After a refreshing break from the City over the Easter weekend with the Weis in Basingstoke, I am back in London to face another week of school (in fact, only Wednesday and Friday) and a window of opportunity.
Why do I say a "window of opportunity"?
Well, I received an email on Thursday from the HR department of a City firm inviting me to make a formal application for a training contract to commence in September 2008. The email also stated that the firm had my CV which was forwarded to them sometime back.
A few thoughts on this:
(1) The first of which is to give thanks for the work of another "angel". I wrote to him immediately to thank him for his assistance and believe that this is another provision from the LORD.
(2) This email comes just after I submitted my application to the firm mentioned in Episode 8 earlier. I believe this can be looked from many perspectives, including a possibility that the answers used in my earlier application can be used to fit this current application.
(3) I am more convinced that the LORD is teaching me to value the process more than the result. The 2 online applications I have made so far have made me learn alot more of myself as a person, my life and more importantly, the LORD's presence throughout. I pray that in this pending application, the LORD will impress upon my heart and mind what He wants me to include, rather than my own thoughts.
This application is perhaps more (if not the most) significant to me than any of the applications before. It is because as I am preparing the application, there is a resonating chime within my heart saying that "yes, this is where I want to be".
This then conjures up a possibility of going back home in August for a month to be reunited with friends and family before I begin my training contract in this City firm. This is the ideal situation for me and I pray that it will come to fruition at the appointed time.
So, as I close this entry, there is a window of opportunity that is standing before me right now and that as I pray for the Spirit's inspiration, I would be grateful if you could also remember me in your prayers as well.
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
FACEBOOK PROFILE... :)
Sunday, 30 March 2008
Monday, 24 March 2008
SEASON 3 EPISODE 8: FROM LENT TO EASTERTIDE
It was a white Easter here in London (and across the UK). Yes, it snowed and as I saw the snowflakes, I was reminded that through Christ's death on the cross on Good Friday, I am washed "as white as snow" and I am a new creation. Thank you LORD for that new breath of life.
I want to share some thoughts that surfaced during the season of Lent:
(1) The buzzword for me this Lent is the word "Remember". One of the books that I am reading now provides some instructive words for us in our lives. This is in the context of knowing Christ in our memories and he writes:
"We look backwards to remind ourselves of all that Christ has done for us, and find ourselves reassured of his trustworthiness. This gives us renewed confidence that he will indeed fulfil the great promises which he has made to us for the future - such as raising us to eternal life." (Alister McGrath, "Knowing Christ" (2001), pg 51, my emphasis)
This is true for us as Christians as we remember what Christ did on the cross. The word "Remember" is also a recurring theme in the Old Testament where the prophets reminded the Israelites to remember what Yahweh had done for them (eg 1 Samuel 12).
At a personal level, I have seen His hand at work and I praise Him for that. So, as McGrath writes, I pray that my confidence will be renewed, especially during this "waiting period" in respect of the training contract and the "what's next" after my LPC. I also pray that it will be the same for you who read this.
(2) At the beginning of Holy Week, there was a series of events which had a common theme: accountant and this led me to consider making an application for a summer vacation scheme and training contract at a firm which is associated with one of the "Big 4" accounting firms in the world and it will be interesting to train with such a firm. I have until the end of the month to work on the application and I pray that the Spirit will guide me to what I should include in my application, especially things about myself.
(3) This is related to (2) and Episode 7, I too believe that it is more of the process than the actual result. Each application I make is perhaps an opportunity to know more about myself, to "remember" what the LORD has done and to be thankful.
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
I want to share some thoughts that surfaced during the season of Lent:
(1) The buzzword for me this Lent is the word "Remember". One of the books that I am reading now provides some instructive words for us in our lives. This is in the context of knowing Christ in our memories and he writes:
"We look backwards to remind ourselves of all that Christ has done for us, and find ourselves reassured of his trustworthiness. This gives us renewed confidence that he will indeed fulfil the great promises which he has made to us for the future - such as raising us to eternal life." (Alister McGrath, "Knowing Christ" (2001), pg 51, my emphasis)
This is true for us as Christians as we remember what Christ did on the cross. The word "Remember" is also a recurring theme in the Old Testament where the prophets reminded the Israelites to remember what Yahweh had done for them (eg 1 Samuel 12).
At a personal level, I have seen His hand at work and I praise Him for that. So, as McGrath writes, I pray that my confidence will be renewed, especially during this "waiting period" in respect of the training contract and the "what's next" after my LPC. I also pray that it will be the same for you who read this.
(2) At the beginning of Holy Week, there was a series of events which had a common theme: accountant and this led me to consider making an application for a summer vacation scheme and training contract at a firm which is associated with one of the "Big 4" accounting firms in the world and it will be interesting to train with such a firm. I have until the end of the month to work on the application and I pray that the Spirit will guide me to what I should include in my application, especially things about myself.
(3) This is related to (2) and Episode 7, I too believe that it is more of the process than the actual result. Each application I make is perhaps an opportunity to know more about myself, to "remember" what the LORD has done and to be thankful.
