10 Key Lessons I Have Learnt In Life

1. Learn to wake up early

2. Learn to develop good habits.

- Reading
-Walking and taking the stairs

3. Learn to plan

- Set S.M.A.R.T goals

4. Learn to find mentor in life

5. Learn to eliminate, delegate and automate

6. Learn to do one thing at a time

7. Learn to be contend, and not compare

8. Learn to invest in a good community

9. Learn to exercise self-control

10. Learn to seek to understand, then to be understood.

Lessons from Ikigai

NIE Year 4 Semester 1 has ended for me. Since I only have FYP to worry about, I decided that I would invest the bulk of my time at the library to read. Reading is so important in life as it broadens our perspectives and deepens our understanding of the world. It gives us a glimpse of other worldviews and how we should live our lives with meaning. One of my recent favourite discoveries is this amazing book - Ikigai. Through the authors' wisdom and profound writing, I have learnt 5 key lessons:

           1. Hara Hachi Bu     

• A Japanese phrase which means 'fill your belly to 80 percent.' To live a long life, we should learn to eat in moderation.

           2. Doing One Thing At A Time

• In the 21st century, we are swarmed by technology and screens. Their creators promised and designed them to be time-savers, but they turned out to be time-wasters, garnering our attention and reducing our ability to focus. We are obsessed with notifications and trivial information that distract us from the real work at hand. We need to return to the art of singular focus, and cease all forms of multitasking.

           3. Learning To Live In The Moment

• Our educational system and global economic climate have forged us into people who are constantly worrying about and preparing for the future. Very so often, we forget to enjoy the present moment. A Japanese proverb says, 'Walk slowly and you will go far.' This proverb is so simple but yet so profound. Seriously, what is the hurry?

           4. Find a Like-Minded Community of Friends

• To ensure a long life, we need to have a community of friends who share moments of joy (and even sorrows) and share the same interests as us. God made us to be social creatures - born to enjoy relationships. 

• One of my favorite communities in life is the 10K Brother fitness group. We meet every weekend to exercise and stay healthy. My desire is to gather and build a small family which strives to encourage each other to become stronger - physically and mentally. It is my prayer that the group would grow even stronger as we enter 2018, and that more young leaders would rise up to lead and serve.

Blessed New Year 2017

2016 has been a year of victories and celebrations. I have grown to learn to trust God for the growth of the BB Ministry and not lean on my own strength. I thank God for the following:

1) Over 20 BB Boys came to Christ and more than half are receiving regular follow up

2) Successful season of BB Blaze Training.

3) Europe Trip with my Friends.

4) 50-Days International Practicum Trip in New Zealand.

5) Ming Ji and Brendan are now in Amanda Tan's LCG,
where they can be rooted and grow spiritually.

6) Devin coming back to BB to serve.

God's Call

If God has called you to Afghanistan, the safest place to go on this planet will be Afghanistan.

Spiritual Friendships

"Time is the currency of relationships" (Richard Lamb).

Since the day I picked up the mantle of leadership in The Boys' Brigade, I was perpetually afraid to make new friends. My plate is already so full that I barely have any time left for myself or my family. Friendships demands time and commitment. Two words that I am fearful given the responsibilities I have in life to shepherd 33 Boys.

However, since coming to NIE, God brought a friend into my life. This friend never fails to cheer me up and allows me to be her big brother. This is Wendy and I thank God for her everyday (even though she eats a lot of my food).

Picnic On The Mount Before Mount Fuji

The Boys' Brigade 44th Singapore Company Enrollment Service 2015

Thank God for His many years of goodness and favour in our Company. May the LORD continue to help our Boys to grow in the knowledge of the faith and in character.