Some Self-Reflections

My 12 self-reflections

#1- Player or Team Player
Player plays the game.
Team Player seeks to compliment & esteem each other in the game.

#2- Confidentially, Secrecy or Concealer (SKII)
Which product you use?

#3- The GREAT BOOK mentions "Sheep"
So it's "sheep" or "sheepdog"?
Again, I am surprised.

#4- "Consistency"- Doing thing right the first time and all the time.

#5- Nothing is impossible when you perservere & be a good finisher.
Well done! Proud of you, brother! Always be careful on the road.

#6- Thanks for the DVD, Bro! Must really find time to watch it.
God! I need some revelations!

#7- Despite having a busy workload, a family to take care, meetings to attend. I salute you, bro. "B" for your committments to set an example in my Team Leadership.
Much appreciated! Cheers!

#8 -Maintain mindset or paradigm shift?
Thanks for the timely word Ps Sunny Ooi. You rocks! JDI!

#9- Expect Changes
Changes cause us to grow and move forward.
Changes kick Complacency out.
Changes = Taking Risk

#10-Engaging culture and stay relevant.
You ready to take RISK?

#11 - Thank YOU for this lyrics. YOU remind me of grace, hope and freedom in YOU.

Your Grace
You came to me at the well.
In the mid-day when I rise.
You risk Your name
To bring me hope & grace
Your amazing grace

* Your amazing grace, how sweet the sound
As far as the east is to the west
Great is Your love
Your tender love and faithfulness
They are new every morning
Amazing grace

You wrote on the ground
Oldest to the youngest left
Stones dropped everywhere
You shown me love
Your amazing grace
Repeat *

#12- Before I end. A gentle reminder for all.



Blessings to you!

Let's Move On-Let's see the Big Picture

Someone asked me: " Cher, Update your blog leh? Veri long never update liao?"

Yes, yes... here i am again- Updating my blog.

It's not that I am lazy but i blog only when things happens that required some serious reflection for myself & for my reader.

Let's move on....
Recently, my friend lost everything (in his context) in one sitting.
How much can a young man's heart bear such pain and measure?
He has so many people to meet?
Can he go through all these?
Though I may not totally agree with the measures taken towards him.
There's always consequences
But we reap what we sow.
Sad, heart brokened, despaired, helpless... but i pray that you will rise up above all these situation like Job- Mature, stronger in the Lord

Job, in our today's context, a God-fearing successful businessman, a multi-millionaire lost everything in 1 day, his business, his family and worse inherited illness. (You can read his lifestory in the Bible Job)
But he CHOOSE to give thanks to God.
He choose to LOOK to God for Strength.

Yes, he does have some good buddies. But some of them did not give him good advices- they asked him to curse God and die!
But Job chose the former- he chose to Thank God and LOOK to God for Strength.

My friend, I know and am glad that you do have some good buddies,some 7 years of close friends and your 2nd family members.
You've heard and will hear of some not so nice advices that wrestled against your good nature.
But I know that you will do what is good and right and pleasing to God.
Never let emotions lead you But allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.
Allow His staff and rod to lead you (Ps 23)
Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you.
Seek Him and He will be found by you.

Read Romans 8:28. See the Big Picture. Let's move on.

Our prayer and support are with you. Press on brother! The best has yet to be!

To my friend's buddies- It's time for you to be your brother's keeper.
What does a brother's keeper do?....
Think about it. You can discuss it on my tag.

Blessings to you!

Some Sharing

Recently, I've so much things to share. Some really piss and makes me boils! Well just to sum up these frustrations by using my good friend's quote:
I am not going to play your "GAME". Period.

Let me share this exciting one instead.
My friends came over my house.

I shared with them this topic "WORSHIP".
I asked them: "What is worship to you?"

At the end, we came out with this song

Title: "I WORSHIP"

I will give my all to you
Everyday of my life, a pleasing sacrifice
All I am, I give unto You
Every beat of my heart, I long to worship You

Pre-chorus
I worship You
I worship You
With all I am
With all I am

Chorus:
I will give you all the praises, I will sing
Holy and worthy are You
I bow my knees, declare You are King
Holy and worthy are
(Repeat chorus)
I worship

Thanks friends, you guys rocks! Never thought that just one question will snowballed into a song. But I will "greenhouse" it first and let it grow because good song can wait. No need to rush.

Be blessed.

Be Courageous, Stay Committed in the Course

My Mentee is going for his National Service on this Friday 26th 07.

