There is one person who uses this name as the username. The username is ripplemaker. Ripplemaker. What a name. Surely each of us are ripplemakers in both small and big ways. Sometimes we make small waves and sometimes we make big waves, tidal waves and tsunamis that impact the world around us.
What else creates waves? In one of the episodes by Pastor AR Bernard, he mentioned that the word crisis. Crisis causes change. A chain reaction. Somehow like current or waves likes tidal waves and tsunamis and earthquakes. he made mention of the example of a tree being knocked at the trunk creates an alarm system in the tree to grow. It somehow has this chain reaction to fight back.
And so in life, the case for crisis in life also creates current, change and chain reaction for growth. It warns us, activates us, better moves us and forces us to grow out of our status quo or complacency maybe. So having crisis looking at this angle is not a bad thing after all.
But waiting for crisis to wake us up is certainly not the kind of life one should approach. Being active in growing and learning make us ready for crisis. You can start being a ripplemaker making little ripples for a start.
:)
There is so much in life we can blog ablog, talk ablog, share ablog, write ablog, thank ablog and encourage ablog. Indeed God and His abundant blessings are worth blogging about.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
How To Remember
Here are some ways to help you to remember things. We can put these into practice one at a time and may be along the way, improve or delete some of these. When there are any improvement or feedback, do add a comment here if possible.
(1) Snatch the thought down. Sometimes there are just so many and so fast the thought comes and goes, there is not enough time to write it down somewhere that the next moment the thought is missed. When squeezing the brain to recall it, the idea just could not come back again. So when certain things need remember, jot it down quickly. On a notepad. On a 3M stick note. On the newspaper on the table. Even on the kids doodle pad. If there is a iPhone or mobile phone, there is a place to quickly note down that idea and send it to yourself by email, gmail or yahoo mail. You can also send it to your office mail so that it reminds you when you are clearing your email.
(2) Set an alarm. Having a mobile phone or watch with alarm system can be very useful. Setting reminders and alarms at certain times of the day could help save some hastle to remember things when needed. It is like using an appointment or calendar entry or like a secretary that reminds.
(3) Set someone up. Another way is to employ a secretary. Surely this is more expensive. Partner with another friend to team in reminding each other on things in life, like messaging each other on life goals or encouraging notes. Taking the time to also pray for each other would help reinforce the memory.
There are many ways to remember things and appointments. Explore them and discover new ones.
:)
(1) Snatch the thought down. Sometimes there are just so many and so fast the thought comes and goes, there is not enough time to write it down somewhere that the next moment the thought is missed. When squeezing the brain to recall it, the idea just could not come back again. So when certain things need remember, jot it down quickly. On a notepad. On a 3M stick note. On the newspaper on the table. Even on the kids doodle pad. If there is a iPhone or mobile phone, there is a place to quickly note down that idea and send it to yourself by email, gmail or yahoo mail. You can also send it to your office mail so that it reminds you when you are clearing your email.
(2) Set an alarm. Having a mobile phone or watch with alarm system can be very useful. Setting reminders and alarms at certain times of the day could help save some hastle to remember things when needed. It is like using an appointment or calendar entry or like a secretary that reminds.
(3) Set someone up. Another way is to employ a secretary. Surely this is more expensive. Partner with another friend to team in reminding each other on things in life, like messaging each other on life goals or encouraging notes. Taking the time to also pray for each other would help reinforce the memory.
There are many ways to remember things and appointments. Explore them and discover new ones.
:)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Faith In Practice
Somehow I came across the talks by Pastor AR Bernard as available in youtube. I found the word shared very mind opening through each video clip excerpt taken from AR Bernard News Magazine Show. It was as good as attending a seminar online.
"Faith In Practice" is the title of the show. Isn't it true? Putting our faith into practice is very essential for growth in our Christian life. It is like studying the Bible and putting the head knowledge into application; transferring from the head to transforming the heart.
It is best to begin listening to the talk at episode 1 as he shares with you from the Word and illustrates more with stories as well as on the chartboard. And as you listen to God's word shared through Pastor Bernard, may God strengthen you to apply His word to your life and be blessed, like the man as described in the Bible from the book of James, Chapter 1 verses 22 to 25.
Verse 22
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.
Do what it says.
Verse 23
Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says
is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror
Verse 24
and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets
what he looks like.
Verse 25
But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom,
and continues to do this,
not forgetting what he has heard,
but doing it —
he will be blessed in what he does.
Practice Your Faith.
You can watch here episode 1 as an introduction to Pastor AR Bernard's Faith in Practice lessons and catch up with more at YouTube.
:)
"Faith In Practice" is the title of the show. Isn't it true? Putting our faith into practice is very essential for growth in our Christian life. It is like studying the Bible and putting the head knowledge into application; transferring from the head to transforming the heart.
It is best to begin listening to the talk at episode 1 as he shares with you from the Word and illustrates more with stories as well as on the chartboard. And as you listen to God's word shared through Pastor Bernard, may God strengthen you to apply His word to your life and be blessed, like the man as described in the Bible from the book of James, Chapter 1 verses 22 to 25.
Verse 22
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.
Do what it says.
Verse 23
Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says
is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror
Verse 24
and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets
what he looks like.
Verse 25
But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom,
and continues to do this,
not forgetting what he has heard,
but doing it —
he will be blessed in what he does.
Practice Your Faith.
You can watch here episode 1 as an introduction to Pastor AR Bernard's Faith in Practice lessons and catch up with more at YouTube.
:)
Morning Walk
After sending the kids to school, the walk to the park was a cooling one. There were mornings where the rain greeted us. Those were times for us to stay indoors. But when mornings are great for walks and jogs, we waste no time to enjoy the walk and some enjoy the talk during the walk.
