KFC Youth StarZ

Don't Say Dead!

2009-02-12T21:56:00.003+08:00

Hey people,

I must really apologise for not updating this is such a looong time.. I thought you people don't visit it anymore.. Until I check the tagboard.. Actually, I check it pretty often myself too, more so in this silly hope that someone will update it and post maybe an article he read to ecourage us all.

I believe all of you want to know what's going on with our cell thing.. Truth is, it's been on my head day and night, and I have actively been trying to seek out solutions to many potential issues that we may have before we even begin..

The first thing that I think all of you are concerned with is whether it is going to be on a Saturday or a Friday. As of now until end of March, my suggestion is that we try out Saturday, and do it in church first. Thanks to Anna for agreeing to open up your house, but I think for now we don't really need to use it so it saves you some cleaning up as well..

We'll meet beginning 21st Feb @ 3pm in church! This shall be our first meeting and we shall see how it's going to work out. After cell meeting, since it coincides with Alpha Marriage, Pastor Thomas would need our help to arrange the chairs for main service the next day, and I believe dinner will be provided too.. Heh.. =)

Before we move on to further issues, I just want to say somethings that I hope you guys will bear in mind! I would urge all of you to be committed to this! Beginning and transitions are always the hardest, and that's where we lose people.. In all that we do now, changes to the cell and plans and stuff, please trust that I have already considered and expired all plausible options and am actively doing my best for the cell. Whatever I decide for you, I hope you understand I have your best intentions at heart.

After March, beginning April (this is unconfirmed, I will try to make it happen, if not, it will be mid-April), our cell will be on Fridays, as of now at uncle Abe's place, but Jasmine's place is available, so I'm considering a move there instead as uncle Abe has to attend adult cell too.. I'm sure some of you will be quite displeased over this, bearing in mind that you are concerned of being tired at the end of the day.. But when a cell comes together, believe that it will strengthen you, and God will give you the grace to see you through it.. On this issue, I know that I cannot satisfy everyone. In fact, I have tried many combinations and find it more plausible to be on Friday.. Would it be alright?

I ask for your kind patience in these matters, and hope that things work out smoothly..

In God's timing and in God's hands,
Justin

A New Beginning

2009-01-06T11:13:00.007+08:00

Have been wanting to send an email to update all of you regarding our new cell status. I know that all of you are probably wondering, are we ever gonna have a new cell? I mean, how difficult is it right, just to form a cell and meet up? Haha.. My dear fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, there are some admin issues that needs to be sorted out. Having gone through a few discussions with some senior people (haha uncle Abe and informed Aunty Agnes who is running the Young Adult ministry this year on), I can rather safely say that certain things are confirmed..

1. Jasmine and I will be leading you ppl! Winnie will not be joining us because since our Young Adult cell (Bright Ones) is now on Friday, the commitment for Friday, Saturday and Sunday would be very heavy on her workload. Also, since combining both our cells is quite hard due to different needs, we can only explore this option at this moment in time. However, Winnie would be willing to take on a mentoring role, to be further discussed. (I edited this part, please read ppl!)

2. We'll be using Anna's place to try out first, but Jasmine has opened up her place as well. She stays in Bishan. My suggestion is we try out both houses and see which one we are more comfortable to be in.

3. Suggested timing is 2pm or 3pm (I want your input on this), wanted morning but for several reasons cannot. Firstly, Justin and Jasmine has Jap lessons! Haha. Also, your school's CCA usually is in the morning one, so will clash.. If afternoon might be easier for most of you to make it..

Things that are not confirm

A. Who will be "supervising" our cell. As for all young adult cells, we generally have an adult supervisor, and this should be dealt with by Aunty Agnes in due time..

B. Location, as we have to try out first..

C. Who will be my interns.. Muhahaha.. This is random and DICTATED by Justin! :p Kidding la.. But we'll see how..! Any volunteers? I'll be glad to have volunteers!

Well that's about it, I'd say we are pretty firm in forming the cell already! Let's all meet soon, like on 17th Jan? Please comment!

P.S (Not I Love You) But can someone help me with the CBox Colour? Also, would like your comments on the post!

2008-12-28T22:02:00.006+08:00

i was having fun doing this.hahahahax.quite cool.enjoy people =D

Anna [=

2008-12-28T21:08:00.005+08:00

CHRISTMAS PHOTO !

HAHAHAX.

I LOVE OUR CELL.

WE WENT THROUGH UPS AND DOWNS.

BUT GOD WAS FAITHFUL TO US.

TO KEEP US TOGETHER.

SO WE SHALL NOT LET THIS WONDERFUL CELL END ! HAHAX.

PEOPLE PLEASE CO-OPERATE TO KEEP THIS WONDERFUL CELL ALIVE. =D

THANKS EVERYONE.