What would I want to encourage him on?
Well, Daryl you had heard my advices,my pre-amps of your involvement in the organisation, changing your perspective about NS and bringing your ministry into the army!

Daryl, getting yourself baptise in the culture of army whereby dialets with added "spiced words" are mainly converse among soldiers is very common.
Training is tough depends on individual.

But I want to encourage you with these bible verses Rm 12:1, Josshua 1:8, Phil 3:9-11 and Rm 8:28

These are some verses that brought me through my army days.

Daryl, always keep that innerman strong. Set the standards. Be a Daniel. Be courageous, stay committed in the course.

Praying for you always.

Something for Us to Ponder

Dear Reader...

For you to ponder. Which demands more of you? And are you ready to commit yourself to the more demanding one? You can always tag me.

Words of Encouragement or Act of Committment?

Till then... Will Blog soon.

To my fellow Camp mate=team mate

Hi all,
Just came back from my reservist about 1 week ago...
Was very busy with my work.

I was thinking of something that I can post on my blog and I believe the best is to blog about this camp mate of mine-Marc Lim.

Marc came to my unit for his 1st ICT when we were in our 6th ICT.
During his active unit, he was in-charge of the armskote.
So during my 6th ICT, my CSM got Marc to help me in my office(armskote).

Most who came over to assist me in my office knew nuts about and the seriousness coupled with the heavy responsibilties of this appointment. Many would complain and complain...
Once, I had a assistant who tried to blackmail me with a written note place on my table and tried to sabotage me by put unauthorized "items" in my office in the name of unfairness.
Well, this shown me one thing about people who are not trained or geared up for such appointment would normally tries to play games with you.

But not for Marc, I found out that he was rather well-versed with the requirement of such appointment although it was his 1st ICT after years of ORDing.

Been working hand in hand with him for 4 years. It was the common understanding we had and also the Standing Order requirement of an armskoteman that caused us to function very smoothly.
Marc is still trying to learn as much as he can from me before I complete my 10 years cycle(M.R.).

Althoug we knew our job, our scope & boundary very well, the Dos & the DON'Ts. We realized that our fellow commrades would at times tries to "smoke" us or tries to be funny but it we did not allow anyone, not even our officers to pull rank with us because we knew the heavy resposibilties that my OC had given to us.

Though ranked the 2nd lowest in the army hierachy, the trust that I have from my OC, DY and other key appointment holders in the BNHQ were tremendous.
For me, it was an honour to serve my fellow comrades but also to maintain the Standing Order that is require of me (Marc as well).

I've also came across one comrade telling me to just receive his weapon without checking it- because he is a 2nd sergeant- he pulled rank.
Immediately I told him to strip his weapon and I checked every parts for cleanliness. I've remembered telling him :"My OC allows me to check his weapon when sending in... Please don't pull rank? Please keep your rank in your pocket. I've a duty to fulfill"
I know I may sound very proud... but come on if every joker come and tell me what I should do...that I should allow them to send in theirs without me checking because their rank higher than me, then I would have allowed myself to be step all over and my all years of specialised training flush into the water cistern (WC).

So my BNHQ comrades knew that when comes to work, I am seriously serious.
I've grown, gained trust and became firm while serving in this appointment in my ICT.
And I also want to thank Marc (if you happened to read this blog), you did better each time in ICT. You must learn not to let fellow comrades steps you all over.

It works the same for me in my work or serving in my organisation. Friends, sliblings or fellow-organisation worker knew my style.
I've one applicant who used to tell me where and what organisation he used to help in, expecting that I would take him in because of his "credentials". I rejected his application immediately.

It works the same for any organisation or workplace. When you know your job scope, you can grow.
But when you can't even handle your scope and starts to meddle in others' affair...you can't grow but might end like a thorn on someone's rear (PITA).

So people let's start learning what's your scope in your organisation, so that you can grow & glow within that safety net. Net is there not to trap you but to provide a safe catch for you when you tries to jump over. Watch those steps... be careful not to tread on unfamiliar ground because you might step on mines and not only hurt yourself but others as well.

*To my one and only friend who held the same appointment as me now...(you know who you are lar) I pray that you will learn to embrace this responsiblity with a new passion and a new heart. A renewed perspective about such role is easy to bear when you began to sees it in a different light and positive angle. I know you can and you will. Learn to take such heavy responsility with stride. I know you will do well and God will be glorify in your service when you starts complaining less and thanking God more. Begin to expect things and situation to change for the better*

So think, ponder through... If there is some truth in it... starts learning. Don't be stuck in the mud.

Will blog soon!

Courtesy

Dear Readers... this might be another long post but reading further might cause you to think further about this issue....

