The end

Yen and I were supposed to do up a nice farewell post...with pictures and a touching, tear-jerking, composition to signify the end of something beautiful, and more importantly, the beginning of something greater.

Well...Hours became days, which became weeks, and it has now reached one month since we discussed on the above. And I realised that maybe it's not so important to have that post anymore because although this blog stopped moving, everything else continued.

The two new cells have been set up now and have embarked on an exciting, new adventure (last Friday both cells had a healthy attendance of 9 each). Both cells have started their new cell blogs to align with their new beginnings.

This blog doesn't need a ra-ra ending after all. It's been awesome, guys, but it will be even more awesome in the future. Stay close to God and everything else will fall into place.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ~ Matthew 6:33

Visit our new cell blogs:
Still As Lame As Ever
Mega Lame Cell

Update

Wow, it's been awhile since I updated on this blog!

Not much has happened since then.

Although...

Low Money has left to Australia.

Cell conference has just finished.

And we've multiplied!

It's been an awesome three years going through the ups and downs of this cell group. It's been incredible seeing all the friendships develop, the fights, the compassion, and the times we stood together and encouraged one another.

God's grace has been apparent throughout. God's grace has left an imprint on the cell group and upon each member's life. And even as we multiplied last weekend, God's grace and purpose was revealed once again.

For many years, our church has been fluctuating with 90-something cells. We kept trying but could not hit the 100 target that we had. Cells kept combining, phasing out, beginning anew and it maintained at that level. Last weekend, 2 cells multiplied - one from Youth and ours from Young Adults to hit 100 cells.

It's been a long road but it became clear that our cell have so many leaders that need an environment to release their capability in Him and to depend on Him more. With too many leaders in one cell, it was easy to take a step back and allow others to step up.

I'm thankful and grateful that all the core members stood alongside and agreed in unity that it was time to challenge our cell to the next level, and accepted the responsibility to take ownership of helping our cell to achieve the purpose laid out for it.

Only by His amazing grace, we've come this far.

Only by His amazing grace, we can go forward from here.

Will you survive?

If you need directions, call me at 012 308 7357.

God bless!

Why Go To Church?

A Church-goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday.

"I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them.. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."

This started a real controversy in the 'Letters to the Editor' column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone
wrote this:

"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!"

Think about it.

Which are you?

"If we value comfort more than character, then trials will upset us. If we value the material and physical more than the spiritual, we will not be able to count it joy! If we live only for the present and forget the future, the trials will make us bitter and not better."

~Warren W. Wiersbe~


"The same boiling water that hardens the egg softens the carrot."

~Tom Neven~

Update on cell tomorrow

Hi all,

Do you know why Sherlock Holmes pays so little tax?

Because he makes so many brilliant deductions...

Muahahahhahaa...

Just a quick update that cell is going to be at my apartment tomorrow! It's going to be lots of fun and I hope to see all of you. Please call me at 012-308 7357 if you need directions.

Cheers!

Cell Roster for May & June 2008

Heya peeps!

Here's making it easier for everyone :)


Below is the roster of who is going to be involved each week at cell for not one, but two months! Please have a look through and make sure that you come prepared. If you are unable to make it, please find a replacement and inform Kah Fai - we'll then update the roster.


A big thank you for serving along and being a part of the Superlame Crimson Cell!
Loves :)

How a Soul Grows Through Loss

How a Soul Grows Through Loss

All people suffer loss. Being alive means suffering loss. Sometimes the loss is natural, predictable, and even reversible. It occurs at regular intervals, like the seasons. We experience the loss, but after days or months of discomfort we recover and resume life as usual, the life that we wanted and expected...But there is another kind of loss...this kind of loss has more devastating results and is irreversible.

Such loss includes terminal illness, disability, divorce, rape, emotional abuse, physical abuse, mental illness...if normal, natural, reversible loss is like a broken limb, then catastrophic loss is like an amputation. The results are permanent, the impact incalculable, the consequences cumulative. Each new day forces one to face some new and devastating dimension of the loss. It creates a whole new context for one's life... I saw a vast darkness closing in on me. I was terrified by that darkness. I wanted to keep running after the sun, though I knew that it was futile. So I lost all hope, collapsed on the ground, and fell into despair. I thought at that moment that I would live in darkness forever. I felt absolute terror in my soul.

