Time Out

Time Out

London 2010

London 2010
Mother and Daughter

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Happy New Year

Happy New Year


BE ENCOURAGED
BE STRONG 
LOOK FORWARD IN FAITH 


God is FOR you
God LOVES you
God will GUIDE you
God will NOT FAIL you
God will BE WITH you
God will PROVIDE FOR you
God will BLESS you
God will GIVE YOU REST
God will STRENGTHEN you
God will ANSWER you
God will UPHOLD you
God will KEEP you




Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)



COME is the most INVITING word

REST is the most WELCOMING word



If you have been feeling heaviness of your labor, remember the words of Jesus "COME".  Remember His offer - REST















Sunday, December 26, 2010

GOOD PRINCIPLES OF LIFE

GOOD LIFE PRACTICE
Talk---------------Softly
Walk----------------Humbly
Eat-------------------Sensibly
Breathe--------------------Deeply
Sleep----------------------Sufficiently
Dress---------------------------Smartly
Act-------------------------------Fearlessly
Work---------------------------------Patiently
Think-----------------------------------Truthfully
Believe------------------------------------Correctly
Behave-----------------------------------------Decently
Learn---------------------------------------------Practically
Plan-----------------------------------------------------Orderly
Earn----------------------------------------------------------Honestly
Save--------------------------------------------------------------Regularly
Spend---------------------------------------------------------------Intelligently
Love---------------------------------------------------------------------Passionately

LIVE ------------------------------------------------------------------------Spiritually

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

BEING A MOTHER

I received this lovely article from a friend and I feel necessary to share with you.  Share this with all the 'mothers' in your life and to everyone who ever had a mother. This is not just about being a mother; it's about appreciating
the people in your life while you have them....no  matter who that person is.



Read this article and put it into action.  Appreciate people especially those who loves you. Start loving those closest to you.
After 17 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She
 said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.'
* * *
The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been alone for 20 years, but the demands of my work and my two boys had made it possible to visit her only occasionally.
* * *
That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.
* * *
'What's wrong, aren't you well,' she asked?
* * *
My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.
* * *
'I thought it would be pleasant to spend some time with you,' I responded. 'Just the two of us.' She thought about it for a moment, and then said, 'I would like that very much.'
* * *
That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick
 her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous
about our date. She waited in the door. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last birthday on November 19th.
* * *
She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's. 'I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed,' she said,
as she got into that new white van. 'They can't wait to hear about our date'.
* * *
We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way  through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at
me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. 'It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,' she said. 'Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor,' I responded.
* * *
During the dinner, we had an agreeable
 conversation- -nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie.
* * *
As we arrived at her house later, she said, 'I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.' I agreed.
* * *
'How was your dinner date ?' asked my wife when I got home. 'Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,'
 I  answered.
* * *
A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her.
* * *
Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: 'I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two
 plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son.'
* * *
At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: 'I LOVE YOU' and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till 'some other time.'
* * *
Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby..... somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother,
 'normal' is  history.
* * *
Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct ... somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.
 
* * *
Somebody said being a mother is boring .... somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver's permit. Somebody said if you're a'good' mother,
 your child will 'turn out good'.... somebody thinks a child comes with directions and a guarantee.
* * *
Somebody said you don't need an education to be a mother.... somebody never helped a fourth grader with his math.
* * *
Somebody said you can't love the second child as much as you love the first .... somebody doesn't have two children.
* * *
Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and delivery....
 
somebody never watched her 'baby' get on the bus
 for the first day of  kindergarten ... or on a plane headed for military 'boot camp.'
* * *
Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married....somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a mother's heartstrings.
* * *
Somebody said a mother's job is done when her last child leaves home....
 
somebody never had grandchildren.
* * *
Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her... somebody isn't a mother.
 

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

MISSIONARY - a precious gift from God

MISSIONARY
You are a precious gift from God


In a few days time, you will be celebrating Christmas.  On the eve it is likely that you would sit around the Christmas tree with your loved ones, giving thanks to God for all His blessings in prayer and also the opening of gifts.

As you celebrate Christmas, remember the missionaries out in the field engaging in a different warfare.

I am suggesting,

This Christmas as you open your gifts I want you to consider the priceless gift a missionary gives – the gift of love to the people which is out of our sight and so many times out of our mind, service to the “faceless” people for the sake of the Gospel.

This Christmas as you feast on all the Christmas goodies may it serve as a reminder to you of the fine qualities of missionaries, courage, good character; resilient strength amidst hardship; perseverance; fighting bravely against the forces of evil from all sides and displaying the love of God sometimes in difficult places and people.  

You do know that a missionary responds to the call of God to do jobs we could not or would not do.  You are surrounded with all the comforts of your home, your family members are by your side and you may quickly forget them who have to put up with harsh surroundings. I urge you to consider them who are in places you would not want to be especially at this time of the year. They are demanded to bring the gift of adaptability to any situation, anytime, no matter how harsh or difficult.

