Crows and Crossroads

My Adventures with God

2011-11-12T08:45:00.002+08:00

When I first start this blog, I had intended to use it to describe the challenges I had been through in life. Thus, I named this blog "Crows ad Crossroads". "Crows" were what I imagined that picked the joy and laughter out of my life; and the "Crossroads" were what represented the decisions made to continue in this journey called 'life".Today, I sit in the student lounge of Laidlaw College while

Living On Purpose: Ministry

2011-03-07T17:40:00.001+08:00

Living on Purpose: "Ministry flows out of an intimate relationship with the Creator". Inasmuch that worship is an overflow of the same relationship, what we do is the natural respond to our love for Him knowledgeably (mind, soul & spirit) and experientially (heart).

Living On Purpose

2011-03-06T18:09:00.005+08:00

Living on PurposeGod never intended us to live without a purpose. Life is purposeful and wonderful. We are created with a purpose, for a purpose. Today, I have decided for this season to consider my life and begin living it with a deeper sense of purpose. I've have gone through the "40 Days of Purpose Life" by Rick Warren, Senior Pastor of Saddleback Church in the USA. In the process of it, he

You can't be what you don't see, Joycelyn Elders

2011-02-12T12:51:00.001+08:00

You can't be what you don't see. I didn't think about being a doctor. I didn't even think about being a clerk in a store—I'd never seen a black clerk in a clothing store.Joycelyn Elders (b. 1933), U.S. pediatrician and educator; first woman (and second African American) Surgeon General of the United States. As quoted in the New York Times Magazine, p. 18 (January 30, 1994). Elders, who was the U.

Inspiration comes from many places...

2011-02-12T09:10:00.003+08:00

I was on my lap top preparing my message for YDM (a Youth Service) when I discovered the video. I'm certain that many people have viewed this video, but this was my first time. Music is really inspirational. In fact, music is in the heart of every created being. We all have a sense of rhythm from the beating heart, pulsating veins. While we might not sing, dance or have a tune in our minds...

Song Story - Brooklyn Tabernacle Miracle of Hope

2011-01-15T13:29:00.004+08:00

"Because this place try to mind you of who you used to be but God has never spoken to me about who I used to be...never... God has my eyes and my heart focus on where He's taking me." Gary Norris (2:00 - 2:13)

No Record of Wronged by Our Daily Bread

2011-01-13T09:48:00.002+08:00

“Love . . . keeps no record of being wronged” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).One of my school textbooks had a mother-and-son story that I still remember. The mother was a harassed housewife with so many things to do, and she expected the boy to help her. He had his own priorities in life and resented doing what the mother wanted. One day he decided to ask his mother to pay for the services rendered by

It's 2011

2011-01-07T00:16:00.006+08:00

It's 2011! I can't believe that the year has gone by so quickly. Happy new year everyone and God bless!So what are we in for us this year?Just wait and see....

Grace... it is sufficient

2010-04-04T22:46:00.002+08:00

In the past weeks I've been pondering upon the grace of God. I know it and in fact I believe that His grace is sufficient. One morning, while having breakfast with a friend, I noticed a bible that he had gotten from London. It's more like a magazine compilation. As I began to read through some of the interesting articles in the bible, it struck me that I didn't really quite understood this grace

Nothing in Particular

2010-02-19T21:59:00.002+08:00

Everything's going pretty fast in my life at the moment with loads of events and projects to coordinate. When I look at my schedule, I feel overwhelmed but each day is a sense of accomplishment.God is taking me through a journey and what I need to do is enjoy the ride and experience it.I've now been married for 6 months. Each moment is precious and I know that I'm blessed. God's been watching for

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T11:25:00.006+08:00

Happy New Year 2010 everyone!2009 has ended and reflecting on the year that has gone by so quickly I realized that I'm so blessed! Last year was a BIG year for myself and Lorene. Getting married was an experience on its own. Let me share a little of the experience with you.Lorene and I were in Singapore in August 2008 for a conference. We didn't expect anything more than spending time with her

FOR UNTO US A SON IS BORN...

