... I don't think Satan actually wants to let any Christian off so easily so she must've gone through a lot...

"I really don't want you to end up like me," she had said ,"Unless you have a vision that God's going to be with you when you are serving Him, I still feel that you should rethink your decision..."

"But He said that He would, in the Bible. I don't need a vision because didn't He say that He will always be with us?"

Hmmm... Then we both kept quiet for a while.

"Anyway... I think you did the right thing back in JC... Spending your time to sing for God and stuff..." Heheh ... I guess that brightened her up, cos her family (who are non-christians) used to say that she was foolish to allow herself to be blinded with faith and that she had wasted her time... But, hey, the wisdom of God is foolishness to to world, right?

Yups...so... looks like i shall be following my dear Mommy's footsteps... :P
(minus the regretting part of course... haha... I hope :P )

2009-07-05T18:26:00.003+08:00

In the Bible, it is stated clearly that there is resurrection of the dead. Hence, there shall be resurrection of this blog =P Youth Comm, take note!

Anyway, since we're doing prayer as a general topic for DBS, let's talk about prayer here =)

"And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." John 14 : 13-14

These words of Jesus open up the grounds for us to understand what we can ask of God. It tells us to ask in Jesus' name, so that He may bring glory to God. That means asking according to God's will, and making sure that God is glorified by the things we ask for. Following which, Jesus says clearly that He will do whatever we ask, a given it is glorifying to God.

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 15 : 7-8

And again Jesus says that everything is to God's glory, and the fruit (growth, good works, gifts etc.) that we show is ultimately a testament to the fact that we are God's disciples. Jesus also says that as we pray, the Word of God must remain in us such that our prayers are in line with God's will. This should be a really good incentive for everyone of us to do our daily quiet time =) Imagine that! Perfectly answered prayers as long as our heart is set right according to God's will.

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5 : 16

So we are called not just to pray for ourselves, but to make intercession for our fellow brothers and sisters too. Let's make an effort to remember at least 1 other person in our daily prayers, shall we? Everyone needs healing or support in some way or the other, and it says here in James that our prayers are perfectly capable of doing so, to the praise of His glory.

Think About It

2009-06-10T22:52:00.001+08:00

Hey people! Just a reminder to those not going for church camp, this coming sunday's service will be at 10am, and there'll be no lighthouse this sunday either. For the rest, see you tomorrow!

2009-05-10T16:53:00.002+08:00

Alright, let's try and sweep up the cobwebs on this thing... Here's something that might be relevant to the current sermon book (James)

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our heats at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our heats, and he knows everything."
1 John 3 : 18-20

In line with the idea of faith alive, I think this is rather relevant to us as we go about our day to day lives. Haven't we so often seen in movies/drama serials 2 characters going on and on about how much they love each other, only to break up 15 minutes later for some silly reason? But here we are commanded not just to say love, but to DO love.

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?"
James 2 : 14

We show our faith in God, and our love for Him through the little things we do to His people. It could be simply talking to someone who seems to be left out during worship. Or maybe helping to pray for one another. Or maybe sparing some time to help someone else with their homework. Anything goes, as long as it's your service to God born out of a heart of faith and love.

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me'"
Matthew 25 : 40

As the body of Christ, we are called to support each other, treating our good works toward each other as a service unto God. As has been mentioned at this morning's service, "We are not making a sacrifice, we are repaying the debt we owe".

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Galatians 6 : 2

Think About It

spend a little time

2009-04-24T00:57:00.003+08:00

hey guys! just something to share with you guys here...

No time
I knelt to pray but not for long,
I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work
For bills would soon be due.
So I knelt and said a hurried prayer,
And jumped up off my knees.
My Christian duty was now done
My soul could rest at ease.
All day long I had no time
To spread a word of cheer.
No time to speak of Christ to friends,
They'd laugh at me I'd fear.
No time, no time, too much to do,
That was my constant cry,
No time to give to souls in need
But at last the time, the time to die.
I went before the Lord, I came, I stood with downcast eyes.
For in his hands God held a book; It was the book of life.
God looked into his book and said
Your name I cannot find.
I once was going to write it down...
But never found the time.

(author unknown)

so let's all make an effort so spend some time with God everyday :)
its not going to be easy but i'm sure we'll all be able to do it. (perhaps by not using facebook for 15minutes?) love comes with sacrifice.

2009-04-08T20:27:00.002+08:00

Hello people! Easter retreat packing list is here!

1. Bible & writing materials
2. Toothbrush and toothpaste
3. Soap, shampoo... (bathing toiletries)
4. Comb
5. Sleeping bag
6. Sweater/Jacket
7. 2 sets of clothing
8. A white t-shirt that you're willing to dirty (VERY IMPORTANT!)
9. Slippers (Take note, this was not on the list you were given)
10.Bathing towel
11. Medication (if any)
12. $5 Camp fee and consent form (if you haven't handed it in)
13. Friends! (if possible)
14. Heart, mind & soul for God
15. HUGE smile =D

That's all people! See you there, 3pm on Friday!

Parent-Youth Forum

2009-03-17T21:11:00.002+08:00

Hey people! Sorry this is so last minute =X Could everyone who hasn't handed in the parent-youth forum form please fill it up and snail mail it to uncle darryl by this thursday? The address is as follows

Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church

77 Prinsep Street

Singapore 188649

Attn: Pr Darryl Chan

Just in case you've lost the form, here's the digital version (please pardon the insanely long post from here)

Parents-Youth Forum

Dear PLHer,

The purpose of this upcoming parent-youth forum is to serve as a bridge to closer communication and understanding between parents and youths. In order to ensure that it will be helpful and meaningful time of interaction for all, your responses to the following questions are appreciated. There is no need to state your name. Furthermore, there is no need to discuss your responses with your parents, siblings, or other PLHers. Therefore, in this anonymous setting, you may be truthful and specific in presenting your responses from your own perspective.

Please submit this response form to Uncle Darryl next Sunday, 15 March.

DG Level: Junior / Middler / Senior

Gender: Male / Female

1. What imageries come to mind when you think of your parents? For instance, a mother hen who cares for her young? An ATM machine that dispenses cash? Someone whom you can only meet by making a prior appointment? A school disciplinary master?

Father

Imagery:

Reason:

Mother

Imagery:

Reason:

2. What are some core issues (e.g. time management, BGR, favoritism, freedom of choice, money, etc) over which you often have conflicts with your parents? Share specifically why this is an important issue to you and how you will want your parents to understand the issue from your perspective.

3. What are some other challenges in relating to your parents? This is a free response question, but do state the challenge specifically. For instance, it is too general to say that you hope that your parents can be more understanding. Rather, state why you think they are not understanding and how you think they can be more understanding.

2009-03-12T15:40:00.002+08:00

*Performs CPR on blog*

Ah there we go. Hello people! I know that the blog has been rather dead for the past 2 months, but yeah we've been rather busy, so please tahan awhile? Thanks :P

Anyway, announcement! Uncle Darryl requests that the parent-youth forum response forms be filled in and brought back this sunday (15 march), so please do so. Also, invite friends for GIGS this sunday too, okay? :D

the last something that meant anything

2009-01-20T19:52:00.005+08:00

hi everyone!
rmb there's no PLH this sunday.
it restarts on 1feb.
anws this is probably my last post here.
because new PLH order is taking place again!
you guys will find out soon(:
I-Zack, over and out.

2009-01-10T21:23:00.000+08:00

Weather forecast for tomorrow is windy.

So - no wet weather plan.

Cheers.

2009-01-06T20:40:00.001+08:00

PLHERS!

Or at least, those of you who still read this blog

THIS SUNDAY:

Bring your own food and drinks
Check blog on saturday for wet weather plans

and

NO BALL GAMES

however;

aunty cat thinks that netball and captains ball should be okay

No soccer or rugby though (sorry guys)
Royal rumble is questionable

Cheers!

ZOO OUTING

2008-12-29T17:27:00.003+08:00

hey everyone!
some of us are going to the zoo tmr. everyone is invited. it's an unofficial PLH outing. just thought it'd be fun to hang out for the last part of the year.
so if u wanna come, meet 11am at choa chu kang mrt tmr, 30 dec tuesday.
if u're coming please send a msg to me (I-Zack). my phone number is 91371451.
oh, also bring $18 for the ticket, and er... maybe $15 for food? depends where we eat lunch. we'll probably be there til evening maybe 5pm?
so yeah, remember to msg me if you're coming so i know you're coming, thx.
I-Zack
PS: don't worry, we won't be jumping into any white tiger enclosures, maybe just white rabbits.

2008-12-28T13:05:00.000+08:00

After much examination, I came to a conclusion.

In the hussle and bussle of everyday life,

we panic we run we try to shield ourselves first. (foreground)

But after fighting hard, we realise all we need is some prayer.

To look to the sky and say "God, let Your will be done. Not mine but Yours."

(background)

Pictures speak a thousand words,

I hope this one taught you something.

HAHA.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2008-12-24T16:19:00.003+08:00

hi everyone!!!
hope you all enjoyed the No Holds Barred camp / retreat!
anyways wishing you all a merry christmas!!
remember that the true meaning of christmas is about Jesus! just like the message of our puppet performance that day:)
well, my time in the youth comm is almost over, so i guess i'll be posting less here from now onwards. so lucky hor all of you. actually why doesn't the rest post more often? the only reason i post is because i don't see anyone else posting and i have to keep this blog alive! lol. as if i don't have my own blog to write on.
ah well anyways, hope to see all of you in church tmr and come and get your christmas card from me!!:)
I-Zack

2008-12-23T11:25:00.000+08:00

2008-12-17T23:52:00.002+08:00

sorry, just to add on to the previous post...
there's no more gift exchange for the christmas party and also remember to bring along your Bible and writing materials (pen and paper/notebook).
that should be all.. anything else someone please remind me!
sorry this camp is really last minute and we only prepared for it in two weeks so everything is really rushed.
hope you guys will like the camp anyway and it's not about the activities but it's about the people participating:)
cya there!
oh by the way, some of us are thinking of going to the zoo this sunday after 845 service since there's no plh lol. but we're not sure yet.. it's more expensive on sundays i think.. will confirm asap haha.
I-Zack

NO HOLDS BARRED

2008-12-15T23:10:00.002+08:00

hey guys!
the plh christmas retreat is this friday. please come to church at 4pm!
the retreat will last til saturday night at about 10pm.

please bring your bathing stuff and extra clothes. there will be outdoor games too. i don't think there are wet games, but you'll be sweaty.

we don't really want a theme or dress code for the party on sat night but please wear something nice because we'll be taking photos.
advised: girls to wear dress and guys to wear formal shirt and long pants/jeans and shoes.

and we don't have a boy-girl with roses thing. if you heard there was one, as of now, there isn't one. hahaha.

bring a sleeping bag to sleep on too.

and most important please come with a good attitude! be ready to jump at the worship and stuff. reach out to the pri6s, etc...

thx, that should be all. any questions feel free to contact me or any of the youth comm members.

cya!(:

I-Zack

PLH camp!!!

