fare thee well.

Dear blog,

As I enter into the official exam period in less than 8 hrs, I think it would be wise to go our separate ways until this season of my life has concluded. 

I will miss you terribly.  I know I will be tempted to run to you when the stress hits me the hardest, but I have to be strong.  For the sake of my future, I must resist.  I hope you will understand. 

I thank you for listening to my confusion, elation, frustration, resolution and many other related -tions, particularily in the last 2 weeks since this lovely boy confessed his affections for me.  We’ve gone back and forth, trying to nut out what we mean to each other and have finally agreed on the fact that, after much prayer, evaluation and consideration, the best and healthiest thing for us both right now is to continue going our solo routes whilst developing the beautiful friendship that has flourished through this unexpected pocket of time just before our exams (lol, really long sentence!).

I thank the Lord for bringing this compassionate and kind brother in Christ into my life and I know that our paths crossed at this point in time for a divine purpose.  I look forward to what God has in store for my best friend and kindred spirit and myself as well.  I know that there will be lots of growing pains forthcoming but with growing pains, there is growth and where there is growth, there is change for the better and what a wonderful thing to anticipate.

For now I must bid thee farewell and I wait with avid expectation for the day when I can see thy self again (lol going old English has its perks!).  ‘Til then dear readers, may you stay strong, healthy and eat your vegetables (they will make you strong and healthy!).  Much blessing and love to you all.

Yours truly,

ames4eva.

Quote of the post: God’s Word doesn’t hide the stuff up.  God’s Word is full of divine comebacks. – John C. Maxwell

Song of the post: New Season - Israel Houghton (Alive in Africa)

♥ a.

Word count : 357

kindred spirit.

Found my best friend and kindred spirit today…. as you do lol

Kindred spirit: “A term for someone who shares similar thoughts, feelings, someone who is close in temperament and nature to yourself, to whom you have  a rare spiritual link that is very special and you can’t quite explain” - Wiki

Food was yummy!

Peking Duck

Assorted Dishes (Beef, Fish and Tofu)

Samuel’s away on a weekend camp again hence parents dragged me along for a hassle free dinner… glad I went in the end because it was delicious!!! or maybe I was just really hungry hehe

A waiter stood at our table and wrapped the peking duck and everything else for us…it was kinda awkward with him standing and working so we ate in somewhat silence until he left the table.

I just had a shower so my hair is still wet… meaning it should keep me awake for the next few hours to get some solid study done methinks.

ciao!

Quote of the post:  “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.  For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.” - James 1:2-4 (NLT)

Song of the post: King of Kings (He’s A Wonder) - CeCe Winans

♥ a.

Word count: 229

I love.

I love swings.

I found a set around our block yesterday and swung as high as I could :)

I love flowers.

There are so many different kinds in bloom now, a sea of colour greets me as I walk down my street :)

I love my Scottie.

I thought up of a beautiful analogy today as I took him for a walk but we’ll save it for after exams since there’s a bit of refining to do :)

I love blue skies.

Two days in a row and more to come over the weekend :)

I love hugs and smiles.

Today there were plenty :)

—————————————————————

Alrightey, SERIOUSLY canNOT afford to slack off anymore… we’ve had our fun but now its crunch time everyone!

Lord, I pray that we’ll be able to give it our best.  I know you will be with us through it all.  Amen.

Quote of the post: I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. - Psalm 139:14

Song of the post: Yole -Mandingo traditional piece  (how can you not smile to African music?)

♥ a.

Word count: 179

no regrets.

that’s how I want to live my life…. with no regrets.

I have no regrets over how these last few weeks have unfolded.

I have no regrets over the words that have been spoken, the feelings that have been expressed.

I have no regrets for the friendships I’ve made but may have lost simply because we’ve decided to take different paths.

I have no regrets in the choices I’ve made in the past – if they seemed wrong at the time, they’ve taught me great lessons and molded me into who I am today.

I have no regrets giving my all in everything I do (except when it comes to uni work…).

I have no regrets in living my life sold out for Jesus and uplifting Him in everything.

I have no regrets.