& GOD BLESS =D

Anna [=

cell photos

2008-11-17T13:04:00.011+08:00

hey everyone, i got most of our photo, so i shall upload now.

justin after photo shop

justin before photoshop

can see the difference?

i edited the photo

i put it into collage so it is easier to get

TOodles
Rachel

Graduation Day 2008 :)

2008-11-16T20:39:00.002+08:00

When I realize how much we have all grown, i really thank God for our cell :) Thank God for bringing us all together. Love you all!

2008-10-25T19:29:00.002+08:00

HEY ppl..this blog is soooo dead..came here to make it ALIVE AGAIN!
anyway..
can you all please tell me when you are all free from exams and hol..
so i can plan which date to have our cell outing =D
thanks alots.

signning off
Anna =D

outting on the 18 OF JUNE

2008-06-16T03:03:00.002+08:00

ok in case some of you people out there who have no idea that there is a cell outting well there is

18 OF JUNE
5PM
DHOUBY GHUAT MRT
DINNER AND MOVIE

pls contact me or claudia to let us know you will be going and guys pls go la

Love this cell

TOodles
Rachel

blogging for the sake of blogging

2008-04-27T17:53:00.002+08:00

ok since no body is blogging Rachy shall blog ok. Random stuff la. today we had our first macs session. Justin became our jie mei haha. All the girls had a good time sharing. enjoy this session.

anyway i think that we should have another cell outing. argh i miss cell outing, we shall go study with Claudia at the airport then make her wear an owl suit to walk around( something different from the tiara).After studying we can all catch a movie and have dinner. All must go ok.

God bless those who we are studying for mid years and o levels . and those who dun need to study for exams try to at least pay attention in class.

Miss momo quick mark your books leh

TOodles
Rachel

2008-03-10T14:51:00.001+08:00

romatic video.

I got the job!

2008-02-28T01:22:00.001+08:00

Hey peeps,

Just wanna share that I managed to get the job at the bank after so many rounds of interview.. =) Thanks for all ur prayers!

Cheers,
Justin

WRPF Youth Blog (Cell Info)

2008-02-24T18:10:00.003+08:00

Hey guys.. the WRPF Sparks' cell room allocation for cells during March is out. We got the conference room for March!! more info on http://www.wrpf-youth.blogspot.com/ :)

2008-02-19T11:44:00.002+08:00

Dear BENJAMIN YUEN JIAN MING / S9014735H
Congratulations! You have been accepted into Real Estate Business at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. The enrolment details will be sent to you by the respective polytechnic.
JPSAE Administrator.

=))

Ben is a happy ben.

Who prayed for me? I buy milo for u on sunday=)

haha on a heavier note! Ben is elated! everything(the mafan things like filling up extra form and interview) was worth while!!

But really, everything was based on faith.
ill fill u all coming sunday.

Depressed ----- Where have the good old times gone?

2008-02-11T22:16:00.000+08:00

Work seems to be suffocating me a lot lately. Even though there isn't particularly much to do (like crazy a lot), I feel very stressed.

More important than anything else is changes. The whole cell dynamics has changed, and I have a very good inkling as to why it happened. I feel sad. As if the cell that I once knew was gone. The people are all there, but all the chemistry is gone.

I used to enjoy sharing. Not that I don't now, but it just feels different. Is the cell group too big?

As a cell leader I'm supposed to motivate and help all of you realise your potential, at the same time tackle certain issues tactfully. But I'm sure most of you don't think i'm doing it well... Maybe you have a better way of doing things? Let me know okay? I've always respected all your opinions..

I miss those good old times, where cell was a lively place where I could enjoy myself, and thank God for the wonderful cell that He had given me. Not that I don't thank God now, but I guess I have to figure out a better way to manage the group dynamics.

So pardon me guys if you feel that I've neglected you, or that cell has become boring, or even that it has become a place where you just don't feel you belong anymore. I'm trying, i'm praying, and i'm hoping.

I hope everyone can learn to cheer up a bit, and try to share deeper thoughts.. No one is there to judge, and we're all here to support you.

Have a blessed week peoples.

Regards,
Justin

2008-02-03T17:20:00.000+08:00

Rachel has invited the cell to her house this coming sunday!
which is the 10 feb!

please please tag on the board if u can make it or msn me.. or sms me or do something to let me know.

if u dont reply, ill take it that u are coming and we will include ur share of food!
so yes please do find time for this "outing" so that we can have fun and do away with some sec 4 exam stress.

we will go tgt after church service. so everyone, i wish u all a happy chinese new year, and may it be a blessed one=)

Ben.
cheers!

for those who dont know my number, its 81214860
email-cum-msn : shadowlance2004@hotmail.com

christmas party 2007

2008-02-02T21:31:00.000+08:00

hey cell sorry bout the late post. my com was lagging uploading the photos and they were really pissing me off but thank god i have the patience to load it. i try to get the photos i have sorry if any shorts of other photos these are all i have

friend we have brought

that alll the photos i have

TOodles
Rachel

2008-01-29T02:40:00.000+08:00

How is everyone doing?
I hope u ppl reply=)

Justin

2008-01-23T20:05:00.000+08:00

Hey time for a bit of self promo!!

