Reflections & Resolutions

“....Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. ” (Philippians 4:8-9)

“I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23)

Today is the last day of the year 2010. As I reflected things happened within me and around me, it is by God’s grace that I am what I am now. Physically, my stamina has improved though I still experienced lethargic, unexplainable pains, sudden sense of unwell here and there.

There are a few milestones I attained this year. First is that I started a blog in July and received overwhelming encouragements from friends and relatives. The other thing is that I acquired an interest in potty gardening and Taiji, now that they become my hobbies. Most of all is that I have more peace in my heart and gained wisdom through the reading of God’s Word in the bible.

All in all, the outcomes this year have been ones that far exceeding my expectations, and I know God’s hand is in all of them. Looking ahead, my life journey is going to be hazy and even scary. This trial has refine, shape and mould me to a better person. I am grateful for learning so many valuable lessons in life within such short span of time. There will be more severe tests to come but I pray that I will be still believing God’s unchanging goodness though I may not understand why they have to be the ways they are.

My New Year resolutions are to pursue excellence in thoughts and values exalted in the above bible verses, and be thankful regardless of circumstances. I hope I can be like Job(Book of Job,Old Testament), who even in the midst of deep afflictions and troubles, is not demanding God for an answer but believing something good would work out ultimately notwithstanding what appeared to the contrary.

The Art of Living

“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.” (Proverbs 4:5-6)

When we read Singapore been rated as no. 1 in economic areas such as the busiest airport in the world, most of us do not give too much thought over it, but when the country is rated as the happiest nation in Asia by the American author, Dan Buettner, based on his comparative data collected (e.g. community tolerance, health care and mobility among the tangibles), many Singaporeans greeted this news with disbelieved.

We are more famously known to be an over-achieving, unforgiving, high-cost place, than a happy place to live in. With rapid urbanisation across the island, it is difficult nowadays to find a place here where you do not hear traffic noise or see high-rise buildings even when you are in the park. So Singaporeans like to go for holidays to get away from this fast-paced and highly-stressed environment.

How ones measured happiness, of course, is highly subjective. When my daughter came back from her 8-day free-an-easy trip to Tokyo three weeks ago, she still missed the place very much. From what she shared with me so far, though I have not been to that place, it is a culturally-vibrant city with good-mannered folks and clean streets (no dustbin provided & nobody eat and walk at the same time!). The Japanese guarded their culture zealously at the expense of economic growth with the shrinkage of labour force (no to influx of mass foreign immigrants).

This taught me a valuable lesson. In life, you really have to decide your priorities. For the Japanese, perhaps happiness is enjoying their well-preserved rich culture for they know that should it give way, no amount of effort and money can rebuild it.

"If Christ has not come"

“If I (Jesus) had not come and spoke to them (the world), they would not guilty of sin." (John 15:22)
“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord." (Nehemiah 8:10)

Economy is doing extremely well and judging from the shopping crowds, people are definitely spending more this year than before. As we re-focus on the true meaning of Christmas, I can’t help but share this very thought-provoking story I read from ‘Streams In The Desert’:-

'A church minister falling asleep in his study on one Christmas morning and then dreaming of a world into which Jesus had never come.

In his dream, he saw himself walking through his house, but as he looked, he saw no stockings hung on the chimney, no Christmas tree, and no Christ to comfort and gladden hearts. He then walked onto the street outside, but there was no church around. When he came back and sat down in his library, he realised that every book about Christ had disappeared. Then the doorbell rang and that a messenger asked him to visit a friend’s poor dying mother.

He reached her home, and as his friend sat and wept, he said, “I have something here to comfort you.” He opened his Bible to look for a familiar promise, but it ended with the last book of Old Testament, Malachi. There was no gospel (New Testament), and no promise of hope and salvation, and all he could do was bow his head and weep with his friend and his mother in bitter despair.

Two days later he stood beside her coffin and conducted her funeral service, but there was no message of comfort, no words of a glorious resurrection, and no thought of a mansion awaiting her in heaven. There was only “dust to dust, and ashes to ashes,” and one long, final farewell. Finally, he realised that Christ has not come, and burst into tears, weeping bitterly in his sorrowful dream.

Then suddenly he awoke with a start, and a great shout of joy and praise burst from his lips as he heard the choir singing".....O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!" in his church nearby.'

So let us rejoice this season of the year because Christ has come, and may His aroma spread every corner of the world.

Jesus is better than Santa

".....I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:10-11)

I got an email from my nephew in Malaysia yesterday and he shared with me the following which reminds me of the significance and true meaning of celebrating Christmas:


Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever present help

Santa fills your stockings with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks…and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is
"Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"

JESUS knew our name before we did.
Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too.
He knows our history and future and
He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly
JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry"
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.
Santa's little helpers make toys

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts,
repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

WE need to put Christ back in Christmas.
Jesus is still the reason for the season.

May the Lord Bless and Watch over you and your loved ones this Christmas 2010
and may He prosper and bless the work of your hands in the New Year!

A garbage-free day

“In your anger do not sin; Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”(Ephesians 4:26)

“For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.” (Proverbs 30:33)

My high school friend,Teo Tiam,recently shared with me the following article which reminds me not to become an ‘orchard of bitterness’ and learn to live each day ‘a garbage-free day’:

‘One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport.
We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us.

My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy And I mean, he was really friendly.

So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!'

This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment.

As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally.

Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.

Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets,
So ... Love the people who treat you right.
Pray for the ones who don't.
Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!’

Personal touch of giving

“Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ( 2Corinthians 9:6-7)

It has been the practice of the church that I am attending now, to take part in the Boys’ Brigade’s Sharity Gift Box every year during Christmas season. Members of the church can participate by donating the requested items based on the grocery list compiled. Though one can also give cash donations, we are encouraged to add a personal touch by getting the items ourselves.

The items have been arriving at a very slow pace and it is still very far away from the targets. I guess in our fast-paced society, it is definitely not so ‘convenient’ to pick these grocery items from different corners of the supermarket which required much time and effort, than just writing a cheque as donation. Furthermore, one has to bring these heavy stuffs to the church, a collecting point. Nevertheless, I chose the ‘inconvenient’ method with the help of my maid.

