A responsible life

A good friend of mine sent me this post in an email. And once again, I am reminded why I make the choices that I do. And also cautioned myself against people who do not mind not living a responsible life.

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I gave her full marks for her honesty.
When the CEO of a Multi National Company was interviewed, this is what she said about work-life balance. (She is a mother of two.)

“’The fact is there are certain times in your career when your family will have to take the back seat,’ she said. A career woman needed to have ‘super discipline’ to strike a balance and that rarely happened in real life. “As long as you know your family is paying the price, don’t moan over it and try to offset your absence with money or expensive stuffs,’ she said.”

Let me say up front that this is not a woman issue. Children, for example, need both fathers and mothers. Indeed it may very will be the fact that the CEO was a woman that the work-life balance question came up at all. The interviewer may not have even raised the issue if it had
been a man.

I also credit her for acting intentionally. She knew what the costs were for herself and for her family, and she had made her choices. Many would have ended up doing exactly the same thing blindly, going with the flow, unthinking.

But is the balanced life really an unachievable ideal meant only for a few super disciplined people? For most of us it certainly feels that way. Everyday we are torn by demands from all quarters and feel, well, quartered.

Every once in awhile we make a fresh resolution to live a more balanced life. Such resolutions usually last until the next crisis at work or at home.

Time management seminars only add to the guilt. Time management gurus at expensive seminars hold before us the holy grail of the balanced life. They teach us how to find that grail. We leave such seminars energized and hopeful. Until our next crisis at work or at home.

In a lead article in FAST COMPANY (October 2004), Keith H.Hammonds, deputy editor, tells us to forget about the balanced life. He says: "The truth is, balance is a bunk. It is an unattainable pipe dream, a vain artifice that offers mostly rhetorical solutions to problems of logistics and economics. The quest for balance between work and life, as we've come to think of it, isn't just a losing proposition; it's a hurtful, destructive one."

He goes on to say that: "Life is about setting priorities and and making trade-offs; that's what grown ups do. But in our all-or-nothing culture, resorting to those sorts of decisions is too often seen as a kind of failure. Seeking balance, we strive for achievement everywhere, all
the time --- and we feel guilty and stressed out when, inevitably, we fall short."

I like a lot of what Hammonds says. Indeed, if a balanced life means having it all, it sounds more like a desire to be god-like, living without limits, than a desire to work towards a biblical understanding of shalom.

But what Hammonds seem to go on to say is that since a balanced life is a myth, let's live an unbalanced life and ditch the guilt. He goes on to point out that there are happy workaholics out there whose lives are totally unbalanced and that is perfectly acceptable as long as they are happy.

I am sure Hammond would applaud the CEO mentioned earlier, who had also given up any attempt to live a balanced life. For her, as for many others, work came first. Family can and
indeed should be neglected at this chapter in their lives.

What is a Christian to say about Mr. Hammonds' analysis about the balanced life?

For one, I found that Mr. Hammonds doesn't seem to work out of any sense of a commitment to authoritative revealed truth. If he is a Christian, he doesn't show it. For him, humankind is finally answerable to no one but themselves.

Yes a balanced life is unattainable but it is up to you to decide what areas of life you want to neglect at any point of our life. You are the boss of your own life. You decide and there is no need to feel guilty about whatever or whoever you are neglecting. (I guess we can't completely get rid of guilt since even the CEO interviewed felt the need to compensate her children for her neglect with " money and expensive stuffs.")

Well, if a balanced life is unattainable, what is a Christian to do?
I suggest that instead of chasing some impossible balanced life, we work towards living a responsible life.

In the book of Ephesians, Paul talks about the various responsibilities of a Christian.
*Towards the church (4:11-16)
*Towards spouses (5:22-33)
*Towards parents (6:1-3)
*Towards children (6:4)
*Towards masters/bosses? (6:5-8)
*Towards slaves/subordinates? (6:9)

I know it is difficult to translate ethical injunctions from Paul's time to ours and I am sure the list is not meant to be exhaustive. For example, we also have responsibilities to our friends, to our country, to the environment, etc.