2008-12-09T00:25:00.002+08:00

hi guys!
plh camp coming up!
19-20 dec (fri to sat)
report friday 4pm in church. will end on sat night with a christmas party(:
this is like a really last minute thing cos the mission trip got cancelled and we now only have less than 2 weeks to prepare for this, so please give us your support!
the pri6s will be coming too and this camp is to welcome them into our plh family so remember to reach out to them!
the tentative name for the camp is "No Holds Barred" and it's only for those who are really ready, enthusiastic and not half-hearted to do God's will. seriously.
thx and hope to cya there(:
I-Zack

November Rain!!!

2008-11-25T17:06:00.002+08:00

hi all you PLH peeps!!
just a reminder that this sunday is November Rain!! (otherwise known by its original name as GIGS)
we'll be having worship as usual from 11-1130.
after which will be a surprise game which the youth comm has prepared for you!
then there will be free lunch from 1-2pm.
extended time will be from 2-5pm as usual. with games such as table tennis, captains ball, jamming with the church instruments, werewolf, etc...
so please remember to invite your friends!!
looking forward to seeing all of you this sunday!
I-Zack

2008-11-24T10:05:00.002+08:00

MISSION TRIPPERS!

This is your mime

2008-11-21T19:09:00.004+08:00

Today's picture of the day is:

The clip of the day is:

More to come ;)

2008-11-16T15:54:00.003+08:00

Imagine this: You're swimming in the ocean when suddenly you get a cramp and start to sink. All of a sudden, this teenager jumps into the water, swims to you and pulls you to shore - but on the way there, he gets tangled in some reeds and both of you start to sink again. The boy's father jumps in, and instead of saving his son, pulls you out of the water while his son sinks beneath the waves. On the way to shore, you turn to him and say "he deserved it" and then slap him. Sounds both crazy and stupid, doesn't it?

Sadly, this is what many of us are in the habit of doing.

I think sometimes we forget just how privileged we are to be christians. Sometimes we get so caught up in the idea that God sent his Son to die for us and we are saved that we take His forgiveness for granted.

"I will listen to what God the Lord will say, he promises peace to his people, his saints - but let them not return to folly" - Psalm 85:8

We do not realise how fortunate we are to be able to come to church freely, without opposition from our families. There are so many more people out there who deserve the chance, and yet it is because of grace that we are chosen instead of them. Some of us seem to think this is some sort of... i don't know, something we deserve and not something we are extremely blessed to have. Let's face it: Christians aren't perfect people. In fact, there are many of us who have more bad habits than a large tribe of *insert type of people with bad habits* put together. If salvation was given out based on merit, we'd all be, to use the term losely - screwed. And yet, despite God's amazing grace in saving us from eternal damnation, we refuse to change our ways and continue living in our sin.

"Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 'Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that had been performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. but i tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgement than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that had been performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But i tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgement than for you." - Matthew 11: 20 - 24

There's something to be said about that. I think uncle darryl's sermon addressed it pretty well on sunday - Form without Substance. A church without a heart for God or a true conviction to live life the way God wants us to is like a staircase made out of styrofoam: Worthless. It doesn't matter if you can memorise all the books of the bible in order, or quote the ten commandments offhand, or have the best singing voice in Singapore. All that done without the right intent is worthless.

"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain, their teachings are but rules taught by men" - Matthew 15:8-9

"Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone" - Luke 11:42

It's clearly stated in the passages above too - God doesnt want your offering and worship if it's given with the wrong heart.

"I appointed watchmen over you and said, 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!' But you said 'We will not listen.' Therefore hear, O nations, observe, O witnesses, what will happen to them. Hear, O earth: I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their schemes, because they have not listened to my words and have rejected my law. What do i care about incense from Sheba or sweet calamus from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable, your sacrifices do not please me." - Jeremiah 6:26

Yet another problem most of us fall into is not wanting to be corrected. There are so many warnings, so many sermons telling us about false pretense and having the right attitude, yet we go on with our lives after hearing these as if nothing has happened, or worse, criticise the person who gives you the warning / lecture.

"Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those i invited did not deserve to come. Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.' So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad and the wedding hall was filled with guests." - Matthew 22:8

Remember: Salvation is a privilege, not a right. So start behaving like you're thankful, cause there's many others out there who deserve it more than you do.

band prac

2008-11-12T20:48:00.002+08:00

hi people,
please note that this week's band prac will be on friday 4-6pm.
we can't use the mph on saturday cos it will be used for something else.
i-zack

2008-11-09T23:26:00.000+08:00

hi guys!

thx to all those who helped out at the food fiesta today!! we managed to raise alot of funds:) all glory to God!

anws, for those of you who have the band schedule, please note that it has been moved down by one week. so yiying will be leading this week and aunty uli will be leading on 23 november. all those in the bands also move down by one.

the next event coming up for plh will be on sunday 30 nov!

this event is called November Rain and the programme is:

11am-1pm: worship and a surprise game
1-2pm: lunch provided by mentors
2-5pm: extended time (captains ball, jamming, werewolf, table tennis, etc...)

you are supposed to invite your friends for this event so please remember!!!

we will try to give out the invitation cards to you by next week.

yup, that's all for now.

all the best to those taking olevels! cos this is your last week.
and all the best to those having As! cos this is not your last week.

arsenal 2 man utd 1
liverpool 3 west brom 0
yeah!!!:)

I-Zack

Food fiesta!!!!!

2008-11-08T20:23:00.002+08:00

hey all of you people! hey all of you people! hey all of you people won't you listen to me!!!

tmr is the food fiesta for the mission trip raising of funds! i know this post might have come a little late, but for those who still see this tonight, rmb tmr 9am-2pm is our fiesta!

for the seniors, you're supposed to go for the 8am service.

juniors go for 845 but if you want you can go for the 8am service too.

if you are not helping out in any way please come and help out at our stalls! all we need you guys to do is to sell the stuff at the plh stalls! we have 6 stalls which have been registered. one will be handled by the gibson DG.

the other 5:

satay stall (shaun wong in charge). this one is a cool stall.
bazaar stall (yiying in charge): this one is in the library and it's encouraged if seniors help there.
snacks stall (i-zack), mee siam (bernice) and ice cream (hannah) are the other stalls which you guys can come to help sell the food.:)

alright hope you guys enjoy yourselves tmr and please come and help us! the main thing we need tmr is manpower.

peace out,

I-Zack

2008-11-02T20:42:00.002+08:00

So, after Hannah's most ambiguous statement that SOMEONE was born on this day 17 years ago, I guess I do owe yet another birthday post. Happy Blessed Birthday I-Zack!

My school chaplain shared this some time ago during Monday morning chapel

The Four Blessed Looks
Look back and thank God
Look ahead and trust God
Look around and serve God
Look to Jesus and find God

I hope everyone can find some way to relate to these, especially the last one. We should always remember to find God in our lives and put him first. If God is first in our lives, then we can practice the other 3 looks and be good witnesses to Him.

Think About It

2008-10-26T19:57:00.002+08:00

Alright, Im one day late again for Kimberly's birthday, but since Andrea's and Kimberly's birthdays were only one day apart I figured it would be easier to just do 1 birthday post. So happy birthday to Andrea, and happy belated birthday to Kimberly. May God shower his blessings upon you.

Here's something I found in my school yearbook

Prayer For Teens
Dear Lord,

You gave me the ability to think
Please help me to make wise choices

You gave me the ability to hear
Help me to listen for your voice

You gave me the ability to speak
Use my words to glorify you

You gave me the ability to grow
May I become all you want me to be

God has given us many gifts and talents in many different areas. We should remember to use them to glorify God.

On a somewhat unrelated note, please remember keep the people who are still having exams in prayer, as well as all those who are going to India for mission trip.

Think About It

2008-10-24T22:22:00.003+08:00

Can U read this?

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid, too. Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe tuo fo 100 anc.

i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid,
aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt
tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas
tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

If you can read this, your brain is 50% faster
than those who can't. (:

haha. i think alot of you have seen this but its so cool. (: my brain's 50% faster than those of you who cant. yay!

eh read this

2008-10-19T18:01:00.002+08:00

hi guys!!

i'm sure most of us have finished our exams, but let's remember to keep in prayer those still taking o-levels and a-levels!:)

this is a reminder that the captains ball and badminton games with living praise pres. church are next sunday!! we will meet downstairs in the fellowship hall after classtime next week (yes, next week is classtime, NO DG) then we can go for lunch together and go to the venue together.
it will be at kuo chuan pres. school (which is at bishan) from about 2-5pm. please wear the yellow PLH '08 shirts!:)
those of you who did not "register" are also free to go and play if you want:)

alright then see all of you next sunday!:)

PS: for all those whose o-levels starts this week, all the best! praying for you!

I-Zack

2008-10-17T19:58:00.002+08:00

Alright, I know I'm a day late, but better late than never. Happy belated birthday to Daphne, and may God bless you abundantly.

Isaiah 41 Verse 10 says "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am you God. I will strengthen you with my righteous right hand."

Well, this is directed more toward the O and A level people, who are probably more than slightly stressed at this point in time. Regardless of anything, God is still with all of us. If we look to him for strength, all things are possible.

And of course, to those (me included) who are enjoying post-exam freedom, please remember the others who are still having exams in your prayers.

Think About It

Forgiveness of sins.

2008-10-15T20:29:00.002+08:00

Hey guys ( and girls ), i found this interesting article from long ago. Its about a woman by the name of Karla Faye Tucker. She was a murderer-that-turned-to-Christ and even though she was executed, it was quite obvious that God had already forgiven her. When she was 23, she had a messed up life, was on drugs and a bad boyfriend. Now, she killed two people that year, and she didn't even feel guilty, but rather proud. So, she was caught after about 2 months, and during her stay in prison, she found the Lord. Now, the change was very obvious. She was regretting everything she had ever done and she realized all that she did wrong it was quite a big change, you could check the web for information on her. However, like on the sermon the previous Sunday, there are consequences even after you are forgiven, and in her case, was death by lethal injection.

There was a report with her the URL is here: CNN:Karla Faye Tucker

2008-10-11T15:30:00.000+08:00

Hey all!

Some of you have still been wondering when the repairs are going to be finished on the paradiz foodcourt. Well, if you don't already know, they're not.

It's been replaced by a Cold Storage, so if you happen to feel hungry after band prac or plh and know the location of an oven or stove, feel free to drop by.

Otherwise, have fun at the noodle store =D

2008-10-01T23:08:00.002+08:00

And after a rather quiet month, I finally have another birthday post!^^ This one's for Tim, wishing you a blessed 15th birthday! Anyway, I hope everyone can relate to this rather well known verse

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

This doesn't have to refer to romantic love either, it can refer to the love we show to the people around us. Look at the bolded words, I think they are applicable in some manner to all of us.

Having patience means being willing to wait, and in many ways I guess this is a virtue I really don't have. But being the impatient person I am, I do find that I tend to miss the many small things that make so much of a difference. God has planned out everything for us, there really is no need to rush. Be patient and let God show what He has planned.

