Neither Here Nor There

My Radio

2010-10-12T00:06:00.000+08:00

A lot of my young learner friends are surprised whenever they take a ride in my car especially if the radio is on. "You listened to Hitz FM?" would a common comment. Well why not? You can be in your 2nd half of your life and still stay young at heart...

My first choice would be Hitz FM...also a favourite of other half and my cool teen & my pre-teen.

My other favourite other than Mix FM would be 96.00 called the Hallelujah Channel...a collection of songs from my pen drive using the car mp3 fm modulator. My pre-teen would always come in the car and pressed PAUSE whenever we're listening to another channel...She has a collection of David Archuleta's songs on my drive!

The other favourite that my cool teen & pre teen hates is the Light & Easy Channel 105.7. We use this channel to silence our kids whenever they start arguing in the car. If we are at the traffic lights, we would take out our handphones and wave them around (like they do in the concert) and not long after that we would have silence in the car and eventually we see my cool teen sliding further down his seat, hoping that none of his friends are in any of the cars around us!

What Would One Do For The King of Fruit

2010-07-28T23:36:00.003+08:00

Just yesterday I was in the gents (which was located outside in the lobby) and I smelled this foul smell. Once again I thought the sewer might have clogged up again. Years ago we found a underwear in the sewer pipe...after that I never bothered to ask what they found.

Then later in the day, one of colleagues mentioned to me that one of the new staff brought some durians to office in a biscuit tin. He stays in Hulu Langat...

Knowing that the boss is anti-durian, specific instructions were given to eat outside the office. (NEVER to be brought in the office).Not even to wash your hands in the pantry as the boss room is next to the pantry.

So they must have indulge themselves (would have love to have caught them on camera...must check my cctv recording) and wash their hands in the toilet...I suppose that's where the smell came from because today there was no more smell!

Time to add one more sign for the office..

My Other Half New Hobby

2010-07-23T21:49:00.003+08:00

My other half has found a new hobby which I had a part to play. I helped her setup her online store. She created the blog page herself.

I was in charge of photographing the jewelery. This I did using my very own Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1 and home made studio. I also helped in setting up the Paypal.

So drop by her blog.

Rise Above The Fray

2010-07-05T22:16:00.007+08:00

In the last two weeks, God has been teaching me a lot about handling people…I sort of have the feeling that there is more to come!

In my personal life and at work, the challenges are the same….just different people. Once I told my HR manager how difficult his job must me. Always having to listen to all sort opinions on how to do things… on just ONE issue.

Working in the academic institution doesn’t help either. You will have Drs & Profs telling you how things should be. I told him that at least in my work, the furniture I buy doesn’t talk back, whatever the color that I choose.

“Let's face it. Sometimes people just plain don't like each other and can’t get along. People usually attribute this sort of problem to strong personalities and being difficult. Labeling the problem this way seems to be a justification for not doing anything about it. After all, one cannot change the basic nature of another person, right?”

Difficult people do exist. Difficult people come in every variety and no place is without them. Dealing with difficult people is much tougher when they are attacking you or undermining your professional contribution.

Difficult people come in every conceivable variety.

Some talk constantly and never listen.

Others must always have the last word.

Some fail to keep commitments.

Others criticize anything that they did not create.

Difficult people compete with you for power, privilege and the spotlight;

Some attempt to undermine you and you constantly feel as if you need to watch your back. Difficult people and situations exist in every place. They all have one thing in common. You must address them. No matter the type of difficult situation in which you find yourself, dealing with difficult people or situations is a must.

Trust me. Your situation won’t get better; left unaddressed, it usually gets worse. Unaddressed, necessary conflict simmers just below – and often erupts counterproductively above – the surface at work.

Here are four things we could try:-
Establish the Ideal. Engage the group in a conversation about what kind of team they want to have. Get them talking about behaviors that will make the team more successful and interesting for the members. Groups have their own unique cultures. Your job is to get the group to compare the culture they have to the one they want.

Clear up fuzzy leadership. Sometimes people clash in the absence of clear leadership. Perhaps these two are positioning for power and control of the team. Assuming neither is right for the role, make it clear who is in charge.

Try the obvious. While it may be the least attractive option, it is probably the most effective. Talk with these people individually or together. Let them know that their behaviors are affecting the team. Work with them to understand the underlying problems and together develop solutions that will address the conflicts.

Clean house. As a last resort, the leader may want to remove one or both of these people from the team. If your gut is telling you that they are significantly cutting into productivity and effectiveness, and you have tried everything you and others can think of doing, this becomes a reasonable action. Take it.”

Adapted from Tom LaForce at his website, http://tomlaforce.com
Susan M. Heathfield http://humanresources.about.com/bio/Susan-M-Heathfield-6016.htm

New Lyrics to Beatles song - "Yesterday"

2010-06-02T23:45:00.003+08:00

Yesterday,
All those backups seemed a waste of pay
Now my database has gone away
Oh I believe in yesterday

Suddenly,
There's not half the files there used to be
And there's a milestone hanging over me
The system crashed, so suddenly.

I pushed something wrong
What it was, I could not say.
Now all mya data's gone,
And I long for yesterday-ay-ay-ay

Yesterday,
The need for back-ups seemed so far away.
I knew my data was all here to stay
Now I believe in yesterday.

from http://www.inflection-point.com/jokes.php

The Miracle of “ My Rib – Bone Compatibility”.

2010-05-21T23:45:00.003+08:00

I'm back after a blog sabbatical leave! Recently I receive a testimony from one of my colleagues at campus. I’m very encouraged to read the testimony. Recently, I have been receiving news about many that have fallen ill due to cancer and the timing of his testimony has reminded me that God still perform miracles and cares for us.

************************************************************************************

My wife and I would like to acknowledge our Lord Jesus and His faithfulness in our lives in all the sequence of events over the past one and half years. May all praise honor and glory be accredited to our Lord Jesus.

Mid August 2008 began a series of symptoms that indicated my kidney function was nearing its end stage. This was due to a hereditary kidney condition which I was aware of for some twenty over years. I became very weak and often fell ill as my haemoglobin levels fell sharply with increased blood discharge and sharp back pains. Frequently I was on medical leave and even on work days, most of the afternoons, I was so weak that I had to come back home and rest. One morning while I was driving to work the pain was so unbearable that I stopped the car beside the highway and cried out to God in tears. “Lord Jesus, I’ve had enough of all this pain and suffering in my life. Enough is enough. I do not want to live like this anymore, just end my life in this world and take me home.” Unable to bear the agony of suffering, I was ready to leave this world. But in my heart I realized that my dear wife would be left alone and my heart struggled with that thought.

It was almost two months later that God spoke to us through one of His anointed servants “My beloved son, unable to bear the pain, you prayed to me to take your life. No my son, you belong to me. I will not let you down, …………” “Because he has set his love upon me, therefore I will deliver him, I will set him on high, because he has known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer Him.(Psalm 91:14,15).” We were much encouraged but we did not see an end to the pain and suffering in sight. With great difficulty, I managed my day to day life at work, house and church responsibilities. As I was going through much agony and pain physically, I always used to tell our Lord that I could not understand what the Bible says of Him that He is a God of love, mercy and grace who cares for His own. One day through one of His servants, the Lord spoke to us. “My son, in due time you will look back at your life and realize how good I have been in your life.” God is good, He is good all the time.

We crossed into the year 2009 with no change in our circumstances. But the Lord continued to send many of His servants to us to encourage us and instructing us to keep walking and that he will perform for us. One Saturday on 23 rd May 2009, my condition worsened and my wife admitted me that night at the Gleaneagles Hospital, Ampang because my nephrologist was there. After a week’s stay in the hospital, my doctor told me that I had no choice but to start on dialysis as the toxic levels in my blood were very high. Being on dialysis was another stress and torture. Every alternate day, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 pm to 5pm I had to be at the dialysis centre of the hospital for my treatment. On these days I could only be at work in the morning and from noon onwards I had to be in the hospital. After each session, I go back home weak and tired. At work my bosses and colleagues extended their favor and support in many ways. I could sense and see the favor and grace of God at my work environment. During this seven month period, much of my job responsibilities were handled by my colleagues. All praise and glory to God for His favor and grace extended to me through my colleagues.

It was during this time, that the doctor said I will do very well and return to normal life if I had a kidney transplant done. So my wife asked the doctor whether she could be the donor and the doctor responded by saying that he could initiate the process of investigation on compatibility and see how it goes. Thus, began the process of investigation of almost six months. The first compatibility test was the blood grouping. I was group AB positive and my wife was group O positive. So, I was a universal recipient and she was a universal donor. The second compatibility test was HLA Typing test (Human Leukocyte Antigen). This test was very much a genetic match in which twins will have 6 out of 6 antigen match and siblings would have maybe 4 out of 6 antigen match. In our case we had 2 out of 6 antigen matches as husband and wife. The final test was tissue cross-match for which the results have to be negative at various temperatures. And this test was negative at all temperatures. Along with other screenings, the doctor finally decided that we could go ahead with the kidney transplant. All tests results were in our favor and anything else will be controlled by the anti-rejection medications. All praise and glory be to God for His mercy and favor towards us in this matter.

From the time I began dialysis treatment on 25th May 2009 until we were admitted for surgery on 13th Nov 2009, we had some doubts as to whether this was the path that our Lord wanted us to follow through in organ transplant. I was fervently praying for the Lord to heal and restore my kidneys and deep within my heart I did not want to put my dear wife through this ordeal of her having to donate her kidney to me. During this period, the Lord spoke to us through many of his anointed servants and His Word. “My ways for you are not according to your thoughts and plans.” It was then that I realized our Lord had a specific process of healing for us in which he wanted us to experience Him. “Both of you are praying for the same purpose and I the Lord will perform for you.” One of the servants who prayed for us had a vision. “You are going for the surgery in the operation theatre, the surgeons are working on you and the Lord’s hand is performing the miracle. You are walking out of the hospital, happy and healthy and going back to your work.” Here are some verses through which the Lord spoke to us. “For I will surely deliver you, and you shall not fall by the sword; but your life shall be as a prize to you, because you have put your trust in me” (Jeremiah 39:18) “No weapon formed against you shall prosper”.(Isaiah 54:17) “Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily and your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the lord shall be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 58:8)

With the Lord speaking to us through many of his servants and His word, His path became clearer to us. We put our trust in Him and our hearts were filled with calm and peace as we sensed His guiding hands. About two weeks before the surgery, the Lord dropped a thought in our hearts to pen a list of prayer items and mass e-mail it to all the praying people we knew and many servants of God. This spread like wildfire to wider and wider prayer networks around the globe to many praying people whom we did not even know. Until today we are receiving e-mails from people who prayed for us around the globe. Our church pastor and the congregation prayed for us for a few consecutive Sunday services. Our Lord cannot remain silent but rise to send His Word of healing especially when hundreds of his people unite hearts to pray. All praise and glory be to our prayer answering God.

Gleneagles Intan Hospital : From 13th Nov. 2009 ~ 21st Nov. 2009.

My wife and I were admitted as scheduled on Friday the 13th Nov. 2009. We went through the day with much anxiety. Some friends and family members came and prayed with us. On Saturday, 14th Nov. 2009, at 8.30am, my wife was wheeled out of the room to the operation theatre. As I watched her go, my heart struggled within and my body trembled with tears rolling down my eyes. I asked the Lord again, “Why does she have to go through all this because of me”. With many thoughts running through my mind, it was almost 11am when I was wheeled to the operation theatre. Unable to think anymore, I prayed the Lord’s Prayer and surrendered myself and all events to follow into the hands of our Lord. And a great calm and peace came upon me. Within a few seconds, I became unconscious. I regained consciousness late in the evening of the day in an isolated glass door room of the intensive care unit (ICU). With all sorts of monitoring equipment and drug administrative equipment hooked on to me, I could not move much but could just wave to the many friends, relatives and church members who stood behind the glass doors and waved at me. All the nurses in the ICU were very kind and cared for me very well. I thanked God for His favor upon me through them. I was in the ICU for about five days. Every day morning and evening the surgeon and my nephrologist would come and monitor my progress. They marveled at my progress. Out of the mouth of the surgeon came these words, “John, I am surprised at how fast you are progressing. I had my own fears. My part was to perform the surgery successfully but after that your body has to take over the function of the kidney. Your kidney started functioning immediately. God must love you both very much. Your wife is doing fine too.” His remarks stirred my heart to raise my hands and thank God for His healing touch. Every morning in the ICU, I thanked God for renewed strength and recovery and the Lord dropped one by one into my heart all the promises he has given me for the past few years. Tears of joy rolled out as I sensed his presence. The surgeon made sure that my wife was wheeled in a wheel chair every morning and brought near me so that we could share some moments together. These were wonderful moments the Lord provided us through the favor of doctors and nurses.