————————————————————————

Though I’ve only done 1/5 of what I’ve set out to do today, I may regret not enjoying some of the lovely sunshine filtering through my window… so off for a walk and some fresh air :)

Quote of the post: The more we contemplate the truth of God, the more our lives will reflect the Author of that truth - Turning Point devo (05.11.09)

Song of the post: Rest in You - Hillsong (Look to You)

♥ a.

Word count: 208

hesitate.

Everything seems in limbo with the impending exams only single digit days away.

There are words that need to be said to a number of different people but my brain doesn’t have the capacity to think it all through right now.

But as I poured my heart to my darling friend over Chinese food (that I almost didn’t finish because we were talking so much!), I realised that there is a need to savour the moments that I am presented with…to remember her reaction when she’d been fully updated with the past week’s happenings…to remember her words of affirmation that I’d done the right thing… to remember her love for me as she expressed her happiness for me…

I tried my best to return the favour, listening as best I could to what had been on her heart and gave advice when she asked for it.  She is gorgeous and I wonder where her guy is right now…she deserves the very best so he better meet my standards haha [and I've used the word 'best' three times in a paragraph...]

With all that in mind, I tried in earnest to relish the next few hours, even though I will gladly forget about that essay which was left wayyyy too late >.<

But I’m still hesitant, for reasons that should not be reasons… yet they exist all the same.

Thank you Lord, for all good things come from you.  Give me the right words to say when the time is right.  Grant me your favour and blessing on the road I’m going to take and help me to enjoy every moment of every day that you’ve given me.

Quote of the post: I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways.  - Psalm 119:15

Song of the post: Hesitation - Stacie Orrico

♥ a.

Word count: 301

stress pill wanted.

They say that the optimum level of stress is the medium kind…. stress enough to push you into action but not to push you overboard.

I’m clearly in need of a stress pill since I’m not even worried that I have an assignment due tomorrow and it’s not finished yet…and I’m blogging at this hour.

hmmm.

If only they sold them in bulk, with special discounted rates during exam times.

OK, FOCUS AMY FOCUS.

End note: this post is not worthy of a quote or song or word count.

♥ a.

a prayer.

Jesus, I surrender it all to you once again.

I don’t understand, but I trust you.

I trust that you care for me, for the people around me and that you will carry us through it all.

A new morning brings so much promise.  Help me to make the most of today.

Amen.

Quote of the post: In God’s eyes, the life of His Son is the measure of your true worth. - Turning Point devo (03.11.09)

Song of the post: Nothing but the blood - Hillsong United (With Hearts as One)

♥ a.

Word count: 89

stand by me.

Dear blog,

I haven’t written here since last month… hahaha corny but that’s how I roll ;)

WELCOME NOVEMBER!!! It’s crazy how fast this year has gone…

The song that was spinning in the imaginary record player of my mind at 4:56am…

When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we’ll see
No I won’t be afraid, no I won’t be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

And darlin’, darlin’, stand by me, oh now now stand by me
Stand by me, stand by me

If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
And the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won’t cry, I won’t cry, no I won’t shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

And darlin’, darlin’, stand by me, oh stand by me
Stand by me, stand by me, stand by me-e, yeah

Whenever you’re in trouble won’t you stand by me, oh now now stand by me
Oh stand by me, stand by me, stand by me

Darlin’, darlin’, stand by me-e, stand by me
Oh stand by me, stand by me, stand by me

Weekend initially fuelled by turmoil, relaxed into lovely liberty :)

Buying shoes on sale also help hehe

'Naturaliser' Whistler Saddle Tan heels

*sigh* back to work…

Quote of the post: As for us, we always thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord.  We are thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation, a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and by your belief in the truth. - 2 Thessalonians 2:13

Song of the post: Stand by Me – Ben E. King (its so well known that the moment I typed ’stand’ into the Google, the first automatic response was the title of this song)

♥ a.

Word count: 317

*sigh*

Hmmm, this day didn’t turn out as I’d hoped.

Have done minimal study and instead my thought life has become too cluttered.

The day was supposed to be a happy and productive one… I guess it still can be… I’m hoping that once I vent here I will be released.

Why do I do this to myself?

Why am I questioning things that have nothing to do with me?

Why can’t I mind my own business?

I’m disappointed that I’ve let my feelings rule my head… I’m used to being in control of them or at least being able to set them aside so that I could finish what needed to be done.

