Why not?

2011-05-06T10:59:00.002+08:00

Growing out of fear or the love of self

I was the last batch of the Uni of Singapore gen and was scared out of politics because of the arrests of student activists. My Philosophy tutor was one of those who stoke my thinking and I avoided discussion and slid into apathy so I could finish my Uni education.

But studying Sociology helped. I read the bible before class every day and I could see the many evil and immoral actions of leaders who lead out of fear (of losing power). I saw Mr Chiam ST (science teacher while I was in Cedar Girls) saying in Parliament that it was "immoral" to have COE introduced as transport was a basic need. I respect him and salute his commitment to his core values while he served literally laying down his life for his people.

Yesterday I shared at my office devotion Micah 6:8 and some thoughts concerning our role in bringing justice and mercy.

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God"

I did not know this is called The Micah Mandate till now. As I shared in the context of our political leaders and some historical injustices like ISA arrests, the ED prompted me to return to "devotion topic". I said I have not deviated. It is very sad but true that many cannot see that role of salt and light is to preserve from decay and shed light to reveal corruption in all levels of leadership and community.

I have more courage since the last election.

In 2006, when LHL laughed at the WP contestants and said "I will make sure they do not get their money back" I was greatly offended at his arrogance and lack of grace. I felt he was behaving like a gangster head. He said at a lunch time rally about "fixing" oppositions - which again confirmed his philosophy about politics. I went for rallies with a WP supporter and voted for WP. I wanted the dare devils to get their money back - and was glad they did. I admire their courage and commitment.

This year I was at Reform Party's and I heard them out. A friend alerted me to the condolence letter and I could not believe what I read. The man has not changed.

At the rally I sat in the front row of the grass lawn and bought a flag when the volunteers came around. Their words helped. "Does not matter the amount, your action is enough". When I was getting blocked, I moved closer and even waved my flag when the cameras were clicking. The next day my friends messaged to say I was in the yahoo news photo - I went "Yahoo yeah!!"

Last night I was at Serangoon Stadium and the last time I was in a crowd this big was Billy Graham's Crusade. I was proud to be among sensible and courageous people. As I walked to the MRT station, I was talking to fellow supporters - 2 men in their 60s. I told them I love seeing older people at rallies. It means they are interested and being there showed they want to see and hear it all - no censor or selective reporting. There were Junior College students and young families with small children in tow.

We are living in exciting times. I have moved miles because people have the courage to live the Micah Mandate!

Good bye and hello

2010-10-20T22:16:00.011+08:00

We were so used to Changiville. It's our home away from home - our kitchen. Dara was trained in Singapore and he did not use MSG in his cooking. My favourite was Pho with the soft beef tendons. That's where I started to eat with chillie padi too.

There were problems with the landlord and one day, the guest house cum cafe was gone. We are getting used to how quickly things change. Shops open and close and usually with little notice. So I started to look for alternatives. It surprised me that there were a lot of eating places around me. I could go left or right, far or near and I was happy. I was not much of a foodie but I was becoming one. During meal times I will tell the folks "I am looking for food!" and off I go, hunting for comfort food, desserts, avocado shakes and I was becoming quite adventurous and discerning.

One evening we walked into a little shop cum residence and I was OK the moment I saw soup in the pot. Bong Yod smiled widely and very warmly and I returned to eat regularly.

Think about it. I barely manage saying the numbers in Khmer and can only point or take my money out and she uses her fingers to show me how many thousands or hundreds. She will teach me how to say the amount and I am learning! And we have come a long way.

I observed that she stored her dried food items with soap and insecticide aerosols and mosquito coils in the same glass cabinet. One day I was there with a local colleague and with her help, told Bong Yod that these items should be separated. She was very welcoming about the info and explained she thought the packaging was safe enough. She even clarified what items could go together.

