Catching up

Its always nice to catch up with friends whom u havent met for a while. They bring their fair share of stories to inspire me. Time to laugh and time to walk together, though it might be short, still I thank thee for giving me the opportunity to have this special grp of friends in my life.

Honouring God

Many husbands and wives put their hopes for fulfillment in people or in places, whether homes or vacation spots. To those thirsting for fulfillment, these things look like a quenching pool of water. Yet once they reach them, they find only the sand of a mirage. Only Christ gives everlasting satisfaction - Gary and Norma Smalley

Holidays

A time to rest... not exactly but every day that is free from work is a blessing.

1 week isnt much but hey, embrace and give thanks for God can give and take away as easily as ABC.

Treasure my holidays, woohoo!

A blessing to cherish

In the midst of an internal battle, the understanding of the blessing of being able to speak is something i am learning the past day.

Due to the viral infection, I cant talk without having pain so it is down to hand gestures and head movement. Last sat while @ dinner, chance upon a grp of ppl who r dumb as i saw they gesturing using sign languages. Makes me appreciate speaking more now.

Its not a gd experience but its been a meaningful one. Hope i recover soon. Thank the Lord that there wont a need to teach this week, heeeee

Mid Term

I'm at the middle of the term and its been a challenge but the Lord has still been walking and guiding me. I'm enjoying the interaction and where he has placed me. 3 more days to the get-away! Looking forward to some rest and fun!

Worship

The weaker u r, the stronger the Lord will stand in the gap for you. Today worship was great despite all the boo-hoos.

Thx for your support n guidance as well, i really am blessed to know you care.

Adjusting

3 weeks has gone, wooo. I'm thankful that i'm coping well with what's happening. Life sure is fast pace and yet i'm thankful that I can still spend time with the Lord and mediate on his word. (Ok, i admit, Revelation isn't the easiest of any books to study and understand). Jia you, 3 more weeks to long week end, cant wait.

Onwards to the fight

Life is changing and i'm changing as well. I do hope for the better. Thx for standing beside me and supporting me. I am very blessed to have you in my life. I will press on cos i want you to be proud of me.

The Glove

"You're so quiet, Son. What's on your mind?" asked Ben's father as he stopped at Ben's room to tell him good night.

Ben put his hands behind his head and stared at the ceiling above his bed. "Oh, I've just been wondering if I should be a missionary."

"You don't seem very excited about the idea," said Dad.

"It seems like such a hard job," said Ben, propping himself up on one elbow. "I have this feeling that I might not be any good at it. What if God calls me to do something I can't do!"

Ben's father thought for a moment, then reached over to Ben's desk and picked up his baseball glove. "What's this?" he asked.

Ben laughed. "Don't be silly, Dad! It's my ball glove."

Dad walked over to the corner of the room. He propped the glove against the wall, found a baseball, and threw it at the glove. Though the ball hit the center of the glove, it rolled to the floor. Dad picked up the glove and looked at it in disgust. "This glove is a total failure," he said, shaking his head.

Ben laughed and laughed. "Oh, Dad, you know it can't catch by itself! It has to have a hand inside."

Dan smiled at Ben. "You're just like this glove," he said. "God has a purpose for your life, Ben, just as there is a purpose for this glove. You put your hand inside the glove to give it guidance and strength - you give it power to catch the ball. In the same way, God will give you power to do whatever He calls you to do. Don't worry, Son, God will never prop you in a corner and leave you alone. It's His mighty hand that does the work when you are willing to be used."

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:4-5)

--> Thank you for the assurance

Next

I really wonder how much does God want to stretch me.

U might have the heart for God but when people are more concern about fellowship and bonding, you are kind of in a fix. I pray simply that through our conversations, we will speak into one another life.

As for the learning and growing part, its up to individuals le. I dont think we are at a stage where we can learn together about god yet...

Yet another stage to grow and yet, another stage to say good bye to by the year end.