Later my sister told me that the quickest way for anyone to reach the sun and the light of day is not to run west, chasing after the setting sun, but to head east, plunging into the darkness until one comes to the sunrise. I discovered in that moment that I had the power to choose the direction my life would head, even if the only choice open to me, at least initially, was either to run from the loss or face it as best I could.

Since I knew that darkness was inevitable and unavoidable, I decided from that point on to walk into the darkness rather than try to outrun it, to let my experience of loss take me on a journey where ever it would lead, and to allow myself to be transformed by my suffering rather than to think I could somehow avoid it. I chose to turn toward the pain, however falteringly, and to yield to the loss, though I had no idea at the time what that would mean.

- Excerpted from A Grace Disguised by Jim Sittser

Pillow Talk

I'm sure you're just curious to know what girls do when they get together and have a pyjama party! hahhahahaa...

Well, let me first set the expectation that it was really good clean fun, whilst we talked about some really exciting waxing methods, the night went on with a really laid-back feel, no serious debating topics, just normal girl stuff...all of which was...fun!

At the risk of talking too much, I'll just let the photos take their turn and tell the story...

Nail salon at work...
Sarah was our chief manicurist and pedicurist, seeing that she's got the most experience in this field, we were all taking directions from here..this can ah? how about that? please stick for me? aarrghh...emergency surgery on the butterfly! hahahahaha...yeah, it tore in half before it got stuck on the nail, poor thing.

Voila!

It's a fullblown pampering pyjama party k....

Then some TV watching....
It's a fantastic love story....if you ever get to watch it. We cried at the end!

I loved one of Noah's quotes as part of his introduction into the movie, he said,

"I am no one special, just a common man with common thoughts. I've led a
common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me, and my name will soon be
forgotten. But in one respect, I've succeeded as gloriously as anyone who ever lived. I've loved another with all my heart and soul, and for me, that has always been enough."

How not to cry!??!?!

And of course, sleeping timeee....
Sue was kind enough to entertain us with some shadow puppet show with the light from her phone and her heart-with-hands pillow - seriously, I can't explain it, make her demo it for you when you're there, and make sure you give her some coke!

All in all, funtastic! Thanks for making the time girls, next time, we need to wake-up together and have breakfast! hahahahaha....

As for the chicas that didn't make it, no worries, we'll have more outings in time to come and we'll let you know way in advance so you can book your dates ya!

More photos here.

I'm in the Lord's army!

OK...let's give this a go shall we. =)

Two Fridays ago, we sang this song and as I was doing my devotional last night I was pondering what it really meant to be in God's army and two things spoke to me.

Firstly, when you're in an army you're placed as part of a unit...a team. Only in exceptional cases, you get a one man army like Rambo or James Bond, and even in those movies, we are often left shaking our heads, laughing as one man dodges the bullets of a hundred enemies and takes them all out through sheer force of will and heroism.

Although quiet times with God are irreplaceable and essential, it has to be balanced with a unity with the body of Christ. By extension, the church and cell that you're part of becomes the unit that goes to battle together. Many people have gotten too focused on the 'God and me' idea, failing to fully understand the way that they 'fit' into their assigned unit.

I've heard comments before like "Actually, why do have to go to church or cell, if I just maintain my quiet times at home and stay close to God like that?". Only in exceptional circumstances this may hold true, but on the whole, there has to be a good balance of involvement in the body of Christ - encouraging and exhorting each other, praying for each other, watching each other's back. If you've watched the movie 300, it gives a good visual example of how important teamwork is in battle, where just one weak point in the team can leave openings for the enemy to attack.

No person should try to stand alone.

Secondly, a soldier of God was likened to a Roman soldier in regards to how to armour up.

• The belt of truth




• The breastplate of righteousness




• The shoes of peace




• The shield of faith




• The helmet of salvation




• The sword of the spirit

The only place that remains unprotected on a Roman soldier is his back. That means that he is meant to face forward all the time and never retreat, even in the face of foes that are far more powerful than he is.

That means that even if you are infantry against Sherman tanks you go forward because you know that He has made you more than a conqueror, being able to to all things through Him. And you know that it's not by might and not by power, but by His Spirit.

