Scatterbrained
Think I totally screwed someone up at the supermarket today. I was dashing around madly armed with my list and merrily loading up my trolley. My last stop was the to choose a box of oranges. Such a variety on display. So I parked my trolley somewhere and walked over to the oranges to decide. Chaozhou mandarins. Done. Into the trolley and off to the cashiers. No queue. Great. I look into the trolley to unload:
YIKES! Whose stuff is this?
Nothing looked familiar....except the box of oranges I chose.
Quickly go back to where I think I picked up this trolley. Gingerly remove my box of oranges and start hunting for my real trolley.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Monday, January 23, 2006
What is Your Worldview?
Think most people would agree that the world we live in is quite a mess. Poverty, war, bird flu pandemic. Stress....everyone has it. Just open the newspaper to get a daily dose of bad news. Some fundamental questions of life. Why is the world like that? Is this the way it was meant to be? Is there a solution?
Heard it defined today that a worldview is the mental framework in which we make sense of our reality. It determines our perspective on life and the kinds of decisions we make.
The secular worldview is that this is our only life and we should enjoy it to the full. Eat, drink & be merry. Sometimes that is mixed in with the materialistic worldview. Money makes the world go round. Have to make money....the more the merrier. Then there's the postmodern worldview. There is no absolute truth. Everything is relative. What is true for you may not be true for me. Tolerance is the name of the game.
What is the biblical worldview? That the Bible is true and inspired by God. Reading and studying the Bible gives one a God's eye view of life. That there is a reason why the world is like that and more importantly, there is a solution for it.
Think most people would agree that the world we live in is quite a mess. Poverty, war, bird flu pandemic. Stress....everyone has it. Just open the newspaper to get a daily dose of bad news. Some fundamental questions of life. Why is the world like that? Is this the way it was meant to be? Is there a solution?
Heard it defined today that a worldview is the mental framework in which we make sense of our reality. It determines our perspective on life and the kinds of decisions we make.
The secular worldview is that this is our only life and we should enjoy it to the full. Eat, drink & be merry. Sometimes that is mixed in with the materialistic worldview. Money makes the world go round. Have to make money....the more the merrier. Then there's the postmodern worldview. There is no absolute truth. Everything is relative. What is true for you may not be true for me. Tolerance is the name of the game.
What is the biblical worldview? That the Bible is true and inspired by God. Reading and studying the Bible gives one a God's eye view of life. That there is a reason why the world is like that and more importantly, there is a solution for it.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Clarity
Taking a break from CS Lewis and reading AW Tozer instead. What I just read seems to tie in precisely to the last discussion on what it means to be a Christian.
You can go through the whole routine of the church and never have an experience at all like this. You can learn to say "God is love" when you're a wee little thing; you can get a Bible for passing from one grade to another; you can get big enough to make a speech in a Sunday school program; you can get old enough to sing in a choir, join a church and be baptized. You can teach a class, entertain missionaries and learn to tithe, giving of your money to the work of the Lord. You can be faithful and yet never have an experience of the great God breaking in upon your consciousness, but living always once removed from God.
In the Old Testament, when Absalom returned from exile, he went for two full years without ever seeing the king's face (2 Samuel 14:28). And that's what happens in the churches. But when God becomes real to us, we are affected; we are touched by what is called the mysterium tremendum - a tremendous mystery - that is, God.
I can say with certainty that I have been touched by God. He is as real to me as the three boys that I kiss and hug every night. I don't think I articulate it very well nor express it clearly in the way that I live my life. But I am trying....
Taking a break from CS Lewis and reading AW Tozer instead. What I just read seems to tie in precisely to the last discussion on what it means to be a Christian.
You can go through the whole routine of the church and never have an experience at all like this. You can learn to say "God is love" when you're a wee little thing; you can get a Bible for passing from one grade to another; you can get big enough to make a speech in a Sunday school program; you can get old enough to sing in a choir, join a church and be baptized. You can teach a class, entertain missionaries and learn to tithe, giving of your money to the work of the Lord. You can be faithful and yet never have an experience of the great God breaking in upon your consciousness, but living always once removed from God.
In the Old Testament, when Absalom returned from exile, he went for two full years without ever seeing the king's face (2 Samuel 14:28). And that's what happens in the churches. But when God becomes real to us, we are affected; we are touched by what is called the mysterium tremendum - a tremendous mystery - that is, God.
I can say with certainty that I have been touched by God. He is as real to me as the three boys that I kiss and hug every night. I don't think I articulate it very well nor express it clearly in the way that I live my life. But I am trying....
