anyway, just wanted to share a little on my thoughts and reflections about today's message during service. it is on a very simple message of thanksgiving, learning to give thanks in all situations.

despite the simplicity of this message, it is definitely a not-so-easy lesson to learn. giving thanks in good times is easy. in bad times, it requires you to see the full picture, to be able to see that God is in full control, and to see His purpose for placing you in those situations. other than discernment of the situation, it requires your willingness to submit, to allow God to do a deeper work in you through the tough times, and accept such challenges with a joyful heart. it forces us to think of all the blessings God has given us when things seems to go out of control, and also not to indulge in our feelings when we have the right to, and where our focus would be on God's unchanging love for us, and not on our problems.

i look back and reflect on my life, the tough situations that i've been placed in. I must say, i've been greatly blessed to be able to survive through and not walk away from God. there are times when i failed to give thanks, but slowly i learnt, giving thanks is easy, it requires just a change of perspective. a perspective of our own to a perspective of His.

there are times when i complain about work, about serving, about exams, about family, and almost everything that is bugging my life, and all these complaining seems to rob me off of my joy and cheerfulness. i failed to see God's grace and mercy upon my life, and even when i see it, i take it for granted, without thanking God for it.

i'm learning heavenly Father, step by step, to give thanks for all Your wonderful ways to mould be to become a stronger person in faith.