♡

The past four to six weeks have been a rather draining one for me.. because I haven't had the time to be by myself properly...

Finally got that time on a train ride back home today, and I can't be anymore thankful for it. Quietened my heart and mind, and naturally, He came in and spoke to me through Jeremiah 33:2:

To be honest, I was struggling rather badly for the past few weeks. I felt like everything was consuming me with the need to face the ongoing problems that my loved ones are going through daily, the pressure of my students' grades and the fear of not being able to keep up in school. I could only keep on that smile and keep reminding myself that 'I'm able to overcome all these with God'.

I knew that I needed to continue what I had always been doing, to be there for those around me who needed me.. but I just felt so tied down by my own things that my heart was no longer there. I wallowed in self-pity and thought why do I have to continue doing so when I am already so drained and worn out myself.. but the Lord came in and reminded me that I still have Him, and He will always be there for me to spur me on.

The only comfort from all these trials is that through all these, it will strengthen my relationship with the Lord. He's the first one who comes to my mind whenever I feel like I can't go on, and I'm glad that I've finally learnt how to depend on the right One.. for He never fails in providing. :-)

Between:


Right now, I just really thank God for showing me where my heart should be focused on.

nts: Follow where God is leading me and everything will be in the right path. Renewal of the heart and soul is only possible through Him. :-)

Kinda forgot about this space over the ~1 month since I last updated! Everything is really passing by too quickly; the plans that I was excited for and the things that I dreaded are all over or already happening.

Maybe I'll just do a quick and short update before I forget anything!!

1. 20th 
A rather different birthday spent this year - tuition for half the day and went for NDP preview at night lol. The day started feeling quite normal though. Maybe the excitement for your own birthday dies with age. I told myself I'd just enjoy myself during my trip as my own present to myself, which I really did so!

But still really thankful for J who really wanted to make sure I enjoyed my birthday from the week before! On the actual day, we went to Upp Thomson for dinner after the ndp preview for this cafe, but it was closed! ;_; I think it was sort of a blessing in disguise though? Cause as a result of that, we decided to settle for this random small Korean eatery that sold different types of chicken. BEST DECISION EVER because the chicken was soooooooooooooooo good. Usually I can't tell the difference between chicken from different places but theirs was really good! And the owner was this friendly Korean guy too. I'll totally head back to try the other flavours!

And also really thankful for friends who sent long and touching messages!!! I teared when I read the messages from M, Lester and Emily etc. Super emotional I know but really thankful for all my friends who remembered and took time to write such thoughtful stuff :') Also thanks to Phileo CCK, TSML, Snoop Bellies, Michelle, J, M and etc for the cake/gift/cards!!! Thank God for every single one of them :-)

2. Baptism 
One day right after my birthday! Was nervous, but even more excited! Everything just went past so quickly that day and before I knew it, I was in the water! Thankful for Songen, Michelle, Snoopz, and some from TT (Van, Jeric, Rachel and Bryant) who was soooooo willing to come down to witness this very significant moment of my life! When I told most of them about it, they were all so happy for me! Really so blessed with amazing friends. :')

And yep, this step of faith will only mean stronger faith and relationship with the Lord God. More of Him and less of myself! :-)

3. Sydney
Everything was back to back so the whole week before this was so rushed! Flew on the day after baptism and I wasn't even done with my packing till noon lol. It just felt so surreal to be going to Sydney, furthermore only with my sis! I remember feeling like I was dreaming after we entered the departure gate. It was really just going to be the 2 of us for the next few days! To cut the long story short, the whole trip was just nothing short of amazing. The perfect holiday with the best company!!! And I thank God again and again for this opportunity. :') I just felt sooooooo happy when I was there.. like I just smiled naturally while walking along the streets near our accommodation. Sigh really missing there already.... :-( I'll do a proper update on my trip when I get the time to!!

4. School
Oh what a bummer. Started school on the day after I came back. I was experiencing severe withdrawals + lack of sleep so I really dreaded school. Furthermore I had to brace myself for Star Wars. Not a good start at all. But I really thank God for the motivation that's pushing me forward. I pray and hope that this lasts!!! Halfway through week 3 and I'm barely staying afloat~ Relying on Him for strength to sustain!!!

5. CF Camp
Never expected to learn so much from this camp, but I guess God is always working in His wonderful ways! Through this camp, we really saw how God provided at every step of the way - from rejections to even holding the camp to getting the approval (just a week before the camp lol), from facing lack of funds to having more than sufficient, from the fear of not having enough sign ups to exceeding our targeted number (which resulted in us booking more rooms) and etc! He really saw us through, from the start till the very end. Thankful for the Lord's hand in this camp and leaving this memorable memory for the 80+ of us :-) and really thankful for my group! Had a spontaneous bunch who were so willing to learn more about the Lord and share their own testimonies. Learnt from one another, and created short but memorable memories together :-)

And yep this is probably the best summary I can give for the things that's been ongoing in my life for the past month! I'll try to find time to go in detail for 1,2,3 and 5 when I've the time!