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Storm at Sea
I must record my joy that I'm not coughing my guts out anymore. I did spend all of yesterday blowing my nose though. This is from being caught in the storm out at sea on Sunday. The plan was to deliver Platu (friend's boat) from Sentosa Cove (a lovely place with some nice $ boats) to Raffles Marina (another lovely place with equally nice $ boats). Don't be misled though......Platu is a small, simple sail boat.
It was blazing hot and there was no wind when we left Sentosa mid-day. So we motored. It was quite boring really. Putting along at a snail's pace going past Alexandra port and watching cranes lifting container after container onto huge tankers. Quite humbling too.....puny little sailboat creeping next to tankers that are a few hundred feet long and 30m storey high.
The storm clouds were hanging over the direction we were headed. Several hours later, the wind picked up so we motor-sailed. We were clipping along nicely at 5km/hr but there was a strong tide working against us also. Before we knew it, we were smack in the middle of the storm. Sent the boys down into the cabin to stay dry and also get out of the way. Gave me some peace of mind to not have to keep an eye out for them & worry that they'll fall overboard. It was really blowing. The boat was heeled over so much that the engine was humming because it was out of the water. Finally turned that off. Those monsoon storms and winds are really powerful.
We were doing close to 8km/hr.
Visibility dropped also because of the pelting rain. The sea is a foreboding place when it's alive with waves. Sort of like...man against the elements. Mother nature's wrath. One's safety depends on the seaworthiness and reliability of the equipment. And so I prayed.....rather fervently. Was thinking about how Paul could remain so calm and collected when he was in a storm & got shipwrecked. And how human it is to turn to God when there is a tinge of fear from lack of control (be it environmental or circumstanstial) . It's like when you realize that there really aren't any other alternatives and so acknowledge the Almighty and plead for mercy.
It's surreal now as I reflect on it. Sitting here cozily tapping away on the keyboard. Surrounded by comfort and security of home...and land. Makes me wonder a little. When I am in my comfort zone I would think I am self-reliant and not see nor feel the need to acknowledge nor communicate with my Maker.
I must record my joy that I'm not coughing my guts out anymore. I did spend all of yesterday blowing my nose though. This is from being caught in the storm out at sea on Sunday. The plan was to deliver Platu (friend's boat) from Sentosa Cove (a lovely place with some nice $ boats) to Raffles Marina (another lovely place with equally nice $ boats). Don't be misled though......Platu is a small, simple sail boat.
It was blazing hot and there was no wind when we left Sentosa mid-day. So we motored. It was quite boring really. Putting along at a snail's pace going past Alexandra port and watching cranes lifting container after container onto huge tankers. Quite humbling too.....puny little sailboat creeping next to tankers that are a few hundred feet long and 30m storey high.
The storm clouds were hanging over the direction we were headed. Several hours later, the wind picked up so we motor-sailed. We were clipping along nicely at 5km/hr but there was a strong tide working against us also. Before we knew it, we were smack in the middle of the storm. Sent the boys down into the cabin to stay dry and also get out of the way. Gave me some peace of mind to not have to keep an eye out for them & worry that they'll fall overboard. It was really blowing. The boat was heeled over so much that the engine was humming because it was out of the water. Finally turned that off. Those monsoon storms and winds are really powerful.
We were doing close to 8km/hr.
Visibility dropped also because of the pelting rain. The sea is a foreboding place when it's alive with waves. Sort of like...man against the elements. Mother nature's wrath. One's safety depends on the seaworthiness and reliability of the equipment. And so I prayed.....rather fervently. Was thinking about how Paul could remain so calm and collected when he was in a storm & got shipwrecked. And how human it is to turn to God when there is a tinge of fear from lack of control (be it environmental or circumstanstial) . It's like when you realize that there really aren't any other alternatives and so acknowledge the Almighty and plead for mercy.
It's surreal now as I reflect on it. Sitting here cozily tapping away on the keyboard. Surrounded by comfort and security of home...and land. Makes me wonder a little. When I am in my comfort zone I would think I am self-reliant and not see nor feel the need to acknowledge nor communicate with my Maker.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Friday the 13th
It's already almost midway through January and CNY is less than 2 weeks away. I like CNY. I'm looking forward to eating and visiting relatives. Unfortunately, I cannot get motivated to remove the Christmas tree. This tree is pretty dried out already. It's from the tree outside the boys' bedroom. Tim, in a burst of energy, took his parang and chopped this treelet out a few days before Christmas. It was while I was away at the OC Camp. So....if this inertia continues, then I'll just pick up some CNY decorations and hang it on the Christmas tree instead!
