Beautiful "California" sky view from home

For a few days, we had clear sunny weather in Kuching, which resulted in beautiful sunsets like those I imagine for California. We couldn't see the mountain range from our window before until last month when they cut down the big tree so I guess it's a blessing too. It was nice to have homecooked dinner accompanied by this window view for the few evenings.

Early days at the new home, part 2

My favourite drink that I created: milo + cinnamon sugar + frothed milk (so so good for those cold rainy evenings at home)

Thank you God for the new home, and for time with family and visiting relatives in this new place.

Early days at the new home, part 1

 One of the best parts of this new home is the trees surrounding us.

 "Fall"

 Rare sunset sky since it almost always rains during this hour.

 Homemade dumplings to get me through the days while mom was back in KK.

 Hand-squeezed orange juice

 Work preparation

 One Sunday morning, an owl friend came visiting.

 Sunny day

 Pasta cooking that was inspired by the Youth Over Flowers in Africa series (Chef Bong).

 Tea time

 Purple flowers

 Dew on the needles

 Matcha latte at home

On my desk

Dreaming away

Thanks to yet another day of heavy rain and wind that will do no good to my poor umbrella, I get to stay at home and relax on this Saturday (while attempting to do homework of course). Other than that, it means photo editing, kdrama (currently watching this one), reading, organising my room, drinking milk tea, reading blogs, and listening to sermons (check out MBI's youtube channel for some Founder's Week sermons). I haven't had time to follow too many of the talks that went on this past week at Founder's Week, but I was reminded that God's call for us to BE HOLY means being OBEDIENT to His words, because He is the Holy One and He does tell us how we as His children should live our lives in conformation to His likeness. 1 Peter 1:14-16
¹⁴ As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. ¹⁵ But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; ¹⁶ for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’

Hope everyone is doing well~

*picture taken in Montpellier, France last Sep

Sunrise today

God gave me a good Sabbath today, starting with this gorgeous sunrise from my bedroom window view, trips to Clifton suspension bridge, witnessing the baptism of five brothers and sisters, taking the communion and being reminded of God's grace, and a harbour side dinner and walk in the evening with the COCM family and church friends.

The sunrise reminds me of this verse in Proverbs 4:18: "The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day." The testimonies of the people who got baptised today also encouraged me to remember my commitment to follow Christ all my life and to walk this road with God without swerving to the left or to the right.

Evening light

A few window shots of the gorgeous sunlight from my room at COCM when I was volunteering there last month.

Psalm 32

¹ Blessed is the one
    whose transgressions are forgiven,
    whose sins are covered.
² Blessed is the one
    whose sin the Lord does not count against them
    and in whose spirit is no deceit.

³ When I kept silent,
    my bones wasted away
    through my groaning all day long.
⁴ For day and night
    your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
    as in the heat of summer.

⁵ Then I acknowledged my sin to you
    and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
    my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
    the guilt of my sin.

⁶ Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
    while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
    will not reach them.
⁷ You are my hiding place;
    you will protect me from trouble
    and surround me with songs of deliverance.

⁸ I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
⁹ Do not be like the horse or the mule,
    which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
    or they will not come to you.
¹⁰ Many are the woes of the wicked,
    but the Lord’s unfailing love
    surrounds the one who trusts in him.

¹¹ Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
    sing, all you who are upright in heart!

-Recently, someone shared verse 8 with me because she knows I am thinking about future directions after I am done with my studies here in YSJ (time flies..eh?) but I really like the whole psalm too. It is so comforting to know that even though we are unfaithful and weak often, God forgives, in fact, He already forgave our sins when we chose to trust Him as our Saviour and He clothed us in righteousness. He is a God who can be found, who reveals Himself to us so we can know His love and He is a personal God who lovingly counsels and instructs us in His way. Therefore, we can rejoice and be glad! What a beautiful truth to take hold of and remember.

Simple things

Some simple things that keep me sane in the midst of paper-writing stress and other responsibilities.
Cooking and eating sweet potatoes...

Organising things in my room...

and drinking tea...

What are some little things you like to do when you are stressed?