But Paul's approach is clear. Life in Christ is defined by a number of key roles and the responsibilities that come with those roles. Therefore, as I seek to live a responsible life, I will first list down all the key roles in my life. (Stephen R Covey suggests that we have a maximum of seven key roles).

As I look towards a coming week, I ask myself, what are some things I need to do for each of my key roles, for me to continue to be a responsible person accountable to God?

For example, in this coming week, as a father, what are some things I need to be doing with my boys to qualify as a responsible father? As a responsible son to my widowed mother, are there some things I need to do? As a responsible teacher and writer for God, what do I have to do this week?

This was how some of the questions were answered this week.

No. 2 son was down with a fever. I had to get him from school, take him to the doctor, sit up with him, pray for him. No.1 son had just started his university studies. I grabbed him for a quick chat about how he might want to manage his time now that he was starting university.

I called my mum in Penang as I normally do every Monday evening. I noted that her cough was still bad and that she had had it for more than a month. I nagged her about getting
an x-ray.

I did some writing for my Doctor of Ministry final project. And then there were two sermons to prepare for. And this ecommentary to write.

Was it a balanced week? No. There were a number of people I needed to call. I didn't. There were a number of emails I should have replied. I didn't. And I didn't get to enjoy the new DVD player that a good friend had given us.

I didn't do many other things I should have done.

I take it that there will be no perfection this side of heaven. So I try not to feel guilty that there were a number of things I had neglected. But I had tried to live responsibly.

The quest to live responsibly can be sabotaged by perfectionism as well as by sloth. I take it as a given that some weeks will be better than others. As in many things, learning to live a responsible life will be a life long journey of growth in wisdom. And we will need the help of others.

Still, desiring to live a responsible life sure feels much better than say, ignoring my boys for six months while I try to finish my final project. That would be plain irresponsible.

It would be irresponsible to seek to be perfect in the performance of any one role (work? church?) to the total neglect of my other roles. Such irresponsibility is no expression of the Spirit filled life (Ephesians 5:18).

God wants us to live better.
He wants us to be responsible.

written by Tan Soo Inn (25th February Edition) from Grace @ Work.
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Today started out rather heart wrenching. Firstly a friend was bombarded on why she wants to leave a certain department to be a mum and why does she even need to adjust or cope? I wonder to myself whether you have been so set in your ways till you forget to be sensitive to others who are trying to do their best.

You still haven't waken up from your sleep and asked yourself why your leaders are leaving your side and unwilling to fight the battle with you! Shame on you to not acknowledge them as human beings but as things/ tools to get what you want.

Some other disturbing news of how this same department (Dept 1) is making another department (Dept 2) move its entire force to organise and administrate an event which does not involve Dept 2. I am sad to say I am disgusted to be part of Dept 1 to see it come to such a horrible state that causes such nuisance and problems to others. And I understand that Dept 1 isnt even doing anything for their own event.

Shame on you for causing so much grief and pain to other people around you. And shame on those who allow you to do so and encourage you to continue to be selfish. Bad enough that you don't help others, worst that you cause others to suffer. Shame on you. A real shame.

Sigh. I am speechless. But these are signs that the decision made and the word from God was right.

May we leave in peace.

God bless the people who have tried their best but yet suffer for the wrongdoings and insensitivity of others.

Preview of my pre wed shots

Last Monday (4th August 2008), Meng and I awoke early with much excitement and glee for our pre wed shoot. Contrary to belief that pre wed shots are extremely exhausting and absolutely dreadful, we were on the other extreme whereby we were giggling all the way (with the occasional moments of Meng Hong dying of heat during the outdoor shots).

Special thanks to Joshua Yim for being there to accompany us, direct us, carry our million things ie towel, balloons, soft toys, and my shoes! We're sad that you cant be present on our big day due to being overseas for studies. However, we're eternally grateful that you were with us to share our candid moments captured. Love you lots!

We wanted the shots to be very us. To show how much we enjoy each other's company so we did not go for the posing shots la. Just shots doing our thing. We have other shots like eating together shots, reading together shots, but those will be posted later.

We're thrilled to have Alex Moi to be our photographer. Over the course of time, we are glad we sparked a mutual (I hope) chemistry and we love the fact you were so open to our ideas and we're able to bring life and who we are out in the pictures.