It's already almost midway through January and CNY is less than 2 weeks away. I like CNY. I'm looking forward to eating and visiting relatives. Unfortunately, I cannot get motivated to remove the Christmas tree. This tree is pretty dried out already. It's from the tree outside the boys' bedroom. Tim, in a burst of energy, took his parang and chopped this treelet out a few days before Christmas. It was while I was away at the OC Camp. So....if this inertia continues, then I'll just pick up some CNY decorations and hang it on the Christmas tree instead!
Thursday, January 12, 2006
The Methodist Message
I always look forward to reading the page The Bishop Writes by Dr Robert Solomon. I admire his grey matter between the ears and the clarity with which he expresses those ideas. The January issue does not disappoint. It's a really cheem topic about God and time. It's a topic which I had reflected and written on when I first started this blog. Except he expounds on the concept in ways that I could not have imagined. I particularly like this paragraph:
What appears most real and important to us now may be proven to be wisps of vapour one day. When time, our time on earth, is seen from another greater perspective, God may prove Himself to be the sharpest and most solid reality. It is better to discover that now than in eternity.
There's also an excellent piece written by Ben Stein on who he feels are the real stars of the world - not the Hollywood celebrities he used to write about but the unknown people who risk life and limb to make a difference in other people's lives. I find the following paragraph particularly encouraging:
I came to realise that life lived to help others is the only one that matters and that it is my duty, in return for the lavish life God has devolved upon me, to help others He has placed in my path. This is my highest and best use as a human. Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will.
Amen!
I always look forward to reading the page The Bishop Writes by Dr Robert Solomon. I admire his grey matter between the ears and the clarity with which he expresses those ideas. The January issue does not disappoint. It's a really cheem topic about God and time. It's a topic which I had reflected and written on when I first started this blog. Except he expounds on the concept in ways that I could not have imagined. I particularly like this paragraph:
What appears most real and important to us now may be proven to be wisps of vapour one day. When time, our time on earth, is seen from another greater perspective, God may prove Himself to be the sharpest and most solid reality. It is better to discover that now than in eternity.
There's also an excellent piece written by Ben Stein on who he feels are the real stars of the world - not the Hollywood celebrities he used to write about but the unknown people who risk life and limb to make a difference in other people's lives. I find the following paragraph particularly encouraging:
I came to realise that life lived to help others is the only one that matters and that it is my duty, in return for the lavish life God has devolved upon me, to help others He has placed in my path. This is my highest and best use as a human. Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will.
Amen!
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Assessment Book Mania
Paid the requisite visit to Popular Book Store recently. This is an annual ritual that every self respecting parent does on behalf of the good of their children. Or so we like to think. Doesn't matter that most of the previous year's assessment books are lying around the home either unfinished or....worst, untouched. It's the thought that counts.
Friends who know me well can attest to the fact that I'm a fairly laid-back person. On my part, I do make the effort to try to look at life from a big picture perspective. There's more to a person than academic achievements. However, as I was strolling around Popular that morning, I succumbed. It started off just to find the specified books listed by the tuition teacher for one son. Next thing I knew I had selected a rather tall stack for all three sons.
There was a kid and his mother standing behind me in line at the cashiers. When it was my turn to pay, the kid had a glance at the stack I presented and then took a good look at me. If eyes could speak, this is what I imagine he was thinking:
Wah liau! Glad you're not my mudder man!
I shot back a non-chalant glance in his direction:
Aye! No school today ah!
Paid the requisite visit to Popular Book Store recently. This is an annual ritual that every self respecting parent does on behalf of the good of their children. Or so we like to think. Doesn't matter that most of the previous year's assessment books are lying around the home either unfinished or....worst, untouched. It's the thought that counts.
Friends who know me well can attest to the fact that I'm a fairly laid-back person. On my part, I do make the effort to try to look at life from a big picture perspective. There's more to a person than academic achievements. However, as I was strolling around Popular that morning, I succumbed. It started off just to find the specified books listed by the tuition teacher for one son. Next thing I knew I had selected a rather tall stack for all three sons.
There was a kid and his mother standing behind me in line at the cashiers. When it was my turn to pay, the kid had a glance at the stack I presented and then took a good look at me. If eyes could speak, this is what I imagine he was thinking:
Wah liau! Glad you're not my mudder man!
I shot back a non-chalant glance in his direction:
Aye! No school today ah!
Monday, January 09, 2006
Krrrhhhhww.....pooy
I'm sick. I hate being sick. Started with a sore throat in the middle of the night. It messed up my sleep & that really ticked me off. Weird thing is....sometimes I feel perfectly fine. But other times, I get into these awful coughing fits. Like this morning. I had to pull over off the road because I was so busy coughing that it turned into vomitting.....except nothing came out but spit. Most of the time its spit. The worst is early in the morning when the slimy globs come out. Coughing fits are very debilitating. Suppose I should be thankful - last time I had a cough was a very long time ago.
