sharing my thoughts...yifen~*

Ah...taking a break now..this job is a test of my patience, especially with super-on discussion groups. Ger and I have finally finished one Project Work topic consisting of 10 Project Groups. Erm..we still have 60 over groups to go. *_* Getting a bit blur and restless. Fortunately, we can crap and laugh. Oops, not sure if the technicians at the other end can hear us. hee...

Spent most of the day lazing around and had a good 2 hrs nap in the afternoon. Was really warm and humid though. Visited some PRC nursing students in the evening, together with 2 other ladies from BTPC. I met them once during a cruise outing, but spent more time talking to them this time round. It's interesting to hear about their job and also how they are coping generally. Admire their perseverance in handling their struggles in a foreign land. One of them is quite keen to find out more about Christianity and will be coming down for service this Sunday. Appreciate your prayers for Wen Li. :)

Back in NIE for a part-time job on data coding. Thanks to my Classroom Management lecturer (also from BTPC) who offered me the job. :) Basically, I go through online discussions done by some secondary school students from a couple of schools. It's some inter-school Project Work which they were involved in, part of a research funded by MOE. The work is quite tedious though, have to look through every thread and individual posting. After which I write down coding of either 0 or 1 based on the rubrics given. I must say the students are really creative, and some of them are quite business-like, and are strong in their command of English. Of course, there are those Singlish phrases we are attuned to.

I suffered from severe insomnia last night and only managed to fall asleep at 5.30am! All because of a cup of coffee from the Taj Mahal store in Adam Rd Market. ;p

The sermon and bible study today was on 'Birthright and Blessings' based on Genesis 25 and 27. Despite the sinfulness of man, and in this context, displayed in the scheming and deceptive ways of Rebekah and Jacob, God chose to fulfill His promises through them. Esau gave up his birthright to Jacob over some lentil stew (like red bean soup) without thinking twice. It was not even meat stew. This fulfilled what God told Rebekah earlier on in Gen 25:23 -“and the older will serve the younger”.

As we read Hebrews 12:14-17, it warns us not to be like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, when he wanted to inherit his blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing of tears. The book of Hebrews was written to warn the Jewish people not to fall back to their old ways, and trade their inheritance for short-term pleasures and ways. Likewise, it also warns us against the same thing. In our days, it could be marrying a non-believer, choosing success or fame over God, and work itself could even subtly draw us away from God. In the above passage, the warning is very clear. We could be like Esau, just a step outside heaven, deeply regretful, but it is too late for us to repent. God has chosen us, but we are also accountable for the way we live. I'm really glad that we have a family in Christ, whom we can always be accountable to, as we await the glorious return of Jesus. At the same time, I'm also burdened for those who proclaim to be Christians, yet do not seek to live out the gospel in their lives.

Hymn 714: I Know Whom I Have Believed
Daniel Webster Whittle, 1883

1. I know not why God's wondrous grace
to me he hath made known, nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
redeemed me for his own.

Refrain: But I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I've committed unto him against that day.

2. I know not how this saving faith
to me he did impart, nor how believing in his word
wrought peace within my heart.

3. I know not how the Spirit moves,
convincing us of sin, revealing Jesus through the word,
creating faith in him.

4. I know not when my Lord may come,
at night or noonday fair, nor if I walk the vale with him,
or meet him in the air.

Haven't been doing much for the past few days..Celebrated my parents' wedding anniversary on Wed at Grand Shanghai, next to River View Hotel. I've always wanted to check out the place, and since my Dad enjoys music, thought it might be a good idea. Glad that they enjoyed themselves very much. The food is good, albeit slightly pricey. We had shanghainese handmade noodles,炒年糕, 小笼包, a tofu dish and 豆沙锅饼. They serve more variety of dim sum in the afternoon. The music was indeed good, and there were some 老外who came for the music. For those who like oldies, you may want to check out the place. :)

A few days ago, I had a discussion with two sisters and a brother on what it means to be gentle and quiet in spirit. Some people think I'm quite gentle..haha. ahem. (Some disagree?) I've always thought of myself as rather 粗鲁，and not the gentle type. I can get quite chatty and crappy. heh. After listening to last night's sermon on 1 Peter 3:1-7, I think we all have a clearer idea. Being gentle and quiet spirit can be understood as such: not being quarrelsome, insistent, pushy, selfishly assertive, argumentative. Simply put, women should not be like opposition parties. In a nutshell, women have to submit to their husbands. Shall continue to work towards being gentle and quiet in spirit, whether I do get married in the end.

Spent the past hour or so watching 《前线追踪》's feature on President Wee. Many people shared about how loving and caring he is, a person without airs, 不分贵贱。的确，对国人来说，他将长眠于心。Sadly, he is not a Christian. This thought came to my mind: As Christians, do we even exhibit the sincere love and humility like he did? Perhaps we cannot be certain about his motivation, but hope it reminds the Christians that we should even love others more when we have already known the greatest love.

Spent a good afternoon catching up with Ann while Dr. Ray did a check up of my laptop (hope it survives my final yr of studies!) Thanks Ray! :) Looking forward to partnering with Ann in the sisters bible study group which begins next week. May God give us the wisdom and perseverance as we prepare the studies.

Went for prayer meeting after dinner. Turnout was small, only 5 of us including Pastor Andrew. But it was good sharing nonetheless. Pastor Andrew encouraged the rest to attend the marriage retreat which ARPC will be having, and at the same time expressed slight disappointment that he has not been able to attend for past retreats as he had to preach. We should give our pastors a break. ..heh :) Upon knowing that I have a 3 months break (techinically speaking, about 2 months plus left), he encouraged me to take the Moore College Correspondence Course. Hmm..it's not easy isn't it? Nevertheless, shall go find out more after posting this entry. Is anyone doing the course?