Last semester!!

And just like that i’m into my final lap of the course!! Had my one and only lecture of the week yesterday, module entitled “Applied issues across the lifespan”, dealing with how to apply theoretical research to real-life situations. Quite interesting and practical, and i am quite excited about learning more about working memory, ADHD, and autism through the lectures and readings. Besides that, i have 10 days to go for my last psych placement at the Non-Government Schools Psychology Services, and then the rest of the time for my studies can be devoted to the thesis! Was slightly concerned that i might be too free this semester, even though i do have my other commitments in the OCF, church, and the Careline, but on thinking about it more, there really is a lot that could be done in these last few months here in Perth. Just to have coffees with people (the OCF-ers will know who i got that from!! ;), reading books, and generally encouraging others to see the excellent greatness of our God! Must use the extra time i have to do all those things that we so often miss in the seemingly inescapable busyness of life in Singapore. Of course, i still can’t help counting down the months to November, but realize the importance of using each new day well and purposefully.

Also, congratulations to Jan & Sarah on their wedding day on Saturday!! Really wish i could’ve been there, and to tell the truth, my mind was really more in Singapore than in Perth that day ;P

orange tulips and what they mean to me

Alas, my poor photography skills do not do justice to the lovely tulips.. But they really do brighten up the house, and i am very much tempted to make a trip down to Araluen again this year. Maybe earlier this time to catch the flowers at their best? :)

Please pray for Stan to regain his full strength after a very nasty bout of food poisoning. Not that i could do very much anyway, but it really feels rotten to be away at times like these.

together again (if only for a short while...)

Despite the farmers praying for rain during this dry autumn and winter, i’ve selfishly been glad that the weather has been mostly fine this past week so that we could do more outdoorsy things and take more photos of beautiful Perth. I thank God for these past six days which have simply been wonderful – just relaxing and having a proper vacation.. catching up on news, being able to worship together on Sunday, sharing what’s been going on in our lives and what the Lord has been impressing on our hearts, finding out new things about each other, and having Stan meet up with some of my friends here! Hope this visit has been as enjoyable for you as it has for me, dear, (not too cold… ;P) and that you’re ready to go back into the ‘real world’ again, just as i am, this last semester here!

Perhaps this quote aptly sums up how i feel about this past week:
“When just being together is more important than what you do,

you are with a friend” :)

It's all about Grace

Yesterday’s sermon again discussed the message of Grace. How appropriate that Pastor Graham should use the illustration from Les Miserables of how the Bishop redeemed Valjean by showing him mercy instead of the justice he deserved. Often we are so quick to forget that we too are the same as everyone else – not worthy of God’s love. It might seem tricky to know where to draw the line between showing grace and spurring one another to live holy and righteous lives, but i think i myself would tend to err on the side of being too judgemental and unloving. A very good reminder that we first have to introduce our friends to the person of Jesus Christ instead of requiring them to get right with God beforehand.

Also, congratulations to Shea Lin and Wei Ming on the birth of their baby girl Grace last Friday! So happy for them and wish i could be there too!

mid-year holiday

Yup, i finally feel like i'm on some sort of holiday now, having done my last day of prac yesterday, and not going back there until after the school holidays (the kids have only a 2-week break compared to the fortunate Uni students). Not that life in Perth is that busy even during term time, but it has been quite full-on with the pracs and other stuff. So now there's time to think about next sem's OCF activities, pray more about next year's committee, and also (hopefully) start writing the Intro and Method of the thesis!! Hm, not sure how much i'll actually get done given that spot of entertaining i'll have to do in between next week ;D

Given that OCF Perth's AGM is in August, it's really not too early to be thinking about next year's committee, which we have also been reminded about by certain caring individuals :) I fully believe that God will provide just the right people to fill up the posts in the LC, just as He has done in the past, and i really think this is a great opportunity to prepare for future service and leadership. Perhaps it's true that we are sometimes called to serve in the area we feel most inadequate in, so that God alone may be glorified, and His work clearly seen as He works through us to accomplish His purposes.

home back to normal

Thank God for bringing Karen home safely : ) Still in the midst of catching up on her news from her time on the Mercy Ship, and also during her travels in Europe. She’s quite ready to be back home and get into some sort of routine again, which i think sort of shows that we all can’t be on holiday permanently – it just wouldn’t be as enjoyable!! ;)