A word from the 'editor' of this blog.........

Well..... well...... it's been four days since my last blog and also Christmas!! Roughly in about two days time, it will be history for the year 2008, and all mankind in this whole wide world will be waiting to usher the coming of another new year 2009!!

I wonder what will be my new year resolutions, as well as all you great people out there????? As it's only about two short days for us to think, we really have to give it a fast thought, or else....... guess, we'll be out of the race! Another thing about resolutions is........ we can have many, but can we really achieve it, that's another thing.

Have to admit that this is always the busiest time of the year, so have to slow down my writing and hope to catch up later, which most probably will be after the Chinese Lunar New Year. Know what???? Am busy preparing for a family New Year Eve Dinner Party, so lot's of shopping and marketing to do - it sure will be a great & memorable evening for us all, especially having some family guests around during this season of the year.

Till then, regards to you all and have a wonderful year end for 2008.........

Merry Christmas!

Finally, Christmas is here........ Though it's rather quiet, but having and experiencing the peace and joy in my heart makes me feel great! This has been the time of the year that most of us are waiting for, not only a time for celebration, but also the birth of Christ, which makes us to be renewed in Him! Praise the Lord!!

"May this Christmas greet you all......
With all it's good tidings
&
Warmth!"

Have a great holiday ahead & God Bless!!

Baptism before Christmas......

When Alice, an old, close friend called me one day, I was wondering - what 'wind [chinese translation]' makes her to call??? especially, after being silent for quite a while???? Met her & family since last Christmas Open House.

Being told that she is in for the 1 year RCIA program in Holy Trinity Church, and she is badly looking for a 'God Mother' or now known as 'Sponsor'. Finally, she thought of me......... upon asking me, I accepted it out front without giving it any consideration, as knowing very well that I have all the time I need. Second reason being........ this is my first time being a God Mother, that is experiencing something new - so...... why not!!! I still remember from the tone of her voice how happy she is when I told her 'YES'!

Finally, the group of 35 people were baptise on 13th December 'Praise The Lord!' It is indeed a great experience for me, especially being a "First Timer". Wanna share some photos taken during the ceremony at Holy Trinity Church, Kenyalang Park, Kuching @ 6.30pm, Sunset Mass.

Congratulations to all & welcome to the Catholic family!

A 'Christmas Tree Light Day!'

A Christmas Tree without lights is considered incomplete!! So, let's all ensure that it's lights are up, though not earlier but at least must be by today, 22nd December. You might wonder why????

Well....... today is 'Christmas Tree Light Day!' What a day indeed!!!! Guess, decorating the Christmas Tree with sparkling lights is a beautiful part of the entire Christmas celebration........ no one would want a tree that is dark or without lights.

Let me share with you my home Christmas Tree for this year...........

Left: Before the decoration & lights
Right: After decorations & lights

On Christmas Tree Light Day,
Here's wishing..........
Your Holiday Season:
Glows with joy......
Sparkles with smile.....
And glimmers with merriment!

An Important Chinese Festival

The Winter Solstice Festival is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Chinese and other East Asians during the dongzhi solar term on or around December 21 when sunshine is weakest and daylight shortest.

Traditionally, this festival is also a time for the family to get together and one activity that occurs during these get-togethers is the making and eating of 'Tang Yuan' or balls of glutinuous rice (which comprises of white & pink color). This day also symbolize family unity and prosperity.

One belief of the chinese on this day is that: if on the early morning of this day there is rain, then the first day of Chinese New Year will be bright & sunny, however if it shines, then it will be vice versa. Though some might say its just a superstitious belief, but....... I've been monitoring it year in and year out since I was a child, and it seems to be very accurate!!

Another thing to share about this day, regarding eating the glutinous rice balls......... my mum used to prepare it every year when we were young and insist that we all MUST eat it or else 'you won't be a year older'. Being children, we all love to be a year older, so we all becomes good boys and girls, obediently follow our mum's request, thinking that it is really true!! As we becomes parents, then we come to realise that the reason is not such, instead, this glutinous rice balls are tasteless and most children won't want to eat, so..... mothers used it as a trick to make us eat - reasonable enough though!!! Guess, modern mothers today doesn't need to use this trick anymore as most of them are too busy to even think about preparing it OR....... whether the modern girls & mothers know how to prepare??????

