10 days more and also New Year's Eve :)

Hello again :)

It's exciting! These countdowns and all. I'll be back next week! I can't believe that it's already coming the end of my exchange here in Korea :| Wow.

Just got back from a trip to Busan yesterday :) Got to meet up with some friends and do some sightseeing. But what I really enjoyed most was simply having coffee in Starbucks while reading back on my old journal, one which I began to keep since my first year as an undergraduate. And boy, was there much to read! So much has changed since then, how I was back then and how I am now. Life has changed and is continuously changing. The one thing that makes all the difference - God! 

Reading back, I saw His hand and His grace throughout the various seasons in my university life. From new beginnings, to preparations, to humbling me, to rediscovering my faith and God, to relationships and so much more, God was there.

So, as I step into the new year (2014) and as I prepare to go back to Malaysia, to my final semester as a TESL undergraduate, I ask myself what is this coming year going to be for me? What are my hopes, visions and resolutions?

And this one word came: 

URGENCY!!!

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, 

"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Matthew 4:17

One of the Sundays here in Korea, the message was on that verse. The pastor said that to those who know Jesus and are looking forward to His coming, this is a message of great comfort. But to those who do not know or believe in Jesus, this was a warning and an urgent message to them. This message was Jesus' mission statement here when He walked the earth and so it is also our mission statement to tell others this message. 

So, next year, may eternity and urgency be etched upon my heart. That my thoughts, actions and words would reflect these in my life. Committing this year unto God. Amen.

Goodbye 2013, Hello 2014 :)

40 days - goodbye november, hello december :)

Hello, final day of November today and also 40 days more to home :)

Been a good past ten days :) Did some shopping to which my mom replied,"Great! This will keep you warm and happy and smiling." :D Bought three jackets and a pair of boots for the winter in less than two hours! Not bad for a person who doesn't really fancy shopping :P

Also, the snow came again :) And so we played with the snow, made a snowman and also my first snow angel!

Also, got to spend more time with friends here. Trips, coffee dates, homecooked dinner by the boys from IVF, a Korean movie with no subtitles but which we could understand (improvements!) and a lot of meet ups over some sort of food or coffee :) I'm going to miss the friends here and even some have become family. The conversations, the experiences, the lives.

This month has been teaching me where to put my focus on - Christ. And that as I look to Christ, my perspectives change which in turn affects the way I think, feel, act, speak, etc. However, I've stumbled about so many many times. Getting distracted, losing focus, messy emotions, and so on. :\ But His grace always finds me, picks me up and shows me again and again the way I should go. It's been humbling.

I miss home a lot, though.

Also there's been quite a number of people who have lost loved ones :( And it just keeps reminding me: Life is short. Time is so limited. You never know if today is your last day on earth. Are you living a life that is to His Kingdom and glory? And also the people in our lives, are we loving them?

Aww.. shucks. This made me emo.

Goodbye November, Hello December :)

50 days

So, I've been here in South Korea for almost three months now. And as I've said it so many time before (because it's true and it's a good reminder to myself) that this place and her people are beautiful in so many ways :) But I also miss Malaysia and her people very much, and my heart is definitely there. :)

So, here's the countdown! Fifty days till my flight home. FIFTY! 50! Five-Zero! (Haha, it's not really that big of a deal :P Every single day is indeed precious.) Fifty days till home, family, loved ones, friends, and so much more. I'm excited but I'm also so aware of how much I'm going to miss Korea.

I want to make each day count. Bless someone, do something meaningful, try something new, grow in faith :)

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

- 2 Peter 1:5-8

I want to be prepared to go home, refreshed in God. With the knowledge and assurance that He is enough. :) I want to look back at these days and thank God for them and for what He has done and is doing in me. 

So, here's to 50 days to come, with God, here in Korea! :)

Picture taken from http://blog.connectionthebestmedicine.com/?p=1674

Teach us to number our days,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

Oh! Yesterday was my dad's birthday :) I am thankful to be able to call him "Daddy" and am blessed to be known as his daughter :) 

I love you, Daddy :) And I miss you truckloads here in Korea! Thank you for providing and caring for me all these years! For teaching us through your words and actions and for inspiring us is so many many ways. I love your heart for God and your compassion for people and pray that day by day you will continue to grow in His grace and refining. You're my hero, Dad! And one of the most important men in my life :) *BIGHUG* God bless you!

