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Eng Seng Crab

2009-12-26T00:49:00.000+08:00

Have not introduced us new food for a long time already. Had some really really great crabs with Joshua for his birthday! It was slightly dearer but it was worth every cent.

The black pepper crabs were super fresh and the sauce was thick and strong. This is a must try!

I must say that this is the best black pepper crab that I have tasted thus far.

Eng Seng Seafood
247/249 Joo Chiat Place
Tel: 6440 5560
Open evenings only (4:30pm till they sell out...about 9pm.)

Here's How We Play Together For Christmas 2009

2009-12-23T10:12:00.002+08:00

Hi People,

Christmas greetings in advance! Thanks for being part of God’s Christmas story on earth.

I have been fasting and praying for tomorrow’s service. It is a great time for us to get the Christmas story out to as many people as possible. All the on-stage and off-stage people have been working really hard for the past few weeks. I am writing this to get all of us to be in the game for Jesus.

Here’s how we can all play…

1)Fast & Pray

Unless God builds the house, we labour in vain. Let’s continue to F&P for the hearts of the pre-believers and backsliders to be soft. Let’s also ask for God’s tangible Presence in the services. Only God can move and touch the hearts of man!

2)Praise & Worship

As I have shared before in the Nehemiah’s sermon, the way we P&W is a great testimony to the people around us. I am not asking you to put up an act but I am asking you to honour God as who He really is and for what He has done in our lives! Jesus truly is worthy!

I am asking you to P&W with your whole heart. Let it be a fragrant offering to Jesus and a testimony of the watching world.

3)Connect With People

There will be lots of new people in our midst. Please be “kiasu” on this one. Connect with as many people as possible. Create a godly atmosphere of love and warmth to soften the hardest hearts for Jesus. Smile and shake hands as Christ’s ambassadors. Let’s all represent Him well!

Let’s expect great things from the Lord. See you tomorrow people.

Jeff

Joyce Peh's Story

2009-12-23T07:44:00.003+08:00

Here's a story from our Uni-Ya group. I am inspired by her very real story of faith.

Thank God for Justin Choo for producing this clip. Great work!

Joyce's story from Justin Choo on Vimeo.

At The Door - Hope Singapore Christmas 2009

2009-12-16T23:16:00.005+08:00

Please bring your friends and relatives and colleagues and families and school mates and enemies and neighbours and gym partners and ........ to our Christmas parties. People matter to God!

Expats rate S'pore no. 4 most liveable country

2009-12-15T11:43:00.000+08:00

Food here was one of the major draws for expats. -myp

Tue, Dec 15, 2009
my paper

By Sia Ling Xin

SINGAPORE has been rated the third-best country in the Asia-Pacific region - and fourth-best among 50 countries in the world - for expatriates to live in, a survey has found.

The online survey, commissioned by HSBC International, polled 3,146 expats from 50 countries across four continents, including 192 from Singapore. They were asked about the quality of life and their experience of integrating into the host society.

In the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore ranked behind Australia and Thailand. It lost out to Canada, Australia and Thailand in the global ranking.

Food here was one of the major draws for expats, the survey found.

Four in 10 respondents preferred Singaporean food to their native cuisine, higher than the average of 36 per cent across the 50 countries who preferred the food of their new home.

American Holly Anderson, 32, a pharmaceutical scientist who came here four years ago, said: "I really love the food and the people here. My Singaporean neighbours often cook curry for my housemate and me. They know we can't take food that is too spicy and they actually take the effort to tone it down for us."

Singapore also emerged tops among the 50 countries in the ease of applying for and setting up of utilities.

Eight in 10 of those polled found the experience fuss-free, and four in 10 felt that the standard of utilities here was higher than what they had back home.

Seven in 10 found transportation here better than in their home country, and more than half said that the quality of their accommodation had improved too.

Mr Sebastian Arcuri, head of personal financial services at HSBC Singapore, said that he was not surprised that Singapore performed well in the survey.

The bank's clients have "shared with us many anecdotes praising the efficiency of Singapore's infrastructure and the high standard of living here", he said.

But when it comes to socialising, Singapore seems to be lagging behind.

It was ranked second-last out of the 26 countries with enough responses for this aspect, in the number of expats who joined any local interest groups.

