Over the past few mornings I have been awakened by what I have termed as the "Seven Dwarves Symphony" - a chorus of shouts accompanied by the loud pounding noises one hears when large items are thrown on the ground in rapid succession....

Yes. Upgrading has come to my block. And my turn will be next week. In the meantime, I am being treated to a foretaste of what is to come - from the housing contractors who seem to enjoy throwing the upgrading fittings onto the concrete floor just outside my room, resulting in the series of noises which have roused me to my senses each morning.

In the midst of all the upcoming renovations, Sue and I have surprised ourselves by buying a new HDB flat. It was just two weeks ago that we decided to wait until a more appropriate time. However, just days after that decision was made, God provided us with a beautiful apartment unit, and we made the move to quickly secure the place.

Our new dwelling place is ideal for the following reasons:

1) It is a 5-room flat, and the apartment will be more suitable for us in the future when we finally have children of our own. It also has a large living room space which we hope to function as an area for future ministry use.

2) The apartment is located conveniently in Clementi, in-between both our work places, and is situated next to a scenic canal. It is also located next to a running track, a children's playground, and other recreational facilities.

3) The apartment was reasonably-priced and is in an almost move-in condition. Most of the fittings are still in a reasonable condition and we foresee not having to carry out major renovation work.

4) All our parents and close friends like the apartment.

In Singapore today, buying a home is one of the most significant challenges faced by most newly-married couples. Sue and I truly feel that we've been blessed immeasurable by God in this aspect - that the whole process has been almost obstacle-free for us. Indeed this purchase has been a future-oriented one, and we can imagine ourselves bringing up our children in the new place; taking them for long walks along the canal, and teaching them how to cycle, rollerblade etc...

We can also imagine our new home being used for ministry purposes; just as my current home was used to host my weekly cell group. It is our desire that the new apartment will be consecrated for God's use in whatever way that He desires to use it. He has blessed us with so much, and it is only appropriate that all that we have be used for His glory. It is hoped that this will be a metaphor for our lives as well - that the both of us, together with our future family, will be completely consecrated for His use according to His perfect will :)