Have you ever encountered friends or people who does not have basic manners?
OR
Have you ever received sms or msn from friends that didn't even send you their greeting or can't be bothered to say: "Hi so & so" or "Hey so & so"... but instead went ahead and rattled on his or her agenda?

I believe these reply would be an undoubtedly "YES".

I had the opportunity to discuss this with my inner circle of friends...

We had derived some good reasons why people or friends thought that it was fine:

#1- We are good old friends- many years of friendship.
(So it's fine lar... let's overlook such formality... let's forget about each
other's boundary lar)
#2- I am your leader- Spiritual, organisation.
(So let's go straight to the point... forget about formality)
#3- Save time lar
(Can save a bit more on my sms mah)
#4- We are married for so many donkey years...so long...
( It's alright lar... we understand each other well enough)

Some who read this will find these reasons justificable.... BUT
DOES THIS GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO FORGET ABOUT BASIC MANNERS?
DOES THIS HELPS YOU THE TO SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU?
DOES BEING COURTEOUS BORED YOU DOWN?
WHAT GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO BE IMPOLITE TO PEOPLE AROUND YOU?
WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THAT THESE THINGS HAPPEN IN THE PHYSICAL WON'T HAPPEN IN THE SPIRITUAL?

Allow me to share my experience when my son Barnabas was staying a Neo-Natal ward in one of our local hospital.

During that 7 months of visiting him in the hospital, Sum & myself had made establised some good friendship with the nurses, senior consultants, the social worker.
We could have exercise our very rights by expecting care to be given to our son on that period... We give up that right... but we only just keep on loving our son... through that love, we re-channel the love that Barn's received from us to the caregivers in the hospital.
We honour, respect and appreciate them by being courteous and polite to them.
Little did we realised or did we expect that we had so much favours with them. They appreciate us and commented that Barney had a great wonderful parents that loves him...

I know the responsibilty of setting a role model for our friends are vital especially to our younger ones. Neither does Sum nor myself won't dared to take it lightly BUT at times, there were many others who are able to influence neglected this very basic principle- Being Courteous.
Folks, you want to raise up a generations full of potentials? DO NOT NEGLECT THESE BASIC PRINCIPLE

Sum & myself have been married for 7 years, known each other for 12 years... We've have learnt and are still learning not to forsake such basics... cos such basics in life reflects our love for each other, our relation with our Creator God and with others.

We still says "Hi, dear...", we learnt to respect our individual boundary although we are one in body & spirit yet we are still very individual.

Let me share these truths before I end this long post...

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

If being courteous is right, excellent and if being courteous to other is doing good work, what's holding you? Just do it! Make this part of your life.

Let's cultivate this good habits among us.

Let's purpose to do the right things right.

Blessings to you

SORRY

Why does saying a sincere SORRY is so difficult.

Dear reader,
This post might be long but as you read, ponder through.

These few months, I’ve been observing and seeing things happening around me after a church camp that I attended in June with my family.

Much had happened, some deserves to be identified while some is just good not to mentioned about it.

New friendships were established, existing ones deepened, while some could simply just cold-turkey it.

It came across to me that when we sort out a misunderstanding due to whatever reasons that one may have.

It is vital for the one just to say: “sorry” and be sincere about it- period. Adding more or trying to reason more DOES NOT justified or MAKE you more righteous. It makes you evenmore unrepentance. Get it?

If this is not done in a proper manner, it will worsen the entire issue. It will cause things to drift apart.

To the extreme, the one who apologized will be deem as a hypocrite, charlatan and a “white wash tomb”.

So what's the main reason behind for diluting the SORRY?
I believe this word called “PRIDE” Spelled P. R. I. D. E.

The middle letter is “I”

Pride starts with I, me.

Let's see what the bible has to say about this…

Leviticus 26:19
I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze.

2 Kings 19:22
Who is it you have insulted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!

2 Chronicles 26:16
But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.

2 Chronicles 32:26
Then Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the LORD's wrath did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah.

Proverbs 8:13
To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10
Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 29:23
A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.

Ecclesiastes 7:8
The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

Isaiah 2:11
The eyes of the arrogant man will be humbled and the pride of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.

It very sure that the Lord opposes the pride and give grace to the humble.
(Proverbs 3:34 He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.
James 4:6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.")

I’ve learnt this BIG TIME when I dealt with one of my staff many years back.
I ate humble pie but I experienced the grace of God too. I’ve learnt to say sorry despite my position. I humbled myself to say "sorry". Not easy, but i've learnt.
I am reminded that I need to keep stock of myself.
I can take pride of what I am doing but I must always know that all things come from God.