The 24 hour rain was very homey. That means - there was nothing to do but stay at home. Was looking forward to delivering the boat from Changi to Sentosa yesterday. Had to postpone that because of the weather. We hope to do that tomorrow. I'm torn. I really want to do the delivery but I know I'm sick.
Thought the facilitators' meeting last Sat went very well. Found it refreshing to hear the different views and take part in the discussion. I was encouraged.
Think my boys like it when I can't really bellow at them. Instead, I find myself knocking on the door to get their attention. They look at me quizzically whilst I gesticulate wildly what I want them to do. All manner of sign language (my own, that is) comes out. What I need is a portable whiteboard so I can write out my instructions!
I'm sick. I hate being sick. Started with a sore throat in the middle of the night. It messed up my sleep & that really ticked me off. Weird thing is....sometimes I feel perfectly fine. But other times, I get into these awful coughing fits. Like this morning. I had to pull over off the road because I was so busy coughing that it turned into vomitting.....except nothing came out but spit. Most of the time its spit. The worst is early in the morning when the slimy globs come out. Coughing fits are very debilitating. Suppose I should be thankful - last time I had a cough was a very long time ago.
The 24 hour rain was very homey. That means - there was nothing to do but stay at home. Was looking forward to delivering the boat from Changi to Sentosa yesterday. Had to postpone that because of the weather. We hope to do that tomorrow. I'm torn. I really want to do the delivery but I know I'm sick.
Thought the facilitators' meeting last Sat went very well. Found it refreshing to hear the different views and take part in the discussion. I was encouraged.
Think my boys like it when I can't really bellow at them. Instead, I find myself knocking on the door to get their attention. They look at me quizzically whilst I gesticulate wildly what I want them to do. All manner of sign language (my own, that is) comes out. What I need is a portable whiteboard so I can write out my instructions!
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Trivia
This afternoon I took a big bowl of grapes out of the fridge and put it on the kitchen counter. Then I took a small bunch from there, put them in a small bowl and brought them to the study for my son Luke to eat. When I returned to the kitchen, I immediately noticed several grape stems on the kitchen floor close to where the bowl was. My dog Baobei looked at me innocently and started wagging her tail.
Sigh......evidence that demands a verdict! (also the title of a really cheem but excellent book on Christian apologetics - the concrete facts supporting our faith)
The verdict - guilty, of course. However, I hadn't the heart to reprimand her because....she's my baobei.
This afternoon I took a big bowl of grapes out of the fridge and put it on the kitchen counter. Then I took a small bunch from there, put them in a small bowl and brought them to the study for my son Luke to eat. When I returned to the kitchen, I immediately noticed several grape stems on the kitchen floor close to where the bowl was. My dog Baobei looked at me innocently and started wagging her tail.
Sigh......evidence that demands a verdict! (also the title of a really cheem but excellent book on Christian apologetics - the concrete facts supporting our faith)
The verdict - guilty, of course. However, I hadn't the heart to reprimand her because....she's my baobei.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Boys....and mud
Lovely day by the sea. Yes, all day. Took Juno out sailing with another family. Perfect weather and great company. There was a gentle breeze that was simply delightful. Bless the North East Monsoon. It's very rare to be out in Singapore all day and not get all hot and sticky. Best part - the boys had a whale of a time - without the Xbox. Heeheehee.
Something I found quite amusing. After everyone had a bath and was squeaky clean, the boys (big and small) decided to go crab hunting in the muddy tide pools. Sigh. Within minutes, my dirtiest son and his friend had mud from the butt down. Splattered on parts of the tee shirt, generously over the pants, legs...all the way down. Even the hands. Ah...the feel of mother earth. Fellow mud diggers included a couple of grown men armed with buckets & changkuls. Think they were looking for worms - the length of snakes. Eeewww.
Lovely day by the sea. Yes, all day. Took Juno out sailing with another family. Perfect weather and great company. There was a gentle breeze that was simply delightful. Bless the North East Monsoon. It's very rare to be out in Singapore all day and not get all hot and sticky. Best part - the boys had a whale of a time - without the Xbox. Heeheehee.
Something I found quite amusing. After everyone had a bath and was squeaky clean, the boys (big and small) decided to go crab hunting in the muddy tide pools. Sigh. Within minutes, my dirtiest son and his friend had mud from the butt down. Splattered on parts of the tee shirt, generously over the pants, legs...all the way down. Even the hands. Ah...the feel of mother earth. Fellow mud diggers included a couple of grown men armed with buckets & changkuls. Think they were looking for worms - the length of snakes. Eeewww.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Monkeys...and Green Tree Snake
Tim hauled us out of the house this afternoon to Bukit Timah Hill. The plan was to do some hiking. While sitting around the Ranger Station, we saw some scurrying and then a monkey climbing up the tree in front of us. He was victorious. He had swiped a packet of Glico Pocky from some unsuspecting kid. Hmm...brings back memories of when I was a kid and had my snacks swiped by a monkey at the Botanical Gardens.
