Financial Strains and Faith

Today's quiet time for me was on financial struggle... I happen to open my daily readings and there it was - financial struggles... Good topic for the current downturn in the economy too, and am sure we are all struggling one way or another. And maybe we just need that little bit of faith back in our lives... Gonna share what I got out of Selwyn Hughes' 'Every Day with Jesus' book. He spoke about how money plays an enormous part in our lives - so true... He goes on to say that many Christians think that the purpose of money is to provide security, establish independence, or create power and influence, but this is a very worldly view of the topic, but says the Bible shows us otherwise - that God has purposes which He wants to achieve through money - and understanding these purposes is crucial if we are to be fruitful and productive Christians.

Hughes says the main purpose of money is to provide basic needs. It's surprising how little money we need in order to sustain the basic needs of life. These needs can be summed up in the words food, clothing and shelter. And God demonstrates He loving care by assuring us of His help in obtaining these basic needs: "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin... willl he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" (Matt 6:28-30)

Second, God longs for us to be dependent on Him. He knows that we experience our greatest happiness and freedom when we rely on Him alone. When we fail to recognise our need for God, we tend to lose our love for God. And the more we love our love for God, the more we come to depend upon ourselves.
1 Tim 6:8 says "But godliness with contentment is great gain." Contentment is the satisfaction we get from knowing there will be provision for our basic needs. We begin to lose our contentment when we compare with what others have - and then before long, expectations dominate our focus to the degree that our expectations increase and our contentment diminishes. Being content with the basics equips us to resist the alluring advertising which seeks to convince us that we are not able really to enjoy life unless we buy some new commodity. A contented person feels wealthy because he knows that what he already possesses is all he needs for daily living.

Third, God confirms His loving direction in our lives. He will use the supply of money or the lack of it to confirm His direction and guidance for many of the decisions we make in our lives. One minister shared how he had asked God to guide him over a certain project and part of his prayer was this: "Lord, give me the money to do this, or else it just cannot be done." The money didn't come, so the minister went ahead and borrowed money for the project. A few weeks later, the project got into difficulties and he was declared bankrupt. He was asked, "Do you know what made you go ahead even though God did not provide the money?" And he replied, saying he had not learned the difference between presumption and faith. Faith is trusting God to achieve His purposes through us, presumption is deciding what we want to accomplish and trying to get God to do it for us. It is so easy to have this proneness to nudge God when things are not working out.

Fourth, God has asked us to bless and enrich other Christians. The greatest benefit of generous giving to other Christians results in an overflowing tide of thanksgiving to God. God will give you much so that you can give away much, and when you take your gifts to those who need them they will break out in thanksgiving and praise of God for your help.

Fifth, God shows His divine power through His miraculous provision of money. A financial miracle happens when God provides one of His children with the money required to meet a financial need - and usually it involves such precise timing that it cannot fail to point to the Lord's direct intervention. God wants to prove to those who seek Him that they will not lack any good thing. When a Christian prays about a financial need, for example, and an unexpected gift is given to him by someone who knows nothing about the need, the supernatural power of God is demonstrated.

Are we ready to ask, What part does money play in our lives? Does it draw us closer to God, or drive us further away from Him? Is our security in silver - or in the Saviour? Most of us would claim that we are serving God. We would strenously deny that we have a greater love for money than we do for the Master. God, however, is aware that what we believe to be the situation is not always so. Sometimes He has to bring us into cramped financial circumstances so that we realise where our true security lies.

In Contemplation

So... since not getting an offer package from Melb Uni yet, I'm contemplating on taking the offer at Macq Uni. I have to respond to Macq Uni by Jan 10. Maybe Melb Uni knows my heart wasn't fully into it? I guess I was always kinda leaning more towards Macq Uni (at the initial stage). If I do choose Macq Uni, I guess I'd be risking quite a lot of things. Long-dist relationship... Which I'm praying more and more about each day. And am sure if we're meant to be together, we'll be in it for the long haul. Despite the many ups and downs of the years, I do hope this one will end happy and not fall into one of those statistical categories of of long-distance couples not working out. Just knowing that nothing is impossible without God is encouraging. And I'm sure He'd look after us and sustain it if it's meant to be. For now, I'll wait till end of next week and if there's no offer from Melb, I'd prob go with Macq.