I changed my blog add:

http://www.goingbythefaithihave.blogspot.com

Changed the link too, so you can just click!

Cheers,
Justin

P.S. You all must encourage Ben ma!!! :)

Jia you benjamin!!

GNK Duty & Sunday Cell

2008-01-06T20:46:00.000+08:00

Hi guys,

I was very proud of you guys today! Most of you turned up on time, except for one or two whom which probably have good reasons so I'll close one eye this time! :)

I think everyone did a great job today in their individual roles, and I feel proud to have you peeps as my cell! I look forward to the time when we again meet for cell!~

It's been really really long... Haha.. Miss those times where we could share our sob stories to the cell.. :)

Cheers guys,
Justin

A New Year A New Beginning

2008-01-04T12:03:00.000+08:00

I hope everyone of you has had a good watchnight, or even if you did not go for one, had spent sometime looking back on 2007.

For me 2007 has been very eventful and became more and more challenging as time progressed, as if many of you actually drop by my blog, it seems to become more and more negative. However, it is not meant to discourage. The reason I have a blog is so that I can "vent" out whatever that is trapped inside me, and once you've posted it, you feel as if you have just spoke to someone. So, I hope my blog does not discourage any of you!

It's been a long time since I posted on this blog, and I decided that I shall come back on track and post! My apologies for disappearing, for it has been a busy holiday for me..

For all of you, I hope you have really sat down and thought about your 2008. Many things are about to happen, changes for many of you. Learn to plan, and you'll never go wrong! Of course, sit down with God and think, you'll find yourself more calm and peaceful.

How do you do it? Go to a quiet place, without any distractions, and just begin writing on a book, a piece of paper, whatever. Something you can keep. Then just write away. Try not to listen to any music though. :)

Mark 6:31 (NIV) - "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest"

Cheers guys, see you on sunday.

2008-01-01T17:47:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year PEOPLE !

its the start of the new year

hope everyone has plans for this wonderful new year ahead =]

and also trust in god more and more..

he will be with you in this brand new year

cause he knows that there will be new challenges and new fun ahead.

take care ppl.

2007-12-14T20:17:00.000+08:00

2dae is cell outing!

but it seems that only ben yuan jeremy rachel and sherry came..

pray for winnie to get well soon.

2dae's purpose was suppose to buy christmas presents.

but in the end none of our friends were coming.

so we end up going shopping for our own.hahax..

sorry ben and jeremy for keeping u all waiting.

hehex.=P

Anna here.=]

2007-12-13T21:38:00.000+08:00

2007-12-13T21:16:00.000+08:00

Some of you may have read this before, but this serves as a constantreminder to us.
This is one of the best I have read in a long time.

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.
They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
"It was great, Dad."
"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.
"Oh yeah," said the son.
"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.
The son answered:"I saw that we have one dog and they had four.
We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.
Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.
We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that gobeyond our sight.
We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.
We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.
"The boy's father was speechless.
Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."

Isn't perspective a wonderful thing?
Makes you wonder what would happen ifwe all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about whatwe don't have.
Appreciate every single thing you have!

2007-12-11T10:47:00.000+08:00

Richly Blessed

The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. —Psalm 33:5

The maple trees in my front yard are the last to lose their leaves in the autumn. So, on a frigid November day, I was grumbling to myself as I raked and bagged the last of my leaves.
Then a cheery voice said, “Good morning!” The woman who reads our gas meter had walked up unnoticed. I asked, “And how are you on this blustery morning?”

“I’m richly blessed,” she said with a smile. After a quick attitude adjustment, I replied, “So am I. Isn’t God wonderful?”

“He sure is,” she answered. “Are you a believer in Jesus too?” “Yes, I am,” I responded, “and He has filled my life with blessing.”

That brief exchange not only brightened my mood, it reminded me that we who believe in Christ are blessed beyond measure. After this sister in Christ left, the sky didn’t seem to be as dark; the wind lost some of its chill; the leaf raking became less toilsome. The Lord had used a fellow believer to turn my attention to Him to see His goodness (Ps. 33:5).

Christians are part of a community. Let’s encourage one another. We never know when a fellow pilgrim may need a reminder of the goodness of God. —David C. Egner

If you are ready to share God’s great love,Follow His Spirit and give Him your all;Numberless blessings are waiting for youAs you respond and obey Jesus’ call. —Hess

Adapted from www.rbc.org

2007-12-11T10:26:00.000+08:00

Dear all, since we are named KFC Youth StarZ, here's a passage on how you can be a star, for Jesus! And since Christmas is just round the corner, spread His love by inviting your friends to 'What R U getting Me this Christmas?' Take the initiative and courage to invite them! :) Make God smile!

Be a Star

Those who turn many to righteousness [shall shine] like the stars forever and ever. —Daniel 12:3

Many today seek stardom by trying to get into the media spotlight. But a young Jewish captive achieved “stardom” in a better way.