I love you :)

First Snow :)

There are moments in life that are precious and amazing. They make you bubble over in excitement just thinking about it. My first snow experience is today in Cheongju, South Korea :) And it was beautiful, amazing, exciting, fun and everything wonderful!

The first sight of snow from my room's window :D Excitement was unbearable!

Look at that :)

The changes I have been allowed to experience :)
Summer, Autumn, Winter :)

A place for my time alone with God :)
Now, too cold. But I'll find somewhere else.. :)

First touch of snow :)
Was so excited I went down in shorts and slippers :)

Thank You, Lord for such experiences! Lord, I'm amazed by You! Day by day, Your glory and wonders continues to amaze me. And thank You for the people I was able to share these moments with. Thank You for such moments and for being with me throughout :) I love You!

time to change - preparations

Changed the name of this blog from "Faith, Hope and Love" to "Preparations".

And the verse from "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13) to "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21). 

As a reminder to myself to live for Christ and for the things that really count. To always have eternity in mind and to always be in preparation for it.

Coming to Korea has allowed me to take a step back and take a good look at life, my worldviews and perspectives and the environment and situations I'm so used to back home. Makes me realize the need for change and am praying that day by day, bit by bit, the Holy Spirit will work in me to change me and prepare me for when Christ comes again. Less of me, more of Him. 

Also, the loss of loved ones has also reminded me that life on earth is temporary yet the way we live is important. It's important that our lives glorify God and touch the lives of others that they too may know God. Reminds me that my time here on earth is not forever and neither are the times of people around me. There is an urgency.

And so, it is a time to change. The very safe and comfortable way I've been living in. The very self-centered and me-first mentality. The selfishness and indifference in me that tells me that it's fine to keep the truth and good news to myself. The hypocrisy and double-mindedness of my being. 

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do:

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 3:12-14)

And I pray that more and more Christians will continue in fervent preparation for our King's coming.

home

With such knowledge and revelation, how would we be living our lives? 

The same? Differently?

Today, I just got news that Aunty Poh Lin went home to be with God. I miss her. She was one who really inspired my faith in God. She rejoiced in the Lord when she had many reasons in the world's perspective not to. Her heart and vision was set on eternity and upon God and with that she touched many lives through her encouragement, prayer and love. She was wonderful and beautiful. I miss her, but now she's home and now she's perfect and now she's rejoicing with God :) Thank You, God, for bringing Aunty Poh Lin into our lives.

Wish I was there, PKV :)

Hello my fellow brothers and sisters :) This picture came up on my desktop the other day and it made me feel really nostalgic. It was during one of the AGM's where we took up the roles of those before us as well as a change of PKV's advisor. I miss each and everyone of you.

Well, the reason why I'm writing this is cause T.H.E. Camp is happening tomorrow :) And how I wish I could be there! Even as the leaders are preparing for whatever else needs to be prepared for tomorrow, I pray that each one of you will go with much expectations and excitement :)

THE Camp 2010, Cameron Highlands

This was camp during my first year :) And also the beginning of serving in PKV for me :) I thank God for the relationships we formed and all that He has brought us through. We're already in final year weihh!! (To those who are in my batch - Timothy, Joanne, Daniel, Philemon, Deborah, Noah, Sandra, Elaine, Sarah, Jun Ling :) Ahh, the memories. May you continue to walk each day in faith and grow deeper and deeper in love with Christ :)

THE Camp 2012

Lots has changed over the years and God has brought in even more new people into our family :) I can't wait to meet the new juniors when I come back :D Take care of one another and love each other earnestly, okay? :) It's all part of being God's family.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. - 1 Peter 4:8-9 

Finally, specially for my two favorite girls :) Remember this? Every time I think about this I will laugh to myself :D Hehe, funny lah.

Camp Director Debs! :) It has always been such a blessing to have served alongside you. Your encouragement and prayer and your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit has blessed us in so many ways. I wish I could be there this time round but I guess God does bring us through different seasons and phases in life. I'll be praying for you all still :) Keep trusting in God and enjoy what He is doing amongst you. May the joy of the Lord be your strength :)

Princess Joyce! Haha. Don't merajuk ok? :) And you don't always have to be Martha. Be Mary and sit at the Lord's feet, enjoy His presence and learn from Him. He is sovereign and almighty! And He is at work among you. Trust Him :) Thank you for all that you have been doing. Don't give up, persevere :) And know this; His strength is made perfect in weakness :)

I love you and miss you all :) Have a good camp! God bless!

people, places and seasons

We only get two types of weather in Malaysia - sunshine and rain. I've gotten to experience autumn here in Korea and though I'm not very accustomed to the cold, i love how beautiful autumn is :) The leaves are starting to change their colour and some trees have gone bald bare. (is bald the right word for trees? maybe bare is better.) 

