2009 has been one CRAZY year. It threw me challenges I had never experienced before. Some milestones/ new experiences in retrospect:-
(1) I went thru my first ever surgery - not an experience I would ever want to go through again.
(2) Nov'09 marked my first anniversary in raising a teenage boy! Most people are rather presumptious that just because one has been the head of a youth group and a youth cell leader for years automatically means one has the "knowledge" and skills set required to "raise" a teenager. I have to refute this assumption thoroughly. Conclusion to the experience thus far - PARENTING is tough....and sticking together as a family takes a whole different meaning altogether....but in a good sense, it has given me a chance to reflect on my values system & test whether I would stick to them when times are tough.
(3)My first wedding anniversary. No offense, some people claim that the first year of marriage is a honeymoon year. I can't really agree though. I would say I feel like an old married couple sometimes with all the chores & BILLS!!! Oh, but I definitely think marriage is way better than the courtship phase =). So for all those couples out there who are in their courtship phase & of marriageable age, er don't wait forever to tie the knot. MARRIAGE ROCKS!
(4) I am officially 4 months pregnant today =). I have to say that the pregnancy was a pleasant surprise. A bit overwhelming sometimes when I am looking at baby items. A little scary also cos soon I will get my chance to er "bring a life into the world" and this all seems very much like a dream which I am sure will pop once I hear the baby crying ;)
(5) Meng Hong & I started a Young Adults cell group in our home. We had prayed about it for some time and finally made that decision & not long after that found out I was preggie. Initially, I thought God was doing one of his testing stunts but I guess I decided not to figure out whether He was testing me. Instead decided that in whatever circumastance, we would still want to give our best to Him and ask for His providence for our lives together as a family.
Alright another proof that I am getting older is that I can't blog for long. It tires me. Hehehehe....So I guess this summarizes the highlights of 2009. Looking forward to a great 2010! BRING IT ON!!!!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Philippines braces for another storm
[Source: Yahoo News]
By Raju Gopalakrishnan Raju Gopalakrishnan – Tue Sep 29, 12:43 am ET
MANILA (Reuters) – Philippine authorities braced on Tuesday for another storm as the death toll from rain and floods from a weekend typhoon, now bearing down on Vietnam, rose to 240.
Weather forecasters said a new storm forming in the Pacific Ocean was likely to enter Philippine waters on Thursday and make landfall later in the week on the northern island of Luzon, just like Saturday's Typhoon Ketsana.
Ketsana dumped more than a month's worth of average rainfall on Manila and surrounding areas in one 24-hour period. About 80 percent of the city of 15 million was flooded.
Authorities estimated damage from the storm so far at around 2.34 billion pesos ($50 million). More than 1.8 million people were affected and 375,000 had abandoned their homes and taken refuge in evacuation centers.
The death toll could rise further once reports come in from remote areas. The storm hit metropolitan Manila and 12 provinces.
"For casualties, the increase will be not as great, but the damage figures may increase," Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro told a news conference on Tuesday.
"Even opportunity loss of revenues for establishments, that alone would amount to hundreds of millions at least per day."
VIETNAM NEXT
Ketsana is now likely to make landfall in central Vietnam later on Tuesday, where authorities have ordered the evacuation of at least 170,000 people.
Hundreds of soldiers were helping evacuate people and with storm preparations. Ships have been told to take shelter in Danang. Vietnam Airlines has canceled all fights to the port city since Monday and schools in several coastal provinces were closed.
In the Philippines, authorities released water from Angkat dam north of Manila, but stressed it was being done carefully to prevent any recurrence of floods.
"Angat opened their gates slowly just to keep it at spilling level and the effect would be minimal," Teodoro said.
Communist rebels announced a unilateral ceasefire with government forces and ordered cadres to help in flood relief operations.
Private citizens and volunteer groups were collecting relief goods -- mostly clothes, drinking water and medicines -- and distributing them to victims. Many people have thrown open their homes to those who were forced to abandon theirs.
U.S. soldiers deployed in the south of the country have been brought to Manila to help in relief, while the United Nations has announced it will give food aid and cash for medical supplies.
The government has come in for scathing criticism for its response to the disaster, with many calling it inadequate and delayed.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has called the typhoon "an extreme event that has strained our response capabilities to the limit."
"But it is not breaking us," she said in a statement on Monday, after opening the presidential palace for relief efforts.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime typhoon."