On Wednesday evening 18th Nov.2009, (5th day in ICU), I was sent to the ward. My wife had already been sent to the ward on Monday evening 16th Nov.2009, (3rd day in ICU). In the ward, again we saw the favor of God. We were placed in independent rooms next to each other. All praise and glory be to our Lord. We were in the ward from Wednesday evening to Saturday. On Saturday afternoon, we were both discharged. That was exactly eight days from Friday (13th Nov.2009) to Saturday (21st Nov.2009). We are now resting and recovering at home with regular check-ups with the doctor. The promise of Isaiah 58:8, “Your healing shall spring forth speedily.” was literally fulfilled. My Hindu neighbor, who saw me leave home for admission to hospital and then saw me eight days later at home said, “John, so fast you are back home. You both don’t look like you have been through a major surgery”. All praise, honor and glory be to our Lord Jesus.

On a second note, in Genesis we read that God made Eve out of the rib-bone taken from Adam. As early as in the creation stage, God had already made the wife “rib-bone compatible” with the husband. “And the two shall become one………..” “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder……….”. Now our marriage relationship has taken on a new dimension. Even to the extent of compatibility in the sharing of organs, God has united us in compatibility. An awesome God the creator, who ordained marriage, has also planned all finite details in our lives.
Here, I must really thank God for uniting me with a wonderful and caring wife who has exemplified sacrificial love towards her husband by putting herself on the platform to give me the gift of life. May God honor and bless her.

In Dec. 2009, the Lord has given us another word. “I give you new beginnings.” What a personal and wonderful Lord God whom we serve. All praise, honor and glory of this account of our lives be accredited to our Lord Jesus alone. Amen.

Submitted By: Mr. & Mrs. John Steven Navamany.
Johnsteven@uniten.edu.my

My new set of eyes

2010-04-04T22:50:00.003+08:00

Recently I had to change my specs as I couldn't really see the presentations if I was sitting way at the back in the office. Then when I had to read reports, I needed to focus a while before the words became clear. (Signs of ageing, they tell me!)

I find it a real pain to make pair of multi focal specs. It took me a while (like weeks) to adjust to my first pair of multi focal specs. I think the optician was really tired of seeing me. So much adjustments had to be made until she had to make a new pair of lenses for me. Then she cracked one of my lenses during one of those trips to see her and she had to make another one.

Now after two years, I dreaded going back to make new pair. But this time, she had a ultra light frame and it was much lighter than my current pair. It was really tempting and it was time to check my eyes. Sure enough my power has increased, and new pair of multi focal specs was a must.

As expected, the first few days I tried my new pair, my eyes felt really tired and sore. So here I was going back to the optician like every 4 or 5 days. On my last trip, I saw her really bending my soecs frame just to get the position right. It seemed ok now and I hope I don't need to go back.

I have been seeing a few people wearing this type of sunglasses that you wear over your specs. My mum and my sis has one. My other half has been trying to buy one. So one my last trip to the optician, I asked her if she had this type of sunglasses for sale. Or course, she had two pairs, one in large size, the other in medium size. I saw the price which was 3 figures. In my mind, I thought I won't buy and just stick to changing to my sun glasses whenever I needed to use it.

Then she said, "For you, I give you RM**.00. It was quite cheap, so I bought one. My pre teen says I look like terminator and she looks like a bumble bee when she wears the sunglasses.

Unusual Signs

2010-03-21T23:46:00.004+08:00

This one was taken at a Chinese restaurant selling Curry Mee.

Another 7 Eleven competitor.

This shop was in the same row as Seven to Seven.

I wonder what will happen if we made noise. Trust me, it's really dark at night

This sign was along a route to our chalet..

A trip back to nature

2010-03-02T23:26:00.008+08:00

In January this year, my office had a retreat to Taman Negeri Endau Rompin. On the way there, we came across globs of elephant poo on the road. That was interesting and a bit scary for the 30+ of us. The "resort" is located about 16km from the main road.

I am always very apprehensive about this kind of retreats. Earlier I attended one in Sungkai and that was a culture shock for me! It was like one of those NS camps.

Our accommodation in Endau Rompin was quite simple. We had to walk about 500m from the common area.

I stayed in an A-shaped hut with two beds and it has an attached bathroom! The only problem was it was naturally ventilated and we are always on the watch out for any insects that might have sneaked in.

After discovering a scorpion along the pathway, I was more careful in toilets and definitely no more short cuts! Anyway the water supply was from the river and it's only pumped up to tanks once a day.

So the water from the taps does look murky at times. Anyway my room mate & I have been brushing our teeth with mineral water. The organiser kept wondering why the mineral water bottles seemed to disappear so fast. I guess most of the others were doing the same!

The "resort" is located along the river and the water in the river is crystal clear. Some of us went for a dip in the rapids and it was definitely refreshing.

During our meetings and discussion, we had some "locals" joining us in the meeting room ...leeches. As we had to take off our shoes in the meeting room (so as to not offend the "locals"), we had to resort to wearing socks and keep our legs on the chair pedestal.

The management had our full attention throughout the retreat because the place had no handphone reception. Our Blackberry, HTC and any other handphones became useless in the meeting room. At times, my colleague sitting next to me will be showing me how to fly a plane on his HTC while I only had Solitaire to keep me occupied. We can only receive Maxis and Digi line but at selected locations only. During my free time when my other colleagues went for their prayers, I will be scouting around the place for the best reception area. So far under the tree in front of the meeting room and the light pole at the courtyard area are the best because we can get two bars reception!

After spending two nights there without airconditioning (it was quite cooling at night) and surprising no mosquitoes at all, I was dying to leave the place. I took the fastest way out by following one of my bosses in his car instead of following the bus! We stopped at the petrol station in Endau and I was again reminded of God's lovely creation when we spotted a grasshopper on the car windscreen.

I guess some times we need to go back to our basics in life. We have begun to rely a lot on our electronic gadgets that we have forgotten to enjoy the simpler things in life.

A Simple Prayer

2010-01-19T23:26:00.001+08:00

Author Unknown, Source Unknown

My son Gilbert was eight years old and had been in Cub Scouts only a short time. During one of his meetings he was handed a sheet of paper, a block of wood and four tires and told to return home and give all to "dad."

That was not an easy task for Gilbert to do. Dad was not receptive to doing things with his son. But Gilbert tried.

Dad read the paper and scoffed at the idea of making a pine wood derby car with his young, eager son. The block of wood remained untouched as the weeks passed.

Finally, mom stepped in to see if I could figure this all out. The project began.

Having no carpentry skills, I decided it would be best if I simply read the directions and let Gilbert do the work. And he did. I read aloud the measurements, the rules of what we could do and what we couldn't do.

Within days his block of wood was turning into a pinewood derby car. A little lopsided, but looking great (at least through the eyes of mom).

Gilbert had not seen any of the other kids cars and was feeling pretty proud of his "Blue Lightning," the pride that comes with knowing you did something on your own.

Then the big night came. With his blue pinewood derby in his hand and pride in his heart we headed to the big race.

Once there my little one's pride turned to humility. Gilbert's car was obviously the only car made entirely on his own. All the other cars were a father-son partnership, with cool paint jobs and sleek body styles made for speed.

A few of the boys giggled as they looked at Gilbert's, lopsided, wobbly, unattractive vehicle. To add to the humility Gilbert was the only boy without a man at his side. A couple of the boys who were from single parent homes at least had an uncle or grandfather by their side, Gilbert had "mom."

As the race began it was done in elimination fashion. You kept racing as long as you were the winner. One by one the cars raced down the finely sanded ramp.

Finally it was between Gilbert and the sleekest, fastest looking car there. As the last race was about to begin, my wide eyed, shy eight year old ask if they could stop the race for a minute, because he wanted to pray. The race stopped.

Gilbert hit his knees clutching his funny looking block of wood between his hands. With a wrinkled brow he set to converse with his Father.

He prayed in earnest for a very long minute and a half. Then he stood, smile on his face and announced, "Okay, I am ready."

As the crowd cheered, a boy named Tommy stood with his father as their car sped down the ramp. Gilbert stood with his Father within his heart and watched his block of wood wobble down the ramp with surprisingly great speed and rushed over the finish line a fraction of a second before Tommy's car.

Gilbert leaped into the air with a loud "Thank you" as the crowd roared in approval.

The Scout Master came up to Gilbert with microphone in hand and asked the obvious question, "So you prayed to win, huh, Gilbert?"

To which my young son answered, "Oh, no sir. That wouldn't be fair to ask God to help you beat someone else. I just asked Him to make it so I don't cry when I lose."

Children seem to have a wisdom far beyond us. Gilbert didn't ask God to win the race, he didn't ask God to fix the outcome, Gilbert asked God to give him strength in the outcome.

When Gilbert first saw the other cars he didn't cry out to God, "No fair, they had a fathers help."

No, he went to his Father for strength.

Perhaps we spend too much of our prayer time asking God to rig the race, to make us number one, or too much time asking God to remove us from the struggle, when we should be seeking God's strength to get through the struggle.

Gilbert's simple prayer spoke volumes to those present that night. He never doubted that God would indeed answer his request. He didn't pray to win, thus hurt someone else, he prayed that God supply the grace to lose with dignity.

Gilbert, by his stopping the race to speak to his Father also showed the crowd that he wasn't there without a "dad," but his Father was most definitely there with him. Yes, Gilbert walked away a winner that night, with his Father at his side.

Balik kampung

2010-01-04T23:25:00.004+08:00

Just before the end of last year, we went on a family trip to Cameron Highlands. My better half told the kids that we were going back to my kampung. Yes, that's right I was born in Cameron Highlands but never stayed there long...( a week I was told)

The hospital I was born in is still there but has been converted into a Pusat Kesihatan. This time we just had a relax time just shopping around. In terms of shopping there's really nothing much in Cameron Highlands. Just about every shop sells the same thing...strawberry umbrella, balls, pillows, key chains, t-shirts and of course the real strawberries.

Then there's vegetables, dried flowers and cacti everywhere too.

But one of my favorite place is called Multi Crops Central Market. The complex is not really a market, but more of a landscaped garden filled with an array of plants, cacti, flowers, handicrafts and souvenirs that you can purchase. There is also a cafe inside with tables situated strategically around the garden so you can have a peaceful afternoon tea.

This time round I bought two hearts shapes plant hangers made by the Orang Asli. The ivory plants were bought in KL.

I also bought two glass pots with cactus in them.

In evening we went to the night market at Brinchang. This time we found a stall selling Strawberry Fried Ice.
My Preteen bought a cup and it must have been good because she bought another one the 2nd night.

Then there was a guy selling honey sticks by scraping of pieces from the honey comb.
That we didn't try.

Well, these were some of the higlights of the trip.

I'm Yours(ukulele)

2009-12-15T23:11:00.002+08:00

one of my young learned friends send me this clip thru msn...check it out & its quite hillarious...

Quackaton

2009-12-02T23:07:00.007+08:00

Quackaton:
Happening today (Wed) at 12pm! bring your friends along for fun! As we release rubber duckies unto the "Taj Mahal" ! The first few quacks falling into the pool will be winners!! Quacking duckies are still for sale until 10:30am today!

That’s what happened today in uni.

My boss officiated the events with the toy gun given to him. BTW he's the cool one with the coat (Definitely not the one on the right!) He is the assistant director for Techflow Christmas Production 2009 and the lady in the centre is the director for the production.

The little ducks were sold for RM 5.00 and released into our cascading pool. The proceeds from the sale of ducks will be going to three beneficiaries.

Here's all the ducks "racing" down the pool.

Actually the ducks had some help from the people with oars on the side of the pool and guy with the blower.

Here's the winning duck which went home with an MP3.

Have you ever seen a christmas tree decorated with ducks?

After a long day with two meetings, a pleasant lunch with a young learner friend and the quackaton, I found a little duck on my car windscreen.

So my little duck finally found a place on my car dashboard "rush"ing with me everywhere.

The Monkey and the Fish Part 1

2009-11-15T23:22:00.004+08:00

The book starts off by calling the church to become a different kind of movement, known for its compassion rather than condemnations.