I also told her about the use of MSG as I could taste it and the effects on hair fall. She was like "no wonder my family is experiencing hair falls!" She quickly asked for alternative ways of cooking and I shared how I would have cooked the soup she was serving. She was concerned that local customers might not like it and I suggested having MSG available for those who want it.

A few days later the goods were rearranged. I could taste the change in her cooking too. I was surprised as a friend had told me the folks here do not change easily. She has this enthusiasm about her dishes and through her daughter who speaks English, I sometimes explain why I like some items and why not some others. My current favourites are her ginger chicken, stewed bitter gourd, fish sour soup and potato-radish soup.

This evening was the best. She was alone with her 2 year old grandson who was giving her a hard time as he wanted to be in on everything. Cars usually stop by for cigarettes or gum or just anything and junior would take his stool to stand on it next to the car and join in the conversation.

This time he was going really near the car to pick something up as the car was moving off. She shouted and carried him away while I gave him the disapproving look. He was greatly offended, got on the floor and threw a tantrum. Grandma got the cane and I quickly got an empty carton and a plastic bottle and waved him toward me on the floor. I pointed him to the bottle like "you are this guy here" then swung the carton like a car and knocked over the bottle. Then I showed him a hit on my head and he seemed to get it. He held his head like he was hit! He was smiling and enjoying the conversation without words. Grandma understood what I was trying to tell him and spoke to him.

I taught him "thumbs up" for being clever and a "Hi five" like we are friends. I waved good bye to a happy boy who waved back and rewarded myself with a dessert treat at the street corner.

Good bye Changiville and Hello Bong Yod!

New beginning

2010-07-18T19:52:00.003+08:00

It took 4 hours and Think Pad was alive again!

On this trip to the city, connectivity was restored, I was recharged and all was well. It is wonderful to have experts who can bring new life back to a dead tool. It is as important to have relief for tired workers.

Relief teacher was a breath of fresh air. She was as she sounded on the phone and we hit off right after we met at the airport arrival hall.

I was slowly recovering from over extending myself by having 3 hours less work each day. The girls were refreshed too by having a new face, and new approach to learning English. The amazing thing is that Relief teacher shares exactly the values I hold dear. So what she did not have time to address, I picked up and it was like hand in glove - like we have been working together for ages!

Back home I was thrilled to meet the different speakers in person at the opening night of the Global Consultation of Music and Mission (GcoMM). Every day and night, I was discovering new ideas and ways of doing things. We can do a lot by not doing a lot!

Meeting new people was so refreshing and inspiring. I read Michael Card's "A Better Freedom" twice before meeting him in person. It was a blessing to be ministered to by such a gifted and humble servant of God.

I tried "Creative use of my hands" session and discovered I could express in water colours. The interpretation of my piece of work was very powerful and I am still awed by what is happening and will be happening in me on this journey. I shared this with the students I worked with the 2 days before I left. That they will be like dragon flies - resilient and staying strong through all the hard and difficult times, and like the lotus flower - untainted by the mud water it grows in and as a plant, every part of it is useful!

New beginnings at every turn. Charming and inviting, like a shining star leading me on and on. I like it.

Cool Bugs

2010-06-12T21:33:00.007+08:00

The weather has been cooler these days. After scorching sunshine till about 2 pm, the clouds gather. The rain is short but regular enough to bring green colour back to the ground. The cows roam into our fields and it is great to see them eating. Once, some Singapore primary students actually thought these were horses! The skeletal frames of these animals show how lean they are.

Rain also brings the bugs. A regular morning will find at least 10 specimens of bugs at the wash basin in the bathroom. On a day that rains, swarms greet you. They flutter around lights and reflective surfaces. My bathroom door is white. Once, I could not proceed to shower as the swarms overwhelmed my guts. This is a hard part of life here. The next morning will find dead insects piled up outside the door. So there is daily removal of dead bodies (though its just insects).

