Mid-week post

Yikesey-yikes... we have a test this Friday (for Introduction to Apologetics course)! I promise that I'll study for it after I'm done with work tomorrow.

Had a cozy gathering with close friends yesterday evening.

A random picture of our gathering. Pic courtesy of Kevin and Pam Tay (Pam's not in the picture, alas)

Praise report: God brought me the provisions to proceed with my vocal training ~ this 6-month-scholarship is indeed a precious gift, exceedingly and abundantly more than I could have imagined. Thanking God for the funds afforded by Trinity WAM. I wouldn't have been able to fund myself - especially not now when we are so financially stretched.

In the past, I have been trained to sing in different contexts - be it for the choir, for my Electone exams back at YMA (we had important singing components for EPC Fundamental exams), and yada, yada... They taught us the right techniques, breathing and pitching. As a result, I don't do too badly as a vocalist today. However, those trainings never really focused on developing the singing voice. Recently, I have been realizing more and more that my voice needs to be developed properly if I am to avail myself for singing engagements, lead worship and teach so often - and so, this opportunity to do vocal training is a dream come true and an answered prayer. A blessing from my Heavenly Father indeed! Share my joy, people!

I was a little down-hearted today. (Also, I should mention that I mysteriously injured the arches of my feet - it has been excruciatingly painful to walk for the past week. This has inevitably added to my frustrations.) However, after typing out a long update-email to be sent to my academic dean, I felt much better. Why? Because by updating Dr. S about my current work and ministry, I was led to look at the big picture again and see that I am not as plateau-ed in life as I thought. Growth has not stopped, even while some things remain in "loading" or a seemingly non-progressive, uncertain mode. Fruits are budding and ripening for the harvest, even while I have been oblivious to their existence. Branches are being pruned. The ground is being tilled. New seeds have been planted, watered and nurtured by God's grace.  God has been faithful and gracious. To quote a friend, "The ultimate purpose of an orange tree is not to produce oranges or orange-flavoured Sugus... but another orange tree." May God's glory be shown through the oranges He brings forth, but more so the new orange trees He births out of this orange tree that did nothing but wait and attempt to be faithful with its little. 

Well then, it is time to hit the sack - since I have to wake up at 5am tomorrow. Goodnight, world!