Last but not least, a hearty thank you to Julie Teoh for spending so much time on my pre wed shots make up, testing all sorts of colours, styles, etc to ensure I was comfortable and as natural as can be. Really appreciate the fact I wasn't dolled up =p.

I am over the moon and in much anticipation to see the finished product of the pre wed shots.

Soon to come......

P/S: do leave comments on my wedding photographer's blog as well if you like his work as an encouragement to him ya.
http://www.alexmoi.net/blog/

Wan Azizah quits, Anwar to contest

PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has quit as Permatang Pauh Member of Parliament to make way for husband Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to contest in a by-election. She handed her resignation letter to Parliament Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia today.

Eumora on a review blog!

Eumora has been reviewed on http://ashopaholicsden.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2008-07-28T18%3A54%3A00%2B08%3A00&max-results=15
Check it out.

Introducing Eumora Facial Bar

Just wanna intro a facial product to you. Meng Hong's cousin's company manufactures beauty and healthcare products. And Meng Hong is helping his cousin in the business.

Currently the company's best selling facial product is the Eumora. Details of it is as stated below. Personally have started using it and it's been working (after trying numerous other things) so thought I'd share with you.

EUMORA

Eumora is a beauty facial bar combining the detoxifying properties of tiefenmoor enhanced with H-ma (microalgae) factor, created with top European biotechnology.

5 benefits of the Eumora bar are:

• Firms, lifts & put shines on the face.
• Reduces & closes up big facial pores.
• Removes free radicals & toxins from your face & hair & replenishes them with the right nutrients.
• Saves on toner, cleanser, shampoo, shaving cream, etc.
• Enhances facial complexion, very potent & shows significant improvement after using it a few times.

More info on MOOR

Eumore is made with "Tiefen or Deep Moor" from Austria, a rare form of nutrient-rich peat which was formed during the Ice Age.

In the 16th Century, the famous alchemist Paracelsus, described Moor as the "Quinta Essentia Vitae" which he believed was the elixir of life.

Hundreds of herbs, organic compounds, trace elements, plant hormones, natural antibiotics, & other biologically active matter combine to produce one of nature's miracles, the thick rich Moor.

The synergy of these natural organic substances gives the Deep Moor its "miracle" therapuetic, rejuvenating qualities, one of nature's most potent therapuetic and detoxifying substances.

The Moor's benefits are:-

• it penetrates the skin easily, re-establishing the skin's natural pH balance, & increasing its flow of blood to the skin.
• the skin is detoxified, purified, toned and revitalized by soluble organic & inorganic nutirents.
• its clinically tested & found to be naturally hypoallergic & to be able to harmonise with & benefit any skin type, eliminating the need for many different types of cream.

H-ma benefits are:-

• actively heals and protects.
• penetrates deeply and hydrates continuously.
• most complete nutritional value on earth.
• allows high permeatibility and fast absorption.
• clears external irritants and pollutions.

The Company's website is http://www.esabee.biz .

Kindly find the website for checking the Eumora facial bar notification:

http://www.bpfk.gov.my/Search/Search_product.asp

Pls type Eumora under Product Search and click on Search button.

The company name is the name of our manufacturer.

The reason why the product may seem a little more high end is because of the ingrdients being imported from Austria. But actually if you think about it, it's worth it la. I went to Leonard Drake and it cost me RM256 per session and when I inquired about the products I need to purchase for my face to be better, the calculation came up to RM1k plus. So this amount is still bearable especially if it results in improvement.

The company also has fibre stuff, etc. But so far this is the best seller in Msia.

Though I'd share cos personally found it was good. It all started cos I was having bad bad skin and Mhong was looking out for stuff for me to try and since his counsin is in this line hence he bought one for me and I do see improvements. So because I beleive in it as well as want to help Mhong and the cousin, I am promoting and selling the product.

If you're interested, please do let me know.

Thanks.

A random tag....

you're really upset, whose the first guy you go to?

erm...meng hong....cos he's my best friend.

if someone liked you right now, would you want them to tell you?