Kindness comes in many forms, and really there is no fixed way to define kindness. Showing kindness could be going out of the way to help a friend, looking out for people in need or even simply being willing to befriend/talk to someone who appears to be lonely. The list goes on, and showing kindness can really be just about small acts of brotherly/sisterly love.

Skipping the more negative traits, being 'not easily angered' is almost the same as having patience, just in a more specific manner. Patience in this manner is (I hope) a trait that we all are developing. After all, we should all be very happy, un-angry people, right? =D

No record of wrongs simply means that we should not bear grudges. Personally I feel it really isn't worth keeping grudges against people. I remember my mum used to tell me this when i was younger "Forgive all the people who have wronged you before the sun sets". Anyway, if we don't keep grudges against each other, then really there isn't a lot stopping everyone from being great friends now is there? ^^

Love 'always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres'. 4 virtues in one sentence; kindness, trust, hope and perseverance. We should look out for each other, just as God has shown us love by taking care of us. And of course, some degree of trust in the people around us does go a long way. That being said, I'm not saying that we should blindly trust everyone, but put some trust into the people we know are trustworthy. I don't actually know what to say about hope and perseverance, so I guess I'll just end off here.

Well, I doubt there's a lot more I can say. Shower some love onto the people around you, chances are things will look a lot better after that.

Think About It

P.S Sorry to all the September birthday people, I don't know anyone else's birthday =X And can someone please update an October birthday list? Thanks.

God answers prayer!!! xD

2008-10-01T14:47:00.002+08:00

HEY EVERYONE!!! i've got something cool and quite funny to share... hahaha xD

God really works in amazing AND amusing ways :D and we know that, no matter how small the request, God will grant it if only we go to Him in prayer, and if it's in accordance with His will ;)

As most of you probably already know, my school's a Christian school, so we have cell group every Wednesday :D

a few weeks ago, (when I wasn't allowed to touch the computer, otherwise I could have shared this sooner :D) we were gathered for prayer cell as usual, and after we had a sharing session, we went around asking for prayer points.

one of my classmates said, "can we please pray for my addiction to the tv? I can't even study properly 'cos i always get distracted AND IT'S A WEEK BEFORE END OF YEARS!!"

haha yep so we prayed. and the next day... ... ... ... ... :D

another classmate who also goes for our class cell group ran up to me the instant I sat down in class and said, "guess what happened yesterday..."

so I shrugged and asked, "what?"

and you know what happened?

the classmate who asked us to pray for her addiction to the tv said that her tv broke down when she went home that day!! xP

ok yeah it's a simple and rather crazy story, and many people might think "ok, so what? tvs get spoilt all the time..." but I believe that that was God telling us that no matter how trivial the prayer request, He will grant it if it's in accordance with HIS will ;)

everyone STUDY HARD and play hard!! (after your exams are over that is xP)
ALL THE BEST AND GOD BLESS (for those still having exams :D)

2008-09-29T15:17:00.001+08:00

It's crowded in worship today
as she slips in
trying to fade into the faces
the girls teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
farther than they know

A traveler is far away from home
he sheds his coat
and quietly sinks into the back row
the weight of their judgemental glances tell him that his chances
are better out on the road

Jesus paid much to high a price
for us to pick and choose who should come
and we are the body of christ

But if we are the body
why arent his arms reaching
why arent his hands healing
why arent his words teaching
and if we are the body
why arent his feet going
why is his love not showing them there is a way

2008-09-25T20:25:00.001+08:00

Christians-- we're all afraid of fire.
We prefer to suck on pacifiers.
Baby pacifists, we're throwing fits.
We don't shake hands, we shake our fists.

We're cannibals.
We watch our brothers fall.
We eat our own, the bones and all.

Finally fell asleep on the plane
to wake to see we're going down in flames.

We're going down, down, down in flames.
We're gonna drown, drown, drown insane.

We see the problem and the risk,
but nothing's solved.
We just say, "Tisk, tisk, tisk,"
and, "Shame, shame, shame."

Finally fell asleep on the plane
to wake to see we're going down in flames.

Christians-- we mourn, the thorn is stuck
in the side of the body watch it self-destruct.
The enemy is much ignored
when we fight this Christian civil war.

We're cannibals.
We watch our brothers fall.
We eat our own, the bones and all.

Finally fell asleep on the plane
to wake to see we're going down in flames.

We're going down, down, down in flames.
We're gonna drown, drown, drown insane.

We see the problem and the risk,
but nothing's solved.
We just say, "Tisk, tisk, tisk,"
and, "Shame, shame, shame."

Finally fell asleep on the plane
to wake to see we're going down in flames.

Let me pause to clarify
('cause I'm sure you're asking, "Why?").
I stand before you and proudly claim
to belong to what this song complains.

I'm part of the problem,
I confess,
But I gotta get this off my chest.

Let's extinguish the anguish
for which we're to blame,
and save the world
from going down in flames.

A house that is divided against itself cannot stand

2008-09-21T22:08:00.002+08:00

Hello People! No lengthy post this time round, just feel like sharing something about today's sermon that I feel really spoke to me.

I know i haven't exactly been in PLH for a long time, but I feel quite compelled to highlight this from today's sermon. Ironically, it happens to be the concluding song 'find us faithful' that really spoke the loudest. The lyrics just set me thinking about the faith I show, or maybe the lack of it in some cases. But more importantly, it set me thinking about what difference I can make for those who will be in PLH longer than I will be. There isn't a lot more I can say, so I think I'll just end off with the lyrics of 'Find Us Faithful'

"We're pilgrims on the journey
Of the narrow road
And those who've gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace

Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who've gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives

Chorus:
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift though all we've left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find"

Think About It

PSPC 165th anniversary & Family Day Games!!!

2008-09-17T20:18:00.005+08:00

hi ppl!!

just a reminder that this week there's no PLH! the anniversary service will be held at Presbyterian High at 10am this sunday. i think it's near yio chu kang mrt.

please remind your friends and those in your DG! if not some people this sunday might be standing outside church like blur sotongs!! haha!

the family day games (fear factor! ooooo. scary.) will be from 2pm to 5.30pm. we have 3 teams already with 33 people. the three teams are: Barney & Friends (leader I-Zack), Spider-Apple (leader Shaun Wong) and Sparrows (leader Amanda Leong). i can't rmb who is in what team now, but you will know on sunday.

take note the teams were split to try to get you with people you're not so close to, while still letting you have some friends in there. it is acknowleged not everyone will be fully satisfied, cos you can't possibly please everyone, but please look past the groupings and refer to the post prior to this (posted by tim) which says...

"Shut your mouth, quit being a complainer, be a contender with us ‘cuz there’s a fight going on! And you and I are not the enemy, the devil’s the enemy! If the devil has got us fighting each other, then he’s got us!"

also rmb!!!! everyone taking part in the games please wear the yellow PLH '08 shirt!!! so we can all look like we are ONE BIG TEAM and not three seperate teams.:) wahaha!

looking forward to seeing ALL of YOU on sunday!

peace out!

I-Zack

PS: Btw, Liverpool 2 Man Utd 1!!! xD xD xD

2008-09-12T21:37:00.001+08:00

Credits to Generation Church, Washington.

There is a right way and a wrong way to fight…

Listen to me, every single day when we wake up in the morning, its like the bell goes off in the boxing ring and there’s a fight that goes on. For every hour and every moment that you are awake, each and every day there is a fight that happens this morning and it ends at the end of tonight when you go to bed and put your head on the pillow that its determined who won the fight for that day. When you wake up in the morning, you have to make a decision: is today going to be a day of faith? Or is it going to be a day of unbelieve? Is today going to be a day of anger? Or is today going to be a day of love? Is today going to be a day of peace? Or will it be a day of anxiety? Is it going to be a day of purity, or impurity? Is it going to be a day of joy, or a day of depression?You may have got a depressed day today and maybe feel like you got knock out today. Well, listen to me - tonight, stand up on your feet, a righteous man will get knock down 7 times, but he will rise again, and say, “No, I’m not letting you take me out anymore! I choose joy in Jesus name!”

Everyday is a fight - and we need to be a fight generation!

There’s two kinds of Christians out there - there are those that will complain when situation arises or those that would contend when situation arise!

Faith without works is dead!

You may not like every different way we do the service or the worship is not long enough or its too long… Shut your mouth, quit being a complainer, be a contender with us ‘cuz there’s a fight going on! And you and I are not the enemy, the devil’s the enemy! If the devil has got us fighting each other, then he’s got us!

We need to speak blessing and not cursing!

The depth-less people are people that tend to live in the past and sit idle in the present. We get all excited about what happened in that season. I don’t want to be concern with the past, I live right now and I want to see God move right now.

It’s the testing that determines if its true or temporary.

- by Pastor Elijah Waters on February 7th - Fight Right

There isn't much more that needs to be said.

Tim

church prayer meeting

2008-09-09T17:14:00.002+08:00

hi all!
the church prayer meeting is TOMORROW (wednesday 10 september) from 7.30-9.30pm.
you are all strongly encouraged to go as tmr they will be praying for the youth ministry. which means PLH, BB and GB.
please come as i'm sure it will be a good time of prayer!:)
I-Zack

important stuffs...

2008-09-08T17:33:00.002+08:00

hey peeps!!

the PSPC anniversary is coming up and the games this year are organised by the campus hub.
we have already 20 people who have signed up and that means we have 2 teams going!!
but i think we can do even better and recruit ANOTHER team!! so this sunday come and find me to sign up. or i will find YOU!!! wahahahaha!!

erhem..

also, because of the hike and other stuff we have not been able to celebrate mentors' day!!! but you know what, it's okay. it's all good. everything's under control.

we will just shift mentors' day 2008 to 14 september! so next week please get gifts and cards and whatever for your mentor(s)!! we will have a short celebration either before or after uncle nick's teentalk:)

yup, that means NO DG next week!!! er... :(...

ok that will be all. and have a good first week back at school!:)

that is only possible with God!;)

I-Zack

2008-09-07T21:39:00.000+08:00

WASSUP YA'LL! Your body is the holy temple of God, so what you're putting in matters. And if it consist of something called instant noodles, take a second to read the following.

CORRECT WAY OF COOKING NOODLES
The correct way to cook instant noodles without harming our bodies and health.
1. boil the noodles in a pot with water.
2. once the noodles is cooked, take out the noodles, and throw away the water which contains wax (EWWWW WAX!)
3. boil another pot of water till it boils, put the noodles into the hot boiling water and then shut the fire.
4. when the fire is off, and while the water is hot, put the ingredient with the powder into the water, to make noodle soup.
5. however, if you're making dry noodles, take out the noodles and add the ingredient with the powder and toss it to get dry noodles.