When Daniel and his friends were taken captive by a ruthless invading nation, it was unlikely that they would be heard from again. But the godly young men soon distinguished themselves as intelligent and trustworthy.

When the king had a dream that his wise men could not repeat nor interpret, he condemned them to death. After a night of prayer with his friends, Daniel received from God the content of the dream and its interpretation. As a result, the king promoted Daniel to be his chief advisor (see Dan. 2).

If the story ended there, it would be remarkable enough. But some scholars believe that Daniel’s influence in Babylon made people aware of messianic prophecies about a Savior who would be born in Bethlehem. Daniel’s teaching may have been the reason that 500 years later wise men from the East followed a star to a remote and unfamiliar part of the world to find an infant King, worship Him, and return to their country with the good news of God’s incredible journey to earth (Matt. 2:1-12).

By turning others to righteousness, we, like Daniel, can become a star that will shine forever. —Julie Ackerman Link—Julie Ackerman Link

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing!Out of my life may Jesus shine;Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,Make me a blessing to someone today. —Wilson

Adapted from www.rbc.org

2007-12-09T21:52:00.000+08:00

tata! did this... it's too big to upload here..
clik here!

Outing (Part 2)

2007-12-04T10:03:00.000+08:00

As posted by Justin, we shall stick to the plans. But the date will be changed to 14th dec, instead of 10th cos some of you are still overseas on the 10th.

Is this all right for all of you? :) Reply through tagboard, sms or come up with another plan! hehe.

Outing...!!!

2007-11-20T22:59:00.000+08:00

I think everyone wants an outing but very hard to plan rite.. So these are the details to the outing that Justin has in mind!

December 10th, we'll meet for a lunch, probably a buffet at sakae sushi again if u guys want, if not food somewhere else. Then we can head down to east coast to cycle! Then end it off with some dinner nearby?

How's that sound? =)

2007-11-15T23:32:00.000+08:00

Eh.. hello guys?? anyone actually reads this blog??
Exception of Justin and Winnie and Sharon,
Im so very very sure that the REST of you are Exceptionally free.
Lets work together in making this blog ALIVE!!

So ppl!! lets collaborate!

DO YOUR PART!!
ITS NOT JUST MY CELL!
ITS YOUR CELL!
COMMON GUYS RUB UR EYES!
CRACK THOSE FINGERS!
AND START TAGGING!
POSTING!
BLOGGING!
COMMENTING!
BECAUSE ITS NO ONE ELSE'S BLOG BUT??
YOURS!

yes!! so don't WAIT! don't HESITATE! Not TONIGHT not TMR!
NOW!

=.= do u guys actually read this?

2007-11-10T02:35:00.000+08:00

Since u all know who i am, Benjamin is sooo free now... and he has dont know what to do, he has decided to organize cell outing.

Im sure u all people are busy creatures even on a splendid nov holiday where children plays, i hope u all make time to gather with one another to catch up.

Details are not comfirm,

A) we go makan
B) Cycling
C) bowling?(can be with cycling)
D) movie
E) ice skating
F) BBQ
G) Crash someone house
H) none of the above, so please give ur comments and ideas.

We highly encourage you all Son's and Daughters of christ to bring friends!!! So please try to brings friends and most imptly bring yourself.

Date, for now lets say 13 of november? Not comfirm. If u cant make it, leave ur comments WITH YOUR OPTION A to H. Please leave ur comments! Once u read this, ur ordered to comment!! thanks=))

Best wishes from
Ben.
God bless u guys!!
Have a happy holiday.

Remember to stay close with ur walk with God.

GNK Annual Evaluation on 17th Nov @ 3pm

2007-10-30T09:30:00.000+08:00

Hi guys and girls,

Our favourite GNK is having an evaluation on tha above-mentioned date! Not too sure if the place is in church, but it's highly likely so.

Please leave a comment here and tell us whether you wan to come so they can cater food! Since you all holidays already and so pro in GNK stuffs, do try to come! The future generation for our church!! =)

Cheers,
Justin

2007-10-29T11:39:00.000+08:00

ppl.i edited the photos.hope you like it =P

Our lovely cell :) missing some of you.

2007-10-28T19:31:00.000+08:00

the pretty girls and handsome boys. :)

the happy shot. :)

Sharing on John 11:1-44

2007-10-27T12:43:00.000+08:00

This is a long passage, but I believe many of you have read it before. If you haven't, do go and read it before proceeding.

When you move along in this sharing, try to answer the questions yourself. Do not refer to anything else, but see if you can comprehend what God is trying to speak to you.

1. Do you think God loves you? What was the last thing god did for you and you felt His love for you?

The story essentially talks about Lazarus' death, and Jesus' eventual act to ressurect him. As many of you might know, Lazarus was one that dearly loved Jesus. This was reciprocal, meaning Jesus loved him back, as much or even more than he did. However, Lazarus had to die for a few days before he could have been brought back to life. Why did all this happen?

2. Has God never been there for you? What is the thing in your life you feel that God is not helping, or the most recent incident?