This was the time before the rush hour where you could see young and old warming up their bodies for the day. Stretching your arms and legs and bodies. Some men and women alike prefer stretching their mouths and tongues and faces. The sight is an enjoyable and interesting one.
Not only are there people, pets also participate in this morning event, keeping company with their masters and owners. You could also enjoy the sign of them enriching the plants and grass. They are such adorable animals and friends for mankind.
One other activity we could partipate as we walk and talk, even when we are alone.
Talk with God our heavenly Father.
Enjoy your morning walk.
Verse 35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up,
left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Bible verse taken from the book of Mark chapter 1.
:)
This was the time before the rush hour where you could see young and old warming up their bodies for the day. Stretching your arms and legs and bodies. Some men and women alike prefer stretching their mouths and tongues and faces. The sight is an enjoyable and interesting one.
Not only are there people, pets also participate in this morning event, keeping company with their masters and owners. You could also enjoy the sign of them enriching the plants and grass. They are such adorable animals and friends for mankind.
One other activity we could partipate as we walk and talk, even when we are alone.
Talk with God our heavenly Father.
Enjoy your morning walk.
Verse 35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up,
left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Bible verse taken from the book of Mark chapter 1.
:)
Monday, March 28, 2011
What Gratitude Does?
I was encouraged by this short statement by Dr. Paul Brand.
"Gratitude is the single attitude most nourishing to health."
Gratitude or thanksgiving is so lacking in our vocabulary.
You and I really need to start giving thanks for everything.
"Gratitude is the single attitude most nourishing to health."
Gratitude or thanksgiving is so lacking in our vocabulary.
You and I really need to start giving thanks for everything.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Where Is The Offering?
In the early morning, Abraham and his son Isaac journeyed to the place God called. Up the mountain, Isaac noticed the wood and the fire and asked, "Where is the offering?" In a reply that is at first heart breaking yet faith building, Abraham replied, "God will provide."
Indeed the historical biblical story continues that Abraham was stopped when he was about to kill his son as an offering, an angel of the Lord stopped him. The next moment a ram was caught in the thicket and Abraham (was he relieved and faith bound) took the ram and offered it as an offering to the Lord.
See how God provides in times like these. God provides on the mountain of the Lord. You read this account in the Bible, Genesis chapter 22.
Know God and make him known.
;)
Indeed the historical biblical story continues that Abraham was stopped when he was about to kill his son as an offering, an angel of the Lord stopped him. The next moment a ram was caught in the thicket and Abraham (was he relieved and faith bound) took the ram and offered it as an offering to the Lord.
See how God provides in times like these. God provides on the mountain of the Lord. You read this account in the Bible, Genesis chapter 22.
Know God and make him known.
;)
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Where Were You, My Child
I am sure you have asked questions of someone and you were then asked the same questions back. Then somehow the questions you asked received their due answers. Some tough questions are really very hard to answer as there are just no solid answers to every issue under heaven or even below the earth.
Issues under heaven like thunder storms and hurricanes and tornadoes that harass and take innocent lives and issues below the earth like earthquakes and tsunamis that wipe out entire cities and prefectures. There are just no concrete answers to these questions. Some would conclude to the greed and pride of man seeking power in building cities on earth. Some would quietly in their hearts question the higher authority, "What kind of justice is this?"
If the heavens do answer human questions, here is one part from the Bible where this person by the name of Job received his due answer in full. (Look out for the Bible book Job chapter 38)
Here is a snapshot for your quick read.
:)
Issues under heaven like thunder storms and hurricanes and tornadoes that harass and take innocent lives and issues below the earth like earthquakes and tsunamis that wipe out entire cities and prefectures. There are just no concrete answers to these questions. Some would conclude to the greed and pride of man seeking power in building cities on earth. Some would quietly in their hearts question the higher authority, "What kind of justice is this?"
If the heavens do answer human questions, here is one part from the Bible where this person by the name of Job received his due answer in full. (Look out for the Bible book Job chapter 38)
Here is a snapshot for your quick read.
:)
Friday, March 25, 2011
Where Were You, Lord
Usually you would hear people say this phrase. Most of the time it is said during a time of very high emotional level. The phrase is 'Where were you?" Where were you when this thing happened? We will hear this quite often especially when 'bad' things happen and you were needed but no where to be found.
The other person where this phrase is often directed to is the person in higher authority, namely God. In the deepest anguish of times, deep and hidden in the inner self of each of us is the strongest pitch cry of 'where were you, Lord?' 'Where were You, when I needed you the most?'
It is sometimes hard to answer this question of 'where God is, when incidents occur' like the recent disaster of Japan earthquake, or even not so long ago the deaths of many during the World Wars II or I, or even personal incidents like sickness and diseases that took the lives of young and old. It really really is very hard.
I could remember another phrase used by two sisters, namely Martha and Mary. When their brother, Lazarus died, both of them as they faced their only hope, said, "If you had been here, my brother would not have died." Read the full account in the Bible, recorded in the book of John Chapter 11.
:)
The other person where this phrase is often directed to is the person in higher authority, namely God. In the deepest anguish of times, deep and hidden in the inner self of each of us is the strongest pitch cry of 'where were you, Lord?' 'Where were You, when I needed you the most?'
It is sometimes hard to answer this question of 'where God is, when incidents occur' like the recent disaster of Japan earthquake, or even not so long ago the deaths of many during the World Wars II or I, or even personal incidents like sickness and diseases that took the lives of young and old. It really really is very hard.