Beautiful Autumn :)

Well, it's been exactly two months since I got here. And it's been quite a journey of learning and experiencing new things. Been travelling a bit more this month - a temple stay in Boeun, a day trip to Daejeon, Seoul to meet Nie Nie, Busan to meet Adam and also to watch the 9th Busan Fireworks Festival, and also around our beloved city of Cheongju. :)

Thank You, Lord, for bringing me to this beautiful place :)

Suam-gol, Cheongju

And for all these wonderful people :)

Trip to Daejeon with these girls and Jake from IVF :)

Who teach me so much :)

Temple Stay at Boepjusa Temple, Boeun

Who love me and whom I love :)

Meeting Nie Nie in Seoul :) Was such a blessing and encouragement.
Insa-Dong, Seoul

And who take good care of me :)

With Adam Choi in Busan for the Fireworks Festival
Gwangan-ri Beach, Busan

There's so much to see around here. But I think the thing that makes all these trips and places really special to me are the people I encounter or am with in these places :) Thank You, Lord for each and every one of them :) I hope that I too will be a blessing to those around me. But more than that, I pray that I would be salt and light wherever I am, a witness for Christ and one who is not ashamed of the gospel.

Lord, help me. I really want to follow you and be obedient to your Word. But many times, I'm afraid and I fail so many times. Help me to love you with all my heart, all my mind, all my soul and all my strength. Help me to live a life that is pleasing unto you. I need you, Lord.

still waters

Songnisan National Park, South Korea

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.

Myeongam Reservoir 몡암저수지
Cheongju, South Korea

Earlier this week, a friend and his wife lost their baby girl the day she was born. It was heartbreaking to hear the news and I cannot imagine what it must be for them. But I was very encouraged by his facebook post that reflected their unwavering faith, hope and assurance in God.

As I prayed for them and just reflected on it, I was reminded of this psalm. A very commonly recited psalm. But it speaks that we can put our trust and hope in God. It is HE that makes all the difference and gives us a hope that is eternal and not just temporary.

I write this to remind myself that when life is in a state of uncertainty, a state of lost, a state of grieve, a state of pain, a state of brokenness, a state of fear, a state of mess, or whatever state we may be in, good or bad, that God is constant and I can put my hope and trust in Him. He is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul.

Amen.

Be Thou My Vision

A brand new month :) It's been quite a journey and I'm very excited for what God has in store in the coming days :) This song truly reflects my heart's desire and hope.

Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

 This is my prayer.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

a month in korea

I had coffee with God :) Which consisted of a nice hot cup of coffee, bible, journal, highlighter, pen and a seat near the window on a rainy Sunday afternoon. And the guy in white in front of me is quite cute :P Hee. Just kidding, I'm more focused than that.

The coffee date has been one long overdue and it was good to just spend time reflecting and spending time in His presence. A lot of questions and situations got clearer as I looked back through my journal entries. And though not everything is crystal clear, I'm assured that God is with me and will bring me through. He is enough. One of the big questions is why am I here? What is the purpose of me being here? Though it's still not entirely clear, I trust that God has a purpose and a plan for me here.

It's been a month since I flew away to this foreign land and I have experienced so much. I'm slowly getting used to it but I know there's still so much more to explore and discover. I know I can't experience everything, but I hope that the life I live will be one that is pleasing unto God and that would glorify Him. And that is my prayer for the remaining three months here in Korea. My journey here so far has been marked by the grace, blessings and favor of God. And truly without Him, I am nothing. Thank You, Lord :)

Here comes Week 5 :) Let's go!

congratulations, dear :)

hey mr lee :)

i really wish i was there to attend your convocation. must have been such a meriah day :) and the weather looks great too :P

was browsing through your pictures :) you're looking good and really happy. your family too :) and all your friends. feeling a bit bummed and jealous that i am not there. i wouldn't have mind being your stuff carrier for the day.