If you already know the model answer and what I'm trying to drive at, good! But move along, and see if you can grasp something out of this.

3. Why do you think that when Jesus heard that he was sick, He stayed for two more days?

If you had a loved one, hospitalised, what would have been your reaction? What if you heard it during your exams? Would you have left the hall and rushed down to see the person you love? The idea should apply here too. However, right now, it seems difficult to comprehend why Jesus had to stay 2 more days.

4. Lazurus gave his all for Jesus! Why did this happen to him?

As we all know, it's all the big plan. But if you are Lazarus, knowing that you are sick and dying and your Lord is not coming to save you in the best possible time, how would you have felt at that point in time? I would have felt angry, desperate, and maybe even gave it all up! But as we read on, we learn more.

5. Why do you think Jesus decided to go back, even though He was nearly stoned awhile ago?

Would you have risked it all for someone you love? I'm sure you would. Here we are assured that Jesus, or God, loves us so much that He doesn't mind taking the risk.

The last few questions I would not provide answers for, for I believe you guys are matured enough to answer them. They are, as always, teachings that you all have understood and heard before. Now, my challenge to you is, how do you apply it to your lives right now?

6. What is that shortest verse in this passage, or in the Bible for that matter? Is it significant to you?

7. Why do you think God allows this to happen to you?

8. What trials do you now remember that God has allowed you to go through?

Therefore I believe that you should bring back from this sharing 3 important points:
- God knows what is going on
- He hurts along with us
- Our will might not be His will, and sometimes pain is inevitable

Hope it has inspired all who read it.

Cheers guys, see ya on Sunday.

Justin

2007-10-14T00:16:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone!!
Doing alright? lets make it a point to tag at least once every week shall we??
If not 50C fine will be imposed.

Money will be donated to cell fund =P

Aiyoh.. Blog dying ah..

2007-10-02T23:31:00.000+08:00

Hmm is it only i do posting then ppl come? Hello all, please revive the blog! I understand all your exams are coming and you're all in my prayers for ur exams, but do try come k? =)

An inspirational video for you all..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LtCrlXdd2E

By the way, I'll be skipping my sharing on leadership session 2, because I didn't manage to get materials for you all, unless you all want to discuss the common problems or issues you all facing when leading..?

Therefore the next sharing will be by Sam Goh, on Matthew 1.. Sam Goh, please be there to share..

Guys and gals let's keep up the good work.. Jia you, dun stress dun depress, fight it!

Claudia and Jeremy though it is way over due good job with the sharing! Looking forward to your next one.. =)

Cheers,
Justin

Sunday 16th September 2007

2007-09-13T19:33:00.000+08:00

Hey guys,

This sunday Claudia and Jeremy will be sharing this coming sunday.. Do come and show ur support! =)

Cheers,
Justin

Updates and Random Thoughts

2007-09-10T12:52:00.000+08:00

Hi guys and gals,

Just thought I'd put in a few words of encouragement in the midst of my mountains of work to do. I always do super long posts, so if you no patience to read then when free then read k? =)

I believe that God has called each one of you to where they are, and you can do whatever you have to conquer in your lives. Especially studies and examinations, believe us when we say that secondary school will be one of the best days of your lives. Taking time to come for cell even when you are busy with exams, SPAs, and other activities mean a lot to me, and I'm sure to the other leaders and to GOD as well. So for that, good job guys!

Just a note on three things that come to my mind right now:

1) Cell Outing

Firstly, I would like to say I enjoyed cell outings with you guys! Though at times many of us couldn't make it, I think that the rest of us would've had a great time one behalf of you! Haha.. Kidding k, no sarcasm intended. But I do want you guys to realise one thing, cell outings are meant to bond the cell, and do not feel excluded in anyway and hence do not come because we are one small family!

No one is given special treatment, nor is no one looked upon higher than the other, because we are all the same in the eyes of God. It is heartening to see people coming for cell outing, especially when exams are near, so I'd like to say thank you to all those who turned up on Monday! Evans's Almighty was a great show. So was the food at Swensen's.

I hope that the next time we have a cell outing, more of us would be able to come and then get closer as a cell. We edify and support each other, and try to given solutions when anyone of us needs help. Leaders interns labourers and supervisors are but names given to us. We all should help keep each other on track especially when it comes to God.

Therefore I'd like to say, though I know not what my schedule is like, that I look forward to the December cell outing!

2) Sharing by Pastor Newman on Sunday (9/9/07)

Yesterday Pastor Newman shared something very interesting and it had greatly touched me. I'm not too sure if it has for you, but if it hasn't i'm sure one day it will.

Exodus 20:12 (If i didn't get it wrong). We must honour our father and mother, and then we will get long life and abundant blessings (JTV - Justin Translated Version, too tight for time to search for verse). God's commandment with a promise. Does that show it's importance?