I could remember another phrase used by two sisters, namely Martha and Mary. When their brother, Lazarus died, both of them as they faced their only hope, said, "If you had been here, my brother would not have died." Read the full account in the Bible, recorded in the book of John Chapter 11.
:)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Do We Never Learn
The kids slept late. The kids were reluctant to wake up so that they can sleep a bit more. Why couldn't they catch the idea sooner? Not only kids, even adults do the same. Sleep late and struggle to wake up early. What a vicious cycle!
Do we never learn? Do we only learn when we are too late? Only when we become Rushians, do we feel and be convinced the need to sleep early. Only when we received the due punishment do we begin to understand the system.
You could identify three groups of people. One group commits the mistake and learns. One group learns from the group that committed the mistake and learns not to commit mistake. The last group does it right the first time.
Which group do you belong to? Your choice becomes your destiny and your life.
:)
Do we never learn? Do we only learn when we are too late? Only when we become Rushians, do we feel and be convinced the need to sleep early. Only when we received the due punishment do we begin to understand the system.
You could identify three groups of people. One group commits the mistake and learns. One group learns from the group that committed the mistake and learns not to commit mistake. The last group does it right the first time.
Which group do you belong to? Your choice becomes your destiny and your life.
:)
Make Time When No Time
We complain a lot for no time
We make excuse for not enough time
Not to mention not enough money
We give time to iPad and some games
We take time for breaks, tea and coffee
And say we have lots of things to do
But not enough time to complete them
Yet talking about these take time
So why do some have time to do things
While we seem that we do not have enough
Such a big mess of debris like in Japan
Tell me where to start to clear so much
I have heard we need to make time though
There seems to be no time to spare
Like make time for food and for sleep
We must make time to complete one task
And then the next and the next
Soon realize the key is to make time
For those that are in priority
And those that are of value to you
We make excuse for not enough time
Not to mention not enough money
We give time to iPad and some games
We take time for breaks, tea and coffee
And say we have lots of things to do
But not enough time to complete them
Yet talking about these take time
So why do some have time to do things
While we seem that we do not have enough
Such a big mess of debris like in Japan
Tell me where to start to clear so much
I have heard we need to make time though
There seems to be no time to spare
Like make time for food and for sleep
We must make time to complete one task
And then the next and the next
Soon realize the key is to make time
For those that are in priority
And those that are of value to you
*Even for this blog, time was made for it!
:)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Energy From Above
Where can you draw energy to do certain overwhelming things?
Where can you sustain energy when somehow it is drained so quickly?
Where can you get energy when even coal energy is not green?
Where can you have energy that even nuclear green energy is so risky?
Kids need lots of emotional energy to move them to the next step.
You can see a lot of physical energy in the kids but not the old.
Somehow kids have that small picture view that contains energy,
while adults have that big picture view that drains energy.
Consider drawing energy from above.
Verse 28
We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
Verse 29
To this end I labour, struggling with all his energy,
which so powerfully works in me.
Bible verses taken from Colossians 1:28-29
:)
Where can you sustain energy when somehow it is drained so quickly?
Where can you get energy when even coal energy is not green?
Where can you have energy that even nuclear green energy is so risky?
Kids need lots of emotional energy to move them to the next step.
You can see a lot of physical energy in the kids but not the old.
Somehow kids have that small picture view that contains energy,
while adults have that big picture view that drains energy.
Consider drawing energy from above.
Verse 28
We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
Verse 29
To this end I labour, struggling with all his energy,
which so powerfully works in me.
Bible verses taken from Colossians 1:28-29
:)
Monday, March 21, 2011
For Japan: Recycle, Recreate, Rebuild
A mosaic piece done by my kids with recycle materials like buttons, straws, picks, plastic tubes, ice cream sticks and coasters. Indeed not only for the people of Japan, but also for those whose lives are hard pressed on every side, may they not be despaired nor give up but press on, move on and live on.
Life is precious and live to the fullest.
verse 7
But we have this treasure in jars of clay
to show that this all-surpassing power
is from God and not from us.
verse 8
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not in despair;
verse 9
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed.
Bible verses taken from 2 Corinthians 4:7-9
:)
Life is precious and live to the fullest.
verse 7
But we have this treasure in jars of clay
to show that this all-surpassing power
is from God and not from us.
verse 8
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not in despair;
verse 9
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed.
Bible verses taken from 2 Corinthians 4:7-9
:)
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Gnomeo and Juliet
It is a nice movie for the family. Not only love filled, it has lots of fun filled laughters stretching from start to end. The characters presented by the families of Gnomeo (blue) and Juliet (red) are very unique. The porcelain figurines coming alive after their owners and humans are out of sight is an interesting scene.
The battle between the blue and red ends with love between Gnomeo and Juliet and the families reconciled. The ending was good as contrast to the story of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. Even the statue of William Shakespeare in the movie has to go with the sweet ending.
Though in 3D there were not very much 3D action by the characters, it is definitely a timely show for the family and friends.
:)
The battle between the blue and red ends with love between Gnomeo and Juliet and the families reconciled. The ending was good as contrast to the story of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. Even the statue of William Shakespeare in the movie has to go with the sweet ending.
Though in 3D there were not very much 3D action by the characters, it is definitely a timely show for the family and friends.
:)
Life Without
What is life going to be like when we live it without certain things? We may learn and discover many things in the process.
Things we learnt for life without the car.
1. We gain to see the garden flowers more clearly.
2. We gain to know the bus system.
3. We gain to experience the life of people and place more.
Try it. Life without...
:)
Things we learnt for life without the car.