Here's a bowl of my home-made 'Glutinous Rice Ball' to share with all......... Have a nice day!!

World Peace Day!

21st December, being World Peace Day, is a day for everyone to observe all over the world and to promote the message of peace and non-violence. So, let's all sew the seed of peace through the tender hearts of every human being in this whole wide world as it is not the responsibility of one, two, neither a group of people, BUT All!!

On World Peace Day........
Let's join hands
To bring peace and joy
To our beautiful, great-big world!!

A Christmas Carol Day to all.........

19th December is "A Christmas Carol Day". As the name of this day speaks for itself, then why not play Christmas Carols as well as singing along with it to welcome this festive season. It will sure fill our hearts and home with warm and merry moments with Christmas Carols..........

"Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,
Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh, hey!!"

Here's to wish you all a Holiday Season that spills over with loads of fun and sweet surprises!

Seventeen years ago..............

This is a "tale-in-photo" of a sister & brother........ Though they are of five years age difference, when they are young, most people (especially friends & teachers) say they really looks alike, but they aren't twin!!! After seventeen years, I thought their look-alike figure have faded, but....... it still haven't. Still people commented that they both still looks very much alike - "the brother is a male version of the sister!!"

Let me share with you three of their many photos which were taken together..........

Top left: When brother Aaron is still a baby
Top right: Sister Karen is 7, while Aaron is about 2 years old
Bottom: After seventeen years........

The best time of the year...........

It is no denial that December is always the best time of the year, with the coming of Christmas (which is the coming of Christ for the Christians) and also the New Year!!

What I pictured in my mind are the Santa Claus......... snow...... the beautifully decorated Christmas Trees....... Rudolf the reindeer........ Snow sledge......... etc, etc. Even though most of those things which I pictured cannot be found in our surroundings, but....... that's what Chrismas is all about....... guess, most of us who are celebrating Christmas are also having the same feelings as me. Another great thing we normally do at this time of the year is SHOPPING!!

Not to rule out........ this seems to be also the best time of the year for 'spring cleaning'. It is indeed a nice feeling and sensation to have our house and surroundings clean to welcome and usher the New Year but....... off course a dislike for the 'body ache or pain' after the hard work!! Hahaha!!

Let's put aside and forget about the body ache or pain....... instead, think of the joys, peace, love and happiness that is awaiting us all......... "Happy Holiday" to all.........

Greetings to all neighbors........

No one can deny that neighbors, though always near to us but haven't got that much time to spend with, as each and everyone seems to be busy with their regular hectic and busy schedules.

So, 11th December being "Hi Neighbor Day" ....... this will be the best time to say.........

Geography has made us neighbors.
History has made us friends.
Economics has made us partners,
And necessity has made us allies.
Those whom God has joined together,
Let no man put asunder.

~ John F. Kennedy ~

A Glamorous Christmas Sensation at "The Spring"

Around this time of the year all Shopping Centers and Malls are seen beautifully decorated to await not only the coming of Christmas, but as well as the New Year!!

The Spring in Kuching City, is one of the most well decorated Shopping Center, both on the outside and inside. Previously, we have to travel to KL or Singapore (which are the two nearest place to visit) in order to experience 'A Glamorous Christmas Sensation' during this season of the year........ but now, Kuching folks can enjoy such an experience without having to travel.

Apart from it's gorgeous decorations, shoppers are also being entertained to music and songs which are being performed live, and also different activites being organised for the children as well as the whole family. If you like to have your family photo taken with "Santa Claus", then you are most welcome there!

Top left: A Christmas Tree which stretches from 1st floor to the 2nd floor of the building
Bottom right: The beautifully decorated pond on the ground floor

Happy Shopping to all..........

A favourite vegetable "The Cauliflower"

How many can resist buying home this cauliflower?? It's freshness is sure to tempt many families in getting some home while doing their marketing........ off course, not to mention its many nutrient contents!

