the prodigal

The Prodigal by Sovereign Grace Music

I love it! Such a powerful and moving song, reflecting God's mercy and grace. Also, the tune is nice and her voice is beautiful.

you held out your arms, I see them still... you never left, you never will...

So much assurance :)

Something I've learnt that people can never offer.

Sometimes I forget this... it's good to be reminded that we should always rely on Jesus and not on humans because only He can fulfil our desires.

You held out Your arms, I walked away
Insolent, I spurned Your face
Squandering the gifts You gave to me
Holding close forbidden things
Destitute, a rebel still, a fool in all my pride
The world I once enjoyed is death to me
No joy, no hope, no life

Where now are the friends that I had bought
Gone with every penny lost
What hope could there be for such as I
Sold out to a world of lies
Oh, to see Your face again, it seems so distant now
Could it be that You would take me back
A servant in Your house

You held out Your arms, I see them still
You never left, You never will
Running to embrace me, now I know
Your cords of love will always hold
Mercy’s robe, a ring of grace
Such favor undeserved
You sing over me and celebrate
The rebel now Your child

forever

From the moment we first met, no matter how much I tried to deny it, dissect our friendship, or train myself not to expect anything romantic, the butterflies had other plans. They fluttered in my tummy, gentle yet persistent.

Half of me was amused by how you affected me, while the other half was frustrated. It was complicated, confronting, and simply baffling. For the first time, I didn't feel like I had the upper hand. It's a paradox only someone special can create. You make me nervous, tongue-tied, and prone to random, stupid acts of insecurity, yet you inspire me to go above and beyond.

We're at a crossroads, on the brink of a new stage in our relationship. I find myself in uncharted waters, afraid that I might drown. As someone who values proactivity and clarity, this ambiguity feels unsettling to me. I've expressed to you several times, more as a hopeful statement than a question: "We want the same things in the future, right? I just need to know when." You told me that you've been thinking about it for a long time but haven't made up your mind because you're not ready, we are not ready. Your answer made me sad because, deep down, I know you're right.

who nose

Job hunting in a tough market is a real mood killer; it can seriously mess with your self-esteem as you navigate the interview gauntlet. I waited anxiously for a callback from DA, and it felt like the longest week of my life, as if I were running a marathon in high heels.

My anxiety levels skyrocketed, leading to a rapid decline in appetite. I've been eating less but snacking more, developing an embarrassing craving for pork rolls - something I used to despise. My taste buds have gone rogue, and I've devoured countless Ferrero Rochers and Mamee noodles. At one point, I pondered how wrong it would be to die from sheer gluttony. After all, it is one of the seven deadly sins for a reason.

In my incoherent state, I devised a plan to sit at home, gorge on all the glorious food my heart desired, and slowly succumb to indulgence. Picture me sprawled on the most luxurious couch imaginable, living the ultimate couch potato fantasy. But fearing ridicule, I eventually dragged myself out of my pyjamas and abandoned this pathetic dream. Just then, reality called - literally. My phone rang with news of a second interview appointment with DA.

I met with the GM, a laid-back guy with a dry sense of humour and hat hair. Instead of a stuffy boardroom interview, he took me to a nearby café for a casual chat. Interviews are one of my strong suits, so I wasn't nervous. We had a comfortable conversation as I sipped my peach iced tea, while my potential boss assessed my ability to impress within an hour. Between discussions on Database Marketing and Opportunity Optimisation, he asked if I was Eurasian. I made him laugh by crediting his misperception to my dark eyeliner and inheriting my mother’s high-bridged nose.

God is truly gracious to me, blessing me with employment in such dire economic conditions. Who knows when the recession will end, other than God? It's comforting to know that His plan is perfect, even when we don't understand it yet...

jd, the wokstar

Perhaps it’s my Vietnamese upbringing that has convinced me that cooking for the home is part of a woman’s role. Now, feminists, please put your posters down. I’m not suggesting that every woman should cook. Personally, I’ve always imagined my husband coming home from work, excited for the dinner I’ve prepared for him. Our beautiful children would set the table, one playing the piano while the other gently plucks the violin strings.  

Fortunately, I’ve met a man who sees things this way too. Perhaps his fantasy doesn’t quite extend to the perfectly behaved, musically gifted offspring, but I know he appreciates a woman who enjoys cooking. The funny thing is, while I pictured myself becoming a wife who cooked, I was actually completely uninterested in cooking. The thought of clumsy me handling sharp knives and open flames was slightly terrifying. I had no business being in a kitchen and assumed I’d learn when the time came.

When I moved into my own place, the time finally came. I soon discovered that cooking was one of the most rewarding hobbies I’d ever picked up. Not only did it satisfy me creatively, but it also brought joy to my better half. Cooking for two is much more enjoyable (and economical) when there’s someone to share it with. The best part about cooking is seeing the happiness in his eyes as he tastes something I’ve made. I totally wok his world!