May you remember them not only in prayer but also with your encouragement and financial support because they are the “Christmas lights and shiny ornaments” to people who lives in darkness. 

On behalf of church, I give my salute all the missionaries.  Your response to the call to serve means so much to us. If I can wrap up these wonderful gifts of love, respect and admiration to your steadfastness in the work of the Lord, I would certainly do it with the finest wrappings and give to you in person.

We love you and we appreciate you and your family.  

Blessed Christmas!

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

YOU are the only one responsible for your future

One day not too long ago the employees of a large company in St.Louis, Missouri returned from their lunch break and were greeted with a sign on the front door. The sign said: "Yesterday the person who has been hindering your growth in this company passed away. We invite you to join the funeral in the room that has been prepared in the gym."

At first everyone was sad to hear that one of their colleagues had died, but after a while they started getting curious about who this person might be. The excitement grew as the employees arrived at the gym to pay their last respects. Everyone wondered: "Who is this person who was hindering my progress? Well, at least he's no longer here!"

One by one the employees got closer to the coffin and when they looked inside it they suddenly became speechless. They stood over the coffin, shocked and in silence, as if someone had touched the deepest part of
their soul.

There was a mirror inside the coffin: everyone who looked inside it could see himself. There was also a sign next to the mirror that said: "There is only one person who is capable to set limits to your growth: it is YOU."

YOU are the only person who can revolutionize your life.
YOU are the only person who can influence your happiness, your realization and your success.
YOU are the only person who can help yourself.

Your life does not change when your boss changes, when your friends change, when your parents change, when your partner changes, when your company changes.

Your life changes when YOU change, when you go beyond your limiting beliefs, when you realize that YOU ARE the only one responsible for your life.

-Author Unknown-

DaySpring E-Cards

DaySpring E-Cards

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Our Greatest Need - FORGIVENESS


If our greatest need had been information,
God would have sent us an educator.

If our greatest need had been technology,
God would have sent us a scientist.

If our greatest need had been money,
God would have sent us an economist.

If our greatest need had been pleasure,
God would have sent us an entertainer.

But our greatest need was forgiveness,
so God sent us a Saviour.


Roy Lessin

Suicides at Mt Fuji

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Beautiful Thoughts

Something I read today.
This is worth sharing with you.


You can't decide the length of life, but you can control how you want to live it.
You can't control the weather, but you can control your mood.
You can't change your look, but you can smile.
You can't control others, but you can control yourself.
You can't foresee tomorrow, but you can utilize today wisely.
You can't win everything, but you can try your very best to achieve that.
Hope everyone can face the daily life positively and always be happy...
 

Thursday, November 11, 2010

THE TABLECLOTH - Things Happen for a Reason

I received this story via e-mail from a friend.  I believe it is a beautiful story to share with all my friends. Please read and be encouraged.
  
This Beautiful  story.... Makes you understand that things happen for a reason

T
he brand  new pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first ministry, to reopen a church In suburban Brooklyn arrived in early October  excited about their opportunities. When they saw their church, it was very run down and needed much work. They set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve.  

T
hey worked  hard, repairing pews, plastering  walls, painting, etc, and on December 18  were ahead of schedule and just about finished.

O
n December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days.  

O
n the  21st, the pastor went over to the church.
His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the  front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high.
 

T
he pastor  cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone  the Christmas Eve service, headed home.   On the  way he noticed that a local business was  having a flea market type sale for charity, so  he  stopped in.  One of the items was a beautiful,  handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth  with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross  embroidered right in the center. It was just  the right size to cover the hole in the front wall.  He bought it and headed back to the church.  

B
y this time it had started to snow.  An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus.  She missed it.  The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later.

She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry.  The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area.

T
hen he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle.  Her face was like a sheet.  "Pastor," she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?"  The pastor explained.  The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there.  They were.  These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria .

T
he woman  could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just gotten "The Tablecloth".  The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria.

When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave.  Her husband was going to follow her the next week.  He was captured, sent to prison and she never saw her husband or her home again.

T
he pastor  wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church. The pastor insisted on driving her home.  That was the least he could do.  She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn for the day for a housecleaning job.

W
hat a wonderful service they had on Christmas  Eve.  The church was almost full.  The music and the  Spirit were great.  At the end of the service,  the  Pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door  and many said that they would return.

One older man, whom the pastor recognized
 from the neighborhood continued to sit in one of the  pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he  wasn't leaving.  

T
he man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike?

H
e told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested  and put in a prison.  He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between.  

T
he pastor asked him if he would allow him to  take him for a little ride.  They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor  had taken the woman three days earlier.  

H
e helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.

T
rue Story -  submitted by Pastor Rob Reid  who says God does work in mysterious ways. I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed  for  you today, to guide you and protect you as you go along your way. His love is always with you.  His  promises are true, and when we give Him all our cares we know He will see us through.  

