But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love forever and ever. Psalm 52:8

Today for quiet time, I learnt that olive trees are one of the longest living trees. A flourishing olive tree in the house of God is one that is protected and sustained by God. I want to be like a flourishing olive tree planted in God's kingdom eternally protected by God and nourishing those that come near me.

Sitting at my table, looking out through the rain splattered window, I finally have some time to blog now. Have not blogged for a while. Maybe because of school work and the dreaded feeling of lethargy that set in ever since the sem ended. Am in the midst of having a rejuvenated rest. Note the difference: Rest and rejuvenated rest. I hope that by the end of the rest, my spirit may be rejuvenated by God Himself and the mindless pursuit of useless things will simply fade into oblivion. Rest is crucial. Somehow in rest, one is able to observe things that were unobservable say when one is in the midst of happenings. Somehow in rest, the mind becomes clearer, the speech becomes slower and the heart beats stronger.

Youth camp and Christmas had just passed us in the blink of an eye. To be honest, actually i don't like Christmas. Not that I dont like Jesus' birthday or that I don't remember the gift of love that God has given us, but Christmas seemed all superficial to me especially in crowded Orchard Rd. Christmas in Singapore is a festive season to drink, give presents and sing carols (half the time people dont even understand what the lyrics mean). In church, people take the time to go for holidays instead of working for the Lord to bring people in. Maybe I'm guilty of all these myself, many a times enjoying the glitter of festive lights and shopping mood ignoring the glory of God's presence that seemed to be sreaming for my attention at the same time. May God forgive me if I'd traded His Light for the lights of the world.

Joseph asked BAG last thursday to prayerfully consider our direction and priorities for 2007. It is going to be a major transition for me next year. Lots of things to consider and pray for and I dont understand a lot of things. "The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters; but a man of understanding draws them out" (Proverbs 20:5). Lord give me understanding!