Cauliflower is low in fat, high in dietary fiber, folate, water and vitamin C, possessing a very high nutritional density. As a member of the brassica family, cauliflower shares with broccoli and cabbage several phytochemicals which are beneficial to human health, including sulforaphane, an anti-cancer compound released when cauliflower is chopped or chewed. In addition, the compound indole-3-carbinol, which appears to work as an anti-estrogen, appears to slow or prevent the growth of tumors of the breast and prostrate. A high intake of cauliflower has been found to reduce the risk of aggressive prostrate cancer.

Cauliflower can be eaten raw, boiled, fried or steamed. The most common dish which most families prepare would be the simple stir-fry "Mixed Vegetables with Cauliflower". The other vegetables to include in this dish of mixed vegies are broccoli, green peas, young corn, lotus roots, leek & red carrot - depending very much on the taste-buds of each individual family. Other ingredients to include are mushrooms, chicken meat, prawns or squid - to obtain a more tasty flavor.

Personally, I've seen cauliflower only of white colour but surprisingly I come across an article of orange and purple cauliflower........ wanna see how it looks like????

Guess, some of you might have seen it in other countries, but I haven't seen cauliflower of such color yet....... hoping to see them one day!

Article on Gout

Most people today are suffering from Gout due to high Uric Acid in their blood. Thus, I believe that this article which I'm about to share on 'Gout' might be useful to all, even those who are not suffering from it as 'Prevention is better than cure!"

What is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis. It can cause an attack of sudden burning pain, stiffness and swelling in your joints, usually toes. These attacks can happen over and over unless gout is treated. Over time, they can harm your joints, tendons and other tissues. Gout is more common in men.

What causes Gout?

Gout is caused by too much uric acid in your blood. Most of the time, having too much uric acid is not harmful. Many people with high levels in their blood never get gout. But when uric acid in your blood are too high, the uric acid may form hard crystals in your joints. Your chances of having gout are higher if you are overweight, drink too much alcohol or eat too much meat and fish that are high in chemicals called purines.

What are the symptoms?

The most common sign of gout is a nighttime attack of swelling, tenderness, redness and sharp pain in your toes. You can also get gout attack in your foot, ankle or knees. The attack can last a few days or many weeks before the pain goes away. Another attack may not happen for months or years.

How is Gout treated?

The goals of treatment for gout are rapid pain relief and prevention of future gout attacks and long-term complications such as joints destruction and kidney damage. To reduce the pain, swelling, redness and warmth of the affected joint(s) in an acute gout attack:

• rest the affected joint(s)
• take pain relievers such as Tylenol or other more potent analgesics to manage the pain
• take one or more of the following medications at the first sign of a gout attack as prescribed by your family doctor. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen or indomethacin can be prescribed to decrease joint inflamation. Avoid aspirin because it may abruptly change uric acid levels in the blood and may make worsen the symptoms.

How can you prevent Gout from happening?

Below are some sensible steps that can be taken to prevent gout from happening. Likewise these steps can also help to lessen the frequency and severity of gout attacks:

• limit foods that are high in purines, especially meat, seafood, and beer to help reduce uric acid levels in the blood. Since purines are converted by the body into uric acid, purine rich foods should be avoided. The risky foods are such as anchovies, herring/sardines, mushrooms, peas and beans, mussels, kidney, liver, heart & brain, gravies, sweetbreads, broths & consomme.
• eat a healthy diet that provides the nutrients you need and helps you control your weight. Weight reduction can be helpful in lowering the risk of recurrent attacks of gout. This is best accomplished by reducing dietary fat and calorie intake combined with a regular aerobic exercise program.
• drink plenty of water and other fluids. This can help your body get rid of uric acid. Adequate fluid intake also decreases the risk of kidney stone formation in patients with gout. Alcohol is known to have diuretic effects which can contribute to dehydration and precipitate acute gout attacks.
  

A day & month to show our compassion.........

Today, 1st December is World AIDS Day & the month of December is World AIDS Month. This day & month is observed worldwide as a sign of compassion towards AIDS victims and to forge a sense of social tolerance.

For this, I would like to share two beautiful cards from 123Greetings.com with all readers and friends, which in turn is to be shared with others throughout this whole wide world.......

It's World AIDS Day.......
And I want to say.......
Life is precious.......
Take good care of it!