If it's not meng hong, then better not. I am going to be married soon and no random person coming up to me saying that they like me is gonna change that.

does it matter to you if your boyfriend/girlfriend smokes?

yes, it matters to me. i will not marry or date a smoker. period.

what's something you MUST do before you die?

tour europe with my hubby.

when is the last time you went out of the country and where?

the year before last. went to england.

who was your last received call from?

manja boy aka meng hong.

what are you doing tonight?

hopefully get a good night's sleep. the weekend was totally exhausting.

what are you looking forward to?

getting married to meng hong and being on my honeymoon and the ever after =)

have you ever been on a roller coaster?

a real mini one which i already could not stand so never again.

do you care what others think about you?

only the ones who matter significantly to me and if their basis of opinion is valid. if not, then guess it does not count or rather should not count.

do you take showers at night?

yes.

name the best person who could cheer you up?

(1) Meng Hong
(2) Joyce Eu
(3) Li Ann
(4) Meng Yoe
(5) Kenneth
(6) AJ

have you been to New York City?

i cant remember whether i have...hmmm....

who is the last person you added to your contacts list in your phone?

amy....my wedding dresses designer and tailor.

what is the name of your cousin's best friend?

my same age gal cousin's bestie is ivy.

what did you do yesterday?

church, visit vivian and newborn baby, home, church, badminton, dinner, shower, sleep.

whose house did you last go to?

my parents aka the one i live in.

what is the last movie you watched?

over her dead body.

do you believe that you can change someone?

i believe God can use me as an agent of change.

what are you going to do after you do this survey?

really start working.

Ok.....back to work! Have a great week everyone.

Of petrol and its increase

Extracted from The Star (05.06.08):

The Government announced yesterday an increase in petrol and diesel prices, stating that it can no longer continue to subsidise fuel.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the new prices were still at a 30-sen per litre discount from market prices.

In other words, if the market price is RM3 per litre, Malaysians will be charged RM2.70 at the pump. He said the price would be adjusted monthly based on the global oil price".

Guess I am not the only one that is displeased with the situation and turn of events.
There is more to say about this....But ultimately, we need to trust God that He will preserve us whom He has called to stay in this nation to be a testimony. Though I may not understand all that happens, I know Youre in control.

Combined Cell Outreach

Aj, Meng Hong and my cell group organized a combined cell outreach to Sg Pelek. Altogether there were 58 of us out of which there were 37 visitors (ranging from kids to teenagers to college peeps).

It was a really fun time to get to know the new people as well as enjoying the place.

Some pics for the record.







It was indeed a great day. Thank God for beautiful weather, mothers who helped us cook the food, the host family as well as members who worked hard in inviting their friends....ooooo and also our friends who helped out by driving us there.

Can't wait till the Young Adults' cell trip =)

Betrayal

Betrayal, a form of deception or dismissal of prior presumptions, is the breaking or violation of a presumptive social contract (trust, or confidence) that produces moral and psychological conflict within a relationship amongst individuals, between organizations or between individuals and organizations. Often betrayal is the act of supporting a rival group, or it is a complete break from previously decided upon or presumed norms by one party from the others.

I felt the same feeling, maybe not in the same intensity as before, but yes, it was the same feeling, when I realize that the person we have been trying to guide did the above to me. It was then when I knew that I could no longer guide him under such pretense. I should have trusted my instinct and not allow it to happen. Never again.

Giving All You've Got

"I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she has out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on." Mark 12v43-44

What mythological creature am I?

You Are a Mermaid

You are a total daydreamer, and people tend to think you're flakier than you actually are. While your head is often in the clouds, you'll always come back to earth to help someone in need. Beyond being a caring person, you are also very intelligent and rational. You understand the connections of the universe better than almost anyone else.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

reasons for my smile

I suppose it varies for different people. I went to the washroom earlier and smiled. While peeing, I was amused of the things that make me smile hence this post.

• Meng Hong - of course, he does annoy me sometimes but guess it's also vice versa. But most of the time, he makes me smile.
  
• My family - goodness sometimes I think my family is insane.
  
• My bluff family - my brothers are super different. We have the uncool ones ie Kenneth and Min Ser and the cool ones ie Meng Yoe and Joshua. Soon the uncool ones will be shifting to different states. Sigh, we're gonna miss them.
  
