I've Moved

I never thought the day would come that I would finally say this.

I've moved.  You can now find me at:

myharmonica.blogspot.com

Run

Child:  Why am I stopping, Dad?  Why am I not running with the rest?

Dad:  Just sit here, child, wait and rest.  Spend time with me.

Child:  But Dad, I don't want to rest, I want to run.

Dad:  Trust me, wait and refuel.

Child:  Everyone else is running, why must I stop?  Why can't I do whatever the rest are doing?  Why can't I run on that same track as them?

Dad:  Dear child, don't you see?  I know you and I know you need this time to rest, whether you agree with it or not.  I want to spend time with you and I want to give you this chance to refuel as you get ready to run again.  Don't worry about lagging behind.  Don't you see?  The others you are looking at are one lap behind you now.  Don't look back, look ahead.  I'm bringing you to a different track.  I know it looks dark ahead, for now.  But when it's time, just run.  Soon you'll see cheerleaders, cheering you on.  

And I'll be waiting for you, at the finishing line.

2013

One day every tongue will confess You are God

One day every knee will bow

Till the greatest treasure remains for those

Who gladly choose You now

Trust God to use anything and everything, including music, to speak.  The lyrics really forces me to reevaluate what I am doing with my life, doesn't it do the same to you too?  In light that one day Christ will return, in light that I'm here for Kingdom purposes, in light that I'm in this world but I shouldn't be of this world; sometimes I wonder why life seems so complicated and why can't there be a Monica's-life-manual that tells me exactly what to do.

I think that's what Summer has been so far for me: figuring out what is my next step.

And it's funny, because I started this post with a different ending in mind.  But as I said, God speaks.  He intervenes.  And as I type, and the song "Come, Now Is The Time To Worship" replays in my mind, I hear God saying that Now is the time to Worship Him.  I guess it's cool that way; while I'm hoping for some life manual with all the answers I would ever need, God reminds me that He is all I need and all I need to do is to worship Him.

So here's to trusting that I won't stumble much (and if I do, that He will pick me up) as I step into the unknown.  2013 will be a good year, just because my God is an awesome God.

My Source of Strength

Just one of those days

Maybe it's the four white walls that are reminding me of Taylors on A'Beckett (horrible hostel), or maybe it's the lack of anything meaningful to look forward to, or maybe it's the lack of routine.

Whatever it is, I'm homesick.

From Eve To Mary

Completing my course before everyone is done with exam is not as fun as I thought it would be.  Can't really "hang out" with people since everyone has to study.

On a side note, I'M DONE WITH MY COURSE!! I can't believe the year has zoomed by so quickly and that I'm at this very point in my life right now.  Feels so surreal.

And just because Teo mentioned she was listening to the soundtrack of "From Eve to Mary - Walking with Women", I had to go google it again and oh the memories are flooding back.  Looking back, I really am honoured and am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of a huge musical production, directed by Jonathan Lim and have music written/arranged by Bang Wenfu.  It's really such high honour, working with professionals who put together one of more amazing musicals ever.

The pictures barely capture how huge scale the whole musical was.  Man, the hours we spent on rehearsals and whatnot.  I remember going home at midnight for so many nights in a row, and how we will attempt to finish our homework before people arrive at our scene and then we have to provide angelic music.  The endless number of snack we hid and brought to munch on to keep us sane.  And that's all just tip of the ice berg.  Oh the memories.

I really miss such moments, but I'm super grateful for the memories that come with it.  It's been a while since I thought about all these performing arts stuff, and what I would give to be able to perform like that again, or even those simple "carolling in Orchard Road."

Ahh, handbells (:

Walking down memory lane

It's funny how recently music, shows, and whatnots have been bringing me down memory lane, bringing back such precious memories.

Right now, I just want to thank YOU for all those harder times and I want to thank YOU even more for being there and carrying me through all those.  I want to thank YOU for letting those experiences mould me to the person I am today and thank YOU for never letting me stray.

(':

Another great chapter

And as I procrastinate:

1 more day before I finish my Counselling unit.
12 more days till my Psychological Assessment exam
20 more days till my Research Project is due
24 more days till my Presentation

And then I'll be done with yet another course; time flies.  And in my last few days, slogging in front of the computer, writing up essays, filling up application forms, I realised how much I actually enjoy what I'm doing.  The pain, the tears, the stress - all worth it.  So fun that I really want to do Masters and/or Doctorate eventually.  So fun that I am more certain of where I hope to work and what I hope to spend my life doing.

And regardless, I'm still super grateful for this year and super grateful that God has given me a spot in this course, even though it means travelling SO FAR every week.  For once, I think I'll be able to close the year, for both ministry and studies, very peacefully and filled with anticipation for where He'll bring me to next year.

For I know YOU KNOW the plans for my life, and for that I am at peace.

Till next time

I think if you'd let me, I would have so many stories to share, so many tales to tell.  It's been a wonderful five years and it still amazes me how so many stories, so many testimonies are still so fresh in my mind.  Earlier today, I shocked myself at the ability to remember details of so many incidents over the years.  Furthermore, I never expected the whole "love your minions" advice to make leaving so much harder.  Still, all great things must come to an end.  I really couldn't have asked for a better ending to this chapter; fantastic that I got to finish it with the craziest, loveliest bunch of people, who are leaving with me so many precious memories.  Each amazing and inspiring in their own ways, and collectively the most encouraging group of people, always ready to spur each other on.

xoxo

Thank You Lord, for everything.

Second half of 2012

You know that words are somewhat inappropriate/redundant when you keep typing and then clicking backspace to restart and rephrase; you find that while staring at that picture, it somehow describes exactly how you feel, and clearly explains your circumstance, yet you're probably the only one who gets it and everyone is just left clueless.  But maybe that's okay, for now.