a testimony of God's faithfulness

shared this during CG last night. Since last year, whenever people ask me about my plans for the future (mostly in terms of my career), I always tell them that I am not sure, yet I have this quiet assurance that God will reveal as time draws nearer. And He has been doing just that.

Just yesterday, I was catching up on the book of Joshua because that was what the SH and I were supposed to read and discuss together. I didn't get much of the message in the first 5 chapters except that Joshua was constantly getting directions from God as He was leading Israel through Jordan. Yesterday's devotion for the day was also about following Jesus (devotion is below). Yesterday's chapter 22 for Purpose Driven Life was also about letting God do His work; how He is more concerned about my character development than my career and what I do in life. It's encouraging for me how God spoke through different avenues yesterday.

Just last week, I received news that I got to teach the exact level and class that I asked for. What blessing that is! I finally get a break from teaching P5 and 6. Being given a P4 class means I will probably follow them for 3 years. Also at the same time last week, i receieved the notification that the registration for the briefing for the 3 years part-time masters programme has been postponed. To think that I had not received the first email. Logically speaking, if I apply for the Masters programme, I will graduate at about the same time as the time I will send off my next batch of kids. Because the Masters Programme is heavily subsidised by MOE, I will be bonded for another year. And it is at the end of 2014 that i get another connect plan payout. All so timely right? Humanly speaking. So I have a tentative 4 year plan. Yet all these might change, but all the experiences I have with God previously gives me the confidence that He knows the plans He has for me and that He will always be with me and all I have to do is to walk in step with Him.


November 9, 2010
But I Can't See!
Lynn Cowell

"The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, 'Follow me.'" John 1:43 (NIV)

Devotion:
Illuminating a small circle just in front of our feet, the flashlight provided safety and direction for only our next step as Rose and I took our pre-sunrise walk. Anxiety eventually gave way to comfort as we discussed the day ahead. We knew the light would lead us in the right direction. We just had to take the next step...

Taking the next step is something Jesus recommended a very long time ago. "Come and you will see." "Follow me." These were the words Jesus spoke to the disciples as He called them. He didn't sit them down and reveal what the next three years would hold. He knew they would be overwhelmed; possibly even turn around. He chose to keep it simple. "Follow me" was all He said. Take the next step...

As a teen, I wanted to know my future. Will all my dreams come true? What college will I attend? Will I work in a church; marry a pastor? Will I live in Iowa near my family? Jesus knew the answers to those questions all along. I didn't go to college. I don't work in a church, nor did I marry a pastor. He knew. In wisdom, He chose to reveal only enough light for me to take the next step.

Sometimes, I catch myself wishing again that I could see my future. I get wrapped up in fear or worry. Career worries: Will I still have this job in five or ten years? Mom worries: Will my children marry spouses passionate about Jesus? Marriage worries: Will my husband and I enjoy a long retirement together? I can spin around issues that really don't have anything to do with this day, with my next step.

Jesus knows. He knows which answers are "yes" and which ones are "no." He knows when and where to reveal to me my next step. My part is simply to take the next step in obedience.

When I was younger, I did not understand those times when He said "no" were stepping stones to His amazing "yes." I learned in the dark that when I step forward in trust and obedience, blessing is down the path. I also had to learn that even those pathways that held pain where part of the process. They were stepping stones in my journey of choosing obedience over worry, fear and control.

Now, when fear and doubt surface in the dark I silence the "what ifs." I remember Jesus' words, "Follow me," and get back on the path that is flickering just ahead-and simply take the next step...a step of trust. I ask Him what I need to do for just today. I walk away from worry by expressing my concerns to Jesus and trust His ability to take care of each and every step.

Dear Lord, the dark can be frightening. Jesus, sometimes my ability to trust seems so much smaller than the step I need to take. Help me to build a history with You. A history of seeing You will help me trust You over and over and over again. I want that. I put my trust in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
.

random updates

I love the bass. And I think it's my instrument. I love the red. I love the boom. I love the smoothness of the sound. I love how the strings do not cut my finger.

swam 20 laps and had one full hour of workout from badminton. Endorphins- so addictive.

THe SH just told me she thinks she's addicted to FB.

I had great claypot chickie rice near Tessensohn. Lonely dinner though. Me and my chickie. And coke light.

I taught my kids how to play the guitar in the past 2 weeks. I am 4 hours short of giving them a 10 hour lesson on guitar playing.

Today, I got them rubber bands and taught them how to make zero point ropes. I also taught them how to play Zero point! They were engaged! Wonderful!

Tomorrow they must make their mortar boards. Bleah.

Tomorrow, I have a feeling I will get scolded by my good friend because I have not done what I was supposed to do.

I got the exact level and class I asked for for 2011. Good life next year! :D So blessed. I think God might be preparing me to be the default bass player.. knowing how much I practise whenever I have to play.

I think I pulled a muscle at the butt. Gluteus Maximus.

There was a good-looking angmoh at church on Sunday.

I still can't believe one of my friends is dating an ang moh GUY!

The student I am giving tuition to scored the highest in her class for English! 48 out of 50! A great improvement! My only problem is, how to maintain.. or improve further.. aiyo..

I love Qcafe! I think it's like Planet Cafe in the L word. I think I am going to be a regular to keep it alive. From now on, I will suggest all gatherings to be there.. hiak hiak. Unless that person has gone before.

Irene Ang and I are talking like we are friends. It's no big deal but I keep reminding myself that she's a celebrity so I should keep some boundary.

Rebecca Tan is good-looking but not my type. The SH is so into her. *rolls eyes* Maybe that's why I don't like her as much as I should. Hiak hiak.

It's time to organise the single thing again!
.

wow! So long never update.. a revelation

while doing the 20 laps and praying, I realised I had been praying all wrong. I always pray for everyone I know starting from my family members, the SH, the plushies and others who need prayers.. I pray for the plushies to draw close to God, build their spiritual lives, encourage one another, find their ministry.. blah blah blah, and other specific prayer requests that I know of them.. then today, while I was praying, I stopped midway and realised that all I really need to pray, the most important prayer is this: Lord, let __________'s heart be fully after your heart. That is a simple but profound prayer. It basically covers everything that needs to be prayed for.
.