Hello 2008, Goodbye 2007

And suddenly a new year looms. How time flies. Re-read what I blogged about last year this time - the mood's different this year, for starters, I'm happier. I guess I have much to be grateful for in 2007:
- God for giving me a do-over opportunity with Taiwan
- for a closer walk with Him in sending me here alone cos sans distractions it's easier to witness the Good Lord work His miracles everyday
- friends esp those who were there during the down times. Sadly enough not many, but to those who did, thank u.
- family plus Michelle (who married Ian in Oct 06 - my agent and a great friend)
- good health for everyone in my family
- fresh new adventures here in Taiwan

And this leads into obviously, New Year Resolutions... Thinking thru, I realised the list I made last year this time can be recycled. Not that I hadn't made much progress, but a majority are nontheless still WIP. Recycled from last year's list :
- focus on relationships with people
- Discipline. Discipline. Discipline.
- stop gossiping
- work on my fragile faith
- Be open to new things, new events, new way of doing things
- be a friend to all esp those I don't like
- sign up for musical guitar lessons

Forgiveness

What is it about the year end anyways? Why do people feel melancholy and depressed all at the same time? Why feel the need to reflect upon the year only after the entire year has passed you by and it is too late anyways to do anything about it other than sit and rue?

Despite being in Taiwan where Christmas isn't celebrated much - less of that crazy consumerism that drives me nuts. But yet, I miss Church, I miss Advent, I miss penitential mass, I miss pre-Christmas activities in Church.

Despite being in Houston for a marketing summit where I do get to feel a little more Christmassy, and get slightly caught up in the buying of Christmas gifts.. Yet, things don't feel any better.

Ok ok, I'm a contradiction.

I was listening to music and clearing emails/work that piled up from being away in Houston and also having my HDD die on me last day there. And this song hit me. It's all about forgiveness, letting go.

If there's 1 flaw/sin I have, and those who know me well will attest to this, is my ability to let go.

Don Henley & the Eagles on Forgiveness

Advent - the season of preparation for Christmas

Those who know me will also know that ever since moving to Taiwan, I've been really living it up. Garin once commented with disdain that I led a 'disgustingly hedonistic single' lifestyle. And you know what, I was rather proud of that. Until Friday night's reading. Jesus' words were so pointed.

Luke Chapter 21
29 And he told them a parable, 'Look at the fig tree and indeed every tree.30 As soon as you see them bud, you can see for yourselves that summer is now near.31 So with you when you see these things happening: know that the kingdom of God is near.32 In truth I tell you, before this generation has passed away all will have taken place.33 Sky and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Be on the alert 34 'Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened by debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will come upon you unexpectedly,35 like a trap. For it will come down on all those living on the face of the earth.36 Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to hold your ground before the Son of man.'

I went extra early to church on Sunday.

Pls prepare your hearts for the coming of Jesus this Christmas.