>> Chapter One: Lead Like Jesus Retreat (7 - 8 Oct 06)

Matt 4:19 Jesus said "Follow me & I will make you fishers of men."

I attended a 2 day retreat last weekend entitled "Lead like Jesus" conducted by GBHQ which I thoroughly enjoyed. I relished the quality time of fellowship getting to know officers from other GB coys better as well as spending time with Cindy & my long time friend Pam. The time spent at the feet of Jesus, in the presence of the Father & my family in Christ learning more about Him is really wonderful!

One interesting concept I learnt was the elevator speech - a 2 min speech to be used anytime & anywhere in an effort to share effectively & persuasively with another person the essence of what has been done or learnt. The following is mine - comprising of what I've learnt during the retreat!

Having Jesus as my leadership model implies that firstly, the essence of leadership comprises of influence & humility. It's not about authority, self-glorification, control or intimidation. It is a position of servanthood - an opportunity given to serve & to influence.

It begins by spending quality time with individuals to build trust & relationship, just as Jesus did with his disciples; before moving on to a team plane to build a sense of community and finally as an organization which can then be run effectively because of the foundation of trust on which it is built on.

A true leader needs to always examine his/her heart - being honest & clear of our attitudes & motivation. Why am I a leader? What are my motivation? Am I a self-serving or servant leader? Only after we align our hearts to that of Jesus can we be God-pleasing & effective leaders - those who make Jesus smile.

I also understood that servant leadership involves setting the vision by defining & modeling the operating values, structure and behavior norms; & then creating a follower environment. Sustainable servant leadership behaviors will only emerge as an expression of a committed & convinced heart.

Another aspect which I found interesting & practical is the diagnosis of my members to see which developmental stage they are in so that I may assess the best leadership style to lead them with in order to effectively partner my people & grow them.

Finally, a true servant of the Lord can never neglect spending quality time with the Father through prayer, solitude, study of scripture, understanding the unconditional love of God & having support & accountability relationships.

Thank you Lord for yet another learning experience! (",)

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>> Chapter Two: Graduation Ceremony 2006

We had the Graduation ceremony for the Sec 4s & 5s on Friday ... it was a spectacular & heartwarming event, quite totaly unlike any of the ones we have had previously. But what made it particularly memorable for me is the fact that this batch of Sec 4s have a very special place in my heart because when I first entered Henderson they were in Sec 1. Hence to be able to see them finally graduate evokes a deep sense of spine-tingling, heart-warming sensation in my being.

I love having form classes. I did not have the fortune of following any of my form classes up another year but every single form class I took has left much precious memories with me - the synergy of a particular combination made up of around 40 different beings is unique & completely one of its kind...

I still remember my first form class 1E2 .. when I first took them in July, I think I was like their 4th form teacher of sumthink due to many changes in the teaching staff. Young as they were, some of them already seemed wary of having yet another change & were wondering when I would be leaving. As a first yr teacher, I think I was really quite sotong but they were such sweet, fun, helpful & wonderful kids!! I really had a great start in teaching because this class left me with really great memories. One particularly significant memory that year was them throwing me a birthday party at Suntec in December ... presents, cake & all. I was so touched!!!! That teachers' day, they were asked by their Art teacher to each hand-make a teacher's day card for me .. I still keep them to now all plastered on my room wall ... (",) Sweet sweet class!!

My second form class was 2E1 .. by then I was grapling with the realities of the harshness of teaching life & coping with all the various duties. This class is made up of the most amazing bunch of kids I've come across in this school - young people wtih zest, talent, preserverance. Most strived to do really well academically & they intitally came across to me as being individualistic. Only later did I realise that they were truely a warm & fun-loving bunch who still leave me a smile today whenever I see them. I recall the fabulous reading chart this bunch of great gals in the class did & going out with some of them to Swensons for ice-cream.. Funky class! I was really touched when a group of girls from this class would wait near the bus stop I usually alight in the morning to walk to school together ... though it did not last long, as much as I wish it did, it was really special. (",)

The following year I took 3E4. This was made up of students who were supposedly academically weakest among the express cohort & my heart was with them from the start. I wanted very much for them to be united & believe in themselves. I love that class ... despite some disciplinary issues that cropped up here & there along the way, I always remembered that class fondly because the people who made up the class are so nice, warm & mischevious! I recall the class overnight BBQ & chalet we had where a poor few souls were BBQing like mad while others were haphazardly buying stuff to buffer the supplies & the entertaining but eerie ghost stories they shared at night! Great class!

