Once upon a time, there lived a rich family in a small town by the countryside. Adam, the eldest son was a graduate from Harvard. One day, Adam was walking along the fields with his father chatting and sharing of his experiences outside his hometown. As they were walking, Adam saw a pair of old shoes by the fields belonging to a poor farmer who was working nearby.
Adam turned to his father and suggested that they played a trick on the poor farmer. He will hide his shoes, and then hide themselves behind the bushes to see the reaction of the farmer when he cannot find them.
His father suggested that instead of hiding the shoes, to put a coin inside each shoe and wait for the reaction of the farmer. So, Adam did as his father suggested and hide themselves behind the bushes and wait.
The farmer finished his work, came across the fields where he placed his shoes. While putting on one side of his shoes, he felt something at his feet and took it out. Seeing the coin, he looked around to see who might have dropped it. Seeing no one, he then put on the other side of his shoes. Again, he felt something and bend to pick it up.
Seeing the coins in his hands, his feelings overcame him and he knelt down and cried. He uttered aloud a prayer of thanks for the two coins given that will help him to feed his children and help his sick wife.
Adam stood there greatly affected and his eyes filled with tears, understood the real meaning of “It is more blessed to give than to receive”.
During this Christmas season, many would expect to receive presents and blessings, not knowing the real joy of Christmas is the joy of giving. Many have focus on receiving and forget the pleasures of giving.
I hope that I have given something this Christmas season. Merry Christmas.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
The wonders of rain
As I was writing a report on my couch, I could hear the sound of soft thunder outside. I looked out from the window and saw dark clouds floating in the air waiting for the right time to shower the earth beneath them. I can hear the howling of the wind getting louder and stronger. Raindrops started to fall, each drop a sound, making music of their own.
I put aside my laptop and walked towards the balcony. The pleasant sight of rain brings sense of calmness in my soul. The nice smell of rain brings freshness to my mind. As the rain cleanses the earth beneath it, I allow my troubles and hardships to wash down beneath me. I stood there, enduring every moment along the way. I love watching the rain, feeling it’s magic.
When the rain stopped, the earth is renewed once again. I feel I am renewed in mind and soul. A breath of fresh air, a new beginning, a new perspective, I love every part of it. It’s amazing to feel the wonders of rain.
I put aside my laptop and walked towards the balcony. The pleasant sight of rain brings sense of calmness in my soul. The nice smell of rain brings freshness to my mind. As the rain cleanses the earth beneath it, I allow my troubles and hardships to wash down beneath me. I stood there, enduring every moment along the way. I love watching the rain, feeling it’s magic.
When the rain stopped, the earth is renewed once again. I feel I am renewed in mind and soul. A breath of fresh air, a new beginning, a new perspective, I love every part of it. It’s amazing to feel the wonders of rain.
Friday, November 21, 2008
The scans
Three weeks ago, as I was shopping in a mall, I felt pain in my abdomen and nearly fainted. As that was not the first time I nearly fainted in public, I decided to do a check up on my abdomen area.
After getting referral from the panel doctor, I went for a pelvis ultra sound scan. For the results to be effective, the bladder has to be full. So on that morning after drinking at least 5 liters of water, I was finally ready for the scan. As the doctor scanned towards my left kidney, he spotted black spots which he said is larger than the usual normal kidney stones. The right kidney was perfectly normal.
The doctor then recommended me to do another test, the CT scan. The CT scan is an x-ray procedure that combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views and, if needed, three-dimensional images of the internal organs and structures of the body. Hence, by doing the CT scan, the black spots in my kidney can be identified. Similar to the ultra sound scan, the bladder has to be full for the results to be effective. So on that morning after drinking at least a million liters of water, I was finally ready for the scan.
The next morning I went to collect my results. Thank God the result was normal. The black spots had disappeared. The doctor explained that the earlier black spots could be due to stones which subsequently had been flushed out. However, if the spots are large, how then can they be flushed out through the normal system? I of course did not probe further and was glad that it’s all over. No matter what the doctor’s scientific explanations were, I know it’s the power of prayer and the depth of faith in Him that helped me through.
