Successful in putting in about 90% of my service!!

Today i had a booster to a great start to a seemingly challenging week with a presentation that i am uncertain of my focus, a field trip project worth about 60%, teaching at Naval Base Primary and Magaret Drive Special School, Maths project, reflections and ministry commitments and activities...Wow...lots of stuff that i need to do. But you know..though i am physically tired, i am very motivated and looking forward to this week because of the booster :)

Successful in putting in about 90% of my service!! Also adding to that , I won my 1st tennis match. This semester i chose tennis to be one of my modules. However, due to my weak stomach, i have been absent on a number of classes and with many assignments and projects, i have not been able to find much time to practice. To add to that, i have always struggled with service since the beginning of the module. Just can't seem to be able to put the ball into the correct service court. I grew to be afraid to take on service as i think perhaps i just cannot do it. However, today before i went for class, i asked God that he will help me in my tennis service and play. Initially, when we were playing rally, i could not get my service right. Out of 10 balls i served, less than 20% got in. I was not discouraged. I kept trying and trying. My lecturer or teacher gave me good feedback and encouraged me to keep trying. And of course i did. I kept serving and serving. This went on for over an hour. It was really tiring. My hands felt weak. But thank God the weather was fantastic! By this time, i was really exhausted and disappointed with myself.

You know what...suddenly this thought came to me...I should set goals for myself in serving. I have learnt in sports psychology about the importance of goal setting. Hence, i applied it into my situation. I realised that perhaps one of the reasons why i often am unable to put the ball into the service area was because there was no clear goals. Thus, i thought to myself..."Kassey, lets do this. Since in a game play, most of the time you will only have 8 balls to serve (other than let etc) before you lose the game. Lets be focus and practice with 8 balls for every set of service." I, then, set myself specific goals to reach e.g. out of 8 balls to put 2 balls in. I tried to be realistic. As i began to see myself meeting the goal, i set myself higher goals. And this work!! I was definitely more focused and my mind wasn't bothered at what other people think or say. And this was during the practice. So the time came where i had to play my first singles tennis of my life, i was all ready for it. When i stood at the service line, my mind was concentrating on my stroke and putting the ball in - accuracy. I must admit that my service is not powerful as many of my classmates but i knew that at this present moment this is what i can seek to do..that is to make sure i will cherish every ball that i serve. I will not waste it away! And all glory to God...for he sustain me for the game and also the entire day though i only had less than 5 hours of rest.

I am chosen...

As i am preparing for the sharing with the sec 2, i was brought to the verses in Jeremiah 1. These verses brought back many memories. I remembered some years ago, the same verses left me with a deep impression.

Jer 1:4-10
Jeremiah’s Call and First Visions
The Lord gave me this message: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, "Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.”

I was asked to take on leadership roles and responsibility. I felt inadequate and like Jeremiah, felt that i was too young. What can i do? It was the exact words that strike a cord in my heart that day. These words gave me the assurance and confidence that HE is going to be with me and my fears were rested. Looking at the verses now, i can testify that HE kept to his promises..he put words into my mouth and has been with me every step of the way. Its really interesting as in some moments time, i will be speaking to a group of potential youth leaders, whom i believe they will be the future leaders of the Ignyte ministry. It is really a humbling experience. Years back, i have never imagine or thought i would be doing something like that, what my path is like. Indeed he has a plan and purpose for my life that is far greater than just my studies, career....

Christine's birthday dinner

A great time to catch up with a dear friend and sister. I was so glad i went amidst the heavy work schedule and assignments i am faced with. Bought her a watch and it was not known to any of us that she actually really wanted a watch...Believed that it was God's leading and her prayer was answered!

Dinner at Thai Express on 29th Feb 2008, Leap year

Soya bean store at Geylang...The 3 sisters

Took opportunities to take pictures with Eric

Being a faithful servant

Beginning of the year, together with the youths, the leaders also took up the challenge of completing the bible in 2008. At the start, it was easy. I was reading it consistently. However, at this point in time, i am finding it a challenge to read it consistently. I realised one thing...its is really about being faithful to the small things that would keep me going and forward in this challenge.

As i began reading the bibe today, this verse from Luke 11:39 jumped at me. It says, " You Phariseee are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are still filthy - full of greed and wickedness! Pharisee then, were religious leaders and teachers of the word and laws of God. This verse jumped at me as though it is a reminder from God to me that what is inside me is very important - the condition of my heart. As i begin to examine my heart condition for the past couple of months, i have grew to be rather inward looking and self-centered. No doubt i still always practice giving to others, i felt that i have adopted a close door attitude to new people. I don't want to intentionly get to know new people as that would consume more of my time and thus would leave me with lesser time for me to get stuff going. I do want time for myself. But i believe today he is challenging me to not be self-centered and investing in lives of others, not just those who are under my care. Could i be his faith servant in obeying him in this? Indeed i agree with the verse that i do spend time doing the outside (carry myself well, conducting myself in the manner that is appropriate, being physically prepared for things) but sometimes neglect spending time doing the inside (evaluating thoughts, emotions, spiritual renewal, self-reflection).

It is therefore, even in the busyness of my life to find time, to pause and reflect upon the day's events and being spiritually renewed, ensuring that my heart is ready for the next day of work/ activity. I will certainly bear this in everyday of my life and to be faithful to his call and purposes he has for my life.