One of the example of how we can use creative forms, methods and practices for sharing the gospel with the new generation is found in James Choung Story at http://youtube.com

As you read the book, you will discover that the third culture is not a trend or a new thing but the heart of God...in fact God is third culture.

Third culture is not only about geography or skin color or languauge. For the third culture people, home is wherever Jesus is. Third culture is the bearing of pain to love those who are not like you.

Piano Stairs

2009-11-10T22:16:00.002+08:00

One of my staff sent me this video clip...a great example of Fun Theory......

The Monkey and the Fish

2009-11-03T22:51:00.003+08:00

I went for a seminar last month and one of the speakers was Dave Gibbons. He was really interesting to listen to as he talked about the third culture church. During the break I bought his book called "The Monkey and the Fish".

My other half just reminded me that I haven't been blogging for a while. I am having a blogger's mental block! Today I found this book in my cupboard and was browsing through the book. The book is based on an Eastern Parable. Suddenly I thought I could blog a review of this book as I read it..(I'm a slow reader...so if you are really interested, better buy the book yourself!)

"A typhoon stranded a monkey on an island. In a protected place on the shore, while waiting for the raging waters to recede, he spotted a fish swimming against the current. It seemed to the monkey that the fish was struggling and needed assistance. Being of kind heart, the monkey resolved to help the fish.

A tree leaned precariously over the spot where the fish seemed to be struggling. At considerable risk to himself, the monkey moved far out on a limb, reached down, and snatched the fish from the waters. Scurrying back to safety of his shelter, he carefully laid the fish on dry ground. For a few moments, the fish showed excitement but soon settled into peaceful rest."

Translation? The fish died!
Relevance to the 21st Century church? Everything!

....that was the beginning of the Preface...pg 17 out of 218 pages.

Be Happy With Your Job

2009-10-28T22:54:00.016+08:00

If you don't like your job, just be glad that....

You are not an electrician in China

or a plumber in Hungary

or a delivery service employee in Asia

or a deodorant tester in Germany

or a zoo keeper in America

or a Horse Whisperer in England

or a Ditch Digger in Poland

or imagine a job as mobile toilets

Just be thankful for your job! and get back to work!

Surviving The Storms of Stress

2009-10-08T23:01:00.008+08:00

This morning, as I stepped into my office I already felt tired. I wasn't looking forward to the two Raya gatherings that I had to attend, one of which was my own office and a dozens of things to do before the SEMS (Safety Excellence Management System) audit next week... Read my comments on Auditors

Immediately at 8am, I already dragged my executive for my walkabout. I wasn't pleased with what I saw on my walkabout. So many things to do and yet so little time! I came back to the office and was just telling God to help me feel motivated and look at things from a different angle.

As usual like most of my office functions, I had to say a few words....something I hate to do but my staff always feels its important for the boss to speak.

That gave me some time to reflect back at the year and really felt it was a great opportunity to thank my staff for efforts they put in through all the university's initiatives and continue to encourage them to carry on for the new year ahead.

The office Raya celebration was great....looking at the staff taking photos together reminded me that the bond they shared with one another.

Having the VC and my new boss come was an added pleasure to the event.

Then it was another two meetings in the afternoon. This is one meeting where I walked in and found the chairman has an emergency and I had to chair the meeting. At six, I decided to head home for the church cell meeting

In the cell group tonight, we were discussing about surviving the storms of stress. We learnt that coping with stress isn't enough. It was like I was treading water but never getting to shore. I guess that what it means by coping. All this while I was trying to keep my head above water which left me vulnerable to big waves coming along.

Then the big reminder came! Romans 8:37 " In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

If we can be "more than conquerors" in the stresses of life, why should we settle for coping?

It's great to be reassured that "for He Himself (Jesus Christ) is our peace".

Knowing that Jesus is our peace, I can sleep soundly and leave the auditors to God because "Nothing is Too Big For God to Handle"

Embracing Imperfections

2009-10-07T23:16:00.010+08:00

A story by a girl.

"When I was a little girl, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then.

And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned toast in front of my dad.

I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his toast, smile at my mom, and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that toast and eat every bite!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the toast. And I'll never forget what he said: 'Baby, I love burned toast.'

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if He really liked his toast burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, 'Debbie, your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides-a little burnt toast never hurt anyone!'

You know, life is full of imperfect things.....and imperfect people. I'm not the best housekeeper or cook.'

What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's faults - and choosing to celebrate each other's differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of GOD.

Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where burnt toast isn't a deal-breaker!

We could extend this to any relationship in fact - as understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!! "

"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket but into your own." See through God's eyes and feel through God's heart And you will appreciate the value of every soul including yourself.

Beauty of Mathematics

2009-10-05T21:06:00.011+08:00

Here is an interesting and lovely way to look at the beauty of mathematics, and of God, the sum of all wonders.

1 x 8 + 1 = 9

12 x 8 + 2 = 98

123 x 8 + 3 = 987

1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876

12345 x 8 + 5 = 987 65

123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654

1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543

12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432

123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321

1 x 9 + 2 = 11

2 x 9 + 3 = 21

23 x 9 + 4 = 211

234 x 9 + 5 = 2111

2345 x 9 + 6 = 21111

23456 x 9 + 7 = 211111

234567 x 9 + 8 = 2111111

2345678 x 9 + 9 = 21111111

23456789 x 9 +10= 211111111

9 x 9 + 7 = 88

98 x 9 + 6 = 888

987 x 9 + 5 = 8888

9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888

98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888

987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888

9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888

98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888

Brilliant, isn’t it?

And look at this symmetry:

1 x 1 = 1

11 x 11 = 121

111 x 111 = 12321

1111 x 1111 = 1234321

11111 x 11111 = 123454321

111111 x 111111 = 12345654321

1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321

11111111 x 11111111 =

123456787654321

111111111 x 111111111 =

12345678987654321

101%
From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:
What Equals 100%?

What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?

Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?
We have all been in situations where someone wants you to
GIVE OVER 100%

How about ACHIEVING 101%?

What equals 100% in life?

Here’s a little mathematical formula that might help
Answer these questions:

If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

But:

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

THEN, look how far the love of
God will take you:

L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:

While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close,

and Attitude will get you there,

It’s the Love of God that will put you over the top!

-Author unknown

The Father of a Teenager

2009-09-29T22:27:00.000+08:00

Legend has it that one day Peter passed by a blind man and healed him.

He later saw a demon-possessed man and set him free.

Then he saw a man crying, and asked about his problem.
The man said he was a father of a teenager.

All Peter could do was sit down and weep with him.

Dog And Cat

2009-09-24T15:33:00.005+08:00

I just realized that while children are dogs -- loyal and affectionate -- teenagers are cats.

It's so easy to be a dog owner. You feed it, train it, boss it around. It puts its head on your knee and gazes at you as if you were a Rembrandt painting. It bounds indoors with enthusiasm when you call it.

Then around age 13, your adoring little puppy turns into a big old cat. When you tell it to come inside, it looks amazed, as if wondering who died and made you emperor. Instead of dogging your doorsteps, it disappears. You won't see it again until it gets hungry -- then it pauses on its sprint through the kitchen long enough to turn its nose up at whatever you're serving.

When you reach out to ruffle its head, in that old affectionate gesture, it twists away from you, then gives you a blank stare, as if trying to remember where it has seen you before.

You, not realizing that the dog is now a cat, think something must be desperately wrong with it. It seems so antisocial, so distant, sort of depressed. It won't go on family outings.

Since you're the one who raised it, taught it to fetch and stay and sit on command, you assume that you did something wrong. Flooded with guilt and fear, you redouble your efforts to make your pet behave.

Only now you're dealing with a cat, so everything that worked before now produces the opposite of the desired result. Call it, and it runs away. Tell it to sit, and it jumps on the counter. The more you go toward it, wringing your hands, the more it moves away.

Instead of continuing to act like a dog owner, you can learn to behave like a cat owner. Put a dish of food near the door, and let it come to you. But remember that a cat needs your help and your affection too. Sit still, and it will come, seeking that warm, comforting lap it has not entirely forgotten. Be there to open the door for it.

One day your grown-up child will walk into the kitchen, give you a big kiss and say, "You've been on your feet all day. Let me get those dishes for you."

Then you'll realize your cat is a dog again.

-Author & source unknown-

Parenting

2009-09-23T22:34:00.002+08:00

"Father, what is sex sin?"

My father turned to look at me, as he always did when answering a question, but to my surprise he said nothing. At last he stood up, lifted his traveling case from the rack over our heads, and set it on the floor.

"Will you carry it off the train, Corrie?" he said. I stood up and tugged at it. It was crammed with the watches and spare parts he had purchased that morning.

"It's too heavy," I said.

"Yes," he said. "And it would be a pretty poor father who would ask his little girl to carry such a load. It's the same way, Corrie, with knowledge. Some knowledge is too heavy for children. When you are older and stronger you can bear it. For now you must trust me to carry it for you."

And I was satisfied. More than satisfied -- wonderfully at peace. There were answers to this and all my hard questions -- but now I was content to leave them in my father's keeping.

-Corrie ten Boom, The Hiding Place.-

Gary Leon Robert's Memorial

2009-09-23T00:18:00.003+08:00

Here's an email I received about the memorial..

"Good day everyone!

Techflow will be conducting a memorial service for our late brother Gary Leon Robert. Being an all-rounder, yet humble, he has a memorable place in our lives! There is no limitation of religion for this service, everyone is welcomed to attend.

We also open this opportunity to anyone who wish to deliver a eulogy about Gary, or you can pay a tribute in forms of a song or sketch that you remember Gary as he was.

We really really hope to hear from all of you who knows Gary, it may not necessary be a big performance, but also in little ways to remember our beloved Gary! Please send your eulogy and ideas to our email, techflow.uniten@gmail.com by 25th September 09.

Here are the details of the event:

Date: October 1st 2009

Time: 7:30pm

Venue: Library Theater

serving you,

coolacumbar"

Nothing Is Too Big For God

2009-09-21T12:09:00.003+08:00

Two men went fishing. One man was an experienced fisherman, the other wasn't. Every time the experienced fisherman caught a big fish, he put it in his ice chest to keep it fresh. Whenever the inexperienced fisherman caught a big fish, he threw it back.

The experienced fisherman watched this go on all day and finally got tired of seeing this man waste good fish. "Why do you keep throwing back all the big fish you catch?" he asked. The inexperienced fisherman replied, "I only have a small frying pan."

Sometimes, like that fisherman, we throw back the big plans, the big dreams, the big jobs and the big opportunities that God gives us. Our faith is too small. We laugh at that fisherman who didn't figure out that all he needed was a bigger frying pan; yet how ready are we to increase the size of our faith?

Whether it's a problem or a possibility, God will never give you anything bigger than you can handle. That means we can confidently walk into anything God brings our way.

You can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13). Nothing is too big for God.

" Stop telling God you've got big problems. Tell your problems you've got a big God!"

Author: Unknown

Time For A New Layout!

2009-09-18T14:42:00.005+08:00

I got tired of the current layout of my blog. I have been trying for quite a while now to change it. One of my young learned friends have been trying to teach me how to change the layout but I was not successful at all.

Then another young learner friend dropped by my office one day and gave a quick tutorial. Finally took the courage to take the plunge! The amazing part was that this young learned friend told some of us that he has never blogged before. Then he set up one the clubs blog and I think he is totally hooked.

So be patient while I redesign my blog....hmmm can't seemed to get rid of the "undefined" thing on the title....anybody care to help?

PPH E Raya Greeting

2009-09-15T22:36:00.002+08:00

For the last three years, my office has been sending out e-greetings to all staff in the campus. Last year we produced a short musical raya greeting. click Raya 08. It was really fun as we got the whole office involved.

Before the beginning of the fasting month, I began to crack my head for ideas...It seemed to get harder as each year as the expectation is much higher. I browse through on youtube, the Petronas advertisment for Hari Raya which is usually good.

Then I got an idea and gave it my staff, mie geran. Then he came up with the storyboard and the end result was fantastic!....I would say this e-greeting is also a tribute to Yasmin Ahmad, which produces these kinds of advertisment.

So watch and be touched! Click PPH Raya 09

Monster Lolipop

2009-09-06T00:44:00.007+08:00

My nephews came over today to spend the day with us. Like the first time, I took them to the car wash. As usual there was the excitement of seeing the whole car splash with water and soap. While they were wiping the car, we went into the petrol kiosk to buy lolipops. We bought the normal ones. We then stop by Sate Kjg Samuri to pick some satay my sis ordered for dinner at her place.