Anyway, it was sunny although there were dark, ominous rain clouds at the same time. About 10 mins into the South View Trail, it started to rain. Good thing there was a hut a little further up. So we sat there for a good hour. Very therapeutic. Looking at the rain come down and the puddles build up on the trail. I get a SMS message from a friend.
Here's the weather forecast for today. There shall be showers of blessings all over you and a heavy downpour of God's Love, Joy and Peace all around you. Happy New Year.
Woah. God has a sense of humour too.
Finally, the rain lightens and we head back down. Guess what we see? It's a green tree snake sitting smack in the middle of the trail. Yuck. Emerald green with a big head...about a foot long. A stick helps to get it out of the way. Tim thinks it probably fell off a tree because of the rain. Good thing it didn't fall on me!
Tim hauled us out of the house this afternoon to Bukit Timah Hill. The plan was to do some hiking. While sitting around the Ranger Station, we saw some scurrying and then a monkey climbing up the tree in front of us. He was victorious. He had swiped a packet of Glico Pocky from some unsuspecting kid. Hmm...brings back memories of when I was a kid and had my snacks swiped by a monkey at the Botanical Gardens.
Anyway, it was sunny although there were dark, ominous rain clouds at the same time. About 10 mins into the South View Trail, it started to rain. Good thing there was a hut a little further up. So we sat there for a good hour. Very therapeutic. Looking at the rain come down and the puddles build up on the trail. I get a SMS message from a friend.
Here's the weather forecast for today. There shall be showers of blessings all over you and a heavy downpour of God's Love, Joy and Peace all around you. Happy New Year.
Woah. God has a sense of humour too.
Finally, the rain lightens and we head back down. Guess what we see? It's a green tree snake sitting smack in the middle of the trail. Yuck. Emerald green with a big head...about a foot long. A stick helps to get it out of the way. Tim thinks it probably fell off a tree because of the rain. Good thing it didn't fall on me!
Saturday, December 31, 2005
New Year Resolution
Last day of 2005. Need to have some sort of resolution for 2006. Haven't had time to consolidate my thoughts and make specific plans & goals for next year. The saying "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail" is hanging over my head. I've never chosen a verse as a resolution before so I think this is promising.
Here goes.
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5:22-3
Looking a little further down, I see
If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.
Galatians 5:25
Yup. Sounds good to me.
Last day of 2005. Need to have some sort of resolution for 2006. Haven't had time to consolidate my thoughts and make specific plans & goals for next year. The saying "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail" is hanging over my head. I've never chosen a verse as a resolution before so I think this is promising.
Here goes.
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5:22-3
Looking a little further down, I see
If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.
Galatians 5:25
Yup. Sounds good to me.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Lip Synching, Cross-Dressing & tons of smoke....
The last few days have been very pleasant. I made the effort to spend time with people who matter to me.
Last night we went to entertainer Kumar's new place Gold Dust. This is at Orchard Towers - which does a rather unusual transformation of target audience from day to night. The place was packed and smoky. The lip synching and dancing crew of cross- dressers put on a great show.
My favourite act was the Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey impersonations of the song "When You Believe" (from the Prince of Egypt). Those two fellows were spot-on in the two divas mannerisms. "Whitney" had far better legs and body than any of us real girls there. "Mariah" was like two Whitneys put together. Loved the way they, and Kumar also, can do all that lip vibrations....like the way opera singers do. Outstanding comic relief.
Back to the song. Great lyrics. Good stuff. And I believe it too!
There can be miracles, when you believe.
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill.
After the show, we adjourned downstairs to Harry's to escape the smoke. We had the ditziest waitress. We were all non-alcoholic drinkers and ordered things like Evian, Pellegrino, Iced Tea & Orange Juice. That bland order must have been so unique in a watering hole like Harry's that she kept forgetting what we ordered. She must've been thinking What's wrong with these people? Why can't they be like other tables and order something alcoholic????
Sheesh.
Back to the song. Good melody. Great lyrics.
Who knows what miracles you can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe
Think I will usher in 2006 with the theme of this song ruminating in my head.
Yes, I have a few miracles in mind I would like God to answer.
That would be considered my prayer I guess. They seem impossible at the moment.
