What's So Good About Blogging?

Hello ladies,

Firstly, let me welcome you to our TWOS Blog. To date, the followings are our registered contributors or readers while we are still waiting for the rest to accept the invitations before they expire.

Contributors (cum Readers)
Betty, Claudia, Jyanthi, Stephnie, and Sylvyn.... (still waiting for your posts)

Readers
Tresa, Ting Choo, Dawn, Erni, Helena, Veron, Eliza, Anna, Elyna, May, Pauline, Gracia, Jenicia, Rachel.... (Hope you will 'upgrade' yourself to be Contributors soon.)


Some of you told me that the TWOS blog standard is 'too high' and that's why you aren't blogging here. Hmmn... what makes you say so? This is just another blog but dedicated to our sisters in Christ. Perhaps, I just share with you how I started blogging.


How I Started Blogging
I learned about blogging back in 2003, when blogging was something still quite new and almost a non-existence in Singapore. Blogging was confined in the US between 2001 and 2004 before it was slowly picked up by other nations. It gained its popularity in Singapore only in late 2005, and getting hotter here now. You may also read about the history of blogging at Blog.



Benefits of Blogging
I used blogging back then to help me chart my research study journal and also helped me relieve my frustrations occasionally, like how we use a personal diary. ;) But in the process I got inspired to compose many poem as I interacted with other bloggers. I discovered that the things bloggers write about can be a great influence to their readers, me included. There were many occasions that my writings helped or encouraged my readers and influenced them in many ways. There were also other bloggers who have helped me through their writings too. Blogging has become a way for me to reach out to many people whom I do not know. How then do I know that? Through the comments left at my blog posts or entries. Sometimes they also blog about what I wrote at their own blogs, which I visited often too.

Types of Blogs
Personally, I have many blogs with different theme each. Some examples are:

• personal journal
• study journal
• poem blog
  
• group blog
• photo blog
• fun blog
• work blog
• professional blog
  
• devotion blog
• tech blog
• church blog
• ladies blog
• etc

Don't think that I know how to blog right from the start. I wasn't Internet savvy back then and could get lost in the 'www maze' very easily when I went online. I fumbled many times but I learned my way around by reading articles or by asking other bloggers. If there is a will, there is a way, right? So can you too! :)

10 Blogging Tips
1. Choose a theme for your blog and stay with it when you write so that your blog won't become a 'rojak' blog. You can create as many blogs with different themes as you like.
2. Unless you don't want anyone to read your blog, please use proper English. Occasional slang is acceptable though for personal blog.
3. You may add some relevant pictures to your posts so it's easier to locate them.
4. Make sure your blog background and text colours, and also the font size, won't make readers strain their eyes.
5. Break your long post into parts and post on different days so that it's not too tiring to read.
6. Remember to give references or credits to writings you took from someone else. Do not commit plagiarism, which is a serious offense.
7. Be yourself and develop your own style of writing, don't copy somebody's style.
8. Write because you want to, not because you are forced to.
9. Comment at others' blog if you also like others to do it at yours.
10. Ask God to show you what you may blog at TWOS to encourage just ONE reader here.

How Do We Live Our Life?

The adventure of life is to learn.
The purpose of life is to grow.
The nature of life is to change.
The challenge of life is to overcome.
The essence of life is to care.
The opportunity of life is to serve.
The secret of life is to dare.
The spice of life is to befriend.
The beauty of life is to give.
The joy of life is to love.

- William Arthur Ward

Encouragement

A timely message for us sisters from Daily Encounter while we are in our process to start our TWOS fellowship.

"Let us encourage one another."Hebrews 10:25 (NIV).

One writer observed a mother walking with a small handicapped child whose both legs were in braces. He was having a difficult time but his mother was right there with him encouraging him at every step.

"That's great! You're doing splendidly," she kept repeating.

"I want to run," the boy called.

"Very well, try it," his mother encouraged enthusiastically. As he did, he tripped and almost fell and would have except his mother was right there beside him and caught him so he wouldn't hurt himself.
"You did fine," she said again, "and next time you will do even better."

