So remember when my external hard disk died a month back? I was happily transfering back the songs that I managed to backup just before the hard disk died, until Windows kept popping out this error message. Apparently a couple of songs got corrupted along the way. I've lost near a hundred songs (yeah, a couple), and now I've got to rip them from my CDs again. My iPod isn't much help either. Apparently songs can go in but can't come out. AAAAAAARGH.

This really isn't my month when it comes to technology. First the hard disk, then the wireless network and now the laptop.

Anyway. I don't think I've done the mandatory reflection thing people do one month into a new chapter of their life. Full time ministry is an oxymoron, being both highly stressful and yet highly fun and fulfilling. Stressful because ministry is about dealing with people, and where we sinful people are, there's bound to be problems. The fact that I'm highly task oriented means that I have to constantly guard myself lest I steamroll over some poor individual struggling to keep up with me. It happened again today, though this time I was convicted quick enough to make amends before the person got offended.

And yet ministry is really fun. The pastoral and admin team here is just amazing (and I'm not saying this because PEW and Wendy reads this blog. And even if I were, you can't prove anything.) I think that we in TPMC are so blessed to have staff so in love with God and the church. I've been here just a month and yet I feel completely accepted and at ease to be myself when I'm among the staff. Just talking to them is enough to encourage me and boost my spirits - that's how infectious the mood here is right now. I don't doubt that there will be trials that the evil one sends our way to divide us, but that's where prayer comes in. Speaking of prayer - this month has also been an eye-opener for me to the power of prayer. Without prayer, I really don't see how else I can survive all the meetings, and debates and all the other issues mentioned in the fine print when you sign up for full time ministry.

This may sound a little cliche but I really consider it an honor and a priviledge to be given this chance to be used by God as He works in TPMC over the next few years. Especially as He uses me to minister to His people. Every morning I wake up and I'll be like "Wow. Full time ministry." You know, Jesus wasn't kidding when He said that He's here to give us an abundant life. Every day is like an adventure. So many exciting problems (Enrolment is this week! Do I really have all bases covered?) So much new things to try (I learnt to change the cooler water today! So clever.) and more significantly, so much chances to see God at work as He brings this church towards fulfilling the plan He has for TPMC. Buckle up, folks. It's gonna be a thrill of a ride, and you don't want to miss this.

Wah. This is beginning to sound like an editorial for the church newsletter.

posted by NEB at 12:12 AM

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