But then, perhaps that's why the definition of a miracle is
1. an event recognized as an act of God 2. an amazing event
The last few days have been very pleasant. I made the effort to spend time with people who matter to me.
Last night we went to entertainer Kumar's new place Gold Dust. This is at Orchard Towers - which does a rather unusual transformation of target audience from day to night. The place was packed and smoky. The lip synching and dancing crew of cross- dressers put on a great show.
My favourite act was the Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey impersonations of the song "When You Believe" (from the Prince of Egypt). Those two fellows were spot-on in the two divas mannerisms. "Whitney" had far better legs and body than any of us real girls there. "Mariah" was like two Whitneys put together. Loved the way they, and Kumar also, can do all that lip vibrations....like the way opera singers do. Outstanding comic relief.
Back to the song. Great lyrics. Good stuff. And I believe it too!
There can be miracles, when you believe.
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill.
After the show, we adjourned downstairs to Harry's to escape the smoke. We had the ditziest waitress. We were all non-alcoholic drinkers and ordered things like Evian, Pellegrino, Iced Tea & Orange Juice. That bland order must have been so unique in a watering hole like Harry's that she kept forgetting what we ordered. She must've been thinking What's wrong with these people? Why can't they be like other tables and order something alcoholic????
Sheesh.
Back to the song. Good melody. Great lyrics.
Who knows what miracles you can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe
Think I will usher in 2006 with the theme of this song ruminating in my head.
Yes, I have a few miracles in mind I would like God to answer.
That would be considered my prayer I guess. They seem impossible at the moment.
But then, perhaps that's why the definition of a miracle is
1. an event recognized as an act of God 2. an amazing event
Monday, December 26, 2005
After Christmas....
It's been nice talking to so many different people over the last few days. The parties started last Wednesday and included a whole spectrum of people - acquaintances, new and old friends, relatives, close friends, people I haven't seen in eons, very dear friends who have come back from other countries etc. But now I'm just about all talked out and one part of me is ready to crawl into a hole somewhere and hibernate for a while. There are also a few people whom I would like to catch up with and wonder how they're doing this season....but haven't done so. Inertia...and a slight awkwardness because our circle of friends are different and paths seldom cross.
The other sobering fact has been the passing of a friend on Christmas eve. I feel for the family because she has two kids...one of whom is the same age as I was when I lost my mother. It will not be easy for the kids to cope. I can remember the pain and the feeling of loss. I really admire my friend for the strength and courage with which she faced her illness . She definitely had the peace of God that passes all understanding and was a testament to His love. I regret not visiting her after coming back from Camerons. We had received the text that she was hospitalised again then, and I had planned to visit. But I was caught up in a flurry of activities and did not make the time.
I am reminded of a quote in an article in yesterday's Sunday Times of a fellow named Ah Hock whose motto in life was to : Treat everyone you meet as if you will be dead by midnight.
It's been nice talking to so many different people over the last few days. The parties started last Wednesday and included a whole spectrum of people - acquaintances, new and old friends, relatives, close friends, people I haven't seen in eons, very dear friends who have come back from other countries etc. But now I'm just about all talked out and one part of me is ready to crawl into a hole somewhere and hibernate for a while. There are also a few people whom I would like to catch up with and wonder how they're doing this season....but haven't done so. Inertia...and a slight awkwardness because our circle of friends are different and paths seldom cross.
The other sobering fact has been the passing of a friend on Christmas eve. I feel for the family because she has two kids...one of whom is the same age as I was when I lost my mother. It will not be easy for the kids to cope. I can remember the pain and the feeling of loss. I really admire my friend for the strength and courage with which she faced her illness . She definitely had the peace of God that passes all understanding and was a testament to His love. I regret not visiting her after coming back from Camerons. We had received the text that she was hospitalised again then, and I had planned to visit. But I was caught up in a flurry of activities and did not make the time.
I am reminded of a quote in an article in yesterday's Sunday Times of a fellow named Ah Hock whose motto in life was to : Treat everyone you meet as if you will be dead by midnight.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Love Actually......afterthoughts
Really enjoyed reading Mel & Cheryl's entries, as well as Claris' on the OC blog. Think they write very well and captured the essence of the whole experience for all of us. I was more of an observer from the periphery but there was no escaping the fact that the Spirit was moving very freely. Personally, I found it very heart warming to see open hearts & hear the testimonies that follow from it. Indeed, OC has made a number of quantum leaps this year and it's exciting to have a glimpse at what God has planned for this vibrant community. Nothing short of life changing transformations I'm sure. All progress has to be tempered with the sobering fact that the awful fellow with the pitchfork is on high alert to inflict some damage somewhere somehow. It is, after all, spiritual warfare.