1. We gain to see the garden flowers more clearly.
2. We gain to know the bus system.
3. We gain to experience the life of people and place more.
Try it. Life without...
:)
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Time Well Spent On The MRT
List down the things we can do on the MRT ride:
1. Give up your seat for the elderly
2. Play PSP
3. Help an elderly
4. Read novels
5. Alight to eat or drink plus visit the toilet
6. Listen to music or radio
7. Read a book quietly
8. Catch up with sleep snorelessly
9. Give way to an elderly
10. Look at the green sceneries
11. Observe what other people are doing
12. Play games on the iPad or iPhone
13. Listen to songs in your phone
14. Chit chat with your friend politely
15. Read, memorize or review bible verses
16. Watch movies on the iPad
17. Share the things you do with your Neighbour
18. Read Chinese books
19. Imagine things
20. Talk to yourself
21. Talk to a stranger
22. Pray for everybody
23. Behave or act like a person opposite you
24. Smile
25. Play I Spy
26. Thank God
27. Praise God
28. Sing a song
29. Pack your bag
30. Do homework
1. Give up your seat for the elderly
2. Play PSP
3. Help an elderly
4. Read novels
5. Alight to eat or drink plus visit the toilet
6. Listen to music or radio
7. Read a book quietly
8. Catch up with sleep snorelessly
9. Give way to an elderly
10. Look at the green sceneries
11. Observe what other people are doing
12. Play games on the iPad or iPhone
13. Listen to songs in your phone
14. Chit chat with your friend politely
15. Read, memorize or review bible verses
16. Watch movies on the iPad
17. Share the things you do with your Neighbour
18. Read Chinese books
19. Imagine things
20. Talk to yourself
21. Talk to a stranger
22. Pray for everybody
23. Behave or act like a person opposite you
24. Smile
25. Play I Spy
26. Thank God
27. Praise God
28. Sing a song
29. Pack your bag
30. Do homework
In The Cave
People walk around me
The light shines everywhere
People are busy here and there
Bits and pieces to do and clear
I see the clear blue across the sky
I see many puffy sheepy clouds
I see the sound of life below
Yet I am in the cave.
:(
The light shines everywhere
People are busy here and there
Bits and pieces to do and clear
I see the clear blue across the sky
I see many puffy sheepy clouds
I see the sound of life below
Yet I am in the cave.
:(
Friday, March 18, 2011
Tree Top Tale: Root and Shallow
Tree Top Tale: Root and Shallow: "If you happen to be traveling in the night in the middle of the woods, be sure to look carefully sometimes at the trees. You may catch a gli..."
The Same Night Sky
As I looked up at the night sky
I know somewhere someone else
Is also looking at the same sky
I asked questions of why and how
They asked where their loves ones
And what next for them and life
I looked at the star filled darkness
They looked at the darkness filled star
The same sky we share but
The different days to live
The same number of days given
But in one day it was demanded in full
I pray in the same night sky
That amidst darkness they see light
In them the spark of life
Will ignite once again abright
Shining into every gloom and plight
Even through till the same day sky.
:)
I know somewhere someone else
Is also looking at the same sky
I asked questions of why and how
They asked where their loves ones
And what next for them and life
I looked at the star filled darkness
They looked at the darkness filled star
The same sky we share but
The different days to live
The same number of days given
But in one day it was demanded in full
I pray in the same night sky
That amidst darkness they see light
In them the spark of life
Will ignite once again abright
Shining into every gloom and plight
Even through till the same day sky.
:)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Comfort From Above
Who or what can comfort us in such days as these?
No more the things we can hold on to anymore.
No more the big house we thought could save us.
No more the one we thought could embrace us.
No more the one that was swept away too.
No more of those I knew and am familiar with.
Now I must grapple with those I do not know.
Now we must grapple with those we are not familiar with.
Now we must seek to know the One who can be known.
verse 3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
verse 4
who comforts us in all our troubles, so that
we can comfort those in any trouble
with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
Bible verses from 2 Corinthians 1:3,4
:)
No more the things we can hold on to anymore.
No more the big house we thought could save us.
No more the one we thought could embrace us.
No more the one that was swept away too.
No more of those I knew and am familiar with.
Now I must grapple with those I do not know.
Now we must grapple with those we are not familiar with.
Now we must seek to know the One who can be known.
verse 3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
verse 4
who comforts us in all our troubles, so that
we can comfort those in any trouble
with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
Bible verses from 2 Corinthians 1:3,4
:)
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Hold My Hands, O My Lord
May this song encourage us in every way!
Hold my hands, O my Lord,
Please do not leave me alone.
On this road I have to travel,
I really need your presence.
Please hold my hands, O Lord,
Please do not leave me.
Sometimes I fear, sometimes I am lost,
Sometimes I cannot hear your voice.
Hold my hands, and stay with me,
Grant my legs and feet your steadiness.
To walk to the door,
To listen to those precious words.
Telling me, "Come in, my son."
:)
Hold my hands, O my Lord,
Please do not leave me alone.
On this road I have to travel,
I really need your presence.
Please hold my hands, O Lord,
Please do not leave me.
Sometimes I fear, sometimes I am lost,
Sometimes I cannot hear your voice.
Hold my hands, and stay with me,
Grant my legs and feet your steadiness.
To walk to the door,
To listen to those precious words.
Telling me, "Come in, my son."
:)
Monday, March 14, 2011
Prayer To God
Please show your mercy on the people of Japan.
Please energize the rescue workers to be strong in the work.
Please give the victims many boosts of life and breath.
Please grant the survivors many doses of light amidst darkness.
Please give the authorities your wisdom in organizing the massive work.