TADA! Your healthier way of eating instant noodles.

mission trip fund raising

2008-09-06T23:34:00.002+08:00

hey guys!!
over the next few weeks some of the mission trip teams will be selling breakfast in church in the morning:)
we would like u guys to help us out, bcos as senders u guys have a role to play as well and everyone should be a part of this trip!
some ways you can help will be:

buy the breakfast!
sell coupons!
advertise or encourage people to buy!
help set up the breakfast stall before service in the morning!

and some other ways which i can't think of right now!!!

anws tmr group 1 (also my group) will be selling tmr. but i guess by the time u see this post, it'll be too late! so the next time a mission trip team will be selling breakfast, i think is 28 september:)

so yeah, hope you guys can help us out!

oh btw, each PLHer and mentor has to sell 15 coupons each anws, so don't say i didnt warn ya!

alright and with the holidays coming to an end tmr i hope you guys have spent your time well and be ready to face the new term with renewed energy coming from our God!:)

peace out!

I-Zack

september holidays

2008-09-05T15:39:00.003+08:00

hey people! hope you're having a great one week holiday so far! (for poly people it's just the start of your 6-week break haha)

well i hope we've taken this opportunity to have a rest from the hectic singapore life to maybe restart on our Quiet Time or catch up on our Bible reading. i know that in singapore even a holiday is not really considered a holiday but more of a "study break" in which we catch up with the work which we did during the previous term. but hey that's not the kind of holiday i envision! haha.

well i confess my holiday has been rather "wasted" in the sense that i have not done much studying. but i'm pretty sure i will start... like... after i do this post. haha!:)

anws i would just like to encourage all those who are gonna have their exams soon. whether it's streaming or O-levels or N-levels or A-levels, i guess it's a bit pressurizing... ok maybe very pressurizing for most of you.. but just wanna remind you to try your best in the face of all these difficulties. i know i'm definitely not the ideal person to be coming out here to tell people to work hard (haha!) but it is QUITE important to study!!:)

MORE importantly i would like to tell all of you to draw strength from God and to entrust your results to Him:) and whatever the result is, know that God still loves you the way you are! no matter how good or how bad, God loves us all the same.

also remember not to neglect your Quiet Time and Bible reading cos they're important!:)

happy holidays!!

I-Zack

Who do you think I am, Jesus?

2008-09-03T23:17:00.002+08:00

This was on the blog of a friend of mine. Thought it might be pretty relevant considering exams are coming up and alot of you are gonna start throwing last minute prayers any time now.

For those who don't know, this was an event around after the baptism of Jesus. It's described in Matthew 4:1-11, where it says;

1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."

4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"

7Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9"All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."

10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"

11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Now, many people have made comments on the moves Jesus made. They'd ask questions like, "Why didn't Jesus turn the stones into bread?" or, "Why didn't He just fall and let His angels catch Him?" Well, I'll try with the help of the Lord to answer those questions.

Read the passage again. Notice in the first and second temptations how the devil begins his statements.

"IF you are the Son of God,..."

'If' was satan's way of trying to give doubt to Jesus on His status as Son of God. "IF you're really the Son of God, you should be able to turn these stones to bread, or fall off the building and let the angels catch you!" You see, if Jesus did the miracles the devil advised Him to do, it'll be showing that Jesus had doubts that He was the Son of God (Don't forget, He was still human).

Imagine a laboratory that's owned by the government. Now would the professors that work there experiment on whether paper burns? No! And why? Because they already know that paper can burn, and furthermore that it turns into carbon ash. Now, would they test on what frequencies of sound waves can actually start a fire? Probably. And why? Because no one probably knows, so the only way to find out is to do experiments.

In the same way, if Jesus performed the experiment of turning stones into bread, or jumping off the temple, He'd be saying that He wasn't sure if He really was the Son of God and so needed to do these things to prove to Himself. He already knew He could bun up the rocks and command angels to catch Him, so He needn't need to perform the miracles to prove to anyone if He was the Son of God.

And also in the same way, we should trust in the Lord on our lives without needing to doubt that He'll bless you greatly. Some Christians say a prayer like, "Dear Lord, please bless me with a wealthy income, and I promise you I'll praise you for the rest of my life." without realising that this wouldn't work at all. The person's saying the prayer because he needs the wealthy income to prove to him that God does exist. In order for God to be able to work in your life, He first needs you to fully believe in Him.

Think about a credit card deal. Now, in order to be able to see how the credit card can help you financially, you hav to trust the bank behind the card and sign the contract. You can't just have a 1-month trial period to see how things are before deciding if you'd like to sign up for the card - "It's either you're in, or you're out." You've got no choice but to sign it up on the spot in order to use it. (Maybe think about it for a few weeks or so, but you can't use the card until you've signed the contract.) You just have to place the risks at stake on the line, along with a signature, but trust the bank with all your heart that they'd do a good job.

In the same way, you'd just have to trust that the Lord will do it all, and discard all the doubts in your mind. The moment you allow doubt to control your allowance for God to control your life, it's just as good as tearing the contract apart since you're not sure if the bank's gonna fulfill their part of the deal. But there's a difference between this Bank and the many others: You CAN trust this bank, satisfaction guaranteed! So just rely on God already! And stop telling yourself, "It's impossible!", because that statements the thing that's making it impossible in the first place.

Credits to mig

2008-09-01T19:23:00.004+08:00

Well, today is officially teachers day, even if teachers day and mentors day was celebrated some time ago. I think I'll break the quote cycle and share a little thought I had today.

In some way, everyone's a teacher and everyone's a student. Surely teachers day isn't just meant for academic teachers right? Everyone we meet is a teacher in some way, be it your best friend who taught you how to be a good buddy or that annoying person who, in his/her own way taught you patience and forgiveness. Or maybe its that person who always needed help teaching you empathy and kindness, or the outspoken leader who showed you how to lead. Everything and everyone around us has taught us something if we are receptive to it.

Of course, lets not forget our ever-present teacher God, who has taught us through His son Jesus and the Bible how to live life. So today, let's take time to appreciate the teachers that God has put in our life, whatever lesson they may have taught us. And of course, lets remember to be good teachers to the people we meet too!

1 Thessalonians 5 Verse 13 to 15 "Hold them in highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else."

Think About It

LAMININ!!

2008-08-31T22:22:00.003+08:00

--

its a little lengthy, but do watch, it's REALLY REALLY cool... really (:

i don't think it's a mere coincidence that on the morning of the day i got this in an email, this same thing was shared during devotion... it's really amazing isn't it...

and isn't the message true? when we have troubles, all we have to do is to turn to God. when we feel like the world is falling apart, like when we're going to fall apart, we can always remember that Jesus is there to hold us together, no matter what (:

"He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."
- Colossians 1:17

let us continue to put our faith, trust and hope in Him, for He knows what's best for us, though sometimes we can't see it for ourselves (:

take care and God bless :D
sam (:

BIG problem? small problem?

2008-08-29T00:35:00.003+08:00

Everyone has problems, if you don't, maybe you're just a person who's always thankful for everything so much so that you don't actually see the negative side

well the other day during my school chapel, the pastor talked about how some people deal with their problems. I'm sure all of you know what the politically correct answer is... "pray and commit it into God's hands"

just wondering, how many of you actually instantly commit a problem into God's hands the instant something goes wrong? it takes a special spirit and faith in God to do that, and to those of you who constantly do that, kudos to you, 'cos i can't do that either :P

but recently i do believe God's been trying to teach me how to look beyond the problem and learn the lesson He's trying to teach me.

Just this morning, my father was about to fetch me to school when something extremely important and urgent cropped up and he couldn't send me to school. I ran out, hoping to be able to flag a taxi since I knew that i would definately be late if I took a bus.

Of course, this morning just had to be the morning when all the taxis were busy and on call. after a few vain attempts in trying to flag down the taxis, God answered the prayer that I had been repeating over and over, and He sent the father of a person from the primary school, a fellow Christian who offered to drive me to school.

It's just amazing how God answers prayer in the ways you least expect Him to. many of us know that "God answers prayer" and that "no problem is too big for Him", but I doubt many of us actually think of all that when troubles come our way. troubles are just God's way of reminding us that He can solve any problem through His own sovereign means, which we probably don't understand at that point of time.

back to the chapel talk, the pastor talked about how no problem is too big or too small for God. I'm sure all of us know that no problem is too big for God to handle, but I can't help wondering how many of us sometimes feel so insignificant that we wonder why God would even bother to answer our little requests when He has the entire world to deal with.

well, there will always be doubts, but God loves each and every one of us, and no matter how small or how big your problem is, from the simple request of having all the traffic lights green so you won't be late for school, to praying for a dying friend or relative (TOUCH WOOD). no matter what your problem is, we can always be sure that God is there for us to lean on, and that through our weakness will others see His strength and glory.

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" 1 Peter 5:7

take care and God bless :D

Southern Ridges Hike

2008-08-27T21:32:00.002+08:00

hi PLH!
giving u guys a reminder that this sunday is our PLH hike!!
must rmb to come for 8am service!
after that we will go for our hike and lunch. we will reach back to church at 1.30pm.
please bring along an umbrella or a poncho as it has been raining for the past few days. this is a precaution in case it rains, but lets pray for some good weather ah.
also bring along a waterbottle, maybe a change of clothes and a small towel:)
a bag/haversack to put em all in!
wear comfortable track shoes, bring cap, all.
sunglasses if you wanna be stylo-milo.
yup that's about it. looking forward to seeing all of you this sunday!!:)

I-Zack

PS: Think About It, you're addicted to blogging all now! hahaha

2008-08-27T21:24:00.002+08:00

And here's yet another quote that I'm sure we all have heard at some point or the other

"There are two ways to live you life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle"

James 4 Verse 15 says "Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live to do this or that.". Every moment we live, every new day we wake up to is a gift from God and is a miracle of His hand. During my daily routine, I find that I end up losing sight of the many miracles God has placed in my life for all the worst reasons, chief of which being 'I'm just too busy'. This, and a few other things just made me stop for 5 minutes and appreciate all the miracles that have happened. Everything is a work of God, let's take some time to see miracles in them.

Think About It

2008-08-25T20:00:00.003+08:00

Heres another thought-provoking quote that I'm sure some people have already heard before.

"Always have faith that conditions will change. Though your heart be heavy and your body bruised and your purse empty and there is no one to comfort you - hold on. Just as you know the sun will rise, so also believe that your period of misfortune must end. It was always so, and it will always be."

I noticed on Sunday that a few people were missing, apparently due to exam stress. While I doubt exams are as drastic as to be called a 'period of misfortune' (or at least I hope so), I suppose it is quite stressing. I know that everyone needs to study, but I hope that we will remember God through the exam period. If we turn to God for help, He will give us strength to do well. And remember, whatever results you get, God still has a greater plan for you. Put your faith in God, and He will show you great things.

Hebrews 11 Verse 40 "God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect."

Think About It

2008-08-23T19:19:00.002+08:00

Today's post shall be dedicated to Serene (today's birthday girl), and may God grant you many more to come! And yet again, sorry if this isn't relevant, but hopefully this will be the last time I have to post this for this month.

"Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate. It is our light, not darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?'

Actually, who are we not to be? We are children of God. Our playing small does not serve any purpose. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people don't feel insecure around us.

We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the Glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in EVERYONE. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.".

A rather long quote, but very meaningful. To those who still remember, some time ago we did a study on spiritual gifts. We have ALL been given our own individual, unique gifts. Everyone will have a gift, regardless of whether you notice you have it yet. With these gifts we are called to glorify God and serve him. But if we are afraid of using these gifts, if we are afraid of standing out, then how do we shine for God?