I had a power nap after coming back on Wednesday. Got a text from a dear friend I haven't seen in ages. So went to Double O (club off Mohd Sultan) that evening to socialise. Haven't seen this bunch in many years. It was slightly surreal to meet up again. It was a real throwback to almost 20 years ago when we were all on the brink of adulthood and leading a life of decadence in a country across the ocean. Some things have really changed.......and other things haven't at all. The conversations flowed freely and many laughs were shared. But at the back of my mind, I couldn't help wondering whether each and every one of them has seen the light.
Really enjoyed reading Mel & Cheryl's entries, as well as Claris' on the OC blog. Think they write very well and captured the essence of the whole experience for all of us. I was more of an observer from the periphery but there was no escaping the fact that the Spirit was moving very freely. Personally, I found it very heart warming to see open hearts & hear the testimonies that follow from it. Indeed, OC has made a number of quantum leaps this year and it's exciting to have a glimpse at what God has planned for this vibrant community. Nothing short of life changing transformations I'm sure. All progress has to be tempered with the sobering fact that the awful fellow with the pitchfork is on high alert to inflict some damage somewhere somehow. It is, after all, spiritual warfare.
I had a power nap after coming back on Wednesday. Got a text from a dear friend I haven't seen in ages. So went to Double O (club off Mohd Sultan) that evening to socialise. Haven't seen this bunch in many years. It was slightly surreal to meet up again. It was a real throwback to almost 20 years ago when we were all on the brink of adulthood and leading a life of decadence in a country across the ocean. Some things have really changed.......and other things haven't at all. The conversations flowed freely and many laughs were shared. But at the back of my mind, I couldn't help wondering whether each and every one of them has seen the light.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Xmas vs CNY
It's impossible to read today's Straits Times without seeing some ad on shopping. On the front page is some short write-up on how the weekend before Christmas (yes, today & tomorrow) are the 2 busiest shopping days of the year! All the shops gear up for these two days....deals galore and open till late. Just the thought of venturing to Orchard Road to battle the crowds gives me a mild headache. Also, I can't stand it that LTA has decided to cash in by charging ERP in the evenings!!!! Plus there is now ANOTHER gantry, in addition to the one at Tangs, just past Plaza Singapura. Talk about cash cow.
I have to confess. I prefer CNY to Christmas. My personal opinion is that it is truer to the meaning of the season. There are too many things about Christmas that are commercialized and in a way, infiltrated by other things. Although I do enjoy things like log cakes, Christmas trees, exchanging presents, attending parties.....and on the rare occasion, shopping till you drop.
When I was standing at the cashier counter at Tangs waiting for my stuff, I found I was staring straight at a sign (behind the cashiers) that said Even wise men seek Jesus. Interesting. What a clever man - Mr CK Tang. I admire that. I remember as a kid that Tangs was not open on Sundays.
To me, the reason for the season is to reflect on the incredible......preposterous even.......idea that God became human. The concept of Incarnation. I think it's mind-blowing. I can only try to begin to grasp it. Is that something like me condescending to be an ant? Not quite I don't think.
For some perspective, I am reminded of my recent plane trip looking out my window on the same level of the clouds, at the tiny little houses and roads from 20,000 ft. I couldn't even see the people because they were too small. The rivers and plots of land were the same size as what I would draw if I were to take my pen and draw some squiggles on a piece of paper. See what I mean. It's a miracle....really.
It's impossible to read today's Straits Times without seeing some ad on shopping. On the front page is some short write-up on how the weekend before Christmas (yes, today & tomorrow) are the 2 busiest shopping days of the year! All the shops gear up for these two days....deals galore and open till late. Just the thought of venturing to Orchard Road to battle the crowds gives me a mild headache. Also, I can't stand it that LTA has decided to cash in by charging ERP in the evenings!!!! Plus there is now ANOTHER gantry, in addition to the one at Tangs, just past Plaza Singapura. Talk about cash cow.
I have to confess. I prefer CNY to Christmas. My personal opinion is that it is truer to the meaning of the season. There are too many things about Christmas that are commercialized and in a way, infiltrated by other things. Although I do enjoy things like log cakes, Christmas trees, exchanging presents, attending parties.....and on the rare occasion, shopping till you drop.
When I was standing at the cashier counter at Tangs waiting for my stuff, I found I was staring straight at a sign (behind the cashiers) that said Even wise men seek Jesus. Interesting. What a clever man - Mr CK Tang. I admire that. I remember as a kid that Tangs was not open on Sundays.
To me, the reason for the season is to reflect on the incredible......preposterous even.......idea that God became human. The concept of Incarnation. I think it's mind-blowing. I can only try to begin to grasp it. Is that something like me condescending to be an ant? Not quite I don't think.