2009-12-20T14:20:00.003+08:00

Christmas is upon us. Oh how exciting to celebrate our Saviour's birth. I wish you all a blessed Christmas as we remember the gift of love God has given to all mankind... "for unto us a Son is born... and He shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor...." He is Jesus Christ!

CUTS AND BRUISES

2009-12-18T15:36:00.005+08:00

16 December, on the way back from Miri, I was at the Sg. Tujuh Immgration Checkpoint waiting for the passport clearance to enter back into Brunei, I fell into a 'long kang' i.e. a drain. It wasn't a big drain at all. A very small narrow drain.Basically, I was just standing at the immigration booth waiting to get the passports back from the officer when I noticed my wife. So I decided to walk back

Going for Mission

2009-11-29T00:45:00.002+08:00

Heading to Sipitang for a Mission Trip there. It's gonna be a great time of adventure and just seeing God move in His ways. Exciting! I'm gonna be missing Lorene while in Sipitang.

The Wicker Basket

2009-11-25T08:50:00.008+08:00

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible. His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could.One day the grandson asked, 'Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what

Married and Loving it!

2009-11-22T00:05:00.002+08:00

I can't express it but I begin to understand why God blesses marriages. Coming home and being able to be close to her... to hear her and to hold her close. It's still like a dream. A dream come true!

I'M GETTING MARRIED!

2009-08-04T15:16:00.003+08:00

I'm blessed and excited!God is faithful and in every circumstance may we ever praise His glorious name! Amen!

It's been a tough week....

2009-02-25T13:00:00.002+08:00

There's much that happened in such a short time... I just need to remember that God is good. His ways are not my ways, His thoughts are not my thoughts.It's been a tough week... my elder brother died in an accident last week. We will miss him ... koko Chris.

BASKETBALL FEVER .... DUNKS!

2009-01-16T11:05:00.004+08:00

I love this game! On a different note... my sister Florence had just gone back to France. It was good having her home with the family. Miss you Che (Jie).

BECOMING A TEMENGGONG - PENGIRAN TEMENGGONG STEPHEN ANAK LELAKI CHIN

2009-01-09T14:30:00.004+08:00

This picture was taken in October at Indonesia. I was visiting an elderly man who does Indonesian customary weddings. This is how a native Indonesian would dress if he was to get married. There were so many layers to put on that I felt like I was being wrapped up as a mummy. (Not that I know how a mummy would feel like).The number of jewelry and the crown represents the person's title. Only a

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2009-01-02T11:12:00.000+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

BLESSED CHRISTMAS

2008-12-20T20:34:00.002+08:00

Jesus is the best present of all. He also gave us Himself as a gift for our salvation.Often, I would casual remark that "Jesus loves you" and "God Bless", but today, if we (I) would just stop and realise how much God really does love us (me)... and how much His only Son, Jesus was willing to give Himself up on the cross for our (my) salvation, we would be amazed!"Thank You Father, for Your gift

What to do....

2008-12-05T09:50:00.002+08:00

Have you ever had one of those days, where you know there's so much to do but it feels like there's nothing to do? That how I'm feeling this whole week. It is like my brain had gone on a standby, at least from certain task, and needs some rebooting.We'll I guess, I'm just used to being so task oriented that I forget to chill and relax. On another thought... how can we know we're so tasked

Picutres....

2008-11-15T14:07:00.002+08:00

I'm trying to do something here.... :) Not very good with this kinda stuff.

IT IS HARDER THAN I THOUGHT...