In this season of giving, it may be worthwhile to spend time buying our loved ones something than giving out cash. We actually derived much joy from doing that, likewise for those at the receiving ends. My youngest sister and her children in Malaysia are coming to visit me next week. I have opted for the ‘inconvenient’ way of buying the children some gifts than giving them red packets.

Confusing Chinese names & why Chinese shouldn't have Christian names

Confusing Chinese names:

Caller : Hello, can I speak to Annie Wan (anyone)?
Operator : Yes, you can speak to me.
Caller : No, I want to speak to Annie Wan (anyone)!
Operator : You are talking to someone! Who is this?
Caller : I'm Sam Wan (Someone). And I need to talk to Annie Wan (anyone)! It's urgent.
Operator : I know you are someone and you want to talk to anyone! But what's this urgent matter about?
Caller : Well... just tell my sister Annie Wan (anyone) that our brother Noel Wan (no one)has involved in an accident. Noel Wan (no one)got injured and now Noel Wan (no one) is being sent to the hospital. Right now, Avery Wan (everyone) is on his way to the hospital.
Operator : Look if no one was injured and no one was sent to the hospital, then the accident isn't an urgent matter! You may find this hilarious but I don't have time for this!
Caller : You are so rude! Who are you?
Operator : I'm Saw Lee (Sorry).
Caller : Yes! You should be sorry. Now give me your name!!!
======================================================
Why Chinese shouldn't have Christian names:

Anne Chang => Dirty (Mandarin)
Anne Chin => Keep Quiet (Mandarin)
Faye Chen => Dusty (Mandarin)
Carl Cheng => Buttock (Hokkien)
Monica Cheng => Touching your buttocks (Hokkien)
Lucy Leow => You are dead (Hokkien)
Jane Tan => Frying eggs (Mandarin)
Suzie Leow => Lose till death (Hokkien)
Henry Mah => Hate your mum (Mandarin)
Corrine Tai => Poor fellow (Hokkien)
Paul Chan => Bankrupt (Mandarin)
Nelson Tan => Bird laying eggs (Mandarin)
Leslie Tong => Rubbish Bin (Mandarin)
Carmen Teng => Leg hair long (Hokkien)
Connie Mah => Call your mother (Cantonese)
Danny See => Squeeze you to death (Hokkien)
Rosie Teng => Screws and nails (Hokkien)
Pete Tsai => Nose droppings (Hokkien)
Macy Koh => Never die before (Cantonese)

(The above humorous piece is contributed by Fiona,a close friend)

Inflation or deflation?

“He makes grass grow for the cattle and plants for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth.” (Psalm 104:14)

“People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell.” (Proverbs 11:26

For the past 2-3 months whenever I go marketing with the maid, I can acutely feel the impact of inflation. The officially published figure for the month of October is 3.3%; in reality, man-in-the street knows that it is much higher than that. China’s figure is 4.4% and expected to rise to 5.4% next year. I think this also applies to most Asian countries despite the strengthening of their currencies against Euro & US dollars. On the other hand, in US, the Federal Reserve is more worried about deflation as the official inflation of 1% is deemed too low, so there is room to reflate the economy by printing more money and keeps the interest rate ultra low.

The source of inflation basically has to do more with runaway food prices than otherwise. China can produce everything under the sun at a rapid speed, but not for agricultural products. We know that down the road we will face higher food prices with higher domestic demands from China and India, but I am surprised by the sharp hikes for the last few months despite no severe droughts or floods takes place recently. Clearly there are hot monies gone into speculating commodities that even non-perishable items like cotton, turmeric,barley, prices have gone up. My Chinese herbs which have held steadily since June last year, now have also increased from $4 to $5 per packet recently.

In local context, there may be one more reason why food prices have gone up: there are more rich people in Singapore than ever before! My friend who used to go to Ghim Moh wet market on the weekends. This place is popular among people staying in the west because things there are cheap and fresh. Now no more, she said, as she found out why - when she observed her Honda Jazz is surrounded by increasing number of big and posh cars in that wet market’s car park!

Leadership in a family

“ Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church......” (Ephesians 5:22-23)

The husband’s role in the family is that of leader. With more women become better educated, are they actually subconsciously taking the role of ‘leadership’ in the family? Women are financially more independent nowadays. Do they really harbour this thought that more money in their pockets means more power at home so much so that they think it is alright to usurp the leadership role of the husband in the family? This is definitely not a healthy idea which is in fact detrimental to a healthy marriage and family in the long run.

There are some disagreements as to which one is the more influential in the life of a child, the mother or the father. The mother is the one who guides the child to his immediate goals in the daily living, whereas generally, the father is the one who establishes the long-range ambitions, those ideals for which to strive in order to make a success in life.

It seems to me that more men are abdicating their role of leadership in the family and leaves it to the wife to be the head of the home. When husbands have fewer responsibilities at home, they are opened to temptations with much free time on hand. They may also feel been marginalised in family decision-makings. Our actions, as wives, sometimes indirectly encouraged such ‘symptoms’. I must say that I am guilty for that, especially in the past, I took things into my hand ('shortcuts') and made decisions on my own when the other party was too slow or indecisive in making decisions on these matters.

How can women force the issue with the husband if he takes the easy way out? I know it is easy to say than done. Men tend to be more egoistic and the wives really have to steer their husbands quietly and gently. In this dark and decaying world we are in, the unity in heart and spirit of the marital partners is even more treasured in order to prevent the disintegration of family.

Be thankful

I AM THANKFUL: FOR THE WIFE
WHO SAYS IT'S INSTANT MEE TONIGHT,
BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,
AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

FOR THE HUSBAND
WHO IS ON THE SOFA
BEING A COUCH POTATO,
BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME
AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.

FOR THE TEENAGER
WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES
BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.

FOR THE TAXES I PAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED .

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING,
WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING,
AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME .

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING
I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT
BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

FOR THE PARKING SPOT
I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING
AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION .

FOR MY HUGE ELECTRIC BILL
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN THE CHOIR WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.

AND FINALLY, FOR TOO MANY E-MAILS
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING OF ME!