Once I saw quite a sight. There was a "caravan"of ants taking their prized Goliaths (dead winged insects) back into their territory. The entrance though is not more than 4mm. The ants actually repositioned the large winged insect to fit - wingtip, then torso, then the rest of the wings! They efficiently negotiated the entrance and the big guy disappeared. On and on they went. My pests are their treasures! There must be tons of bugs - dead and alive behind those walls.

For sure I know there are bugs in my computer. Since Godzilla struck my notebook, I witness the breakdown of the system. No matter how I try, the functions diminish on a daily basis and it died today.

My comp is supposed to be able to survive a war but it is killed by bugs. Now I hope there will be some good bugs available to eat up the bad guys or to effectively "caravan" them away.

Less is More!

2010-05-23T18:16:00.014+08:00

Yes I am in a one room unit that opens to a verandah greeted by vibrant pink bougainvilleas on the fence. The hotter the weather, the stronger the pink. As this room faces the west, mornings are cool, colourful and bright. I wake at 4 or 5 am. This is 5 or 6 am back home.

I have a clothes rack with adequate hangers, a table, chair, bed and mosquito netting. As it is a corner room, windows on adjacent walls give good cross currents. The power to the ceiling fan and light shuts off at 12 noon to 2pm and 12 midnight to 4 am daily. This is to reduce power consumption as the generator powers the entire women's centre and orphanage. There is the DC powered fan that was loaned to me. This wonder kicks in when the generator shuts down. And there is more.

Well water is pumped and stored and flows freely for showers and laundry. I have a bathroom cum toilet unit that I have the key to in the detached shower building. I enjoy up to 4 showers a day at its hottest and have no lack of hydration as rainwater is harvested and filtered for consumption. Water bottle is filled with ready cold water from the fridge. Wireless connection is slow in the day but fine at night. Phone reception is perfect in certain spots of the complex. Plenty of cats and no rats sighted so far. I sleep at 11 latest and wake without the alarm - and no struggle! I have the center manager's company for breakfast in her quarters and lunch and dinner with her and the orphanage manager daily.

I started "work" in the afternoon after landing at about 7.40am in Phnom Penh. As the routine is fine tuned, I train from 8.30 am to 8pm, with 2 hour lunch and 2 hour dinner breaks. The girls are motivated. They understand the purpose of Project 5 & 2 and are eager to be part of it.

So I see them daily, have 3 square meals, no TV, no snacks, and found myself having more. I could focus on them, their needs and pull out suitable "food" for the day and hour. I am all here - no fuss about what to eat, what to drink, where to have supper, what sale offers to take up, who's coming to visit or whatever. I had time to think, to read. And I was glad I brought "The Race" by Dr Robert Solomon.

As I gobble up the chapters, I was thrilled I was simplifying again. Every chapter spoke and what resonated most was Live simply - Travel light. I am on track and on the right journey.

The girls have a mattress and their bags in a dorm for15. I have a room for one. It is plenty.

I have more of me to be and give when I have less encumbrances. Less is more!

Let go

2010-05-11T17:26:00.006+08:00

I was totally enjoying friends and family when they share my home. Even though it meant a lot of effort hosting, I always felt it was worthwhile extending myself this way.

Home is my responsibility. I kept it well and find it my sanctuary. I love coming home. After hearing myself say that a few times I realised I was growing roots. I am kind of missing the point.

One of my favourite Negro spiritual is "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through ... my treasures are layed up, somewhere beyond the blue ..."

Quite quickly I decided this place has served its purpose and my hosting season is over. I suppose when it is not my gifting, it takes a lot of effort. It is always on my mind and I am constantly making decisions concerning this responsibility. It has become a weight.

So with a new opportunity to be stationed out of country I bite the bullet and move on. I only need a room and a 2 bedroom unit brings with it the responsibilty of more to upkeep and responding to others' need of shelter.

The privilege of being single is the freedom to respond to relocation. There is no care of husband or children and in my case no longer the need to care for aged parents. Not having to tend the house to ready it for unexpected needs is a great encumberence removed.

