The last month had been a crazy one for me. The amount of stress I went through was more than all the stress in my life put together! GOSH!! Work's been hell, but by God's grace, I came out of it and it's all over now.

On 21 May, I went to Bali for a client's brand conference for 4 days. And of course, I extended my stay. That's when my real holiday began... hehe.. Calvin and Jasmine joined me on the 24th and we had great fun for the next 5 days in Bali!

Pictures? But of course... check this space again soon.

Here's today's devotional from The Vine and it really encouraged me as I face discouragement, stress, doubt, hardship and fatigue at work over the last week. I hope it encourages one of you out there too.

Thank You Father for Your comforting presence and assurance and thank You for sending people around me to encourage me.

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"Staying The Course"
The testing of your faith produces endurance.
James 1:3 NAS

Endurance means "staying the course." But endurance is only a word until you have to deal with a strife-torn marriage, the long road back from bankruptcy, divorce or illness, the rebuilding of your life, or the required preparation for success in any field. It takes commitment to keep going when friends fail you, discouragement whispers "give up," and doubt says "it can't be done." That's when endurance takes on new meaning. It becomes your anchor in the storm, your compass in times of confusion, and the head of steam that gets you up the next hill.

Remember, God knows when to discontinue a trial because its purpose has been fulfilled. And He gives us two great promises: (1) His comforting presence (Isaiah 43:2-5). (2) The assurance that He won't permit more pressure than we can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13).

But there's another reason - others are watching! Paul writes, "People are watching us as we stay at our post… working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness and honest love; when we're telling the truth… when God's showing His power; when we're doing our best setting things right; when we're praised, and when we're blamed; slandered, and honoured; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognised by God… immersed in tears yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all" (2 Corinthians 6:3-10 TM). That's called "staying the course."