sin had left a crimson stain ... He washed it white as snow!

What a crazy past couple of days. It's been one of those times where "Life happens." And that's all there may be to it, for most schmoes ... but somehow, that's just too inconclusive for me. I can't help but see Him behind everything, through everything, in everything. Life has happened, but there is definitely a reason for the way things have happened, a much grander reason than I could ever comprehend. Though it's thrilling to get glimpses of comprehension once in a while. :)

In human terms, the biggest thing that has happened in this schmoe's life recently was that my laptop died on me, thus casting away 4.5 years' worth of pictures, music, links, papers, and other documents ... in the literal blink of an eye. Yeah ... remember to back up your stuff. :P  Also, when I was attempting to change a few things on this blog layout, I accidentally deleted the old layout, along with all the associated links on the sidebar. :S

I'll admit, I was QUITE tempted to get discouraged about all this, especially since I had a big responsibility to uphold the following Sunday and it had to be done with some resources I once had on my computer. Well, God being God ... He knows the best time for me to say "goodbye." :) There was no big assignment that got erased, everything I needed to hand in had already been printed off. The responsibility I had was carried out smoothly because others stepped in to aid the cause and provided the necessary resources. My mind is blessed with a memory that, while slightly deficient with short-term items (!), is pretty good with the long-term stuff. And I am not without the means to purchase another computer, therefore I have done so with discernment, trusting that my allocation of monetary resources is pleasing in the eyes of God. I always despise the need to make big purchases, because I feel that the opportunity cost of something so consumerist is oftentimes just too high. There are so many other areas that could be using such funds... nevertheless, my current lifestyle is sadly unsustainable without this device, and so I've invested into this new machine. I ask God to lead me in using it only for His glory, and to take it away from me if I don't. One day, I hope to cast off my dependence on these tools. The "need" for them is cleverly contrived.

So this will be an opportunity to start afresh, and rebuild my electronic storehouse, choosing to sort & include only what is of utmost importance, separating wheat from chaff. No more shady downloads of pirated programs and no more music in my collection that hasn't been properly paid for. It IS possible to survive without those things, I am sure of it. I suppose I'm finally beginning to realize that to start compromising with those societal go-aheads is to fall into blatant hypocrisy. It's not a case of ticking off boxes for santa's "being good" list, but a matter of living out the reality of depending on God alone for meeting my needs. If I don't have the money to spend on expensive programs and pricey music (and when you think about the situation of so many many many others... who does?), then so be it! None shall pass...

And how was I encouraged even today in my quest to begin anew? 

The first snowfall of the year. 

Magical, as always. 

A hush over the town.

A layer of glittering snowflakes, sparkling in the night air. 

All ugliness & brokenness, covered up.

Over the next few months, there will be healing and rebirth!

Lord, you are an Artist indeed.

I'm sorry my piddly picture doesn't do your work any justice. But there it is, my little view of the world!

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On another note, Best Gr.2 quote of the year:

(said to my mom from her Sunday School student)

"Auntie Salina, you know what? All year long, I tell ALL my Chinese friends at school that Jesus loves them!"

"Oh really! That's great!! But how come only your Chinese friends?"

"Well, most of my friends are Chinese. And also, when the teacher heard me telling them at first, she told me I wasn't allowed to say that at school because it might make others feel uncomfortable."

"Oh dear. What did you do about that?"

"Well.... I still tell my friends that Jesus loves them. But I tell them in Mandarin!!"

*heeheehee*