..and a Happy New Year!

This is probably going to be my last post for 2005. As i pack up my stuff here at the CGC and try not to worry about not having started the process of thesis data collection, i think about how best to summarise my thoughts about the year that has passed. This has really been a very special year, and not just because i finally embarked on the Masters programme, and not because i started this blog ;) Answered prayers.. the undeniable evidence of God's incredible faithfulness.. Even as i am reading the book of Isaiah, though it often doesn't seem like it when we look at events around us, God still remains in control.

Looking ahead to the coming year and its challenges, am thankful for the reminder to keep my eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen. Thoughts drift back to that impactful book on not wasting my life. (Have you read it yet? If not, try to borrow/get hold of a copy!) While i must admit part of me is already not looking forward to leaving Singapore again in February, i trust that He will carry us through the next 8 months in Perth and i am determined not to waste the time He has granted in Australia, be it in my studies, OCF, church, or the Careline.

Don't know how much time we have left, so let's remember to cherish each moment He has given, and continue to bless others out of the bountiful blessings we too have received. To those reading this: Thanks for wanting to be updated about my news. Thanks for your prayerful support and encouragement by being a friend. May the Lord bless you richly in the coming year. I pray that you'll come to a deeper realisation of Who He is, and enjoy a closer walk with Him!

Blessed Christmas to all!!

Watched The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe yesterday, and enjoyed it. Very glad they kept quite true to the book. Of course, it's not quite the same as i pictured certain parts of it in my mind's eye - that's the beauty of a book - leaving a little something to the imagination. Still, loved the plot, the characters, and of course, it was great company watching the movie, which is always very important :)

Also watched the Church of Our Saviour musical The Other Wiseman, based on the story by Henry van Dyke. Besides the joy of watching Jam in a musical (he was, as expected, quite impressive, especially acting as an old man!!! =D) The story was also very touching and meaningful. Ok next starring role for Jam: Jean Valjean in Agapella's Les Miserables ;) ..Good job in the choir too, Sulin ;)

May this Christmas be a special one for all as we think about how the gift of Christ impacts our life personally.

Undeserved

So many things to give thanks to God for... First, must thank Him for bringing me through these 30 days of placement here. Life has been busy, but it has been a real blessing to be able to work here and get a glimpse of psychological services available to children in a hospital setting and definitely working with skilled professionals who are providing valuable service for the children. Even though today's my last day officially, i will still be coming in to complete work though so i'm not really on holiday yet ;)

Next, praise the Lord for unexpected results for this past semester - definitely better than i deserve.. He can indeed work miracles :P

Last but definitely not least, all glory to Him for last night's gig at the Esplanade Concourse! The sound system was good and comments were generally positive. What a privilege to be able to sing in such a public place and share the true meaning of Christmas with the listeners and passers-by! Thanks so much to all those who came down - my family, including my beloved Grandma, aunts, uncles and cousins (Great seeing Jonathan again finally!); Rebec, Esther, Deb, Grace, Kelvin; Julian; Yahui - it was such a support and encouragement! Hope your friends were blessed by the words of the songs as well =) Pray that we won't get too caught up in the busy pace of life in Singapore or get bogged down by the hassles and pains of the season, but remember the real Reason for celebrating.

a cappella

Went to hear The Idea of North at the University Cultural Centre on Saturday. They were excellent; especially keeping in mind that there are only 4 of them! The entire concert was totally enjoyable.. of course, the company made it extra special :D Love the Alto Naomi Crellin's voice but really they all have very powerful individual voices and also blend extremely well, with cool intervals and rhythm and choreography and stage presence. Their jazz numbers are quite amazing - they even do Jobim! - and my favourites were His Eye is on the Sparrow and I'll be Home for Christmas, which they did as an encore number. Would definitely recommend them if anyone has the chance to hear them.. Hm wonder if they'll come by Perth some time next year..? ;)

Agapella started our run of Christmas gigs on Saturday (i'm so so happy to be singing with them!!) Our only public gig this year is next Thursday Dec 15th. Two half-hour runs where we'll be singing the same songs i think, at 7:30 and 8:30pm. Please come by if you can and bring friends too ;)

Convention starts today!!!

Yup, so excited for all who are attending this year's OCF convention in WA.. I know that they're gonna have an amazing time getting to know each other better, including those studying in other parts of Australia, and that the Lord will speak mightily through the speakers! Ecclesiastes is one of my favourite books in that it makes so much sense to me, and in the end, the conclusion is simple, with a direct application about how to live our lives. Gee, wish i had gotten my Convention T-shirt earlier so can wear it one of these days :P May we all be able to stand Against The Tide when the situation calls for it. Thoughts and prayers are with the OCF-ers and speakers especially (and also not forgetting the Kerala team and Gerald!)