And so I go - full and free to love my Beloved - my Treasure! He has no place to rest His head but has provided a room for me. And more than that, He loved me and loves me still and has committed Himself to me. He is my home!

Happy hours!

2010-01-23T00:38:00.006+08:00

Fridays were happy hours for WK and his family as the children could sleep late and have special meals. I thought that was a great idea and have enjoyed many happy hours at their home. Once his boy announced "I like today!" We were just thrilled that being happy was so simple - have a bunch of friends home for a meal and just yak the night away!

I celebrated a friend's birthday once at my home. Things were pretty rough that year as her dad and dad in-law took turns to be hospitalised. I got her family, WK's family and some friends and we had a great time. I realised I like fussing about getting food and water and then the party takes a life of its own once everyone feels at home.

I began doing it more since upgrading to air-conditioning and friends from overseas started passing by. Its a tight venue but it meant really getting the guests combination right. Today's was the best yet!

It started with a "hi" when I was on line and the surprise that A from USA is actually back in Malaysia and coming to Singapore. So the date was set and everyone on the list could come. It was a joyful surprise when a missed favourite appeared before A. The excitement and chatter was music to my ears. Then someone's 92 kg brother did come with his wife and that was icing on the cake as we were like friends all over again with spouses included!

Why am I so happy?

I think it is about looking back. There is so much memory with one another that meeting again is such a highlight. There were short versions of updates and quick snapshots of what's happening. We were not tired of repeating our stories for the 10th time or more. There was depth as we noted how we have grown and changed. We were not pining for more times like this but just so thrilled we had a time like this.

This is a happy hour! So much have happened while we were apart and we have a chance to spill freely as we are a community with shared history. We were young together.

Why hold on?

2009-11-27T14:14:00.005+08:00

It's been 3 years since I last visited Cambodia. This time I was privileged to see the work done since and its amazing how just keeping faithful to the task can do so much. This is what I told our Singapore staff.

Shammah - one of the 3 mighty men of David stood his ground on a field full of lentils and defended it. While all Israel fled, he struck the Philistines down and the Lord brought about a great victory (2 Sam 23:11-12). Are lentils worth dying for? No.

It was inheritance that Shammah guarded. He stayed when everyone fled. He fought because he was trained, he treasured his inheritance, he recognised his responsibility over it and there was no one else. Would the Lord not give victory? Not likely. The Lord was pleased with such faithfulness and devotion. It is not like Esau who despised his birthright. It is not like the prodigal son who squandered his inheritance. Shammah was His trophy of faith and faithfulness. He was the person for God to show His might, power and faithfulness.

And so it is. Even though we have no apparent fruit for showing, the fact that the work is still alive is because we have faithful Shammahs guarding and holding on to the precious plots till the sowers and planters return to till the land.

Praise God for the likes of Shammah!

Once a Cedarian, always a Cedarian!

2009-11-15T19:22:00.004+08:00

There were only three tables filled when I arrived. I walked around to look for familiar faces. Yes this was last minute as I was supposed to be out of the country and now I take the place of someone who was ill.

I reached a table of seniors and somehow they looked like teachers. I greeted one and found out she was Mrs Veronica Poore! I remember! She looked like Mrs Poore our Discipline Mistress. She was elegant. When I told her I was Choy Wai Fann, the other teacher said "I know Choy Wai Fann." And amazingly this was Mrs Elsie Kheng ... the lady I quote all the time regarding how I have kept my size. I was dizzy. I had been thinking of Elsie as I had met her brother a few times before. Then someone else was a Domestic Science teacher and I said I know a Mrs Soh ... and she was right there two seats away. With Mrs Soh we talked about the Lake Toba trip we went on at the end of 1974... and she pointed out Mr Subramaniam sitting opposite her. And I recognised him. He looked like Mr Maniam! We talked about that memorable trip like it was yesterday.

