Isn’t it amazing how the Lord speaks to us through the Bible and Sunday sermons, and even confirms His message through other people and what could otherwise be seen as “coincidental” occurrences.. Was really touched by Pastor Elijah’s message yesterday about how the Holy Spirit gives power for cross-cultural missions, and then talking to Stan last night about his Sunday service and Sunday School lesson – surely God is challenging us to follow Him wholeheartedly, wherever He may lead, with the assurance that His grace and power are sufficient for us. Think we’re all on the journey to finding out what His will is for our lives, and learning more about what it means to surrender totally to Him.

Realised i haven’t taken any pictures since i came back to Perth! So…
Congratulations, Jane!!! Really so happy for what God has been doing in your life, with your family and Andy, helping you settle into life back home, and showing His guidance every step of the way. Join with you in trusting in the Lord to provide a job in which you can serve Him with the best of your abilities! =)

Concert of Prayer

Wow, i’ve been so busy this week that i haven’t managed to fit any time in for cross-stitching! Yes, am still working on the one i started on last.. April i think :P Will be ready in time for Christmas haha!

Last night, attended the Concert of Prayer at Subi church, which is what they call their monthly prayer meeting if i’m not wrong. Although i was rather tired, having had stuff on every night this week and most of the days too, i’m glad i went, just to pray together with others about various countries around the world, and also to hear from a Pastor from Kenya. Even though we haven’t visited many of the places we prayed for, and hardly know what life’s like for the people there, it really is a blessing to be able to remember them before our Heavenly Father. And yes, as Pastor Elijah shared, God really does answer prayers, even today. May we have the faith to believe this, and may we know how to pray in His will.

Long-distance relationships

Was able to join the Focus Bible Study group on Friday (Focus is the international students branch of the UWA Christian Union) and it was good meeting and getting to know some of those who attend that group. The study also shed some light on the passage they were studying: Philippians 1:1-11. The question was posed: is it possible to have “fellowship” when the parties involved are not physically together? And the answer is, yes, it is possible. After all, Paul wasn’t with the Philippians when he wrote his letter, and yet he kept referring to the fellowship they had because of their common goal and partnership in the Lord. And i am really glad about that, because as much as i miss being together with those at home – the young adults at YCKC and Agapella especially, i know we can still share this special bond of fellowship in the Gospel. So even though we are apart, i will learn from Paul, and pray this prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God!

I like more organisation in my life. With only those five meagre contact hours a week, most of the rest of the week is left to me to plan my time and allocate for the many different things that have to be done. So it’s not like i have nothing to do; i just need a plan to do them! Yup unfortunately, i’m the kind who actually enjoys making time-tables in order to plan my study time nearing exams (i know what you’re thinking :P), so perhaps i need a plan this time round too, just so i’ll have a better idea of how to finish the OCF Bible Studies, analyze the data i’ve collected so far, do my readings, and complete my assignments and thesis on time, along with the dozen other things there are to be done.

..Which doesn’t mean i haven’t left time for some leisure activities! Meant to blog about the outdoor cinema at King’s Park but forgot to do so.. Went with Eugenie and Paul to the Moonlight Cinema last Saturday, and it was really a totally enjoyable experience, something that probably won’t be quite as nice if done back home although i really shouldn't say, not having gone for Ballet Under the Stars or any other similar thing. We brought a picnic, along with rugs and blankets and cushions. Then the movie started around 8pm. Most people were lying down and the stars were truly beautiful in the clear night-sky. Definitely something iI would recommend to others to try!

Yesterday’s sermon challenged us to take a risk and face our fears for the sake of the Gospel. Just like the apostles, we too are asked to abandon what the world sees as being safe and secure for the sake of the call. Not that there is much safety and security in the world anyway.. Think the Word of God inspired many of the congregation, and God really used Pastor Graham’s message to speak to many of us. Praise God for His Living Word!

Birthday post

Pastor Graham spoke again on Sunday about priority and purpose in life, based on 2 Peter 3:8-13. What are we really investing our lives in? And Rob shared something rather interesting on Monday night, based on what Jesus said in Luke 14:25-35 regarding the cost of being His disciple. Rob said that he wouldn’t want to spend his life following Jesus if it just means going to a building once a week to sing a few songs and hear some words but come out otherwise unchanged… Truly, what we have been called to is much more demanding if we are to be true disciples of Christ. I suppose we can never do with too many reminders; time is short. This world we live in and what we experience here seems all too real, and often the rewards of Heaven seem all too intangible. But if all the Bible says is true and there is something more than what we can see and touch in the here and now, how should our lives reflect that?

Thank you for all the loving wishes and words of encouragement, from back home, and in Perth too.. Thanks also for the lovely, useful, and thoughtful gifts! Despite Tuesday being the only day i have class, i was able to celebrate with Eugenie, and the OCF-ers at night :) Looking back on the years that have passed, i cannot but give so much thanks and praise to God for all the rich blessings He has so graciously given, most of all for the people He has placed around me. My cup overflows!

heh Happy Birthday also to Ruzita, Gwen, and the newest addition to the world on 7th March that i know about, baby Jorryn! Eugenie and i both think March is such a nice month to have a birthday hee

the course this semester

We have two taught modules to take this semester: Selected Topics and Special Education, the latter being part of the Grad Dip Ed component of our combined degree. In Selected Topics, we’ll be looking at language development and language difficulties, gerontology, and also a section on eating disorders, body image and weight management! Interesting ya! The Special Education module is looking mainly at students with special needs, and the resources available to them, as well as how teachers should cater to these needs. Then in mid-year we’ll be doing a 3-week practicum to teach in a special school setting. Definitely a challenge, but something I hope I can do.

So before you ask me the inevitable question, yes, with these 2 modules I really only have 5 contact hours a week (!), which for the time being are all on Tuesday (!!). What do I do with the rest of my time, you might well ask? Don’t worry; I’m really trying hard to utilize all the time I have wisely with other “extra-curricular” activities.. Also, while waiting for my last psych prac to start, will have to collect more data from the Australia side for my thesis, as well as ultimately analyze the data and write the thesis!

Erm ya, but seriously, this might be a very good time to hang out if you’re in Perth or thinking of coming down for a weekend or a short mid-week trip or something ;)