it's friday again! this is the day I have been looking forward to every week. when I am schooling, when I am on attachment and now when I am holidays! haha.. hmm actually I wasnt really looking forward to today until msb called! (:

God is good! He answered my prayers! I shall be contented, be it only a few hours.. at least I could see him.

psalm 66:16
"come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me."

mui, I am listening to a song- our song- you ask me to sing it to you right? haha! =D

I started reading the book bee gave me for my 22nd birthday!
Its by Rick Warren titled "Answers to Life's Difficult questions" encouragement for your most common fears and struggles.

I started from the back (: chapter 12, titled how to overcome loneliness? Actually I chose that chapter on purpose. Just thought of sharing what I've learned...

As I read the first few lines, I was like... hmm hmm okay.. okay... and as I continued reading I felt that the Lord was indeed "digging out" some of the emotions inside me. Okay that was a weird description to make. Anyway, the words and phases came to life as I read on.. how true how true I told myself.

Loneliness? What is that? Have you ever experience it before? I guess most of us have in some stages of our lives.

He describes it as...
Loneliness is one of the most miserable feelings a person can have. Sometimes you may feel that nobody loves you, that nobody cares even if you exist. Sometimes we dont even have to be alone to feel lonely; you can feel lonely in a crowd. Its not the number of people around you that determines your loneliness; it's your relationship to them.

The author uses Paul in the bible to illustrate what loneliness is when he is locked in the prison of Rome. I learned from this chapter that there are 4 basic causes of lonliness.

First cause is the transition of life. Life is full of transitions and stages. Growing old is a series of changes, and any changes can produce loneliness in your life. You're lonely when you born, and cry until you're cuddled. Getting a job can be lonely, changing a job is lonely. Retiring is lonely. Any new experience that we deal with can be lonely.

Second cause is separation. It's when you are isolated- apart from your friends or from your family because of career, army or any other reason.

Third cause is opposition. It's when you you've been embarrassed, misunderstood and humiliated. The temptation when this happens is to draw yourself into your shell and to build up walls. But doing that only makes you lonelier. How true is that sentence?!

The fourth cause is rejection, the most serious one.. the one that causes us most pain. It's when you feel as though you've been betrayed, as if you've been forsaken, abandoned in your time of need by those closest to you.

All the four points are the causes of loneliness written by Rick Warren.
He has also 4 points or maybe I should say ways to combat loneliness...
I summarized it...

first point is to utilize our time wisely. Make the best of your bad situation. Resist the temptation of doing nothing as loneliness has the tendency to paralyze us to sit and do nothing.

second point is to minimize, play down loneliness. Stop saying and complaining, " I am lonely, I am lonely." Be a better person and not bitter person.

third point is to recognize God's presence. God knows and He is there, thats the truth! A lonely day gives you a chance to focus on God.

last point is to empathize, instead of focusing inward on yourself, focus outward on others. Do something for a person who is in need. Make a difference in someone else's life.

Thank God that you spoke so much to me.. if I didnt open up this book to read I might missed it. Missed what you have to teach me.. thank God.. indeed you know me inside out.

Every tear I cried is precious in His eyes.
had many thoughts these few days. good ones I must say (:

went kbox on thurs with mui at tpy's branch. we had such a great time standing on the chairs and screaming at the top of our voices. haha! we sa-ji-ed when we cant reach that particular note and it was sooo funny! who cares we arent some superstars anyway! haha. mui passed me my bday present. love it esp the card! I know you put loads of effort. I do appreciate it!

present from mui

the back of the card

hand in hand (:

thanks mui for all that you have prepared!
you hold an impt place in my <3

today, I met up with bee for breakfast along with her dad. we spend like almost the entire day tog. we talked about many many things.. we laughed and we cried.. if you are reading this, just want to tell you, I thank God for blessing me with this friendship. 15 years of friendship (: still going on strong and I am so proud to say it! heh! remember we said we will be strong! lets jiayou and run this race well :) love u!

I miss you - msb
I will pray for you!
I will learn to be strong!