CANDIED LEMONS

Today, I saw what faith can do.

A woman came to Singapore, a place miles away from home, into a Chinese family of totally different cultures and traditions. This is the recount of what she told me that truly touched my heart:

At night, after a long day of chores, of miscommunication, of missing home and loved ones, she cried out - tears of loneliness, sadness, tiredness. She’s thankful that she has the Word of God to depend on. I looked at her old and tattered bible that she holds on to so dearly and could imagine the nights that she spend seeking God for strength, comfort, peace and joy. She said when everyone’s asleep in the household, she opened up the word of God to find comfort whenever she misses home, or is drained from the long day. Smiling, she said to me, ‘I’m glad you tried to make me feel at home here, and may you truly become a even happier Christian. God bless you!’ 

‘May God be your strength each day,’ I replied.

I felt how much God loves her, that just after the night she cried out to Him, He sent me to talk to her. I saw a woman’s dependence on God and I pray to be like her, to be able to seek God and depend on him above all circumstances. I saw her hope in God, that He’ll deliver her according to His will, a hope that God would never forsake her. I pray, to be able to be like her, to hold on to God’s word so dearly, to depend on God’s promises, to seek Him in all times. Most importantly, I pray to become like Jesus, to hope in God always. 

2011 has been a ride for me, and I thank God for that.

January:

Enrolled into SERVE2011, a Christian programme for youths.

it has been a spiritual ride for me, met a lovely bunch of people, grew super close during a short period of 3 months- most importantly, learning more and growing more in my faith in Christ Jesus :) Volunteered at the Saint Andrew’s Autism Center after that, then went on my veryvery first mission trip! 

Christ Church Bangkok! It was an english camp for the kids in the neighbourhood. Taught in Sunday School for the first time! Praise God for that :)

learnt alot during these outreach programmes, and SERVE as a whole. played in Worship for the first time, and learnt to love others even more than ever before. :)

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Later on, (february?) I got back my Olevel results. Praise God :) I’m thankful for all the teachers’ efforts, my friends motivations, and most importantly, to Him, for being my strength throughout. Got into Advertising and Public Relations, am thankful that my parents supported my decision to choose Ngee Ann over College. 

March:

Took my Grade 6 Piano exams and PASSED. Thanks be to God, for allowing me to even pass with these mediocre piano skills. Now, I managed to skip to Grade 8 Piano. Phew.

April:

School started. Thank God for the friends I’ve made. Thank God for the strength His been giving me, to help me adapt and stay strong in all circumstances. Thank God that He never left me or forsaken me along the way.

May:

Can’t remember what happened in May… Guess it’s a month of school and preparation for mission trip #2! Thank God for seeing me through the peak periods of school and helping me balance time between school and church.

June:

Sawang Daendin Mission trip! Thank You, God for this ride You’ve been giving me thus far. You came into my life for barely a year and yet You’ve sent me on 2 missions already:) Looking forward to the year ahead! Went to reach out to 3 schools, performed and shared message with them. Thank God for using my life to share a testimony. Been a good break from me away from schoolwork and projects, had fun shopping and having thai massages and all. 

Shortly after I returned, Grandpa’s condition was critical. He left this earth shortly after… Yes I miss him. But I know, it’s in God’s will, nothing I do can ever bring him back. Thank God for seeing me through this period, helping me stay strong. Because I know, if i break down, my family would too. I had to stay strong for my mom. Thank God for my Grandpa’s life, and the support He gave me.

July+August:

I had to shift back to school after the ups and downs of the previous month, it was hard, but I know I couldn’t break down and let all my projects go down the drain. I had to remain strong. Thank God for making all those possible. It was really hard, but I braved it with a smile. :)

September+October:

Thank God for the results He gave me by grace. Gave me a huge encouragement, and let me know He was, is, and will be always there for me. Birthday month, had a wild celebration with the Zoe girls. Truly, thank God for them, for their support all the way. It’s great to know that you’re in this together. 

November:

Back to school! New semester, new projects. Thank God for seeing me through! 

December:

Tiring but fulfilling month. Live out Loud Camp! Thank God for seeing us through the media publicity and everything, that we can juggle between our studies and ministry. Thank God that we did not give up, and supported each other all the way! Thank God for Christmas! My first Christmas Service at Westside Anglican Church. Was Great! Praise God :) 

2011 in a word: Rollercoaster (cliche as it may sound)

Thank God for Zoe, for friends, for Him and for him <3 To God be the Glory, the best has yet to be!

I thank God for the time to even go and visit my dear boy at the hospital.

I thank God for keeping him safe and sound, that he’s recovering well now.

I thank God for him and his love for me despite all odds.

Always.