The leap of faith

Image from Twitter

I almost cannot believe that I have been in retirement for FOUR years now.  It seems like I've taken to this new life like a "fish to water". That's lame but the best description that I can think of. Hahahahahaha.  

Also, I almost cannot remember what it's like to be working in an office. 

My "office" now is wherever my laptop is placed at home so it's either on the dining table or on my lap (pun intended) in front of the TV!  

The leap year used to brings memories of the Olympic Games and the Presidential Elections.  That's how diverse my interests are! Stephen and I share a common ground in our interest with some major world events and we enjoy talking about it over breakfast/lunch/dinner and sometimes supper.  But now the leap year has also become synonymous with my retirement.

I woke up yesterday to tell Stephen that we must celebrate today.  I said I want to have lobster for dinner.  He knows I'm full of plans and no action.  Just being able to say it is enough to make me happy.

The leap of faith was also a leap into faith.  It was when I found a meaningful relationship with God.  It has made such a big difference to my life.

So this 29 February 2016, I'm saying a special prayer for all the people who are special to me.  It's a way of giving back (behind the scenes) without fanfare. 

Most of all I'm thankful to Stephen, Jared and Gwen who have been my pillars of support and encouragement.  The countless other family and friends along the way have been the icing on the cake: always delicious and so enjoyable. 

Be blessed.  Stay blessed.  Shalom!

Forgiveness

Image from WWW

Life is filled with all sorts of good and bad events.  Inevitably people are involved and it takes the same amount of effort to remember the good memories or the bad.

I don't know exactly when but I have been able to forgive others. Not only in my mind but also in my heart because it's where the real forgiveness takes place.  

It's true that it has nothing to do with the other person.  It has to do only with our own self.  

Some time ago, I was told that not only should we forgive but we should also ask to be forgiven. This weighed heavily on me for awhile. BUT I now realise that this isn't my job. It's for others to do that for themselves.

If we attempt to atone for everything we've ever done, it's an unattainable goal.  

The Lord's Prayer goes "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us".  I think this is enough.

I wish...

Image picked from Twitter

Valentine's Day has come and gone.  There were so many wishes from family and friends that I was overwhelmed.  

For me, it's an over-rated event but I just love spreading the love.  I wasn't alone.  Some sent more than one wish and it was like a competition to see who sent the best image.  At the end of the day, I just couldn't choose which was my favourite.  I loved them all.

Stephen was working so it was a quiet day for us until he came home. 

How did we spend the evening?  We went to church!

It's one of the things we love doing together.  Sometimes he will say something meant only for me and which no one else would understand.  I'm sure many couples have their secret codes between them.

Loking back on our years together, I think that hearing him say "I wish I knew you earlier" has to be the most touching.  I've always made light of the moments when he says this but really it speaks so much about his love for me.

As another Valentine's Day has come and gone, I'm counting my lucky stars again.  

I wish.....

                   for many, many more years together. 

Happy Chinese New Year

Image from WWW

It's quiet everywhere in Singapore.  Many shops are closed already and most people have either gone away for a holiday or returned to their hometown.

It's a nice change from seeing people rushing around.  Watching them daily hastened my steps and I found myself doing the same even when I did not need to.  Subconsciously I got caught up with the hustle and bustle of rushing everywhere.

This celebration reminds me that I should slow down.  It's a good reminder that life is to be lived, moment by moment. 

As today is the eve, the service at NCC had a Chinese theme and, as in the past three pre-New Year services, Pastor Mark appeared. He never fails to entertain even while feeding us with spiritual nourishment.  It was like having a reunion breakfast with God!

Left feeling so refreshed and ready to bless everyone!

Image from NCC web

HAVE A BLESSED LUNAR NEW YEAR!