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
Friday, 21 March 2008
SEASON 3 EPISODE 7: LENT 2008
Today is Maundy Thursday, the penultimate day leading up to Good Friday - the day where all believers in Jesus Christ remember the day He 'suffered under Pontius Pilate, died and was buried' as the Apostles' Creed goes.
This season of Lent for me has been a memorable one. I recall what happened on Ash Wednesday (which coincided with the Lunar New Year this year - a significant period for us Chinese as we too begin afresh and put the past behind). On that day, through my Quiet Time, I was reminded to put all my past behind me and look forward, just as Jesus looked forward towards Jerusalem, and everything else was on the sidelines.
Throughout this season, many things have happened but the one clear message so far is this: to continue to trust. In today's Quiet Time, I was reminded that I am still 'learning the lesson of trust in the school of trial'. I know that the LORD will provide and I am thankful to those who have been encouraging me to "hang in there" and "cling on to Him for dear life". It is easier said than done and this is truly the lesson of trust in the school of trial.
Well, it is the process rather than the end-product that's the most important. So, in this season of Lent, let us all be reminded of all that Christ did for us on the cross and that we are to "take up our cross" and trust Him for He is good.
Our LORD will never leave us nor forsake us and I pray that this will be your prayer as you approach and embrace the cross.
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
This season of Lent for me has been a memorable one. I recall what happened on Ash Wednesday (which coincided with the Lunar New Year this year - a significant period for us Chinese as we too begin afresh and put the past behind). On that day, through my Quiet Time, I was reminded to put all my past behind me and look forward, just as Jesus looked forward towards Jerusalem, and everything else was on the sidelines.
Throughout this season, many things have happened but the one clear message so far is this: to continue to trust. In today's Quiet Time, I was reminded that I am still 'learning the lesson of trust in the school of trial'. I know that the LORD will provide and I am thankful to those who have been encouraging me to "hang in there" and "cling on to Him for dear life". It is easier said than done and this is truly the lesson of trust in the school of trial.
Well, it is the process rather than the end-product that's the most important. So, in this season of Lent, let us all be reminded of all that Christ did for us on the cross and that we are to "take up our cross" and trust Him for He is good.
Our LORD will never leave us nor forsake us and I pray that this will be your prayer as you approach and embrace the cross.
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
Tuesday, 11 March 2008
SEASON 3 EPISODE 6: Celebrating half a year of faithfulness and growth
Today marks my 6th month here in London. It was this day, 6 months ago that I spent my first night in a foreign environment far away from home after a hectic day of travelling, registering myself at the University and settling into my temporary accomodation in Wigram House in Victoria.
6 months later, I am now half-way through my course, have grown in my faith, serving in church and still waiting upon the LORD for the training contract.
In the run up to today, I have had a series of passages which ministered to me:
(1) Yesterday's QT in the Daily Bread devotional was on Psalm 27:14 where David writes:
"Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, wait on the LORD."
"To wait on the LORD is to trust Him", says the writer of the devotional. The writer goes on to write that "though no one knows how life will unfold, we can decide to trust God and to focus our mind on Him. For to those who wait on the LORD, the promise is given: Our heart will be strengthened."
(2) Today's QT in the Daily Bread was on Philippians 4:19 which Paul writes:
"...My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
This is like a building block to yesterday's QT of waiting upon the LORD and trusting in Him. Why do I trust in Him? It is because He will meet all your needs. This is my prayer to Him as I continue to search for pockets of opportunities to apply to firms and to wait for replies. I keep telling myself that there is something out here for me. But, God only knows what's best for me.
Well, it is this issue of training contracts and other issues about faith that have made me grow in the faith and while how I wished there was a physical companion to share these moments with, I know like the training contract, I too have to wait upon the LORD (ie to trust Him) for that perfect companion. Above all else, the LORD has been faithful and this day, I give all thanks and praise to the LORD for that faithfulness!
SOLI DEO GLORIA! To God be the Glory!
6 months later, I am now half-way through my course, have grown in my faith, serving in church and still waiting upon the LORD for the training contract.
In the run up to today, I have had a series of passages which ministered to me:
(1) Yesterday's QT in the Daily Bread devotional was on Psalm 27:14 where David writes:
"Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, wait on the LORD."
"To wait on the LORD is to trust Him", says the writer of the devotional. The writer goes on to write that "though no one knows how life will unfold, we can decide to trust God and to focus our mind on Him. For to those who wait on the LORD, the promise is given: Our heart will be strengthened."
(2) Today's QT in the Daily Bread was on Philippians 4:19 which Paul writes:
"...My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
This is like a building block to yesterday's QT of waiting upon the LORD and trusting in Him. Why do I trust in Him? It is because He will meet all your needs. This is my prayer to Him as I continue to search for pockets of opportunities to apply to firms and to wait for replies. I keep telling myself that there is something out here for me. But, God only knows what's best for me.
Well, it is this issue of training contracts and other issues about faith that have made me grow in the faith and while how I wished there was a physical companion to share these moments with, I know like the training contract, I too have to wait upon the LORD (ie to trust Him) for that perfect companion. Above all else, the LORD has been faithful and this day, I give all thanks and praise to the LORD for that faithfulness!