(article contributed by my close friend, Mui Huang)

Freedom, money in marriage

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” (Colossians 3:18)

“....husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.” (Ephesians 5:28)

For years I have been admiring the freedom this friend of mine enjoys even after marriage. Now I realised how foolish I am after she recently confided to me her plight. When she and her husband were about to marry, she proposed that they had a joint bank account for the family. However he was against the idea, instead insisted that each to take care of certain common expenses. Now after more than 20 years of marriage and as one grows older, she started to get worry whether her husband saved for rainy days for the family or at least for himself as he refused to be drawn into discussion on this matter.

Some thoughts come to my mind:-

I think couples ought to maintain a joint bank account where both contributing funds towards it on a regular basis. It reflects the commitment from both parties to ensure the financial soundness and stability of the family. It is a fact that many couples quarrel over money matters. It will be better to sort them out before the marriage vow. Lack of trust towards each other is not a good sign for a marriage.

Retain very much the same extent of freedom even after marriage may be a bad sign that each partner continues to carry on his/her own activities without involving each other, which may eventually lead to marriage partners drifting apart and weaken the marital relationship.

A Rare Singaporean

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

“Now the body is not made up of one part but of many....those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honourable we treat with special honour. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty. ( I Corinthians 13: 14,22-23)

It is always thought provoking to read Miss Lee Wei Ling’s articles. In her column on 24th October 2010, she pays special tributes to our country’s “unsung heroes” who helped to made what the country is today. This reminds me of my own “unsung heroes”, my eldest and second sisters, and my mum who went through severe poverty and hardships especially during the Japanese occupation where they had to hide in a remote place, and been harassed by the communist insurgents looking for food at night.

In our society, we tend to give recognition to those whose works are more glamorous and evident outwardly. Even among Christians, we know who Billy Graham is (who appeared in numerous Christian evangelical crusades) but few even heard about this man, Rev Bob Pierce who founded the well-known World Vision.

On 21st November 2010’s Sunday Times’ Editorial entitled ‘A rare Singaporean’ in which it pays tribute to a Christian couple, Dr Tan Lai Yong, and his wife (formerly an accountancy lecturer with NTU) for their 14-year work in Yunnan. Indeed, their sacrifices are grossly uncommon in our society where rush for material success is a norm. In fact there is a new brand of world class consumerism going on here where people are willing to spend $500 on a gourmet meal without blinking one’s eyes and children started to receive luxury items from their parents.

What drives people like Dr Tan and his wife, or Rev Bob Pierce, or Mother Teresa to their unglamorous charitable works and forego material things? To me, it is only with the divine power that one is driven to carry out these humanly ‘unthinkable’ tasks and find ultimate fulfilments beyond what this earth can gives.

Links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS0GNXLyC5U

http://sg.christianpost.com/dbase/missions/1753//1.htm

http://www.impact.com.sg/v2/AA/29_6.php

Bold prayers

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, saying.”Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your Hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. ( I Chronicles 4:10)

My close friend, Fiona, wrote a very thoughtful comment on my recent posting `Routine cancer marker blood test’. On reflection, I shouldn’t be saying ‘thank God for granting me another 3 months to live’ which sounds like God’s grace is finite. What I really mean is that by His mercy, I should be still living till I go again for blood test after Chinese New Year.

It is true that I have been much disciplined on my diets (probably due to my upbringing) and my spiritual health has also improved. However, I am still weak on emotional and psychological aspects which are not so easy to overcome as they have to do with one’s temperament. Many a times I cannot detach myself from situations and people around me, and I become too emotional and ‘teary’. I am also a person who can become panic or fearful easily. Hence, I really need God to give me divine strength in these areas.

May be I have to be more 'daring' in asking for God’s blessings. This reminds me of the above prayer by Jabez who openly asked God to bless him. Everybody struggles each day with choosing to rely on himself or God. Life is a growing process and we cannot run away from making these choices. Pray bold prayers to God are what I need now.

What gender is 'computer'

A SPANISH Teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike in English,
Nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.'House' for instance, is feminine: 'la casa.''Pencil,' however, is masculine: 'el lapiz.'

A student asked, 'What gender is 'computer'?'

Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female,and asked them to decide for themselves whether 'computer' should be a masculine or a feminine noun.Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.

The men's group decided that 'computer' should definitely be of the feminine gender ('la computadora'), because:
1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;
2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;
3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval; and
4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half of your pay-check on accessories for it.

(THIS GETS BETTER!)
The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine ('el computador'), because:
1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;
2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;
3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and
4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.

The women won...!

(This humorous article is contributed by Fiona, a close friend)

Routine cancer marker blood test

“Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again.” (Psalm 71:20)

This morning was my appointment to see my oncologist for my cancer markers and mammogram reports. Thank God for granting me another 3 months to live.

My CA 125 is 12.9 (versus 16.6 , 4/8/10) and CA 19-9 is 12.6 (versus 10.0. 4/8/10). Nowadays I have also experiencing less recurrence of post-menopause symptoms since almost a month ago after I practised qigong and Tai-chi, which I do in the morning and evening. To get the best out of them, one has to be relaxed and not in a hurry while doing them. Hence, they are very good for de-stressing and improving the blood circulation.

Blood Test

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

This afternoon I went for my routine 3-monthly cancer marker blood test. I will know the result when I see my doctor next Tuesday. The last test done had shown the level had elevated though it was still within the acceptable range.

Almost one and half years has gone passed since my last chemo treatment. The fear of chemo treatments is still there whenever I stepped into the cancer centre. My concern over relapse is there but after having gone through the school of pains and sufferings, I am now more ready to face troubles in life with calmness and right perspective. Let’s live one day at a time and not to kill the joy of today by worrying about tomorrow.

Meditation

“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.” (Psalm 62:5)

Last Monday my husband and I went for a Christian meditation support group for the first time. It is a very small group at a church and it lasted for about 20 minutes.

We are taught how to recite the mantra in our minds repeatedly with an upright sitting position, hands resting on our laps. On the surface, this looks very simple but the difficult part is to concentration. For the first 5 minutes it was quite easy but thereafter I found my mind drifting away and 20 minutes seemed to be an hour for me. Such is the behaviour of human being. One can watch a Taiwanese TV drama for 3 hours without problem. We want our daily living routines to fill up to the maximum with lots of activities even for weekends so much so that it becomes not normal for a person to rest and do nothing even for a short while.

