God's Providence.
One of the running jokes that Jia Wern and I share is about how poor we are. We aren't POOR poor, but we definitely can't eat out a lot or buy expensive items. Ask any graduate student surviving on a stipend and they'll tell you it's definitely not a way to get rich quick. To be honest, though, I must say I lead a pretty comfortable life here. It's devoid of luxuries like leather couches, sophisticated artwork (paper flowers, anyone?) and name brand clothing, but being able to survive on one (low) salary at my age? Not something Malaysians can usually do in town areas without some serious penny pinching, I think.
Lately, though, I've been focusing more on what I want that we don't have yet. When I start thinking of the number of things I would like to get, I feel a little despondent that I'm not bringing any money to the table, which in turn makes me discontent. Then I start researching all the stuff I would like to get for the best prices, which gives me something fun to do, but at the same time, makes me dwell on materialistic concerns. And then I start wondering if our tithe is a little too big and unrealistic. =P
Yesterday, however, was a turning point. Paul and Karen, the older couple in our small group, knew someone who had a dining table to give away, so they got it for us. They even delivered it to us, which is such a humbling act of service, seeing as we were the young ones. The reason why we couldn't help with the moving was because Jia Wern threw his back and it wasn't advisable for him to lift things. Anyway, we now have a pretty spiffy extendable (HOW FANCY!) dining table for free!
We are urged many times in the Bible to remember what God has done for us. and for a very good reason. When I chose to take my eyes off the way He has provided so graciously for us, I focused only on what I lacked. So this post will be about all the great deals and free stuff that we have, as a gentle reminder to myself that God has provided wondrously.
Free furniture and stuff we've gotten:
- Two ottomans and a foldable chair (from Eu Fern who salvaged it from the donation pile at one of Duke's dorms)
- One black foldable table and four foldable chairs (from the previous resident before Jia Wern moved in with Jameson)
- One wooden extendable dining table (from Karen's friend, and Paul and Karen helped with delivery)
- One wall-hanging art canvas of tulips
- A black pair of Merona sandals and the odd clothing item from the clothing closet
- A blender (from Eu Fern)
- Jasmine's food and water bowls (from Amelia and Isaac)
- A crockpot (on long-term loan from Stephanie)
Free services:
When we moved, Paul and Karen offered their truck to help us move our furniture. That saved us $50.
Stuff gotten at great deals:
-A queen mattress and bedframe (previous resident sold it to JW for $20 after using it for only half a year)
-All the cooking utensils and cutlery I got from the Salvation Army thrift store, including a cooling rack, drying rack, rolling pin, plates and mugs (probably cost about $10 in total)
-An almost brand-new backpack that I got two days ago for only $5! (bought it off someone who was moving)
- My five-light, extremely bright floor lamp that cost only $25 ($49 brand new from Bed Bath & Beyond)
- Jasmine, for $40! (She was on sale because she's a senior dog =P)
There's probably more, but I can't list them all down. I'll just end this post with a picture of what my apartment looks like now. Far from grand, but more than sufficient for our needs. =D
Thank you, God. You feed the birds of the air, how much more would You look after your own?
Lately, though, I've been focusing more on what I want that we don't have yet. When I start thinking of the number of things I would like to get, I feel a little despondent that I'm not bringing any money to the table, which in turn makes me discontent. Then I start researching all the stuff I would like to get for the best prices, which gives me something fun to do, but at the same time, makes me dwell on materialistic concerns. And then I start wondering if our tithe is a little too big and unrealistic. =P
Yesterday, however, was a turning point. Paul and Karen, the older couple in our small group, knew someone who had a dining table to give away, so they got it for us. They even delivered it to us, which is such a humbling act of service, seeing as we were the young ones. The reason why we couldn't help with the moving was because Jia Wern threw his back and it wasn't advisable for him to lift things. Anyway, we now have a pretty spiffy extendable (HOW FANCY!) dining table for free!
We are urged many times in the Bible to remember what God has done for us. and for a very good reason. When I chose to take my eyes off the way He has provided so graciously for us, I focused only on what I lacked. So this post will be about all the great deals and free stuff that we have, as a gentle reminder to myself that God has provided wondrously.
Free furniture and stuff we've gotten:
- Two ottomans and a foldable chair (from Eu Fern who salvaged it from the donation pile at one of Duke's dorms)
- One black foldable table and four foldable chairs (from the previous resident before Jia Wern moved in with Jameson)
- One wooden extendable dining table (from Karen's friend, and Paul and Karen helped with delivery)
- One wall-hanging art canvas of tulips
- A black pair of Merona sandals and the odd clothing item from the clothing closet
- A blender (from Eu Fern)
- Jasmine's food and water bowls (from Amelia and Isaac)
- A crockpot (on long-term loan from Stephanie)
Free services:
When we moved, Paul and Karen offered their truck to help us move our furniture. That saved us $50.
Stuff gotten at great deals:
-A queen mattress and bedframe (previous resident sold it to JW for $20 after using it for only half a year)
-All the cooking utensils and cutlery I got from the Salvation Army thrift store, including a cooling rack, drying rack, rolling pin, plates and mugs (probably cost about $10 in total)
-An almost brand-new backpack that I got two days ago for only $5! (bought it off someone who was moving)
- My five-light, extremely bright floor lamp that cost only $25 ($49 brand new from Bed Bath & Beyond)
- Jasmine, for $40! (She was on sale because she's a senior dog =P)
There's probably more, but I can't list them all down. I'll just end this post with a picture of what my apartment looks like now. Far from grand, but more than sufficient for our needs. =D
Thank you, God. You feed the birds of the air, how much more would You look after your own?
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