Not with our own strength, but through Him and in His name.

That's all from me today, folks!

Gearing up

For those of you who weren't able to attend cell the last two Fridays, we have announced that our cell is targeting multiplication in June! That's...2008 by the way.

Its really an exciting time because we've been talking about multiplication since the beginning of 2007. We were probably meant to multiply last year but because of hiccups along the way, the dynamics only came together this year.

Its amazing to see God's hand upon this cell for the last two years. Although I have failed in many ways as a Cell Leader and struggle with not being there for the members, God's grace and mercy continues to cover us. In spite of all our shortcomings, He is faithful.

Not that I want to dampen the excitement by mentioning our failings and shortcomings, but let's get real. As much as we acknowledge God's goodness and anointing, we also have to confess the position we ourselves are in and not take Him for granted.

The last few weeks have seen new visitors coming week after week. God has been blessing our cell and as much as we want to be comfortable in the cell that has become family, we weren't called to be comfortable.

We need to begin to catch those that slip through the net. There's no point new visitors coming if we don't connect with them. It's for everyone to get involved and not only for the few 'leaders' in the official position to carry the load. Everyone in cell is a leader and is able to lead and teach another in their own way, without exception.

As Pastor Julie says, "it's not about the person...it's about the function". And all of us can fulfil that function because ultimately, God will use the useable as long as we avail ourselves into His hands as instruments of His love.

Too often, we're looking at the 'superstars' in the football field to perform...when the best people that God can use to score the goals are in the stands watching. God can use a humble and faithful servant in the seats far better than a Ronaldo or Rooney on the field. That's how it is in His kingdom.

Let's catch the vision and heart of God together for this cell. It's time to get off the stands and jump into the field. I've been praying and thinking through the multiplication for some time now and to be honest, I'm scared, confused and unsure of how to proceed.

For every person allocated to one side, there are good reasons why he or she should be in a different cell. I've come to realise that there are so many factors that are beyond man's control and ability. It takes God to lead and for us to follow.

All of us, together.

Praying ferverently. Catching His heart. Walking in His will.

Let's wake up.

I will be with you

Whom have I in heaven but You

There is nothing on earth I desire besides You

My heart and my strength, many times they fail

But there is one truth that always will prevail

~God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever~

I pray that this promise and assurance will carry you through in good times and bad. The assurance that He will be with you always and forever. The promise that He will see you through when all else fails. The strength when you no longer know what to do and where to go.

I will be with you, always till the end of age (Matthew 28:20)

I took a step of faith and hope when I accepted the Lord as my personal Saviour and Heavenly Father, with this same message that He will be with me always and forever. And look where it has brought me thus far :)

The changes, the experiences, His favor, His grace....the hope that there is more to life than life itself...WOW. No words can describe what God has done in my life, is about to do, and will continue to do.

And to Aunand, i wish you congratulations....to eternal life...to hope....and to God's personal touch in your life.

God bless and Amen!

Patisserie Rui is now open!

This has just got to be the most coolest thing ever!

Last weekend we got to join Crystal for the blessing of her own Patisserie, how cool is that? I probably won't have to blog much about it...I'll let the photos tell you the story!

More photos here.

Congratulations Crystal! *hugs*

Blast from the past!

These pictures of a Fun-nic event ages and ages ago are compliments of Sian Jeen.

See if you can identify the cell members in the pictures.

There's one picture where there are three of our cell members.

The first person to identify which picture and who are in them - I'll treat you to mamak next time we go!

Hahahaha, enjoy!

PS. Note that Bernard is holding Pastor Julie's LV bag. =P

PPS. Note that Pastor Julie is spanking Jon's backside with a stick. So violent, right?

It's here!

Broken that is.

Society has tended to sideline Easter a bit. Christmas has become the most celebrated 'Christian' holiday on the planet, and everyone gears up each year for this celebration - buying presents, remembering the birth of Christ, plays and productions, and for the irregular church-goer, going to church!

Then Santa Claus and the Easter bunny was brought in pushing the message of Christ even further into the back of society's psyche. Children nowadays remember Easter for the chocolate eggs, parties and games that they experience. We don't even get an Easter or Good Friday holiday in Malysia unless we live in Sabah and Sarawak.