After this meditation session, we learned how to slow down the pace of our daily lives and to be more relaxed. When we practise solitude by temporary withdrawal from people, noise and work, we will get in touch with our inner self, refocus our life, recharge our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual batteries. If we do not know how to detach ourselves from our inner compulsions and the world’s dazzling sights, sounds and mesmerizing voices, we will be caught up in the rat race and constantly compelled by our inner compulsions to win, to achieve, to prove ourselves, and to impress. The practice of solitude can also help us to refocus on what ultimately matters in life.

Investment rules

“Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.”(Ecclesiastes 7:12)

Recently I browsed through a wealth management newsletter sent by a bank. One of the articles entitled `Avoid the most common investor mistakes’. Some of the pointers mentioned are planning, realistic expectations, cutting losses, avoid cheap and low-priced stocks etc. However, to me, after having worked in the financial sector for the past 12 years, the most valuable investment rules are ‘KNOW WHAT YOU INVESTED’ and “BE PRUDENT, AVOID BORROWING’.

Investing nowadays has become very complex, so be alert and not to be fooled by the ‘marketing’ materials which often disguised as ‘research’ materials. Do not be overdose on information which is so easily available that you can become paralysed by them, blurred your vision and drown you in useless details. Go for something simple and you can understand, rather than lured by the high `projected returns’. Preserving capital is the key in any investment.

The Lehman Brothers debacle in 2008 clearly illustrates the above investment principles. Investors suffered huge capital losses buying investment products which were paraded to the public as safe investments with attractive returns (not knowing that they are actually derivatives).

Thank God that none of my clients was hit by these derivative products. I had some clients who expressed keen interests in buying them. My ex-company was also one of the distributing channels. I browsed through the thick prospectuses and found them to complex to understand. At that time, there were many such products named themselves as ‘bonds’, been launched with big newspaper advertisements. Money from financial services sector was so lucrative that NUS Biz Adm’n undergraduate course received the most applicants and from the brightest in 2007.

The other thing that an investor should be mindful is be PRUDENT, avoid ‘gearing’. Invest only on money that you can spare and lose. A close friend told me that someone borrowed $200k from his bank to invest in Lehman’s bond. Yet another who is novice investor, tried to trade forex which is very risky as the gearing allowed is as high as 98% of the capital (you only need to fork out 2%).

In any investment, always work on the worst scenario, i.e. what is likely the maximum downside. Once you have done with it, the upside will take care itself because psychologically, most people know how to handle profit but don’t know what to do when their investment turns sour.

It is a very common practice for the sales staff to impress you with imputation of unrealistic projected returns during their presentation of the product. You should only pay attention to the guarantee returns, especially for insurance policy. Also, buy a ‘hybrid’ product such as investment-linked policy is not advisable. Such product will cause uncertainty to what you will get upon withdrawal or on maturity as the investment component in such policy can be very volatile, especially if it falls in a bad investment year.

Higher risk, higher return and vice- versa. There is no free lunch in this world. Do your homework. Keep track of your investments and be humble, learn from your mistakes. If you have no time to invest personally, then do it through professionals. Be very careful when someone offers you something that is too good to be true!

Pilgrim's progress- John Bunyan

“If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else.” (Galatians 6:3-4)

Recently borrowed this book from the library and found out why nowadays very few Christians talked about it. It was written in 1600s. I discovered that the English used is a bit hard to understand. (Read more about this book under ‘Biblical Highlights’)

Every experience mentioned in the book can be seen in our own lives. We as Christians struggle, makes mistakes and suffers the consequences of our actions.

Some thoughts for me to ponder:

1. Does this character exist in my own life?
2. Do I myself behave like the characters in the book sometimes?
3. What is God’s opinion of my behaviour?
4. Do I have times of failure and triumph like the main character?

A Friend

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

An athlete: "He is a balancing pole that enables me to walk the tight-rope of life without falling."

A physician: "He is like a soft bandage and a soothing ointment for the cuts and bruises of life."

A Botanist: "He is a vine that clings to us and hides the discrepancies and rough places of life."

A jeweler: "He is a golden link in the chain of life."

A woman in mourning: "He is one who comes in when the whole world goes out."

Giving vs receiving

“Do not forget to do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrew 13:16)

Recently I came across a devotional book where the author uses The Sea of Galilee and Dead Sea to illustrate two kinds of people living in this world.

The Sea of Galilee- water is fresh, fish is in it, trees spread along the banks, children playing along the shores. On the other hand, the Dead Sea – no splash of fish, no birds singing, no children’s laughter, no man or animal will drink the water.

Both the seas got their water from the same source- River Jordan. They received the same good water. The difference lies in that the Sea of Galilee receives but does not keep the water. It receives and gives the same amount. For Dead Sea, every drop it receives, it keeps it jealously. It gives nothing, that is why it is called the Dead Sea.

Which category of people we belonged to? We need to remind ourselves that if we only strive to receive but reluctant to give so that others may be blessed, we will end up like the Dead Sea, lifeless, joyless, and lonely.

Mammogram

“If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength.” (Proverbs 24:10)

I went for my mammogram yesterday at SGH. Even though I paid as a private patient (cost me $134), the waiting time was still very long. My appointment was 3.50pm and when came to my turn was already 5.30pm.

I was told by the Polyclinic that I no more qualified for subsidised screening programme (which costs only $50) as I am a cancer patient now (regardless of what type of cancer). My gynaecologist is not aware of such discrimination. Don’t understand the logic behind for such policy. To me, it is like saying that they are only interested to save those who never have cancer before, but not the cancer survivors.

“Do not say, ‘We have found wisdom; let God refute him, not man." (Job 32:13)


I read from articles on cancer and almost all give the same advice- stay away from sweet things because cancer cells love to feed on glucose. In fact, one of the methods used for tumour diagnosis is PET scan (which cost $4-5k per scan) where patient is injected with radioactive glucose into his body so that tumours can be identified. For that reason, I am very careful on food that have high glycemic index (G.I.).