SOLI DEO GLORIA! To God be the Glory!
Sunday, 24 February 2008
SEASON 3 EPISODE 5: Half-way mark
My exams concluded on Friday, 22nd February 2008, bringing the first half of the LPC to a close. The second-half of the course will be where I will be taking the electives I chose before the Christmas break last December.
The next semester officially begins in the week beginning 3rd March 2008 with a new (but relaxed) timetable after introductory lectures on 26th February and 28th February.
Time has definitely flown by and it is hard to imagine that this is already the half-way mark! Many things have taken place over the last 2 weeks which I thank the LORD for. It is in this spirit of thanksgiving that I look forward to greater things to come in the coming semester.
As the LORD has brought me through the first half of the course, He will also bring me through the second half and pave the way for the launch of my legal career here in England.
SOLI DEO GLORIA! [To God be the Glory!]
The next semester officially begins in the week beginning 3rd March 2008 with a new (but relaxed) timetable after introductory lectures on 26th February and 28th February.
Time has definitely flown by and it is hard to imagine that this is already the half-way mark! Many things have taken place over the last 2 weeks which I thank the LORD for. It is in this spirit of thanksgiving that I look forward to greater things to come in the coming semester.
As the LORD has brought me through the first half of the course, He will also bring me through the second half and pave the way for the launch of my legal career here in England.
SOLI DEO GLORIA! [To God be the Glory!]
Monday, 11 February 2008
SEASON 3 EPISODE 4: It has been 5 months...
It has been 5 months since I stepped on to English soil. On this very day in September 2007, I was at Wigram House in Victoria and was about to spend my first night in London. Now, 5 months later, I am half-way through the LPC and exam week begins with Business Accounts tomorrow morning at 11am.
In these 5 months, I have become more dependent on the LORD Jesus, trusting in Him and as a result, grown for a deeper understanding of the Word and the faith. As I looked through the entries in the past 2 seasons, I vividly recall those moments and I can say that the LORD has been with me.
He has provided for me in unexpected ways and when I least expect it. Therefore, it is this that will movitate me to continue to depend on Him. As the LORD has never failed, t believe that same LORD can do it again because He is THE ALMIGHTY GOD!
Apart from growing in the faith, I am also in the frontline of many happenings in the world. As I read the newspapers here, my eyes are opened and horizons extended. Some of these happenings reflect the fragility and high volatility of the world and life. But, for me as a Christian, despite all that is happening, I know I have the Lord Jesus because His peace transcends all understanding! AMEN to that!
Well, those are my reflections of the 5 months here... I am sure there will be more to come as I approach the subsequent months.
In these 5 months, I have become more dependent on the LORD Jesus, trusting in Him and as a result, grown for a deeper understanding of the Word and the faith. As I looked through the entries in the past 2 seasons, I vividly recall those moments and I can say that the LORD has been with me.
He has provided for me in unexpected ways and when I least expect it. Therefore, it is this that will movitate me to continue to depend on Him. As the LORD has never failed, t believe that same LORD can do it again because He is THE ALMIGHTY GOD!
Apart from growing in the faith, I am also in the frontline of many happenings in the world. As I read the newspapers here, my eyes are opened and horizons extended. Some of these happenings reflect the fragility and high volatility of the world and life. But, for me as a Christian, despite all that is happening, I know I have the Lord Jesus because His peace transcends all understanding! AMEN to that!
Well, those are my reflections of the 5 months here... I am sure there will be more to come as I approach the subsequent months.
Thursday, 7 February 2008
SEASON 3 EPISODE 3: The illustrious life as a student
At time of writing, the Lunar New Year has just arrived in Singapore and everyone will be going about visiting family and friends, giving and receiving of red packets which contains $$ and feasting... Sounds wonderful isn't it??
Er, not for me here in London. For the next 2 weeks, I will be spending good quality time with my beloved law books and papers. My pens, highlighters and papers will be my best friends. How lovely isn't it??
Still in "revision mode" and the routine has been eat, study, study, study (eat in between) and sleep. Indeed, the life of a student, enjoy it while it last! So, that's the Lunar New Year which begins on Thursday. In Singapore, we have a long weekend because Thursday and Friday are public holidays for us.
Oh, there is also Valentine's Day next Thursday, one might ask whether I have plans that day? The answer is yes I do, please see above. How romantic isn't it?
Also, I don't have a Valentine to send my greetings to.. So, might as well spend more time with my beloved books!
Such is the illustrious life as a student...
Er, not for me here in London. For the next 2 weeks, I will be spending good quality time with my beloved law books and papers. My pens, highlighters and papers will be my best friends. How lovely isn't it??
Still in "revision mode" and the routine has been eat, study, study, study (eat in between) and sleep. Indeed, the life of a student, enjoy it while it last! So, that's the Lunar New Year which begins on Thursday. In Singapore, we have a long weekend because Thursday and Friday are public holidays for us.
Oh, there is also Valentine's Day next Thursday, one might ask whether I have plans that day? The answer is yes I do, please see above. How romantic isn't it?
Also, I don't have a Valentine to send my greetings to.. So, might as well spend more time with my beloved books!
Such is the illustrious life as a student...
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