2008-11-15T10:36:00.003+08:00

...yet, I will praise You. Nothing is ever impossible for You... I am (we are) always within Your reach. I love You, Jesus and Thank You!Romans 8:37-39 (NLT)37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither our fears for

The Father's Letter

2008-10-24T00:31:00.001+08:00

Major on the majors

2008-10-21T21:14:00.003+08:00

I'm now at Bogor for a Sports Ministry Conference and Mission to encourage some of our missionaries here. They place where I'm staying is pretty good and the Satay Kambing is delicious!!Lately, I've been challenged to stop thinking needlessly...meaning, spending too much time thinking on things that does not matter too much. Yup. I realized (with the help of many friends) that I often make small

BELIEVE, RECEIVE & LIVE!

2008-10-13T11:28:00.004+08:00

Taken from this morning's Bible Reading, Psalms 50:5-95 “Bring my faithful people to me— those who made a covenant with me by giving sacrifices.”6 Then let the heavens proclaim his justice, for God himself will be the judge. Interlude 7 “O my people, listen as I

Are You Amazed?

2008-10-09T16:32:00.002+08:00

I am AMAZED....

ON A ROAD TRIP WITH 20 SOMETHINGS

2008-10-01T17:01:00.003+08:00

Tomorrow's public holiday for Brunei and so, 20 something (that's the care group I attend) will be heading for a short holiday tomorrow, 2nd October til Saturday, 4th October. I'm looking forward to just being with the guys and relax.As for today, I've managed to accomplish a lot of task. I'm feeling proud of myself *pat pat* for being able to finish most of my task (at least for this week)

2008-09-09T09:03:00.003+08:00

Seated here in my office where I am king. Well, at least for the very brief moment....The past month had been a fantastic experience. Though I was very busy, it was a good feeling... and one of its highlight was celebrating my birthday with very special friends and of course my sweetheart. It's 28.... that's a great number.People often fear growing up and aging. I understand theat fear... but I

Back from Singapore

2008-08-29T10:33:00.004+08:00

It was a tired week at Singapore. However, I watched Wall.E when I got back. It's really good. I had a really great time laughing and just enjoying the movie. It's cute and very simple. Everyone must watch it!"You must watch it!"

MY BIRTHDAY! ....Thank you...

2008-08-05T16:15:00.003+08:00

It was spectacular.... I don't have the pictures yet, but I hope to get it and post it up here!It was simple but the surprise was great. :)I happened to have lunch on the 1st August, which was a Friday. Lorene and I went to Fun Wok in Kiulap. I actually asked if we could go to a vegetarian restaurant just around the corner but she convinced me otherwise.So there we were having lunch and talking.

2008-07-14T12:10:00.004+08:00

Running away from the past doesn't mean overcoming it. There's a saying, "the past will always come to hunt you." I honestly believe this phrase. The past does come to hunt us, and for some... even on a daily basis. when I say 'past' I meant the experiences and memories that we dread and are regretful about.My past have been hunting me almost on a daily basis. Some days are worse, and other days

2008-07-10T14:16:00.003+08:00

No title whatsoever. The past weeks had been very interesting. A time of discovering and evaluating. It took me away into isolation, being saparated from those I want to be with the most. Yet, I know it was important to allow the Holy Spirit to draw me in His presence.I had been discovering more of myself... allowing the Holy Spirit to remind me of my goals, purpose and vision. Now, I know He is

UPDATES

2008-07-08T15:58:00.001+08:00

Coming soon!!!

WORDS

2008-06-12T16:02:00.004+08:00

Lately, I've been stumbling over my words. Though it was never meant for evil or to hurt anyone, too often it does. Why? Would it be my lack of tack or the tone of voice? Is it the facial expression or does it come froth as an insult? What is it?Nonetheless, words are not to be taken lightly... once it is said, you can't take it back. A joke said wrongly, a remark made sarcastically, an honest

SELFISH

2008-05-30T10:09:00.003+08:00

Such selfishness!.... *provoking*I realise that this current post seems rather negative, however, this are clear observations and I'd admit the truth is a fact.... YOU'RE (we're) SELFISH!Selfish.... self-centred.... just being bitter and soaking in self pity... only wanting what you want or at least to wanting to make your opinions heard without thinking of the cosequences. I'm not innocent of

WHATEVER LAH!

