Our first post was on the 14th of February, 2016. Today marks a new year and almost one year since we started this joint project. This experiment was something that is pretty dear to our hearts, even though we had not taken the opportunity to expand it further, because it represented the unity of two different minds into one space. Hopefully we will be able to further the potential of this blog and mature it into something the Lord can use for His greater glory.
2016 was a year that brought many changes in our lives and though we have stood through many trials and tears, we continue to stand fast to the promise of the Lord and hold tightly to His hand as we continue into 2017. It honestly feels unreal how a new year can descend upon us with the simple passing of time, whereby the previous day held nothing more special than today. If I didn't keep track of the time, I probably wouldn't have noticed that the end of yesterday has heralded a brand new year.
One particular change is watching how the Lord's promise of 'restoring unto us what the locusts have eaten away' has tangibly seeped into our lives. He doesn't exactly do so in huge, earth-shattering ways. He moulds us into the direction He has intended for us, while handling our anxiety in following Him at the same time. On that train of thought, I have to admit that I myself had many moments where I allowed my personal worries and fears to surface and overwhelm me, drowning out the greater purpose in store. These mental battles made me realise that the world will always be there to lure me away from God and I have to constantly strengthen my mental barriers and cling onto Jesus like an octopus in order to live the way I'm created to.
Looking ahead, there have been two recent sermons that I've listened to that has really impacted me a lot, so I'll share what I've learnt briefly:
1) Honour the Lord as the centre of your life. That way He will honour you too and you will have nothing to fear in your life. This is using Daniel's life as an example, where he chose to honour the Lord's commands despite being a hostage in a foreign country and he was being blessed and honoured in turn.
2) It is not a bad thing to be in a position of power, because that way you can use your influence to carry through the plans you have for the people around you and better their lives more effectively. It makes us a good tool for God to use to a greater extent. (This is more of a reminder)
3) The moment we stepped into a relationship with Christ, we were born again into a life to be lived on the edge of the impossible. It is only through the Holy Spirit that we are able to accomplish the impossible, and this then truly makes it ironically impossible to live to the fullest without the HS. This way, our lives can be a testimony to how the Lord is good, making it a natural magnet, drawing people around us to the Father.
I know that we as Christians are ultimately given the mandate to bring God's children back to the Kingdom, it is one of the main purposes and the greatest joys that gives us a reason to exist... but honestly sometimes it is difficult to do so without awkwardness or driving rifts through friendships. Learning about point 3) was actually a good wake-up call which opened up a different dimension of evangelism, and living a life of worship. I hope that 2017 will see me grow and mature in this area whereby I start to become more intentional in knowing people and growing more intimate with the Lord.
Moving on, let me share some good news and bad news. The good news is that I am legal and am now acknowledged as a young adult in the eyes of the world. The bad news is that the Singapore Public Transport system has acknowledged it by making me pay the adult fare starting today. IS THAT TRAGIC OR WHAT. The beloved double beeps that greeted me upon each tap-in at the bus door has collapsed into one resounding blare that told the whole world that my childish behaviour has to end. Like 'WAKE UP YOUR IDEA AND STOP HOGGING THE YELLOW SEATS'... ok jk, I don't do that. But I wish that the reality didn't have to hit so painfully.
The last piece I wanted to say is that with the coming of this new year, I think I'd finally like to go on a few dates?
Confession: I have never gone on a date before.
Partially because I've always been taller than most boys (I really can't help it) and then there's the fact that no boy has asked me out, and I don't initiate because I strongly believe that the guy has to initiate first. Also, I'm not allowed to date until I'm 19.... well I'm 19 this year. GAH! Oh well, this will be another thing I will have to entrust to the Lord even though I'm jumpy about it and all. (Example, I don't know how to react if I'm asked out. Will I go all mushy up and can't speak? Or will I talk too much? Or will I become completely different though I didn't intend to? Or will I revert back to the long ago version of me where I was very boyish and rough? WHAT TO WEAR!!??) Jesus has sent many people to me to convey His message to me that He's in the process of preparing The One for me and that I shouldn't worry about it and enjoy singlehood. I DO enjoy singlehood, but I'd like to know how to react in these kinds of situations.
Also, there's that private longing to follow in the footsteps of many of my church seniors who were brought together by the Lord and dated only one person in their lives and because of the strong conviction by the Lord upon their relationship, eventually got married. HOW COOL IS THAT >.< Really have to trust the Lord with my love life and stop wondering.
Ok so, I've roughly gone through a brief reflection of last year, and I hope that everyone will have a blessed new year ahead!
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