A Time For Celebrations.........

The beautiful decorations of all Shopping Malls really reminds me that Christmas is just round the corner.......... I consider this as the best time of the year as it is a season of Love, Hope, Joy, Peace, Good Tidings, Merriment, Happiness & Togetherness.

It also triggers me that........ it's time for Christmas Songs & Carols to be played....... As this type of songs are only played during this season of the year, so....... I'll always make it a point to start listening to them by mid November. Some might say it's too early, but who cares???? The ones played in shopping malls are even much earlier!!!

To recall....... my family have the best Christmas last year, with friends & relatives coming over for our 'open house'. Here are some memories to recap.........

Our 5-Feet Decorated Christmas Tree..........

Building Strong Family Ties [Part 5]

Passing on Traditions

Some of the strongest bonds in many families are passed on from generation to generation as a result of cultural heritages from the land of their ancestry. Those customs often retain cultural tastes in food, dress, dance and even in professions.

Another passing on of custom can be that of a trade or profession. Throughout most of history, children learned the trade of their fathers that had in turn been learned from their fathers.

Because many modern societies have given up such practices altogether, crafts that have endured for centuries are being lost.

Even if a youngster does not wish to follow in his father's footsteps, if a trade, craft or profession has been learned, he will have something to fall back on.

It's amazing today how few boys do any household jobs, paint or mend things, change the oil or tune up the car. Only a small number of girls know how to sew, quilt or even cook for the matter.

You see, in order to learn many of these skills, you have to spend time with your father or mother or with grandparents.

Since most of us are not living on a farm, we don't know how to plant, cultivate, harvest, can, bottle or freeze vegetables and fruits. Even if many families wanted to have a vegetable garden, they wouldn't know how to. Yet many middle-aged parents have known how to plant a garden--and almost every grandparent had one; probably grew up on a farm or in the country. Why haven't we passed on these fun and useful skills?

If you have not learned any skills that should have been perpetuated in your family, why not take a little time to backtrack and learn from your father or mother in order to pass them on to your son or daughter?

Building New Traditions

Maybe you are part of a family that just does not have a long family history. Perhaps you have no knowledge of your ancestry or even of a craft of your parents.

But that should not stop you from establishing bonds in your family now. Actually, whether you have realised it or not, there are really only two courses of action to take. Either build meaningful and lasting traditions in your family, or drift into nontraditions that will cause your family to split farther and farther apart from one another.

Why not sit down this evening and talk over what kind of relationships will best benefit your family? Get out the old picture album. Recall Granddad and Grandma--even your great-grandparents. Maybe you'll bring up some long lost part of your family past that your children have never even heard before.

Then talk about what kind of new customs you would like to incorporate into your family. Some of the most meaningful family experiences can be worked around vacation. Perhaps visiting national parks, or taking up camping, fishing or other outdoor activities, will be something your family can enjoy.

One of the best ways to spend vacation time is to hold regular family reunions such as have been mentioned earlier.

So whether you decide on special vacation trips, outdoor camp-outs, dinners or nothing more than a quiet afternoon in your own back-yard, make up your mind to build strong family bonds. You'll always be glad you did. Not only will it pull your family together as a team now, but someday your grandchildren will thank you for establishing family bonds that will be passed on to their children and to generations yet to come.

So...... how's the article friends???? Hope it will really helps us and our families as well as the generations yet to come to preserve strong family ties. I belief that we can still get together with our family, though not as specifically mentioned above by the author, but on the other way round........ For example, instead of getting all the children to come home for holiday at the parent's home (which is the children's home town) , why not gather at one of the children's place instead, off course depending on which is more economical and convenient to all. As we all know that most children today will be studying or working in another city, where there are better jobs opportunities than being with their parents at their home town. Another situation will be, going off for a holiday at an agreed destination or spot, where all will meet and have an enjoyable family vacation together. Then, once a year (maybe during the New Year festivals) the children can plan to come home to celebrate this grand festival with the rest of the other family members, such as Uncles, Aunties, Grandparents, Cousins, Niece, Nephews, and off course their 'long time no see - friends!' See....... it can be done right???

