Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Thought for today
Growth happens most frequently when people pray for, encourage, or challenge other people.
This sentence stuck out for me whilst blog hopping & scanning through.
I pray for many things and many people. I think I make consistent efforts to encourage them too. But I seldom, if ever, challenge anybody. Partly, it's my preference for being non-confrontational. But I think it can be a good thing. Perhaps that's what I need to do....sometimes.
Challenge - to stimulate somebody by making demands on his or her intellect or abilities.

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Psalm 23
That version was New Living Translation. Actually I think I prefer the New American Standard Version best.

The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not want.


He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil;
for Thou art with me;

Thy rod and Thy staff, the comfort me.
Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

Thou hast anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 23.....the real one.....ahhhh....much better
The Lord is my Shepherd;
I have everything I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows;
He leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,
bringing honour to his name.

Even when I walk through the dark valley of death,
I will not be afraid,

For you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.
You welcome me as a guest,
Anointing my head with oil.

My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,
And I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23...Antithesis by Martha Hornok
The clock is my dictator, I shall not rest
It makes me lie down only when exhausted.

It leads me to deep depression.
It hounds my soul.

It leads me in circles of frenzy for activity's sake.

Even though I run frantically from task to task,
I will never get it done,

For my "ideal" is with me.
Deadlines and my need for approval, they drive me.

They demand performance from me, beyond the limits of my schedule.
They annoint my head with migraines.

My in-basket overflows.

Surely fatigue and time pressure shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the bonds of frustration forever.

Friday, June 23, 2006

Yesterday I tried in vain to net some fish in a home fountain-cum-pond. It's not big at all but the fish were smart & fast from having 3 cats constantly on the prowl for them. It's actually a sad situation. We are taking over the care of the fish because the owner is basically living out the last days and has made the heart wrenching decision to be hospitalised. Cancer is a bitch. I really didn't know what to say being in the house. I wished I was there on a happy occasion. It's sort of a sad sinking realization. The home, the pond, the person.....not terribly close yet still very familiar. I enjoyed quite a few good meals there. They will no longer be. It's different when one knows the other shares the same faith convictions. The belief that it is not the end. Incredible as it seems. This is merely a speck from the perspective of eternity. Until that realization hits home deep in the heart of every loved one I know and care for......I guess there will always be a dull ache and inwardly, a cry for mercy from the Lord Almighty.

Monday, June 19, 2006


These are my new Asics GT 2110. Listen to all this jargon. It's so impressive I have no choice but to be impressed.

Duosole - Asics proprietary approach to outsole construction offers weight reduction, flexibility, traction and durability.

Asics Gel Cushioning System has the ability to absorb shock by dissipating vertical impact and dispersing it into a horizontal plane.

Speva Midsole Material with "Bounce Back" Propertes - Bounces back quickly in preparation for the next foot strike. Special polymers break down at a slow rate increasing durability.

It also has I.G.S. - Impact Guidance System.....whatever that means.

Last but not least, it has 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material. It enhances safety at night and in low visibility situations by creating a bright image - returning the light back to the light source.

I've decided that I am never running at night. It's really tragic how the jogger was killed in the hit & run right in his own condominium.
Elliott sprang to action yesterday morning to fix his dad a Father's Day breakfast. He had the kopi-si just the way his dad likes it. But the waffles didn't quite pan out. It's the frozen type that you just stick in the toaster oven till brown & crispy. Well, apparently he didn't toast it long enough. So it was still frozen inside. But he enthusiasticallly piled on the maple syrup and presented it to his dad. Somehow 'nuking' the whole thing didn't quite have the desired effect. Ah....but it's the thought that counts right?

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Visited both my uncles' (my mother's brothers) in hospital today. They're in for different things and were even in ICU two beds away from each other for a day or two. ICU is very different now. Unfortunately, I have a very vivid memory of what ICU was like when my mother was there. Sigh...such is life. Of course, one's perspective of life makes such a difference in these matters. Think my younger uncle has it right. He is bravely battling a incurable medical condition that slowly but steadily diminishes his lung capacity. For daily living, he is dependent on pure oxygen through nose tubes. But he is ever grateful for another day that the Lord gives him. He remains joyful.

Sunday, June 04, 2006


Great stuff to chill out to.......
Very listenable. Still distinctly Sergio Mendes' sound. Bossa nova, samba....snippets of addictive melodies. But with a fresh injection of rap,hip hop etc. It's a collaboration with a bunch of people, primarily Will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas fame. I really like the collaborations with John Legend and Stevie Wonder.

Thursday, June 01, 2006

My resting heart rate is 48 beats per minute.
This was taken just after I woke up and still in bed.