Please give strength to the old to teach the young precious lessons.
Please energize the young the desire to learn and receive from the old.
Please move living hearts to re-unite with who have lost theirs.
Please unite loving hearts with those who are lost in many ways.
Please lead the people of Japan know your love and plan for them.
Indeed...
I lift up my eyes to the hills,
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
The Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1
Please energize the rescue workers to be strong in the work.
Please give the victims many boosts of life and breath.
Please grant the survivors many doses of light amidst darkness.
Please give the authorities your wisdom in organizing the massive work.
Please give strength to the old to teach the young precious lessons.
Please energize the young the desire to learn and receive from the old.
Please move living hearts to re-unite with who have lost theirs.
Please unite loving hearts with those who are lost in many ways.
Please lead the people of Japan know your love and plan for them.
Indeed...
I lift up my eyes to the hills,
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
The Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1
Sunday, March 13, 2011
160 Aftershocks in 24 Hours
The newspaper reported that there were 160 aftershocks within 24 hours. This was to confirm the happenings at Honshu, Japan. It is indeed a shocking thing that is going on in Japan. What is happening to the world we live in?
Worse still, now there is the nuclear scare that is spreading concerns to everyone in the world. The world is going to Japan to help but the rescue work is being hindered until the nuclear plants are confirmed safe from radioactive leaks. It is so difficult as any delay would mean lesser time given to search for survivors.
May the Lord show His mercy and purpose for these occurrences.
May the Lord grant strength and comfort in the midst of such overwhelming chaos and mess.
:(
Worse still, now there is the nuclear scare that is spreading concerns to everyone in the world. The world is going to Japan to help but the rescue work is being hindered until the nuclear plants are confirmed safe from radioactive leaks. It is so difficult as any delay would mean lesser time given to search for survivors.
May the Lord show His mercy and purpose for these occurrences.
May the Lord grant strength and comfort in the midst of such overwhelming chaos and mess.
:(
What Is Happening?
On Friday, in a normal office day, we received news about the earthquake that shocked Japan. And also we received email seeking our service support for the customer orders when the need arises. Then while I was checking the Internet for more details, I was shocked to see a video taken off a helicopter of the tsunami that swept into the Northeastern part of Japan. It was not a movie clip. It was a real tsunami that swept through real farm land, properties and vehicles. We saw the vehicles were still moving away from the oncoming waves.
I recalled an almost similar feeling on that fateful Saturday morning when I turned on the news. The twin towers in New York were attacked by a passenger aeroplane. The initial thought was that it was just a movie clip or what. Watching it clearly, it was live telecast of events that occurred on the other side of the globe. It was a terrible feeling on what a terrible thing that had happened.
I was even more trouble by this question of 'what is happening?' in the world in these days. I checked the seriousness of the earthquake in Japan and saw the number of tremors happening at the trouble site were terrifying.
Source: http://www.myforecast.com/bin/earthquake.m?city=75281&metric=true
My prayers go out to the people in Japan, for their safety, comfort and energy in the rescue work. I pray for God's mercies over them and stop the tremors in Japan and cause the people to find hope in Him.
:(
I recalled an almost similar feeling on that fateful Saturday morning when I turned on the news. The twin towers in New York were attacked by a passenger aeroplane. The initial thought was that it was just a movie clip or what. Watching it clearly, it was live telecast of events that occurred on the other side of the globe. It was a terrible feeling on what a terrible thing that had happened.
I was even more trouble by this question of 'what is happening?' in the world in these days. I checked the seriousness of the earthquake in Japan and saw the number of tremors happening at the trouble site were terrifying.
Source: http://www.myforecast.com/bin/earthquake.m?city=75281&metric=true
My prayers go out to the people in Japan, for their safety, comfort and energy in the rescue work. I pray for God's mercies over them and stop the tremors in Japan and cause the people to find hope in Him.
:(
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The Word Became Flesh
Here is information communication at its best.
John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son,
who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The Word became Life to you and me.
Reflect on these words.
:)
John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son,
who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The Word became Life to you and me.
Reflect on these words.
:)
Friday, March 11, 2011
Communication of Information
How do you respond when you receive information, especially information that impacts you like you are late or you have been retrenched?
Once I was told I was late as we overslept and the time was so and so. I woke up frantically and rushed to brush my teeth, skipped my breakfast and got dressed for school. I also rushed myself in my pace to school. Remember us being Rushians. When I arrived in school, I was still early and still observed many others strolling themselves into the assembly hall. What a contrast!
The next occasion, I was told to wake up but not told about the exact time. I still woke up as per normal and brushed my teeth. When I noticed the time, I eventually faced reality and started to speed up in drinking my cup of milk and got dressed. When we looked at the clock, we were still early. But this time, we had not become Rushians and our hearts were not pumping as fast.
From this incident I learnt that the way information communication is being handled is so differentiating. If you communicate a certain information in this manner, the response or the result is this way. If you put across that same set of information in another manner, the response may be slightly more positive, less destructive.
:)
Once I was told I was late as we overslept and the time was so and so. I woke up frantically and rushed to brush my teeth, skipped my breakfast and got dressed for school. I also rushed myself in my pace to school. Remember us being Rushians. When I arrived in school, I was still early and still observed many others strolling themselves into the assembly hall. What a contrast!
The next occasion, I was told to wake up but not told about the exact time. I still woke up as per normal and brushed my teeth. When I noticed the time, I eventually faced reality and started to speed up in drinking my cup of milk and got dressed. When we looked at the clock, we were still early. But this time, we had not become Rushians and our hearts were not pumping as fast.
