:)

I just read some german devotional article that Jo printed for me and nat. The feeling was so different. I have subconsciously dreaded german, or maybe even hated it. But as i read the article just now, i enjoyed learning the new words once again. It wasnt a chore like before. It was a joy that wasnt always present. It may have come a lil late, but better than never :D

Each day a learning day.

As much as i was freaked out, i am so glad God teaches me each day. :)

More precious than gold or silver

Went for cell today and i thoroughly enjoyed the praise and worship session. I love how every phrase in worship songs express the character of God, one that is full of love, grace, glory, power, majesty, etc. I love how phrases also express who i have experienced God's love and works in my life. Love the opportunity to praise and worship God with fellow bro and sis in Christ as well. :)

I also said my first prayer in german today. I was prompted to pray a few times but chickened out cuz i know my german prayers wld prob be slow and broken. Anws during the last round of prayers, we prayed for the pastoral team and Dirk urged me to pray. So i spoke an incoherent prayer that was full of lingustic mistakes. That aside, i was in fact happy that Dirk nudged me to pray in german in the group cuz it helped me overcome the inertia in me. Besides, i know that God knows what i meant and listens to my prayers..so the main aim is achieved! :P

As i was reflecting today, i saw how i relied more on God during this period, how i communicated more with God, more i learnt to continually trust Him, find rest in Him, draw strength from Him, etc. What amazing grace, that i can enjoy such a precious relationship with our heavenly Father thru Jesus.

Thank you, God.

Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Ps 55:22

How could i forget sth that i once knew? It's all about surrendering at the cross. About saying to God, Father, I need your help.. take care of my burdens for me pls.

Thank you God for each new day that u make,
for your new mercies everyday,
for your word that counsels, guides, comforts and encourages.
for my family, there's so much blessings and love attached to this simple word.
for people and circumstances around me
in short, for your unfailing love.

Halfway thru.

It is nearing the end of May, which marks the mid-way of my SEP. It has been an exciting journey with God so far, learning to rely on Him more, learning to hear from Him more, learning abt His heart, pouring out my heart to Him..etc

I am still struggling with the german language for lessons and communication with the germans. shucks. But am constantly thankful i get the chance to really immerse in a more german SEP, cuz i knew from the start i didnt want a touristy one. Am thankful i meet really nice and hospitable friends in church and school, thou i really wished i cld chat more freely with them and not be limited by my linguistic ability.

And i miss home regularly :( At times i wished i could teleport home over the weekends or sth. And this feeling creeps in almost every week :l

There's a thousand more thoughts that run thru my mind each week and thru it all, i am so glad i have God with me. :)

Lamentations 3:22-24

Your love never fails, you have new mercies for me everyday. I never experienced this so, so deeply till recently. I have sung this song so many times in church without grasping the meaning of a few lines. And i am so glad the lyrics reminded me of God's love and grace just when i needed it.

Today was the last youth service and serving in the welcome team..till i return from SEP. Was kinda sad during ushering briefing cuz it was only in the recent weeks that i warmed up to some of them. And it really multiplies the fun when we get to know one another better and welcome pple to the house of God together. But it's ok, i will be back to serve tgter in Aug! hahas.

After dinner, some of us went to chill at holland V. And while walking, i was talking to Priscilla abt her siblings and she mentioned that she wondered if sometimes, she loves her family too much to a dangerous extent. She was refering to Luke 14:26 If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. I was slightly shocked, because i was just thinking abt that verse during praise and worship session! In fact, each time when i am reminded abt that verse, i cant help but to think to myself: gosh, that's really hard, Jesus.

Just to quote Pastor Peter during sermon today,
we worship God not bcuz of convenience, but cuz of conviction. :)