But analysts say the floods have worsened the reputation of Arroyo, who has been accused of corruption and poll fraud, and that it could affect the prospects of Teodoro, the administration candidate, in the May 2010 presidential election.
(Additional reporting by Rosemarie Francisco; Editing by Bill Tarrant)
By Raju Gopalakrishnan Raju Gopalakrishnan – Tue Sep 29, 12:43 am ET
MANILA (Reuters) – Philippine authorities braced on Tuesday for another storm as the death toll from rain and floods from a weekend typhoon, now bearing down on Vietnam, rose to 240.
Weather forecasters said a new storm forming in the Pacific Ocean was likely to enter Philippine waters on Thursday and make landfall later in the week on the northern island of Luzon, just like Saturday's Typhoon Ketsana.
Ketsana dumped more than a month's worth of average rainfall on Manila and surrounding areas in one 24-hour period. About 80 percent of the city of 15 million was flooded.
Authorities estimated damage from the storm so far at around 2.34 billion pesos ($50 million). More than 1.8 million people were affected and 375,000 had abandoned their homes and taken refuge in evacuation centers.
The death toll could rise further once reports come in from remote areas. The storm hit metropolitan Manila and 12 provinces.
"For casualties, the increase will be not as great, but the damage figures may increase," Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro told a news conference on Tuesday.
"Even opportunity loss of revenues for establishments, that alone would amount to hundreds of millions at least per day."
VIETNAM NEXT
Ketsana is now likely to make landfall in central Vietnam later on Tuesday, where authorities have ordered the evacuation of at least 170,000 people.
Hundreds of soldiers were helping evacuate people and with storm preparations. Ships have been told to take shelter in Danang. Vietnam Airlines has canceled all fights to the port city since Monday and schools in several coastal provinces were closed.
In the Philippines, authorities released water from Angkat dam north of Manila, but stressed it was being done carefully to prevent any recurrence of floods.
"Angat opened their gates slowly just to keep it at spilling level and the effect would be minimal," Teodoro said.
Communist rebels announced a unilateral ceasefire with government forces and ordered cadres to help in flood relief operations.
Private citizens and volunteer groups were collecting relief goods -- mostly clothes, drinking water and medicines -- and distributing them to victims. Many people have thrown open their homes to those who were forced to abandon theirs.
U.S. soldiers deployed in the south of the country have been brought to Manila to help in relief, while the United Nations has announced it will give food aid and cash for medical supplies.
The government has come in for scathing criticism for its response to the disaster, with many calling it inadequate and delayed.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has called the typhoon "an extreme event that has strained our response capabilities to the limit."
"But it is not breaking us," she said in a statement on Monday, after opening the presidential palace for relief efforts.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime typhoon."
But analysts say the floods have worsened the reputation of Arroyo, who has been accused of corruption and poll fraud, and that it could affect the prospects of Teodoro, the administration candidate, in the May 2010 presidential election.
(Additional reporting by Rosemarie Francisco; Editing by Bill Tarrant)
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Meng Yoe & Sarah's Gift List
I have officially been appointed GIFT CO-ORDINATOR for my petbrother and fiancee's wedding. As a way of introduction of the gift list & their website, kindly find the link as attached.
http://tmysarah.wordpress.com/gift-list/
They'll be updating the website periodically so do feel free to browse through off and on.
Meantime, if you see anything that you want to bless them with, do not hesitate to contact me so I can ensure you're the one who gets them that specific thing or update you on what else is still "untaken".
Gosh, I love weddings!
http://tmysarah.wordpress.com/gift-list/
They'll be updating the website periodically so do feel free to browse through off and on.
Meantime, if you see anything that you want to bless them with, do not hesitate to contact me so I can ensure you're the one who gets them that specific thing or update you on what else is still "untaken".
Gosh, I love weddings!
Benefits of Eating COD FISH
Cod fish is my favourite of all kinds of fish. So decided to do some read up on it and post a little on its benefits.
[taken from Hubpages, article written by Shannon Clark]
Cod is a white fish that is mild flavoured and available throughout the entire year. It belongs to the same family as the haddock and monkfish and is deep is a deep fish sea from the Artic waters.
Along with 29 grams of protein and 119 calories for a four once serving, cod provides the following other health benefits.
