Beautiful in His sight

Speechless

2009-11-01T22:01:00.017+08:00

When I first heard about my School's Holy Land Study Trip, I thought to myself if only... if only... if only. A couple of weeks later, this thought of wanting to go would not leave my mind. I pictured myself cupping my hands to drink water at the same spring where Gideon's band of 300 select men did the same.

I know that the experience there will cause me to never read scriptures the same way again. I could also earn 4 credits as we will be doing in-depth study of God's Word with the land of the Bible as backdrop and visual aid. What a package right! I began to think what harm would it be if it became a "wishful prayer"

To cut the long story short, after months this whole thing turned into an earnest prayer. I did not want to miss this once in a lifetime experience. Early bird registration was drawing near and the limited space was filling up quickly! I was anxious. "Father, you know I don't have the money, please provide if it is your will for me to go."

The trip cost $4299. Upon registration, I had to put down half of that amount for deposit. I had not shared this with anyone other than family so when I opened the above email and read it, I got the chills and tears in my eyes and a great big smile, followed by a crazy laugh all at the same time because I knew this was 101% God's hand in it! I received a love gift of $2299! Not more not less! His goodness to me in saving me and pouring blessings on me is far more than I deserve.

This really stired the depths of my heart. There's another 2k to be raised but I am reminded that God is the one who can do "far more abundantly than all we can ask or think." All glory and praise be to God!

Prawning!

2009-10-28T18:29:00.007+08:00

It was EAST day today and we had a prawning competition. I had so much fun! "I feel it, I feel it!" Just a gentle tug on my line, makes me jump out of the chair and get overly excited. At one stage, I caught two fellas in a span of ten minutes. Call it beginners luck!

We later skewed them alive, sprinkled salt and put them on the BBQ pit to cook. Some of them were still struggling. When you eat into the flesh though, it was total shiokness! What an afternoon :)

Well, life has not been any less crazy but I'm learning to manage my time a little better I think. Tomorrow= Old Testament test + 1 presentation.

Bright Lights

2009-10-23T18:25:00.005+08:00

We are a group of girls that come together once a month to encourage each other in faith. Praise God for the meaningful times! Last Saturday, we met and talked about accepting the way God made us. I know this stuff. The whole "I am wonderfully made, in His image" I know it too well, but yet it's another thing when I truely believe and accept it.

The "defects" (not smart enough, appearance etc.) I see in myself were designed by God to produce in me humility so He could give me more grace! It was such a needed reminder throughout this week, especially yesterday when I gave my first public speaking module speech (4 more to go!) I tried my best not to compare myself with others but rather look to the One who is still working on me.

Oh boy, it's 2:30am now and I still need to stay up and catch up with my readings. It's goodbye to this weekend! Next week is going to get tougher. I will be taking block class = my entire Fri and Sat gone. 9am- 6pm classes. Woho! haha. Stress a friend or foe? (This is the topic for my next speech) Tell me about it.

Wisdom-T

2009-10-15T20:38:00.008+08:00

I need to get my wisdom tooth extracted, my two bottom ones are impacted and there's a growing pain. Can't really see the X-ray here. Anyway, I dragged my feet to a private clinic the other day and I was shock to find out that surgery for one tooth cost $500! Yes, you read it right, just one. So, it'll cost me 1k to get both out! Crazily expensive right.

Went Googling and found out that I can use my parent's Medisave to claim some. Will be going to a Polyclinic to get a referral letter to the National Dental Centre. I hope my wait won't be too long! However, I will need a week's MC for recovery. Can't take that many days off school. How? Heard the pain is quite unbearable and I've low tolerance. I'm extremely petrified. Pray for me to know what to do.

The good things

2009-10-11T19:36:00.007+08:00

Vietnamese wrap + Korean ingredients + Kimchi soup! Food fusion. Say hello to Simon, Sarah and their crazily cute little boys Joseph and Jonathan. They lived in Thailand for the past 10 years and Simon is my schoolmate now! Love speaking in our secret language. We are planning to go golden mile soon. I want to try some authentic thai food! Not the Thai express kind.