Pastor Simon's Favourite Song

2009-12-04T13:54:00.002+08:00

I believe this is presently Pastor Simon's favourite song. Since he heard Hope Singapore presented it (Nel sang it) in the August GC, he had been talking about this song. I have heard him made mention about this song on at least 2 occasions.

Whatever the case, this is a really powerful song. Win our cities to win our world!

Installment #1

2009-11-26T10:53:00.002+08:00

As shared, I was in a coaching session with Bill Hybels and Wayne Corderio not too long ago. It was a tremendous learning time for me. I want to take some time to just share some of the lessons that I have learnt in various instalments. Here’s the first one…

2 Key Roles Of Church Leadership

1) Outreach

We have to ensure that there is a continual inflow of new people into the Kingdom. Wayne described that doing church without outreach is liken to playing basketball without the hoops. We can pass and dribble and do all sorts of tricks well but we are going nowhere.

Leaders have to ensure that the temperature of outreach remains high and gets even higher in the church life.

2) Discipleship

Leaders have to ensure that new leaders and being developed on a consistent basis. The currency for kingdom development has a lot to do with leadership. We need more and better leaders in every arena of the Kingdom.

We have to be intentional to disciple and raise up new and better and even younger leaders. We are not building our church and groups for ourselves but for our children’s children as well.

Hope this shed some light into our hearts and ministries as we go about His Kingdom business

This Really Works... (Have Seen It In Someone's Life)

2009-11-18T15:05:00.000+08:00

Here's the 7 days General Motors diet plan to help you lose up to 5-7 kgs (you can find more info online): You need to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water everyday throughout this diet to keep your body hydrated, flush out toxins and avoid constipation. All the best and don't forget to weigh yourself before and after!

DAY 1:
All fruits, preferably watermelon, rock melon. NO bananas or tomatoes. The idea is to have high water content and the sugar for energy.

DAY 2:
All vegetables (better to go with leafy ones like lettuce, spinach, chai sim), preferably steamed or boiled.. try NOT to add any oil if possible (a little butter, soy sauce or oyster sauce is ok). You can start the day with ONE potato (which can be substitute with corn or carrots) for the energy.

DAY 3:
All fruits and vegetables, but again NO bananas, tomatoes or potatoes.

DAY 4:
Up to 8 bananas and 3 glasses of milk (you can go for skim or low fat milk.. although I didn't). They recommend clear vegetable soup too. Banana smoothies are yummy! But NO added sugar!

DAY 5: This is where the difference starts.. You must drink more water today - 12 glasses to flush out the uric acid from your body:
Vegetarian: 6 tomatoes and 1 cup/bowl of rice (I added Japanese seaweed sprinkles to the rice to make it more tasty.. be creative in how you can make this work better for you).

Non Vegetarian: 6 tomatoes and small portion lean meat (e.g. beef, chicken or fish). Basically you're going for the protein which takes longer digest and breakdown.

DAY 6: Your body should be prep to burn the calories by now:
Vegetarian: 1 cup/bowl of rice and all vegetables you can eat.

Non vegetarian: Apparently you can eat all the lean meat and vegetables you want!

DAY 7:
I cup/bowl of brown rice, all vegetables and fruit juices.

How Happy Are Singaporeans?

2009-11-05T16:00:00.003+08:00

Oct-Dec, 2009

One year after the Lehman Brothers collapse, the economy is showing positive signs of recovery. Are Singaporeans happier and truly optimistic about the coming year?

Our research* sheds some light.

Positive signs of economic recovery in Asia, especially China, coupled with pick-up in the equities and property markets have given us optimism as we approach 2010. In July, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) boosted its 2010 global growth forecast to 2.5%, an improvement of 0.6 points from its April forecast (Source: AsiaOne News, 'IMF projects stronger 2010 recovery from global recession', 9 July 2009).

In the same article, Olivier Blanchard, IMF Chief Economist stated that while the world economy is still in recession, recovery is in sight. According to him, financial conditions have improved and are better than expected, owing mainly to public intervention. Moreover, recent data suggests that the decline rate in economic activity is moderating.

In this light, the IMF hiked its outlook for Japan up a hefty 1.2 points from 1.7% in 2010. Growth this year in the second-largest economy was estimated to be a negative 6.0%, instead of the 6.2% contraction previously forecasted. China would lead with expansions of 7.5% in 2009 and 8.5% in 2010, while India would grow 5.4% and 6.5% respectively.