Cardiovascular Health Improvements
Cod has been shown to be one of the best meat sources in terms of reducing atherosclerosis and heart disease in those who have diabetes. Those consuming cod as a regular part of their diet also have a decreased risk of heart attack than those who don't and also show a greater likelihood of meeting their vitamin B12 needs as cod is high in that nutrient as well. Vitamin B12 along with vitamin B6, also found in cod, are important in helping to keep homocysteine levels low. This is a molecule that is related to the blood vessel walls and when seen in high proportions can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Increase Heart Muscle Function
Because cod is a source of Omega-3 fatty acids it will significantly help to improve the functioning of the human heart muscle therefore helping to protect you from experiencing an ischemic stroke. In one study comparing those who at fish and those who did not, it was seen that the risk of ischemic stroke decreased by 9% in those who ate omega-3 fatty acid rich fish 1-3 times per month, 13% in those who ate the fish at least once per week, 18% in those who ate the fish 2-4 times per week and 31% in those who consumed fish five times per week or more. This demonstrates that the more you choose to consume fish in your daily diet the better off you will be.
Along with decreasing the risk of ischemic stroke, consuming a fish rich diet will also help to lower your triglyceride levels, giving you a better cholesterol profile (high in HDL and low in LDL)
Skin Protection
Finally a third reason why consuming a cod rich diet is a good idea is that the fish can help to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body and help to protect against sunburn and potentially even skin cancer.
Because the ozone is becoming more and more depleted as time goes on, it is becoming increasingly important to take measures to protect our skin from the sun's damaging affects. Because when UV-B radiation strikes the skins surface inflammation occurs, anything that will help reduce this inflammation will work towards solving this issue, cod being the perfect example.
So next time you are trying to choose what to cook for dinner, consider baking up some cod. Not only does it taste great but it's a perfect food for weight loss since it's low calories and also allows you to achieve optimum health.
[taken from Hubpages, article written by Shannon Clark]
Cod is a white fish that is mild flavoured and available throughout the entire year. It belongs to the same family as the haddock and monkfish and is deep is a deep fish sea from the Artic waters.
Along with 29 grams of protein and 119 calories for a four once serving, cod provides the following other health benefits.
Cardiovascular Health Improvements
Cod has been shown to be one of the best meat sources in terms of reducing atherosclerosis and heart disease in those who have diabetes. Those consuming cod as a regular part of their diet also have a decreased risk of heart attack than those who don't and also show a greater likelihood of meeting their vitamin B12 needs as cod is high in that nutrient as well. Vitamin B12 along with vitamin B6, also found in cod, are important in helping to keep homocysteine levels low. This is a molecule that is related to the blood vessel walls and when seen in high proportions can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Increase Heart Muscle Function
Because cod is a source of Omega-3 fatty acids it will significantly help to improve the functioning of the human heart muscle therefore helping to protect you from experiencing an ischemic stroke. In one study comparing those who at fish and those who did not, it was seen that the risk of ischemic stroke decreased by 9% in those who ate omega-3 fatty acid rich fish 1-3 times per month, 13% in those who ate the fish at least once per week, 18% in those who ate the fish 2-4 times per week and 31% in those who consumed fish five times per week or more. This demonstrates that the more you choose to consume fish in your daily diet the better off you will be.
Along with decreasing the risk of ischemic stroke, consuming a fish rich diet will also help to lower your triglyceride levels, giving you a better cholesterol profile (high in HDL and low in LDL)
Skin Protection
Finally a third reason why consuming a cod rich diet is a good idea is that the fish can help to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body and help to protect against sunburn and potentially even skin cancer.
Because the ozone is becoming more and more depleted as time goes on, it is becoming increasingly important to take measures to protect our skin from the sun's damaging affects. Because when UV-B radiation strikes the skins surface inflammation occurs, anything that will help reduce this inflammation will work towards solving this issue, cod being the perfect example.
So next time you are trying to choose what to cook for dinner, consider baking up some cod. Not only does it taste great but it's a perfect food for weight loss since it's low calories and also allows you to achieve optimum health.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
In This Land
The guys and I took the opportunity of the long Merdeka weekend to go back to Penang to visit their grandmother and eldest uncle. It was such a lovely stay just chilling, enjoying the fine weather, the food (can't forget this important part) and of course the company.