Through it all, I’m also blessed to have family and friends that care all the way to the end. They’re there whenever I need them. I could not ask for more. Thank you for not letting me walked alone through the storm.
After getting referral from the panel doctor, I went for a pelvis ultra sound scan. For the results to be effective, the bladder has to be full. So on that morning after drinking at least 5 liters of water, I was finally ready for the scan. As the doctor scanned towards my left kidney, he spotted black spots which he said is larger than the usual normal kidney stones. The right kidney was perfectly normal.
The doctor then recommended me to do another test, the CT scan. The CT scan is an x-ray procedure that combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views and, if needed, three-dimensional images of the internal organs and structures of the body. Hence, by doing the CT scan, the black spots in my kidney can be identified. Similar to the ultra sound scan, the bladder has to be full for the results to be effective. So on that morning after drinking at least a million liters of water, I was finally ready for the scan.
The next morning I went to collect my results. Thank God the result was normal. The black spots had disappeared. The doctor explained that the earlier black spots could be due to stones which subsequently had been flushed out. However, if the spots are large, how then can they be flushed out through the normal system? I of course did not probe further and was glad that it’s all over. No matter what the doctor’s scientific explanations were, I know it’s the power of prayer and the depth of faith in Him that helped me through.
Through it all, I’m also blessed to have family and friends that care all the way to the end. They’re there whenever I need them. I could not ask for more. Thank you for not letting me walked alone through the storm.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Change
It’s amazing that such a short word like change brings such deep meaning. To a great certain extent, I do believe that change is good. Change brings a breath of fresh air in a polluted environment. Change widens the perspective of life. Change gives energy to a dying situation. Change causes sparks in dullness. Change injects life in a stagnant world.
Despite being such strong supporter for change, it does irritate me to see certain people changing the roots of their identity just to fit in the small world around them. Whatever changes we made, we should not change who we are inside because that is what makes us special. Change should be made for good and not for any other reason. No matter what happen, no matter how things change, our roots should remain because that is where our foundation, our principles are. Just like a tree with shaky roots easily tumbles, our lives without strong roots will easily crumbles. As seasons change, the color of the leaves change, but the roots remains the same. That is the substance of change.
Despite being such strong supporter for change, it does irritate me to see certain people changing the roots of their identity just to fit in the small world around them. Whatever changes we made, we should not change who we are inside because that is what makes us special. Change should be made for good and not for any other reason. No matter what happen, no matter how things change, our roots should remain because that is where our foundation, our principles are. Just like a tree with shaky roots easily tumbles, our lives without strong roots will easily crumbles. As seasons change, the color of the leaves change, but the roots remains the same. That is the substance of change.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Respect
Today, I met a friend for dinner. As we talked about stuffs and all, I began to see things on a different angle that I have never thought of. As we talked, I began to realize how true the saying – two sides of a coin – is.
It’s also weird how you can lose respect for someone which you have respected for years easily. Is it because it’s human nature to focus on weaknesses more than strength? Or is it because most people are afraid to be bitten twice?
For me, I think the more you see a person as being near to perfection, the more fragile your trust and respect to that person. Why is that so? Because nobody is perfect. The more you treat a person as perfect, the more fragile your trust and respect is.
What I do realize from our conversation is that it took so much effort and years to build trust and respect but only seconds to destroy them. These two things are so fragile and easily shaken. I guess in the midst of all these, forgiveness comes into the picture. In fragileness, forgiveness is the strength, in shakiness, forgiveness is the foundation. I pray that I will never forget forgiveness….
It’s also weird how you can lose respect for someone which you have respected for years easily. Is it because it’s human nature to focus on weaknesses more than strength? Or is it because most people are afraid to be bitten twice?
For me, I think the more you see a person as being near to perfection, the more fragile your trust and respect to that person. Why is that so? Because nobody is perfect. The more you treat a person as perfect, the more fragile your trust and respect is.
What I do realize from our conversation is that it took so much effort and years to build trust and respect but only seconds to destroy them. These two things are so fragile and easily shaken. I guess in the midst of all these, forgiveness comes into the picture. In fragileness, forgiveness is the strength, in shakiness, forgiveness is the foundation. I pray that I will never forget forgiveness….