The other concerning factor if I take the offer at Macq - finances! Finances are pretty tight at the moment and will be, because I won't be able to work as much next year with the study load I've got (will prob only be able to work at least one day of the week - and on the weekend). Trying to see if I can get Centrelink. Will prob go to the office Mon morn and apply...

Blessed Christmas '08 to All

Dear all... here's wishing you a very warm Christmas, a season where we remember how Christ sacrificed his life for us, how His love brought salvation to this earth and how He brought the message of peace and goodwill to all. Most importantly, it's a time of giving, and here we are to give thanks unto Him for what He's done for us, and to offer our Praise for He is a good God who will strengthen us and see us through the many dilemmas and heartaches of life. I guess Christmas is also a time for family/friend reunions, to make ammends, to come together, and to be safe. Wish I was in Melb celebrating with close friends, reuniting with those I consider family, but this year, chose to work instead, just to gain the finances for next year. But am keeping those dear to me close to heart and will always continue to keep them in thoughts and prayer. Stay safe and sound this Christmas. I'll visit Melb again when I have the chance. Missing you all terribly!

Back in Syd

Melb was good - I experienced hayfever, but overall, the weather held up. Went to see Wicked - it was my Christmas present from TY. The show was awesome and we had really good seats. Also caught Twilight in the cinemas. I quite liked it even though I hadn't read the book. Went with TY, S, X and P who also seemed to like it. Then watched Definitely Maybe and PS I Love You (downloaded chick lovey-duvey flicks) with TY who hadn't watched them. Appreciative that TY ended up watching them. Also during my Melb trip, went to see Christmas lights. TY and I started exploring since last year and we love looking up the locations of these houses with Christmas lights deco... this happens once a year, so it's pretty worthwhile to check it out. Usually, the best place to go to in Melb is in the Boulevard in Ivanhoe, but last year, we checked out some other suburbs and they had really great ones. This year, not so... It was kinda hit and miss. But we found the winner of this year's Christmas lights competition somewhere in Blackburn North (yeah, there's a comp)... and that house - if you saw it then - would really blow you away! Can't believe all the trouble these families would go through to get something like that done.

Got my supplementary Stats results back. Was hoping for a credit, but just missed out on it by a bit. So it was a little disappointing, but oh well... Gonna forward on my results to Melb Uni.

So anywayz, I returned to Syd and there was no package in my mailbox from Melb Uni. So I'm thinking that they probably didn't accept my application. But I'll still wait and will give them till the first week of Jan since that's the time frame that I have to respond to Macq Uni's offer. Afterall, this outcome might be the answers to my many questions about everything... But it's always scary and you never know whether you're making the right decision...

One in the Bag

I got into the MA Clinical A-u-d-i-o-l-o-g-y course at Macquarie Uni!! Yay!! I found out two days ago, and no, didn't accept it on the spot, because still waiting on Melb Uni. Supposed to find out this month, and second round offers are in Jan. Just hope they call me soon so I can plan... Actually, during my interview with Macq, the interviewers asked me if I had the interview with Melb Uni. I said yes and then told them that it'd be great to have options laid out for you, but the reasons for accepting either course would be different. If I accept Macquarie Uni, it'd be more for the course. I like how the course is planned out, the subjects, and I already know the academic staff and some of the students I'd be studying with. As for Melb Uni, I'd head back for financial reasons (I can stay at my sister's old place which is empty at the moment... but hey, smack in the middle of the city - can't get any better than that - and I won't have to worry about rent), also TY and friends. So if I get both offers, it's a choice between preferred course and financial survival. Hmm... Melb Uni is also very academic... I mean, I know, having studied there for a while. And the subjects offered - like what is the point of electro engineering-physiology? Sounds appealing? Haha! The good thing about Melb Uni's course though is that for clinical placements, there's a required overseas clinical placement you have to undertake within the course for 2 months. That's exciting - I could go to Singapore or the UK where relatives are!! But either way, if I don't get into Melb Uni, then I've still got Macq Uni. Will just have to find the financial aid. Maybe through Aus Study which is a government funding scheme. On the whole, it's one in the bag, and I can't believe I'll be a qualified clinical a-u-d-i-o-l-o-g-i-s-t or ear specialist in the medical field in 2 years with my own clinic. So yeah, am stoked!! Excited!! Happy happy joy joy!!

