I thank God for His grace the past 18 days. I drew strength from Him and He enabled me to take on His likeness amidst blasphemous people and ungodly ones.

For most of the time i was left feeling like serving NS is a totally meaningless and i failed to see the purpose of doing so. Coz the days are long, training is packed, the daily routine is well, routine. And day by day it ties me down into lowliness. However i guess i just gotta be conscious of how i respond, instead of nodding to comments frequently made like 'i think NS is really wasting my time', i had to be encouraging to my peers and let them see that the training isn't that totally mundane after all.

Throughout the days, the number of people reporting sick is ridiculously high. Some are genuine cases, but as i see it, most are still fit to do physical training. Understandably i can emphathise with them on why they choose to report sick. I really really wished i can be ruled out of some training. Because i think the army is quite kia-see(scared to die), so reporting sick is an easy way to skip training, and its actually very easy to report sick. But i'm reminded that i'm a Christian, so i should do my best in whatever i do, there are so many eyes around me, if i do not take the ethical path, then i'm a bad ambassador of Christ.

I guess taking on Christ likeness will make one an obvious standout. I was pleasantly surprised when my army-mates started approaching me to find out why i do not like vulgarities or speak them, they were curious, and i was just so happy to tell them! haha..

God speaketh through His Word which ever so refreshes me! Last last Sunday when i was so touched and comforted that God promises that He knows me best, He will never forsaketh me. At a time when i feel so confused, and being a Christian soldier is anything but easy, what God said to me made me feel ashamed of myself when i'd failed to take joy in His plans.

Well, i'm praying that I'll be able to get to know the other platoon mates better, 48 other people. And i pray that i may have opportunities to share the gospel to them also. I pray that my actions and attitude will be godly so that God may be glorified. Pray that i may be experience God's guidance!

I give thanks to God also for many of my fellow brothers and sisters who've constantly encouraged me, haha... it really matters to me.

Vin