But Easter recognises the most colourful, powerful and significant days of Jesus. Even more than His birth, Easter personifies His very purpose and existence on earth.

Easter remembers the most difficult decision a person has ever had in history, during the atonement in Gethsemane. A decision that was said to be so wrenching that blood came out of sweat pores while Jesus prayed and the disciples slept (while on guard).

Easter remembers the profound pain and anguish of the betrayal which led to the capture of Jesus...and the despair of when he hung on the cross. The immense doubt and sorrow that came after the Saviour was killed. A blotting out of hope.

And finally, Easter remember the glorious resurrection for the atonement of the human race. The complete redemption through the blood that was shed on the cross. The resurrection power that gives us an avenue to reach God - the only way to reach God in fact.

The unpayable price was paid by a perfect, sinless sacrifice.

Matchless grace.

More than realising that it is Easter weekend. More than getting excited about a play. More than remembering that Jesus died, was buried and rose again. Open your heart to understand the amazing grace and love that made God humble himself to the extent of coming down in human form to be betrayed and killed by His creation so that we may have a chance to be saved.

It has already been done.

Come to the play and bring your friends. Don't invite them to watch the play (although that's what you will be doing verbally). In your spirit, invite them to meet with their Creator who loves them beyond anything a human mind could comprehend.

Let Jesus take centre stage.

You are first a witness for God...

For those of us who are involved in ANY ministry, this is a great reminder that it is not our service or works that come first but God's ministry of reconciliation...

An excerpt from Ps. Gwen's email earlier today (emphasis mine):

"Finally, continue to pray for a greater release of God's anointing over our church. Most all, please remember that above all the being a part of the worship team, you are first a witness for Him. Be a blessing to someone, care for someone, ,pray for someone, share the gospel with someone, invite someone to cell and to church. That's our primary purpose. Your ministry is touching lives and making a difference is someone's life!"

It's always as good as time as any to sit back and reflect :)

CNY bash tonight!

Hi all,

4½ hours more until our CNY party! We have around 22 people that have confirmed and counting. If anyone needs directions, just give Le Roy or myself a call.

If you're curious to know who did up the beautiful flyer on short notice, its none other than our dashing, creative genius, Le Roy.

Who is he?

This leng chai loh...

Cell tonight!

Hi all,

We're going to have our third cell of 2008 later and I'm quite excited because I've been able to make all of them so far. It honestly feels quite weird if I go through a week without cell.

CNY is coming up - where will you guys be going?

Because it is a Friday, I've decided to do a fun post. If you're bringing friends to cell for the first time, there are a couple of preliminary things they should be aware of.

The cell leader is a bit of a...retard.


The cell assistant leader is...not much better.


And the cell intern...I mean, just look at him.
(Thank goodness he has a girlfriend already! Hehe. =)


In our icebreakers, we act like...


And sometimes, we don't even realise that we look like...


And if you don't participate, well...


The girls in our cell are quite...happening.


They don't bite...I think.


But if things really get too crazy, we have a...chaperone.

The obligatory first post

Dear seaparkcell,

In January 2006, I started a blog in Wordpress to document and store our experiences as a cell. It wasn't a complete success story. There were brief, promising moments when a few posts were published within a short period of time, but on the whole, I don't think it quite worked out.

It has died a slow death, with a few feeble attempts of resurrection with a post once in a blue moon to try to jolt a lifeless heart to life with electric paddles. But just as doctors have to sometimes face the music, I've decided to let the old blog die a graceful death. Do visit it from time to time to look back at some pretty whacky and cool pictures, but as of 2008, a new blog is born!

For fun, I decided to type in "superlamecell" to see if the URL was taken but, praise God, it wasn't! So I guess we are destined to have this URL, and superlamecell it will stay. Somehow, I feel a strong...resonance with this name. I don't know why...

In line with moving into a new cell venue, we are no longer seaparkcell by name. Over the next few weeks, we will be going through a rebranding exercise. We need to decide on a new name (Unless Crimson Cell works for you - personally, I find it a bit gay. We could have cooler names like "Soooooollaaaaaammmeeee" as our identity!), a new logo and start gearing up for what we want to do accomplish this year as a cell.

Watch this space.

I personally guarantee that there will be more activity here than my first attempt.

(Anything could be better than that)

God bless!