Blood Test Results

So I got back my blood test results and the doc says it's low iron deficiency. She conducted other tests from the blood tests I provided and everything else was normal, just the iron levels. Also told doc that I ended up having a sudden allergy to fruit and she seemed not too phased by it. She said some of her patients have had that allergy with fruit. My lips just swell or my mouth upper palete starts itching. She said if it's happening frequently (which it has been) to stop eating it... Stop eating fruit? But that's my iron supplement right? Anyway, she said if I continued eating fruit that causes a reaction, it could become problematic. So she suggested vegies as a substitution.

Too Many Things in my Thought Process

So I got back from Melb last week and went straight to work the next day. The Melb Uni interview was really good I felt. They were really nice and I found out that clinical overseas placements are a requirement. That was really exciting to me that it would be included as part of the course structure. It took about 40 minutes overall, and hopefully I said enough to get accepted. I mean I felt comfortable and confident, and good afterwards... so hopefully I don't get my hopes up too much.

Besides the interview, went to this bbq at a park and met some really cool people (friends of a friend). I think there were about 12 of us roughly... But we had an awesome time mucking around and eating. Haha! The food was really good... Although my mischievous side got to me a bit and I destroyed a quarter of a lemon tart by playing a prank on someone - all due to one person edging me to go for it. Haha! Maybe Sydney corrupted me to be cheeky... But after that incident, it became the topic of conversation. Hee hee! I have to say the lemon tart was still edible because it was covered in glad wrap - only squashed. Haha!

Was only in Melb for 3 days, so didn't do very much. The last day, spent some time with TY who took the day off. Also managed to catch High School Musical 3 the night before - the background dancing was pretty good, but the whole movie was really corny. Like half the time, in conversations, they just broke out in song... like there was no flow... In fact, there was a daytime movie I happened to catch on TV one of the other days, which was so much better. It's called Camp Rock. I don't really like the Jonas brothers, but they were in it, and it was actually a really good movie.

Back in Syd and there were lots of training to get through. Will be working a lot during the break because uni has finished - about 5 days work.

This week, also got shortlisted for an interview at Macq Uni for the course I wanna do. That interview was more formal than Melb Uni I thought, but they were still friendly. In fact, I knew the interviewers. One taught me for one subject and the other was a guest lecturer... so we kinda went off tangent a bit and spoke about other things. Haha! And I didn't realise the time I was with them - it went for slightly over an hour!! It was supposed to be for 40 mins... They did ask me on-the-spot questions as well, like whether I applied to Melb Uni too... I basically said yes, but I mentioned that I'd like to have my options open and if I get into either course, it would be based on different reasons as to which one I accept.

I hear back from Macq Uni sometime next week, and I hear back from Melb Uni late Dec to mid Jan they said... The difference is that Melb Uni is more clinical focus whereas Macq Uni is more patient focus... I kinda prefer Macq Uni's course structure, but financially, it'd be good to go to Melb Uni and be back in Melb.

On Friday, I checked the university website and I got in the supplementary exam on Tue 16 Dec. I actually didn't think I'd get it cause you had to go through so much paperwork just to sit for the exam. And that was my mistake, cause after the initial paper, I didn't bother studying for it. And now, I have 2 full days (Sun and Mon) to study for it. Well, for starters, I'll rewrite my cheat sheet properly, so I know where everything is. I'm really nervous for the exam, because I need to get at least a credit! I actually had work on Mon, but a colleague of mine was kind enough to say she'll do my shift for me so I have extra time to study. I'm hoping the sup paper won't be as tough as the other one.