For some perspective, I am reminded of my recent plane trip looking out my window on the same level of the clouds, at the tiny little houses and roads from 20,000 ft. I couldn't even see the people because they were too small. The rivers and plots of land were the same size as what I would draw if I were to take my pen and draw some squiggles on a piece of paper. See what I mean. It's a miracle....really.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
One Day Stomach Flu
There are 13 of us travelling together on this trip. One little guy was wretching all the way up from Singapore. We thought he was just car sick. Actually he caught the stomach flu and within the next 2 days, 11 of us came down with the bug. Pretty awful virus. We all took turns making awful noises vomitting everything out. I escaped the vomitting but felt like I was dying with a bloated, gassy abdomen. The house was abnormally quiet yesterday as we all just lay about completely listless. Mrs Wong had nothing to do as even the aroma of food made us nauseous. Amazingly, almost all of us woke up this morning feeling brand new. Yesterday was just a bad memory. Bizarre.
We went to check out the Boh Tea Plantation at Sungei Palais today. There's a cool new building with a cantilevered terrace overlooking the plantation. Gorgeous 180 degree view. Tried a nice light garden tea called Bukit Cheeding.
It's been really wet. We heard that 6 cars were trapped up at Gunung Berinchang yesterday because a landslide had blocked the narrow road. They had to send the Orang Asli with food and supplies for them to stay the night. Just now we saw a helicopter - perhaps to rescue them.
There are 13 of us travelling together on this trip. One little guy was wretching all the way up from Singapore. We thought he was just car sick. Actually he caught the stomach flu and within the next 2 days, 11 of us came down with the bug. Pretty awful virus. We all took turns making awful noises vomitting everything out. I escaped the vomitting but felt like I was dying with a bloated, gassy abdomen. The house was abnormally quiet yesterday as we all just lay about completely listless. Mrs Wong had nothing to do as even the aroma of food made us nauseous. Amazingly, almost all of us woke up this morning feeling brand new. Yesterday was just a bad memory. Bizarre.
We went to check out the Boh Tea Plantation at Sungei Palais today. There's a cool new building with a cantilevered terrace overlooking the plantation. Gorgeous 180 degree view. Tried a nice light garden tea called Bukit Cheeding.
It's been really wet. We heard that 6 cars were trapped up at Gunung Berinchang yesterday because a landslide had blocked the narrow road. They had to send the Orang Asli with food and supplies for them to stay the night. Just now we saw a helicopter - perhaps to rescue them.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Brinchang, Cameron Highlands
I'm sitting in a noisy internet room above a shop. It's buzzing with the sounds of shooting and explosions. On my left is Tim's caddy and on my right a little further is my little caddy. They couldn't be older than Elliott.
We played 11 holes in what must be the muddiest golf course I've ever trampled around in. We had to stop because of the rain. Now I know where my tip & caddy fees have ended up in. They're real cute though and they did a good job as caddies.
We're staying just down the road at a quaint old, old house that overlooks the 8th hole. It's called 'Mount Vernon'. For us Singaporeans who have been to the other Mt Vernon, it's quite amusing to be living in this one.
Best part is that it comes with an excellent cook, Mrs Wong. Her sole responsibility is to feed us silly. She does her job very well. She makes this killer belachan that made her noodles simply delicious. Looking forward to the curry puffs we'll be gobbling down for tea later.
I'm sitting in a noisy internet room above a shop. It's buzzing with the sounds of shooting and explosions. On my left is Tim's caddy and on my right a little further is my little caddy. They couldn't be older than Elliott.
We played 11 holes in what must be the muddiest golf course I've ever trampled around in. We had to stop because of the rain. Now I know where my tip & caddy fees have ended up in. They're real cute though and they did a good job as caddies.
We're staying just down the road at a quaint old, old house that overlooks the 8th hole. It's called 'Mount Vernon'. For us Singaporeans who have been to the other Mt Vernon, it's quite amusing to be living in this one.
Best part is that it comes with an excellent cook, Mrs Wong. Her sole responsibility is to feed us silly. She does her job very well. She makes this killer belachan that made her noodles simply delicious. Looking forward to the curry puffs we'll be gobbling down for tea later.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Pong is right about going manual with the gate of course. Can never go wrong with dependable hand and leg work. That is, until one expires I suppose. But such is life....have enjoyed the comfort and ease of automation and thus, I find myself waiting impatiently for the technician to come install a new gate system. Should have been done by now but it rained all morning. I usually like rain but then I really need to get this out of the way so we can leave for Cameron Highlands in peace next Monday. All this, by the way, is costing an arm, a leg and some white hair.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