Dear friends, everything is possible if we really put our mind into it!! Remember, this week is "Family Week", so...... have an enjoyable week with your family and continue to "Build Strong Family Ties" within your family.......... God Bless You All!!

Building Strong Family Ties [Part 4]

Dinner Together

Today everyone seems to be so busy. All the members of the family are involved in so many activities. With school, work, play and television--is it any wonder members of a family can seldom be together at the same time?

Usually there is only one occasion during the day when the entire family is in one place at one time. This is the evening meal. And this mealtime at least ought to be family time. But what do we see? A trend toward the no-cook-eat-infront-of-the-television idea. City boulevards are ablaze with signs beckoning the customer to stop in and carry out a quick, already prepared meal. Society seems geared to the eat-on-the-run syndrome. Snack shops, sandwich stands, drive-in restaurants have greatly proliferated.

People in today's fast-moving society grow up without any importance being placed on family dinner. Yet in many countries and among certain ethnic groups it is considered essential that all the family be seated at the dinner table together. Here a meal represents far more than just food and nutrition to the body. It is a time for family communion--fellowship, conversation and enjoyment.

Is it this way in your home? Do you have each and every member of your family gathered together at least for the evening meal? This seems like such a simple thing, but it has great importance. Why pass up the opportunity to gather your entire family--the most beloved people to you--around you in an atmosphere of love?

The sharing of food has always connoted the sharing of love. Sharing food together is a sure way to increase the bonds between people.

And remember: It is important to make sure the conversation at the table is pleasant--no bickering, arguments, unpleasant topics or controversial matters. Mealtime should be a pleasant experience filled with goodwill. This promotes family closeness and love.

Building Strong Family Ties [Part 3]

Being a family

In this hectic society it seems there is little time for simple yet meaningful occasions like dinner with the grandparents or a family reunion. And because we haven't taken the time for such things, the glue that holds families together doesn't hold firm.

It's time to revive some old-fashioned values and build more permanent family ties. It might just save your family.

Let's take for example the old custom of gathering the whole family together on a weekend afternoon for a big meal. If you ever had such wonderful dinners in your family, you can almost taste the delicious meals still. And who could ever forget the fun of playing outside with your cousins and neighborhood children while your parents sat and talked for hours?

If that has been a part of your life you cannot forget it. But why is it gone today? Doesn't anyone care anymore? And why can't you start or reinstate such family get-together customs now? Well, you can.

Of course, if the grandparents live hundreds or thousands of miles away, you can't have dinner together frequently. But if they are nearby, you can certainly make it a fairly regular practice. Even if they are a great distance away, all is not lost.

Another great old-fashioned tradition used to be getting the extended family--the entire family: the brothers and sisters and all the cousins--together once a year or every other year. There is nothing like it.

In today's world, many like in very mobile societies where people move often. Sometimes these moves are hundreds or sometimes thousands of miles. When such moves happen, the children grow up without any sense of stability.

This separating of families has created a whole generation who don't know "who they are." When you grow up under the influence of your parents and your grandparents, there is little doubt of who you are. If you have a quick temper as your grandfather did, you'll know it if you saw him yell at the cow when she kicked over the pail. If you have a fine voice for singing, you well may have inherited it from your grandmother. If you heard her singing lullabies, you will know for sure where you got your voice.

The knowledge of one's family heritage seems to be missing in so many families today. Grandpa may have been forced into early retirement while he still had years of productivity left in him. Perhaps he died prematurely from the lack of purpose and inactivity. Like as not Grandma was put into a rest home to rock away her final years of life in boredom. What a tragedy! And all the time they could have helped so much.

Don't let the opportunity for your children to know and love their grandparents go by. Plan a family reunion as soon as it is practical. If the grandparents are not living, make it a practice to visit the cemetery where they are buried. Tell the children stories about their grandparents and the "good old days.". You'll be surprised at the greater sense of identity it gives them.

Instead of positive traditions, do you know what families in today's society have? Nontraditions. What are nontraditions? Let me give you an example:

The typical Western breakfast. Years ago when societies are mainly agrarian, breakfast was quite an affair. The entire family sat around the table . Mom prepared a hearty meal of cooked cereal, toast from homemade bread, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs and a hamburger patty. Dad outlined the day's chores. That was a tradition.