2008-05-29T17:40:00.001+08:00

Whatever lah....

Improvements... small baby steps.

2008-05-28T13:01:00.005+08:00

Half the year is almost gone and already I've learnt and discovered so much about myself and others. It is said that personal experience accounts for most of our learnings and discoveries, I truly agree.Something I've improved in:In recent years, a lot of my personal relationships hadn't been very good. I've come along to be overbearing, preachy and pushy (still am). Many of which came because of

GRACE. Unexpected. Undeserved... its a GIFT

2008-05-15T10:13:00.004+08:00

I read the book The Ragamuffin Gospel and found the joy of understanding the grace of God. Grace has become 'cheap', and taken without a consideration of the GIFT it is for US. I recommend YOU to pick this book up at a christian bookstore or online and once again be refreshed and transformed by the grace we so long needed to encounter.Grace strikes us when we are in great pain and restlessness.

RECOMMENDED BOOK - THE RAGAMUFFIN GOSPEL

2008-05-15T10:08:00.002+08:00

The Ragamuffin Gospel Visual Edition Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Burnt Out Written by Brennan ManningIllustrated by Charles Brock Religion - Christian Life | Multnomah Books | Trade Paperback | September 2005 | $14.99 | 978-1-59052-512-8 (1-59052-512-4) ABOUT THIS BOOK Too Graphic for Words Would you rather watch a movie than read? Do magazines and the Internet draw

ISLS 2006

2008-05-14T10:38:00.007+08:00

Sunday Lunch with the family!Volley in the mid-dayFootball Coaching at a jail for children and teens.Basketball Coaching at a local school!Here's a few pictures from my South Africa adventure. These are some of my 'brothers and sisters' that has really impacted my life.I miss you!

RAY VANDER LAAN - RUN

2008-05-08T17:05:00.002+08:00

This is the message... RUN!

Jaeson Ma's Testimony

2008-05-02T09:06:00.003+08:00

I thought this would stir some hearts. Its all for the Father's glory.We are all unable to attain the grace of God by ourselves if it weren't already given with the price of another's life on the cross.Jaeson Ma's TestimonyJaeson Ma"... I just keep on going and saying 'God,' Hebrews 11:6 say that you're a rewarded of those who diligently seek you'... and I said 'God, I'm gonna seek you until I

OPRAH.... DENYING CHRIST...??

2008-04-30T12:23:00.005+08:00

When I watched this, I was really disturbed by how many people are now being misled to believe in her new age teaching and support for such demonic religion. Though many are now being led to believe that there is no God... I pray that the Lord will convict your hearts and mine to keep guard our faith and not to be drawn by such doctrines (teachings).2Corinthians 10:3-5"For though we live in the

PSALMS 145

2008-04-24T15:53:00.002+08:00

I worship Him not just because of His love for me, but because HE IS GOD! HE IS AWESOME....Psalms 145:4"One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts."

CHINESE...?

2008-04-23T11:29:00.003+08:00

What makes Chinese-CHINESE? Please check the list to see how Chinese you or your friends really are: There are 29 ways to know if you're Chinese. You will laugh at yourself when you read all of them.1. You unwrap gifts very carefully, so you can save and reuse the wrapping (and especially those ribbons).2. When there is a sale on toilet paper, you buy 100 rolls and store them in your closet or

BIGGER DREAMS

2008-04-23T08:43:00.007+08:00

"There is really only one thing standing between you and everything you can be - and that's your dream. Never be afraid to dream too big. Enlarge yourself by growing your vision."I pray that our vision be Christ Jesus. The size of our dream is directly propotional to how we preceive our God. And... HE IS AWESOME!DARE TO DREAM BIG!

"GIVE OTHERS A CHANCE..."

