This is the day the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it

Galatians 2:20

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

This sentence appeared in my head and was also said to us before our baptism yesterday,
16 Feb 2013.

Baptism day to many, is a day that you are born again, officially. Which is true, yes. But I'm not sure if I'm weird because as much as the excitement was building up, the ceremony was so quick, I haven't fully digested or even feel His presence before the baptism took place. And I even forgot to picture Heaven's doors opening to me when I came out of water! But in any case, it does not change the fact that I am under the open heaven, and as always, His beloved child. 

I gave myself the name Davine. Initially I submitted my name as it is but as I was talking to Pearle, she told me the meaning of having a new  name, a baptism name - leaving the old, living the new. And then we went on talking other stuff and the character David (from Bible) came up and a friend joked about naming me as David. 2013 is a year of the Key of David afterall. I was surrounded by David-ism.

With this fresh revelation, I went home excitedly and googled names I can find with specific meanings on beloved, grace, rest.. of course priority on DAVID-ism so let's try David and his variations. A list came up and they are all nice names. Feminine versions and the first that caught my eye was Davina. It is indeed unique. I liked the name. Excitedly texted Pearle but as I thought about it deeper, I can't put my face on this name.
BTW, Noah means rest and I love this name. I'll keep it for my son to come, heehee.

Pearle told me not to be hasty, but to be restful and ask God for wisdom. So I prayed for God to rain down a name while I went on ahead to search for others - took me basically the whole morning but nothing speaks as much as Davina. I thought, if there are no other names, just settle with Davina. I left it and studied. Till evening, it was taunting because I was so eager and excited to have a name pinned down. I continued the search. Somehow I was led back to variations of David. Oof! Just can't believe none of its variations stood out.

Davina is a nice name but too feminine that I seriously can't picture myself with it. So I asked God for a cool yet meaningful name that I can put my face to. Now, my eye stopped at Davine. *!GASPS!* I thought, WOAH, THIS IS MY NAME!

So that's how it came about. David means beloved. Davine is one of the variations. Funny how the name has been there all along but my eye was blinded. Praise God really. Immediately texted Pearle "This is it! My name!" :)

I give thanks for Pearle, I give thanks for my entire CG. When I told Pearle I signed up for baptism, she immediately said she's coming to support. Thing is, I've only met her for the third time that day. I was touched. It was sincere and she is really excited and happy for me. None of my family members came nor other friends. Pearle was the only one. But on the actual day, Sean popped out too. The true delight, it was priceless. 

To be honest, I thought it was just gonna be a day where straight after baptism, I'll head home to my books. I thought it's going to be mundane. I thought, I thought.. I question myself why I'm so down. Not to mention the day wasn't exactly smooth for me also. Even right up to the journey for my baptism. What a day.

BUT God knows how to turn things around. AH, my day was empty, no wonder He can fill it up to the brim!

We hung out and was funny to me how we all decided individually to order smoothie in a coffee place (LOL). Chilled a bit and joined for badminton with the rest of the CG thereafter. 

So grabbed dinner and changed out quick. 

Still doubtful on how much better the day may turn out to be, badminton was GREAT. We booked the whole 2 hours, entire 2 courts for ourselves and we can run or scoot around anyhow we like. It was FUN.

I haven't enjoyed myself like that at all since 2013 began. Paralysed by the ongoing stress and fatigue.. No wonder. 

In any case, I perspired SO MUCH,  LAUGHED SO MUCH, ENJOYED SO MUCH. The day was REALLY GREAT, you know?

All the stunts pulled, weird actions, humorous incidents, those were epic one of a kind moments. SO BLESSED to be part of this CG, with great friends. Not to forget when Julie heard I was baptised earlier in the day, she said "You could have told us! We will all go down to support you".

A simple sentence, a sincere thought, it warms the heart.

Thank you beloveds.
Thank you Abba.