It would appear that we are finally seeing the silver lining following the post-Lehman Brothers crisis dubbed the ‘worst financial crisis since the Great Depression’. Yet some people remain apprehensive about the recovering future and whether this pick-up is sustainable. In the words of the U.S. Federal Reserve chairman, Ben Bernanke: ‘Even though from a technical perspective, the recession is very likely over at this point, it's still going to feel like a very weak economy for some time as many people will still find that their job security and employment status is not what they wished it was.’ (Source: Channelnewsasia.com, ‘Bernanke says U.S. recession likely over technically’, 15 September 2009)

As 2009 comes to a close, we take the time to poll Singaporeans aged 25 and above to find out:

How they have been affected by the dark clouds in the earlier months of this year.

If they are feeling much happier than they did in the first half of the year.

Whether they feel upbeat and confident as they enter 2010.

49% Says We Are Happier

Of those surveyed, most feel upbeat and optimistic about the future as 2009 wraps up, though a small percentage are still worried about life ahead.

A good 49% of the respondents feel happier about their lives, work and business compared to the first 6 months of the year. This result is hardly surprising given the stream of good news since mid-year and the all-round cheer that has been brought about by reports of record-breaking sales at the Great Singapore Sale and various fairs like NATAS and Comex this year.

The constant assurances that no one will be left behind in this crisis and the S$20.5 billion Resilience Package 2009 unveiled by the Singapore Government at the start of this year contributed to the general optimism of Singaporeans.

Family Remains Top Priority During The Crisis

The survey also showed that about 30% of those polled had to reduce their monthly savings during the crisis while 40% cut their personal spending in order to manage their finances. Yet, only 25% stated that they had reduced family-related expenditures. This clearly revealed that the family unit remains a top priority to Singaporeans even during the downturn. This result ties back to our earlier research in January 2009 that Singaporeans will weather the recession by cutting back on personal savings and expenditure, and will attempt to avoid impacting family expenditure negatively.

Younger Generation Is Still Spending

While the older group is able to take downturns in their stride with their experience from surviving SARS and the 1997 Asian Crisis, the younger ones aged between 25 to 34 years old are uncertain about work as well as their earning power, given that this is their first time encountering an economic crisis. However, the worrying factor is, 18% of them are increasing their personal spending instead of adopting prudent measures to ensure they are financially protected.

This phenomenon highlights the importance of nurturing financial responsibility and maturity in the younger crowd, especially in the face of a new financial world order. Focus needs to be placed on balancing priorities and opportunities while achieving a sound financial portfolio.

Staying Cautious

Though a large percentage of those surveyed expressed optimism, there are still those who remain pragmatic and cautious. One in 5 is still worried about life and work as compared to the first 2 quarters of this year; 2 in 5 people are uncertain about what lies ahead and if recovery can be sustained over a longer period.

This could be due to concerns about the fragility of the recovery and possibly, even the speed of the rebound in the property and stock markets which are making some feel uncomfortable.

The most vulnerable group is likely to consists of the ones married with children working in less senior, white-collar positions including the blue-collar workers; and those belonging to the low to below average income category. In a recent article written in The Straits Times, Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong commented that the labour market is likely to remain weak for the rest of the year (Source: The Straits Times, ‘Rise in the chronic jobless’, 16 September 2009)

To stay competitive in this current economic climate, it is therefore important for us to press on with training and upgrading, so that we can get our workers to stay employed. These refer mainly to executives and technicians as well as those in the lower rungs of the corporate hierarchy. Workers in this category have been strongly encouraged to re-invent their skill sets or acquire new ones. On the whole, the outlook remains uncertain because companies are still adopting a conservative hiring approach.

Source: http://www.ocbc.com/personal-banking/askocbc/Talk/talk_q409_02.html?utm_source=asiaone_rotator_350x175&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=askocbc_nov09&u

God Washed My Car For Me!

2009-10-31T19:46:00.001+08:00

Among some of the things that are extremely low on my priority list would be the washing of my car.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I like the interior to be generally clean. But when it comes to the exterior of the car, I don’t really care. In fact, a dirty car could very well actually be a macho thing to some of guys!

As I had reluctantly agreed to finally go get a care wash after dinner, God sent a downpour so heavy that all the months of dirt got cleaned off in a jiffy. So while I was having dinner with my parents, God washed my car for me.

God loves me so much! God is a God that cares for all the little details in my life!