• Toilet paper in the toilet......I get thoroughly annoyed when there isn't any toilet paper in the washrooms.
• People who stand up for what is right. I mean alot of people I know more or less are able to distinguish right from wrong but not many have the guts to stand up for it. Huge difference.
  
• Nice looking muffins. Not that I really fancy eating them but they are nice to look at la.
  
• BMW =)
• Bubbles
• Tons of huggies.
  
• Money $$$$$
• Sophie Eu - Had her since I was 4 years old until now. She will always be my favorite soft toy. My confidant and the one and only soft toy that has been with me throughout my years of growing up.
• Stinky Eu - my late boaster. Went through Euthanasia as a result of my mother saying that my boaster had an incurable tumor cos its wool was coming out. Sigh. and he did not get a proper burial or ceremony. May you rest in peace.
  
• Chocolate banana milkshake.
  
• Potatoes.
  
• Li-Ann.....my best friend since Form 1. I can still remember the time we ran like mad gals down the lane cos we thought we saw a flasher. We have been through much of which one blog post cant say it all.
  
• Junie & Pritam - my college pals....the ones who went up and down for me getting my coffee and fries, and searching for me around the college, always ensuring I was ok and believing in me that I would be better.
  
• The sight and sound of water.
  
• A nice cup of coffee.
  
• The colour pink.
• My engagement ring - never fails to lighten up my day knowing I will soon be Meng Hong's wife.
  
• My animal comforter - mum bought it for me when I was 10 years old. I still have it and sleep with it. It has also wiped many of tears.
  
• When I have double eye-lids.
  
• Pillow fights.
• Japanese food.
• Italian food.
• Holidays.
  
• Snow.

Guess there are many more but these are the things I thought of today. I am truly blessed.

Thanks, God. Love ya.

Celebrating Meng's birthday

The 9th of March was indeed a significant day. Not only was BN denied 2/3 majority, DAP took over Penang, it was also Meng Hong's birthday.

Organised a surprise birthday party held at my home. Close friends from 365 and YA attended. Actually the fact that DAP took over Penang was a good gift already (according to the birthday boy) so the party was a bonus.


We had tons to eat from spaghetti, to lasagna to roast chicken. Had caramel pudding and jelly cheesacake as dessert.

Overall a great time of fellowship. Always good to celebrate life, don't you think.

A shot of the gang that came, compliments from dad the official photographer.


Thanks for coming, peeps.

Happenings of late

Well to say that there have been much updates in the last few months would be putting it mildly.

Proposal
It started out a pretty ordinary day. Went to work and then I remembered some time in the afternoon that I needed to buy some pressies for some friends, so called by and asked him whether it was ok if he picked me up from office and we head to One Utama for a light dinner and some shopping. After we bought our stuff, we headed home.

When turning into the road where my house was situated, he asked whether we could go for a walk at the park near my place. So that's what we did. We barely walked then we sat on a bench and chatted. Funny thing was he kept on and on about how we have shared much memories together and been through alot. All of a sudden he gets up and I distinctively remember punching his tummy and asking him to sit down and chat properly. Then he replied, "No, I don't want to sit down. I want to kneel down". That is when he proposed. Needless to say, I said yes.

Meng Hong is right. We have been through much together. Raising a younger brother of 14 years, saving money for our future home of 3 (him, me and his bro), church life, family responsibilities, career advancements/ crap, etc. It's gonna be more and more challenging and exciting as time goes by, I guess.

Promotion
Results of promotion came out on 30.08.07. Still remember feeling anxious and also psyching myself to remain unmoved if in the event I do not get the promotion. Anyway, took the official letter and went down to meet Meng Hong @ San Fran Coffee. Opened it and tada.....promoted to Assistant Manager at last! For those of you who know what has been happening in the last few months, you would know that it felt almost like hell was personified in a person.

Progress
Guess being in a new role, both at work and in the relationship, has pushed me to look at life in a different perspective. I am not only going to be someone's wife, I am also in a position to influence my juniors' work life balance. I also have a clearer picture of how much my partners mean what they say. Technically, I am also challenged to keep abreast with the ongoing developments in the accounting standards hence the abovementioned subtitle of "Progress".