God, too, knows our limitations. He sees our brokenness and doesn't expect us to be able to make it alone. He knows we can't run with a broken leg. He also knows we can't live the Christian life without help and encouragement. He wants us to know that he is right there beside us to encourage us to keep trying and to keep growing and become stronger.

God also knows that we need supporting friends to encourage us, to help keep us on track, and to keep us accountable--as none of us can make it alone.



Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to be an encouraging and supporting friend to the people you bring into my life. And help me not to be too proud or afraid to ask for help when I need a friend to lean on. And thank you that I can always ask for and receive your help as needed. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."


<:))))><

Free Christian Films

I came across a link with free Christian films. You may either download them or watch them online at TBN Film. One of the films I like is "The China Cry". The summary of the show:

The true story of Sung Neng Yee, now known as Nora Lam, who escaped from Communist China to Hong Kong some thirty years ago and now lives in the United States. Her childhood faith became real as she suffered under Communist persecution. She refused to deny Christ even while enduring physical abuse late in her pregnancy. A gripping story of love, struggle and flight to freedom.
I hope The China Cry would encourage sisters to stay strong in the Lord, regardless of your difficulties and struggles. We shall all strive to be The Women of Substance.

Enjoy watching! :D

Identity In Christ For Sisters

The following is the email sharing by sister Del to all TWOS sisters, posted with permission...


Dear Sisters,

We want to look to GOD for bringing the Sisters Fellowship for its purpose of finding our identity in HIM.

The word 'security' is a word that takes its meaning largely from its context. A house is said to be 'secure' when it is effectively locked up and protected. People are said to be 'secure' when they have good financial resources. The highest form of security however, is spiritual and emotional security, the sense of inner poise that comes from trusting in the work of a FAITHFUL GOD.

One of the greatest biblical examples of a 'secure' woman is Esther, whose faith and trust in GOD gave her tremendous strength and poise in a dangerous situation. She sensed that GOD had put her in a strategic position for a special purpose and gave herself to the task of representing HIM in the sure knowledge that HIS Purpose would come to pass. We may not be used, as Esther was, to turn-away a national crises, but each one of us can experience the sense of destiny that comes from knowing we are brought to the kingdom 'FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS'

Matt 25:25 'And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'

Matt 9:37 "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are. "Therefore pray the LORD of the harvest to send our laborers into HIS harvest."

Shalom,
Del

Greatness In Serving Others

The following is an email message by sister Mimi to all TWOS sisters, posted with permission....


Shalom Betty & Sisters,

That was a very detailed report of the meeting we had on Sunday and truly I do believe that in every church, this part of the ministry which is so vitally important for the growth and welfare of the members, yet seemed to be overlooked. This step we are embarking on now, will certainly see the birth of many Women of God, women of substance, women who will make a difference not only to other lives but also to their own. Also, we are taking steps to be obedient and be more like CHrist in our love and genuine care for others, to serve, to help and to uphold others in their times of need, to elevate others above ourselves..

In Jesus estimation the greatest is he who is least among you. "The way of greatness is not through winning over others. The way is through serving others" It takes more character to be great by being the least.

Willingness to be the least is possible only when we are comfortable with ourselves and who we are.

Secondly, its a choice.
Just like Jesus who is equal to God yet made himself nothing to become a servant.

Thirdly, it can never be motivated by success, $, self exaltation and honour. People desperate for recognition and for praise will find it hard to move in a direction of the least. True glory is the result of a choice we make when we want to do all we can to elevate others above ourselves.
We belong to Christ, we are already Winners.

Christ said in Gal. 6-9
"Let us not be weary in doing good for at a proper time will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore as we have opportunity let us do good to all people especially to those who belong to the Family of Believers"

Amen.
YOU ARE ALL BLESSED. :)

More About TWOS

Majority of the sisters from our Church have stayed behind after the last Sunday Service, on 14 Jul 07, for a short briefing on our desire to start a women's support group in Church. The following is a quick summary:

1. The Group
- The Women of Substance (TWOS)
- We want to be women of substance and excellence for God

2. The Purpose
- to encourage sisters to grow in Christ, to serve in the church, and to harvest for Christ (reach out to other ladies outside our church)
- to provide bonding and support for one another spiritually, emotionally and socially
- to close the age gap amongst sisters and provide mentoring for the younger ones
- to pray for the church and the leaders

3. The Methodology
- have regular fellowship meetings to study the word of God (pertaining to women's roles)
- organize adhoc activities/talks for ladies, including our female friends
- do home visits to sisters in and outside the church when the needs arise
- create a "TWOS" blog for all members to share testimonies or things they learned from God, and to announce events.