On the way back, my nephews hinted they were thirsty, so we stopped by the petrol kiosk again to buy a drink. Of course, everytime you pay at the counter, the lolipops stand will be there. So another lolipop for my nephews....this time the monster lolipop.

This is the result after eating the monster lolipop!

My Miss Preteen who also had one decided throw hers into the dustbin.

Laundry Hangers In Cars

2009-08-25T23:33:00.003+08:00

I saw this adv recently in the newspaper. It claims that the laundry hanger "easily fits in ALL cars"

I believe it was meant that all the laundry hangers can be transported home in all cars!

God knows......

2009-08-09T23:09:00.008+08:00

It was 9.01 pm last Sunday that I received an sms from one of my learned friends… "hi thr..pl keep gary in prayer as he has been missing since morning."

I never thought that I would be attending the funeral of one of my young learned friends so soon. I was looking forward to graduation celebrations and weddings to come.

On Thursday last week, my young learned friend, Gary Leon Robert was laid to rest in the Nilai Memorial Park. Looking at the large crowd that came for the Wake and the funeral service, he has touched many lives from all walks of life.

It's been a difficult time for many for us (including myself) who knew Gary. Most of us or if not all of us are still trying very hard to grapple with the loss of our dear friend.

Last week during my devotion time, I came across a passage in in Daniel 2:17-23.

It starts off by stating about how our problems and fears seem less serious in the day time when we're active and busy. Then when darkness falls and the lights go out, our fears and worries become larger.

Yes, it so true. Quite often before I sleep, I would think about Gary. But I am reminded in the devotion that "we should not forget that we serve a God who never sleeps and is sovereign over our affairs both day and night. We should take comfort that God uses these times of darkness to teach us invaluable lessons we might never learn in the light. He desires to teach us things about Himself that we will only learn in the dark - when we are holding tightly to Him and He has our undivided attention.

During these times, we will be losers if we resist Him and what He is trying to teach us. He wants to share His secrets with us. "He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells within Him" (2:22)

One of the biggest mistake we can make is to be angry with God because of things that happen. Or don't happen. "Woe to Him who quarrels with His Maker". Instead let us allow God to use these dark times to give you "the treasure of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name" Isaiah 45:3"

That was the extract from one of my devotion this week which I felt was very appropriate for all of us during this time when we have lost a dear friend.

I will miss Gary and we all will for the long time to come. Why? Because he has deposited some part of his life in us. As we go through our daily life, we will have little things reminding us of Gary.

His picture on the LRT train will there for a year at least.

Gary Leon Robert was many things. He was courageous. He was intelligent. He had a great smile. He was immensely talented. He was great company, and he was as good, and as true a friend as any person could hope for.

I was privileged to know him, and to call him my friend.

A Tribute To My Young Learned Friend..Gary Leon Robert

2009-08-04T23:54:00.008+08:00

Last Sunday I lost one of my young learned friends. Gary Leon Robert went back to the Lord at the age of 22. Read NST

It is impossible to capture into words all that he meant to us and impossible to describe the way he touched all of us.

Judging from the large crowd at his Wake Service tonight, he has touched many from all walks in the life especially in uni. Each of us has many special memories of him

I will always remember his smile, his politeness and his ever willingness to help someone. In the last year I had many lunches with him. We would talk about anything. I would share with my family life and in turn would share his life. Once he share about how he would take his sister's art and submit as his own (he admits that he couldn’t draw as well as his sister.) One day the sister found out that all her drawings were gone.

As I had my lunches with him, I frequently thought that his parents must be really proud to have a son like him. He would sms me and my better half to wish us Father’s day & Mother’s day.

Just early this year, he & girlfriend came to see me and told me they were going out together. He wanted me to keep an eye and to guide them in their relationship. That was how Gary was….always wanting to give his very best . He spent his last days persuading people to sign up for Techflow camp. He would send out emails and personally persuading people to sign up.

I last saw him on Thursday at COIT, making appointment to see me to sign the society accounts. We met later that afternoon and I was looking forward to seeing him monthly for the accounts. I spoke to him on the phone on Saturday night and he ended up by reminding me that Cheras people should always stick together.

Now I only have memories of him…whenever I passed the benches at COIT, I will always remember him seating there pasting the receipts of purchases by the society.

I will miss him and we all will for the long time to come. Why? Because he has deposited some part of his life in us.

Check this out!

2009-07-19T00:13:00.003+08:00

Saw this self made video clip of a friend's nine year old son.

Early morning in Manhattan

2009-06-21T23:22:00.004+08:00

I recently took this photo of Manhattan early in the morning.

I wish I was there but unfortunately this photo was taken from my staircase of my home.

Balik kampung

2009-06-18T13:21:00.009+08:00

Yesterday I had lunch with a friend who commented that I haven't been blogging in a while. Some of staff also have started their own blog and wanted to see mine...Kind of shy to show my blog which had a last entry on 1st June..so did the next best thing- showed other people's blog!

Anyway we went holiday at Cameron Highlands recently. We stayed at my aunt's apartment. Cameron Highlands is one place where you can only stayed for a short period. Three days and two nights are sufficient....if not by the 3rd day you would be wondering what to do.

As usual Camerons is full of tourists, mainly locals this time of the year. Every where you go is packed with people. If you are heading towards Equatorial Hotel from Brinchang, there will always be a traffic jam during the day time.

Most of the locals will flock to numerous markets selling the local produce and the night market. Most notable is the Kea Farm market located about a few kilometers north of Brinchang. When you arrive there, you will find the whole area is just one big market! Besides vegetables, there are locally grown strawberries, colorfully cactuses, and potted plants, which you can find in the market.

When the sun goes down, the market may close shop for the day but the night market comes alive which open nightly during the school holidays.

The sad part of these places is the rubbish left behind. At one corner, I found numerous stalls selling vegetables and at the end was a whole pile of rubbish. Most tourists (sad to say local tourists would throw rubbish everywhere. I must also admit there is lack of rubbish bins around. I also believe that the collection of rubbish needs to be more frequent.

What's on the other side?

2009-06-01T13:29:00.003+08:00

Got this photo shot from one of my learned friends..

I am sure you have seen this photo before….

But have you ever wondered… What's on the other side!

HIS STYLE....Tribute to The Boss

2009-05-28T21:32:00.008+08:00

When I started this blog, I shared a story about the law of rubbish bins.

"Many people are like rubbish bins. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their bin piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they will dump it straight on you.

When someone wants to dump on you, do not take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on.

So this was it; The ‘Law of the Rubbish Bins.’ I started thinking, how often do I let 'Rubbish bins' run right over me? And how often do I take their rubbish and spread it to other people: at work, at home, on the streets?

And with the grace of our beloved Lord; I too have learnt just to smile, wave, wish them well, and move on."

Yes, I have learnt just to smile, wave and wish my boss well......

Last week, the unexpected happened...my immediate boss resigned and have decided to move on. It was a shock to most of us as we least expected it. If this has happened a year ago, we would have leaped for joy. But somehow most of us had mixed feelings when we heard the news. Perhaps because we have finally understood him and was beginning to understand and adapt to his style. Or perhaps now we are faced with the fear that we might get a new boss which could be equally or much worst. Then the nightmare will begin all over again.

But regardless of what he done to me, I must say that I have learned much from him. Though I have forgiven him for the unpleasant times but I have not forgotten all those times.

HIS STYLE of management has created opportunities for me to really bond among my peers. I still remember the times where we could call each other up and release our frustrations to each other. We were not more just colleagues but rather have become friends....something difficult to find at a work place. We have reached a level where we know we can rely on each other for support when one of us face difficulties. There's no back stabbing but rather always watching out for each other's back.

HIS STYLE of management has really broken the " I'm the boss & you do what I say" attitude in me. At times my staff has really seen the pressure I was in. They have given me much suppport in many different ways - much more than I expected....some times I'm awe at the changes in their mentality. I will always treasure their encouraging sms, their willingness to go all out to deliver what was required..... to prevent me from landing in my boss' pressure cooker.

But most of all, HIS STYLE of management has made me rely more on God. How true it is when things are difficult, we spend more time in prayer. There wouldn't be a day where I wouldn't pray that I would find favour in my boss' eyes. Sometimes when the pressure in the cooker is reaching its maximum, I would plead with God to take vengeance on my part. Other times when the pressure slowly building up, I would ask God to grant him a better offer else where so that he will leave....

Hmmm...I guess God did answer my prayers.....a wonderful miracle.

Today I was just at his office, staring at a closed door and much relaxed secretary, I sensed an emptiness....In the last six months, I have seen him change. He treats me better, listens to my opinions and seldom summons me. I hardly hear him giving me a piece of his mind. For months I wonder whether this was for real......I guess now I will never ever find out now that he has left our company.

His parting words to us were:-

Forget - All the bad things people do to you & All the good things you have done for people
Remember - God sees you & your heart & Death comes without signal.
Then we will learn to appreciate life.

Hmmm.....

Who's Popeye's mum

2009-05-25T22:42:00.008+08:00

An email sent by one of my learner friends....

They've found Popeye's Mom...

..................................................

Bad Hair Day

2009-04-27T23:59:00.004+08:00

Meaning

A day on which one's hair seems unmanagable. Also extended to mean a day when everything seems to go wrong.

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/bad-hair-day.html

A bad hair day? Yes today would be what I call “a bad hair day”. My better half would frequently use that phrase…… “A day on which one's hair seems unmanageable” or this phrase is also extended to mean a day when everything seems to go wrong.

Yes, today seemed like a day that “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong “ as in Murphy’s Law.

So many wrong things happen in the office. As the day went along, I got more irritated with the things in the office.

I was so happy to leave the office at 5.15pm hoping that the day will just end and I can start all over again tomorrow…

Anyway, I am all de-stress now that I have emailed my frustration to my staff.

A= April & A= Auditors

2009-04-12T22:35:00.002+08:00

This month of April is a month we have two set of auditors coming rectify the company's Quality Environment and ISO 9001.

I come to realized that getting the certifications were the easy bit but maintaining it is a tremendous difficult task.

Two weeks ago we had a lady auditor for Quality Environment. At the opening meeting, she looked like a pleasant lady but at the closing meeting, she didn't look that pleasant after all.

Tomorrow we will begin another 4-day audit for rectification of ISO 9001. I'm not looking forward to another lady auditor who will be spending half a day at my office on the 3rd day.

Here's my definition of an auditor-

'What's an auditor?Someone who arrives after the battle and bayonets all the wounded.'

Unique Churches Part 2

2009-03-24T21:34:00.002+08:00

Cathedral of Braslia: The Modern Church of architect Oscar Niemeyer

The Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida in the capital of Brazil is an expression of the architect Oscar Niemeyer. This concrete-framed hyperboloid structure, seems with its glass roof to be reaching up, open, to heaven. On 31 May 1970, the Cathedral's structure was finished, and only the 70 m diameter of the circular area were visible. Niemeyer's project of Cathedral of Braslia is based in the hyperboloid of revolution which sections are asymmetric. The hyperboloid structure itself is a result of 16 identical assembled concrete columns. These columns, having hyperbolic section and weighing 90 t, represent two hands moving upwards to heaven. The Cathedral was dedicated on 31 May 1970.

Borgund Church: Best Preserved Stave Church

The Borgund Stave Church in Lrdal is the best preserved of Norway 's 28 extant stave churches. This wooden church, probably built in the end of the 12th century, has not changed structure or had a major reconstruction since the date it was built. The church is also featured as a Wonder for the Viking civilization in the video game Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings.

Las Lajas Cathedral: A Gothic Church Worthy of a Fairy Tale

The Las Lajas Cathedral is located in southern Colombia and built in 1916 inside the canyon of the Guaitara River . According to the legend, this was the place where an indian woman named Mara Mueses de Quiones was carrying her deaf-mute daughter Rosa on her back near Las Lajas ("The Rocks"). Weary of the climb, the Mara sat down on a rock when Rosa spoke (for the first time) about an apparition in a cave.Later on, a mysterious painting of the Virgin Mary carrying a baby was discovered on the wall of the cave. Supposedly, studies of the painting showed no proof of paint or pigments on the rock - instead, when a core sample was taken, it was found that the colors were impregnated in the rock itself to a depth of several feet. Whether true or not, the legend spurred the building of this amazing church.