On a physical note - I just turned 26 years old/ young. Guess this is also progress =)

Penang
Went up to Penang in October to visit MH's grandmas and also Meng Chern. Had a blast over there just pigging out and watching tele. Can't wait till the next pig out session.

Promise
Last Sunday, while driving to locate my client's office, we saw a rainbow in the sky. Firstly just like a blot of spectrum and shortly after that the full blown, clear rainbow. I am reminded of His promise toward us. He is truly a God of Wonders.

Pursuit
The year is almost over! And I am on my way in pursuit of greater things ahead.


Less than a year away from the BIG DAY!

P.S. I Love You

Just finished reading Cecilia Ahern's "P.S.I love you". In between tears, rubbing of eyes and nose blowing, I was and am reminded that some things do last forever.

The story is about a young widow who had just lost her husband to brain tumor. Her husband had left her a stack of letters, one letter for each month till the end of the year. Each month there was a short note from him as well as instructions for the lady. One of which was to sing in a karaoke. Another was to get a job as she had previously resigned to care for him when he was ill. The last letter was telling her to not be afraid to fall in love again.

I have never lost a husband before, but I do know the feeling of losing someone you love. And the pain seems to be there forever. However, it is at moments like these, that I am gently reminiscent of a simple truth. To appreciate the ones you love now......and not leave it to another time or another day.

Last night, the family went out for dinner to celebrate my parents 27th wedding anniversary. Looking at them made me smile.....glad that they are so committed to each other. Truly their commitment has been a source of strength to the stability of the family.

Today was an extremely pleasant evening. Had dinner with Jus, AJ, my sis and Mengs. And my sweetheart gave me a pleasant surprise. He gave me the below.

Thanks, dear....for being so sweet as always.
P.S. I love you.

Success

Success

"To laugh often and much
to win the respect
of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation
of honest critics and endure
the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty,
to find the best in others;
to leave the world
a bit better, whether
by a healthy child,
a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life
has breathed easier
because you have lived.
That is to have succeeded."

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

NECF MALAYSIA'S RESPONSE TO THE LINA JOY JUDGEMENT

NECF Malaysia is gravely disappointed by and dissatisfied with the Federal Court's dismissal of Lina Joy's appeal.First of all, the Federal Court's decision does not uphold the constitutional safeguard of freedom of religion. It is a person's fundamental right to profess a religion of her own choice free from compulsion or interference by the state or its institutions. Freedom of religion under the Federal Constitution can only be restrained where a person acts contrary to any general law affecting public order, public health or morality. Therefore, it defies all logic that Lina Joy's freedom to profess and exercise a faith of her own choice can be subject to administrative barrier in the NRD refusing to effect a change to her religious status except upon the order of the Syariah Court.

The foundational principle of supremacy of the Constitution over all other laws must be upheld.
NECF Malaysia is also deeply dismayed that the majority decision of the highest court has failed to bring about resolution to the present interfaith issues. By insisting that a person who no longer professes the religion of Islam but has embraced another religion to seek an order of the Syariah Court is equivalent to insisting that a muallaf (a convert from a non-Islamic religion who has chosen to profess Islam) who has attained the age of majority is obliged to seek the clearance of the religious leaders or authority of his former religion. Mutual respect and tolerance surely cannot be fostered without due regard to the principle of reciprocity.
In affirming the decision of the Court of Appeal, the Federal Court has perpetuated a most unfair and untenable position for Lina Joy and others in a similar dilemma. They now cannot enjoy the full rights as citizens as they are trapped in a religion which they no longer profess and are unable to lawfully marry, have children and live in accordance with the values, precepts and practices of the religion of their choice.

Finally, NECF Malaysia is extremely concerned that the Lina Joy case demonstrates the highest civil court retreating in the face of the relentless onslaught on their position as the third institution in a democratic system of government. In the hierarchy of the judiciary, the Federal Court is vested the judicial power of the Federation.

In this case, the judiciary has unfortunately failed to play its most important role of being both the guardians and interpreters of our Constitution. As an institution above the fray of politics, it is the only institution that can neutrally and without partisan considerations decide the serious issues raised in the Lina Joy case. It is constrained only by true and loyal allegiance to the rule of law and the supremacy of the Constitution, the twin pillars of our Rukunegara.

