Showered with blessings

When I think back about my spiritual life and my walk with God, it hadn't been an easy one to be honest.

I have backslided, fallen from grace and distanced myself away from Him.

But still He remains faithful, His love never failing.

I have learnt to be thankful for every single thing in my life, big or small, for they happen not by chance or coincidence but by His grace and mercy.

Amidst the busy school work and all, it is always important to remind ourselves to put God first in our life. Sometimes it is not easy and we get distracted but He knows our needs and will provide. I have to say that God has been truly wonderful and working in my life these past few weeks especially. Feeling really really blessed :)

1. Passed my piano grade 8 exam

It has been a long arduous journey! 12 years, 3 teachers. I know of friends who complete grade 8 in less than 8 years and sometimes I do feel inferior with thoughts of giving up along the way. But somehow, I managed to press on until the grand old age of 21. My first piano teacher was not an honest one, I got to take my grade 2 exam only after 5 years learning under her. It impeded my growth and my parents decided that I should switch to a new piano teacher. My second piano teacher was introduced by a friend in church. I loved learning under her although she was strict and I soon progressed to grade 7 in less than 3 years. By a twist of fate, God took her back and relieved her of her suffering from cancer whilst I was learning under her. I was naturally devastated and I stopped learning for a few years. I picked up piano lessons again in university and the journey wasn't a smooth one since I was staying in hall and I did not have ample time to practice. God is indeed faithful. I wasn't confident of passing my grade 8 piano exam and even on the eve of the exam, I hasn't completely mastered what I was supposed to play for the exam. I was juggling the grade 8 piano exam with a couple of other commitments then. He saw me through and granted me the strength to persevere on even when the times seem tough. All glory goes to Him! I was really thrilled when I received the call from the music school to inform me that I passed! Thank God for no retakes :)

2. Passed my URECA

Passing URECA may not seem to be a big deal for most people but it was a rather pleasant surprise for me. To tell the truth, sometimes I question myself as to why I even picked up the module as I wasn't truly interested in the research field. Moreover, I wasn't exactly prepared for the long hours that I had to invest into URECA and I envied those friends who could enjoy and spend their holidays playing while I was stuck at the lab. Thank God the long hours spent paid off and He opened my eyes to show me that teaching was a right choice I made as I am not suited for lab work.

3.Got a hall for my third year

God answered my prayers for a hall though it wasn't exactly the hall I envisioned to be but still I am really really thankful! At least I don't have to travel 2 hours from the east to the west everyday and I can sleep in more :) Thank God for the opportunity to stay hall for 3 years!

4.University of Manchester for exchange

8 spots with a total of 18 people vying for it. Works out to less than 50% chance of getting it. I practically got a heart attack when I saw the statistics jumping up like crazy on the last day of application. I was really worried that I wouldn't get a spot but I prayed that if it is God's will for me to go to Manchester, I will go and if it isn't, He would arrange a better school for me. Thank God I secured a spot! Manchester here I come! :)

I applied alone without any friends but by His way, one of my close friends introduced me to her friends who are going to Manchester as well! Thank God for fellow Singaporeans who I can share a flat with :)

5. Relatively slack timetable

I thank God for a relatively less busy timetable compared to past semesters so that I can spend more time with my family and friends as well as to bless the people around me. I also got to spend more quiet time with Him and it has been truly awesome :)