Matthew 5 Verses 14-16 say "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.". Our gifts and talents are like candles. If we choose not to use them, to put these 'candles' under a bowl, then it would be as good as not having them. But if we choose to use our talents in a way that is good and pleasing to God, then we are putting these 'candles' on their stands, and showing the world God's light. So use your talents to glorify God, and in doing so we will give others a chance to do the same.

Think About It

2008-08-22T20:01:00.002+08:00

My apologies if Wednesday's post seemed too serious, I wasn't really feeling well then. But now that I'm feeling better, here's something more cheerful! (An extra sorry to Liesl if i diminished your birthday happy, didn't mean to =X )

"Happiness is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it will elude you. But if you turn your attention to other things, it comes and sits softly on your shoulder."

And it's so true, isn't it? Chances are, the more we do things to feel happy, the less happy we end up feeling. Personally, I feel that this quote brings out what feeling happy is really about. If we do things to please God instead of just trying to make ourselves happy, happiness will come to us like a quiet butterfly. In John 13 Verse 15, Jesus says "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." and in Verse 17, "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.". Jesus lived a life that was perfectly pleasing to God, and in these verses he has called us to do the same.

And why is it important to be happy? In Proverbs 15 Verse 13, it says "A happy heart makes the face cheerful but heartache crushes the spirit.". Proverbs 15 Verse 30 also says "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.". If we are happy, the people around us are likely to feel good too. So the question now is, are YOU happy? =)

Think About It

2008-08-20T18:06:00.003+08:00

HAPPY SEVENTEENTH, LIESL!
and may God grant you many more to come :)

I happened to find this in another classroom, and it sounded rather meaningful to me. This is dedicated to Liesl (Today's birthday girl), have a happy seventeenth birthday! (And yet again, I'm sorry if this isn't relevant, I don't know everyone well enough)

"Rainbows appear after mighty storms,
When things look their very worst.
Just when skies are darkest gray,
Look for the rainbow first.

The rainbow is a sign of God's promise,
That He will guide us through any storm.
That He will see us through all our troubles,
No matter what their form.

When you feel battered by Life's storms,
And you are filled with doubt and dismay,
Just remember God's rainbow will come,
For it's only a prayer away."

When it seems that everyone is against you, when everyone blames everything on you, when everything goes wrong and it seems that life has thrown everything it can at you, remember that through our darkest hours God will always help us. It really is as simple as the last stanza suggests, God really is only a prayer away! For it is written in Isaiah 40 Verses 29-31 "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

When we feel weak, we should then take it to God in prayer and let his strength empower us. When the task ahead seems impossible, remember Philippians 4 Verse 13 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength.".

Think About It

2008-08-19T20:56:00.004+08:00

I hope my posts aren't too heavy, if they are please tag and I'll do something about it. Anyway, heres another quotation from a book I'm reading. Though this is directed more toward sad or depressed people, I do hope the happy people can learn something from this too.

"Although how you esteem yourself may rise and fall, what you're really worth never changes."

How we view ourself and what we're worth does change as we walk through life. We see ourselves from different perspectives when we're happy, sad, angry, envious, depressed, the list goes on. But really, what we're truly worth to God can never change.

Look back to John 3:16 and 17, which says "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." Note that it says "For God so LOVED the world", not that God had to do it or anything, but rather because he loved (and still loves) us. And if he loves us, we must be worth something, right? And because we, as his children, are worth so much to him, he sent Jesus to die on the cross for us so that we might be saved.

To put things into perspective, would you sacrifice your (because no one should have a son yet) life to save something that isn't of utmost worth to you? Though 'worth' cannot be quantified, we know that we were worth enough for God to send Jesus to die for us so that we might be saved. Because of this, it no longer matters what the world thinks of you, because God has already shown you how much you're truly worth. So when you feel depressed or let down, or when people tell you you're a failure (I hope no one has seriously done this), feel good about yourself because you know how much you're worth to God, which is what really matters.

Think About It

2008-08-17T16:33:00.002+08:00

And heres another poem. This one's dedicated to Keng Gene because its his birthday today. Happy thirteenth birthday, with many more to come! (Again, sorry if what I'm posting is irrelevant to you, I don't know everyone well enough)

"They might not need me, but they might.
I'll let my head be just in sight.
A smile as small as mine might be,
precisely their necessity. "

Everyone has their own circle of friends, and that's good. But while we enjoy the company of our best friends, let's not forget to look out for others as well. There may be other people around who are lonely and in need of company, or maybe sad people who need cheering up, depressed people who need a listening ear, the list goes on. Let's be good friends and look out for these people and responds to their needs.

I'm sure we all have heard of the parable of the good samaritan (Luke 10 Verses 25-37). Verses 36 and 37 say "Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? The expert in the law replied, 'The one who had mercy on him' (and) Jesus told him 'Go and do likewise'". The word 'mercy' can probably be substituted with 'kindness' here, and the word 'neighbour' can probably be substituted with 'friend'. When we look out for people who need help, when we show kindness to others around us, we are being good friends to them. And come on, everyone loves good friends, right? So let's try and look out for those around us, and in doing so we will make new friends and do what is right in God's sight.

Think About It

2008-08-15T21:31:00.003+08:00

Heres the only other nice little quote from the back of my classroom. This shall be dedicated to Yiying because its her birthday today. So heres to a happy seventeenth birthday! (Sorry if it's irrelevant, I don't know everyone well enough to post really relevant issues.)

"One day at a time, this is enough.
Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone.
Do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come.
Live in the present, and make it so beautiful
it will be worth remembering."

I'm guessing that everyone is or will be starting to feel the stress of exams, prelims, O levels and any other academic and non-academic expectations. While it is natural to feel stressed and worried about what lies ahead and what you have already done, lets not be tied down by these worries. Instead, lets focus on the present, and live it to the best of our ability such as to "make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering."

In Matthew 6 Verses 33 and 34, it is written "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." What this means is that if we put God's word and wisdom FIRST in our life, he will set everything in its own place. We need not worry about tomorrow because God has already seen it and will make it perfect for you if you seek him first. If you go to him in prayer and commit the future to him, he will make it perfect for you. And on the same note, remember that God's perfect may be different from ours, so just live out each day and see what God has in store for you!

Think About It

2008-08-14T23:15:00.002+08:00

Heres a poem i found on a poster in my classroom. Maybe it'll have the same meaning to you as it does to me

"People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered
LOVE THEM ANYWAY

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives
DO GOOD ANYWAY

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies
SUCCEED ANYWAY

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow
DO IT ANYWAY

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight
BUILD ANYWAY

People really need help but may attack you if you help them
HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY

Give the world the best you have and you may get kicked in the teeth
GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU HAVE ANYWAY

Because in the end, its between you and God
It was never really about them
ANYWAY"

Its so true, isn't it? Every good thing that you do could be forgotten overnight, every great thing you try and build could be destroyed in an instant. But I'd like you to reread the last stanza. What we do on earth, we should do for God. After all, it is written "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." Psalm 127 Verse 1. In the end, everything we do should be for God's glory, and because of this, irregardless of what happens next, we know that God will be pleased with what we have done.

As a final thought, consider this. God sent his son to die for us. Even though we were, and still are, unworthy of such a sacrifice, he did it anyway. Even though we repeatedly sin in one way or the other, God still forgives us anyway. Even though we never did anything to deserve his divine love, God still loves us anyway. In light of this, isn't it time we set aside all the reasons we have for not doing the right thing, and just do it anyway?

Think About It

2008-08-13T22:34:00.003+08:00

"And if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God" Proverbs 2 : 3-5

Every week we go to PLH and we meet up with friends and we worship God, learn his word and try to understand abit more about him. But honestly, ask yourselves (no names here, just ask yourself) how often do we go back home feeling as if we've learned next to nothing? The question isn't a rethroical one, so the answer doesn't have to be a 'very often'.

But if your answer was something along the lines of 'often', then stop and look at the verses above. It says "look for it (insight) as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure". To begin with, we have to want to search for God with all our heart and soul. Just going to church and singing songs of praise and attending DG doesn't mean that you are looking for God. The verses say that we must search for him with the same determination as searching for hidden treasure, which isn't easily found. We have to give our all in worshiping God and trying to understand his word, then only can we really "understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God".

I'm not saying that it will be easy to do this, but all we need to do is to try. Make a conscious effort to give your all to God. As Tim has said, what's important is that you try. So when we next meet for worship, let's examine our hearts and ask ourselves, are we really searching for the treasure that is Godly insight?

Think About It.

2008-08-13T19:02:00.003+08:00

Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

or, B.I.B.L.E

Didn't realise how much that meant till now

2008-08-12T20:01:00.004+08:00

"Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."
Revelations 3: 19-20

Recently I have felt prompted to share this with you all, but i'm not really good at this kind of thing... anyway, here goes.

' "When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?" says the Lord Almighty. "Now implore God to be gracious to us. With such offerings from your hands, will he accept you?" says the Lord Almighty. "Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not light useless fires on my altar! I am not pleased with you," says the Lord Almighty, "and I will accept no offering from your hands." '
- Malachi 1: 8 - 10

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm -neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
- Revelations 3:15 - 16

Think about this the next time you come for Lighthouse. Give God your all, or don't even try. There's no in between and no point in half hearted worship.

Why do we do the things we do? I mean, seriously. Your reason and motives behind doing things are more important than you know. For example, why do you donate your offerings every sunday? Why did you join the band or worship team? Why did you sign up for BBC or Church Camp? Even, why did you volunteer for that Missions Trip to the Phillipines or India?

Ask yourself that for a moment.

You might get a variety of responses, like "so I can help other people" or "we should give back to God an amount of what He blesses us with" or "so we can bring more people to Christ" or "because we should serve God". Look deeper. Are those your only reasons?

Did you hesitate before signing up for that trip because you decided you didn't want to go if ____ wasn't going?

Do you sing loudly during worship so that you can impress ____ with your voice, or just show off your talent at singing?

Is your highlight at Church Camp listening to the message or going back to your room to play ssm/werewolf/truth or dare?

Do you donate because you're forced to, or not donate at all?

If you're not doing it for God, or doing it halfheartedly, then you're not doing it right.

Of course, no one's perfect. We're all human, and we can't guarantee that everytime we do something it's for the right reasons. Sometimes we feel like we're not good enough to serve God.

But it is written:

"Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins,worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."
Mark 12: 41 - 43

So as long as you try your best to do whatever you're doing for God, then God will be pleased. It's only natural and okay to have more than one motive behind your actions, but whats important is that you try.

I admit that I've done alot of the things that I've been doing for all the wrong reasons. But there is always a chance for change. Start today. Before you go to sleep, pray and ask God to help you do whatever you do for His purposes. You may still be looking forward to spending time with your friends while doing Missions work overseas, but always remember the reason why you are doing what you are doing.

"So whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
- 1 Cor 10:31

Tim

2008-08-06T22:39:00.002+08:00

AUGUST ROCKSTARS!