We went to Georgetown Baptist Church (GBC) on Sunday for service and without fail, every time I step inside that church, I am thoroughly blessed by just being there. Their simplicity and sincerity always amazes me. And this time, God had a treat for us.
There was a song presentation by some of the youths. The message behind the lyrics was simply powerful and a great reminder to us all. Lyrics of the song is as written below:
Title: In This Land
Composer: Jeremy Ng (GBC)
In this land, I will praise.
This is where You rule and reign.
In this land, I will stay.
May Your glory fill this place.
There is a calling for every man.
A greater purpose in the Maker’s hand.
Will you hear the call?
Will you take your stand?
As a people of this land.
In this land, I will serve.
This is where I’ll pour out my love.
In this land, I will pray.
May Your glory fill this place.
There is a calling for every man.
A greater purpose in the Maker’s hand.
Will you hear the call?
Will you take your stand?
As a people of this land.
Malaysia for Your glory.
We went to Georgetown Baptist Church (GBC) on Sunday for service and without fail, every time I step inside that church, I am thoroughly blessed by just being there. Their simplicity and sincerity always amazes me. And this time, God had a treat for us.
There was a song presentation by some of the youths. The message behind the lyrics was simply powerful and a great reminder to us all. Lyrics of the song is as written below:
Title: In This Land
Composer: Jeremy Ng (GBC)
In this land, I will praise.
This is where You rule and reign.
In this land, I will stay.
May Your glory fill this place.
There is a calling for every man.
A greater purpose in the Maker’s hand.
Will you hear the call?
Will you take your stand?
As a people of this land.
In this land, I will serve.
This is where I’ll pour out my love.
In this land, I will pray.
May Your glory fill this place.
There is a calling for every man.
A greater purpose in the Maker’s hand.
Will you hear the call?
Will you take your stand?
As a people of this land.
Malaysia for Your glory.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Distressing News
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/20tragicks/Article/index_html
I am distressed as I read this story and it brought back memories of the Canny Ong case (if I am not mistaken it also had something to do with BSC). Not saying that BSC is only filled with bad stuff happening. Just saying that goodness the place one too many upsetting news.
Anyway to all my friends, please do be careful k.
I am distressed as I read this story and it brought back memories of the Canny Ong case (if I am not mistaken it also had something to do with BSC). Not saying that BSC is only filled with bad stuff happening. Just saying that goodness the place one too many upsetting news.
Anyway to all my friends, please do be careful k.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Genuine Faith
Sent to me by a dear friend. I thank you for the sweet reminder.
By Micca Monda Campbell
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” Titus 3:5 (NKJV)
Devotion:
Today if you were to ask someone what a genuine Christian is, you might hear something like this: “They are someone who is at church every time the doors open. They serve on committees, teach Sunday school, sing in the choir, feed the hungry and pray for the needy. They never get discouraged, never doubt, but have little time for fun. They’re too busy working for the Lord.”
I think Satan has deceived us with the illusion that a busy Christian is a genuine Christian. It’s just not true. Don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying these are not good things to do, but I fear we’ve turned our walk with God into a frenzied pace by adding to our faith a lot of extra baggage that we don’t need. We need to get back to real, genuine faith.
The trouble is we are no different than the Galatians. They started with faith, but then added works as well. In Galatians 3:3, Paul asks the people this question: “Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?” (NLT). Good question. I can’t tell you how long I lived doing that same thing. I tried to live for God by my own efforts instead of allowing Him to live in and through me by faith.
Genuine faith is not about doing. It’s about believing God. It’s a relationship between us and God that begins by faith, is lived by faith, and ends in faith. It’s that simple. Everything else - such as good works - flows from the source of this relationship.
However, some Christians fall into the trap of organized religion instead of practicing simple, genuine faith. This kind of oppression is growing in our world today because nothing is simple anymore, especially our faith. We do a lot of extra stuff for all the wrong reasons, such as impressing others or trying to win God’s approval. It’s not that we shouldn’t do good deeds, but we need to ask ourselves, “Why am I doing what I’m doing, and who am I doing it for?”. We just might surprise ourselves with the answer.
Life is heavy enough with the responsibilities God has given us. I’m finding that people today are burned out from trying to do it all and then feeling guilty because they can’t. I know. I was a lot like the The Little Engine That Could. Do you remember that children’s story? At some point in my life, I adopted the engine’s motto as my life’s purpose. “I think I can, I think I can…” Whenever someone asked me to do something - especially at church - I quickly responded, “I think I can!” Only to discover, I can’t do it all.