Other news, Aragon is found! I got the call when I was in the library and I wanted to scream with joy. Too bad, could only let out a squeal haha. Thank you all for praying! Prayer doesn't change God, it changes me - CS. Lewis.

Gone missing...

2009-10-07T21:13:00.003+08:00

Please Pray! It's been 2 nights, Aragon's absence has been especially hard for Lois. You all know how much she loves this buddy. I'm asking God to do the miraculous!

To hear with my heart
to see with my soul
to be guided by a hand I cannot hold
to trust in a way that I cannot see
that's what faith must be.

"That's What Faith Must Be"
by Michael Card

i can do this for life (i think)

2009-10-02T23:49:00.006+08:00

Children are genuine, they don't hide, they don't pretend to be something they're not. It's when I'm with children that I truly feel like I'm not being judged, and there's no fear of wondering what they'll think of me. They just love you for who you are! I can dance around with them not feeling paiseh at all. You know it is a little different to be passing out coloring sheets and helping them write their names, instead of plowing through hundreds of pages of reading. It's time for me to head back... can I not?

I am blessed

2009-10-01T01:03:00.000+08:00

Hanging out with my beloved little friends and family, makes me feel on top of the world! These last few days, I rediscovered the joy of sleeping in, of long sits by sunny windows and bits of exploring the neighborhood. but mostly i just recharged, pamper myself haha (eating all my favourite thai dishes, shopping, playing out at Baan-nana, swimming) and its been so nice.

Every night i fall asleep feeling full and contented in who I am in Christ. I cannot deny though that the thought of me returning so soon does put me down a little. I am reluctant to go back, and I feel incompetent once again to start my second quarter but yet I trust that it's when I'm an empty vessel, it's where God can work (:

they have blossom

2009-09-27T19:12:00.014+08:00

"P'Lydia!!" they screamed as they flew into my arms and I gave them a big hug. Today, is a day to just hold on to. Baan -nana is one of my favourite places on earth, where I can give my love but most of the time I feel like I receive so much more than I give! The kids are always happy and optimistic, making this a better world. So much has change hasn't it?! and it is so good. To God be the glory for the work that is going on! My thai is a little rusty but I managed to share a testimony, sing and pray!

Nothing like home

2009-09-26T22:25:00.007+08:00

As I type this, I sit in familiar surroundings, the sights and smells of home enveloping me. It is so good to be back! The family picked me up at the airport and it was in tears of joy that I greeted them. Together again. Been looking forward to today for the longest time. We drove to a cafe that I absolutely love and enjoyed a delicious meal while trying to fill them in with as much of the big and little details of my life since being away. Oh how I just love this good solid family bonding. I can hardly wait for tomorrow. Baan-nana! happy as can be.

1 week more

2009-09-19T10:01:00.007+08:00

Advanced Evangelism & Discipleship Class

“Lydia do you understand?” my lecturer patiently asked. I looked at him and shook my head again. I really struggled through my first few weeks at school and now I can't believe I am into my final week for this quarter! Yay!

Putting the crazy assignments and stress factor aside, EAST has become a place I can call home. I enjoy the multi-cultural community; everyone cares and is concerned for each other. I feel I belong. “It’s not about the grades you have on that paper but how much you have gotten out of it.” My lecturers have been wonderful mentors to me.

I cannot wait to fly back on 26th Sept - 3rd Oct the day after my exams, to be reunited with the family and to be woken at dawn by sunlight streaming in through the windows. Not forgetting to mention the constant cacophony of bull frogs in the field when night settles. I need to get back to recharge!

So relax, Lydia!

2009-08-30T17:24:00.029+08:00

I am shocked to find out that August is ending! Unbelievable. Life is moving faster than I am able to keep up with and I don't think it will be slowing down anytime soon. I am trying to hold onto a few spare moments for blogging. I look back and see that I have come a long way... yet I still have so far more to go.

The past 3 days, I attended IDMC conference. At first, I was a little bum that my weekend would be spent like that. I was so wrong! It was the best way to spend it because I truely met with God. He did some powerful workings in my soul that I needed. Though I was exhuasted by the time I came home each night, I was inwardly renewed.

