Twenty Eleven

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

I was writing today's date that it dawned on me this was going to be the last day for writing '2011'. It's hard to believe that the year is ending. I can look at this year and say it has been a year of 'seasons'. Indeed, a year of seeking and waiting, of weeping (a lot) and laughing, of keeping and casting away. All in all, this year was a good year. Trials, transitions, joys, growth, and all.

TRIALS

The unexpected theme this year.

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:3-5)

The biggest trial of 2011 is undoubtedly the search for a house. It began in March and continued throughout the year. The above verses have brought me back to God over and over again in times of weakness. I earnestly sought God's blessing in this matter but wasn't quite prepared for how tough it was! Through all the house inspections, research, unsuccessful offers and everything else that has been given to my portion I really, really thank God for this trial. It's been extremely draining both physically and emotionally - God has truly been my rock through it all. This year I have learnt more about waiting on God - that He strengthens those who wait and helps us to be patient. It is so true! His wondrous grace is so endless and available through prayer and obedience to His will. I trust that God allows trials to happen for growing my faith. No matter how heavy my burdens are, God's with me and the Atonement will heal my broken spirit.

TRANSITIONS

Mostly work related. New team, new training, new role, new manager, new education, new responsibilities are some of the transitions this year. Really thank God for seeing me through each new environment and for all the blessings undeserved. It has been a memorable year of work and a blessed year of productivity because of God's graciousness.

JOYS

This past year, has been that, a year of joy. The Lord caused my hart to rejoice in the marriage of two friends, in the fruitful fellowships I've had and other events too many to list. Reading through the New Testament has also been a source of joy. The Word of God has been my teacher and oft times a timely encouragement. I thank God for helping me to read the Bible, there are many passages I don't understand. I look forward to another year of learning and time with God.

GROWTH

All of the above has grown my faith. I am growing (little by little), because God is at work. In the year to come I pray to live more faithfully in my daily struggles.

2012 stares me in the face. Another year is closing it is not the end. My work on earth is not yet completed; there is more to accomplish for the Lord. More spiritual homework and room to grow in loving the Lord.

I know not what is coming. But it is coming. May I usher in this New Year with faith, trust, and thanksgiving. Thank God for seeing me through thus far, and for giving me all I need to move forward through the days, months, and years ahead, until the day He comes to take me home.

Blessed New Year and warmest wishes for 2012 to all of you. Let's all grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

God bless ♥

My Vacuum Cleaner

It's been two years and we never bonded. I don't like it. It is heavy and awkward and the hose is stiff and it mocks me by falling to its belly every corner I turn. Because of it, I dread vacuuming! I avoid using it if at all possible. I use it only under duress, leavng mum to war the evil machine.

Over the years it has lost significant suction power. Now it struggles to pick anything up. The poor thing has seen better days. It is time to move on and find ourselves a new one.

After much research, my next vacuum will be a Dyson. To be honest, compared to my old vacuum which was just a dust sprayer, anything will shine. But for long lasting sparkles, I've decided to invest in a Dyson. I won't rave about it here as I don't own one yet, but it isn't short of compliments from owners all over the world.

My question is: How on this planet can a person decide what Dyson to buy?

Beyond this brief life

II Corinthians 3

15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many rebound to the glory of God.

16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Faith, Even On A Rainy Day

Tonight reading brought tears to my eyes. God's Word pricked my heart of the doubt I'm starting to have that God is good.

"He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform" - Romans 4:20,21

Here Paul spoke of Abraham's faith which pleased God. Abraham had no knowledge of the church, Jesus Christ, the prophets, Moses of the Ten Commandments but he was saved through faith in God's promises. He chose to believe in God's promises.

God put Abraham's faith in the Bible for our example, especially mine. Dear God, please help me to believe You to overcome the darkness, the serpent, the sin and the uncertainties which I fear.

And to rejoice in You always.

Many thing about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand. But I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand.

Catch on fire

This was in today's LivingWaters.com Newsletter:

"I set myself on fire and people come to watch me burn." ~ John Wesley

People are attracted to passion and conviction. Do you burn with love for God? Is there a gospel fire in your bones? I've found that nothing but a clear view of the cross, an understanding of teh gospel, continual prayer, and regular feasting of the Word of God can ignite the wet wood of a lukewarm believer. If you want to be an effective witness for teh King... FIRE IT UP AGAIN! Get on your face, see the cross in all its horror, thank your bleeding and resurrected Saviour, read His precious Word, and speak with Him daily. There is so much attractive about warm light in cold darkness.
~ Kirk Cameron

Student Again

"Back to school. Back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool. I got my lunch packed up, my boots tied tight, I hope I don't get in a fight. Oh! Back to school... back to school... back to school." - Billy Madison

I have lost count of the number of times I've seen Billy Madison, Steven and I used to watch every Adam Sandler movie on tv! Haha, we were huge fans back in the day.

Anyhoo, back to the blog. HR just confirmed my enrollment, I'm going back to being a student!

Scary huh! I think nearly three years away from academia has spoiled me. Memory is rather distant on exam prep and nightly readings. So far I've seen the course guideline which seems manageable, thank God. Apart from having online activities to complete, I have a project to do and just one exam covering all topics. Not too bad eh except that the textbook is really thick, so there will be lots of readings to do in a short period of time before the next scheduled training course. Thankfully that my manager has said I could study during work if it's not too busy. I'm yet to 'meet' my tutor, he/she is available via online chat hahaha what a great idea!

But I have the peace no matter what disadvantages are against me knowing that this study opportunity has been an answer of prayer. God worked to probe my manager in putting me up for more responsibility without my manipulative tactics ie nagging/whinging. On top of that, things have happened at work to enable this fast track, eg a new manager onbaord, one colleague's leaving and one colleague leaning more towards another team. I can see that God is in this because the timing is too spot on for it to be accredited to 'luck' or anything else. It really felt like that things have just fell into place without resistance from top management. 

O Thou fount of blessing, how I praise Thee for such marvelous lovingkindness to the feeble creature that I am. I pray that my results will indeed honour God.

December Murmur

Happy December people!

Secret Squirrel has a ripe acorn to reveal:

I have a small winter supply of Coles Group & Myer Gift Cards collected over the past few months! 

My workplace has a few rewards programs for keeping staff morale high. My favourite incentive is this, the Coles Group & Myer Gift Cards. I actually didn't intend on saving the gift cards for any special purchase, it's just that I had nothing to buy. Each time the cards came, I threw them into the drawer and then forget that they're actually spending cash.

Tonight I spread the cards out and got a little overwhelmed. Thank God for the almost-forgotten-bonus! It would have been a pity if the cards expired without being used... I'm so ignorantly blur sometimes : (

Now seeing as the money has to be spent, there are a few things that I wouldn't mind having hehe (mainly for the house).

1. Dyson/Robotic vacuum cleaner
2. iPad 3
3. Pro massage chair

I also have credit on another rewards program which must be redeemed by Feb 2012 the latest. Seeing as it's already December, I had a quick browse tonight as well through the website to come up with the following 'possibilities'. 

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This sounds sad but I'm really indecisive about what to buy... In all honesty it's much more enjoyable being being a working squirrel, the 'collecting' is a lot less complex than the 'spending'.

How do you think I should spend the money?