Different carbohydrates behaved differently in our bodies. Glycemic index basically ranked carbohydrates according to the effects they have on our blood sugar levels. Food that are high in such index mean that they are easily digested and absorbed into our bodies, as a result, lead to a rapid rise in our blood sugar levels.

We always think food high in glycemic index is mainly western items like waffles, cornflakes. To my surprise, even some fruits like watermelon and pineapple have very high G.I.. Some of these fruits’ G.I. are as follows:

Watermelon – 72 (high)
Pineapple – 66 (high)
Cherries – 22 (low)
Kiwi – 53 (medium)
Banana -55 (medium)
Mangoes – 57 (medium)

I couldn’t find the G.I. for dragon fruit. It is originated from Vietnam and becomes popular in Taiwan when some researchers found its G.I. level is low. There, many Taiwanese diabetes patients use dragon fruits as a substitute for rice. There are big dragon fruit farms along Batu Pahat and Kluang, Johore. The one with red flesh inside is very juicy and taste great, but quite expensive. It can cost as much as more than $3 each.

Humourous scrabble

Someone who is 'deadly' good in scrabble comes out with these:

PRESBYTERIAN:
When you rearrange the letters:
BEST IN PRAYER

ASTRONOMER:
When you rearrange the letters:
MOON STARER

DESPERATION:
When you rearrange the letters:
A ROPE ENDS IT

THE EYES:
When you rearrange the letters:
THEY SEE

GEORGE BUSH:
When you rearrange the letters:
HE BUGS GORE

DORMITORY:
When you rearrange the letters:
DIRTY ROOM

SLOT MACHINES:
When you rearrange the letters:
CASH LOST IN ME

ANIMOSITY:
When you rearrange the letters:
IS NO AMITY

ELECTION RESULTS:
When you rearrange the letters:
LIES - LET'S RECOUNT

SNOOZE ALARMS:
When you rearrange the letters:
ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S

A DECIMAL POINT:
When you rearrange the letters:
I'M A DOT IN PLACE

THE EARTHQUAKES:
When you rearrange the letters:
THAT QUEER SHAKE

ELEVEN PLUS TWO:
When you rearrange the letters:
TWELVE PLUS ONE

AND FOR THE GRAND FINALE:

MOTHER-IN-LAW:
When you rearrange the letters:
WOMAN HITLER

Gifts by mail

“A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.” (Proverbs 18:16)

I always enjoyed myself being an auntie for so many nephews and nieces because I come from a big family. Before I was married, most of the time I stayed with my two sisters who are living here. When I got my pay or festive seasons, I would love to give them treats. Now all of them have grown into adults, the only nephews and nieces that are still young to be pampered are my youngest sister’s children in Petaling Jaya who are in pre-primary and primary school age.

I used to buy clothes for the children whenever my youngest sister and I see each other but most of the time to play safe, I always buy larger sizes, but then the children don’t have the chance to wear them immediately. Recently a new idea struck me. Why not get them some fanciful children items like stationery, and mail out to them? So I bought some and went to a nearby post office personally to make sure I paid the correct postage (by air) and made proper customer clearance declaration. That was 8th September, the day before Hari Raya Puasa. I called up my sister 2 weeks later and was disheartened that the parcel didn’t reach her. Too bad, it must have been ‘lost’ in the transit. Alas, 30 years since I left Malaysia, the postal system is still so inefficient and unreliable. Then came a telephone call from my youngest sister on Tuesday night (5th Oct),telling me that the parcel has been received and the children were thrilled over it! Can’t believe it took almost a month for it to be delivered.

Nevertheless, I am very excited to find this new way of keeping myself occupy, an excuse to go shopping, make the children happy and cheer up my spirit as well. I hope to do it more often. Really, sometimes we don’t have to do ‘big’ things to make a difference to someone else lives. I learnt that small, inexpensive gifts can also go a long way in building and maintaining good human relationships.

Bizzare behaviour of Singaporeans

“I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? (Ecclesiastes 2:18-19)

Recently an ex-colleague of mine forwarded me a very thought-provoking article entitled ‘The Bizarre Behaviour of Singaporeans’ written by a German national who has lived in Singapore for the past 9 years:-

“44 years of economic and material success have spawned some very strange behaviours among Singaporeans. They spent so much to buy a house or flat, furnished it up like a palace, but spent their time outside, most of the time at work. And the maid are the ones enjoying the million-dollar or multi-million dollar assets.

Then they pay so much, the highest in the world, for a car only to park at home. Too expensive to drive, too many ERPS and car park charges to pay. And they are encouraged to park their cars at home and take public transport, being cheaper and more convenient.

And when Singaporeans travel, instead of seeing the places, they went shopping. The best part is that they would head for the cheapest bargains, buying stuff that they could get in Chinatown or pasar malam,at even cheaper prices. But they are still happy that they got a bargain.

And while the heartlanders are busy trying to make a life here, being told to bust off if they are not happy, which they could not, the rich and presumably very happy and contented citizens are buying up properties overseas just in case they need to make that escape from this paradise.

While many Singaporeans are thinking of jumping ship, or preparing to jump ship, hoards of new immigrants are rushing in to take their place in this paradise.

And to top it all up, they keep complaining about the govt and all the policies that they found unpalatable, but come every election, they will vote and return the govt to power.”

No Singaporean would dare to dispute the above profound observations. Frankly speaking, our social behaviours have lagging far behind our economic progress! We are the only country in the world that has to institute an annual campaign (now they called it ‘kindness movement’) to remind us to be kind to one and other!

We are heading towards the direction like any other big urban cities. Inadvertently, it is going to lead to even more fast-paced, high-stress, intense-pressure living environment. People are so caught with the frenzy worldly pursuits that they have no time to dwell on non-tangible goals in their lives.

When poorer folks are scrambled to meet the escalating high cost of living silently, it seems strange to me that the more affluent ones are complaining loudly on matters like not enough car park lots (may be not near enough to their homes?)are built. When will this scramble for non-ending material aspirations come to a standstill? May be only when one is forced to a sudden pause in life due to some setbacks occurred along the way.