I had the same problem that plagued the Galatians. I was practicing religion instead of relationship.
Genuine faith is not a long list of performances we do to try to impress others or even God. It’s about maintaining our relationship with God. This is the secret to the Christian life. If you and I will daily stay connected to our source, then the natural outcome will be a simple life of genuine faith.
Dear Lord, I humbly lay all my works, efforts, and life before You today. I long to pursue You. Draw me closer to You, Lord. Teach me to live by simple, genuine faith in You alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
By Micca Monda Campbell
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” Titus 3:5 (NKJV)
Devotion:
Today if you were to ask someone what a genuine Christian is, you might hear something like this: “They are someone who is at church every time the doors open. They serve on committees, teach Sunday school, sing in the choir, feed the hungry and pray for the needy. They never get discouraged, never doubt, but have little time for fun. They’re too busy working for the Lord.”
I think Satan has deceived us with the illusion that a busy Christian is a genuine Christian. It’s just not true. Don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying these are not good things to do, but I fear we’ve turned our walk with God into a frenzied pace by adding to our faith a lot of extra baggage that we don’t need. We need to get back to real, genuine faith.
The trouble is we are no different than the Galatians. They started with faith, but then added works as well. In Galatians 3:3, Paul asks the people this question: “Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?” (NLT). Good question. I can’t tell you how long I lived doing that same thing. I tried to live for God by my own efforts instead of allowing Him to live in and through me by faith.
Genuine faith is not about doing. It’s about believing God. It’s a relationship between us and God that begins by faith, is lived by faith, and ends in faith. It’s that simple. Everything else - such as good works - flows from the source of this relationship.
However, some Christians fall into the trap of organized religion instead of practicing simple, genuine faith. This kind of oppression is growing in our world today because nothing is simple anymore, especially our faith. We do a lot of extra stuff for all the wrong reasons, such as impressing others or trying to win God’s approval. It’s not that we shouldn’t do good deeds, but we need to ask ourselves, “Why am I doing what I’m doing, and who am I doing it for?”. We just might surprise ourselves with the answer.
Life is heavy enough with the responsibilities God has given us. I’m finding that people today are burned out from trying to do it all and then feeling guilty because they can’t. I know. I was a lot like the The Little Engine That Could. Do you remember that children’s story? At some point in my life, I adopted the engine’s motto as my life’s purpose. “I think I can, I think I can…” Whenever someone asked me to do something - especially at church - I quickly responded, “I think I can!” Only to discover, I can’t do it all.
I had the same problem that plagued the Galatians. I was practicing religion instead of relationship.
Genuine faith is not a long list of performances we do to try to impress others or even God. It’s about maintaining our relationship with God. This is the secret to the Christian life. If you and I will daily stay connected to our source, then the natural outcome will be a simple life of genuine faith.
Dear Lord, I humbly lay all my works, efforts, and life before You today. I long to pursue You. Draw me closer to You, Lord. Teach me to live by simple, genuine faith in You alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Where is my heart?
It has been many, many years. And I can't remember the last time I had the time nor the peace to re-evaluate who I really was. The funny thing is technically speaking when those around looked at me, they saw a girl that was passionate and went all out to achieve much. The ironic thing is whilst I was serving others, whilst I was working hard, whilst I was trying to find a sense of balance, it was when it finally hit me that I had lost myself and what truly mattered to me.
I had been a cell leader for 11 years and a youth worker for more than that. I had what church leaders would call as "moving forward" yet from where I am standing now, I realised I cared less and less cos I was so focused on the task at hand, the next outreach event, the committee runnings, the next outreach lunch, my exams, then came my audit deadlines, and the list goes on and on.
It was also this time I had this question which I'd asked myself whether it mattered to me if today I was not chairman, if I were not a cell leader, if I were not in everything which someone else dictated as important, would I still serve, would I still care when the world did not see it? Would Meng Yoe, or Kenneth, or Josh still be my brothers/ good friends if I were not all these? Would I be loved any less? Would I be more of myself? Would God be pleased with me? Tons of questions running through my head in the last 8 months prior and throughout the time I had stepped down.