Ruica Church: Where Chandeliers are made of Bullet Shells

Located over the Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade, Serbia, the Ruica Church is a small chapel decorated with... with trench art! Its chandeliers are entirely made of spent bullet casing, swords, and cannon parts.The space the church now occupies was used by the Turks as gunpowder storage for over 100 years and it had to be largely rebuilt in 1920 after WWI. Though damaged by bombings there was an upshot to the terrible carnage of The Great War. While fighting alongside England and the US , Serbian soldiers on the Thessaloniki front took the time to put together these amazing chandeliers. It is one of the world's finest examples of trench art.

Chapel of St-Gildas: Built into the base of a bare rocky cliff

The Chapel of St-Gildas sits upon the bank of the Canal du Blavet in Brittany, France . Built like a stone barn into the base of a bare rocky cliff, this was once a holy place of the Druids. Gildas appears to have travelled widely throughout the Celtic world of Corwall, Wales , Ireland and Scotland . He arrived in Brittany in about AD 540 and is said to have preached Christianity to the people from a rough pulpit, now contained within the chapel.

Unique Churches Part 1

2009-03-24T21:26:00.005+08:00

Harajuku: Japanese Futuristic Church

This futuristic non Catholic church is located in Tokyo and it was first unveiled by the design firm of Ciel Rouge Creation in 2005. The ceiling is specially made to reverberate natural sound for 2 seconds to provide a unique listening experience for worshipers and tourists.

Saint Basil's Cathedral: The Red Square 's Colorful Church

The St. Basil's Cathedral is located on the Red Square in Moscow , Russia . A Russian Orthodox church, the Cathedral sports a series of colorful bulbous domes that taper to a point, aptly named onion domes, that are part of Moscow 's Kremlin skyline.

The cathedral was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible to commemorate the capture of the Khanate of Kazan. In 1588 Tsar Fedor Ivanovich had a chapel added on the eastern side above the grave of Basil Fool for Christ, a Russian Orthodox saint after whom the cathedral was popularly named.

Hallgr mskirkja: Iceland 's Most Amazing Church

The Hallgrmskirkja (literally, the church of Hallgrmur ) is a Lutheran parish church located in Reykjavk , Iceland . At 74.5 metres (244 ft), it is the fourth tallest architectural structure in Iceland .

The church is named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrmur Ptursson (1614 to 1674), author of the Passion Hymns. State Architect Gujn Samelsson's design of the church was commissioned in 1937; it took 38 years to build it.

Temppeliaukio Kirkko: The Rock Church

The Temppeliaukio Kirkko ( Rock Church ) is a thrilling work of modern architecture in Helsinki . Completed in 1952, it is built entirely underground and has a ceiling made of copper wire. It was designed by architect brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and completed in 1969. They chose a rocky outcrop rising about 40 feet above street level, and blasted out the walls from the inside. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Helsinki and frequently full of visitors.

I'm back!!

2009-03-24T21:02:00.003+08:00

I'm back ....Sabbatical leave from blogging..My Lexisgoo dictionary on my HTC defines Sabbatical as " a leave usually taken every seventh year". Unfortunately mine is not closed to 7 yrs at all...just two months only.

I have been busy...reading other people's blog. It's amazing how much you know about what goes on around you by reading my other half's blog and even from preteen's blog!

My other half "commented" about my skills in doing my preteen's project. Well, if you can't get it to work, we just have to get professional help!

And there was light and sound too...I was told you can buy ready made ones...that would have been my last resort!

A timely reminder…

2009-02-04T07:47:00.003+08:00

When I was studying in NZ, frequently I used to study in the library. Being not the bright one, I needed to spend a lot of time revising and the best place was in my Engineering library. Not only I had studies on my mind, some times the worry of money and been away from home doesn’t really help in giving me a peace of mind.

I still remember one day in the library, looking out the window at the lawn, I saw some birds picking out worms from the grass. Somehow I was drawn to the verse in the bible that even as God take cares of the birds, He will also take care of our needs. When our minds are troubled, it’s such a relief to be reminded of this. Even till this day, I can still remember that particular day.

Over the years I have had many sort of reminders from God but never had to do with birds until recently. Now I am no more a student but a dad with a growing teenager son and a daughter who is fast approaching her teens. I must say that these are challenging times. Being a dad with a teenager is no easy task. We will never know whether our parenting skills are on the right path until they have all grown up….which could be too late if we found out that parenting skills could be better.

Recently I have been praying that God will help us weather the storm as we ride it through with our son. Though we are still in the storm but God is amazing because He brought the “third” generations sunbirds back in my garden again. Watching the young birds grow has been fun and enriching.

Last Saturday when I looked out my glass doors, guess what I saw? One of the young ones was hanging out of the nest for its dear life. Quickly I tried to dislodge its leg. It’s amazing how a simple nest could be so sturdy and it was really difficult to dislodge its leg. After a while I managed to do it and popped it back in the nest.

Watching these birds I was reminded that even if our children are in trouble but because of our relationship with God, He will always be there to rescue them and if our family foundation is strong, our children will not be easily lost to the world.

Throughout the day, the sunbird parents were trying to coaxed its young ones to take its maiden flight. The mother bird would be picking out the materials from the nest making the nest unsafe hoping that the young ones will take off.

Sometimes we too will have to make unpopular decisions which to our best knowledge the decision and more often than not, it will definitely caused anxiety to our children.

The father bird would be feeding its young ones from a distance so that the young ones would have to stretch its neck out to take the food.

But as parents, we too must slowly learn to let go as our teens grow up and will one day leave to lead a life of their own.

Behind a Smile

2009-01-27T00:10:00.002+08:00

Do you ever wonder what people are feeling when they smile?

Do they smile because they're happy or do they smile because they want people to believe they're happy?

Maybe they smile because they want you to smile and be happy.

A smile can touch a person's life in ways you can never imagine.

It's infectious and can cause a chain reaction.

It can be memorable to someone you pass on the street or the mall or driving... and it only takes a split second to smile and forget, yet... to someone that needed it, it can last a lifetime.

Maybe we should smile more often.

Author: Delilah B.

HOW TO CALL THE POLICE WHEN YOU'RE OLD AND DON'T MOVE FAST ANYMORE.

2009-01-14T23:16:00.002+08:00

George Phillips of Meridian, Mississippi, was going up to bed, when his
wife told him that he'd left the light on in the garden shed, which she
could see from the bedroom window. George opened the back door to go
turn off the light, but saw that there were people in the shed stealing
things.

He phoned the police, who asked 'Is someone in your house?' He said
'No.' Then they said 'All patrols were busy. You should lock your doors
and an officer will be along when one is available.'

George said, 'Okay.' He hung up the phone and counted to 30. Then he phoned the police again.
'Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people stealing things from my shed. Well, you don't have to worry about them now because I just shot them.' and he hung up.
Within five minutes, six Police Cars, a SWAT Team, a Helicopter, two Fire Trucks, a Paramedic, and an Ambulance showed up at the Phillips' residence, and caught the burglars red-handed. One of the Policemen said to George, 'I thought you said that you'd shot them!'
George said, 'I thought you said there was nobody available!'

(True Story) I LOVE IT! Don't mess with old people....

Friendships

2009-01-04T23:34:00.004+08:00

On 1st January, a few of my former classmates got together for lunch. A good friend of mine came back from New Zealand and we decided to meet up at Pavilion.

The last time we met, I think was in early 2006. We were classmates of 1982 in La Salle PJ...that's about 27 years ago. The amazing thing about this is that even though we seldom meet or keep in touch..(though some try very hard through email etc..) whenever we meet up, we can just get along, chit chat as if things have never changed. I guess that the friends we make in the school are the ones that last...That's the advice I always give to my young learned friends.

After the lunch at Madam Kwan's we had to adjourned elsewhere as there were many people waiting for seats. We even decided to meet again before CNY to catch up with a few others who couldn't make it that day. While on the way to another cafe, I bumped into some youths from my church who were also having lunch there. I have known some of these youths since they were young and have never been able to connect with them now that they are teenagers/young adults. It's really great to be able to "click" with them now due to my recent involvement in their youth camp recently.

Yes, on the first day of 2009, it brought back memories of old friendships made in the past and also as a reminder of new friendships made recently.

"We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go,
we take a little of each other everywhere" - author unknown

Time Of Reflections

2009-01-01T18:08:00.002+08:00

Another year has passed and here’s 2009. I was just in church this morning attending our sunrise service at 6.30am listening to various testimonies of different ones. Some shared about God’s blessing in their lives and others on the storms of life they faced during the year 2008. All had a common thought that God is a God who cares and will never let us down.

As for me I have been really pondering of the things that have happened in my life through 2008. At first it was difficult to re-collect as time really flew by. In my camera bag are tones of recorded video tapes waiting to be down loaded…don’t know when that will happen.

But sitting there in church today, I was reminded of the difficult and hostile environment at work, enduring the character assassinations, numerous deadlines & initiatives by the company, the times where I wanted to really drop every thing and move on.

Yet the important lesson I learned was a lesson learned at management team building at Sungkai. At the retreat we learned a song called “Bila Diriku Disayangi”….the few Malay songs I know. It’s through this song that I begin to treasure the love God has for me. Because of His love I am able to move forward amidst difficult moments and am able to come under the covering of His wings.

It is truly this fact that “I am loved by God” that helped me weather the storm that I am in. Besides difficult moments I have made good friends with my colleagues, helping and encouraging each other through the hard moments. Personally I have grown much closer to my staff and this has helped us achieve way above what was expected.

So what is in stored for the year 2009?....Frankly I don’t know but one thing I know for sure it that God still loves me and will take care of my needs. As pastor shared this morning, three resolutions would be:-
A positive attitude in life regardless of our circumstances
A positive attitude towards the church
A positive attitude towards one another.

A Happy & Blessed New Year To All

2008-12-27T22:43:00.003+08:00

Recently I was in Cameron Highlands over the weekend and came across two interesting food outlets. The first one was in Tanah Rata called T- Cafe.

They served local dishes and also Western food. It's located upstairs and in a very cosy place. On the walls had postcards sent from past diners. Try their scones with strawberry jam..

The other place is called Strawberry Moments, a cafe located in Brichang. You can buy chocolate strawberries or the strawberry strudel.

Something to Think About

2008-12-01T23:59:00.000+08:00

Author: Unknown

Did you know....

Beethoven was told by his music teacher that as a composer, he was hopeless.

Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper because he had "no good ideas".

Thomas Edison was told by his teacher that he was too stupid to learn anything.

Albert Einstein was four yrs old before he spoke. He stuttered until he was nine. He was advised to drop out of high school and was told by his teachers that he would never amount to much.

Henry Ford's first 2 automobile businesses failed.

Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team!

William H. Macy's store failed 7 times before it caught on.

Stephen Spielburg dropped out of high school as a sophomore. He was persuaded to come back and was placed in a learning disabled class. He lasted a month.

Ray Krok failed as a real estate salesperson before discovering the idea for McDonald's.

Understanding Engineers

2008-11-27T22:08:00.011+08:00

Two engineering students were walking across the campus when one said, "Where did you get such a great bike?"

The second engineer replied, "Well, I was walking along yesterday minding my own business when a beautiful woman rode up on this bike.

She threw the bike to the ground, took off all her clothes and said,"Take what you want."

The second engineer nodded approvingly, "Good choice; the clothes probably wouldn't have fit."

To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the glass is half empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

A priest, a doctor and an engineer were waiting one morning for a particularly slow group of golfers. The engineer fumed, "What's with these people? We've been waiting for 15 minutes!

The doctor chimed in, "I don't know, but I've never seen such ineptitude!"

The priest said, "Hey, here comes the green keeper.Let's have a word with him."

"Hi George, what's the matter with that group ahead of us? They're rather slow, aren't they?"

The green keeper replied, "Oh, yes, that's a group of blind fire-fighters. They lost their sight saving our clubhouse from a fire last year, so we always let them play for free anytime."

The group was silent for a moment. Then the priest said, "That's so sad. I think I will say a special prayer for them tonight."

The doctor said, "Good idea. And I'm going to contact my ophthalmologist friend and see if there is anything he can do for them."

The engineer said, "Why can't they play at night?"

**********************************************************************************
A man in a hot air balloon realized he was lost. He reduced altitude and spotted a woman below. He descended a bit more and shouted, "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."

The woman below replied, "You are in a hot air balloon hovering approximately 30 feet above the ground. You are between 40 and 41 degrees north latitude and between 59 and 60 degrees west longitude."

"You must be an engineer," said the balloonist. "I am," replied the woman, "How did you know?"

"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is, technically correct, but I have no idea what to make of your information, and the fact is I am still lost.
Frankly, you've not been much help so far."

