I have told some friends jokingly that after our wedding, we can open a mini-library of books on marriage! ;) And i'm quite serious - many dear people gave many good books on the topic! Must admit that i haven't yet read them all, but i have definitely appreciated the insight and advice from Gary Chapman and James Dobson, along with a book from Focus on the Family. But one i found particularly edifying was a book called "Sacred Marriage" by Gary Thomas. It comes from the premise that before marriage, one should of course think and pray very carefully and seriously to make this very solemn decision. But once the decision is made and the vows are taken, then it becomes, to put simply, something you have to work out, for better or worse. And that means that even though the situation may not be ideal and not as you initially imagined, the best thing to do is find out how to use the marriage to bring you closer to God, as well as how to bring your spouse closer to God. Probably something few people have thought about.
Personally, i have so much to thank God for.. Looking back just 3 years ago at this time, i'm sure i didn't imagine i would be married by now (despite hoping for that very much! ;), and to such a great guy. Now, some months into the marriage, i realise that it's not always easy, and we do have differences after all (especially in taste in furniture!) and are less alike than i initially thought. But the joys definitely outweigh the blues. And it's only by God's grace that i'm learning to take it one day at a time to appreciate what He has given me in my husband, as well as learn what God is teaching me about my relationship with Him.
Hm, realising it's very difficult to summarise the main points of the book! Anyway, if you're interested, please do look out for it in the bookstore, or ask to borrow it from me ;)
Besides keeping overseas friends updated about my news, this page hopes to encourage others along the journey we are all on. Looking back, it is surely testament to God's amazing Grace and Faithfulness. Looking ahead, we press on towards the goal, learning what it means to love each other, and not waste our lives.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
How then shall we live?
We just had our last of 4 sessions of the Berean teaching series on Revelation in church on Saturday. Thank God for Mrs. Leong, a faithful teacher who has clearly presented this book after years of study and reading. Our church's study of Revelation, together with what has happened in Myanmar and China in the last few weeks, really brought home the reality that the time is short. We certainly do seem to be living in the last days, though no one knows exactly when the end will be. Rather sobering and slightly depressing (especially in light of what the Bible teaches us about what will happen in the endtimes), and it definitely has implications for how we must live our life while we are still given the chance. Reminded of this verse in 1 Peter 4:7 -
"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray."
For me personally, on reflection, i guess i can say that it hasn't really been an easy few months. Adjusting to the new job and the stress of moving house combined, plus the continual desire for change in my own character and life which i suppose has been made even stronger by adjusting to married life. And the worst is that i know i have it easy compared to many others who are struggling with bigger things :P ...It's hard not to be self-centred and egocentric! Just reminded of the lovely prayer that we should pray daily - to see God more clearly, to love Him more dearly, to follow Him more nearly (or closely, as Stan prefers ;) May this be my constant prayer!!
"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray."
For me personally, on reflection, i guess i can say that it hasn't really been an easy few months. Adjusting to the new job and the stress of moving house combined, plus the continual desire for change in my own character and life which i suppose has been made even stronger by adjusting to married life. And the worst is that i know i have it easy compared to many others who are struggling with bigger things :P ...It's hard not to be self-centred and egocentric! Just reminded of the lovely prayer that we should pray daily - to see God more clearly, to love Him more dearly, to follow Him more nearly (or closely, as Stan prefers ;) May this be my constant prayer!!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Relocated!
It's official - i am now in our own Hougang apartment blogging.. The telecoms guy came this morning to connect our phone line and internet and immediately like two excited kids who just got new toys, Stan and i came online... First to re-connect with "long-lost" friends and now, both blogging (but him for work ;) So much for the unpacking ;P
Can't write much now.. Feel as if there's so much to do that i don't qute know where to start - unpacking, buying more essentials for the house, getting organised. Thankful that Stan's back safe from Sydney (though with cough and congestion), and that we've got most of the large stuff, and for the long weekend! ...So, will update another time when i feel more settled, but for now, better try to do more unpacking now while we wait for the TV to be delivered ;)
Can't write much now.. Feel as if there's so much to do that i don't qute know where to start - unpacking, buying more essentials for the house, getting organised. Thankful that Stan's back safe from Sydney (though with cough and congestion), and that we've got most of the large stuff, and for the long weekend! ...So, will update another time when i feel more settled, but for now, better try to do more unpacking now while we wait for the TV to be delivered ;)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)