1st Aug- Peter Fu
2nd Aug- Vicki Quek
5th Aug - Colin Tham
9th Aug- Singapore
15th Aug- Yiying
17th Aug- Keng Gene
20th Aug- Liesl
23rd Aug- Serene Tan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YA'LL! ((: May God bless you.

2008-08-05T20:47:00.002+08:00

Heard something pretty interesting today during morning devotions at school and thought i should share it with you guys.

Sometime during the first season of CSI, the team was investigating the death of a man who had been killed 300,000 feet in the air in First Class. Upon further investigation, it was revelaed that he had been kicked, punched, stabbed, stepped on, scratched, strangled and mauled. In other words, the other passengers had trampled on him.

It was revealed that this man had some kind of mental condition and phobia of flying, which caused him to have slurred speech, drool and behave incoherently. His behaviour worsened during the flight until at one stage, he attempted to open the door of the airplane. The passengers, already annoyed by his erratic behaviour began to fear for their lives and killed him.

At the end of the show, the CSI team was asked whether, if they were in the passenger's position, they would have killed the man as well. All of them answered yes in turn, saying that they feared for the safety of their lives and their loved ones. However, when the team leader was questioned, he said this "All of you made the same mistake. You assumed that just because this man kept kicking the chair, he was a jerk. You assumed that just because he kept pressing the call button for the air stewardess, he was intending to be annoying. You assumed that just because he kept walking up and down the aisle, he was an attention seeker. You assumed that just because he tried to use the toilet out of turn, he was impatient. But none of you put yourself in that man's shoes. If one of you had considered just for a moment stopping and asking him whether he was alright, and tried to find out the reason he was behaving strangely, we might have avoided one more unnecessary death."

So to those of you who are thinking "So what's this got to do with me?":

Don't judge others before finding out the reason they do the things they do or act the way they do. This isn't just a general statement, i'm referring to every member of lighthouse. How many times have we ignored newcomers just because we thought they were different? Or made fun of that person in our DG behind their backs because they didn't look the way we thought they should or act the way we consider "right"? How many times have we criticised our mentors or worship leaders for the way they conducted classes and worship sessions?

And have you ever considered how your actions are affecting these people?

Next sunday, look around you and see who used to come and is now missing. You'd be pretty surprised.

"Do not judge others or you too will be judged... Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother 'Let me take the speck out of your eye' when there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." - Matthew 7:1-5

So before you decide that you're not going to talk to that BB boy next sunday just because his english isn't as good as yours, or that guy in your class cause you find his accent irritating, think. Do you have a plank in your eye? And if you were in his/her situation, could you do better?

-Tim

august rush!

2008-08-05T20:29:00.004+08:00

hey hey peeps!
hope those who went for august rush had fun!!:)
i think next month's event will be even better!!! hahaha!!!!:D:D
u guys have to wait and find out what it is;)
peace out dudes
I-Zack

2008-08-01T20:08:00.002+08:00

IT IS STRANGE ISN'T IT..

Isn't it strange how a 20 dollar bill seems like such a large amount when you donate it to church, but such a small amount when you go shopping?

Isn't it strange how 2 hours seem so long when you're at church, and how short they seem when you're watching a good movie?

Isn't it strange that you can't find a word to say when you're praying but.. you have no trouble thinking what to talk about with a friend?

Isn't it strange how difficult and boring it is to read one chapter of the Bible but how easy it is to read 100 pages of a popular novel?

Isn't it strange how everyone wants front-row-tickets to concerts or games but they do whatever is possible to sit at the last row in Church?

Isn't it strange how we need to know about an event for Church 2-3 weeks before the day so we can include it in our agenda, but we can adjust it for other events in the last minute?

Isn't it strange how difficult it is to learn a fact about God to share it with others;but how easy it is to learn, understand, extend and repeat gossip?

Isn't it strange how we believe everything that magazines and newspapers say but... we question the words in the Bible?

Isn't it strange how everyone wants a place in heaven but... they don't want to believe, do, or say anything to get there?

we should do some reflections and think about all these things. always remember that all you have is from God and its only right to give back to him. (:

WHY SO SERIOUS????

2008-07-27T20:23:00.003+08:00

hi peeps!!!
here are the details for next week's PLH extended time!

August Rush:
the name has no significant meaning. we just needed a name that sounds nice. haha.
there will be:

captains' ball in the carpark
jamming and learning of instruments in the MPH and century
werewolf in the fellowship hall
chillout and relaxing and enjoying aircon in the library

after DG, you guys will go for lunch together with your DG and mentors and be back in church by 1.45pm.

there is no inter-DG games, so you don't need to wear any special PLH shirts.
you are free to do whatever you want. (cball, learning instruments, or werewolf)

we also want to have a snack table! like you know how joyful voices or whatever always got those snacks and stuff? how come PLH always don't have? so next week we will make history!!!
PLH FIRST EVER SNACK TABLE!!!
take that! hahaha!! can you handle the heat???

ok, so we need EVERYONE to contribute to our snack table. so we will have lotsa snacks to eat:) everyone in the DG should bring something.

uncle shih kiat, aunty cat, and aunty fei mei's DGs will bring POTATO CHIPS.

uncle justin, aunty uli, and aunty choy see's DGs will bring COOKIES AND BISCUITS.

uncle jeffrey, uncle francis, and uncle patrick's DGs will bring SWEETS AND CHOCOLATES.

drinks will be provided.

that will be all:)

btw, for those of you who haven't watched "The Dark Knight", GO WATCH IT!!!!
it is officially the best movie i have ever watched in my entire life!!! hahahaa!!!
the joker rocks man. the storyline and everything is fantastic! even better than spiderman, i have to admit.

okie dokie, God bless us, everyone!

I-Zack

LET'S PUT A SMILE ON THAT FACE!

announcements!

2008-07-22T17:58:00.002+08:00

hi people!

please remember to pay your $5 for the PLH shirt to your mentor this sunday! (if you didnt pay last sunday) your mentor should pass it to grace or athelia.

also remember to bring your lanyard (from church camp) and give it to them too. (if you havent already given it)

this week the band playing will be:
uncle alvin (worship leader)
joseph (drums)
kurt (piano)
uncle jack (bass)
time of band prac is up to worship leader, but i think there won't be band prac this saturday.

also, for 3 august PLH extended time we are gonna have another event after church:) the thing will be called August Rush!!!! more details soon....

last thing, we need more people to sign up for the mission trip!!!! we already have a few going, but we need to reach a certain number if not the trip will be cancelled!!! last day to hand up your form is this sunday!! faster ask your parents! and most important of all, pray about it!! if not the people who have already signed up will be very very sad:(:(:( if you are sitting on the fence, take a stand and make your decision!! we want YOU! (yes, YOU!)

I-Zack

John 3:16

2008-07-21T21:34:00.002+08:00

Hey guys,
I found this story on the web, thought it might be interesting and relevant to some of you.

It goes like this...

In the city of Chicago, one cold, dark night, a blizzard was setting in. A little boy was selling newspapers on the corner, the people were in and out of the cold. The little boy was so cold that he wasn't trying to sell many papers.

He walked up to a policeman and said, "Mister, you wouldn't happen to know where a poor boy could find a warm place to sleep tonight would you? You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and down the alley and it's awful cold in there for tonight. Sure would be nice to have a warm place to stay."

The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, "You go down the street to that big white house and you knock on the door. When they come out the door you just say John 3:16, and they will let you in." So he did. He walked up the steps and knocked on the door, and a lady answered.

He looked up and said, "John 3:16 ." The lady said, "Come on in, Son." She took him in and she sat him down in a split bottom rocker in front of a great big old fireplace, and she went off. The boy sat there for a while and thought to himself: John 3:16 ....I don't understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy warm.

Later she came back and asked him "Are you hungry?" He said, "Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of days, and I guess I could stand a little bit of food." The lady took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table full of wonderful food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat any more. Then he thought to himself: John 3:16... Boy, I sure don't understand it but it sure makes a hungry boy full.

She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtub filled with warm water, and he sat there and soaked for a while. As he soaked, he thought to himself: John 3:16... I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty boy clean. You know, I've not had a bath, a real bath, in my whole life. The only bath I ever had was when I stood in front of that big old fire hydrant as they flushed it out.

The lady came in and got him. She took him to a room, tucked him into a big old feather bed, pulled the covers up around his neck, kissed him goodnight and turned out the lights. As he lay in the darkness and looked out the window at the snow coming down on that cold night, he thought to himself: John 3:16... I don't understand it but it sure makes a tired boy rested.

The next morning the lady came back up and took him down again to that same big table full of food. After he ate, she took him back to that same big old split bottom rocker in front of the fireplace and picked up a big old Bible. She sat down in front of him and looked into his young face.

"Do you understand John 3:16 ?" she asked gently. He replied, "No, Ma'am, I don't. The first time I ever heard it was last night when the policeman told me to use it." She opened the Bible to John 3:16 and began to explain to him about Jesus. Right there, in front of that big old fireplace, he gave his heart and life to Jesus. He sat there and thought: John 3:16. .. .. I don't understand it, but it sure makes a lost boy feel safe.

You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either, how God was willing to send His Son to die for me, and how Jesus would agree to do such a thing. I don't understand the agony of the Father and every angel in heaven as they watched Jesus suffer and die.

I don't understand the intense love for ME that kept Jesus on the cross till the end. I don't understand it, but it sure does make life worth living.

The bible verse is...

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life."

2008-07-21T17:31:00.002+08:00

Emergency Telephone Numbers!

When -
You are sad, phone John 14
You have sinned, phone Psalm 51
People have failed you, phone Psalm 27
It feels as though God is far from you, phone Psalm 139
Your faith needs stimulation, phone Hebrews 11
You are alone and scared, phone Psalm 23
You are worried, phone Matthew 8:19-34
You wonder about Christianity, phone 2 Corinthians 5:15-18
You feel like an outcast, phone Romans 8:31-39
You are seeking peace, phone Matthew 11:25-30
You are praying for yourself, phone Psalm 87
You require courage for a task, phone Joshua 1
Your bank account is empty, phone Psalm 37
You lose faith in mankind, phone 1 Corinthians 13
It looks like people are unfriendly, phone John 15
You are losing hope, phone Psalm 126
With big opportunity/discovery, phone Isaiah 55
To get along with other people, phone Romans 12

ALL THESE NUMBERS MAY BE PHONED DIRECTLY.
NO OPERATOR ASSISTANCE IS NECESSARY.
ALL LINES TO HEAVEN ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY.
FEED YOUR FAITH, AND DOUBT WILL STARVE TO DEATH

YAY.
:D

God bless!