The woman below responded, "You must be in Management."

"I am," replied the balloonist, "but how did you know?"

"Well," said the woman, "you don't know where you are or where you are going. You have risen to where you are due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise, which you have no idea how to keep, and you expect people beneath you to solve your problems. The fact is you are in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but now, somehow, it's my fault."

*********************************************************************************

What is the difference between Mechanical Engineers and Civil Engineers?
Mechanical Engineers build weapons. Civil Engineers build targets.

**********************************************************************************

Normal people believe that if it isn't broken,don't fix it.
Engineers believe that if it isn't broken, it doesn't have enough features yet.

*********************************************************************************
One day, an engineer was crossing a road when a frog called out to him and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess".He bent over, picked up the frog and put it in his pocket.

The frog spoke up again and said, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a beautiful princess, I will stay with you for one week." The engineer took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it and returned it to the pocket.

The frog then cried out, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess, I'll stay with you and do ANYTHING you want." Again the engineer took the frog out, smiled at it and put it back into his pocket.

Finally, the frog asked, "What is the matter? I've told you I'm a beautiful princess, I'll stay with you for a week and do anything you want. Why won't you kiss me?"

The engineer said, "Look. I'm an engineer. I don't have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog, now that's cool."

Goodbye Manual and Hello Auto!

2008-11-22T16:56:00.003+08:00

Finally after seven years of paying for my car, I am now debt free! Driving a manual car is not easy in Kuala Lumpur. So I decided to switch to an auto car....
So goodbye manual waja
and hello auto rush!

No Diesel...No Biodiesel..Just Recycled Palm Oil

2008-11-22T16:29:00.004+08:00

Recently I was invited for a launch to conserve electricity at 1Utama. Saw this bus outside. It doesn't run on petrol but recycled oil palm! It has travelled from Penang to Kuala Lumpur. It's appliances in the bus is powered by solar. (notice the solar panels on top of the bus...it can be extended out when needed)

The bus is owned by Center for Education Training & Research In Renewable Energy Efficiency (CETREE)Universiti Sains Malaysia. Click here

1000 Visitors.....Thanks for dropping by!

2008-10-29T23:14:00.004+08:00

Been uploading this image for days....finally done..better late than never.

Civil Engineering Feats2

2008-10-27T00:25:00.004+08:00

Came across some photos of highways in Japan. Here.

"Photographer Ken Ohyama (Oyama) opens our eyes to the under appreciated architecture and engineering feats of today’s modern highway interchanges.
Although they are a complex series of roads when looked from afar and breathtakingly powerful when viewed up close, we often ignore these modern mysteries of marvel as part of the back ground in our fast paced lifestyles."

The one I like is shown here..probably not one of those you like to be lost in.

Multi Purpose Sign Post

2008-10-26T22:19:00.006+08:00

When I went to Penang a couple of months ago I saw an ASTRO dish attached to a sign post by the road side.

Recently we also came across this sign post which was used for various purposes.

The "BERHENTI" sign (or STOP sign) has been used to stick advertisments.

Then it's also used to secure sugar canes belonging to a trader who sells sugar cane juice at the junction.

Civil Engineering Feats 1

2008-10-19T22:36:00.002+08:00

Do you know the Great Wall of China spans some 3,500 km across China and was created over a period of 1,800 years from the 3rd Century BC?

Look at the wall section of the Great Wall of China. It’s amazing!
Picture taken from “Amazing Achievements : a celebration of human ingenuity” by Nigel Hawkes.

Amazing Dance

2008-10-14T23:29:00.001+08:00

The Human Brain

2008-10-12T21:22:00.011+08:00

I receive this interesting email clip about the human brain........

The human brain tricks us whenever it can!

"I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdaniegThe phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid! Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer inwaht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? Yaeh, and I awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt."\

If something‘s rotating – go home, you need a break!

Take a look at the picture? What do you see?

Research has shown that young children cannot identify the intimate couple because they do not have prior memory associated with such a scenario.

Children see nine dolphins.

This is a test to determine if you already have a corrupted mind. If it is hard for you to find the dolphins within six seconds, your mind is indeed corrupted.

Want to confuse your eyes and brain a bit? Yes? Then you might want to have a look at the following pics ..

Concentrate on the cross in the middle, after a while you will notice that this moving purple dot will turn green!

Look at the cross a bit longer and you‘ll notice that all dots except the green one will disappear.

* Follow the instruction below.

* 1) Stare at the 4 little dots on the middle of the picture for 30 seconds

* 2) then look at a wall near you

* 3) a bright spot will appear

* 4) twinkle a few times and you‘ll see a figure

* 5) What do you see? Or even WHO do you see?

The Window

2008-10-07T13:43:00.005+08:00

Reading a post from one of my learned frens (here) about her recent laundry experience reminded me of a power point clip sent to me by one the secretaries in my office.......

A young couple moves into a new neighborhood

The next morning, while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hang the wash outside.

The laundry is not very clean, she said, she doesn’t know how to wash correctly.

Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.

Her husband looks on, but remained silent.

Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.

About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband, “Look! She has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this.”

The husband said, “ I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.”

And so it is with life:

What we see when watching others, depends on the purity of the window through which we look.
Before we give any criticism, it might be a good idea to check our state of mind and ask ourselves if we are ready to see the good rather than to be looking for something in the person we are about to judge.

And oh yes! I almost forgot…… I see you today much clearer than I did yesterday… And you?

-SERGIMAGE

Two For the Price Of One

2008-10-03T23:28:00.002+08:00

This Raya Holidays my family, together with my parents and my sis had an outing to the movies. We went to watch Mamma Mia.

Cinema has gone through a lot of changes since my dad’s time. I remember going for movies in the large cinemas like the Rex Theatre. I remember watching Jurassic Park when my other half was expecting our first child. Mum had a word or two to say about watching Jurassic Park while you are pregnant! Anyway the kid turned out fine…didn’t look at all like T-Rex!

I used to remember in those days that you could buy first class tickets (balcony seats) until 3rd class tickets. (right in front of the stage on wooden chairs).

My dad used to tell me that the cinema in Cameron Highlands has a leaky roof and one would have to bring an umbrella just in case.

Well all these cinemas are on the endangered list as several other older theaters have closed down and have been replaced by newer multiplexes.

Back to my story…The air conditioning in Cineplex in Jusco Selatan was really cold and that meant more trips to the toilets. First dad went and I went out just to make sure he got back into the right Cineplex. Then mum disappeared to the toilet too. She took a long time to come back. We were about to send for the search party but finally she came back.

After the show, on the way out dad told me that mum paid for the price of one ticket but watch two movies. Apparently after coming of the toilet, she went into the wrong Cineplex and when she couldn’t spot any of us, she decided to sit down until one of us came to get her. Then she realized that this movie was not Mamma Mia and that meant she was definitely in the wrong Cineplex!

We all had a good laugh all the way out!

Sushi

2008-10-02T23:24:00.005+08:00

My daughter loves sushi but my son doesn’t. So whenever the son is not around, we will go for sushi. We frequently eat at the Sushi King.

For more info on Sushi King in Malaysia pl visit http://www.sushi-king.com/

We have tried the one in Metro Point though on our visit there, we found a small cockroach.
This Raya holidays we decided to give it another try and this time we didn’t find one and the place was well kept...so that’s good.

Actually I prefer the Sakae Sushi. Unfortunately there are very few outlets compared to Sushi King. We tried the one in the Curve and the selections are much better.

Well, if you would like to find our the locations of Sakea Sushi in Malaysia pls visit http://www.sakaesushi.com.my/my.html

But eating Japanese could be expensive so my other half has learned how to make them. She gets the ingredients from Jusco and not from my latest collection of fish.

They are not meant for sushi! I bought this unusual bowl at Macy recently and thought I would keep a pair of goldfish in my office.

The last time I kept goldfish was 20+ years ago. A good Kiwi friend gave me a bowl of goldfish for my birthday if I am not mistaken.

Free Hugs

2008-09-27T14:47:00.003+08:00

Recently some UNITEN students carried out the Free Hugs Campaign as one of their moral studies project (Projek Khidmat Siswa). Our office often receives various facilities requests for these Moral Studies project and this is one the unique ones.

I didn’t think much of the project until the day I had to accompany the QE assessors around campus. At the College of Engineering (COE) I saw the booth setup for this campaign. Then I recognized one of young learner friends that I knew. Instantly I knew I was heading for one of those hugs….no way to avoid it at all! True enough once he saw me, he came and gave me a hug.

I found out from Wikipedia that this Free Hugs Campaign is a social movement involving individuals who offer hugs to strangers in public places. The campaign in its present form was started in 2004 by an Australian man known only by the pseudonym "Juan Mann". The campaign became famous internationally in 2006 as the result of a music video on YouTube by the Australian band Sick Puppies.

A hug is defined as to clasp or hold closely, especially in the arms, as in affection; embrace. The hugs are meant to be random acts of kindness - purportedly selfless acts performed by a person for the sole reason of making others feel better.

In UNITEN last year, the staff started addressing each other as sahabat (friend). At all our team building programs, it has always ended with a round of hugs…(of course, guys and guys or gals and gals). In some ways it has broken the bonds between colleagues and has enriched the team spirit. I believe it is a good work culture but we must be careful not to take advantage of the sahabat spririt.

A Girl With An Apple

2008-09-27T11:24:00.002+08:00

(This is a true story and you can find out more by Googling Herman Rosenblat. He was Bar Mitzvahed at age 75) http://www.atlanticoverseaspictures.com/index.htm

August 1942. Piotrkow, Poland.
The sky was gloomy that morning as we waited anxiously. All the men, women and children of
Piotrkow's Jewish ghetto had been herded into a square. Word had gotten around that we were being moved.

My father had only recently died from typhus, which had run rampant through the crowded ghetto. My greatest fear was that our family would be separated.

'Whatever you do,' Isidore, my eldest brother, whispered to me, 'don't tell them your age. Say you're sixteen. 'I was tall for a boy of 11, so I could pull it off. That way I might be deemed valuable as a worker.

An SS man approached me, boots clicking against the cobblestones. He looked me up and down, and then asked my age. 'Sixteen,' I said. He directed me to the left, where my three brothers and other healthy young men already stood.

My mother was motioned to the right with the other women, children, sick and elderly people. I whispered to Isidore, 'Why?' He didn't answer. I ran to Mama's side and said I wanted to stay with her. 'No, 'she said sternly. 'Get away. Don't be a nuisance. Go with your brothers.' She had never spoken so harshly before. But I understood: She was protecting me. She loved me so much that, just this once, she pretended not to. It was the last I ever saw of her.

My brothers and I were transported in a cattle car to Germany. We arrived at the Buchenwald concentration camp one night weeks later and were led into a crowded barrack. The next day, we were issued uniforms and identification numbers. 'Don't call me Herman anymore.' I said to my brothers. 'Call me 94983.'

I was put to work in the camp's crematorium, loading the dead into a hand-cranked elevator.
I, too, felt dead. Hardened, I had become a number. Soon, my brothers and I were sent to Schlieben, one of Buchenwald's sub-camps near Berlin.

One morning I thought I heard my mother's voice.
'Son,' she said softly but clearly, I am going to send you an angel.'
Then I woke up. Just a dream. A beautiful dream.
But in this place there could be no angels. There was only work. And hunger. And fear.

A couple of days later, I was walking around the camp, around the barracks, near the barbed-wire fence where the guards could not easily see. I was alone. On the other side of the fence, I spotted someone: a little girl with light, almost luminous curls. She was half-hidden behind a birch tree.

I glanced around to make sure no one saw me. I called to her softly in German. 'Do you have something to eat?' She didn't understand. I inched closer to the fence and repeated the question in Polish. She stepped forward. I was thin and gaunt, with rags wrapped around my feet, but the girl looked unafraid. In her eyes, I saw life.

She pulled an apple from her woolen jacket and threw it over the fence.
I grabbed the fruit and, as I started to run away, I heard her say faintly, 'I'll see you tomorrow.' I returned to the same spot by the fence at the same time every day. She was always there with something for me to eat - a hunk of bread or, better yet, an apple.

We didn't dare speak or linger. To be caught would mean death for us both.
I didn't know anything about her, just a kind farm girl, except that she understood Polish. What was her name? Why was she risking her life for me?