Finally, my dear 2E2 this year. .. the class that Rawkz. Hmm ... I think this has been the most challenging of all my form classes because the school placed all the misfits of the Sec 2 express batch into my class because I'm supposed to be the most caring & nurturing ... ending up I'd to have my heart & head completely stretched... fortunately the sweetest, most thoughtful kids also landed up in the class .. if not for them it would have been impossible for me to sustain this class with its diversity & needs. I really appreciate the bunch who always cares so much about the class, being willing to sacrifice for the greater good & who have been so appreciative of me. I pray that they will always choose to be R(responsible), O (onz), C (considerate) & K (kiasu) .. 2E2 rocks!

As I always say: Teaching is great because of the students. I will miss them.

Dear & I love to eat. Totally. To date, we've tried Japanese, Korean, Turkish, Mexican, Indian, Italian of which Turkish & Mexican are my favourites! Though dear's preferences steers towards anything that is basically fried, I prefer cuisines of the world! We are aiming at trying Greece, Brazilian, Russian & Spanish next. Any recommendations? (",)

Recently we tried a Mexican restaurant called "El Patio Mexican Restuarant & wine Bar" at Holland Village .. the food is heavenly!! You've got to try it ... if you love to eat! Bon Appetite!

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Listening to: "So You Would Come" by Hillsongs
Reading: Lead Like Jesus Manual
Mood: Thankful

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one & only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

So You Would Come

Before the world began
You were on His mind
And every tear you cry
Is precious in His eyes
Because of His great love
He gave His only Son
Everything was done
So you would come

Nothing you can do
Could make Him love you more
And nothing that you've done
Could make Him close the door
Because of His great love
He gave His only Son
Everything was done
So you would come

Come to the Father
Though your gift is small
Broken hearts, broken lives
He will take them all
The power of the Word
The power of His blood
Everything was done
So you would come

"He reached down from on high & took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters...in the day of my disaster...the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me."~ Psalm 18:16, 18-19

"My life is weaving an intricate,necessary pattern that is uniquely mine. I will begrateful for the experiences of today that give my tapestry its beauty."

I think Jesus is really special. I've never known anyone who can love me sodeeply despite knowing all my weaknesses, my mistakes, my ugliness; whois willing to look beyond all that to see my potential; my strengths & what Hecan do through me. How He never condemns me but would patiently guide & love me as He changes me & picks me up when I fall. He's always by my side-crying & laughing with me. He has really changed my life & has taught me somany things. He's been the greatest thing in my life!

I recieved Jesus as my personal Lord & Saviour in 1992 when my cousin brought me to church, Lutheran Church of our Redeemer, which is where I used to worship & spent a good part of my christian life grewing up in till I changed church 2 yrs back. At that time, I'd a little knowledge about God & Jesus coz I had come from a Catholic-based primary school. At that time, I just thought being a christian was "cool" & didn't really know what I was getting into. I felt rather afraid after the decision too coz' I come from a Buddist family & wasn't quite sure how they would react to it.

Initially, my parents thought that it's only a rash decision. After some time I'll lose my interest & drop out of the religion. I remember my parents always advised me not to be too serious about it or give my commitment lest I might regret it when I find that another religion is "better". But guess what? After all this time, I still dun want to change "religion" coz' God is so real! When you've learnt to experience in your heart the depth of His love & forgiveness, how enjoyable His presence is, Hispeace, assurance & joy when everything goes wrong - who would want to?