________________________________________________________

- Still, @ the end of the day, to run that race faithfully, it's worth the pain to go through to grow in the Lord

Rest and Fun

I got to admit it. Its been a very fun and happy period of my life. Havent had this experience since last yr before i went NIE.

This time rd, it's the friends from NIE and school that are becoming the core of my life. Things will end soon, but i do hope we can still keep in touch.

Recently, God given me a renewed strength to be calmed and not be overwhelmed and affected by ppl. Of course, that doesnt mean i am totally back to normal. Shutting some ppl out of my life is indeed doing me some wonders. (Thank you Lord for the clearing ups of misunderstanding so I can learn to forgive and seek forgiven as well)

Hold onto those who are really close, who really care and who i really love. The rest is in God hands, I cant force my heart to accept ppl whom i simply cant stand.

Peace

Somehow, God has given me the peace and strength to carry on loving despite all the pains and hurts i have accumulated the past 2 mths till i want to give up alrdy.

Only You Lord, Only You.

Recharging

Its great to be among friends once again after the 10 weeks of attachment. Appreciating the 3 wks break we r having now b4 the final program starts. It's always been a fun time together, something which i will miss it once we go our separate ways.

Still, this was a grp of friends God has bless me with in this journey i have. Till jun when we part, i want to treasure them and be thankful for everything the Lord does in my life.

Ending

1 last day. The day has arrived. Bittersweet the feelings. I've grown close to both teachers and children. Through it all, the Lord is mighty!

Life

It's really short esp when u know time flies by so fast. I only have 24 hrs a day so I need to be wise on whom and what i spend it on. As I see and know more, there are a lot of redundant things that I shouldn't get myself involve in. The cutting off continues.

Winding Down

8 days more and the journey will come to an end. It's been a challenging but pleasure time. God has really seen me through the tough times and surrounded me with his love. He has provided me with an environment where I can not only learn from but also connect with people who are not just the Hi and Byes daily.

Students wise, I'm thankful for everyone of them, no matter how naughty some might be, being able to relate to them beyond not just lessons but into daily life. The learning continues, what the training institute can't teach you is to feel the heart beat of people. That can only come through God and how he teaches me to feel for those around me.

Exams are coming up, pray that they will do well, not so much reflecting how well they have been taught by me but more for their personal growth. It's wonderful to see improvements both academically and in their behavior, though much is still needed for some of them.

I'm drained out from this phrase but knowing that touching lives goes beyond personal recognition, it's a blessing to give.

Wish i could say as much about something else in terms of giving but hopefully God will help me recapture that.

Up and On

Thanks

Thank You everyone for your well-wishes and especially those who came down especially for my confirmation. Much appreciated.

Alright...

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all you ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

i get it.

Obedient

It get even tougher when you know you really don't like it but out of obedient, you are persevering on cos he called you to mold your inner self to be a reflection of him.

When o when o when o is this going to end... hehe, laughing at dumb o me.

Counting Down thoughts

Recently, my friends has started to count down the number of days left for us before we see one another again. Not too long more, and yet there is still a distance away.

Everyday has been challenging. Yet no matter what, starting the day with God helps me to stay focus on knowing what is the end goal for life and not work.

Today my 11 years old spoke like adults when they ask me if i enjoy teaching. They then went on to ask if i regret it after teaching them.

Somehow deep down, it feels as though God is saying, "I've shown you the good and bad sides of this profession, are you going to fight on?"

I think the answer will eventually surface in a few years time. For now, I still haven't gotten into this mindset that I'm working. Its seems as though I'm doing full time ministry with children, which is good for them though ya, I need to take care of my health cos i know i am falling into the phrase of being a workaholic.

At present, its a good discipline to build up on and wanting to speak into the boys life. If only there is more time to be more influential in their lives, to build them up not base on their grades but who they can truly be as a person.

Its good to give without asking or expecting for a return, the heart is more willing in this way. Something which i know i have lost for a certain time now, the sense of serving the Lord with joy.

May God grant me a heart fixed on him in all that i do.

