Monday ~ 1/7/13

The second half of the year 2013 has officially begun.

I guess, it is never too early to look forward to Advent... and so, I anticipate with gladness, Advent - an enriching and refreshing season to remember and await Christ's coming to Earth. However, at the same time, I am aware that there is much good and fulfilling work to be completed till then... and so, I pray that I would be able to press on with faith and joy. Also to live to the hilt every situation I believe to be the will of God ~ quoting the martyred Jim Elliot (a missionary, whose journal has played a major role in fueling my pursuit of God). 

The Liturgical Year. Picture source

I have also officially begun on my 2nd term assignments. Hurray! Took me quite some time to power up my motivation engine. Praise God. Let divine inspiration shower upon me, please.

Reflecting on the first half of the year, I have been blessed tremendously with gifts of grace. A wonderful new pastor (even while I miss the former one). Strength to complete all my papers (especially the exegetical ones), attend classes, preach, do ministry and teach music in the afternoons - despite my flu-prone health. Provisions to travel and a 10-years US Visa. Wonderful holidays to refresh the soul. Many answered prayers - with regards to some personal matters which I have been praying about since 2012 (I am SO, SO, SO thankful). Amazing friendships out of the blue. Opportunities galore. Opportunities to witness God's work among the eating disordered (and the people He leads me to disciple). Opportunities to write. Opportunities to pray for people (even though I could be more faithful still). Opportunities to grow alongside the hubby and the people of my CG. The opportunity to witness an unprecedented surge of political awareness among the people of my country during the 13th General Election. Etcetera. Exciting times indeed. Of course, there were plenty of downs as well as the ups. Nevertheless, I rejoice that God has always shown Himself faithful. And He will yet show Himself faithful in my current struggles, I believe.

Hmm, now that I have typed out the above paragraph.... I realise that the year hasn't been as uneventful as I thought! :) The skies are bluer than I thought. I must have been too idealistic. 

I do look forward to savouring God's glory in the second half of this year. 

As J has invited me over to Singapore for yet another get-together, I am also thinking of making my way down South after the graduation in November. (I do hope that I would be able to graduate this Nov!)