Unexpectedly, I went to church today. It has been a year since I last went there! I have always enjoyed Pastor Kong preachings, but I was never ready to hold the responsibility of a christian. Even though I may have started to go back again, I'm still not ready. But this time I will try.
The reason why I went back to church today was to seek for answers. Remember in my last post- No matter how hard I tried to find a way or wait for an answer, I'm still where I've left off. So, if waiting can't get me an answer, I was to seek for it. I didn't get my answers. But I've learned- Put all my trust in you, my god, the god who loves. For he will never forsake his children.
Surprisingly, today's preachings was on "Don't be religious, but be open hearted." Pastor Kong also told us the relationship between God and Ancient China, how the Chinese weren't allowed to embrace God, how Christianity was banned from China during Emperor Kang Xi reign. It was because of our greatest enemies. It wasn't the devil, it wasn't because of other religions, but by our own religious people. They were so religious, that they couldn't accept the way of living Christianity differently. It was either their way or no way.
It was very interesting going through past Chinese history records and its relations to the bible. It was like going through a history lesson on China and God. I learned how Christianity was brought into China by an Italian man. I can't remember his name though. This Italian man was very wise. He learned Chinese, their culture, the history and he was even one of the top scholars in China. He the first man who introduced China to the world map. That day was the first time China know where it was located in the world map.
Anyways, in order to win the Chinese over to Christianity, he had to befriend them and be one of them. He didn't want to force Christianity down their throat, but instead encourage them to accept it willingly. Therefore, he would often dress in a Buddhist robe or even in a Confucius scholar attire. Then the pastor gave an analogy that if he were to dress in a Buddhist robe for the next service, people would definitely call him crazy, would we even want to come to church anymore?
However, what Pastor Kong said next was very true. Christianity; the love for god, isn't what you wear, because it comes from within. Appearances can be deceiving, but the heart is not. Therefore we shouldn't be religious, but be open. Because Christianity isn't a religion, but a relationship with God.
That's all for what I've learned in church today. You may agree or disagree with what I had just said. I just found it very interesting and would like to share it with you as well as to preserve this part of my memory into the post. I have become very forgetful lately and I'm unsure how long I could even remember this after today. Anyways, next week service is on relationships. The difference between Man and Woman. It is going to be so interesting and I'm definitely going for it. This may very well be god sent. Hahas :D
Moving on to my life. After church service today, I went to my grandparents house for CNY visiting. Besides being able to eat my grandmother's yummy food, I also collected plenty of Ang Paos. I also recieved my third birthday present for this year. This time it's from my grandmother. However, I'm disappointed with myself. I promised my aunty that the next time I visit them, I would bring my bake muffins for my grandfather. And I did not! The worst thing is I dreamt last night that I was too late. I'm such an unfilial grand daughter. :(
Audrey and me at my grandparents place.
My grandmother's delicious noodles.
Let's now go back to yesterday. Met up with Miss Koh and the rest of my art classmates at Art Friend in the morning. It was shopping time for course work materials. My materials in all adds up to about $400. Thank god the school is paying. I had lunch at McDonald's with Diana and Sabrina. And I just found out from Diana that McDonald's is an Israeli product! I always thought it was a product from America. I bought two story books from Kino too. "If you could see me now" and "Slumdog Millionaire". I'm reading slumdog millionaire now and it is an awesome book. It is a definite must read!
Anyways, after getting the books I drop by Tiong Bahru hoping to get a replacement ezlink card. Unfortunately or fortunately I didn't had a passport size picture with me. So, I went home empty handed. Guess what happen when I reach home. My housekeeper told me that she found my Ez link card on the floor. Was it coincidence or was it one of the wonders of God?
Anyways, I went for a run in the evening before going for CNY visiting in the night. I have been running almost every single evening ever since I came back from my holiday. The first reason it is to lose weight. The second is to train for the upcoming Newton Active Run marathon on 1st march. And lastly the reason above these two reasons- running is Ecstasy. Although I have been smiling and laughing alot lately, but inside I feel very empty, sad, confused and moody. So running makes me feel abit much better and also gives me time to straighten out my thoughts.
This is one super long post. I've got to stop here already. I need to complete my homework and catch an early sleep. I need to report to school at 6.30am tomorrow! This is the burden of being a SC I've got to hold. I've got to be an OGL AGAIN! Not really my type of job, but once again, it's my burden. I don't have a choice. I will update on my holiday soon. Goodnights and take cares. (:
P.S The movie "Frida" will be aired tonight at 10pm on Okto.
