noel noel

I suppose merry christmas is in order. Christmas time is always a special time. Its a good time to reflect, to stop and take it all in. Sometimes i wish there was a place i could go just to get away from people and be by myself and do just that but the older i get the more difficult it is to find that quiet place to reflect and think.

This year has been really eventful, but instead of thinking of all the things that went wrong, maybe its time we try looking at all the things that went right. God has been faithful, we're still here. There are a lot of people who didnt make it to 2008, or even today for that matter thats something to be grateful for. God has been there through all the hard times and through exams and planning for events, providing a way, even at times when its like why are I doing this? He has always provided strength for the journey. 

I really want to thank God for my family, they have been great and even though i could be a better son and brother they have always been there for me, i miss them so much. And for my mom... my friend said once that she must be very strong not seeing her son for so long and i know she's strong but i just want to see her again, just hang out with her, be her driver or something... i wish i could cook so i can make a meal for her. But she likes her cold cup of water after a long day, i guess i could do that. And my dad, even though i don't talk much about him and we don't talk much to each other, i must say he's been a blessing to me and i thank God for protecting him from all his travels and continuing to shine his grace upon him. I know one day he will bow his knees and willingly worship God. I know it. 

At this time when everyone else will be having family dinners and going out with friends and spending quality time, at this very special time of gift giving and song singing remember to give thanks for its been a rollercoster of a year for many of us and its worth spending some time to give thanks because you have today and you're still here and at this moment thats all that matters. 

Have a blessed christmas from me :)

~shalom~

Carolling fun

The two nights of carolling have been really nice. Thank God for the opportunity to sing praises to God and share the Joy of Jesus especially in this season.

I thought Chris and Yesh did very well in their solo parts, it always stunned the people, every time when they came up to sing people kept looking back kind of like asking, who's that singing. Good job girls. And of course to Li Ern who conducted the whole thing, making sure everyone knew what line came next in Silent Night among other things. And of course to everyone who made it on time or sort of on time and gave their voices and hands to carry the instruments and to bless others. To people like simon behind the scenes working, for pastor and aunty mei for their support and effort. Not forgetting other who came to show support and take pictures. ;)

It was a time where the girls looked their best, where they guys forgot the lyrics and looked silly just mouthing words. It was a time to relax and enjoy the season of good tiding to all men as we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Doing the interview for the Christmas service, we asked a few people on the street what they thought about Christmas and got a variety of responses but the one that really struck me was one where mdn. Agnes was saying, when we remember great people, we don't necessary celebrate the day they were born but rather their achievements and their accomplishments. Think of Christopher Columbus, or Thomas Edison, you don't have any memory of how they would have looked like when they were babies but rather we remember that for Chris, he discovered America and for Tom, sound.

Why don't we remember the greatness of Jesus in what He did and not how cute he was. Not to belittle the birth of Jesus, but for a change. Why not?

I feel so honoured to be part of the team, and I thank God for all the opportunities to be a blessing.

~shalom~