2008-07-18T20:23:00.000+08:00

SATAN'S MEETING: (Read even if you're busy) Satan called a worldwide convention of demons. In his opening address he said, 'We can't keep Christians from going to church.' 'We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth.' 'We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their saviour.' 'Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken.' 'So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ..' 'This is what I want you to do,' said the devil: 'Distract them from gaining hold of their Saviour and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!' 'How shall we do this?' his demons shouted. 'Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds,' he answered. 'Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow.' 'Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles.' 'Keep them from spending time with their children.' 'As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!' 'Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice.' 'Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive.' To keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly.' 'This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ.' 'Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers.' 'Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day.' 'Invade their driving moments with billboards.' 'Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes..' 'Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives. ' 'Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night.' 'Give them headaches too! ' 'If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere.' 'That will fragment their families quickly!' 'Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas.' 'Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and power over sin and death.' 'Even in their recreation, let them be excessive.' 'Have them return from their recreation exhausted.' 'Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead.' 'Keep them busy, busy, busy!' 'And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences. ' 'Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus.' 'Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause.' 'It will work!' 'It will work!' It was quite a plan! The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there. Having little time for their God or their families. Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives. I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes? You be the judge!!!!! Does 'BUSY' mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?

got GOD?

2008-07-15T21:34:00.003+08:00

this is no email. we need stuff more personal than that.

if you hear God today, do not harden your heart.

feel emo? feel let down? betrayed? lost someone or some people who were important to you? or maybe the world ain't giving you a break. maybe someone stole your thunder. not getting the credit you feel you deserve? this job you are doing doesnt seem to be reaping any results no matter how hard or what you try. you know something is wrong with the whole thing but you can't do anything about it. abandoned by people you cared most about? or maybe that.... rahhh!!! just came in and ruined everything.
yeah well, if you feel that way, welcome to my life.
everyday there's something that's gonna bring you down.
and when there's an UP, it's short-lived.

ok take a moment now, and just think about it. everything or everyone you feel that really drives you nuts and makes you angry or sad. let the anger fill you. that's what i like to do. sometimes i punch the wall too. feel all the depression inside. it's ok if you feel like you wanna cry now. sometimes you just gotta let it out.

i don't pretend to be perfect, cos i definitely am not.
i pretend to be ok. but sometimes i ain't.

well, i don't really know what to say or how to continue, cos i'm writing all this on the spot.
i don't mean to lecture, and i don't mean to preach. i don't think i have enough biblical knowledge or all that theological prowess to get everything right in this post.
i'm just trying to write all this from a personal level to all PLHers who actually bother to visit this blog. cos someone around our age has gotta care enough to say something, right?

basically, i've been feeling a lot of crap. and i guess some or most of you are feeling that way too. but you know what, if you aren't, maybe you should be worried. a christian is not supposed to have it easy in this life. either God's gonna test us, or the world's gonna reject us for following Him. (if you really ARE following him)

but recently, i realised there's a way out. or rather, i re-realised. cos i always fall away, and then come back again.
i don't have a way of getting rid of the problems, but i've found a way to face them. and even if the problems don't go away, i'm still at peace.
my dad said something that night which i found to be really true:
most of us believe in God, we just don't believe that God matters.
ask yourself honestly if this is true for you. cos i admit it has been true for me sometimes.

i needed to rededicate my life back to Him again. and i've done that lots of times in the past year or so.
what i've also decided to do recently is to have a more disciplined lifestyle (due to all the commitments i have, i need really good time management). but it's really tiring and i knew the only way i was gonna accomplish it was to ask God for help.
i start my day at about 5plus or 6am and do my Quiet Time and Bible reading. then a good prayer to kickstart the day. fill myself with God's strength and asking Him to be with me throughout the day. it really makes a difference!!
if you feel that you can't wake up early or don't have the time for all this Quiet Time stuff, then here's another saying which i believe in:
if something is important to you, you will definitely find the time for it.
this is really true. football is very important to me, so i'll find the time to play or watch it, even if i have to sacrifice my studying time, which is not that important to me, so i don't make time to do it sometimes. (this is not a good example, but's it's the only thing i can think of now)
HOW IMPORTANT IS GOD TO YOU?
aha! brain starting to think a little bit now? this applies to activities, or friends, etc.. what REALLY is important to you?

well, i've realised that i also depend on my own strength alot. and most of the time, this doesnt work.
then i also depend on friends alot. don't get me wrong, friends are great and everything, but hey, face it, they've got their own lives and problems too. they ain't gonna be there forever. sometimes they just leave you. friends may not want you around all the time, but God DOES.
oh and then there's your boyfriend/girlfriend. i hope you don't have one, but if you do, i'll leave you to find out for yourself. until you're mature enough i think it's just gonna cause pain in the end. when will you be mature enough? not while you're in PLH. i don't have the experience to touch on this, but hey, i know people who have. anyways, i hope the talk during easter retreat spoke to you.
some people who probably will never forsake you are your family, but dad and mum won't be around forever. (touchwood) no offence. but really, life is unpredictable.
there's only one who's gonna be around forever and that's God.
it's taken me a while to realise that He's the only one who's gonna be there for me forever. even if the whole world comes crashing down, as long as i've got Him, i'll be okay. lots of faith and trust needed though. and things really ARE easier said than done.

if you feel you ain't getting the credit you think you deserve, or feeling the love and care you should be feeling, it's becos you aren't looking for it from the right person. no matter how "good" or how "lousy" you are, God loves you just the same. and it is in Him where we should find our self-security or self-esteem. we should be looking to please God, and not man. so we should not be looking for credit from people. if something you do displeases people or your friends, but pleases God, then JUST DO IT! (Nike)
store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, not on earth.

okay, i really am not sure how to end this post, impromptu stuff ain't easy to pull off sometimes.
maybe i can seperate it into 2 things:

if you think you're ok, maybe you need to think again. cos some people REALLY do not think there is anything wrong with them or their lives. (Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.")

if you know you're NOT ok, you need to go back to God. (Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.")

maybe you need to pray more too. or start reading the Bible and doing Quiet Time regularly.
if you need/want to rededicate your life back to God, do not hesitate.

i hope this post has spoke to you somehow. cos in writing this very long post, i have disrupted my new disciplined lifestyle. which requires sleeping at about 11.30pm to wake up at around 5.30am. (6 hours of sleep usually is quite good, but football training takes ALOT out of you!!) it's now 11.55pm. haha. but hey, this is more important.
my alarm clock will still ring at 5.30am tmr. and as for that undone homework that is due tmr, i've done the more important homework on this blog. and i'll ask God to deliver me from my teachers haha!:p

i'm not gonna ask you to have a great week ahead.
i'm telling you to have a God-centred life.

if you hear God today, do not harden your heart.

I-Zack

2008-07-13T20:32:00.003+08:00

Hey, this a chain mail which i received and think that it's pretty touching
Dart Test...

A young lady named Sally, relates an experience she had in a seminary class, given by her teacher, Dr. Smith . She says that Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons.

One particular day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day.

On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture.

Sally's friend drew a picture of who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. Sally was pleased with the overall ef fect she had achieved.

The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith , because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats. As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target. Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall.

Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced.

Dr. Smith said only these words....' In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me .'
Matthew 25:40.

-Yiren
No other words were necessary; the tears filled eyes of the students focused only on the picture of Christ.

2008-07-10T21:25:00.001+08:00

Someone out there either has too much
spare time or is deadly at Scrabble.

DORMITORY:
When you rearrange the letters:
DIRTY ROOM

PRESBYTERIAN:
When you rearrange the letters:
BEST IN PRAYER

ASTRONOMER:
When you rearrange the letters:
MOON STARER

DESPERATION:
When you rearrange the letters:
A ROPE ENDS IT

THE EYES:
When you rearrange the letters:
THEY SEE

GEORGE BUSH:
When you rearrange the letters:
HE BUGS GORE

THE MORSE CODE :
When you rearrange the letters:
HERE COME DOTS

SLOT MACHINES:
When you rearrange the letters:
CASH LOST IN ME

ANIMOSITY:
When you rearrange the letters:
IS NO AMITY

ELECTION RESULTS:
When you rearrange the letters:
LIES - LET'S RECOUNT

SNOOZE ALARMS:
When you rearrange the letters:
ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S

A DECIMAL POINT:
When you rearrange the letters:
IM A DOT IN PLACE

THE EARTHQUAKES:
When you rearrange the letters:
THAT QUEER SHAKE

ELEVEN PLUS TWO:
When you rearrange the letters:
TWELVE PLUS ONE

AND FOR THE GRAND FINALE:

MOTHER-IN-LAW:
When you rearrange the letters:
WOMAN HITLER

Hahaa. I'll run if I had to play scrabble with the smart Alex who came up with this!

INTER-DG CAPTAIN'S BALL!!! xD

2008-06-30T17:54:00.005+08:00

ATTENTION EVERYONE!! INTER-DG CAPTAINS' BALL THIS SUNDAY!!

DGs will go for lunch together after class and be back in church by 1.45pm.
the first match starts at 2pm sharp.

Attire:

Phillips (uncle jeffrey and candice), Gibson (aunty catherine), Cook(uncle francis and aunty joanna) – BBC camp shirt (black)

Murray (aunty uli and kurt), Soong (uncle patrick and uncle sim kang), Blanford (uncle justin)– this year’s PLH shirt (yellow)

Brooke (aunty fei mei and shaun), Keasberry (aunty choy see), Anderson (uncle shih kiat)– white 2006 PLH shirt

*if you don’t have the shirt your group has to wear, you can wear a shirt of the same colour, just so it’s easier to tell the groups apart when you guys play :D (‘cos I know not everyone will have the shirts your class has to wear :P)

**IMPORTANT NOTE: mentors who wish to play after parents meeting can join their own DGs xD

***once you've seen this, please faster spread to your whole DG and your mentor!

What to bring?

water bottle
extra change of clothes
small face towel
a competitive and sporting spirit!! you're gonna have loads of FUN!!! xD

on sunday, when you are resting or waiting for your next match,
the MPH will be open for jamming, and the library for werewolf. and the fellowship hall will be for talk and fellowship. or you can also be cheering at the carpark where the matches will be played.

*for those who want to jam, bring your own drum sticks or picks or whatnot :)

yup that's about all :D

order of matches and rules will be announced on that day (:

cya guys there! keep smiling!! :D
samantha x]

"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

2008-06-29T19:06:00.002+08:00

HELLO!

just a reminder, do remember to bring your church camp lanyards! next week (6 July) will be the last week for collection!

BRING LANYARDS, dont forget! i'll be collecting after worship so must bring and pass them to me. yes.

thank you, God bless!

<3,
grace

2008-06-29T13:14:00.001+08:00

"In the struggle for existence, it is only on those who hang on for ten minutes after all is hopeless, that hope begins to dawn."

"Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them - the LORD, who remains faithful forever" Psalms 146:5-6.

Amen!

2008-06-27T00:25:00.002+08:00

I got up early one morning
and rushed right into the day

I had so much to accomplish

that i didn't have time to pray

Problems just tumbled about me,

and heavier came each task

"Why doesn't God help me?"

I wondered,

He answered, "You didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty,

but the day toiled on grey and bleak,

I wondered why God didn't show me,

He said, " You didn't seek".

I tried to come into God's presence;

I used all my keys in the lock,

God gently and lovingly chided

"My child, you didn't knock,".

I woke up early this morning,

and paused before entering the day

I had so much to accomplish,

that i had to take time to pray:D

Credits to the R.A.D.I.C.A.L.S for this :)

-Tim

2008-06-21T20:37:00.003+08:00

LISTEN UP YA'LL!