From this incident I learnt that the way information communication is being handled is so differentiating. If you communicate a certain information in this manner, the response or the result is this way. If you put across that same set of information in another manner, the response may be slightly more positive, less destructive.
:)
Thursday, March 10, 2011
So Little Time, So Many Things
Ever experienced being so overwhelmed with so many things to do and complete, yet so little time to do so? So much housework, homework, schoolwork, workwork. Even if you may be a fast worker, the demand of life can just come like a tsunami and sweep you away.
So let us dwell further on the point of the tsunami. If you observe one coming your way, what would you do? How would you respond? Would I still be thinking about doing my housework, homework, schoolwork or workwork or making money? What comes to your mind at that moment?
For some reasons, the mind suddenly wakes up (hopefully) and begins thinking of the people that needs to be alerted asap (as soon as possible) so that their lives will be saved from the tsunami. The lives of your close ones become top priority and rescue and safety are the top actions in your mind. I doubt the belongings are a concern, neither is the iPad or favorite toy or gadget.
At this juncture, the point remains the same.
So little time with so many things.
Make time with the little time you and I have, for the more important things first out of the many things we have.
:)
So let us dwell further on the point of the tsunami. If you observe one coming your way, what would you do? How would you respond? Would I still be thinking about doing my housework, homework, schoolwork or workwork or making money? What comes to your mind at that moment?
For some reasons, the mind suddenly wakes up (hopefully) and begins thinking of the people that needs to be alerted asap (as soon as possible) so that their lives will be saved from the tsunami. The lives of your close ones become top priority and rescue and safety are the top actions in your mind. I doubt the belongings are a concern, neither is the iPad or favorite toy or gadget.
At this juncture, the point remains the same.
So little time with so many things.
Make time with the little time you and I have, for the more important things first out of the many things we have.
:)
The Marriage Vows
After posting 'Being Together', I was reminded of my marriage vows. It was good putting this in this post to appreciate deeper the energy behind being together and sticking together for life.
Our Vows
With this ring I give myself to you
before God and His people
forsaking all others,
to have and to hold,
from this day forward.
For better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish you
till death separates us.
Indeed till death separates us.
:)
Our Vows
With this ring I give myself to you
before God and His people
forsaking all others,
to have and to hold,
from this day forward.
For better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish you
till death separates us.
Indeed till death separates us.
:)
Being Together
In the early morning, at the cool and windy garden, I went for a short jog. I observed many different kinds of people at the garden park. Some brought their pets. Some came for morning walks. Some came for stretching using the equipments there.
I particularly noticed this couple, this old lady and this old gentleman. Each was holding on each other. Both were walking together, slowly and at the pace both at their age have taken to accept. It was a touching view. It was a scene filled with messages.
Love.
Care.
Pace.
Enjoy.
Rejuvenate.
Relive.
Recount.
Just being human again.
Just being together.
:)
I particularly noticed this couple, this old lady and this old gentleman. Each was holding on each other. Both were walking together, slowly and at the pace both at their age have taken to accept. It was a touching view. It was a scene filled with messages.
Love.
Care.
Pace.
Enjoy.
Rejuvenate.
Relive.
Recount.
Just being human again.
Just being together.
:)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Life Through Thick And Thin
Life and death are difficult moments as well as happy moments too. The difficult moments are those issues which sometimes cannot be resolved in an instance cases. There are also those like behavioral issues and also those with health issues which can be very very difficult times to many.
When these issues are somehow resolved the happy moments eventually arrive. You can see the smile. You can notice the sun after the storm. You can enjoy the rainbow after the rain. So whether in life or death which are facts of life, facing them with courage and with a community of friends and relatives can make the journey much more bearable.
Life through thick and thin. Even at death, life continues. Life moves on. Therefore stick together through thick and thin. You never know who receives you at the end of the road.
Image taken from Rainbow Posters
:)
When these issues are somehow resolved the happy moments eventually arrive. You can see the smile. You can notice the sun after the storm. You can enjoy the rainbow after the rain. So whether in life or death which are facts of life, facing them with courage and with a community of friends and relatives can make the journey much more bearable.
Life through thick and thin. Even at death, life continues. Life moves on. Therefore stick together through thick and thin. You never know who receives you at the end of the road.
Image taken from Rainbow Posters
:)
Monday, March 7, 2011
Questions vs Answers
Questions - request for information
Answers - response or reply to a question
There are many questions in life where you can find the answers.
There are those questions too where you can find a variety of answers.
There are also those questions where there are no concrete answers.
There are some questions in life where questions become the answers themselves.
There are many answers to life's questions.
There are some answers that bring out more questions.
There are also those answers which really are not answers at all.
There are of course some answers which lead you to becoming the Answer of answers.
?@
Answers - response or reply to a question
There are many questions in life where you can find the answers.
There are those questions too where you can find a variety of answers.
There are also those questions where there are no concrete answers.
There are some questions in life where questions become the answers themselves.
There are many answers to life's questions.
There are some answers that bring out more questions.
There are also those answers which really are not answers at all.
There are of course some answers which lead you to becoming the Answer of answers.
?@
Who Listens To Who?
Daddy listens to mummy.
Mummy listens to daddy.
Gege listens to Jiejie.
Jiejie listens to Gege.
So who do I listen to?
I listen to the cane.
- An interesting and amusing statement
made by a five year old.
* Gege - big brother in Chinese,
Jiejie - big sister in Chinese
:)
Mummy listens to daddy.
Gege listens to Jiejie.
Jiejie listens to Gege.
So who do I listen to?
I listen to the cane.
- An interesting and amusing statement
made by a five year old.