During this time, things have had not been a bed of roses. I've had my doubts too:" Is God real?" "Does He really love me?""Does He care?" There were many times I've felt rejection, loneliness, self-hatred, sense of loss of hope in life, depressed, discouraged, self-pity. I dun know about you but I've experienced times when I'm felt so down & people just didn't understand. They repproach me becoz they can'tfeel the pain in your heart. They felt how I was behaving or feeling was wrong. It only added to the hurts

But at such times, Jesus was there to hold my hands, He believed in me, loved me,cared for me, encouraged me & carried me through the years till I came out of it. He didn't see what I failed to do, but what I became after that period. How I learnt to have genuine kindness, patience, love, compassion for the people around me becoz' of what I've been through. I remember a verse which applied to me:

"Simon Simon, satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I've prayed for you thatyour faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."~Luke 22:31-32

I'm indeed grateful for the things God has done in my life - both the good & bad experiences. I'm thankful for the friends He's provided along the way who've un-knowingly encouraged me; for the opportunities He's given me to learn new things & to serve Him; & most of all - to be loved by Him & to love Him.

I've moved on to experience much of the Father - His power & His love in many ways through worship, His word, through ministry as I served Him in various platforms - worship, youth, missions & grow in depth of knowledge about Him. There has been much ups and downs but truely through the years I can say - His love never changes & His faithfulness is steadfast. He stands true to His Word & He is my Rock. He is worthy of my trust, my worship, my love, my lives. He is the hope & the Light this world needs.

The heart of the Father is always the same. He longs for those who are far off todraw near to Him - to recieve rest for your souls - for those who've yet heard ofHis love & salvation to get to know the truth & for us to have a living relationship with Him & be free from fear. It's not something that we can earn through any efforts of our own. It's through grace (underserved kindness & favour) that we can come to Him & be His children because Jesus died on the cross to take away our burdens, sins, fear & curses

Make no mistake about it. If He can love me & make such a difference in my life, why would He be any less willing to do the same in yours unless you don't wantHim too? If only we take just step to Him, He will RUN to us to EMBRACE us.(Luke 15:20). Isn't He wonderful?:)

If you've been far off or have never known Him, why not go to Him right now?He's just there waiting for you!! He loves you !

Ok .. I don't like being ill. But who does? For me, being ill equates being defeated .. & I don't like that feeling. I religiously take my cocktails of multivits, anti-oxidants, vit cs & omega oils daily in bid to keep all viruses & bacteria at bay .. trying to bear in mind daily that drinking plenty of water & not putting my hands near my mouth or nose plays a huge part .. but alas, I still fall today. Darn. But ... ! I shall defeat it by recovering super fast ... hence I shall give my body its emotional & physical rest, as well as the green tea & what nots it deserves. Hmm... but there's a full 2 day officers course Cindy & I have to attend this weekend .. & I have to rush my marking, as well as my markers reports ...

But .. in conclusion, good health IS wealth. I shall continue to treasure my good health & try my best to avoid falling ill for a long long time. Good health makes a person glow & energetic - which I like! I detest the image of people dragging their feet & slouching as though life is such a burden. It's wonderful to be alive & I do believe - happiness is a choice. Ok .. I'm rambling .. its the fever.

Finally .. I've changed my blog skin after 2 yrs? I started blogging 2 yrs ago & its about time my blog needs a revamped. I wanted something simple, whimsical, natural & most of all, the template muz be compatible with my Macbook! I love my Macbook!! Ok .. I am getting deranged .. or isit delirious ... its the fever.

I completed CSI New York Season One. A whole different cast from the Las Vegas & Miami one .. different setting. Well, using the word my colleague aptly chose - it's "dark". The storylines are more psychotic & there's a greater element of thrill & mystery, rather than on the forensic perspective. Hmm .. I think I prefer its predecessors much more. Ok .. my nose is dripping ... where's the tissue??

Time flies .. in another 2 months I will be flying off ... some students got wind of my impending departure & asked me the usual whys & wheres. Now is not the time for "why" .. not when my nose is dripping & my head is pounding & my thoughts are jumbled ... but "where" can be answered. Where - would be Sydney. I will be taking my masters in Occupational Therapy in University of Sydney beginning Feb 07. My campus is super near Sydney Olympic Park & Blue Mountains! (",) I did my bachelor's degree at NUS in Psychology & Sociology which is directly required for this masters course spanning over 2 years. Let me know if you come by Sydney! (",) I'll leave the reflections to another time ... ok .. I'm rambling again .. sorry!