A nontradition is quite the opposite. Today, Dad probably grouches his way through the morning preparing to fight the traffic jams. He may or may not bolt down a cup of coffee and a piece of toast. Where's Mom? She may have a job of her own and hurries through the blow dryer and hair curlers to be ready for her ride to work.

And the children? Left to themselves, they take the easy way out and gobble down a bowl of pre-sweetened cold cereal. That's breakfast. That's hardly conducive to the kind of bonds that build strong family ties.

And lunch these days is no memorable occasion either. It is usually eaten by each member of the family separately. Dad eats lunch on the job. The children eat lunch at school. And Mon perhaps at home with the babies or at work.

That's what we mean by a non-tradition. Nothing of lasting value comes out of this life-style. There is nothing here to pass on to the next generation. No positive family relationships are built.

Building Strong Family Ties [Part 2]

Controlling Youthful Energy

One of the greatest problems in any society is the harnessing of the energy and vitality of its youth. It is also one of the greatest difficulties of parenthood!

"Johnny! Please sit still! Stop jerking and jiggling!" shouts the exasperated mother of a 10-year-old. "What's the matter?" she fumes. "Can't you ever be still and quiet?"

Parents have been saying things like that for centuries. Virtually all "normal" children are bundles of pent-up, explosive energy. And that energy must be released! When it is bottled up, suppressed and thwarted, it builds up incredible pressures in children. The longer energy is suppressed the more frustrated the child becomes.

Have you ever experienced this? You are driving along the freeway or the motorway. It's an extended trip of several hours. There are few stops except for gasoline or "rest" stops. The faces of the children in the backseat may be seen in the rearview mirror as they sit, squirm, struggle, wrestle, tussel, tug and pull away at each other.

The longer they have to sit there, the worse their attitudes will become. Sometimes they will fall asleep in sheer frustration. They may keep saying, "When are we going to get there, Daddy?" "How much longer?" "I have to go to the bathroom." (He just went 15 minutes earlier!)

The longer this agitation continues, the more irritable the parents become. After all, they would like a nice quiet, relaxing trip!

Before long an explosion takes place. "Will you kids shut up!! Just sit still and be quiet! We'll get there when we get there and I don't want to hear any more about it!". Sulk. Pout. Fume. Resent. The atmosphere in the car has degenerated considerably since the trip began. Why?

Simply because the parents did not understand, nor know how to cope with the factor of their children's energy! It's a law of nature--energy must be released. It must be burned up, utilized.

Yet children often lack the wisdom to know how to rightly utilize their own vast energy reserves. We are told that children left to their own devices, often use their energy in a destructive manner.

This is one of the principal reasons why children cooped up and left alone in a big-city environment often resort to acts of violence and vandalism. Children cut loose from the warm and creative environment of a close and loving family unit frequently become youthful vagrants prowling the streets and alleys of cities looking for destructive outlets for those pent-up energies. Such neglect on the part of parents is one of the key factors involved in the formation of adolescent street gangs.

A child should never be cut totally adrift from his family unit. He should be able to find expression within it. He should never be left exclusively to his or her own devices during those formative years. (This is not to say a child should not be taught independence, self-reliance and responsibility.) Parents must strive to understand their child's need for constant activity and provide ways for the release of that energy.

Family outings, sports activities, hikes, camp-outs, musical endeavors, building projects, hobbies, wrestling matches with Dad, walks and runs, jogging as a family, exercising together are all invaluable and constructive outlets that can be shared by all of the family.

Children should be taught and encouraged to "think family." Ideally, the family environment should be the most enjoyable place for a child to be. It should be the most interesting, the most satisfying.

A child who cannot find satisfaction and activity within his family unit will seek it elsewhere. Responsible, perceptive parents will recognize this need and seriously strive to provide the right kind of exciting, interest-filled environment for their children. Granted, it takes time and planning. But it pays off.

Building Strong Family Ties [Part 1]

As this week is "Family Week", I would like to share an article which I feel that all must get to read it, in the hope that it will help to build strong family ties, especially in this modern world today.