More teachers were found ... Mrs Maggie Chan, Ms Yvonne Seah and Ms Lee my fierce Science teacher. Its funny how they began to be recognizable and then familiar within minutes. It seemed like time stood still for them as they all looked well and trim.

Its been 35 years. Wow... and the current principal reported how well the school did and I was proud. Further on the games mistress declared she was glad to see the teachers and that she was on the swim team ... My ears propped. When she mentioned Mrs Choy the teacher in charge and her captain who was me I waved for her attention. Magical. Could not believe it as I knew there was no Rina on my team. True enough she was using a different name for work and she brought our year book that featured the swimmers.

It was a great evening, very emotional for me - my first reconnect with the school. And the huge treat that the teachers were all MY teachers. They were glad for what I have been doing and I felt like their legacy.

I have always thought our school colours and uniform were unique. Whenever I see a Cedar girl I will tell her I am one too. But through the years, Cedarians have proven to be more than colours and appearances. Many have been making a difference and making significant contributions - its got to be the teachers and the sustained core values that have been upheld through the years.

Sofa so good!

2009-10-26T22:28:00.007+08:00

Yes I gave my sofa away. My painter asked for it on behalf of his friend who had moved into a new home but had no money left for a sofa. I was glad that within hours 3 adults and 3 children came and took it. There was more space for the renewal project that was rolling out in the flat. Furniture come and go and this going was a relief.

When the changes were done I started to rearrange and put things up again. I was thinking of the sofa that I wanted. Fuss free and cool to sit on. Then I saw it. I was returning after lunch and the cleaners were moving a wooden sofa out of the elevator. "You are throwing this away?" I asked and they said "You want?" I looked under the torn fabric and said yes very quickly. I could always get these guys to move it out if I changed my mind. These workers help flat dwellers to move bulky furniture for free!

So they checked with their supervisor and had permission to move it to my unit. I cleaned it. After tearing out the torn fabric, the original cushion cover was beautiful. I took pictures and showed my friends the before and after of the sofa. It did not help that on Sunday there was a full write up about bed bugs ... how they move and survive ... and come through old furniture! I was warned that the sofa could be infested.

With heaviness of heart I treated the sofa as prescribed. So far whatever God gave me had been good stuff. They get better after I recondition them and have esteem positions in my home. Then I am also aware that the land flowing with milk and honey for the children of Israel had enemies that must be wiped out before they live in it. So I proceeded. I dripped the lethal formula through the joints and fabric of the entire piece and waited.

No bugs. Beyond that, the dried glue that held the previous fabric was falling off! So while trying to remove the bugs that thankfully were not there, the dried glue was also removed!

This is more than my dream chair. It is an exotic piece. I saw the beauty under the torn fabric and it now sits in regal stature, with a story that will be told again and again, how it came to us.

Surprise!

2009-09-29T22:59:00.002+08:00

"What's good at Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre? Fish head curry, and lots of cooked dishes!" So I was told as we walked for lunch. I was skeptical as I felt the best was Johnny's. Jia Yi is an insignificant shop at a shopping complex, but the air-conditioning made it welcoming.

I tried the Fried Kway Teow and was floored. The cockles were fresh and succulent and to top it off I had my lunchmate's share of cockles as well. When we left I decided to try the fish head curry for dinner.

K ma had no dinner plans nor appetite until I told her what I was bringing. I was 15 mins early at Jia Yi's and the chef reminded me that I was supposed to be there later. But I caught him cooking and the aroma was amazing. I told him K ma was excited about dinner and so was I.

When the fish was served, she was thrilled and could not contain herself. Her appetite was quickly restored as the curry was really good. There were many phone calls while we ate. Four were from her grandchildren and children who were concerned as she had been sad the past few days. She had just lost a close friend. She would ask them to guess who was with her at dinner and then tell them I was there. Then to guess what I brought for dinner and tell that I brought the fish curry and that she would save some for them.