Hope was in such short supply, and this girl on the other side of the fence gave me some, as nourishing in its way as the bread and apples. Nearly seven months later, my brothers and I were crammed into a coal car and shipped to Theresienstadt camp in Czechoslovakia.
'Don't return,' I told the girl that day. 'We're leaving.'

I turned toward the barracks and didn't look back, didn't even say good-bye to the little girl whose name I'd never learned, the girl with the apples.

We were in Theresienstadt for three months. The war was winding down and Allied forces were closing in, yet my fate seemed sealed.

On May 10, 1945, I was scheduled to die in the gas chamber at 10:00 AM.
In the quiet of dawn, I tried to prepare myself. So many times death seemed ready to claim me, but somehow I'd survived. Now, it was over. I thought of my parents. At least, I thought, we will be reunited.

But at 8 A.M. there was a commotion. I heard shouts, and saw people running every which way through camp. I caught up with my brothers. Russian troops had liberated the camp! The gates swung open. Everyone was running, so I did too. Amazingly, all of my brothers had survived; I'm not sure how. But I knew that the girl with the apples had been the key to my survival. In a place where evil seemed triumphant, one person's goodness had saved my life, had given me hope in a place where there was none.

My mother had promised to send me an angel, and the angel had come.
Eventually I made my way to England where I was sponsored by a Jewish charity, put up in a hostel with other boys who had survived the Holocaust and trained in electronics. Then I came to America, where my brother Sam had already moved.

I served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War, and returned to New York City after two years. By August 1957 I'd opened my own electronics repair shop. I was starting to settle in.
One day, my friend Sid who I knew from England called me.
'I've got a date. She's got a Polish friend. Let's double date.'
A blind date? Nah, that wasn't for me.

But Sid kept pestering me, and a few days later we headed up to the Bronx to pick up his date and her friend Roma. I had to admit, for a blind date this wasn't so bad. Roma was a nurse at a Bronx hospital. She was kind and smart. Beautiful, too, with swirling brown curls and green, almond-shaped eyes that sparkled with life.

The four of us drove out to Coney Island. Roma was easy to talk to, easy to be with.
Turned out she was wary of blind dates too!
We were both just doing our friends a favor. We took a stroll on the boardwalk, enjoying the salty Atlantic breeze, and then had dinner by the shore. I couldn't remember having a better time.

We piled back into Sid's car, Roma and I sharing the backseat. As European Jews who had survived the war, we were aware that much had been left unsaid between us.

She broached the subject, 'Where were you,' she asked softly, 'during the war?'
'The camps,' I said. The terrible memories still vivid, the irreparable loss. I had tried to forget. But you can never forget.
She nodded. 'My family was hiding on a farm in Germany, not far from Berlin,' she told me.
'My father knew a priest, and he got us Aryan papers.'
I imagined how she must have suffered too, fear, a constant companion. And yet here we were both survivors, in a new world.
'There was a camp next to the farm.' Roma continued. 'I saw a boy there and I would throw him apples every day.'

What an amazing coincidence that she had helped some other boy. 'What did he look like? I asked. 'He was tall, skinny, and hungry. I must have seen him every day for six months.'
My heart was racing. I couldn't believe it.
This couldn't be.
'Did he tell you one day not to come back because he was leaving Schlieben?'Roma looked at me in amazement. 'Yes!'
'That was me!'

I was ready to burst with joy and awe, flooded with emotions. I couldn't believe it! My angel.
'I'm not letting you go.' I said to Roma. And in the back of the car on that blind date, I proposed to her.
I didn't want to wait. 'You're crazy!' she said. But she invited me to meet her parents for Shabbat dinner the following week.

There was so much I looked forward to learning about Roma, but the most important things I always knew: her steadfastness, her goodness. For many months, in the worst of circumstances, she had come to the fence and given me hope. Now that I'd found her again, I could never let her go. That day, she said yes. And I kept my word.

After nearly 50 years of marriage, two children and three grandchildren, I have never let her go.

Herman Rosenblat of Miami Beach, Florida

This story is being made into a movie called The Fence.

Hari Raya

2008-09-25T08:31:00.004+08:00

Hari Raya Aidilfitri (also Hari Raya Puasa, literally "Celebration Day of Fasting") is the Malay term for the Muslim festival of Eid ul-Fitr. Muslims in my office celebrate Eid like other Muslims throughout the world. The term "Hari Raya" literally means "Day of Celebration" — it is also occasionally used to refer to Eid ul-Adha in the form of "Hari Raya Aidiladha".

The main greeting used by Muslims in Malaysia and Singapore is "Selamat Hari Raya" which means "Happy Eid" in Malay. Another greeting is "maaf zahir dan batin" which translates loosely to "I seek forgiveness (from you) physically and spiritually", for Hari Raya is a time to reconcile and renew relationships with others.

- From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia online

This year my office decided to come with a more elaborate E-Raya greetings. It was great time to spur everyone into the celebration mood. As one of my bosses commented, "nice video, good teamwork and sahabat spirit.….semua nampak segak dan bergaya (everyone looks smart and elegant)", I hope this will give you a glimpse of the Hari Raya in Malaysia.

Ways to know you are Chinese

2008-09-23T22:39:00.007+08:00

Was helping with the dishes today and the sight of the plastics containers (no.12) left to drip dry near our dish rack in our kitchen reminded me of this old email I received. In fact there are 88 of them (you probably know why!) but i will only share the ones i like and can "relate" to.

1. You unwrap Christmas gifts very carefully, so you can save and reuse the wrapping (and especially those bows) next year.
2. When there is a sale on toilet paper, you buy 100 rolls and store them in your closet or in the bedroom of an adult child who has moved out.
3. You keep a Thermos of hot water available at all times.
4. You boil water and put it in the refrigerator.
5. You eat all meals in the kitchen.
6. You save grocery bags, tin foil, and tin containers.
7. You use grocery bags to hold garbage.
8. You always leave your shoes at the door.
9. You have a piano in your living room.
10. You pick your teeth at the dinner table (but you cover your mouth).
11. You twirl your pen around your fingers.
12. You don't own any real Tupperware-only a cupboard full of used but carefully rinsed margarine tubs, take out containers, and jam jars.
13. You have a collection of minature shampoo bottles that you take every time you stay in a hotel.
14. You wipe your plate and utensils before you eat every time you go to a restaurant.
15. You own a rice cooker.
16. You wash your rice at least 2-3 times before cooking it.
17. You fight (literally) over who pays the dinner bill.
18. Your dad thinks he can fix everything himself.
19. You majored in something practical like engineering, medicine or law.
20. You live with your parents and you are 30 years old (and they prefer it that way). Or if you're married and 30 years old, you live in the apartment next door to your parents, or at least in the same neighborhood.
21. You beat eggs with chopsticks.
22. You have a teacup with a cover on it.
23. You reuse teabags.
24. You have a drawer full of old pens, most of which don't write anymore.
25. You're a wok user.
26. You like congee with thousand year old eggs.
27. You prefer your shrimp with the heads and legs still attached-it means they're fresh.
28. You never call your parents just to say hi.
29. You always cook too much.
30. If you don't live at home, when your parents call, they ask if you've eaten, even if it's midnight.
31. Also, if you don't live at home, your parents always want you to come home.
32. When you're sick, they also tell you not to eat fried foolds or baked foods because they produce hot air (Yee-Hay in Cantonese).
33. Your parents never go to the movies.
34. You eat every last grain of rice in your bowl, but don't eat the last piece of food on the table. 35. You starve yourself before going to all you can eat buffet.
36. You never discuss your love life with your parents.
37. Your parents are never happy with your grades
38. You save your old Coke bottle glasses even though you're never going to use them again.
39. You own your own meat cleaver and sharpen it.
40. Your toothpaste tubes are all squeezed paper-thin.
41. You say "whie" when anwsering your cell phone.
42. You are familiar with the term "aiee yah.....".
43. You enclose your remote controls in plastic to keep greasy fingerprints off them.

A Trip to FRIM

2008-09-22T23:19:00.007+08:00

When I first I heard that my young learned friends (YLF) wanted to plan for a nature walk at Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) I expected it to be in the day, so I thought that should not be a problem. After agreeing to be the official escort for them, it turned out to be a night walk!

The last time I went in the day walk at FRIM, I came back with leeches bite…I couldn’t imagine what it would be like in the night! More ever it has been raining lately!

I was contemplating of waiting in the bus for them but then it would be a 3 hr wait!
So I decided to joined them on the walk…of course being the oldest in the group. I guess the guide knew that as he kept shining his torch light on the path way for me. We were not allowed to bring any torches with us but with technology these days most hand phones were bright enough to light the way!

It was an interesting walk. We started off with the Keruing Nature Trail followed by the Salleh Nature Trail and lastly the Rover Trail which took us through the Waterfall and finally ending up at the Picnic Area.

My YLF either had their hands tied up or were blindedfolded for the first 100m of the walk. All 48 of them were tied to each other at the waist. You could imagine the amount of commotion that went along the way!

The walk provided a ‘window' for us urban people to see a simplified rain forest ecosystem. On one of the trails, we could smell the offensive odour that came from the fruits of a Kulim (Garlic Tree) scattered on the ground. The guides also pointed out to us the glowing fungus in the forest, spiders and butterflies…though it took us a while to figure out where he was pointing to.On the way we saw roots of trees that took dramatic and artistic forms. We were told that this was so that they could function effectively as anchors for the tree.

The guide showed us a tree (can't remember its name) which we could use to shelter ourselves if we were lost in the forest and how by hitting the tree it produces sound to alert the search party.

The highlight of the nature walk was when we were told to look up! We could see "puzzle-like" pattern of the individual tree crowns separated by gaps and outlined against the sky. This phenomenon is called crown shyness. Like a magnet, the leaf tips of kapur, Dryobalanops aromatica , appear to be shy towards their own kind, hence forming the gap.

Many step into this world expecting venomous snakes at every turn, leeches at every step but with 40 odd energetic YLF, the animal world would have been wise to stay away!

Even the leeches also stayed away… I received this sms on my way home at 1.55 am
“No leeches Mr Mike! Hehe…nite nite!”

Visit http://info.frim.gov.my/cfdocs/ecotour/index.html for more info and don’t miss on the canopy walkway, a walkway system and the platforms at vantage points from which one experiences a panoramic view of the forest. FRIM has one such walkway that has proved to be extremely popular with visitors.

Child With Umbrella

2008-09-16T21:41:00.009+08:00

One day the villagers decided 2 pray 4 rain. On the day of prayer everyone gathered - only 1 child came with an umbrella. That's CONFIDENCE.

When u throw a 1 year old baby in the air, he laughs bcoz he knows u will catch him. That's TRUST!

Every nite we go 2 bed, we're not sure that we'll get up tmrw, but we still hv many plans for the coming day. That's HOPE

Hv confidence in prayers, trust in God & never lose hope. These are boosters of FAITH

T care!

-from my learned frens.

Moon Cakes

2008-09-12T00:21:00.005+08:00

The Moon festival (also called the Mooncake or Mid-Autumn festival) falls on September 14th in the year 2008.

Did you know the most famous legend surrounding the Moon festival? It concerns the possible role in Chinese history. Overrun by the Mongols in the thirteenth century, the Chinese threw off their oppressors in 1368 AD. It is said that mooncakes - which the Mongols did not eat - were the perfect vehicle for hiding and passing along plans for the rebellion. Families were instructed not to eat the mooncakes until the day of the moon festival, which is when the rebellion took place.

Anyway, for me it's time to look forward to eating mooncakes.
One type of traditional mooncake is filled with lotus seed paste. Roughly the size of a human palm, these mooncakes are quite filling, meant to be cut diagonally in quarters and passed around. But the price is rather steep...Gets more expensive yearly.

But the beauty of staying in Malaysia is that it's gets cheaper as the day approaches. We found that in Leisure Mall recently...
We brought some and guess where my other half would be in the next couple of days...

An interesting thing about Leisure Mall is that every year it would have a display of various Lanterns. Saw this interesting one which look like two turkeys, a durian and bananas.

This year, they had some display and some booths from China. We saw a man blowing into a hot candy and shaping the candy with each blow....wonder whether we can eat it after that? Never mind won't be a good idea since he would have blown into it!

A weekend with my learned friends

2008-09-07T11:41:00.015+08:00

" A university education is all about discovering or rediscovering one's self so that you can be the best version of yourself. A university's goal should be to help a young person become a good, happy person who is able to interact with others and be a global in his/her outlook"
- A president of a private university

During the merdeka weekend, I joined a group of my learned friends for their annual camp. It was a good break for me to get away from work.