In the civil court's abdicating its judicial power in religious matters on the basis of Article 121 (IA) of the Constitution, the Federal Court is placing undue stress and strain on the government to legislate or amend related laws when the due exercise of its judicial power as interpreter of the Constitution would have brought about a fair and just resolution to the issues.

While the country has undergone a significant shift towards "islamization" since the 1980s, the proclamation of Malaysia as an Islamic country in 2001, though a political expediency, has had considerable psychological impact and further polarized Malaysian citizens of different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Religious vigilantism has been heightened among not only the religious ones, but also the bureaucrats. Administrative actions whether in policies or laws are being implemented without scrupulous regard to the requirements of the policies or laws but with the imposition of syariah rules and requirements. For example, non-Muslim police women are to wear Muslim headscarves for the annual parade. The happenings in recent years are indeed grave concerns. Among others, there are religious authorities breaking up families in the name of religion, the custody tussles between a non-Muslim parent and a Muslim parent, and public morality based on the principles of a particular religion.

The Christian community acknowledges the special position of Islam as the State religion for ceremonial purposes, and recognizes the application of Islamic family laws to those professing the religion of Islam in areas outlined in the Federal Constitution. We uphold the sanctity of the Malaysian Constitution as the supreme law of the land, and it is our hope that the Prime Minister, who has publicly declared to be the Prime Minister of all Malaysians, would fulfill his promises to establish a clean, just, harmonious and prosperous nation.

The decision of the Federal Court sets a landmark example of making legal judgement based on religious sentiment and thus inadvertently disregarding the fundamental right of an individual to profess and practice the religion of his or her choice. In the light of this, NECF Malaysia urges all Christian leaders to encourage their congregations to set aside time, both corporately and privately, to pray for our nation as a whole, in the next few weeks and months. Let us bring to God these matters of extreme gravity and urgency, and humbly ask Him to intervene so that truth, righteousness and godliness will prevail in our land.

The very basic structure of our nation, our institutions, our Constitution and the Rukunegara must remain the solid rock on which Malaysia will continue to prosper and stand tall among the community of nations, and on which all Malaysians strive and thrive together as a multiracial, multicultural and multi-religious society. Let us, the concerned citizens of Malaysia, exercise our rights to make a good decision at the right place and at the right platform.
. Issued on 1 June 2007 .

Note:
NECF - National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (Website: www.necf.org.my)

unfairly treated

i realised how unreasonable she is when i had to explain to her why my junior needed to visit her father's grave last Sunday, instead of work.

That's when it hit rock bottom that this woman is heartless and the only way I am going to survive this was either to suffer in silence or resign.

Where is God when I really need Him?

Friday Bliss

It's finally Friday!!!

Ironically, I was just mentioning to Justin how fast these last few months have passed. It's just been like a major roller coaster ride for me, especially during my audit experience in MISC. However with every apparently unpleasant experience, there is always something to thank the Lord for. I had one of my staff who was not just not performing but seriously always missing in action resulting in nights before the actual deliverables deadline, the team had to spend close to 24 hours at the client's place finishing their work. That was just the beginning of more horrors to come.

Through this experience, I am reminded again of how important it is to know your values and stick to them. Guess the last few months, it has been tough to make a stand at work to be able to go for church events and be competent at church.

Last week on the Friday night which I was suppose to be at the healing rally, I had arrived in office at 6am, as I did the days before, to finish my work. I told my manager I would sacrifice Friday night if she allowed me to go for the seminar on Saturday. Guess what time I finished work? 7am on Sat morning. I have never been so drained out. I was both hungry and sleepy by the time I'd arrived home. Thank God for Jus and baby cos they came to office and were waiting for me to finish in the wee hours of the morning. Jus brought baby so baby could drive my car back home.










Tonight is Tung Ling grad. I must go. The people that matter to me are graduating.



God give me favor.

Just thot I would try it =P

You Are Somewhat Mature

You definitely act like an adult sometimes, but a big part of you is still a kid at heart. While your immature side is definitely fun, you're going to have to grow up sooner or later.

Are You Immature?