I was very happy. Just realising how her sad few days had just been halted by a simple shared dinner made me smile for many days after.

Surprise! Just being open to a possible tastier way of cooking Fish head curry led to a new chef and the need to share it with someone was so richly rewarded. Both of us praised God for His love for us - we thanked Him for appetite, for friends to share with and family that care that we might be eating alone.

Why celebrate?

2009-09-17T22:40:00.009+08:00

There are some dates I remember. These are the birthdates of my siblings and their children. Tomorrow is my nephew's birthday and he actually gets a holiday from school. Well he is in Primary 5 and not involved in the Primary 6 islandwide oral examination! Good for him and for me, I get to have his company for 2-3 hours.

This guy is precious. He arrived after mum fought and had her cancer in remission. She was very disappointed when a new primary set in as she wanted very much to be the care giver. And she fought really hard but the enemy was relentless. There were a few days that I had to baby sit birthday boy who was then just about 2. I had photos of those days and they are special - mum's time with him and my attempts to amuse him on the record!

Alas when she was near the end, she described each of her grandchildren with deep insight. She thought birthday boy was intelligent and possibly be up to mischief if unguided. When we finally walked the last journey behind the hearse, I was carrying this little guy and he was a great consolation.

And so I treasure this gift of life as God slowly and painfully took away mum's. I celebrate his life and want him to know how grandma fought to live because he was so precious and so desired. What a happy birthday it will be to know you are loved and you are a delight to have and a strong motivation for living!

I see you!

2009-09-15T10:09:00.004+08:00

After a trip to the west, I usually wake up in the early hours of dawn because of jet-lag. I decided during my last trip that I will walk to work instead of a 15 minute drive. This happens till I get adjusted.

I did it again today not because of jet lag but I just wanted to enjoy the 60 minute workout. The journey requires the crossing of many major road junctions and today I enjoyed road users who were aware of pedestrians like me. It felt really good when this driver anticipated my crossing before I reached the crossing point - basically he waited when he "rightly" need not. I smiled and waved a 'thank you' for his thoughtfulness. These gestures of acknowledging the presence and need of another person and the return of appreciation make a great start for a regular day. I like today!

Why TOC?

2009-08-12T21:53:00.000+08:00

I realised I was a convert today!

Funny that's how I discovered I was a Calvinist too, by saying what I said and I get pigeonholed.

Someone in the audience asked if there were social work professionals who could feedback as to what they think of TOC tools for them or their clients. The point made was that most professionals in the helping services were armed with tonnes of skills and each has his/her own expertise in solving problems. We should first understand how they work and see how TOC could be used in their fields.

I said we were not here to hard sell the tools but if the professionals want to try something new, they could check this out. I identified myself as a socialwork professional and school counsellor for a long time. and how I found the three tools useful and that a friend who recently completed her post graduate studies in Counselling also asked for the tools. This man said "But you are a convert!"

I was pleased and wanted to ask him why he thought I would use the tools especially if I am a qualified social work professional and practicing counsellor ... what do you think?

Doron's donkey story

2009-08-11T15:50:00.000+08:00

I met Doron at breakfast and told him I've had an awakening kind of experience and here's his story. The best is to hear the story teller himself, but hey the next best is this!

There was a farmer and his wife who bought a donkey to help them on the farm. They loved Donney, fed it, cleaned it and did all that good masters do. Donney was happy and perfect in all ways except work. They just could not get him to work!

After all the failed attempts they came to the town's Donkey Expert. He agreed to help on the condition that the couple would not get involved at all and remain quiet and at a distance at all times. This was very hard for the couple but they relented as they were at wits end.

DE took up a stone, aimed at Donney and threw it at him. No sweat, Donney was cool and remained non-chalant. DE carried a larger stone - the size of Donney's nose and aimed again. The farmer and his wife were shocked. How could DE do such a thing? But they agreed not to interfere so they held their breath and each other. DE was right on target but hey, Donney was fine ... he was a strong animal.