There's no doubt that my faith has been challenged greatly these days. All the assignment deadlines are stretching my capacity but I know that...God is good, God is in control and God will bring it to pass. So relax, Lydia!

I want to read a good book for leisure. I want to go shopping. I want to sleep in. I want to go for a photo outing. I want to chill out with friends. I want to stop worrying about the work to be done. Hehh. However, God has given me this special time and chance, I better not complain! “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit”, says the Lord (Zech. 4:6) Let me not measure myself with the grades I will get, but by my faithfulness to God's word.

In other news, I am working on a 45min presentation this thursday. I would be so grateful if you won't mind praying for me!

Student life

2009-08-24T16:40:00.010+08:00

I know its been forever. Oh how I miss writing here! This is my 8th week into school, I've 3 weeks more to my final exams! So much to do, so little time. Yes, It's been tough. Tougher than I ever thought it could be but God's been so good to me. Only by His grace, strength and love that I can go on. Thankful for friends He has brought into my life too!

Tomorrow I will...

wake up early

take some photos for my project work

consult a lecturer about my research paper

catch up on all my reading assignments

and end my day with bringing a Thai friend out for dinner

Alright, I'm going off! Library is closing.

I promise to be back soon!

All I need

2009-07-17T09:07:00.005+08:00

Will you?

"Lord, You give wisdom unto the simple, and knowledge to them that lack understanding. In You only have I put my trust. I come to You, Lord... the demand of tests/ assignments/ presentations/readings is great, the burden almost unbearable.

I am weak and unequal to the task. But You are my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore I will trust and not be afraid. You have promised : if any lack wisdom, he is to ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.

Grant me wisdom and understanding in my trial and testing. Grant me endurance and perseverance. Sustain my health and strength to bear each day, with joy in the Lord. I wait upon You, my unfailing help and deliverer. Hear this my prayer in Jesus' Name."

Amen.

I'm 26?

2009-07-09T15:32:00.001+08:00

do tell: I'm 21

2009-07-08T17:59:00.015+08:00

NYF'ers threw me a BBQ party! I know there was so much effort and thought put into making this special. Such sweetness took my breath away. Big fat thanks to everyone who played a part! Though I had to spend the entire day at the library, I was thrilled to be queen for the night.

Having Grandma there to cut the cake with me, meant a million words I can't express. After all the sinful food and a whacky game, we had a time of praise and worship to God! That's what I really wanted to do... because on this day, He deserved all praise, glory and adoration! I want to give God the most thanks, for all these people and for loving me :)

The days leading up to my 21st weren't too peachy, especially the day before where I found out the amount of assignments I've to be working on. But I knew God was teaching me a precious lesson as I turn of age. I know that through it all, He was so very close and real to me.

To those who sms-ed, called (from Thailand, Australia, Bali, USA, Tekong camp) emailed me and wrote on my wall, thanks! really really. Every single message/greeting made my day.

1st day of school

2009-07-06T21:44:00.000+08:00

Today, was too much for my punny brain to handle indeed. Tonight, I laid out all my assignments on the bed and got down on my knees, "Abba Father, please help me through!" Tomorrow, I have my 21st party in the library. Ohh that I may remember His goodness, that I may look at what is around me rather than what is not. It's sure been a long day...

Look EAST

2009-07-03T18:16:00.010+08:00

"But my life (time at EAST) is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." Acts 20:24 (NLT)

Sorry for the lack of updates and lousy shots taken with my phone camera. It's been a week where I've been encouraged and greatly inspired. Yes, and it's only orientation week! Other than having to leave the house by 7:45am most mornings and rushing with the office crowd, I do look forward to school! My fellow Korean classmates makes me laugh so hard every other day. I've been having priceless company :) I'm learning that not only do I need and want to love the Lord but I must allow Him to love me and only than can I love the people around me!

what a day

2009-06-28T21:27:00.004+08:00

After church and a mind boggling game of Scrabble at Harto, I decided to drop in on Grandma. My initial plans was to go for a 3pm thai service at Glory Church but later found out that they no longer have it! Anyway, when I got to her place we spontaneously decided to go shopping for her facial powder. The funny thing was, she told me it could only be bought at Centerpoint! So all the way there we went and I found out that the shop was just Guardian! Guess she wanted to go back to a familiar place. I had a good Granny time! She makes me feel cool.