Thanks Giving

Time flies, already back to work for 2 days already. Thank You Lord for a smooth transition back to work. Getting the hang of things better now, though the challenges are still there, it's still been a wonderful journey so far. 6 wks and 3 more days left or to be exact 30 more working days and the chapter will close for another to begin. Looking forward to that.

On another note, it's been challenging to take a strong stand on some matters. Through it all, I'm thankful that God is shaping me through it.

God works in amazing ways and the recent meet ups with someone and encouragements from another has given me more directions and assurances. Though it is still going to be a tough walk ahead, with me not knowing if i can last, I want to say that God will certainly stand in the gap over my weaknesses.

1 week

It's been a good week of resting. Learning much about God and life, catching up with friends and being productive at work.

I find myself going through ups and downs this week.

Downs can really be downs, wonder how am i going to last through it in the long term. For a start, it must try not to hate people and things.

Ups are wonderful, to learn so much about God and to be able to hear also from different people gives learning a new dimension. Its being a long while since i really learn things in 1 on 1 or small grp setting.

There is lots of uncertainty ahead still, but ... I know tt courage arises from God and no other.

Learning

You learn lots about yourself as time goes by especially in the situations that God throws you into. Character is built along the way but there is still so much to learn. It's a bittersweet experience I must say. Well, if the ultimate aim is to be more Christlike and to be more refined by him, then just have to stomach it and accept that at least it's in an environment whereby God will surround you with his love and push you to lean on him and no other.

Effective Communication

There's more to effective communication than putting together and then practicing the right message. Picking the right time and place to convey it is also crucial.

- Gary and Norma Smalley

Holidays

I'm thankful for the meet up. A full day of being with people who are on the same path, who truly can understand and can relate best about your own situations. It's good to be in that company knowing that we do support and help one another if there is a need.

Sometimes, it's good to be with this group of friends than others though you might see them more often than not. Maybe familiarity causes people to take you for granted.

Time to get back to work. God promises never fail you even when men has failed you countless times. Fix your eyes on the one and only person in life worth living for.

James 5:7-11

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Born Free

Born free, as free as the wind blows
As free as the grass grows
Born free to follow your heart

Live free and beauty surrounds you
The world still astounds you
Each time you look at a star

Stay free, where no walls divide you
You're free as the roaring tide
So there's no need to hide

Born free, and life is worth living
But only worth living
'cause you're born free

(Stay free, where no walls divide you)
You're free as the roaring tide
So there's no need to hide

Born free, and life is worth living
But only worth living
'cause you're born free

Awakening

Times like this is where you know the in and out. I'm thankful for the lessons learnt on how fragile it is that my stupidity has led me to hold onto it. Today is the day when i awake and realise what i need to do.

Hot

Wow, weather being very hot this month and there are so many disasters happening. Will revelations be fulfilled soon?

Balance

I really don't like it when things are already so tight but hopefully God will find that balance for me. I guess the position I'm in at the moment is a time of testing and shaping of my inner character especially in the area of faith.

No1 will be there to support nor be able to offer any kind of understanding anyway. Life must ultimately be God centered for only he cares.

Hopefully, I'll last this year and beyond.

1st week

1 down, 9 to go. Its only going to get even crazier. Thankfully, there is the holidays to look forward to in 2 wks time. At least can have some time to plan and gather forces together with my classmates and share materials.

I'm thankful to the Lord for a smooth transition into really work life. My CTs have been friendly and helpful, ppl ard have been nice and I've been hungry all the time. Brain really working like mad.

Learning Journey

Went out of school with the class today, where? PP neighborhood, oh wow, so exciting ! Ya right ! The parent volunteers were supportive, each class had about 7 of them so the pupils were in grps of 4. Tagged along to help or so called make myself useful esp to my CT.

It was fun and enjoyable, too bad i already know the area very well. Had to be very strict at times to the boys, scolded them a few times. In the end, the trip was good and the parents were appreciative of it, even saying I handled them well.

