Today was a wonderful day in my life! I would really want to remember this day because so many things that mean so much to me took place.

I woke up with apprehension because I didn't know whether I should go for this AGMI (Action Group for Mental Illness) Walkathon held in the afternoon. I was uncertain whether I should skip Youth Service to go for it (have to be careful to examine my intentions--dun wanna use other "legitimate" reasons to miss service). I prayed about it during my QT in the morning and committed it to God. I really wanted a peace of mind if I truly decided to go for it. So I left it to God to let things flow naturally and eventually I went there with a peace of mind.

I enjoyed main service praise and worship tremendously. I really felt God's presence as we sang those songs. The sermon spoke to me also. Today Pastor preached on "Peace" and I really learnt a lot from it--esp the fact that the night before my parents were a little upset over dinner. The three main messages were: (1) Peacemakers themselves are at peace with God; (2) Peacemakers make it their top priority to reconcile people to God; and (3) Peacemakers go to the root of the problem not just the symptoms. Essentially, Pastor said that one of the greatest marks of spiritual maturity was the ability to make peace, and that we're called to be peace agents in this world. I thought that was a remarkable truth. Peace is not only a sign of maturity, it is also a measure of humility--being able to be others-serving rather than self-serving; able to put down your own pride and bear with the discomfort of talking things through rather than sweeping it under the carpet.

Spoke to Anna after service and was greatly blessed by our conversation. I shared with her my desire to pick up skills to serve God in the mission field, or use my professional training as a platform to help people as a form of service unto Him. Was blessed tremendously by her encouragement. Also got to tell Pastor how much I've been learning from his sermons and how today's sermon spoke to me. I feel very enriched when I hear the Word of God preached through him. It's so practical and yet so fundamental. It stimulates me to think about what I can do for God, and also helps me question the way I want to live my life, to perform in the workplace, and basically my values and beliefs system. Managed to catch up with Heidi and Wendy too. It feels so good being able to share and listen to people who share the same spiritual values, beliefs and goals as you. That's really true fellowship--it feels so spiritually renewing, encouraging and recharging to converse with fellow believers.

After that, I went to the Walkathon at Orchard--it's to raise public awareness on the stigma against those with mental illness and to debunk some of the myths against PMI (Persons with Mental Illness). Got my goodie bag and a whole lot of brochures on mental health awareness. Got my nice, cool t-shirt with a silver ribbon. Really enjoyed the performances a lot--the skit moved me to tears but I tried my best to hold them back. Really made me feel for people who suffer from mental illness. The testimonies and the passion I saw really touched me, and I'm glad that people are actually advocating for PMIs. I would really hope to contribute in this area too. Got to meet some very distinguished psychiatrists as well so I felt honoured. But most of all I admired the courage displayed by the PMIs performing onstage. The walk was leisurely and I had fun chatting with friends along the way. Ate my Swenson's ice-cream too!

After that I rushed home to meet my parents. We were going to the Columbarium with my Aunties and Uncles to "visit" my grandpa and grandma. Really wanted to be there with my family so I rushed home as fast as possible. We went to the columbarium and later on went for dinner at Tanah Merah Country Club. Food was great and paid for (out of my uncle's generosity). I enjoyed catching up with my cousin so much. I felt that instant connection and I really hope that our family would always stay intact and so close-knitted. At the end of the day, I realise that family matters so much to me and I really hope we keep the traditions going. I'm so proud of my own heritage! And I'm so grateful for my parents and my extended family. What I am most happy with myself today was I finally plucked up the courage to tell my dad I loved him. I said it to him directly and that was what I was most pleased with myself today. Praise God!