They had a great time...so did I by just watching them and taking photos of all the activities.

Besides learning spiritual things,
doing things you probably will never to do outside camp
never dressing up like that again..

but admist all the happy and crazy times, I saw them making new friends...
and learning the spirit of team work..

Well, it if want to see more of the collection of photos, please visit my album at http://photobucket.com/TechflowCamp08

What's In The Box?

2008-09-03T22:52:00.009+08:00

Listen carefully to that still, small voice, and then do some honest soul searching. What's in your box? is it money? Career? Family? Freedom?

I have been browsing through this book which I read some time ago, "Half Time - Changing Your Game Plan from Success to Significance". I came across this question abt "What's in the box?"

Recent events in my life has really made me stop to think about regaining control of my life. A friend of mine at age of 36 suffered AVM (a vein in his brain ruptured) and is now recovering in the hospital. Then there was a sudden death followed by another colleague who landed himself in hospital supposing due to stress at work.

It's been said that "Unless a person takes charge of them, both work and free time are likely to be disappointing". Been in my second half, "it should be about regaining control of my life....about calling your own shots. I suppose getting back to the center requires us to downshift, to slow down. And once we have return to the core - once we know who we are and what's in the box - we can accept the fact that some of the things on the perimeter will not receive as much attention as they once did. Some things will be more important than others; some may need to be ignored altogether. But regardless of what stays and what gets tossed aside, the point is that we no longer let someone else decide that for us. We create capacity for the things that matter."

Well here are some practical ways I hope to practice:-

1. Delegate - at work, play and home
2. Do what yo do best; drop the rest.
3. Know when to say no.
4. Set limits
5. Work with people you like
6.Take the phone off the hook...learn to hide gracefully.

Well wish me all the best in all these practical ways

New Tricks

2008-08-21T14:03:00.004+08:00

Just got off the msn from a young man who once taught me to never judge a book by his cover. We have lunch together once a while.....an opportunity for us to catch up & talk about anything under the sun.

Today he reminded me that:-

"Old dogs can really learn new tricks, sometimes putting young dogs to shame"

Yes, I have learned a few more things from my young learned friends.

There is one who who reminded me that I have to change to lower gear whenever I go up the Jusco shopping ramp. Age has caught with me & have exchanged my manual car with my other half's auto Kenari. It's a good exchange. She loves the bigger car because nobody bullies her when drives the Waja and she gets her way on the road.

Well back to my young learned friend...he will always carries my parking ticket for me and offers to pay too. If I were to buy anything he would offer to carry it for me.

That's all for now...When I recall more about my young learned friends, I will be back!

Skin & Soul

2008-08-18T10:20:00.007+08:00

Another lesson from my learned students...

Years wrinkle your skin, but to give up ENTHUSIASM wrinkles your soul.
Youth is not a time of your life, it is a "STATE OF MIND"
Keep young

That's Not My Job

2008-08-16T15:02:00.002+08:00

I read this interesting story from "Afterhours Inspirational Stories" http://www.inspirationalstories.com. Check it out when you are free.

This's a story about four people:
Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it but Nobody did it.

Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it but Nobody realised that Everybody wouldn't do it.

It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody have done.

This story reminded me of an incident in the office. I had to present to a committee the utilitiy usage for the campus. I asked one my staff to coordinate the required data. All was well except the data for water usage. I still couldn't get the data even the day before my meeting....the coordinator says he hasn't got it from the executive who in turn says he hasn't got it from the technician.

Well instead of been frustrated and been totally stressed out...I just got out the file and copied the data I needed....all completed in two minutes!

Are A Boss or a Leader?

2008-08-16T14:53:00.002+08:00

The Boss drives his men,
The Leader inspires them..
The Boss depends on authority,
The Leader depends on goodwill..
The Boss evokes fear,
The Leader radiates love..
The Boss says "I",
The Leader says "We"..
The Boss shows who is wrong,
The Leader shows what is wrong..
The Boss knows how it is done,
The Leader knows how to do it..
The Boss demands respect,
The Leader commands respect..

-source unknown

Filling Your Life With Good Things

2008-08-06T00:27:00.002+08:00

"Our lives are like a book with empty pages. We fill in a new page each day. Some of our pages are filled with happy memories that makes us laugh again when we look through the pages. Of course there are always a few sad pages in every life, but even those can bring good memories as we recall how God helped us through a difficult time.

God has given us the responsibility any privilege of deciding what will be printed on our "life pages" and we can't tear any out."

5th August 2008

That was the lesson we learned tonight as my daughter & I shared a devotion together before her bedtime.

Yes, I'm going to fill my day with good things even though it was a rough day at work today. I will try not to remember the unpleasant things that has happened but will "fill my life page" with good things.

The good thing that happened today in the office is that we celebrated of the admin staff's birthday. It was a pleasant surprise for her and I thought that was a good gesture on the part of the rest of the admin staff. Admist their busy schedule they found time during lunch to buy a cake and some snacks and even a gift. My part was to tricked her into coming in to one of the exec room where we held our small birthday party. That was fun for me....took some of the stress off work for a while. Yes! that was one of the good things that happened today!

Then I was served this dish called "kangkong" with "sotong". The amazing part of it all was that it was cooked in our "not so well equipped pantry" which only has a fridge and multi cooker pot that we just brought. It actually tasted quite good. Well done to the few ladies in our office.

Office Bowling Competition

2008-08-03T21:26:00.000+08:00

Yesterday we had our first office bowling competition at South City Plaza. It was good to see 13 teams taking part challenging each other. Well some of us couldn’t play…like me and for some it was their first experience. Then there were some who came with their own bowling ball and shoes. The rest of us had to settle for worn out bowling shoes and lousy bowling balls…We soon discovered that the ball didn’t make the difference, just that our skills were deplorable.

Well, three games each was tiring for me…arms are still aching. Sad to say my team came out last but at least I didn’t get the “Juara longkang”. That prize went to my secretary instead.

Well, here are some photos to show our various skills….Those with photos only showing their backs are to hide our identity.. to save us from further ridicule!

The Feeding of Sunbirds

2008-08-03T11:34:00.001+08:00

Finally we were able to witness our Olive-backed Sunbirds raising their young ones.

I walked in from work last week and wife told me the eggs have hatched and we could see the young sunbirds in their flask-shaped nest. So this weekend I took out my digicam and filmed the mother sunbird feeding the young ones.

The mother is rather protective….always flying around close to me whenever I tried to approach the nest to peek in. well, I guess any parent would do the same when we sense danger around.

Hope you would enjoy viewing one of the wonders of God’s creation.

Next change: The departure of the sunbirds! Hopefully I can get to capture it my digicam.

How A Son Sees His Dad

2008-07-30T00:04:00.001+08:00

"A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society."
-- Billy Graham, Christian Evangelist

All of us who are parents know how becoming a parent radically changed our lives, and also how it radically enriched our lives. Been a dad has given me more laughter and more memories than any other experience in life possibly could.

Not only do my two children create memories for me, but we create memories for them.

This illustration from my recent googling pretty sums up the different phases a dad goes through.

4 years: "My Daddy knows everything."
8 years: "My Dad is really smart."
12 years: "My Dad probably doesn't know that."
16 years: "My Dad is absolutely clueless!"
21 years: "Dad is pretty out-of-touch."
30 years: "I'd like to find out what Dad thinks."
40 years: "Let's get Dad's opinion before we make a decision."
50 years: "I wish I could ask my Dad about that. He's pretty smart."
60 years: "My Dad knew absolutely everything."
70 years: "I'd give anything if Dad were here. I really miss him."
-Author: Unknown

A carrot, an egg and a cup of coffee

2008-07-28T22:32:00.005+08:00

You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners .She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her daughter, she asked, 'Tell me what you see.' 'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I?

Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor.

If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

Author: Unknown

Sunbird In My Pergola

2008-07-27T12:26:00.001+08:00

Last year, during Christmas some birds tried to make a nest on our Christmas lights in our garden but were unsuccessful.

Then in April this year a little yellow bird flew into our garden and built a nest on one of the beams of our pergola. The nest resembled one of the many wind chimes we have in the garden.

We found out from the internet this little yellow bird is an Olive-backed sunbird. The female sunbird was yellow but the male sunbird was a little bigger and its upper body was blue.

Well, we missed the hatching of the eggs as we went away on holiday.

My father in-law believes that these birds would bring good luck as they make their nest in our homes. I believe it’s God’s way of reminding me that He is able to meet our needs and we need not worry.

Matt 6:26
Look at the birds in the sky! They don't plant or harvest. They don't even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren't you worth more than birds?

Once again, couple of weeks ago, another set of sunbird made this abandon nest their home. This time round, I was determined to capture everything on video. So here’s the first part of it….the flying in & out of its nest.

Do join me later and see what we can learn from this amazing wonder of God’s creation!

The Law of the Rubbish Bins

2008-07-26T17:38:00.000+08:00

Recently a friend shared with me how it has been a difficult year for him at work. I shared with him an illustration I heard in church which i found very encouraging. I do hope his colleagues who reads this would be encouraged too..

THE LAW OF THE RUBBISH BINS

How often do you let other people's nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive colleague ruin your day?

Of course, for an instant you will probably be set back on your heels.However, the mark of a happy & successful person is how quickly one can get one’s focus back to what is important.
I learned it in the back of a London black cab. Here's what happened. Ihopped in a taxi at the Bank and we took off for Moorgate tube Station. We had been driving about 200 yards when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his breaks, skidded, and missed the other car's back end by just inches!

Here's what happened next. The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and instead of apologising, started yelling bad words at us.

Now, here's what took me by surprise. Instead of getting angry or annoyed, my taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. He was actually friendly towards the other man!

I said, ‘Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!’ And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now call, ‘The Law of the Rubbish Bins.’

Many people are like rubbish bins. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their bin piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they will dump it straight on you.

When someone wants to dump on you, do not take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on.

So this was it; The ‘Law of the Rubbish Bins.’ I started thinking, how often do I let 'Rubbish bins' run right over me? And how often do I take their rubbish and spread it to other people: at work, at home, on the streets?

It was that very day I decided that I was not going to do it anymore. I then began to see be aware of rubbish bins. I see the load they are carrying. I see them coming to drop it off. And with the grace of our beloved Lord; I too have learnt just to smile, wave, wish them well, and move on.

How about you?

Neither Here Nor There

My Radio

What Would One Do For The King of Fruit

My Other Half New Hobby

Rise Above The Fray

New Lyrics to Beatles song - "Yesterday"

The Miracle of “ My Rib – Bone Compatibility”.

My new set of eyes

Unusual Signs

A trip back to nature

A Simple Prayer

Balik kampung

I'm Yours(ukulele)

Quackaton

The Monkey and the Fish Part 1

Piano Stairs

The Monkey and the Fish

Be Happy With Your Job

Surviving The Storms of Stress

Embracing Imperfections

Beauty of Mathematics

The Father of a Teenager

Dog And Cat

Parenting

Gary Leon Robert's Memorial

Nothing Is Too Big For God

Time For A New Layout!

PPH E Raya Greeting

Monster Lolipop

Laundry Hangers In Cars

God knows......

A Tribute To My Young Learned Friend..Gary Leon Robert

Check this out!

Early morning in Manhattan

Balik kampung

What's on the other side?

HIS STYLE....Tribute to The Boss

Who's Popeye's mum

Bad Hair Day

A= April & A= Auditors

Unique Churches Part 2

Unique Churches Part 1

I'm back!!

A timely reminder…

Behind a Smile

HOW TO CALL THE POLICE WHEN YOU'RE OLD AND DON'T MOVE FAST ANYMORE.

Friendships

Time Of Reflections

More unusual sign posts

Something to Think About

Understanding Engineers

Goodbye Manual and Hello Auto!

No Diesel...No Biodiesel..Just Recycled Palm Oil

1000 Visitors.....Thanks for dropping by!

Civil Engineering Feats2

Multi Purpose Sign Post

Civil Engineering Feats 1

Amazing Dance

The Human Brain

The Window

Two For the Price Of One

Sushi

Free Hugs

A Girl With An Apple

Hari Raya

Ways to know you are Chinese

A Trip to FRIM

Child With Umbrella

Moon Cakes

A weekend with my learned friends

What's In The Box?

New Tricks

Skin & Soul

That's Not My Job

Are A Boss or a Leader?

Filling Your Life With Good Things

Office Bowling Competition

The Feeding of Sunbirds

How A Son Sees His Dad

A carrot, an egg and a cup of coffee