i just wanted to say for the millionth time from afar, congratulations :) you made it! yayy :) i owe you a BIG BIG BIIIIGG HUG :) i'm so proud of you and it's been a blessing to have been able to share in bits and pieces of your university journey.

it didn't seem too long ago when we were encouraging each other to keep going when either one of us got pretty demotivated about our studies or whatever else, or when we shared about what we looked forward to in the coming semesters, or when we had to write our academic projects, or when we began to learn and discover more of God in our lives, and so much more. i love how you invest in the lives of others and i always admire your passion and vision to bless others. thank you :)

i'll definitely miss the trips up to your campus :) thanks for bringing me around and for the times we spent together.

am praying for you even as you embark on the next phase in life. follow God, it's the best route ;) i trust that He will lead you and direct your paths in the way you should go.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

i love you, ernest :) and i miss you bucketloads! 

TWO bucketloads! :P hahaha.

with much love,

miss lee

pfft, yea right!

a blog post a day for when i came to korea :P

pfft. as if that would happen! :D

well, just a little update from Korea :) it's been a good three plus weeks thus far.

off the top of my head:

i love the weather here! and the nature, so much trees and green :) the sky is clear and blue and the air fresh and cool :) mmm.

i've met amazing people here and realize how wonderful it is when someone offers a kind welcome and genuine help to someone who's feeling a little lost in a new place. a little kindness goes a long way.

People I've been blessed to know here in Korea :)
(Okay, so there are a lot of pictures of recurring people :P but it's not easy to have pictures of every single person you meet...)

food. food's good :) healthy and yummy. but i do miss the malaysian variety and cheapness! haha. :) no food pictures as i'm not a fan of taking food pictures. they all come out looking the same anyway :P eww, sorry!

it's also been a refreshing journey with God. but it has its ups and downs. lots of questions and struggles but am also learning and re-learning a lot of things. there's a tendency for me to want to get lazy and distracted with doing my own thing, since i'm away from home and stuff. but God is reminding me His Kingdom is first wherever i am. He also reminds me that He is enough, especially when i miss the comforts and security of home. i hope to keep growing closer and to keep knowing Him deeper.

He is enough. God is enough. :)

Goodnight and Happy 추석 (chusok - Korean Thanksgiving)
*we've got three days of break :)

Day 2 - The Arrival

Arrived in Incheon Airport feeling oh-so-excited :D And the feeling is still growing as I look around and take in the unfamiliarity of this new place. South Korea is beautiful :)

The university we're in is also pretty amazing too :) But I'll save that for another time when I've explored more of it.

So, here's to an awesome next four months of learning, exploring and discovering :) Committing each of these days to my Father in Heaven and thanking Him for this opportunity to be here.

Day 1 - Leaving Home

Never been so far away for so long in my life. Of course, there'll come a time when this will seem so trivial, but for now, it's quite something to me. 

My parents, Yew Leung and Ernest were at the airport to see me off. It was quick goodbyes and constant reminders to be careful and wishes for have a safe journey. I really love and miss them all :) Oh, and the night I flew off was Yew Meng's birthday too. Happy birthday, rounds. Am going to miss kacau-ing you these four months!

Leaving home makes you appreciate and miss your loved ones back home :) 

leaving on a jet plane

So, I'm flying off to Korea tomorrow! Wow, that's fast :\

In the past two weeks, I ended my teaching practice. It was bittersweet. Learnt a lot being in the school for about eight weeks (two weeks of Raya break do not count, haha) but there seems to be so much more to learn too. Was very touched by the efforts of my students in saying their goodbyes. I'll miss you, girls :)

Fellow Trainees :)

Had a family dinner on Monday - farewell for Yew Leung and I + Birthday celebration for Yew Meng and Sieh Ping + Celebration for Yew Kong's thesis successes (speaking and writing) I'm going to miss home :)

Tuesday was debriefing and reflection in UM about our teaching practice. Insightful and inspiring :) It was good to see everyone again. We laughed, told stories, encouraged each other and for Vindy and I bid farewell to our beloved coursemates. Had a makan-makan with Dr Visha and the Moral bunch :)

Dr Visha, Hanan and Vindy :)

With Shikin and Kat :D

All together now :D

Banana leaf - Yay! :)

Also got to meet up with Huey Lin, Jared and Ernest at The Grind :) It was good hearing from the working and the fresh graduates. I felt like a kid :P

Huey Lin, your perseverance and work inspires me. And when you ask, "So, what can we do?" It reminds me to keep asking that question too. 