* Gege - big brother in Chinese,
Jiejie - big sister in Chinese
:)
Thanks To Trouble
A story is told of the father who bought a horse for his son. While his son was happily riding the horse, he fell and injured his feet. The father was saddened by the incident and questioned why such a thing would happen to him. He regretted getting the horse for his son.
The next day the army enlistment came to recruit soldiers for the war and came upon the father. Because his son was injured, he was not drafted. In his heart, the father corrected his thinking and regarded the horse for his son as a blessing in disguise.
So how to really differentiate the good from the bad? Shall we accept good and not bad? Sometimes the kids may complain, "Not again. Plain bread for breakfast. Where have all the Cheese Sausage bun gone to?" The kids are quite smart to eat up all the good stuff and leave behind those 'not so good' stuff. So who is going to eat those 'not so good' ones?
On another occasion, "Not again, more homework" complained the teen. "I just finished one and now another." The parent urged, "You had your relaxation earlier and it is time to work." "Too much of relaxation will weigh you down (put on weight) while too much of work will drain you out (burn out)."
A recent reminder from the Bible taken from the book of Job (The Message translation)
Job 2:10
He (Job) told her (his wife), "You're talking like an empty-headed fool.
We take the good days from God
- why not also the bad days?"
Not once through all this did Job sin. He said nothing against God.
So the next time trouble comes knocking on your door, try giving thanks to God as well.
* "Son, please tidy up your room."
"Thank you mum."
* "Dear, please help to clear up this mess created by your sister."
"Thank you mum."
* "Son, you have disobeyed me in this aspect and you shall be punished."
"Thank you dad."
:)
The next day the army enlistment came to recruit soldiers for the war and came upon the father. Because his son was injured, he was not drafted. In his heart, the father corrected his thinking and regarded the horse for his son as a blessing in disguise.
So how to really differentiate the good from the bad? Shall we accept good and not bad? Sometimes the kids may complain, "Not again. Plain bread for breakfast. Where have all the Cheese Sausage bun gone to?" The kids are quite smart to eat up all the good stuff and leave behind those 'not so good' stuff. So who is going to eat those 'not so good' ones?
On another occasion, "Not again, more homework" complained the teen. "I just finished one and now another." The parent urged, "You had your relaxation earlier and it is time to work." "Too much of relaxation will weigh you down (put on weight) while too much of work will drain you out (burn out)."
A recent reminder from the Bible taken from the book of Job (The Message translation)
Job 2:10
He (Job) told her (his wife), "You're talking like an empty-headed fool.
We take the good days from God
- why not also the bad days?"
Not once through all this did Job sin. He said nothing against God.
So the next time trouble comes knocking on your door, try giving thanks to God as well.
* "Son, please tidy up your room."
"Thank you mum."
* "Dear, please help to clear up this mess created by your sister."
"Thank you mum."
* "Son, you have disobeyed me in this aspect and you shall be punished."
"Thank you dad."
:)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
We Have Become Rushians
Who are the Rushians? They are not the Russians we know even though many of them come to Singapore to work. Soon they too will turn and become Rushians. So who are the Rushians? Are they a special breed of Russians? No. Are they a unique force from the Martians community? No.
This term 'Rushians' came from the mouth of a little girl. She felt the lifestyle of Singaporeans is always moving from place to place, from one activity to another and from one program to another. After this event we rush to another event. After completed this task, we rush to take up another assignment.
So by now you know where the term 'Rushians' is drawn from.
If you feel the rush, you have become a Rushian as well.
Mmmmm.
Slow down and enjoy the pace of life.
:)
This term 'Rushians' came from the mouth of a little girl. She felt the lifestyle of Singaporeans is always moving from place to place, from one activity to another and from one program to another. After this event we rush to another event. After completed this task, we rush to take up another assignment.
So by now you know where the term 'Rushians' is drawn from.
If you feel the rush, you have become a Rushian as well.
Mmmmm.
Slow down and enjoy the pace of life.
:)
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Busyness vs Balance
Busy busy busy. Busy like the bee with the buzz buzz buzz. Looking at the people at the subway I observed the busyness of the commuters and the workers at the station. The cleaners and the operators. Those busyness are good as they do their job making sure the subway is clean and the machines are kept maintained in good condition.
When the time comes for their breaks, I saw balance in action. The cleaners and the operators proceeded for their meals. They had a great time sharing their lives over their lunches. Even the commuters took time off to munch over their food they bought or brought from home made hands. Indeed the body needs the energy to balance out the busyness consumed by the day and by the night.
Too much of busyness dehydrates your energy and too much of breaks weigh you down.
I remember a saying: Beware of the barrenness of a busy life.
:)
When the time comes for their breaks, I saw balance in action. The cleaners and the operators proceeded for their meals. They had a great time sharing their lives over their lunches. Even the commuters took time off to munch over their food they bought or brought from home made hands. Indeed the body needs the energy to balance out the busyness consumed by the day and by the night.
Too much of busyness dehydrates your energy and too much of breaks weigh you down.
I remember a saying: Beware of the barrenness of a busy life.
:)
Life More Than This
Life more than this. The word 'this' refers to the many things we get involved with, got attached to and most times found ourselves addicted to them. This addiction can become so deep that you and I do not realize it ourselves and cannot even find them as an addiction. The Bible has this word called 'idolatry'.
Not only the kids and even us will discover that life is really more than this. More than the studies and homework the kids they drudgingly do; more than the games and postings we do on Facebook and more than the achievements and goals you and I attained. May be you would discover the answer by seeking it outside the walls of your box.
Try sitting at the place where you can see the activities of life. Observe the people moving here and there. Maybe at the marketplace. Maybe at the subway. Maybe at the park. You and I may find the patterns of life.