Anyway I think the crux of the issue lies in that we all take our parents for granted sometimes. Our parents choose to love us. They chose to take the burden of bringing up the child they had a doing the million things they did for you. Just recall the last time our parents ask us to eat something and we shouted at them saying that we're busy or something to that effect. Has anyone considered the effort and work out in to cook and prepare that food? The preparation and anticipation to only realise and get shouted at will surely make them sad. But after that they move on, and try again, and do the million other things they just keep doing for us.

My main point is, are you taking your parents for granted?

Surely, some of us have non believer parents, but that does not mean they love us less. The'r contributions to our lives have made us who we are today. Much as we think we are suffering, I believe one day we will come to realise that the amount of effort put in was not something easily given.

Honour you parents. Love them, hug them, kiss them. If it all seems so hard, why not try this. Say thank you everytime your parents do something for you, smile when you reach home, and buy some snacks that they like for them to eat. It doesn't have to be expensive. It just has to be something that you know that they like, and it'll greatly touch them.

3) Bringing of friends (Grace and Ophelia) and sharing

I'd like to say great job anna for bringing your friends. for what some of us find difficult, you have taken the step of faith and invited them. I hope they had a great time, it was great to have them around. =)

As for the sharing, I'm glad that Anna came and tried to share. My apologies for overshadowing you on Sunday. I'm sure you're capable of much more than what you delivered on sunday. =) Everyone, please contribute! Because when it's ur turn to share and the rest looks down prayerfully, it might be a bit challenging.. =)

Well that's about it for my super long post, great job guys! You all make me look forward to going for cell.

Cheers,
Justin

Prayer Request list on Sunday:

Claudia - 2 SPAs
Ben Liang - Faith
Samuel Phua - Time Management
Ben Yuan - Self Discipline (Lots of it)
Jeremy - Good environment to study and studies
Me - Studies and wisdom to understand
Winnie - Patience to deal with her mega class and mega workload
Anna - Studies (Did i get it right?)
Grace - Studies
Ophelia - Studies
Sherry - Studies and to get away from computer?? (Did I get it right?)

Sorry to those I didn't get k? Was stressed by the GNK.. =p If you wan me to change can tag.. Then I change.. =)

Re: Cell on this coming 9/9/07 Sunday

2007-09-06T15:07:00.001+08:00

Dear Rachel and Anna,

Are you ready with the sharing? Let me know what topic you gals are sharing on by Sat k? Will help you gals out a bit..

Rest of you! Come and show your support la! Hope to see you there!

=)

Cheers,
Justin

P.S: Thanks for the photos!!

2007-09-05T18:06:00.000+08:00

Photos time =]

justin and jasmine (church anniversary)

jeremy and anna's chicken baked rice at swenson
ben's fish baked rice
justin's chicken something? hahas.
claudia's fish & chips
winnie's oyster noodle?? hahas. anna and winnie =]

the guys..

the girls =]

getting ready.

what is claudia doing?hahas.

finally..

Cell outing

2007-09-02T09:04:00.000+08:00

Dear brothers and sisters,

I'm looking forward to the cell outing! I'll get the tickets :) How many tickets do i get? Well i hope my work duties end by 5 pm! If not i'll inform you all and see who else can get the tickets first. And thanks all for coming down to woodlands. It makes me feel like you guys are coming specially to meet me :p haha.

God bless,
Winnie

Meeting on 3/9/7

2007-09-01T23:19:00.000+08:00

Hi Guys and Gals,

Update for this monday! We shall meet at 4:50pm at Woodlands MRT, no school uniform preferably, otherwise ppl ltr come scold us malu.. Haha.. We watching Evan Almighty @ 5:10pm..

Winnie could you get the tickets for us please? =)

Sorry la so busy nowadays on the verge of going crazy le.. =(

Cheers,
Justin

Monday 03/09/07 Outing

2007-08-29T18:25:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

As per our Extraordinary General Meeting with an Ordinary Resolution being passed on sunday, with 100% voting in favour of, I hereby declare the resolution of having an outing on monday evening to be passed with unanimous consent!

We are meeting for a movie and dinner, so.. Someone decide the food and someone decide the movie? Let's decide now lest we argue on the day itself and end up not watching!

Anna shall be in charge of the movie, and Claudia the food! We are going Woodlands, and preferably no pizza for dinner please.. It's revolting for me... Thanks.. =)

With regards to Ben's invite, any takers? My apologies for not being able to make it.. Killer workload.. Forgive me!

2007-08-29T10:53:00.000+08:00

Hello, i'd like to comfirm cell outing on monday. Its in the evening right? Movie then dinner??

How abt sunday? I heard there is going to be lunch or smt.

My friend's church is having a service on sunday evening. It would be a good experience to visit their church. A totally different enviroment. Would u all like to visit?? Service starts at 5 i think. I know u ppl are busy, but it a really good experience, i assure u.

Re: Meeting On Sunday 26th Aug

2007-08-22T23:10:00.000+08:00

Hi cell,

Cell should still be on this sunday... Anna and Rachel are you ready?? =)

Not too sure if we're doing street E.. Asked A. Mary.. Still waiting for reply.. So you gals can prepare first.. Yupps..