2008-04-16T11:59:00.005+08:00

Its quite a challenge when we need to consider the things that are important in our lives. Lately, I find it more challenging since I've taken the role of a youth worker in my church. The transitions are not as smooth as I wanted it to be but, this is a tough world and somehow I just need to adapt.One of the hardest thing to adapt to is the fact that people tend to forget that you're a person and

ENCOURAGEMENT... it goes a long way!

2008-04-12T11:30:00.004+08:00

"It goes a long way.... It really does!"Without your encouragements life would have been tougher and I'd give up! You were my pillar to lean on and the shoulder to cry on when ever I needed it. I love you...Mummy & Daddy, Che-Ming & Dex, Che-Ching & Yoyo, Raymond, Gaby, Lorene, Chester, Ben, Terence, Matt and Pete, Stephen O, Uncle Andy, Clyde & Chel, Christina.... I'd like to name everyone!!

Oh Kaylitsha!

2008-03-13T11:51:00.004+08:00

I haven't shared much about my experiences in South Africa when I was there. Here's just a short video of when I was at Kaylitsha - a 1.5 million predominantly black "xosa" community. Watch this girl dance to the music... Oh Kaylitsha!

Healing Always Comes - Devotional by Canaanland

2008-02-26T09:18:00.000+08:00

Healing Always comes "And these signs shall follow them that believe… they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” Mark 16:17-18 I Used to get upset over people I’d lay hands who wouldn’t

Betrayal...

2008-02-20T12:12:00.006+08:00

"Ben"(pronounced as 'Burn'), my sister called. "Why do you even bother calling them friends?"I was caught in a moment of hurt and anguish. The pain was worse than one caused to the flesh. It cuts deeper, wounding me. My eyes whelp as I could no longer bear the pain. As the betrayal now sets in, it was clear to me.... we weren't actually friends.This was quite a long time ago in my teen years.

Patella Bone Fracture

2008-02-19T10:22:00.004+08:00

Patella fractures often occur when you fall onto your knee or a receive a blow directly onto the kneecap. A patella fracture can also occur when the quadriceps muscle in the thigh contracts violently or when the lower leg is extended against a fixed resistance (this happened to me).

One Legged!

2008-02-16T10:52:00.002+08:00

I never thought it would end up like this. Yes, I've fractured my right knee. How? Well, its the obvious... BASKETBALL! I'm now on cruthces and with a cast that has isolated my entired right leg. I've never felt so hadicapped in my life. This happened on the 14th February... ironic!The sense of helplessness is not something I enjoy having. The first day wasn't too bad. I like the attention and

WALKING ALONE

2008-02-05T18:01:00.002+08:00

I was reflecting on my life and how I get so caught up with my own feelings. I realized that the more I focused on myself, the more isolated I become. Lately, I've been feeling like I've been "walking alone". This obviously isn't true because I've got so many friends by my side willing to go through the journey with me.Just a few moments ago I was in my office praying and telling God how I felt.

INSTINCT

2008-01-29T12:27:00.000+08:00

adapted from Our Daily BreadFlying into a storm is a dangerous experience. The temptaion is to fly by our own instincts, or, as aviators say, "by the seat of your pants." But as any pilot will tell you, that's a prescription for disaster. If you rely on your feelings and instinct, you become disorientated, thinking that the plan is going up when it's actually going down. Thankfully, the

SHARING THE FAITH

2008-01-16T18:07:00.000+08:00

This cracks me up... creative!

