Recap on His grace (Recap yours too!)

The Miraculous Journey Began ...

I was enlisted in 2007 into BMTC Cougar company (coy). During that point of time, I joined the JC badge, therefore that makes me 2 years older than them. Even my commanders are younger than me. Putting age aside, we managed to find similaries among ourselves and started to bond as a section, and eventually as a platoon.

My BMT was considered a short one as I was put with the enhanced badge with just 8 weeks of training. After 2 months of basic military training, I passed out as a private (PTE).

Upon passing out from BMTC school 1, I was subsequently enrolled into the School of Infantry Specialist (SISPEC) for Basic Section Leader Course (BSLC) in Foxtrot coy, where we were taught how to become a section commander with the charge of 6-7 men. It was fun but 'xiong', but it wasn't that 'xiong' until I realized what is the meaning of the 'true xiong-ness' in the later stage.

After 3 months or so, I passed out from BSLC as a corporal (CPL) with the old implemented system. With new trainee rank implemented, they call it the Specialist cadet or the SCT now.

My next course was a specialised one - Combat Engineer Specialist Course (CESC). This period was also the turning point of my life asymptotically.

After CESC, I got posted to 30SCE to become a section commander. All the skills I have learnt from the previous courses were put into test. Despite so, I realized it wasn't sufficient as all the knowledge and skills I acquired were just 'scatches on the surface.'

A Miracle happened. Perhaps one of the greatest YET. And I joined the Officer core since 1st Dec 2008. This was the period when I understood the meaning of tough training. Although trainings from the Engineer Officer Cadet Course (EOCC) has toned down alot mainly due to the commanders' changing of appointment, we suffered but not as bad as those from the previous badge of EOCC. Thankfully, the sufferings were worthwhile. Not only becoming physically fit, we also became mentally stronger.

After our final overseas exercises, we returned to SAFTMI during our joint term and enjoyed our final 3 weeks as a cadet with lots of marching drills. It was satisfying despite all the sunburns!

Appointment Certificate Presentation Ceremony if i remembered correctly (ACPC) was a glorious moment when all of us put on our No.2 uniforms and received our certificates and swords from the Chief of Army.

13th June 2009 was the defining moment when we donned on No.1 uniforms and marched our way through the SAFTI parade square to mark the end of our cadet training phase. It was the day, that tears of Thankfulness welled up my eyes before we marched out to the parade square.

This was perhaps the second Miracle led from the first. God gave me an opportunity to study at NTU and even provided me with a awesome room in Hall 12! Praise the Lord!!

School started in August '09. Study groups were formed and new friends were made. The camaraderie forged is strong and always memorable. And I am truly Thankful for all the friends I have in NTU - be it those from my course or those from the Christian fellowship.

This is a picture taken from Bible camp jointly organized by Christian fellowships of NTU and NUS. An intensive Bible study camp I would say. But it was the cooperation between the committees from the both institutes and God's grace that made this camp possible.

The Journey continues...

agape

eugene

Officership

I am an Officer of the Singapore Armed Forces.

My duty is to Lead, to Excel and to Overcome.

I lead my men by example.

I answer for their training, morale and discipline.

I must excel in everything I do.

I serve with pride, honor and integrity.

I will overcome adversity with courage, fortitude and determination.

I delicate my life to Singapore.

I have not been reciting this creed for quite some time now. Come to think of it, it brings back the memories during the cadet training days. Not forgetting this magnificent grace God gave me to become a cadet one and a half year ago. I am still thankful though.

All the sufferings and 'tekan-ing' session I had during those days were nothing comparable to what I have went through from BMT to becoming a specialist. I am thankful nevertheless.

This blog serve as a reminder of God's grace for me. Truly a magnificent miracle. Definitely an impossible made "I-m-possible".

Praise the Lord. Always.

I believe more and greater miracles are coming. Greater transformations is going to happen.

agape

eugene

Thoughts..

Perhaps a little time for myself and some space for my thoughts..

Today’s sharing from Rev Ong from NTUCCF was really great. It’s been a long time since my thoughts is triggered into thinking for things that perhaps I have been missing..

Or should I say that I have been missing a lot of things that I should be thinking in depth with regards to my daily life. Perhaps I have taken too much for granted? Think about it..

Towards the end of Rev Ong’s sermon, he asked –

1. ‘Are you a happy Christian?’

If not, what is the reason why we aren’t? Are we doing things for the sake of doing? Are we doing things just to please others? Are we doing it to ‘show off’ ourselves?
If we are not doing it for Christ regardless of anything and everything, we wouldn’t be happy and sooner or later find it to be like a chore of doing and thus losing the joy in it and gradually stop doing. There are lots more to it than what is mentioned.

2. ‘Is your prayer being answered?’

There are a few reasons why prayers are not answered in the first place (Yet).

First, Not for you. We wouldn’t know what is good or bad for us in the beginning. And that is why God make the decision for us by giving, withholding or preventing us from having certain things we are asking in prayers. A child wouldn’t know sweets will cause tooth decay if he/she eats too much, but the parents know and prevent them. Likewise for the opposite, we might not like what we are going through but God sees it good when it is over – rainbow after a rain, spiritual growth after trials or suffering may illustrates this.

Second, God’s timing. We have to understand and eventually (due to our weakness) acknowledge that God’s timing is Perfect. Anytime before or after isn’t His will for anyone of us. Therefore, there wouldn’t be any benefit in receiving it. For example choosing a partner isn’t like changing clothes. We need to see (inwardly,spiritually and with God’s view), choose (wisely and God-ordained), try out (through fellowship and sharing) than pay the price to buy it. It’s definitely not as easy as abc.

Third, Attitude. Is our attitude sincere? Why would God answer your prayers if its a selfish prayer? Of course I am not saying God wouldn’t answer it totally but our attitude should be right before God. In this way, we will create a pathway for God to work in.

Fourth, Willingness. Are we willing enough? We have been asking this and that, but having an unwilling heart does not get you anywhere. Praying for a good result without putting in effort in studies is an example. Be willing to be willing is a good attitude.

Agape
Eugene

Psalms 118

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

2 Let Israel say:
"His love endures forever."

3 Let the house of Aaron say:
"His love endures forever."

4 Let those who fear the LORD say:
"His love endures forever."

5 In my anguish I cried to the LORD,
and he answered by setting me free.

6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I will look in triumph on my enemies.

8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.

9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.

10 All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

11 They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

12 They swarmed around me like bees,
but they died out as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

13 I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the LORD helped me.

14 The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.

15 Shouts of joy and victory
resound in the tents of the righteous:
"The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!

16 The LORD's right hand is lifted high;
the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!"

17 I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

18 The LORD has chastened me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

19 Open for me the gates of righteousness;
I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.

20 This is the gate of the LORD
through which the righteous may enter.

21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
you have become my salvation.

22 The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone;

23 the LORD has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.

24 This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.

25 O LORD, save us;
O LORD, grant us success.

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
From the house of the LORD we bless you. [a]

27 The LORD is God,
and he has made his light shine upon us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
up [b] to the horns of the altar.

28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.

29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.