We can't deny that most parents are spending less time with their children, as they are occupied with their career, thus their children are always being put in the care of domestic helpers, grandparents or day care centers. So, enjoy reading and hope you are all able to get some useful tips from it.

TODAY the reality of a generation gap stares society in the face. Many parents frankly confess that they do not know their own children. They are like strangers. And this gap seems to have happened overnight.

Parents may appear to be close to their children when they are small. But with the advent of teenage something tragic happens. Communication breaks down. Alienation begins. Thus a generation of children has commonly become at odds with its own parents! Why?

Examine you own situation. When does your whole family -- every member --get together and talk--really have a good conversation and family communication? Chances are--seldom, if ever.

Many parents today really do try to provide the best for their children. They want to give them happiness and security. They consequently spend their time and energy in the acquisition of material possessions. Little time or energy, however, is spent to provide for the family's spiritual and emotional needs.

Do you know why children are so inclined to learn from television, whether for good or for bad? Because a television set is never too busy to talk to children. It never brushes them aside while it does household chores or becomes involved in other pursuits. Television programming goes to considerable lengths to attract and hold the attention of youngsters. And it succeeds!

Meanwhile many fathers and mothers spend a minimum amount of time and effort maintaining direct contact with their children. And then they wonder why their children do not turn out as they would like them to.

Where were you when your son's class at school had its open house? Or when your daughter's dance team won the trophy?

Were you just too busy to be there? Was the extra money earned by working overtime that important? Did you really have to clean the oven? A few less dollars and a few specks of dirt at home, is a small price to pay toward an investment in one of your greatest treasures--your children.

If you've been negligent in involving yourself with your children, changing that relationship many not be accomplished overnight, but with diligence and patience it can be done. It must be done. You would be surprised how many young people today are deeply yearning for a closer relationship with their parents.

A week for all family........

23rd to 29th November is "Family Week"! It is the best time to spend cherish moments of joys and happiness with our family members; sharing great time with each other and making it a memorable week!!

However, for those family members who are away from home, I belief that none will be miss out as it is the thoughts that matters. It is like a Malay saying "Jauh di mata, dekat di hati" meaning "Far at sight (in the eyes) but near at heart".

So, on this Family Week, I would like to pray for God's special blessings upon each and every family in this whole wide world. Have an enjoyable week ahead..........

Something Marvelous of Nature!!

"In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous"

~ Aristotle ~

Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountains and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can learn from books.

~ John Lubbock ~



"All things are artificial, for nature is the art of God"
~ Thomas Browne ~

"There is nothing in which the birds differ more from man than the way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as it was before"
~ Robert Wilson Lynd ~

"I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in"
~ George Washington Carver ~

"The Universe is one great kindergarten for man. Everything that exists has brought with it its own peculiar lesson"
~ Orison Swett Marden ~

What we see each day!!

Everyday, when we are out of our house and on our journey to any of our destinations......... we are sure to see the traffic lights! At times, especially when we are running against time, we tend to even disobey its functions...... What's worst is....... once a while, we will observe the 'poor-lifeless' traffic light being run down by some unscrupulous or drunk driver!!!

With the traffic lights playing a very important role in our lives on the road, we should be thankful. That is why there is a special day being designated to honor & respect it. November 20th is "Traffic Light Day!", so let us all pay our respects to them by being obedient to them!

Thus...........

"In the mad rush of life, May we all always finds a reason to smile at every bend!"

A great article for all to ponder...........

"EIGHT LIES OF A MOTHER"

This story began when I was a child;
I was born as a son of a poor family.
Even for eating, we often got lack of food.
Whenever the time for eating, mother often gave me her portion of rice.
While she was removing her rice into my bowl,
she would say 'Eat this rice, son. I'm not hungry'
That was Mother's First Lie.

When I was getting to grow up,
The persevering mother gave her spare time for fishing in a river near our house,
she hoped that from the fishes she got,
she could gave me a little bit nutritious food for my growth.
After fishing, she would cook the fishes to be a fresh fish soup,
which raised my appetite.
While I was eating the soup, mother would sit beside me and eat the rest meat of fish,
which was still on the bone of the fish I ate.
My heart was touched when I saw it.
I then used my chopstick and gave the other fish to her.
But she immediately refused it and said 'Eat this fish, son. I don't really like fish.'
That was Mother's Second Lie.