But when it comes to saying sorry or coming to term with my fault (if it’s really mine) I’ve learnt not to dilute this word “Sorry, I am wrong”. I choose not to use words like “I am regretful for causing…”, “I apologized for…”, “I am remorseful that…” etc… these words seems ok but they fall short of what you wanted to say and convey. It stops short what you want to express from your heart.

When you say “Sorry, I am wrong”, it expresses the real bare condition of yourself candidly. It means you give up your rights to pursue or to fight or to argue back. It means that you are putting your head on the chopping board.

When you say “Sorry”, it shows the maturity of the person and the sincerity of the act.

That’s the reason why we are teaching and educating Joash to say “sorry” with an outward action whenever he misbehaved. Those who seen him do that with the action and say “sorrie” will finds him such an amusing child. (Yes, I can see those smiles on your face when you read this.)
We’ll always hug him and say: “you are forgiven”.

Now back to the one to forgive…
Do you know that more grace and humility is required and needed for that person to render forgiveness?

It’s not easy to forgive and to let go because of our fallen nature.
Our fallen nature tends to withhold but a resurrected nature of a renewed mind will choose to release and forgive.

Forgiveness means I choose not to exercise my rights against you.
Forgiveness means I choose not to take up issue on you.
Forgiveness means I choose to humble myself and submit myself to God.
Forgiveness means I choose to set you free.
Forgiveness means I choose to set myself free.
Forgiveness means I choose to set myself free and applying the grace of God in my life.
Forgiveness means allowing me to be set free and restore by my Healer.

Healer
Words and Music by Mike Guglielmucci

Verse 1:
You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease
I trust in You I trust in You

Chorus
I believe You're my Healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You're my Portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus You're all I need

Bridge:
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands


Friends, let’s learn to say “sorry” when we are wrong. Admit and be sincere about it. Don’t justify your wrong further. (“Don’t say things like although I did no wrong or don’t know why I’m wrong… But I still apologize. Cut that nonsense out! Who will want to admit one’s wrong?)
Friends, learn to forgive because forgiveness set you free from bondage and further health complication.

Till then, will come back for more interesting stuff...
Blessings to you.

I've Neglected You All These While

You were there supporting me whenever I played drum,
But I've never notice you.

You were there giving your best whenever I drum,
But I've fail to treasure you.

You gave your best each time without fail,
But I failed to value you.

It was only lately, I realise how important you were during my drumming.
How much support you have been giving me all these while.
The powerful base sound that you produced-Awesome!

Yes, you are the one that I need to get to know you once again.

Yes, you are the one- floor tom.

* This post is not an outward expression of my affection towards someone. But I began to appreciate this one part of the entire set of the drum- floor tom.

My love & affection to and for my one and only is ever strong & tangeble-my beloved, lovely, ever endearing wife.

Bob Fitts- Sacrifice

Hi All,
Was logging on youtube... Suddenly I decided to search for Bob Fitts hoping if I can find any of his videos...Guess why? I found his! Not alot though.

Bob Fitts used to be one of my "Idol" and I used to imitate his worship leading skill. His music and ministry had played a big part in influencing me in my style of worship leading during my younger days.

Some of the younger ones might not know him... But he's the one who wrote "He will come and saves you", "Just one of us can put", "Some may trust in horse", "Romans 16:19", "We are salt & Light". He also populared this song "Father in Heaven how we love You" and many others.

Maybe those from early 30s onwards would have known him or indirectly blessed by his ministry. In the early years, he used to lead songs in our FOP at Indoor Stadium.

So enjoy. It's a very powerful piece of song.
For those seeking for a breaking through or is looking for a SACRIFICE... Trust in God. He's Jehovah Jireh. God's provision is always ON TIME. Not too late, not too early. Just On Time.

Happy viewing!

Take Some Time to Ponder

Recently I was trying to clear off some back dated reminders (some are as old as Joash) on my N70.

I chanced upon this quote dated 25th Jan06. This quote reads :" Hero to zero takes no effort at all."

I recalled reading on a newspaper article written by a SP journalist on that date while waiting for Joash's arrival at Raffles Medical.

Till now, it still brings back vivid memories of what happened that day. (If you want to read more, go to www.tomsum.blogspot dated 25th Jan06 onwards)

No wonder all mummys are the greatest love & care giver to their children! I salute Sharon and all mummies with this song!!!!