Maybe this is a test in itself.  I was calmer earlier this morning (meaning at 2:30am!) and thought everything was crystal clear… but I guess not.  Actually now I think I’ve been pulled back to reality a bit which is a good thing.  I do need to think more clearly and carefully.  At first, I thought I could, then I thought there’s no way….but now I’m back to where I was before. *sigh*

I don’t want to be cold and distance, that would be unfair and painful.  But can someone show me where that invisible line is?

Can we find some middle ground?

That walk outside in the swealtering heat didn’t really help.  I became sweaty and dehydrated the moment I got to the corner.

I hate not knowing what to do….ah, there it is.  I’ve found the key.  I haven’t really prayed in earnest about it all. Hmmm.

Perhaps, that’s where it’s been mucked up.  Sorry, Lord. *sigh* I know you want the very best for me, yet you are probably shaking your head at all the mishaps I’ve unnecessarily put myself through lol

*double sigh* It feels better now that there is a course of action to be taken. 

It’s back to being slow and steady :)  Let’s not jump the gun, you only get disqualified in the end.  They say that things end the way they start.

Let’s be BFFs… best friends forever :)

This is one of those times that I know I will look back on in years to come because of its significance, and I hope I can look back at them with fondness rather than bitterness.

What a whirlwind of a week :) I’ve been confused, conflicted, distraught and frustrated.  I’ve smiled, I’ve laughed, I’ve cried.   

And it doesn’t excuse the fact that exams exams exams exams are SOOOOO close *sigh*

Still 6 hours of this day to go… let’s make the most of it :)

Quote of the post: So much has been given to me, I have no time to ponder over that which has been denied. - Helen Keller

Song of the post: Average Girl - BarlowGirl

♥ a.

P.S. great timing ;)

[extra addition at 9pm]

*happy sigh* It feels like a weight has been lifted.  So relieved.  Thank God.  I’m at that happy place again :)

Word count: 489

1st Blog-O-Versary :)

I did it.

I made it.

Well technically, I will have by 4:22pm today.   In 7 hours it will have been 365 days since  my very first post here.

Looking back at where it all began, I have written on pretty much all the topics I initially stated and the journey has been amazing.

I made my first regular email penpal (what’s another word for penpal that doesn’t mention the word pen?) from the very first post, thanks Jimmy!  Its been a fantastic faith journey with you and I know that no matter how long it takes for the next email to arrive in my inbox, you haven’t forgotten about me and are praying for me :)

I’ve become better acquainted with the lil miss over at Dramatic Hullabaloo who writes so beautifully and poetically that I’m constantly in awe of every single post :) It’s pure art….love you Sarah!

I’ve received updates every now and again of the (mis)adventures of my dear friend Mookxi who inspired me to start the 101 in 1001 challenge :)

I’ve learnt lots of other things from the blogs that I regularily visit such as here, and here :)  And I’ve been able to reach out and hopefully encourage those I normally may not have been in contact with (here and here).

Stats seem to be appropriate after a year so as of today, there have been 7, 254 views and Sunday 25 October 2009 was the ‘busiest’ day with 81 views.

In addition, after approximately 45, 600 words (averaging 300 words per post), 189 tags (alphabetically spanning from ’Amy Grant’ to ‘Youth Event’), 182 comments (plus an additional 258 spam comments- so thankful for Akismet filter) and 152 posts (28- now 29 posts this month is the record), I’ve come to make a friend for life and if that was the only result, it was worth it all :)

Thanks y’all for the input and insights you’ve given me and allowing this blog to become ‘my corner of the world’  to record and share my highs, my lows, my anger, my frustration, my confusion, my sadness, my joys, my loves, my dislikes…. my life.

Here’s to another year of blogging happiness.  I wonder what will be in store.  I know it’ll be fun :)

OK, time for the offline day to start.  It really should be a day at the beach soaking up the sunshine and improving my non-existant tan.

But instead I shall be indoors studying away all day *sigh*… well 3 weeks should pass quickly… not sure if that’s a good thing or not…hmmm.

love you all :)

♥ a.

Quote of the post: Sometimes you win, something you learn. - John Maxwell

Song of the post: Hole in My Pocket - Joy Lippard (very cute and catchy) linky here

Word count: 441