Imperfectness II
Imperfectness is part of life. Only with the existence of imperfectness, we can appreciate the perfect things in life..
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Imperfectness
After a long week of work, the feeling of weakness crawls into my heart once again. It could be due to my tiredness and probably won’t last (I hope), but at the moment the feeling is strong… very strong…
I am feeling weak at this moment. Imperfect as I am, I try to be a good family member, yet there’s so much happening in my family that I am unaware of. Imperfect as I am, I try to be a good friend, yet in many of my friend’s eyes, I fail as a friend. Imperfect as I am, I try to be a good employee, giving my best in all I can, yet I know there are times I disappoint my bosses. Imperfect as I am, I try to be a good Sunday school teacher, hoping to impart some truth into children’s lives, yet I wonder whether I make a difference? Imperfect as I am, I try to support the worship leader, yet I know sometimes they don’t feel they are supported at all. Imperfect as I am, I try learning music and taking up piano lessons, yet after so many years I can’t even play a decent song by myself. In the midst of so much imperfectness, is there even one thing that is perfect about me?
I am feeling weak at this moment. Imperfect as I am, I try to be a good family member, yet there’s so much happening in my family that I am unaware of. Imperfect as I am, I try to be a good friend, yet in many of my friend’s eyes, I fail as a friend. Imperfect as I am, I try to be a good employee, giving my best in all I can, yet I know there are times I disappoint my bosses. Imperfect as I am, I try to be a good Sunday school teacher, hoping to impart some truth into children’s lives, yet I wonder whether I make a difference? Imperfect as I am, I try to support the worship leader, yet I know sometimes they don’t feel they are supported at all. Imperfect as I am, I try learning music and taking up piano lessons, yet after so many years I can’t even play a decent song by myself. In the midst of so much imperfectness, is there even one thing that is perfect about me?
Sunday, October 19, 2008
My strength
You are my strength
Strength like no other
Strength like no other
Reaches to me
You are my hope
Hope like no other
Hope like no other
Reaches to me
The above song and lyrics is taken from "You are my strength" by Hillsong. Last Thursday, I asked myself - Am I dying inside slowly like the plant near my window, turning from healthy green to strength-less yellowish?
Hearing this song somehow gives me the strength and hope at the time I need the most. When things seem difficult, when I feel weak and tired, this song reminds me that God is my strength and my hope. He is my strength and my hope like no other, reaches to me.
Strength like no other
Strength like no other
Reaches to me
You are my hope
Hope like no other
Hope like no other
Reaches to me
The above song and lyrics is taken from "You are my strength" by Hillsong. Last Thursday, I asked myself - Am I dying inside slowly like the plant near my window, turning from healthy green to strength-less yellowish?
Hearing this song somehow gives me the strength and hope at the time I need the most. When things seem difficult, when I feel weak and tired, this song reminds me that God is my strength and my hope. He is my strength and my hope like no other, reaches to me.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Green turning yellow
I don’t know why today I feel I’m at my most down moments. The heaviness I have within my heart has started to take control over me again. As I look outside my office window, I see the plant by my window which was once green and healthy started to wither and become yellowish. Am I dying inside slowly like the plant?
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Vacation
Tomorrow I’ll be going for a short vacation with my family. I will be away from this small world of Penang for a few days. The last vacation we had was in 2002. It has been 6 years since then. How time flies!
I’m looking forward to tomorrow. I hope I’ll have an enjoyable trip. I hope there are many trips to come.
I’m looking forward to tomorrow. I hope I’ll have an enjoyable trip. I hope there are many trips to come.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Through the seasons of my life
Today I’m feeling grateful and contented with all that I have. I can’t stop noticing what a beautiful day today is. Things seem small today. What is big is the gratefulness I felt in my heart today. The earth can move, the moon can fall, the oceans can rise, everyone can faint… I don’t care!
Flashing back on my last birthday… I started off that day in dilemma, uncertain about my future, indecisive of how I should choose. On that day, I have to make an important choice, a choice which will change my life significantly if not totally.