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that one should not serve in a capacity, or one should not be a cell leader but more than the position, personally for me, there were all these questions running through my mind and I desperately wanted to know the answer for my own sanity and to face the truth.
Many have been answered and the testimony of God's goodness in my life is something I hold very dear. I guess this time of stepping back was a good break from the usual hustle and bustle. It has also been a very faith challenging time and a pride breaking process.
I am grateful that God had given me the chance to step back to re-align myself with His purposes. This year I've spend more time to with some of my closest friends eg Pritam, Li-Ann (pre wedding times....we seriously need to catch up), had time to run around and do the things people should do visit the sick, teach those who require help, attend friends' loved ones funeral, talk to my grandma, do grocery shopping, share the gospel, be there for friends' on the important times and most of all, to find myself again. To remember that the things that should matter in life do matter -integrity, love, passion, and Jesus.
"Purpose serves as a principle around which to organize our lives." - Anonymous.
"Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds." - George Elliot.
"We were not sent into this world to do anything into which we can not put our heart." - John Ruskin.
May we always have the "heart" element in the things we do.
I had been a cell leader for 11 years and a youth worker for more than that. I had what church leaders would call as "moving forward" yet from where I am standing now, I realised I cared less and less cos I was so focused on the task at hand, the next outreach event, the committee runnings, the next outreach lunch, my exams, then came my audit deadlines, and the list goes on and on.
It was also this time I had this question which I'd asked myself whether it mattered to me if today I was not chairman, if I were not a cell leader, if I were not in everything which someone else dictated as important, would I still serve, would I still care when the world did not see it? Would Meng Yoe, or Kenneth, or Josh still be my brothers/ good friends if I were not all these? Would I be loved any less? Would I be more of myself? Would God be pleased with me? Tons of questions running through my head in the last 8 months prior and throughout the time I had stepped down.
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that one should not serve in a capacity, or one should not be a cell leader but more than the position, personally for me, there were all these questions running through my mind and I desperately wanted to know the answer for my own sanity and to face the truth.
Many have been answered and the testimony of God's goodness in my life is something I hold very dear. I guess this time of stepping back was a good break from the usual hustle and bustle. It has also been a very faith challenging time and a pride breaking process.
I am grateful that God had given me the chance to step back to re-align myself with His purposes. This year I've spend more time to with some of my closest friends eg Pritam, Li-Ann (pre wedding times....we seriously need to catch up), had time to run around and do the things people should do visit the sick, teach those who require help, attend friends' loved ones funeral, talk to my grandma, do grocery shopping, share the gospel, be there for friends' on the important times and most of all, to find myself again. To remember that the things that should matter in life do matter -integrity, love, passion, and Jesus.
"Purpose serves as a principle around which to organize our lives." - Anonymous.
"Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds." - George Elliot.
"We were not sent into this world to do anything into which we can not put our heart." - John Ruskin.
May we always have the "heart" element in the things we do.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Do I Make You Proud?
I've been watching for some time now. Looking at him find his place in this world. And although many a time, I know he has much room for improvement, I also see how very little attention and sensitivity he gets from the very people who claim to care about him.
My latest observation was the irony of seeing him having to be part of something, declaring to the world his love for his parents and asking them, whether he makes them proud in front of a crowd of 800+ persons is not what I had in mind as therapeutic for anyone who has been through what he has been through.
I was told he was "encouraged" to be involved at the very last juncture. (This last minute habit confirms the right decision to walk out cos they never seem to learn so as long as it isn't some important persons' cell member. Sigh). And so there he was to sing to his dead parents whilst the world never cared an ounce of his feelings.
Today I look at him with more admiration than the day before, for I see someone who has braced through much insensitivity and wasn't given much 2nd thought.
For some are called leaders for positions bestowed to them. For others, they are leaders for they battle to live the best they can in the worst of conditions. They make a difference in their own little way though they are not committe members nor popularised by others nor hold fancy positions. They are the unsung heroes.
Whoever is providing leadership needs to be as fresh and thoughtful and reflective as possible to make the very best fight. - Faye Wattleton.
His brother and I are very proud of him.
And I am sure his parents are VERY PROUD of him
For all of us, the question should not be about whether we hold a position or not but whether we are worthy of our call.
p/s: the irony of the song chosen is that it was the very song his brother dedicated to his mother when she had just gone to heaven.
http://halomango.blogspot.com/2006/11/little-dedication.html
My latest observation was the irony of seeing him having to be part of something, declaring to the world his love for his parents and asking them, whether he makes them proud in front of a crowd of 800+ persons is not what I had in mind as therapeutic for anyone who has been through what he has been through.