Remember my fainting spell after my last exam? I still haven't heard back from the doctors about my blood test results. Apparently I can't just collect it and will have to see a doc for him/her to explain the results to me. So I've booked a private doc for Wed 17th. Am working that day too, but will have to vacuum the house and pack as well, cause I'll be leaving for Melb early the next day. And when I head back, my friend will be staying over... So it's gonna be hectic and stressful for a bit... *sigh*

Plus I have yet to buy my Christmas presents and have already spent tons this month! I think I'm gonna incur a credit card debt!! Arghhh!! And I still have to do my traditional Christmas card mailout. Whoever wants a Christmas card, email me your address k? Or if you don't have my email, msg me on FB! Will be in Melb from 18-23 for an early Christmas and then working Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day... and NY's Day! I kinda requested those days cause I'll never really get them again once I start uni next year - and I need those bonuses for uni fees and rent.

Exams Over BUT...

The exams are over, but on the last day of the final exam, I ended up having a fainting spell. It was actually really scary cause one minute I was speaking to a classmate of mine, the next minute, I was trying to throw up and everything was turning white - I couldn't see and was blacking out and perspiring a fair bit. I remember saying "I don't know what's going on. Something's wrong with me..." to my classmate. We were so close to calling an ambulance. In fact, I asked one of my medical friends who said the symptoms all fit low blood pressure. I wasn't surprised because my mum has low blood pressure. I spoke to the massage therapist who was at work today and she confirmed that it is low blood pressure. I told her when I had that fainting spell, I straightaway went to buy some iron deficiency tablets from the chemist. They worked, but don't seem that strong. It also causes a bit of constipation. Anyway, she recommended some other glucose supplements over the counter at the pharmacy and will pass them to me when she sees me on Friday at work. It's quite fortunate knowing her cause she works at a health medical clinic and seems quite familiar with all of this... But yeah, diet-wise, I now have to stick to red meat for a while, beans and spinach included... anything with iron really. And she said to snack on something sweet once a day which I already do - I tend to have hot choc everyday, along with the daily choc bar during my shifts. Hmmm... If I have too much sugar, that'd turn me into a diabetic wouldn't it? But then if I have too little, it'd make my low blood pressure worse. Of course if it gets really really bad, have to go straight to a doctor.

By the way, the last paper, I thought, went quite well. I might have missed out a few pointers, but there's so much one can really remember right?

Now just waiting on results, and also waiting for approval onthat Stats supplementary paper. If I sit it again, it won't be a bad thing hopefully, cause at least I'd be able to do better second time round yah?

This Sun, leaving for Melb till Tue. Have the Melb Uni interview on Mon 8 Dec at about 1pm. Pray for me. I really hope I get in. Then I'd be able to stay in Melb. Today at work though, I received a really odd letter from the head boss here in Syd who said in token of my appreciation of past work and what I'll be doing in terms of the new office move, he's giving me a bonus which would be transferred directly to my bank account end March 2009. I certainly wasn't expecting that at all, because my other colleagues haven't received anything like that - I asked if they got a letter from head boss and they didn't... *shrugs* But it seems like I'll be a huge asset towards the move. Hmm... I prob shouldn't question it anymore... haha! But it sure seemed strange.

More work tomorrow and am going to go back to voicing an entire bulletin live, which I havn't done in ages, so it'd be interesting to see how the recognition turns out...

Because it's after exams, went shopping and got quite a few items that cost me lots. I had Tues off but had to run some errands like my car service at Honda. Speaking of the Honda car service, the place I went to was amazing. It had a shuttle bus directly to the train station, they washed your car after the service, they served free coffee/tea/biscuits. Couldn't have asked for more. Then of course, in between that time, I had yum cha with my housemate and her friend, then went shopping, but also pampered myself with a massage. Now you don't have to wonder how I could spend so much. Haha!

Today, had a really bad headache - probably from low blood pressure, but just took it easy. In fact, I didn't really do a lot at work today. I was just lazing around. We had a few meetings, a few things I had to mark up, and documents I had to sort... but that was pretty much it. But then again, I told my boss of my condition, so I think they decided to give me simple stuff to do. But then again, I'd prefer if I had stuff to do... so it'd keep my mind off things. But I guess if something did happen, then I'd be covered under WorkCover anyway... After work, was early, so went to SES (this fashion clothing store) and bought a top. Then met up with a few of my Sydneysider friends for dinner - we went to this Thai place. Chatted, made a new friend, and really caught up with each other. So yeah, very different to the pre-week exam life - this is the way to be - post-exam life! Hee hee!