If only every parent were tt understanding. Thurs is ard the corner, so fast, almost my 1st wk is done. Gladded tt i'm setting in nicely, it helps when the teachers r friendly and helpful to each other. Yesterday was in the lounge with about 8 of them and hearing them gossip about the boys, haha. I wont say what the boys did or say, censored materials u know!

A new chapter begins

Today marks the start of a 10 wk journey that will define my early career. One comforting thing would be the physical environment, now i'm really going to church 6 days a week or even more if i count in SS. Its a pleasant environment to be in, colleagues are friendly and helpful, though it will take a while to warm up to them. Will be seeing the children tmr, looking fw to that, just need to remind myself not to smile and put on a fierce look. Very hard... i think i will just put on the dont come near me look which sometimes some of u see on sat. :p

I'm thankful to God for arranging things out and we'll see how things go as the weeks go by. Only 2 weeks and 4 days left to the holidays!

Thanks to those who have been praying for me and encouraging me and esp those who really gave me a piece of their mind when i sounded so pessimistic on matters, thanks for that tough love!

Ps: Received an sms to ponder over, there is peace on this, i wonder does tt mean the decision has been made?

God will

Lead, there is no need to worry

Hold me accountable, for no1 is better out there to do so

Embrace me when no1 else seems near

Encourage me cos he knows me inside out

Love me always for He is the redeemer, saviour and my friend!

__________________________________________________

Be there for you cos if He is there for me, He will definitely be there for you too!

Persevere on to whoever reads this post

Believe

Here i am again, thinking abt how impossible it is for me. Thx for the listening ear, i will stay strong.

Only You

"God has not promised skies always blue,

flower-strewn pathway all our lives through;

God has not promised sun without rain, joy

without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God has promised strength for the day,

rest for the labour, light for the way,

grace for trials, help from above,

unfailing sympathy, undying love"

- Kristone

A very interesting scene esp when u give this msg out to encourage someone and u get the same exact msg back from the same person. Through it all, we both didn't know till we checked later on and compared and realised what we had received.

Only You can arrange for such an outcome. God is very in-ter-est-ing!

Limits

Sometimes, u keep wondering why though its been a painful process, that one would still attempt to try. Today, I step close to yet that border again and it drives me up the wall. I wonder how much more can i take before i tell myself that i'm the dumbest person alive to keep doing it while others don't even bother a single bit.

CNY

Yeah ! Its ard the corner ! Time to have fun AND get my assignments done as well! Last 2 to go before the major 10 weeks ahead. At least this CNY is shaping up to be a fun filled and yet tiring one, but still... all's well when you know whose in control.

Meet ups

Recently, it's been a tiring time, schools been very crazy, lots of work and i'm totally sick out, as in really down with different illnesses and i still haven't seen the doc for medicine.

That aside, i'm thankful for the meet up with various friends, mostly which i didn't plan for or asked ppl out but it was the other way rd, which is nice, considering how tiring it is sometimes to set aside time to meet up, planning where and what to do,etc.

Still, it's not like my schedule is a rigid 1, can always be flexi, though ya at some cost sometimes. Like i didn't finish my assignment till this morning cos yesterday was cell and then i went to play badminton and had dinner. I was nodding my head @ the comp at nite so decided to call it and do it this morning, 45 mins b4 i had to rush out for classes.

What a long day... Yet, life is pleasant when it is simple.

Going by ...

So fast, I'm @ the half way mark already. 5 assignments handled in, 5 more to go. On top of which, this week is sick week. Really thankful for all the prayers and God grace to sustain me through. 1 more assignment up next today and week end is here to ... play ! Haha, if i'm well enough to do so.

Should I ?

If u do read my blog, do drop a tag ya. Was wondering if i should continue writing. Thanks

Time

Time flies, before i know, jan is almost over. There is so much ahead to go through, not exactly looking fw to them but yet there is peace, God assurance will indeed carry me though. That the basket full of stuff which I have to carry this year, surely God will help me carry them as well.