If need help can msg any of the leaders to ask for help.. =p

Cheers,
Justin

EDIT: We're doing street E this sun, so do come with open hearts. Pray to ask God to lead you.. Anna and Rachel can do two sundays ltr.. =)

2007-08-16T22:20:00.000+08:00

I have noticed that some ppl have been asking for a tagboard, so ive decided to add one=) so please do contibute. Be it comments, thoughts or questions that are in need to be questioned and is jus waiting to be, please do ask.

No spamming tho=(

Have a great time!!
Ben.

P.S I guess first one to tag gets a surprise? who knows? first one other than me.

2007-08-16T14:03:00.000+08:00

Hello to my brothers and sisters in christ. I reckon that some of you, or most of u are in the mist of ur examinations. Or perhaps its going to start really soon. So i wish all of u the very best to ur revision and ur papers.

My apologies for my dissapearance and i know u all missed me so much that u all cant wait to see me and hear my voice again=). So i'll see u all this sunday.

Work hard,
Play hard,
Pray hard.

Ciao guys!
Cheers.
Ben

P.S who is incharge of changing or editing the blog skin?? I recommend Rachel Lim. She is very much in many ways a HTML pro.=P

Reminder for 26th Aug GNK Teacher's Appreciation

2007-08-16T00:00:00.000+08:00

Hi guys! Remember you have to make a decision as to whether you are able to make it for the Furama (Not sure if spelt like this) lunch?

Do remember to msg winnie by Fri to inform her if you're going..

As for me, sorry, I'll have to give it a miss.. =(

Cheers,
Justin

19th of August (This Coming Sunday)

2007-08-14T17:06:00.000+08:00

Announcenment announcement!! This coming sunday will be combined service!! All people please turn up at 10:00am at main service hall unless otherwise instructed or this announcement changes!

THERE WILL BE NO CELL GROUP.. SIGHZ..

Sent you guys the invite to do some editing for this blog already.. Everyone.. Let's get started!

Cheers,
Justin

The Art of Sharing Word

2007-08-11T00:15:00.000+08:00

Five Steps To Doing A Fantastic Word Sharing:

Step 1: Keep in mind when you are sharing.

Step 2: Plan ahead when to prepare your sharing.

Step 3: Do not worry if you're not inspired on the day you're preparing, just pray and ask the Spirit to lead you.

Step 4: Do not do things last minute!

Step 5: Turn up and share! =)

To Do A Sharing:

a) Pray, and ask God to lead you as you prepare to lead the cell group in word sharing.

b) Read the passage once or twice to get the general idea, and meditate on it.

c) Recall and think if there are any specific things that you feel God asking you to share, probably that week.

d) Go through the questions in the serendipity bible and decide if all of them are applicable. If some are more applicable than others, you may decide to strike some off and ask the more relevant ones, to get more important input.

e) Separate them into the Discovery, Understanding, and Application questions. Plan to spend the most time on the Application questions! We all need to know how to apply it to our lives!

f) See if the specific theme you have in mind follows from the serendipity questions. If not, you may decide to choose some ice-breaking questions (or activity if you so choose) then lead in to your topic.

g) Visiting websites with commentaries may help a little, one of them that helped me is preceptaustin.org

h) Do not attempt to just read off the questions. If they all apply to you, explain in detail why and try to get members to relate to it, so they may understand better.

i) Close you preparation in prayer, and ask God for wisdom during the meeting.

While in Cell Group:

AN EFFECTIVE SMALL-GROUP LEADER directs without dominating. Here are some guidelines for facilitating group discussion.

Wait out the silence. After you ask a question, don’t rush to rephrase or answer it. Allow group members time to think.

Watch faces. If you see the wheels turning, invite members to think aloud: “Mike, did you have a thought you’d like to share?”

Ask follow-up questions. This draws the speaker out and helps everyone think about the subject more thoroughly. You might ask,
o “What do you mean by that?”
o “In what way?”
o “Why do you think that is?”

Know when to contribute. You don’t need to do what your group members have already done. If a member has offered a gentle, appropriate correction to a wrong answer, it’s not necessary to add to it. If the group has covered a question well and your answer is the same, go to the next question.
However, if you have a different answer to offer, do so respectfully. “I thought of it from a different angle” and, “We really see this differently, don’t we?” are good ways to introduce your idea.

Consult the group. When a member asks you a question, let the group add its input first. Someone else may have an excellent response. You can summaries with your answer afterward if it would help.

Monitor tangents. Decide if a tangent fits the purpose of the group. Allow those that are beneficial, but refocus a discussion that’s gone too far off subject or degenerated into meaningless chatter. Sometimes a knowing smile and a “Getting back to question seven …” are sufficient. If your group wants to address a tangential issue in more detail, consider scheduling a separate meeting to examine it.

Affirm members’ input without condescending. Don’t over-commit. Correct their responses gently when necessary.