Jared Koh, thank you for sharing and challenging us to become missionaries, teachers, politicians, people who make a difference. hope you get your call one day! heheheh. 

Ernest Lee, thank you for journeying with me and always showing me what it is to put love into action. Keep doing that, keep reminding yourself that God's call is better than what the world expects you to do/earn/be. 

 *To these who inspire and encourage me to make a difference in this broken world*

SWEEPers :)

Favorite boy in the whole wide world! :D

Today, we went back to the refugee school for awhile. I missed the kids. :) Hugs and high fives given. And was reminded at the end of the day how blessed I am to have Ernest in my life, such a BIIGG heart he has! :) Ernest, thank you for being patient, understanding and loving towards a broken, sometimes confused and often times confusing girl. I love you.

So anyway, all my bags are packed...

*starts singing*

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go

...

Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane (aeroplane)

Don't know when I'll be back again (9th January 2013)

See you soon :) Hope I'll blog more when I'm there!

New chapter of my life, here I come :D

jumpstart my heart

"I feel dead..." I told him, "I feel like I'm dying, like I have no purpose in life.."
"Why?" he asked me.
"I don't know. I've just lost my passion, my purpose, my direction. I don't know why. I feel lost. Why?" 

Tears stream down.

I knew why. I'd been drifting, wandering, straying away. And on my own, I was lost. I had him with me, but he was not to be my compass nor map. And that overwhelming fear that I may lose him terrified me. I became insecure, clingy, desperate, hungry for attention and finally broken when I didn't get what I expected. I was a pendulum swinging; one moment happy and content, the next lost and hurting.

I realize how weak and insecure this makes me look. I used to think myself pretty independent, pretty well-rounded, pretty alright, I would say. Such pride (tsktsk).

Going through all this makes me realize that all this while it's been God's grace that has kept me and shaped me. I'd taken that for granted.

It wasn't an instant fall away, not an instant denial. But it was me slowly removing my dependency, my trust and my hope from God. And that soon left me - lost.

I'm coming back by His grace and mercy. He calls, He rebukes, He disciplines, He heals, He restores. It's like that jumpstart to a car that can't start, He's jumpstarting my heart. To once again love Him and love others. To feel and know His heart for those around me. How very numb I had become as I became self-centered.

Change that, O Lord. I'm coming back, by Your grace.

here, there and in between

The inconsistent blogger is back! :) *cheers, woots, confetti flying* :P just for fun.

It's been a while and lots has happened.

One, I'm almost at the end of my teaching practice and it has been a day by day journey of grace. I learned so much about the teaching profession and realize I have so much more to learn. It's been great having more experienced teachers who have gone before who encouraged me here and there along the way. Ernest's mom was one of them, from her once in a while calls and questions of "Has your supervisor come to assess you yet?" to sharing her own stories of teaching. 

Sports Day! Meet Vindy :)

Vindy my teaching buddy has also been such a great friend throughout, laughing our way back through the traffic jams as we recall the funny encounters and situations of the day. 

Joanne who is also doing her internship has also been a source of comfort and encouragement, I think her working conditions were way harsher than mine with mad working hours and "interesting" characters to deal with on a day to day basis. But that sort of perseverance really inspires and encourages me :) Just do it.

Apart from that, Ernest and I have reached our one year :) Hee. And at the moment, we're entering into different phases in life. He's now a graduate, moving out from the university student phase (so proud of him)! And I'm entering my final year (whereby I'll be spending half of it in Korea). 

We've been seeing a little more of each other lately since we're relatively more free compared to when we were both busy with our semesters. And I've been enjoying every bit of our catch ups and time together as well as time with our other friends :) Always learning that it's not just you-me-and-the-whole-world-disappears, but we want a relationship that is a blessing to others around us. Not one that makes people squirm uncomfortably when in our company :3 Been checking things off our check list too. 

But then, pretty soon it'll be four months apart while I'm in Korea. *DEEP BREATH* Okay. We'll grow through it and we commit it all to God. 