Youth Sunday,

Seniors:
To attend all three services, please arrive 0730 meet in the library.

Middlers/Juniors:
To attend the 0845 and 11am service, please meet 0830 in the library. If you would like to attend all three services you're warmly welcome.

0800am ushers:
Please come at 0730 (senior or not).

0845/1100am ushers:
Please come by 0830.

That's all folks (:

2008-06-21T20:25:00.002+08:00

Hello World!

Tomorrow is Tim's first time playing the drums in PLH, so let's all give him our suppport yes? GO TIMMMM ((:

Enjoy (:

2008-06-18T23:43:00.002+08:00

*there IS a spelling error. Super sorry. xP
Creds at youtube site!

Try listening with Lyrics, it makes more sense. (:
(Vid not full song)

All work no play may have made Jack a dull boy
But all work no God has left Jack with a lost soul
But he's moving on full steam
He's chasing the American dream
And he's gonna give his family finer things

“Not this time son I've no time to waste
Maybe tomorrow we'll have time to play”
And then he slips into his new BMW
And drives farther and farther and farther away

Cause he works all day and tries to sleep at night
He says things will get better;
Better in time

[Chorus]
So he works and he builds with his own two hands
And he pours all he has in a castle made with sand
But the wind and the rain are comin' crashing in
Time will tell just how long his kingdom stands
His kingdom stands

Well his American Dream is beginning to seem
More and more like a nightmare
With every passing day
"Daddy, can you come to my game?"
"Oh Baby, please don't work late."
Another wasted weekend
And they are slipping away

'Cause he works all day and lies awake at night
He tells them things are getting better
Just take a little more time

[Chorus]
So he works and he builds with his own two hands
And he pours all he has in a castle made with sand
But the wind and the rain are comin' crashing in
Time will tell just how long his kingdom stands
His kingdom stands

He used to say, "Whoever dies with the most toys wins"
But if he loses his soul, what has he gained in the end
I'll take a shack on the rock
Over a castle in the sand

Now he works all day and cries alone at night
It's not getting any better
Looks like he's running out of time

[Chorus]
'Cause he worked and he built with his own two hands
And he poured all he had in a castle made with sand
But the wind and the rain are coming crashing in
Time will tell just how long his kingdom stands
His kingdom stands

All they really wanted was you
All they really wanted was you
All they really wanted was you

the happening

2008-06-17T18:05:00.002+08:00

hi folks!
i've watched the happening!
don't watch it! it's definitely not PG! haha.
there's like erm.. stuff there that should be censored but it's not censored.
like, people commiting suicide. cos they were all infected with some virus.
yeah.. super gross.. waste my 10 bucks... ok actually i didn't waste my money, but don't waste yours!! haha. that's all. i shall not elaborate on the details, but just heed my advice, DO NOT WATCH IT!!! hahaha. guy gets ripped apart by lions.. guy gets mowed by a lawn mower.. u get the idea.. :)

2008-06-17T16:44:00.006+08:00

HELLO PEOPLE!
How have you been spending your hols? Last week huh? Awwww. Oh wells, if you don't know what to do. There are some movies with feedback!

1) Kungfu Panda
Surprisingly this was MUCH better than I expected. Yesyes! It's hilarious and the panda is SO SO CUTEEE :D Plus, there are moral values we can all learn from inside. Go figure!
(The picture is on top)

2)The happening
Highly not recommended in other words DON'T WATCH! Unless you've got a strong heart or you're planning to bring a jacket and ear plugs!

3)Narnia.
Not bad, should watch and support C.S LEWIS (: Haha. Warning; the book is way better than the movie!

4)Sex and the City
Only applicable to 18 and above, that wipes out 90% of the lighthousers. And yes I'm below that age limit so I can't comment on it.

5)The Incredible Hulk
Yes again! Just a few years ago a similar movie came out but still maybe the guys would like this one.

That's all folks, I hope you enjoy yourselves at the movviiieeessssss ((:

2008-06-16T20:57:00.001+08:00

HELLOOO YA'LL.

Youth Sunday is coming right up, 29th June 2008 to be exact. We're currently recruiting people as Ushers, so step right up come and sign up with any of the youth comm members today! Let's serve the Lord with what He has given us. Don't be shy ((:

2008-06-13T21:26:00.000+08:00

HELLO WORLD!
Father's dad is coming pretty soon, I hope this inspires you to tell your father how much you love him. PEACE OUT BUDDIES!

Daddy's Poem

Her hair was up in a pony tail,

her favorite dress tied with a bow.

Today was Daddy's Day at school,

and she couldn't wait to go.

But her mommy tried to tell her,

that she probably should stay home.

Why the kids might not understand,

if she went to school alone

But she was not afraid;

she knew just what to say.

What to tell her classmates

of why he wasn't there today.

But still her mother worried,

for her to face this day alone.

And that was why once again,

she tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school

eager to tell them all.

About a dad she never sees

a dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall in back,

for everyone to meet.

Children squirming impatiently,

anxious in their seats.

One by one the teacher called

a student from the class.

To introduce their daddy,

as seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name,

every child turned to stare.

Each of them was searching,

for a man who wasn't there.

"Where's her daddy at?"

she heard a boy call out.

"She probably doesn't have one,"

another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back,

she heard a daddy say,

"Looks like another deadbeat dad,

too busy to waste his day."

The words did not offend her,

as she smiled up at her Mom.

And looked back at her teacher,

who told her to go on.

And with hands behind her back,

slowly she began to speak.

And out from the mouth of a child,

came words incredibly unique.

"My Daddy couldn't be here,

because he lives so far away.

But I know he wishes he could be,

since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him,

I wanted you to know.

All about my daddy,

and how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories

he taught me to ride my bike.

He surprised me with pink roses,

and taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes,

and ice cream in a cone.

And though you cannot see him.

I'm not standing here alone.

"Cause my daddy's always with me,

even though we are apart

I know because he told me,

he'll forever be in my heart".

With that, her little hand reached up,

and lay across her chest.

Feeling her own heartbeat,

beneath her favorite dress.

And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads,

her mother stood in tears.

Proudly watching her daughter,

who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love

of a man not in her life.

Doing what was best for her,

doing what was right.

And when she dropped her hand back down,

staring straight into the crowd.

She finished with a voice so soft,

but its message clear and loud.

"I love my daddy very much,

he's my shining star.

And if he could, he'd be here,

but heaven's just too far.

You see he was a policeman

and died just this past year

When airplanes hit the towers

and taught Americans to fear.

But sometimes when I close my eyes,

it's like he never went away."

And then she closed her eyes,

and saw him there that day.

And to her mothers amazement,

she witnessed with surprise.

A room full of daddies and children,

all starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them,

who knows what they felt inside.

Perhaps for merely a second,

they saw him at her side.

"I know you're with me Daddy,"

to the silence she called out.

And what happened next made believers,

of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it,

for each of their eyes had been closed.

But there on the desk beside her,

was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.

And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,

by the love of her shining star.

And given the gift of believing,

that heaven is never too far.

2008-06-10T20:47:00.002+08:00

P.S

Just incase your confused by the beginning part of the Fiesta (the part the youth comm did a little something), let me explain. It was supposed to be like hell, dark gloomy and lifeless. Then we all COME ALIVE (which is the theme for this year's church camp). So yes, there was a reason behind it if ya'll didn't know. Sorry it wasn't explained earlier.

Church Camp 2008!!!

2008-06-10T12:40:00.004+08:00

hey guys!!! what a camp eh?? to be truthful i was feeling really anxious about it, wondering if it would turn out ok. the youth comm really put in alot of effort too, so great job all of you! to me i think it was a success, though there are some points PLH can improve on.

well, day 1 was just arriving and settling into the rooms. PLH orientation at night to get into your groups and do some ice-breakers as well as get your angel and mortal:)

the highlight of day 2 would be the beach games where we did the treasure hunt and made sandcastles. i saw many good sandcastles and it really surprised me cos i didn't expect them to be that good haha:) too bad they got demolished later, but it was to teach you to build your life on a strong foundation and to store up for yourselves treasures in heaven and not on earth:)
the poisonball had two winners (shane and lucas, both from ELMO!) and both are sec 1 haha. great job! although i would like to publicly apologise to the girls for the boys all trying to eliminate you. it may have been kinda sexist and please don't take it to heart.

day 3: this day was mainly free time. it was also the twins' birthdays. seems like they got a few t-shirts as presents haha. the groups were also all rehearsing for their skits so they slept quite late i think.

day 4: PLH fiesta!!! ok, u guys probably weren't scared at all by the dark room, but we wanted to create the effect when we turn on the lights and the nice music played. haha. the youth comm dance was not rehearsed as well, we just came up with it 5min before fiesta:) then we got into our groups and took photos and then the cheers. and next was the skits! what everyone was waiting for:) i must say that some skits were better than i had expected. lots of creativity too. like the umbrella jellyfish and the mad hatter with all the hats. best actor must go to jeremy chan with his little mermaid act and best costume must be shane with his captain hook outfit haha. the best scene should be the true love's kiss song! hahaha. star performer grace tsang lol.

best skit was won by ELMO!!! (red) yeah we really put alot of effort into the rehearsals and alot of teamwork was needed to make sure our time was maximised. so congrats to the whole group. we did it! ("NEVERLAND??")
best sandcastle was won by sunshine! (yellow) great sandcastle with the population 11 thing haha.
best team spirit was don't tell you!! (green) i think that was pretty obvious with the amount of enthusiasm and noise you guys made haha.
best costume was by tigger tio diarrhoea (orange) and you only have to look at the king of hearts costume made by chris kee to know why:)
best photo was by shut up (purple), i don't know why cos i didn't see the photo haha.
best cheer was by mata gang (blue) cos of the national meaning i think haha. we pledge to keep our nation free with justice and equality!

at night was worship Xplosion!!! it was really something to see the whole PLH jumping:) i really felt so amazed when i saw that. there were 14 songs in total and let me tell you my fingers were dying from playing the guitar haha. great job to the worship leaders and band! we didn't even practice anything, so it was great how it came out pretty ok. my dad says we'll probably have practices next year haha.

day 5 was nothing much. just checking out of our rooms and going home..

well.. great camp i think. i'm just glad the youth comm won't have as big a thing to organise til the year-end camp. haha.. whew... though if you think our work is over and we can take a break, you're wrong!! today our work continues in planning for this sunday's camp sharing proramme and youth sunday on 29 june. we ain't getting any rest at all!!

also remember not to cross-dress for anymore skits! it's totally wrong.

a note also that the angel and mortal board is not only for your angel or mortal. you're supposed to write to other people too:) it should be called an encouragement board actually, so our bad for not saying that:p

and please keep ben and chris kee and their family in prayer as their grandfather went into the hospital during camp.

a big thank you to all the mentors for helping out and the youth comm for organising it as well.
and to reverent chris chia for his messages.

let's also thank God for the camp, cos without Him none of this would have been possible:)

enjoy your holidays if you can!

I-Zack

A.....MEN!!!