Loss for words

"Find myself at a loss for word, funny thing is it's ok"

(lyrics from word of God speak)

It can be a scary thing to be at a loss for words. Face(s) staring at you, waiting for you to speak. The longer it takes, the harder it is to speak. Awkward silence, meaningless blabbering or a non-committal "I don't know". The response comes in different forms but all mean one thing. You just don't know what to say. Isn't it amazing that we can do that with God and get away with it - all the time. No explanations needed, no pressure, no why. Just full acceptance for who we are at the moment.  

Thanksgiving Point #2: The next generation

Andrew and Joel came to my workplace to lunch together. It was quite funny to begin with cos Joel got lost but it was kind of expected cos the area is really ulu. But thank God I still got a ride from him to Serangoon Gardens :) It was really an enjoyable time together, easy and relaxing. The enthusiam and the joy that comes from Andrew as he was sharing about his work encourages me a lot. Forward-looking and positive.

I asked them how they think that their ministry have prepared them for work. Andrew shared that it trains him to be more resilient and not give up easily. Despite discouragements from people, he continue to hang on and serve God with much joy and energy. As for Joel, he shared that it is the character built over the years as a christian which will help him to remain steadfast to God in the workplace. Thank God for the next generation of leaders He is building.

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."

(1 Timothy 4:12-16)

I am very encouraged by Andrew who told me he remembered that I bought a book for each CG member some time back and I cannot remember it at all. It encourages me to keep the faith and to carry on with God's work. It is hard to move on when we keep turning back.

Thanksgiving Point #1: Birthday Celebration with Mum

Mum's 5_th (shhh....) Birthday... Mum said, "Time passes really fast". Indeed, one more year and she can have her 60 years da shou (oops). Yep, I asked her if she is afraid of growing old, she said that it's ok and that it is inevitable and added on that she dun look her age. haha. She made two wishes; one for good health and the other for us to get married and have children and we were like, "hmmmm........" (Silence) Then my mum replied with the most classic answer, "If I did not get married, I will not be here celebrating my birthday with all of you." lol. Ok, you win already lor...

Because you loved me

The only one who made it possible

A night of candour

"Often, after going through all the hard work of setting up a difficult conversation, we shrink back from saying the hardest but most important truth. We fail to say the last 10 percent. We get vague and fuzzy precisely when clarity is most needed by the other person. Instead of saying, "You talked too much at the meeting," I might say, "It was hard to have a good conversation." Instead of honestly naming rude behavior, I speak vaguely of not feeling connected to the other person and hope they will fill in the blanks. I do this not out of love for the other person, but because I don't want to go through the pain or fear involved in deeper conflict."

(Everybody's normal till you get to know them, John Ortberg)

I am often guilty of this.

The next time, I will fill in the __________ and say the unspoken. It's funny that as we were having the discussion on resolving conflict, Pris cut me off halfway as I was talking to Joel (who was looking blur at what I was trying to drive at) and say, "Jiayan, say the last 10 percent". Haha..it really cracked me up. Yes, Mdm! 

It was a priviledge to hear the open and honest sharings last night, of our family, our values and why they are so important to us, what we will do to keep those convictions. It was a ear-opener. Thanks for the time of fellowship, Wei, Pris and Joel :) Looking forward to round 2 tonight at Joel's house, learning how to make wine from raisins... (more photos will be up!)