Encourage quieter members. Some members are more reluctant to share than others. Consider gentle invitations: “Jan, we’d love to hear from you. Do you have any thoughts on this subject?”

Dont Worry!

If you've put in your best effort, do not worry if it seems not as expected! We all need lots of practice, and with practice, we all get better! Do remember that we are doing this for God!

What's to happen this sunday for cell (12th August 2007)

2007-08-10T20:56:00.000+08:00

Hi guys and gals,

I can't seem to get the the updated cell schedule uploaded. The main difference is that this sunday, I'll be doing a special word training for you guys. All of you!

With a prayerful heart go to cell, and try to grasp the basics of leading a cell. It is not difficult, though I might add that sometimes it might not be easy. But with enough opportunities and help, you all will make excellent leaders.

The passage I will be sharing from is one that all of you are familiar with, Jesus Changes Water To Wine (John 2:1-11). I will be passing you guys some materials as well to guide you along, so you won't feel so "lost" the next time you guys prepare for word.

Looking forward to seeing you guys on sunday.

Cheers

P.S (I've uploaded the Serendipty Questions at the sidebar, do take note and don't tell me you don't have the questions!) =p

Baptism Sunday

2007-08-05T18:08:00.001+08:00

Two new lives have been born again today. Congratulations go to Claudia and Anna for deciding to take this step of faith and join the group who has chosen to take this step of obedience. May their lives be transformed and God do wonders and work miracles in their lives. Let God control the steering wheel, and enjoy the ride!

For the rest of us who may have not been baptised, might I just add that for some of us, the decision does not come easy at all, but instead, may come as a constant struggle within ourselves. We may yearn to live a life worthy of God and decide to be obedient to him to take the step of faith in baptism, but circumstances are not always allowing it. The main important thing to understand here is that baptism is an act of obdience to God, and that by honouring God with your obedience, God will bless you back. But remember Pastor Kenny's preaching today, even when you don't do quiet time (equating to "disobedience"), God will still bless you. Just remember to always rely on God, and not worry too much about circumstances. We pray, and let God do the rest. Circumstances will change, but know that God is always there for you, and He will not forsake you. No matter how bad circumstances look, it is never bad enough for God to not be able to work in your lives.

Trust in God, and lean on Him. There is so much out there if we just learn to lean on God and ask Him for strength and wisdom.

I thank God for this wonderful cell of mine! Though I get weary at times, I believe that God has placed this cell in my care not just as a job, but as one that constantly gives me encouragement. Thank you my dear STARZ for the smiles and the questions of concern. I will keep praying! God has not forsaken!!!! Jia you all you peeps! It's just studies! I'm studying too!! No kickz! =p

Let's work hard together as a cell and jia you for each otheR!

Prayer for Justin's mother

2007-07-30T22:05:00.000+08:00

Dear cell,

We thank Justin for his faithfulness in serving our cell even though he is going through a difficult time in his family right now. Our prayers and thoughts are with you Justin.

Please do pray for healing of his mother's eyes and God's mercy, peace and comfort be with his family.

Romans 5:3-4 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 8:28 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.

God is in control. Let's persevere in prayer and trust Him in all things. Jesus loves us.

Why I Was Absent

2007-07-29T12:13:00.000+08:00

Hi my dear youth cell,

Hope sunday went well and you guys had a great time. My dearest apologies for not being able to join you guys in the session and share somethings with you guys. I shall do an explaination here and request for prayers for my mum. You see, my mum went for an operation last thurs for her right eye as she had an internal haemorrhage and also cataract causing her vision to be bad. She can't see almost completely now, only a bit of light even after the operation. As you all might have heard she had internal haemorrhage in her other haemorrhage other eye as well, causing her vision to be down on the other eye. Now, she can barely see on both eyes and she is very scared. I guess no words can really describe how I feel now, because it is hard to explain what my fanily is going through, Doctor says the optic nerve on her right eye is badly damaged, and she can't really regain her sight even with the operation. Many have been praying and are still praying for her, and I hope that I can gather you guys to pray for her as well. The creases in the optic nerve are what's causing her to not see well, so I hope we can pray together for her so that her nerve may flatten and she may regain good sight.

As for the plan that winnie may have revealed, or that which you guys can see on the blog itself, I will soon upload the various serendipity questions for you guys to prepare. Do not be afraid to try to lead. Sometimes, you will only discover your own leadership when given the opportunity. Try to juggle this with your studies, as it comes once in a looooong while only.

Hope to see you guys soon.

Regards,
Justin

The Birth of Yet Another Blog

2007-07-02T23:30:00.000+08:00

Hi guys!

I decided to do a new blog for our cell.. I acutally can invite authors to the blog, so I'm gonna start going that really soon..

Pardon the cheesy name.. Nothing really came into my head.. We shall decide on a blog name.. Soon..

Maybe we can have another cell role.. To update this blog constantly about what happens in cell! Haha.. More work!

Cheers,
Justin