I was told he was "encouraged" to be involved at the very last juncture. (This last minute habit confirms the right decision to walk out cos they never seem to learn so as long as it isn't some important persons' cell member. Sigh). And so there he was to sing to his dead parents whilst the world never cared an ounce of his feelings.
Today I look at him with more admiration than the day before, for I see someone who has braced through much insensitivity and wasn't given much 2nd thought.
For some are called leaders for positions bestowed to them. For others, they are leaders for they battle to live the best they can in the worst of conditions. They make a difference in their own little way though they are not committe members nor popularised by others nor hold fancy positions. They are the unsung heroes.
Whoever is providing leadership needs to be as fresh and thoughtful and reflective as possible to make the very best fight. - Faye Wattleton.
His brother and I are very proud of him.
And I am sure his parents are VERY PROUD of him
For all of us, the question should not be about whether we hold a position or not but whether we are worthy of our call.
p/s: the irony of the song chosen is that it was the very song his brother dedicated to his mother when she had just gone to heaven.
http://halomango.blogspot.com/2006/11/little-dedication.html
Monday, May 11, 2009
Together
It's been a little after 6 months since I've married MH. It has been quite a journey. People say that adjusting to marriage would take some time. Guess for me, it's a little different. MH and I have his brother staying with us. We're raising a teenager. It's like we skipped the whole kindy, primary, first half of secondary and tada, here we are.
We're also coping and adjusting to running a home together. Let's say that having your own home is no joke what with bills and more bills to pay. Also trying first hand at cooking (though this isnt my favourite part of the job). To cope with the financial responsibilities, MH and I give tuition, run an accesories blog and a one off time whereby I marked Sunway TES ACCA internal papers. So every week is such busyness, it's unbelievable.
Some people think we're being dished money to us. Some others just cant be bothered. And sometimes...just random moments....I am envious of the lives of others but then I am reminded that I am afterall, married to the man I love and I would not have wanted it any other way.
My couzy messaged me today and said, "1 envy u being home with family and have a man that adores u" and "u have a good life and u are doing a good thing by raising mh's bro".
Thanks for the encouragement. Sometimes it gets overwhelming and I wonder whether I'll make it through till the end. Sometimes we cry together cos we aren't sure whether there is going to be enough. Sometimes we worry cos we wonder whether MC will turn out alright. Sometimes we wish we had a whole lot more. Sometimes we wish things were different.
However, I am reminded once again, we have much to be grateful for. We have each other. Reading MH's blog entry dated 05 February 2007 and it is entitled "Together" and it has this in bold " Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success". and it continues to with :
"I am glad that we are together and walking towards the same direction, Grace. =)"
To my darling husband:
I am glad that we are together, dear and walking towards the same direction.
We'll pul through this together.
We're also coping and adjusting to running a home together. Let's say that having your own home is no joke what with bills and more bills to pay. Also trying first hand at cooking (though this isnt my favourite part of the job). To cope with the financial responsibilities, MH and I give tuition, run an accesories blog and a one off time whereby I marked Sunway TES ACCA internal papers. So every week is such busyness, it's unbelievable.
Some people think we're being dished money to us. Some others just cant be bothered. And sometimes...just random moments....I am envious of the lives of others but then I am reminded that I am afterall, married to the man I love and I would not have wanted it any other way.
My couzy messaged me today and said, "1 envy u being home with family and have a man that adores u" and "u have a good life and u are doing a good thing by raising mh's bro".
Thanks for the encouragement. Sometimes it gets overwhelming and I wonder whether I'll make it through till the end. Sometimes we cry together cos we aren't sure whether there is going to be enough. Sometimes we worry cos we wonder whether MC will turn out alright. Sometimes we wish we had a whole lot more. Sometimes we wish things were different.
However, I am reminded once again, we have much to be grateful for. We have each other. Reading MH's blog entry dated 05 February 2007 and it is entitled "Together" and it has this in bold " Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success". and it continues to with :
"I am glad that we are together and walking towards the same direction, Grace. =)"
To my darling husband:
I am glad that we are together, dear and walking towards the same direction.
We'll pul through this together.
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