Then, when I was in Junior High School,
to fund my study,
mother went to an economic enterprise to bring some use-matches boxes that would be stuck in.....
It gave her some money for covering our needs.
As the winter came,
I woke up from my sleep and looked at my mother who was still awoke,
supported by a little candlelight and within her perseverance she continued
the work of sticking some use-matches box.
I said, 'Mother, go to sleep, it's late,
tomorrow morning you still have to go for work.'
Mother smiled and said 'Go to sleep dear. I'm not tired.'
That was Mother's Third Lie.

At the time of final term,
mother asked for a leave from her work in order to accompany me.
While the daytime was coming and the heat of the sun was starting to shine,
the strong and persevering mother
waited for me under the heat of the sun's shine for several hours.
As the bell rang, which indicated that the final exam has finished,
mother immediately welcomed me and poured me a glass of tea
that she has prepare before in a cold bottle.
The very thick tea was not as thick as my mother's love,
which was much thicker. Seeing my mother covering with perspiration,
I at once gave her my glass and ask her to drink too.
Mother said 'Drink, son. I'm not thirsty!'
That was Mother's Fourth Lie.

After the death of my father because of illness,
my poor mother had to play her role as a single parent.
By held on her former job, she had to fund our needs alone.
Our family's life was more complicated. No days without sufferance.
Seeing our family's condition that was getting worst,
there was a nice uncle who lived near my house came to help us,
either in a big problem and a small problem.
Our other neighbours who lived next to us saw that our family's life was so unfortunate,
they often advised my mother to marry again.
But mother, who was stubborn, didn't care to their advice,
she said 'I don't need love.'
That was Mother's Fifth Lie.

After I had finished my study and then got a job,
it was the time for my mother to retire.
But she didn't want to; she was sincere to go to the marketplace every morning,
just to sell some vegetable for fulfilling her needs.
I who worked in the other city, often sent her some money to help her in fulfilling her needs,
but she was stubborn for not accepting the money.
She even sent the money back to me.
She said 'I have enough money.'
That was Mother's Sixth Lie.

After graduated from Bachelor Degree,
I then continued my study to Master Degree.
I took the degree, which was funded by a company through a scholarship program,
from a famous University in America.
I finally worked in the company.
Within a quite high salary,
I intended to take my mother to enjoy her life in America.
But my lovely mother didn't want to bother her son,
she said to me 'I'm not used to.'
That was Mother's Seventh Lie.

After entering her old age,
mother got a flank cancer and had to be hospitalised.
I, who lived in miles away and across the ocean,
directly went home to visit my dearest mother.
She lied down in weakness on her bed after having an operation.
Mother, who looked so old, was staring at me in deep yearn.
She tried to spread her smile on her face;
even it looked so stiff because of the disease she held out.
It was clear enough to see how the disease broke my mother's body,
thus she looked so weak and thin.
I stared at my mother within tears flowing on my face.
My heart was hurt, so hurt, seeing my mother on that condition.
But mother, with her strength, said 'Don't cry, my dear. I'm not in pain.'
That was Mother's Eighth Lie.

After saying her eighth lie, She closed her eyes forever!

This touching sharing from a young boy who later grew up to be a young man, is sure to touch each and everyone's lives! I believe that all mothers tends to act as such (lying) not because of any bad intention, but out of a mother's love for their children. If each of us are to recap the acts of our own mother, and to add up onto the above 'list of lies', I think it will be a long list!!!

So, from now on, don't take a mother's word in total....... remember, there is always some hidden truth in her answers.........

Mother's are the place where love

Mothers are the place where love
Emerges from the earth
And happiness rings out like bells
In honor of our birth.

Mothers are the sun that lights
For life our inner sky,
So we may know that we are loved
And need not question why.

Mothers are the moon that shines
Upon our black despair,
So even when we weep, we know
That someone's always there.

Whatever fear, or stress, or pain
Might them to anger move,
We know that underneath the storm
We have, always, their love.

~ Copyright by: Nicholas Gordan ~