It is a fact that many parents here who owned a car ended up being a chauffeur for their children for various activities instead of having some fun and wholesome family outings. I had an interesting encounter with a very successful property agent some months back. She would not take any call or drive after 9pm (which is considered ‘early hour’ to most Singaporeans). Later, I came to know that she has to drive all her children (3 of them) to different schools at different places early in the morning. Since the lives of all her children are in her hand, she wants to make sure that she gets enough sleep every weekday! What a heavy load she has to bear for years!

Questions to ponder: Do we determine our value by how much tangible things we accomplish on this earth? It is worthwhile to live on the edge of exhaustion and not taking care of ourselves(I was once like that)?

Relief from 'bitterness'

“See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” (Isaiah 48:10)

My appointment with my Chinese physician on Wednesday relieved me of the ‘sufferings’ I had to bear for the last 3 weeks of having to consume the ultra bitter Chinese herbal drinks (twice a day). She changed the formula to one that is more palatable.

I have learnt from my mistake this time. Earlier on, I ordered from the Chinese medical shop 3 weeks’ herbal supplies as for me to travel from home to Chinatown is quite a distance. When I discovered that the herbal drink was so bitter, I had no choice but to finish the supplies as they don’t come cheap. This time round, I ordered two packets to try out first before placing more orders. So far the taste is ok.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7)

I have been taking new formula for my Chinese herbs daily since 3 weeks ago when I complained to my Chinese physician about my menopause symptoms (especially the night sweats). My other symptoms are more manageable after I do some exercises everyday but not the night sweats. The night sweats symptom is more a concern to me as it affects my sleep. I was hoping Chinese herbs may help.

The new herbal drink turns out to be extremely bitter and I am advised to drink twice daily. I have been faithfully consuming Chinese herbal drink for slightly more than 2 years now and so used to it that I drink it just like drinking water. But this new formula really unbearable and put me off. Since the new formula does not really help my night sweats, I may ask my Chinese physician when I see her tomorrow to revert to the old formula, just take care of my cancer will do.

'Honourable husbands'

" In this same way, husband ought to love their wives as his own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." (Ephesians 5:28)

Is any picture below resembles your husband? My close friend shared with me some months ago that the first thing her husband reacted when she was diagnosed with womb cancer is that, which daughter he was going to stay with in case anything happened to my friend. They have married for more than 30 years, are in the early 60s, and have 2 grown-up daughters.

Ever notice how all of women's problems start with MEN ?

MEN tal illness

MEN strual cramps

MEN tal breakdown

MEN opause

GUY necologist

AND

When we have REAL trouble, it's a.. HIS terectomy.

Absurd or creative - moon cake new recipes?

The other day my neighbour gave me a box of moon cakes. It is made by a five-star hotel in Singapore and probably costs at least fifty dollar per box. Regrettably, none of my family seems to like the moon cakes. They still preferred the original recipe. The price also got inflated by the very fanciful packaging box.

The moon cakes have the following ingredients:
1. peanut butter jelly
2. calamansi cheese
3. chocolate brownie
4. whisky praline (??)
5. lotus paste with egg (this I know and like)

I guess most of us still like to savour the 'original' moon cake. It may not be wise for one to pay so much more for such 'exotic' moon cakes in the first place.

An extraordinary Chinese essay

“ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” (Colossians 3:20-21)

Recently I lamented to a close friend that I hardly travelled outside Singapore in my life. Now with my physical conditions, it is very unlikely that I would want to go anywhere. The only far away country that I travelled is Australia. May be it is the thought of having to pack and unpack (since I am always the only one does it) that put me off.

Unlike me, this friend of mine travelled far away for holiday every year-end with her husband and her only child (a son). To her, it is a time of bonding as a family, and a reward for her son’s efforts for working hard in his study. She thinks it is money well spent. When she shared with me what her son wrote after one of the trips in 2009 (when he was in Sec 2) that I understand fully what she meant by that:

我最喜欢的礼物

这一生中，受过的礼物不胜枚举。但令我最难忘的礼物是在我国罕见而稀有的东西。

还记得那时是十一月份，已接近大家期盼的隆重的圣诞节。父母想趁小学还没放大假，带我去日本的北海道跟着导游游玩七天。那是已快接近冬天，刺骨的寒风不时迎面吹来，使我们觉得不但冷还有一种使人从睡梦醒来的感觉。虽然游玩了短短的七天，让我在离开时有非笔墨所能形容的依恋，但我经历的感受只有用两个字才能表示出来：享受。

在那七天里，有不少时候下着雪。那雪轻轻地飘，慢慢地落，一碰到地时，就化成水。那时我们一家三口平生第一次看到雪，心中的喜悦是非笔墨所能形容的。我们便开始玩雪，像小孩子玩水一样，我们都感到有兴奋又开心。虽然身处冰天雪地，非常寒冷，但心中非常温暖，因为这雪是父母用钱“卖”来的，是靠她们我才有幸接触到真实的雪。

圣诞节时，常常会挂着一些上面有雪的装饰品。这对我们深处在热带的人，几乎没有意义。可是我在北海道所看到的雪是父母这一生储蓄的血汗钱用在我的身上。这令我感激万分，因为父母对子女的爱是不求回报的付出。

在那七天的旅程中，有一次，我们的巴士正在穿过隧道，当传出隧道时，从刚才得枝繁叶茂的环境里一下子转到了一个冰天雪地的环境。我心想：哇！好美的雪啊！树上点缀着一层薄薄的雪，地面覆盖着厚厚的雪。我的脚踏上去时，雪地上便会留下一个洞，上面印着我的脚印。我决定做戏里面常看见的事，丢雪球。雪球看起来很松软，但打到墙壁上的时候便会变成一枚“手榴弹”。我真的好兴奋啊，因为在新加坡，一个热带地区，虽然听别人说过玩雪时的情景，可是那对我来说可是个又陌生又新奇的。而且，父母非常节俭，不常带我出国，我没有机会接触到雪。

就在那时，恰巧和雪不期而遇，这突如其来的雪把我们一家三口给迷住了。对一个常旅游的人来说，雪景可能是司空见惯了。但对一个由父母费尽心力和金钱的孩子来说，那冰冷的雪打在他身上确实令人温暖的，因为那是父母的养育之恩和无尽的关怀。

对我来说，手中的雪虽很快会溶化成水，雪只是短暂的。但这雪所包含的意义却永远印在我的脑海和心中，因为那是父母送给我最珍贵的礼物。我对父母对我的关心是多么感激，在那时那刻我下定决心对自己说：“我一定要报答父母的养育之恩！”

I am really amazed by how he gives such a boring essay title a unique touch and an intriguing twist. Most students would have approached this subject by adopting the run-of-the mill style. I felt a deep warm current flown into my heart after reading it instead of the coldness of Hokkaido snow. I am glad that my command of Chinese (I studied in a Chinese primary school) is still good enough to be able to appreciate the content of the essay better.

