chronicles of young

I'm writing this more for myself (since I realised I periodically re-read my posts and am encouraged by some of them, especially this one .). I remember I made this promise to God not to watch Korean dramas again after I threw a hissy temper when my parents refused to let me watch the last episode in the midst of my exams. That was when it hit me that I was so deeply engrossed. I might be more socially conscious than others. But perhaps this has also caused me to lapse easily into a world where I can mindlessly lap up the pretty faces, the predictable plot and of course, more often than not, a good ending at the 16th episode. I am writing this because I have been breaking this promise. Until 1030, I tell God. Then it was, just this one episode to spend time with my parents. Yesterday too, though I knew I would have trouble focusing on God's message in church today if I didn't sleep earlier. Lack of sleep isn't all though. One big reason I decided by God's gra...

/pəːsɪˈvɪər(ə)ns/ "Continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation."  Oh for grace to trust Him more! And I know that He is with me, will be with me to the end. Tomorrow I start my field placement in a family service centre proper. I really really thank God that He has mercifully provided a strong Christian that loves and seeks Him as my partner, and that this centre meets at 8.30am everyday for prayers.  Bleary eyes, slow mind- can't get some eloquence out now so I'll keep it short. I'm reminded of this victorious life to which I entered when Christ took hold of me.  And though this world, with devils filled,  Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God has willed His truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim, We tremble not for him- His rage we can endure, For lo! His doom is sure; One little word shall fell him (And that word is the Word of God) Martin Luther King "Not that...

explanation: inspiration: conclusion: "But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life."  1 Timothy 1:16

ruminate /ˈruːmɪneɪt/ In my usual ruminating way, I was thinking about my social media accounts after I posted a few days ago: CoY: This blog holds a special place in my life because it is where the least filtered part of me lies in open to all. In an often vain, self-exalting way though... but it is where I say things which I sometimes desperately wish people who know me will read, while at the same time wishing they won't. In short, a truer but more vulnerable me. Instagram: I am kinda ashamed by how much I love it. My account that is, tracking the hearts given to my posts. I think there's nothing wrong with the pleasure of taking photos but this is a totally worldly obsession with self. FB: Sometimes a source of grief. Quite a few (sometimes unpleasant) exchanges about theological issues with my dear old friend. But quite thankful for this place where I am jolted out of my complacency by my unbelieving friends. It shows the work yet to be done, a (very close) worl...

I have to write this down because God speaks so softly I often forget He does at all. This morning I had a dream where God seemed to be speaking to me. It wasn't in visions or anything, but I had these old feelings of despair again in my dream. And then I was reminded that I had Christian friends and also of the cherubim. "In addition to singing God's praises, they also serve as a visible reminder of the majesty and glory of God and His abiding presence with His people."( Got Questions ) And lastly, I was reminded that nothing occurs apart from the will of God. Was this to encourage me? I believe so. I think it was also to remind me that it is this great God whom I have a personal relationship with. And it is of this glorious relationship that I must speak. Hallelujah, Amen.

Exactly 4 months since my last post... I remembered on the first day of 2014 I wrote to 2 prisoners in US prisons. One replied but I haven't heard from him since. I hope he's fine. I haven't gotten a reply to my letters, which meant they either were censored or got lost. This got me thinking again about how different people's lives in the world can be. It is a source of inspiration, looking at the cheerful way that tan youngish man at the busy coffeeshop made the teh and kopi, and the cheerful banter between the 2 Chinese ladies at the counter. Their work is obviously tiring and doesn't pay well, but they were in the moment. And in the moment was this simplicity that had strange echos of hope and joy. I learn about the Christians in Japan, wondering what it must be like to be the 1%. They encourage me when I think of them, holding faith in that land. "Resist him (the devil), standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the ...