世上只有妈妈好。有妈的孩子像个宝。
能拖进妈妈的怀抱，辛富想不了！

Joash is 18 Months Old Today!

Hi everyone,
It's my great pleasure to announce that Joash is 18 Month OLD! Son, my prayer for you is that you'll grow in stature and in wisdom not of man BUT of The Lord, your Creator.
You are created in His image and you bear His likeness because the word of God says that you are His and God dances, rejoices over you with singing.
So son there are times that daddy disciplines you to the best of my ability and understanding.

As much as daddy loves mummy with my whole being, I also love you too!
Though these discipline, at times, only works for a season and can be painful. Be patience with me because I am still learning.

Daddy will continue to dance (though daddy dance like a clown, mummy & godma know it very well. But who cares!) & rejoice over you with singing.

So this song is for you & to God. Son keep on singing in the face of all the situations that you are in! Singing / Praising changes things. It changes the environments around us!

FAILURE

Recently, I met a good & close friend.

We were talking about some failures in our lives that we would really loves to undo it and or maybe hopes to avoid it.

And we also questioned ourselves "So what ifs we actually redo it, do we learn anything and mature"? And does one failure makes you a goner or a loser?

We both beg to differ. We realised that healthy good problem or failure does make a person wiser and mature IF that person take it with a postive attitude and take it with stride. Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude.
When such a person take it with a right attitude and move on with life. That person will see things in new perspective.

So my friends, when you face some tough situation, problem, issue or at the cross road.

Please don't forget to seek first your Creator God. He will helps you to put things in order.

He is able, without a shadow of doubt bring you the right person to overcome or steer pass it.

Then always give glory to Him.

When you serve in an organisation with a "watever" or "anything" attitude, friends around you will see and feel it. You will be known as "Jack of all trades master of none". It's one things to be involves in many areas but if attitude lousy...Then it will be better for one to be solely focus on one thing and have great attitude for that one thing that you are always good at.

So are you a jack with a lousy attitude or a master of one? Think about it. Work on one thing that you are good at.

And yes, remember today Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude.


Cherish the day with a great positive attitude

TRUST

How long do you think it take to build trust that you have in a person after certain issues had happened & resolved?

Rome was not build in a day
So is trust.

So much things, matters, issues had happen n the last 5 weeks. Some had gain my trust and of course some had got on my everlasting nerves through some unwise and uncultured manners and means. All I can say is they are UNWISE and SILLY.

So back to the TRUST topic.
When i had a conversation with you does that means I trusted you?
If you think so.... then you better think through. The answer will be a definitely NO.

If trusted is based on talking to you... Then... Goodness, then i would have trusted many people whom I talk to on the streets, strangers, clients that I conversed with etc.

Yes, there will be close bonded friends that I know i can trust.
And trust comes in various level and intensity.

Trust can be easily broken in many ways. And I don't wish to name it but in your own experience, you'll know some.

Yes, things had been sorted out with those who got on my nerves.
Yes, i can still talk to you BUT don't expect ME to trust you because that trust had be fortfieted and it'sno longer there. Hello, hear me loud and clear. Get into your system.
You had to really work very hard to gain back the trust big time. Haha...

So LEt's back to the top....

How long do you think it take to build trust that you have in a person after certain issues had happened & resolved?

Rome was not build in a day
So is trust.

Think about it.

Have a great week ahead.

GENEROSITY

Your Candle loses nothing when it lights another.

No person was ever honoured for what he received
Honour has been the reward for what he gave.
- Calvin Coolidge, American President

Giving is the highest level of living
- John C. Maxwell

As you go through this day, look for an opportunity to be a blessing to other by being generous.

DISCERNMENT

Smart Leaders believe only half of what they hear.
Discerning Leaders know which half to believe.
---John C. Maxwell

The first rule of holes:
When you're in one, stop digging.
---Molly Ivins, Columnist

Joking comments heard by serious person in a light mooded situation produces- unproductive and silly outcome.
Joking comments heard by objective person in a light mooded situation produces- fun and relaxing outcome.
---Tommy

Thinks about it reader.

My New personal blog

Hey, this is my new personal blog that i've got it started.
I will not be posting over here as often as i do (or as much as Sum does) @ my current blog.

You will see a much simpler blog skin compare to Joash's because this boy meant a great deal to me and Sum. This blog will also come with some simple post, thoughts or quotes but at times contain some rather strong opionionated ones that will at times helps me or us to think through certain matters or issues in our lives in a reflective manner and in doing so, thrusting us to move forward with courage and conviction.

Happy reading.

Regards with Blessings,
Tom