As the day came to an end, I still can’t decide. I drove home crying like I have never cried in a thousand years. Tears kept on flowing down no matter how I tried to hold back. I was frustrated at myself, frustrated of my indecisive way, frustrated at how weak I have become. Yeah, I do cry but only when watching movies. I don’t simply cry. That day, no matter how reluctant I am, I have to admit that I am not as strong as I always thought I am.
As I parked my car, tears in my eyes were starting to slow down. I can’t go up to my house looking the way I was. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. 15 minutes later, I dried my eyes and make my way up to my house. Reaching my house, acting as if nothing happens, I went for a hot shower. I do love it just standing there feeling the hot shower on your face. As the water washed away my tears, it washed away my worries and fear. I have reached a decision.
In the midst of it all, I’m grateful and touched by the concerns showed upon me. I have millions of messages and phone calls by friends showing their concerns, telling me that I was not alone. I realize the whole incident could be a blessing in disguise showing me how blessed I am to have such great and wonderful friends. The day ended with a smile on my face, a contented feeling in my heart that no matter what happens, I will have friends that walk with me through the seasons of my life. What a great birthday I had this year!
Today as I write the above, my focus is on how grateful and contented I am with all that I have. This year, on my birthday, I know for sure that I have all that I can ask for. If ever I were to feel that the world owes me everything, I hope that the message above will open my eyes once again and show me the real meaning of life.
My ladder
Life is like climbing a long ladder which we cannot see the top. We will never know what the end of the ladder holds. As we climb step by step, closer and closer to the end, along the way through the hardship, we learn about what life means to us.
I am climbing step by step to reach the top of my ladder. I can’t wait to see what is at the top of my ladder. *wink wink*
I am climbing step by step to reach the top of my ladder. I can’t wait to see what is at the top of my ladder. *wink wink*
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Spider web
The story below was shared with me by a good friend, showing me that whatever is happening in my life, with God, a mere spiders web can become a brick wall of protection.
During World War II, a US marine was separated from his unit on a Pacific island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades.
Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves.
Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.
As he waited, he prayed, Lord, if it be your will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen.
After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw close. He thought, well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one.
Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave. As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave.
Hah, he thought. What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor.
As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on.
Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while. Lord, forgive me, prayed the young man. I had forgotten that in you a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall.
We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to forget the victories that God would work in our lives, sometimes in the most surprising ways.
During World War II, a US marine was separated from his unit on a Pacific island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades.
Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves.
Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.
As he waited, he prayed, Lord, if it be your will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen.
After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw close. He thought, well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one.
Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave. As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave.
Hah, he thought. What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor.
As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on.
Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while. Lord, forgive me, prayed the young man. I had forgotten that in you a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall.
We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to forget the victories that God would work in our lives, sometimes in the most surprising ways.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Stones along my path
If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you,
Then how can you contend with horses?
And if in the land of peace,
In which you trusted, they wearied you,
Then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan?
Overcoming obstacles is never an easy task in life. It requires strength and strong will. Yet, it is something that we cannot escape from. The above verses illustrates on the encouragement of overcoming obstacles. If one cannot even overcome the obstacles now, how then can one move forward to greater things?
I hold the verses in my heart, full of confidence to overcome any obstacles that comes my way. Overcoming obstacles is not just part of life. It is what life is about – walking along paths of stones…
Then how can you contend with horses?
And if in the land of peace,
In which you trusted, they wearied you,
Then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan?
Overcoming obstacles is never an easy task in life. It requires strength and strong will. Yet, it is something that we cannot escape from. The above verses illustrates on the encouragement of overcoming obstacles. If one cannot even overcome the obstacles now, how then can one move forward to greater things?
I hold the verses in my heart, full of confidence to overcome any obstacles that comes my way. Overcoming obstacles is not just part of life. It is what life is about – walking along paths of stones…
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The world
Some people think that the world is a great place to stay. Some thinks that the world is only meant for people to suffer. What does the world means to me, I often wonder before I close my eyes at night. I guess no matter how much one wonders, one will never get the answer. As often as the world changes, as often as people’s views change too. But one thing I do know for sure, is that I’m grateful to be where I am today.
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