Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard

It has been a while since I read such an inspiring book. If you have not read it, get a copy; it's well worth it:)

A truly amazing classic, it speaks of the journey Much Afraid went through with her Shepherd along with her two most faithful companions, Sorrow and Suffering. Though seemingly difficult and painful the long journey may seem, it was never impossible especially when it was in line with the Shepherd's will. Through it all, Much Afraid was transformed into something incomparably more precious; she was moulded and crafted into His likeness. Her thorny seed of love planted in her heart grew and yielded blossoms of fragrance. And finally with Hinds' feet and a precious crown of splendour she became the Shepherd's companion forever; being able to go wherever the Shepherd went.

This book really taught me so much and was exactly what I went through this two days. I was invaded by the Fearing Clan but came up victorious over my encounter with Pride. I have experienced the Shore of Loneliness but was ultimately reminded I have a direct line with my Shepherd. I have ascended the Great Precipice Injury and was certainly hurt and bruised but with the Cordial of Grace and Comfort; I was healed and strengthened. And though I walked through the Forests of Danger and Trials and was lost in the Mist, my Shepherd was close by at all times. His gentle and comforting voice was undeniable and unmistakable.

And through it all, I have grown so much in my own personal walk with the Shepherd. I have finally learnt to accept with joy the circumstances He has put me in. To surrender completely. To understand what it means when I say: 'Be it unto me, according to Your will.' To draw strength and comfort from the Shepherd alone.

'For there is nothing more exhilirating and delightful for the Shepherd than to turn weakness into strength, and fear into faith, and that which has been marred into perfection. Weeping nay endureth for a night but joy cometh in the morning.'

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."- 2 Corinthians 12:9

May you too be blessed and experience the Shepherd's goodness in a most unique way. To always be an obedient pupil in the School of Character and Discipline for we have been handpicked and chosen by the Shepherd himself to undergo special training:)

Do you still have faith?

Thank you dear all for your prayers and encouragement. Do love you loads.

Its difficult to understand why for this paper I didn't read the question properly when normally I have been so meticulous, reading every instruction even on my answer booklet. I am not sure why God let it happen and in some way I am very frustrated with God especially when I had all the hopes and trust. I was the one who kept calm and cool before the exam even seeing my friends frantically doing their last minute revision. I had such high hopes of scoring well and yet at that split second, I made the biggest mistake of my life. I am not sure how it happenned and the confusing thing was I actually spent 10 min analysing on which two to do and I never for once read there was a compulsory question. Honestly, it seemed that throughout the exam I was blinded. I am not sure what to say, what to do other than rush to see the lecturer straight after the exam only to understand he was busy in the meeting. I sent him an e-mail already but I doubt he can do anything, considering from their point of view, it was entirely my fault for not following instructions.

When I came back, I was just in a state of shock, pure shock, not knowing what to do. And worst still, I couldn't call home. And then, when God saw me in such despair, He sent Melissa to call me. Meli listened, and heard my cry over the line. She asked how my paper was and I poured out my anguish, my frustration. I was in the pits of pits. And then Mum finally called and comforted me over the phone.

After putting down the phone, I decided to phone Melissa and agreed to go over for dinner. During dinner, she told me how she had been thinking of me for a long time and wanted to 'celebrate' with me now that my third paper is over. She has been a hugh blessing, even cooked sweet and sour pork chops for me and was there to encourage me. I have found no friend like her and I can only really thank God for blessing me with her. Without her initial call, I am not sure how I could have taken it. The idea of losing my faith completely seems scary but honestly at that time, I had lost all hope. My studies were something I prized and was in a way proud of suddenly failed me. No words could contain the anguish. But dear Meli was there for me. When I needed her the most. She even blessed me with lettuce and fruits to take home. What a great friend and sister in Christ!

After dinner, I decided to go to the Whitworth Park music room and I managed to play the piano. Never have I enjoyed playing the piano so much. The cries of my heart as I played the worship songs. The music and chords somehow all flowed. I am amazed at how I could think of a song and play it immediately without any chords when usually I would stop and think what chord would come next. Somehow I wish I have a piano to play. Have actually been thinking about it for the past weeks...

Yeah, that's basically the whole drama unfolded. It has been a long day. I hope I shall not lose heart; rather be stirred and be moulded to what He wants me to be. To be renewed in mind and to practice what I read. What a coincidence I have just finished reading Philippians this morning. To have joy and to always rejoice. Pray I would be strong. Even with the little tiny baby faith. Above all things, whether I do badly or I do well, I shall give glory to God. Whether I fail or excel, I give thanks. Whether I have much or have little, I am content.

And a note for Meli too, God shall be our sustainer as He prepares and moulds us into what He wants us to be. We shall not be discouraged but grow stronger in faith daily.

Natural disasters

So many natural disasters of late....

No of deaths in Cyclone Nargis in Burma has risen to more than 40,000; China quake toll to top 50,000, US southern states hit by tornadoes and many were killed in the Uttar Pradesh storm in India today.

All of these unleash a devastating and an uncontrallable force. In a matter of seconds, lives are destroyed and are forever changed; never to be same again.

Power, strength and might - we stand in awe at these as they unravel before our eyes. Yet nothing, absolutely NOTHING can touch or even come close to the omnipotent display of God's power and natural wonder. He is the author and perfecter of life. He is the creator of all living things. From the kings of the forests, to the birds of the air and the fishes of the seas and even the insects in our garden, he created them all. And He has set the natural laws in place to govern all living things.

Life is full of surprises. We don't know what is to come except that the Sovereign Lord is in all control at all times. For us who belong to Christ, we need not be afraid of tomorrow and what it holds because our lives are in HIS hands:)

Really proud of you

Really super duper proud of you Care. Esp the e-mail from TISB. The thought of you entering Oxbridge has made me smile all day. Remember to continue trusting GOD and you shall soar and mount high on eagle's wings. 'Seek ye first the kingdom of GOD and all these things shall be added to you.' Channel your many many GOD-given talents and use it to glorify Him. You are incredibly blessed and you must always remember to give thanks:)