Happy Rat Year?

after being missing for some time.. well here's just to wish you a happy Chinese New Year :)

it seems like Mickey isn't the only icon for this year of the Rat*... so will just use this latest mouse in town to greet you well :p

*: for my dear family and friends abroad, the chinese have their Zodiac signs taking after some animals and this year happens to be the year of the rat.

honestly, after that last rat that had wrecked havoc in my house last year, it really is tough for me to be looking at these pictures of rats with any ounce of affection. ate up our food, leaving lots of mess, leaving a stech where they have been, wrecking our nerves and putting us all on RED alert... what i'd most like to do with them is this.. if not, to engage Peter Piper to drown all the rats away.

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anyway... this year's new year visitations have been pretty fun. despite being tired out- 8 visitations on day 1, 4 visitations plus a sentosa trip on day 2. drunk uncles sprouting truths, lots of nuts and tarts, and having my Arthur around... all fun :)

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but just some quiet reflections on the season - am kind of tickled by the prospect of deepening my relationship with some of my cousins since God has somehow brought them into my work vicinity and radar. praying that i can be faithful to Him in them.

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the 2 sermons heard yesterday delivered a single message that came loud and clear- we are only as rich as how much we give. and it's a really timely reminder as Arthur & i are thinking about married life, our finances, budgets and all. praying that we can reflect our Daddy and give abundantly to those around us as He has given so richly to us. to be rich towards Him.. ang pows for our Heavenly Daddy, ever crossed your mind?

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perhaps the only slight glitch is that i am still "happily" staying away from some people whom i wish i can get them out of my life... forgiveness is really tough as i have come to learn, and it really takes killing ourselves, denying our interests and putting Christ first to forgive. i know its a lesson i need to learn, and i am truly amazed at my mother for her popensity to forgive. but till the lesson is learnt, may He give me grace and mercy.