Jenny Wee

2009-10-03T21:53:00.000+08:00

On Thursday morning at around 1am, I received a call from my sister telling me that my cousin Jenny has passed away. It was rather sad for me as I just saw her on Saturday.

At my last visit, she even commented that I was very dark. I quickly placed my arms beside her whiter than white legs and pretended to play the piano! It was sad that she has to leave us so soon.

During the 2 wake services, I was so blessed. I got to hear many stories from our families and her church friends alike about her life. Her church friends testified to her faithful service to the Lord over the past 20 years in St Andrew Cathedral. She served in the children church, in the usher ad intercessor ministries. Her dedication to God and His church was evident for all to see.

And the part that brought tears of joy and pride to my eyes was when a few of them testified about how she had personally brought them to Christ. These people thank her for being an instrument in God’s hand to bring salvation to them.

This morning, while driving on the PIE, I thank God for her life. I thank God for bringing her into my life. I thank God that I have such a cousin that I can learn from. I thank God that my earthly cousin may pass away but my sister in the Lord will never.

Jenny, we celebrate your life. See you!

Birthday!

2009-09-10T22:52:00.002+08:00

Just turned another year older a few days ago; and by the grace of God, hopefully wiser as well!

Thanks to many for the kind words and gifts and songs and cakes and chocolates on both Saturday and Sunday… I really appreciate them all!

During one of the services, just as I was about to lead the prayer meeting, one of our leaders came up to me and encouraged me with some very heart-felt words. She said that many people are with me and they are assured of how God is leading through me! She was so honest and sincere. That’s a real encouragement to me!

Then later in the day, I had some one-on-one time with a leader. He said very similar things to me as well.

That encouraged me a lot. I know that if I had done anything good, it must have been God working through me. It strengthened me to know that I am not alone; God and many others are walking with me in this journey of extending His rule and reign together.

Once again, thanks and I really appreciate you all!

The Core Of The Core

2009-08-15T13:56:00.000+08:00

Spent some time in bed last night tossing and thinking about next week.

We will be having the Global Conference (GC) here in Singapore from the 19 - 21 August.

Many of the staff have been working really hard to ensure that all the necessary preparation are done up. However, to ensure that this GC be successful in touching lives and setting things aright in our movement, God's Presence is the key. The core of the core really is Him!

As such, I was spending some time in prayer on my bed and I would like to ask you to pray as well. Even as you read this, please take around 15 minutes to pray.

Pray for God's Presence be evident through all the P&W sessions and teachings and fellowship

Pray for God's assurance in the hearts of the pastors and leaders and members that God is with us as we move forward

Pray for God's anointing on all the stage ministers

Pray for God's truth and strength and encouragement be shared aboard throughout all the fellowship

Thanks for carrying God's vision with me!

A Flock Of Seagulls

2009-08-11T21:39:00.000+08:00

This was one of the songs that I grew up with in the 80s. It was beyond cool during my school days. We were dancing wildly to this song.

Those of you who are near my age would certainly enjoy this one. I just loved the hair cut and the accent.

Truly bring back memories... blogging this to keep as part of my growing up memories...

S1aNSATION

2009-07-26T21:52:00.000+08:00

A job well done to the vidoe team. The video was hilarious! Robert Chia really cracks me up. Thanks also to the ASPT for the very creative but convicting theme.

Thanks also to Stanley for sharing your life story. You communicate really well from the heart.

Thanks all for your work. I appreciate every bit of it.

Here's the defination from today's sermon....

SIAN
(see-en)
A wonderfully concise Hokkien adjective which conveys boredom, weariness, frustration and emptiness. The English equivalent would be "ennui".
1. “My job is damn sian, man.”
2. “Wah lau eh, I do A-maths, do until sian oreddy.”

SIAN JIT PUA (Contributed by Rene Sim)
(see-en jip poo-ah)
"Sian" describes something as boring. "Jit pua" is Hokkien for "half". Put together, and the phrase can be loosely translated as "too boring by half", meaning it is extremely boring.
"Sian jit pua, man! This disco is damn boring!" ("This disco is too boring by half.")

Also realised the some guys were twittering the sermon points and sayings on real time while I was preaching. Very creative...

Man U Fans Beware!

