Counting blessings for 2008

As the year draws to an end, I realise I have lots to be thankful for.

Just to list a few here:

1. my job - I enjoy teaching and I'm so glad to be able to teach and have such supportive colleagues, such encouraging bosses and such interesting students from diverse backgrounds ... And this year I get to attend courses such as CTL and ACTA and the Adult Learning Symposium for personal development.

2. my friends - God has brought lots of friends into my life - friends at work, friends in church and friends from the band. God is amazing - He will bring people into your life when you most need them. Some are friends for a season and some are long-time friends. And with long-time friends, you can be thick-skinned and tell them what presents you want - so thanks Elaine for my first set of cufflinks :)

3. my family - you can choose your friends but you can't choose your family and family can drive you mad at times but family is also a safe haven where you can be yourself - I get fed, I get my clothes laundered and house cleaned, I get chauffeured, I get to play Wii and be a guitar hero...

4. my gifts - God has given me gifts to serve Him - be it at work or in church. This year I joined the choir and have opportunities to interact with adult learners...

Christmas 2008

Celebrated Christmas in church today and served with the Wesley Wind Ensemble.
Can you spot me? Do I really look like Rev Wendy Watson? Hmm...

Anyway, the sermon for the day was thought-provoking. Wesley Methodist Church held its first service exactly one hundred years ago (25 Dec 1908) at the original building at Fort Canning. The church is still standing as it is built on the same foundation as Jesus but we have to ask ourselves: Are we standing still? Are we living in foolish contentment or do we possess real hunger to be followers of Christ, the newborn King?

And we had our family Christmas dinner at my sister's place on Christmas eve. Sam's family came and Priscilla came too. We had lots of food - I contributed the turkey, the roast beef and the apple crumble, Sam brought the ham and my sis took charge of the rest with lots of help from Vilma - the potato with cheese, the fried rice, the roast chicken, the salad, grilled mushrooms and log cake and drinks! Yummy!

Christmastide

Christmas is a season of praise and thanksgiving for the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ, which begins with Christmas Eve and continues through the day of Epiphany. The name "Christmas" comes from the season's first service, the Christ Mass. The liturgical colour for this season is white, symbolising celebration and purity.

Becca's birthday

Specially took leave to celebrate Becca's 14th birthday.

I've been so busy and the girls have been so busy that it has been challenging trying to find time to do things together, so am so glad that I managed to take leave today.

Glad for all the little ones in my life and the joy they bring... :)

Vilma's baptism at Sentosa

Vilma decided to take a stand for her faith and chose to be baptised this December.

The whole family trooped down to support her and in the meantime, the children had some fun.

Phoebe played with crazy cups and we all had a swinging time crossing the bridge to the small island where the service took place.

Niece's wedding

Attended my niece's wedding today.
She's the daughter of my cousin (son of 2nd aunt) - the first of her generation to get married, so it was a BIG thing... so much excitement...

Wah - makes me feel so old... :P