S
o when the road you're traveling seems difficult at best, just remember I'm here praying and God will do the rest.  Pass this on to those you want God to bless and remember to send it back to the one who asked God to bless you first.  

W
hen there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need Take  60 seconds and give this a shot!  All you do is simply say the following small prayer for someone today.

F
ather,  G  od,  bless all my friends and family in  what
ever it  is that You know they may be needing this day!  May their lives be full of Your peace, prosperity and power as they seek to have a  closer relationship with You.  Amen.  

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

AVOID BEING A TROUBLE SHOOTER

BE A PROBLEM SOLVER NOT TROUBLE SHOOTER

People are more inclined to be a trouble shooter and so my advise is AVOID BEING A TROUBLE SHOOTER.  The next time you run into problem or a difficult situation in the place of work, try to THINK  of a POSSIBLE SOLUTION before you take that problem to your immediate superior.  What does that attitude indicates to your boss? Well, at least it shows that you are a THINKER, a PROBLEM SOLVER and a DOER instead of a trouble shooter or worse, trouble maker.  I am sure it will improve communication and augers good working relationship with people you work with especially your boss. 

BIG WORDS AND LITTLE ONES

I have read this many years ago.  
I do not know who was the writer but I think it is simply great worth repeating and sharing  


Never fear big long words
Big long words mean little things.
All big things have little names.
Such as Life and Death, Peace and War.
or Dawn, Day, Night, Hope, Love, Home.
Learn to use little words in a big way.
It is hard to do,
But they say what you mean.
When you don't know what you mean,
Use big words -
They often fool people.

Friday, October 29, 2010

What is WISDOM?

What is wisdom? 


Wisdom consists the following elements


KNOWLEDGE
UNDERSTANDING
DISCERNMENT
DISCRETION


KNOWLEDGE 
Can be acquired through reading, tutored or perhaps watch a TV program. In my opinion, it is just a gathering of information.  As long as you have good memory you will have plenty of information, "the good, the bad and the ugly". On its own, it is not wisdom.


UNDERSTANDING 
This requires one to search and understand the information gathered. Without understanding of the information gathered is purely memorizing.  You will be like a parrot repeating a certain word or phrase without understanding its meaning or implications.


DISCERNMENT
This is a major key to wisdom.  E-mail is brilliant and it is a powerful tool of communication, positively speaking.  Nevertheless it has its negative element.  I received many e-mails a day and they can be classified as "truthful", "lies" and "half truths".  My prayer is that God will grant me the wisdom to discern what is truthful. The Bible says, "prove all things but hold fast to that which is good".  We truly need discernment.


DISCRETION
This is the most important element.  It is the application of the information you have come to understand and proved to be noble.  Is answers the WHEN to use it? HOW to use the information? WHO should be hearing this? WHY this is good and noble?




Muster the 4 elements.  Be wise.  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  Despise not the teachings of The Word and be wise.  I am still struggling with the DISCRETION part.  A number of times I missed it.  I am still working on it. I am not giving up. 

Thursday, October 28, 2010

MUCH FOR LITTLE

It takes so little to make a difference to someone's day.  10 minutes to the healthy means nothing but a visit to someone who is sick in hospital makes a lot of difference. 3 minutes is rather a small price to pay but if used to lead an old person cross the busy road of Penang means much to the person helped.  


So, let us us be conscious and always look for opportunities to make a difference in someone's life each day.  This world will be a better place to live in


How much it costs if we give it a thought,
To make some heart happy each day!
Just one kind word or a tender smile
As we go on our daily way.


Perhaps a look will suffice to clear
The cloud from a neighbor's face;
And the press of a hand in sympathy
A sorrowful tear efface.


It costs so little; I wonder why
We give it so little thought.
A smile, kind words, a glance, a touch -
What magic by them is wrought


- Author Unknown -

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

God, please turn me into a Television

A teacher from a Primary School asks her students to write an essay about what they would like God to do for them. At the end of the day, while marking the essays, she read one that made her very emotional.

Her husband, who had just walked in, saw her crying and asked her, “What happened?”
She answered, “Read this. It is one of my students essay”

'Oh God, tonight I ask you something very special;
Make me into a television. I want to take its place and live like the TV in my house.
Have my own special place, and have my family around ME.
To be taken seriously when I talk....
I want to be the centre of attention and be heard without interruptions or questions.
I want to receive the same special care that the TV receives even when it is not working.
Have the company of my dad when he arrives home from work, even when he is tired.
And I want my mom to want me when she is sad and upset, instead of ignoring me...
And I want my brothers to fight to be with me...
I want to feel that family just leaves everything aside, every now and then, just to spend some time with me.
And last but not least, ensure that I can make them all happy and entertain them...
Lord I don't ask you for much... I just want to live like a TV.'

At that moment the husband said, “My God, poor kid. What horrible parents!”

The wife looked up at him and said, “That essay is our son's”
-Author Unknown-