:)

So, it's now the Raya holidays. I have one more week of teaching practice to go, another week of settling everything I need to settle, and then off it is to Korea. Counting down the days: 14 days till I leave. I'm excited, nervous, scared, blur, anticipating, hopeful, and so much more. I pray I'll go there and learn and experience much. I pray that despite being in a whole new environment I'd be able to be salt and light to the people around me, to bring Christ through my life. Lord, use me. 

Lately, I've been feeling a little lost. I think it's the holiday effect mixed with a dose of PMS. Holiday effect being I just got two weeks off school for the Raya break and I've been thoroughly enjoying myself which has also caused me to sidetrack a lot of my work and even my quiet time with God :( It is really a struggle for me when routine is taken out of my life. Well, holidays are ending pretty soon and I think that's been nagging at my conscience. But I think the feeling of being a bit neither here nor there is attributed to me actually being neither here nor there. Sad to say, I've just been living for me lately. 

We're doing this forty day fast and prayer for Malaysia and the title is "Let Your Kingdom Come" (For those interested, you can find out more and download the prayer booklet here: http://www.necf.org.my/index.cfm?&menuid=183&parentid=144) And it reminds me over and over again, to build up God's kingdom and not my own and to have eternity written on our hearts. I get caught up easily in things of the moment and I like easily the things I have now. So much so that I put the things of God aside so that I can do my own things :( But when we look at things, ten, twenty, fifty, a hundred years from now, it's all going to pass. It's all temporary. So, whose kingdom am I investing in?

But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, 

and all these things will be given to you as well. 

Matthew 6:33

What a promise, what a word. But God's word is truth and defies every logical explanation and argument of the world. And so, I trust and ask that God grant me His grace to yield to and obey His word. 

Lord, let Your Kingdom come. 

In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen. 

confused

But...

On Christ the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

:)

alive!

And that marks the end of the sixth semester (conveniently omitting the fact that there's four papers to sit for :P) which is also the end of my third year in university :)

This semester got pretty mad towards the end, with deadlines and especially the academic project. In the end, through much tears and prayer, coffee and late nights, regrets and rants, this was the product:

Pride and Joy :) Thank You, Lord
"Motivation and Attitudes of Myanmar Refugee Students towards Learning English"
:)

Some of those who were there with me through it all. Thank you, Joyce and Deborah :) there's a long list of people who I've been blessed to have with me along the way; parents, brothers, course mates, friends here and there and also a very special boy. :)

This guy :)
Not the best picture of us :\ But this was our getaway trip after I finished up my thesis. Yay!
Thanks, Ernest for being there for me, praying with and for me and for all the help you gave. I love you :)

Went for church camp in Melaka on Friday right after handing up my academic project :) Such a relief! It was nice being together with the others in camp. Catching up here and there, hanging out and serving together. Helped with the kids this year :) And though they are the cutest, they're also not the easiest bunch to handle. We made a tree of the characteristics of love, made flags and had water battles :D

:)

The Tree of Love :D

Only joined one session :) And that was about transformation in Christ. A Christian life transformed by Christ should exhibit: Humility, Holiness and Harmony. It was a timely reminder of what a life transformed by Christ is like.

Today as I read Roman 8, I was reminded what it is to live in Christ. It's definitely a struggle between our flesh and the Spirit. But it is a struggle we need to go through in order that we may have life in Christ.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8:5-6

There are times when I feel really dead, days when I dread waking up and just lie in bed for a few extra minutes. And I realize it's cause I've been so caught up in the flesh and the world. So worried about the day that it wears me out just thinking of it. I find myself putting my hope in things that do not last, putting so much into things that have no eternal value. :( And I walk away tired and lost.

It helps to have Christians brothers and sisters spurring us on. Helps to read the Word which speaks truths that contradict what the world tells us. It helps to pray, to turn our eyes and hearts to God who is above all. Yes, it more than helps. In fact, it is essential to a Christian's growth in this world. And all this only by His grace that we are alive in Christ :)

Anyway, exams are coming and my teaching practice starts next Monday! Time flies and each passing day brings me closer to the day I will meet my Lord :) As for now, I shall live each day in Him, for Him and through Him.

And this is where I'm hanging out at today :) Where Yew Leung is working at: espressolab, One Utama :)

His cafe latte :P Haha, asked him to draw a peacock, came out looking like ermm, King Julian from Madagascar. Stirred it and drew myself a star, hee. Yew Leung says he pandai to draw hearts :) Ngaw.

Till another day :) Byee!