How blessed are we as parents if our children would likewise express their warmed appreciations of what we have unselfishly showered upon them!

Ma-Ra-Na-Ta (Come to me Oh Lord Jesus)

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Straits Times on 13th Sept 2010,published the full content of the interview that Mr Lee Kuan Yew had with New York Times recently.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/Lee-Kuan-Yew-Man-who-made-Singapore/articleshow/6547901.cms?curpg=1

Coincidentally, last Sunday’s Straits Times also featuring Miss Lee Wei Ling (his daughter)’s fortnightly column, sharing her experience treating a brain- retarded child.

My thoughts after reading these articles:

• No matter how strong we think we are, we cannot avoid trials, pains and sufferings at some points in our lives, directly or indirectly through our loved ones. It is how we go through them that counts.

• At some points in our lives too, we would not be able to comfort ourselves, one has to find strength and solace in our faith in God.

• Power of Meditation (e.g. through mantra), even those who do not believe in God,can have the soothing and calming effect.Tranquillity will overtake our restless minds, pressures and worries. The mantra he used, Ma-Ra-Na-Ta, means “Come to me Oh Lord Jesus” or “ Come, O Lord” appears only once in the NewTestament(1Corinthians16:2)

( http://wccm.org/item.asp?recordid=welcome&pagestyle=default )

• There is a complete serene, no fear, no distress for those who found God even when they reached the end of their journey on earth as they know where are they going thereafter (Mr Lee mentioned Hon Sui Sen,ex-finance minister & wife of Ng Kok Song, chief investment officer of GIC who are both devoted Christians).

• You can’t choose how and when to leave this world. We are not in control over our destiny.
. Extraordinary efforts are required to put in if we desired to live well even our days are numbered and our physical conditions are against us.

•We have to face the reality that there is a limit to how far medical treatments can help. It’s better to let nature takes its course.

Organic vs Non-organic

“for everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” ( 1 Timothy 4:4)

Time Magazine’s 8th Sept 2010 issue comes with an interesting front cover story: The Real Cost of Organic Food. Cancer patients are specifically been advised to take such food to stay health. I personally am not sure as to how far they can help in their illnesses. The cost is just too high to consume such food on a longer term basis.

Grass-fed beef is lower in fat, and milk without chemicals is definitely good. Cattles that eat more grass have higher ratios of omega-3 fatty acids to Omega-6s. Corn-based feeding will result a huge drop in omega-3s (Evening primrose oil which has Omega-6 if taken on its own can have adverse effect if not countered with sufficient Omega -3). Cows raised in farms are dosed with antibiotics and growth-boasting hormones, leaving chemical residues in meat and milk. They are also given high-calorie food to fatten them up fast for slaughtering. Processed foods are high in fat and sugar, and salt. Chemical fertilisers are commonly used to increase the yields of the crops tremendously. That helped to bring cost of production down.

But the question is: can an ordinary family with tight budgets afford them. Recently I checked the shelves of Fairprice supermarket and got the prices of the following organic vegetables:

3 organic cucumbers - $3.35
2 large corns - $2.60
One packet of bok choy - $3.55

Their cost seemed to equate with exotic food items, generally about 3 times more than the non-organic vegetables. Besides the hefty prices one has to pay, there is also no way to evaluate the reliability of the certification, especially if they come from certain countries like China.

My motto is don’t go extreme and worry too much, enjoy what we eat, be thankful and ask God bless the food as we partake!

Daily routines- breaking new ground

“Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress. (Psalm 4:1 King James Version)

“Sorrows of life have themselves been the source of life’s enlargement. We all need the iron in life to enlarge our character. The gold is simply a passing vision, whereas the iron is the true experience of life. The chain that is the common bond uniting us to others must be one of iron. God has enlarged you through the suffering of sorrow’s chain.” (George Matheson)

Having gone through pains in life, I have learnt to view testing time like menopause symptoms more positively. In the past, I would simply try to get rid of the trial and signed with relief when it was finally over. Now I pray for strength and wisdom to go through sufferings and trials. God always works through people and things around us.

I decided to break new ground in my daily routines about fortnightly ago. Doing new things, see new places, can revive one’s spirit and renew one’s enthusiasm for life. Now I start my morning everyday (except weekend), if I am well, doing qigong with a group of senior citizens at a nearby community club which is five minutes’ walk away and also through the internet(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7hVL4WU6_c&NR=1 )in the privacy of my home. I have also just commenced my taichi class(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sWjoMKq5kQ). I will also try to do 30-minute brisk walking at the nearby park.

My symptoms have not go away totally but are now more manageable, unlike in the past, they almost totally paralysed my daily activities. Qigong is very easy to learn on your own,doing just part One(18 steps) which takes about 20 minutes is sufficient for me (book: The theory and practice of Taiji qigong by Chris Jarmey, available from library), but not taichi which involves precise foot-work, so joining a class is a must. Yesterday I have also consulted my Chinese physician at Thong Chai Medical Institution, hopefully the Chinese herbs she prescribed will also helped.

Mad about English!

Looks like one.......


I am going down pressing my head up......


Children made in China!

Yes, I WILL.....!!!

Have a careful suicide....

I won't promise.....

Sorry, I can't treasure the used one....

I'm NOT going to pay to trim my foot!

Thank you for your corporation!

The key to existence is pushing!

DATA BREAKER ???!!!

So what do I press??!!!

Laws Newton forgot to state

Some Important Laws Which Newton Forgot to State

LAW OF QUEUE: If you change queues, the one you have left will start to move faster than the one you are in now.