:-)
Not only the kids and even us will discover that life is really more than this. More than the studies and homework the kids they drudgingly do; more than the games and postings we do on Facebook and more than the achievements and goals you and I attained. May be you would discover the answer by seeking it outside the walls of your box.
Try sitting at the place where you can see the activities of life. Observe the people moving here and there. Maybe at the marketplace. Maybe at the subway. Maybe at the park. You and I may find the patterns of life.
:-)
Thursday, March 3, 2011
My Scrap Book Collection
Just to illustrate some of the stuff I have collected so far. From little drawings to movie tickets, all these have been collected and put into a scrap book. You basically need the following:
1. scotch tape or adhesive tape
2. book*
* For the book, you need not get a new book or those brand new white paper book for keeping your collections. Simple stack a used A4 size papers and staple them at the longer side. You have made yourself a scrap book using recycled paper.
Alternative, you may have some files or note files which you have kept them for so long that you cannot even remember when the last you took them out to read. Take these out and paste your collections over the notes and there you have it - your very own second scrap book.
Here is a sample picture to complete this post.
1. scotch tape or adhesive tape
2. book*
* For the book, you need not get a new book or those brand new white paper book for keeping your collections. Simple stack a used A4 size papers and staple them at the longer side. You have made yourself a scrap book using recycled paper.
Alternative, you may have some files or note files which you have kept them for so long that you cannot even remember when the last you took them out to read. Take these out and paste your collections over the notes and there you have it - your very own second scrap book.
Here is a sample picture to complete this post.
:)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Thank You Son
This is a post on what are some things we as parents can thank our children or son for.
Thank you son for sleeping until I wake you up.
Thank you son for forgetting to brush your teeth.
Thank you son for leaving the bed for me to make it.
Thank you son for taking breakfast.
Thank you son for leaving the cup and spoon for me to wash.
Thank you son for finishing the water in the bottle.
Thank you son for dirty the floor for me to clean up.
Thank you son for messing up so that we can clean up as a team.
Thank you son for stressing us with so many mistakes in your schoolwork.
Thank you son for those excellent grades too that make us proud.
Thank you son for the wonderful posters which are part of your creative make up.
Thank you son for your presence, sometimes irritating, sometimes incredible.
Thank you son for the resemblances you bring us.
Thank you son for digging your nose which reminds me of someone I know.
Thank you son for the great pieces you played on the piano.
Thank you son for bearing with us even though we scold and punish.
Thank you son for bearing with the tough subjects you handle in school and home.
Thank you son for the creativity with your hands on your head and toys.
Thank you son for driving us up the wall and humbling us when we fall.
Thank you son.
We love you.
:)
Thank you son for sleeping until I wake you up.
Thank you son for forgetting to brush your teeth.
Thank you son for leaving the bed for me to make it.
Thank you son for taking breakfast.
Thank you son for leaving the cup and spoon for me to wash.
Thank you son for finishing the water in the bottle.
Thank you son for dirty the floor for me to clean up.
Thank you son for messing up so that we can clean up as a team.
Thank you son for stressing us with so many mistakes in your schoolwork.
Thank you son for those excellent grades too that make us proud.
Thank you son for the wonderful posters which are part of your creative make up.
Thank you son for your presence, sometimes irritating, sometimes incredible.
Thank you son for the resemblances you bring us.
Thank you son for digging your nose which reminds me of someone I know.
Thank you son for the great pieces you played on the piano.
Thank you son for bearing with us even though we scold and punish.
Thank you son for bearing with the tough subjects you handle in school and home.
Thank you son for the creativity with your hands on your head and toys.
Thank you son for driving us up the wall and humbling us when we fall.
Thank you son.
We love you.
:)
Thank You Mummy
This is a post on what are some things we can thank our mummy for.
Thank you mum for waking me up in the morning.
Thank you mum for reminding me to brush my teeth properly.
Thank you mum for folding my blanket and making my bed.
Thank you mum for preparing breakfast for me.
Thank you mum for reminding me to bring my water bottle.
Thank you mum for the daily pocket money.
Thank you mum for walking me to school.
Thank you mum for fetching me from school.
Thank you mum for checking my bag and schoolwork.
Thank you mum for making lunch for me.
Thank you mum for guiding me in my homework.
Thank you mum for scolding me when I needed it.
Thank you mum for giving me the cane when I disobeyed your instructions.
Thank you mum for doing the laundry.
Thank you mum for ironing my clothing.
Thank you mum for playing with me.
Thank you mum for reading with me.
Thank you mum for dinner.
Thank you mum for taking care of me when I am sick.
Thank you mum for staying with me during bedtime.
I love you mum.
:)
Thank you mum for waking me up in the morning.
Thank you mum for reminding me to brush my teeth properly.
Thank you mum for folding my blanket and making my bed.
Thank you mum for preparing breakfast for me.
Thank you mum for reminding me to bring my water bottle.
Thank you mum for the daily pocket money.
Thank you mum for walking me to school.
Thank you mum for fetching me from school.
Thank you mum for checking my bag and schoolwork.
Thank you mum for making lunch for me.
Thank you mum for guiding me in my homework.
Thank you mum for scolding me when I needed it.
Thank you mum for giving me the cane when I disobeyed your instructions.
Thank you mum for doing the laundry.
Thank you mum for ironing my clothing.
Thank you mum for playing with me.
Thank you mum for reading with me.
Thank you mum for dinner.
Thank you mum for taking care of me when I am sick.
Thank you mum for staying with me during bedtime.
I love you mum.
:)
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