SECRET BLESSINGS ... Back from Mission

2008-01-02T12:17:00.000+08:00

My team and I were on our way back from our mission trip to the Philippines. We had taken my car and drove it back from KK to BSB. The whole journey was to only take us 7 hours maximum. Well, on the way back my car decided to fail on us. I was behind the wheel of my car and suddenly the lights on the dashboards began to flicker randomly and without any further warnings the engine stalled.The

LEADING THE GROUP - My Eldest Sister

2007-11-28T09:37:00.000+08:00

A lot of the traits of a leader I had learnt from my family. I was the third child in my family. The crossroads were never quite clear here. From the time our my childhood, my eldest sister had also been the leader. She always seemed to have it all under controlled. She was the rational and thorough type. May be its just part and parcel of being the eldest.One of my earlier memory of her was a

DEVOTION

2007-11-28T09:33:00.000+08:00

Behold the Lord "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 Inside, you’re perfect –born again in the image of Jesus Himself. But outwardly do you

RECOGNITION & SELF WORTH

2007-11-21T12:30:00.000+08:00

He said, "This is my son, Stephen, my hero!"The struggle with self worth has been something I've struggled with for all these years. It is probably one of my weaknesses in life. The urge to find my worth through what I do and pleasing others in the process seemed to help me find a certain value in myself. It is an endless jouney to finding my worth.I know of many people who feel the same as I do.

SISTERS!

2007-11-16T10:46:00.000+08:00

I have two elder sisters whom I truly love. They are my role models and I've learnt so much from them. When I entered into the morning classes (primary four), my sisters told that I have to start being cool. So, they trained me how to "walk", "talk" and swing my bag pack across one of my shoulders.There's something about having elder sisters. I would never have it any other way.I can't imagine

LIVNG MY ADOLESENCE

2007-11-14T12:13:00.000+08:00

Oh those years have brought such fond memories. As a child I used to ride bikes, climb trees, play the swings and more. Those years were blissful. Though I had grown through some tough times, I would distinctly remember the good innocent years of my childhood and eventually my adolescent years."Mummy", I croaked as my sisters would laugh at my then squeeky voice. It was hard to avoid. PUBERTY...

Are you ashamed?

2007-11-10T10:52:00.000+08:00

There are many times I have felt inadequate and wanting to just crawl into a little hole somewhere. Being ashamed of my own identity. When growing up I had a very poor self image. But more then my self image was what I have grown to be passionately in love... Jesus! When as a youth, there were many times people asked me if I were a Christian. I would not deny my religion, however, my faith and

"STEPHEN... I CHOOSE YOU!"

2007-10-30T17:54:00.000+08:00

Sounds like a Pokemon line! If I remember it... there's a part in the song that says, "Gotta get them all! Gotta get them all!"I just thought I'd post a rather random thought. Coming into the church ministry from being an engineer was truly a challenge. It was not just a personal challenge but for my family, friends and others very close to me. It had pushed us all to trust God more in faith and

IDENTITY CRISIS

2007-10-24T11:44:00.000+08:00

This is rather personal. I was contemplating whether it would be a good idea to post such feelings and experiences, but this is exactly the reason why I started "CROWS AND CROSSROADS" that I may share some of my expriences at these crossroads of life.Note: Please be patient with my grammar. I will correct it again for better reading. God Bless!IDENTITY CRISISBefore my younger brother come into

LOVE HURTS!

2007-10-18T09:58:00.000+08:00

Adapted for Our Daily Bread - Food for the Soul. Special Edition.Dave Egner1 John 4:7-16verse 9&10. "This is how God showed his love amoung us:He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we love God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."LOVE HURTS!"Sometimes love sure hurts!" The mother and father were

Man of the House

2007-10-14T23:39:00.000+08:00

I was only 15 back then. My family had been going through very tough times. These were moments I could remember very clearly as it were only yesterday. My father had hardly been home for quite some time. My mother had to raise my 2 elder sisters, my younger brother who was only 5 then and myself. Who could have imagined that those words would forever be etched in my memories. My father walked in

Crows and Crossroads

2007-10-14T14:57:00.000+08:00

Have you ever felt like you've got so much to do and so many decisions to make? You probably came to a time in your life where you felt like screaming, but no one's listening. It seemed like no one cares. I have! Many times.Crows and Crossroads is about those moments. Moments I had to make those decisions. Moments of silent prayers and tears. Moments of rejoicing and laughter. These moments are