Monday, 12 February 2007
After the mass E event, i thought things would be slightly better, because i do not have to worry so much about planning and etc, but i was wrong. Not that it was no better, but i did not think that it would be so busy and packed.
First, there was Yi Xin's 21st birthday party. i must say that she was very creative, in terms of the decorations, the cupcake theme, and the program. Too bad the bungalow she booked was at some secluded place at the corner of Changi and Tanah Merah. Then again, most chalets and holiday bungalows are pretty secluded and inaccessible anyway. i think Yi Xin enjoyed herself, seeing so many of her friends together under 1 roof. We crusaders already comprised a quarter of the people who went for the party. In the end, before we left, the crusaders sang a song for the birthday girl, "Still" by Hillsong, which was 1 of her favourite songs. As Raymond shared afterwards, it was a declaration of our faith in front of the non-Christian friends at the place, and also a reminder to ourselves to always be still and know that He is God. It was so wonderful that this song, which was thought of on the spot without any preparation, was so appropriate, and also tied in with a prayer of blessing which Raymond gave after the song. Surely the presence of God was there at the place.
During the party, i received a call from Michelle, saying that her good friend Candice was hospitalised, and in the Intensive Care Unit. The news came as a shock to me, especially when i could hear Michelle's trembling voice asking me to inform everyone to pray for Candice. Immediately after the call, i sent a message to some of the youth in my church who know Candice, to pray and intercede for her health. Later that night, as i was heading home after the birthday party, i received a message from Michelle that Candice was no longer in the ICU. i breathed a sigh of relief and thanked God.
Ironically, later we found out that Candice was never in ICU. She was admitted to National University Hospital only for some observations, and she was in the Isolation Ward all the time "enjoying herself", in her own words. Apparently Candice's mom misinterpreted the information and in the end everyone was unnecessarily worried. Yesterday some of us went down to NUH to visit Candice, and we had a laugh over it. She is due to be discharged today. Well, at least we are glad that she's all right. Thank God!
This weekend i had a few arguments with my dad. On both Thursday and Friday, i was scolded for not going to bed by 12, even though i was doing work. Apparently when my dad sees me using MSN, he regards me as not doing work. So last night i did not sign in to MSN, and my dad did not say anything. On Saturday, i defended 1 of the church youth from my dad's criticism, and got scolded as a result. Also, i blundered when i tried to keep the table tennis table in church, warranting another bout of criticism from him. My dad works in my church, so whenever i go to church i will get to see him. Ultimately i know that my dad loves me, and i love him as well, even though i hate to admit it. =p hopefully our father-son relationship will improve as time goes. i have been praying for him and myself these few days, and i know i should not give up and fall into the trappings of the devil. Thankfully i have a supportive brother and loving mother, who share the same experiences with me, and they always remind me that i can always draw strength from God, as they have been doing. Without them, i do not know how bad things can turn out. So, i truly thank God for them.
i'm still thinking of what God is trying to teach/show me through my TURT audition experience. i guess that now i know where my level is, and as a result i'm being humbled by the experience. Also, Manson has kindly agreed to meet me occasionally to help me out and guide me in my bass guitar playing, so this is also a blessing in disguise. Hopefully i'm able to improve and head in the right direction during this year, and bring my bass playing to another level. It's all for the glory of God! i will always want to serve God with whatever He has given me.
Yesterday the youth leaders had a meeting on plotting the direction of the youth ministry in the church. In the end it was observed that more discipleship was needed, and Pastor has expressed his desire for a young adults ministry to start in 3 years' time. even though there are no concrete plans as yet, i'm excited to be part of God's plan for the church and for the youth. Praise the Lord!
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.
Ephesians 3:20
giving thanks at 10:44 :)
david chow en yuan