What a blessed, blessed day... :)
In the morning I was just waking up from the grumpiness of last night because I hadn't done my Anglo-Saxon work as I told myself to; was quite upset that after my day of rest on Weds I still didn't manage to get work done, and for some reason last night my confidence and emotions went on a downhill glide again. Had a glimpse of what it was like a year ago, but no I prayed and prayed and went to sleep, praying that I'll sleep so well and absolutely have no recollection of dreams...
... and I woke up the next day aroused from such a deep deep sleep - praise God 'cuz it's been AGES since I slept so well woohoo! Still there were remnants of 'un-peace' and I didn't know why, but kept praying about it and in the end He released me after some while of praying in the Spirit... after Anglo-Saxon in the morning I went to James College, collected some books from Joy for Mo (books that have blessed me so much) and talked to Joy for a while, went to the gym for 1.5 hours, went to the Music Department to see if I can get membership but realised I didn't have enough cash on me so I'm going back on Tues again, left for a CRep meeting at Goodricke... then it started pouring SNOW outside!! wheeeee! It was so so beautiful......
Anyways, came back and slacked around abit, didn't do work but had a good chat with Marcus about all kinds of random things like MOE scholarship and fair trade, then realised time slipped by so quickly and it was time to have dinner and leave for YCCF. Met up with the rest at costcutters at 6.55pm and wow! It was incredibly encouraging to see a whole army of people leaving from Halifax... the first time I went to YCCF it was only a small group of people - I'm so heartened to see how it's grown so much!! Praise God! Started mingling around, talked to Winfred, Yolanda and Xi Ren on the way there... Felt a little odd initially 'cuz it's been so long since I've properly talked to the bunch of people there, but I soon warmed into the crowd especially when we reached Kathleen's house and met my lovely lovely darlings, people whom I haven't talked to in ages including dearest Shiao En! Had such a wondddderful time catching up with her, sharing and praying after bible study; it's so exciting to see how God's working in each of our lives and just letting miraculous things happen each day to shape us in character... :) (You bless me, sister!) Anyways, after a time of singing we went into smaller groups for bible study; I went for the Chinese one and initially had qualms about my language ability because I haven't attended a bible study group in Chinese for a long, long time, and even when I did back in Singapore I was free to speak and share in English since most of the people in my Youth Group are from the English and Bilingual Services. But God just spoke the Chinese for me! I was like 0_0 cuz I know it wasn't me speaking... my Chinese really gets its sucky moments and I know how bad it can be... but when I felt it in my heart to share the words just came out (even tho I had to mix it with English occasionally) and it was exactly like it was in Malaysia 2 years ago when it was such a challenge giving my testimony and sharing in Chinese with Chinese-speaking families. Anyways, had to keep praying in my heart during bible study that God will humble me and not let me get proud... but at the end of it all I was just so glad I was able to give some input - certain verses, certain words of encouragement, certain experiences I've had in my walk with God. What Ma said was true - every struggle I've had or am going through will be a blessing to others in the future. Take heart, for all of you who're struggling right now :)
Yeah, after bible study (after I prayed with Shiao En) we had a singing session (with actions! haha) with Jason on the guitar... it was fun seeing everyone lay down their self-consciousness and doing silly actions together *grin* We left about... 12 am? Opened the door to a snow-laden white paradise and launched ourselves into mortal (snow) combat, pseudo-counterstrike! Felt like such a child (and a happy child at that! Shiao En reminded me of the time we played tag in Vienna), and yeah Xi Ren was just absolutely sweet for offering me his gloves because he probably overheard me saying that my hands were hurting.. What a dear!! Anyways we continued fooling around hurling snowballs at each other - there were Amanda Yaozu Rokey Heng Chin Shiao En Winfred Jason Joe(y?) Mo Adam Xi Ren did I miss anyone out? Yeah... fond memories like these are going to stick around in my mind for a longg longgg time... Guys kicking trees so that snow will fall on them. Haha, silly...
came back, Ailin showed me this fantastically funny video of Louis decapitating a snowman and it's here. It's hilarious!! After that en came online and promised to send an elephant from Australia! Hahaha... no, I'm sure he was kidding...... I hope. But yay! Had a nice convo with him and was encouraged to see him starting to go for fellowships and intending to go to CU and stuff. Keep walking in the Lord bro!! :)
Ah......
above all, it really isn't about these events throughout the day that've made me happy. I mean, they did, and I thank God so much for these precious people and a chance to serve wherever I go... but somehow today I found such freedom, such a spiritual breakthrough, I've become closer to who I am, rid of certain struggles that've plagued me for years cuz God's just amazingly answered my prayers, I've become freer and... wow, found such joy in the Lord. The CU weekend away was such a booster but it was really all the emphasis on following the Lord closely that's brought everything to a roll - and it's rolling on, rolling on, may the Lord grant humility and wisdom to sustain it so it's not dependent on emotions but entirely on HIM...
Looking forward to my elephant!! Mua ha ha :D wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!