For a while the couple wondered where DE went. Then to their horror, they saw him up a cliff and was pushing a huge, gigantic rock over where Donney was. This would be the death of their darling Donney and they were in tears. Yes the rock came down and down went Donney.

It took three days for Donney to get on his feet and when he did, he was not recognizable! He went straight to work and was able to accomplish the tasks of 3 donkeys!

"Why DE? What is your secret?" the farmers asked.
"Well ... before you tell him anything, you just need to get his attention."

2009-08-10T14:31:00.001+08:00

Why Odyssey?

It is a time where I can be totally selfish ... just think of myself, my gifts, my purpose (why am I here) and my goal (where I want to be at) in life ... and make a plan to reach it. Can't say I was not clear before, but it is important, in view of the shortness of time and the uncertainties of life to make sure ... try some other way to check and discover friends along the journey.

First instalment of reward:
Actionable step: Find checkers to help me be a scientist in my approach to life, people who will challenge me, question me, prove me wrong ... and its OK cos a scientist will be surprised if his first prototype is a success! These are people who love me and care about my half baked ideas and see to it that I have covered all negative outcomes that I did not think about. I have four of them now. I call them flies over my head, so I have F1-F4 :)

Second instalment of reward:
Odyssey Part II: Could not complete the process in 5 days and have F1 to continue the process here! It is such a privilege to have sustained and keen follow-up.

And the journey goes on.

2008-09-16T14:38:00.003+08:00

Why go after great speakers? Why not? For every decision we make, we should consider why we should not make that decision.

I have always been quick to decide but now I have learnt to check my decisions. So I went to hear my favourite speaker for morning service in another church. Its something I have not done for the longest time. I like routines and just "stick to it" faithfulness. So many default decisions are good habits but if unchecked, it could be just to look good and right.

I need a meal. So I go where good food is served and my appetite is 10/10. How do I know that's where good food is? I have tried and it has not once failed. Considering there are only 52 Sundays less GB specials and other unforeseen circumstances, I'd probably be sure of 45 sundays at Service. Then it is not always that I hear.

Its like I am not always with appetite or sometimes the food just does not have the "eat me, eat me" quality.

What is that? Its good authoritative teaching that comes from a speaker who has been spoken to and he gives it back to God as his worship. He does not care if we yawn or fall asleep. He is doing his thing to God... and I am blessed to receive the spill over!

Why not work?

2008-09-04T17:03:00.003+08:00

Very often we have this default mode - probably John Calvin's strong work ethic! We wake up daily and dutifully reporting to work. Have we ever asked 'Why am I going to work?' Is there a time we ask ourselves 'Why should I not work today?'

Its a great point of living when we can begin to ask why we do what we do, especially the everyday familiar expected things. We should ask the obvious that we take for granted. And so we asked a friend why she was going to work. She said she had to clear work and tidy up some hand over stuff. Why? She was not told to do that bit before leaving. It was work that would take many hours. But must she go tomorrow morning? Can she do so in the afternoon?

Another one must go to work tomorrow. Why? She must go. Why? Because she must. After some prompting we realise the default mode was obsolete. Actually she is now daily rated and not obliged. Wonderful when we ask why. So two wonderful ladies, very much out of touch with fun and laughter were released for a good half day of funtastic company and new experiences. So go on and ask "Why?" and be surprised!

Plunge

2008-09-01T23:50:00.004+08:00

Yes its time! Take the plunge. How? Just jump in. That's how you start something like blogging. Thought really hard and long ... then there was this Values-Venture talk that did it. What did it? The reality that there is no time to wait. The kids are on track and if I don't get on, I'd be left far, far behind. So what if I am left far, far behind?? That's not my purpose. I am meant to be there with them, not be left behind. So I am in, thanks to sohya-sauce!