thankful people are happy people

i’m learning to be thankful.

this semester hasn’t been the easiest, it poses a different set of struggles from fall sem. there’s no more the distraction of taking time to get used to things, the excuse of everything being new and letting myself off for not getting something done or not being disciplined enough, nor trying to understand how school works. all these things have more or less been figured out. new struggles do come though, finding the motivation to work, constantly reminding myself not to let life become a routine when i find myself just trying to get through each day, making a deliberate effort to not hole up in my room watching netflix.

i feel like the struggles help me appreciate the people around me a lot though, and realise and be thankful for good things so much more.

been hanging out in the guys’ room so much. i just feel so safe with them bunch, and hope and yuka and sonia and everyone else. even if we’re just sitting around doing our own thing. there will be occasional hysterics, with joseph recounting stuff animatedly to his parents, sonia’s crazy laughter, junyu’s remarks that are so epic at times, hope and me sharing junyu’s ice-cream (that i need to replenish lol), ryan and his music and being super excited about lord huron and stealing my food and coffee.

church has been extremely comforting too. i love going to church in the city and i feel so blessed and thankful to have been led to such a warm and familial environment. it’s really nice to speak to different ones each week and hear snippets of their lives. and to see familiar faces from last semester too, like kristina, claire, gabe, courtney, nok, levy, and baby talia. meeting new people too - james, brianna, taylor, nate. oh and also esther! she’s over from singapore for exchange and it’s been so nice having her hang out with us, and infect us with her positive energy and her excitement to explore the city. she’s probably seen more places in this past month than we have in the past half a year.

also, skype sessions have been much needed and always make my day - every friday with family (and they sent me a cny care package which was the sweetest ever now i have prawn rolls and kueh bang kit and rabbit sweets, and a red packet hehehe), listening to dad recount happenings of the past week, mum excitedly sharing her baking successes, chatting with en and feeling as though we are in our rooms on our beds next to each other, sam who always knows the right words to say, nutella goodness and talking about anything with alex, catching up with chan. we may be far in distance, but never far in heart. it’s always comforting to hear familiar voices.

for tricia, for always being there for me and listening to my rants when i go crazy and having mad food cravings together. oh and the $5 chair. 

for clare too. for our food adventures, too-frequent trips to stan’s, and having walked through wicker park way too many times together.

and always always always thankful for God’s faithfulness. At my weakest, He always makes His presence known - sending people my way, words i need to hear, scriptures that lift my spirit. His grace is indeed, and always will be sufficient. i haven’t been the best at it, but am still holding on to Jeremiah 29:11-14.

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.

i wrote a song a couple nights ago, i hope it brings you encouragement if you're struggling with anything at the moment :)

John 6:20
When the darkness seems to hide your face
May you call upon His name
When the world around you makes no sense
You know He understands 

the storms will come your way
But don't you be afraid
Through the winds and the waves
His promises remain

Through each season and each trial
His faithfulness abounds
In our weaknesses and pain
By His strength we will sustain 

When you're lost and all alone
He'll always let you know
His presence all around
Each time we will be found

writing this post has been more therapeutic than i thought it would. i think jo said that day that thankful people are happy people. it makes sense. :) i hope you find something or someone to be thankful for each day.

have a wonderful week ahead!