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LAW OF TELEPHONE: When you dial a wrong number, you never get an engaged tone.

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LAW OF MECHANICAL REPAIR : After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch.

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LAW OF THE WORKSHOP: Any tool, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.

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LAW OF THE ALIBI: If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the next morning you will have a flat tire.

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BATH THEOREM: When the body is immersed in water, the telephone rings.

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LAW OF ENCOUNTERS: The probability of meeting someone you know increases when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.

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LAW OF THE RESULT: When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will!

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THEATRE RULE: People with the seats at the furthest from the aisle arrive last.

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LAW OF COFFEE: As soon as you sit down for a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.

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“ Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” (Proverbs 17:6)

Straits Times’ editorial column on 1st Sept 2010 wrote a comment on the issue that more children failed to settled varsity loans taken out from their parents’ CPF accounts. The default rate is about 5% currently. The government thinks this rate is high, so it has decided against allowing such scheme be extended to overseas education.

Personally, I am against this scheme. It seems to me that the CPF board is allowing too many different kind of schemes that have different objectives so much so that it has drifted away from its original goal, i.e. to ensure its members have sufficient retirement income when they retired.

We all know that whatever reasons given for not repaying loans by these children are merely excuses and cannot stand up to any scrutiny. In fact, the repayment plan only comes in 2 years later after graduation and it is in the form of instalments.

Tuition fee loan is a better option as it put the children in direct responsibility in paying back. However, most parents are also ended up acting as guarantors(if they qualified) for the loans. For parents who really do not have the means of financing their children’s tertiary education through personal savings but have funds in the CPF accounts, I guess they would rather choose the CPF option than having to face the risk of banks comes after them as the guarantors. Default in repaying the CPF funds is therefore perceived as not so serious. Surely the government will be more compassionate and understanding than the banks.

We as parents are to be blame for bringing up children that are self-centred. With fewer children, we are in a better position to provide financial resources to indulge our children. The children are no more required to make self-sacrifices. I was somehow saddened when my daughter remarked the other day that the younger generation here should follow the Japanese youths who are not concerned with their country’s economic growth (according to a newspaper survey in Japan). Today more young people are not prepared to marry and bring up children because of the sacrifices one has to make.

I recalled a Singaporean couple who were in the early 60s joined our tour group to Gold Coast in 2006. They confided to us that they had spent all their savings to educate their two children (both are sons) but failed to receive any financial support from any of them. The husband got a job in Papua New Guinea for an Australian company but had to station in Darwin while the wife stayed behind in Singapore. Everyone in the tour group was so busy buying gifts for their loved ones except this couple who bought none. Their relationships with their children must be very strained and bitter.

I used to think that making me financially independent of my children is a good idea. It may be a rational one, but not a reasonable one. I am giving a wrong signal to my children that they do not need to fulfil their moral obligations. So do not say ‘never mind’ to your children for not supporting you just because you are financially comfortable. Better make loud and clear your displeasure when they failed their filial piety duties.

Wife Vs husband

"An old hillbilly farmer had a wife who nagged him unmercifully from morning till night. She was always complaining about something. The only time he got any relief was when he was out plowing with his old mule. He tried to plow a lot. One day, when he was out plowing, his wife brought him lunch in the field. He drove the old mule into the shade, sat down on a stump, and began to eat his lunch. Immediately, his wife began nagging him again. Complain, nag, complain, nag - it just went on and on. All of a sudden, the old mule lashed out with both hind feet, caught her smack in the back of the head. It killed her dead on the spot.

At the funeral several days later, the minister noticed something rather odd. When a woman mourner approach the old farmer, he would listen for a minute, then nod his head in agreement; but when a man mourner approached him, he would listen for a minute, then shake his head in disagreement. This was so consistent that the minister decided to ask the old farmer about it. So after the funeral, the minister spoke to the old farmer, and asked him why he nodded his head and agreed with the women, but always shook his head and disagreed with all the men.The old farmer said, 'Well, the women would come up and say something about how nice my wife looked, or how pretty her dress was, so I'd nod my head in agreement.''And what about the men?' the minister asked.‘They wanted to know if the mule was for sale.’"

Teacher's Day

" Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants." (Deuteronomy 32:2)

Yesterday was Teacher’s Day. Under today’s Straits Times Home section, there was this full page publication of selected students’ short appreciation messages to their teachers sponsored by the Ministry of Education. It costs at least $8k to do a full page colour newspaper advertisement. This is an entirely new concept (like what we have for Valentine’s Day) but I think it is a very bold and worthwhile initiative, as dedicated teachers are hard to come by and we must appreciate and recognise their efforts. I am sure our teachers here woke up yesterday morning eagerly combed through the newspaper to find out whether their names were mentioned by their students.

I always have very high regard on teaching as a profession. It is such an honourable job that touches lives of many though it is not easy to be a dedicated teacher. When I graduated, the ministry had very rigid criteria for selecting candidates for interviews. For graduates, you must major in at least 2 teaching subjects. If you are above certain age, don’t even try, and if you already working elsewhere in another government body, also don’t try as your employer would not release you. Private sector experience also would not be taken into account. I failed at 2 of these criteria. If not for that, I might have ended up as a teacher myself.

Our students here are very fortunate to have the best teachers in this region. Yet some of the parents and students are ungrateful. My experience with the education system in Malaysia was disastrous. I could only recalled some of my Chinese primary school teachers who were generally more dedicated than my secondary and pre-u teachers. May be this has to do with the Chinese values as strict disciplines were imposed on both teachers and the students in Chinese-sream schools. My youngest sister in Malaysia told me that nowadays it is harder to get into the Chinese-stream schools than the national schools. Regret to say, I also remember some undedicated teachers especially my pre-U teachers who hardly showed up in the classrooms (busy with other `assignments’ instead of teaching). Precious time was spent on copying notes from the blackboard (by the way these notes were grossly outdated to be relevant). In the end we had to self-study on our own most of the time. It is amazing that somehow I, a kampong girl, still managed to study up to tertiary level.

Face the pain

Accept the pain, Future will be fruitful

There will be always reason for that pain

So face the pain, For the pain you face

There will be definitely happiness ahead

Don't ask for a lighter load,

But pray to God for a stronger back!