4. The Meetings
- Our 1st "TWOS" meeting will be held on 11 Aug 07 (Sat) at 3.15 p.m. at Alpha & Omega (subject to change)
- Subsequent meetings will be on every 1st Sat of the month at 3.15 p.m. (after church worship practice, basing on majority feedback but may change sometimes if it clashes with major Church activities)

5. What the Group Is Not
- not for personal gain, such as personal business transactions or selling
- not for gossiping or sharing negative views
- not for power or status striving
- not a threat to the brothers nor 'anti-male'

6. Personal/Spiritual Development Opportunities
The followings are ways you may help to make TWOS a success. In serving and helping you will learn to develop yourselves and other sisters into women of substance.

1. Chairpersons - to ensure smooth meeting operation
2. Worship Leaders - to chair and lead short worship, just 1 or 2 songs during meetings
3. Musicians - to work with worship leaders
4. Refreshment Chiefs - to provide simple light drinks
5. Liaison Persons - to help contact sisters for meetings, activities, etc
6. Prayer Warriors - to specially pray for the meetings, activities, needs
7. Programme Planners - to organize special bonding activities outside TWOS meetings
8. Study Facilitators - to lead small bible study group discussions during TWOS meetings
9. Mentors - to commit to mentor certain sisters for an agreed period
10. Treasurers - to keep account of offerings or collections for activities
11. Home Hosts - for TWOS meetings, if necessary (please specify day/time available)
12. Blog Contributors - to share at TWOS blog your thoughts, testimonies or things you learned that are beneficial for sisters (twice a month or more)
13. Blog Readers - to read the sharing or testimonies of TWOS blog contributors and offer comments or encouragements for them and others

Finally, please pray for this group and our sisters, that Satan will have no chance to attack us through negativity, disbelief, doubts, fears, complacencies, or indifference. Yes, our worse enemy may be our INDIFFERENCE.

Please feel free to email us if you have any questions, comments or suggestions on the above.

May the Lord bless all of you richly.

Cheers!

The TWOS Team

The Story of TWOS

If it is of God, the devil will shoot.
Yet if it is of God, it will bear fruits.
If it is of God, there will be obstacles.
Yet if is of God, we shall see miracles.
- BT


Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
- Psalm 127:1


On 12 July 2007, two Christian sisters and a brother were sharing with each other their thoughts on their Church's performance over the last more than twenty years, and what could have been done to make it grow more.

After they left that brother, the two sisters continued to talk about the negative comments and murmuring they heard from certain members of the Church.

As they were still talking about it, the Lord spoke to one of the sister's heart, "What is the point of you both talking about it? Why don't you do something about it, instead of becoming just like the people you talked about?"

Instantly, that sister felt convicted by the Lord. Instead of continuing to speak negatively, she told the other sister that they should stop complaining and do something positive to change the situation. They were reminded about what they heard during the Church retreat on the roles of sisters in the Church. Sisters could be a powerful force to help in Church growth. The Lord prompted that sister with the idea of starting a sisters' fellowship.

It was no coincidence that that evening was the Church Board's meeting. The two sisters immediately sms the Board to seek its blessing to start the sisters' fellowship. The Board agreed. Praise God!

Yes, the idea of starting the sisters' fellowship did not come from the two sisters but from God who had planted the seed in their hearts. The sisters just obeyed. The Group's name, TWOS was born, as it is the desire of the two sisters that all the sisters will become women of substance for God.

Location Map

You may click to enlarge the map.

Address:
159 Sing Ming Road
#02-02 Amtech Building
(enter via Lobby 1)
Singapore

Enquiry: Tel: 6454 6160