2009-07-22T23:56:00.000+08:00

Wife stabs husband late home after Man U match

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Police have detained a Malaysian woman who allegedly stabbed her husband in the chest for coming home late after watching a football match between Manchester United and Malaysia, an official said Tuesday.

The man had promised to come back immediately after the match in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday evening, but his wife was "very angry" when he returned after midnight, said district police chief Abdul Jalil Hassan.

The woman stabbed him twice in the chest with a kitchen knife and then took him to a hospital, where a doctor reported the incident to police, Abdul Jalil told The Associated Press.

"He was with friends after the match, so that's why he came home late," Abdul Jalil said.

The man was recovering in the hospital, he said.

Police have not decided whether to charge the woman with any offense.

The English Premier League champions defeated Malaysia 3-2 on Saturday in their opening match on a preseason Asian tour.

One Of Fave Song From My Fave Band!

2009-07-17T12:39:00.000+08:00

Have not seen this for a long time but still loving it as I watched it again...

Hope to meet Bono & the band one day :)

How To Be A Vision Carrier?

2009-07-16T10:13:00.001+08:00

This is a very important sermon that we, in Hope Singapore, needs to listen to.

Some of us may not have attended the services where I preached this sermon, please do download it and listen to it. It is important for our church life.

http://www.hopesingapore.org.sg/audio.php

Roy Keane

2009-07-12T22:56:00.002+08:00

You can have your own say but as far as I am concern, Keano is one of the best players that Manchester United can and will ever have. I am, of course, not proud of many of his trades (like violence and anger). But he does exhibits numerous selfless leadership qualities that we can all learn from.

Remember UEFA championships 1999. He was captain marvel to put the team through to the finals even though he would not playing in the final. That's leadership at its very very best!

Leading On Empty (Wayne Cordeiro)

2009-07-10T12:17:00.000+08:00

As I was not feeling well for the past 2 days, I had the time to finally devour a book that Mike & Lean Choo bought for me. Thanks both : )

It is a book from Wayne Cordeiro (he also authored Divine Mentor). He shared some really personal struggles that many leaders would be able to identify with. Bill Hybels wrote that this book is “A must read for all leaders.”

Cordeiro expressed many things that I have gone through but may not have the language or expertise to express. It helps me sort out my inner thoughts and feelings. The book also gave many practical suggestions on how we can pace and rest better.

Looking back, it might be “divine” that I have to fall sick in order to take the time to complete this book. By the way, I hardly fall sick (once in a few years).

Read it and let you know your thoughts

I am also trying to lay my hand on the book entitled "Simple Church". Could not get it from SKS as it runs out of stock... lend ot me if you have one...

MJ - King Of Pop

2009-06-27T00:07:00.000+08:00

I had to get this on blog to capture a piece of growing up years. While I certainly do not agree with MJ's many values in life, his entertainment value was high!

If my memory serves me right, I was still in Secondary School when this monster hit was produced. The whole album was great and this was my (and many of my friends) top hit.

The MTV was unbelievable by the standards of yesterdays. To be honest, it is still rather cool even as I watched it now (by my standards :) )

Gang fight cannot get any cooler than this. Believe me, my friends and I have tried some of the moves... and the response from those who saw it? BEAT IT!

One of my friends even tried to buy a replica of the famous red jacket in the MTV.

Anyway, here's the best version that I can find off yotube. Enjoy!

Funny Soccer Goal!

2009-06-25T17:59:00.000+08:00

11-7-2-14

2009-06-21T22:48:00.000+08:00

Wow… what a ride!

The past 14 days have been incredible. I get to preach for 11 times, 7 different sermons and teachings, in 2 languages, all in the span of 14 days.

To be honest, I am completed totally spent. If not for God, there is just no way for me to last the whole distance. Only God!

I am also very thankful for Hong Teck for co-preaching with for the last 5 sessions over this 14 days period. It was great help for me. He did so very well in all his sessions. Thank God for co-workers like him.

Most of all, thank God for pulling me through. It baffles me how I was able to last the distance. Indeed, only God!

Love This Pic!

2009-06-12T23:01:00.004+08:00

I want to blog this to keep it!

Keano and King Eric with the then young superheroes to be... much like discipleship...

GM Reinvention Commercial

2009-06-11T12:26:00.003+08:00

I enjoy this commercial very much. I like the honesty and it appeals to the potential consumers.

Will it work? Only time will tell...

BTW, I do not know how to size it to fit the blog page