We went back to her place for dinner and I left soon after because I had a conference call with the family at 9pm. Happily, I boarded the bus which I thought was 105. I did not notice the route taken as there was this really weird guy next to me. I shall not write on that. When I did realise where I was, I quickly pressed the bell and got down! I had gotten on bus 185 and I landed up at Jurong West! Seriously need to wear spectacles now.

If you think that was it, let me tell you how silly I felt that day. Very very silly! I roamed round to find the right bus stop and was totally lost. Finally, after a call to Aaron who lived close by- I got to the correct stop to take the right bus! BUT.... when the bus came, I found out that I'd no more money in my EZ-link and not a single coin. I was so paiseh as I got off the bus. Had to walk to 'Shop and Save' to change my only 5 dollar bill left. Went back to the bus stop and waited for a bus that did not seem to want to appear! When I finally reached home safe and sound, it was 9:45pm! Heh... moral of the story...I need more sleep! Nights.

Room 122

2009-06-26T17:31:00.008+08:00

Since quite a number of people have asked, here are some pictures of my room. I am very blessed to be able to stay with the Chos. They have so lovingly adopted me into their family. I'm forever grateful! Their ex study room is now converted to "Lydia Land" that's what Sam calls it. I've a great view from my window, it looks out over the Chinese Garden. At least some greenery to remind me of the mountains and paddies. Well, I hope you'd enjoy this little "tour"!

tomorrow will be a better day

2009-06-24T22:35:00.006+08:00

I'll miss you when something really good happens, because you are the one I want to share it with. I'll miss you when something is troubling me, because you are the one who understands me so well. I'll miss you when I laugh and cry, because I know that you are the one that makes my laughter grow and my tears disappear.

I'll miss you all the time, but I'll miss you most when I lay awake at night and think of all the wonderful times we spent with each other; especially our nightly prayers, goodnight song and chats into the wee hours... for those were some of the best times of my life.

Once we left the airport to head home at around 630am, it was pouring cats and dogs. It felt like the Lord opened the windows of heaven and was crying with me. When I reached home, I found a letter left for me from Lu and she drew a picture of her and I holding an umbrella and it was raining...

IBLP

2009-06-23T09:36:00.013+08:00

I find myself returning and feeding on the wonderful truths and comfort in His word. This seminar reminded me that my flesh and heart fail me. My greatest need and purpose is to stay close to Jesus. He is and gives exactly what I need for every moment. With my youth leadership retreat and this, that week was spiritually challenging yet essential/divinely arranged for the foundation of this new season in life. All I can say is, God knows just want I need to hear.

P/S: If you girls want more group pictures, just drop me an email and I'd be glad to send it to you!

Mae Sai to Mee Siam

2009-06-20T23:39:00.000+08:00

Photo Credits: Caleb Yam

I saw my favourites. I ate my favourites, the very afternoon I got here. I don't know how you guys do it, but thanks for the incredible welcome back! Is there anything better than getting together and catching up? oh how happy I am for that memory and a million others.

At the moment

2009-06-19T23:37:00.005+08:00

Hello world. Can't believe I've not updated this space. As you would have guessed, I've been super busy since the time I touched down in S'pore. It's nice to fill up my planner but I cannot deny how tired out I am. Should bring you through the events that has happened from our welcome 'mee-siam' party, youth leaders retreat to IBLP seminar, meeting up with good old friends and of course a photo or two of my new room. I really like it, you would too! Well, I promise to find some time to go about that. For now, I shall just leave you with this photo which leaves me feeling... (fill in the blank)

Last night in MS

2009-06-09T19:57:00.005+08:00

Going to Bangkok to visit friends, and of course do some shopping before returning to S'pore on Saturday. Tonight during family time, Dad blessed me over this Psalm. We knelt in prayer and I felt God's presence. That, gave me rest. I think I'm finally coming to terms with leaving... not like the pain is gone but I know the joy of the Lord will be my strength!

Psalm 121

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—

where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—

the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—

he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

Amen.