Stomach achhhhhheeeeeeee

Got stomach ache since last night. Could be the walnuts that I took yesterday evening. Now still having the ache. Couldn't sleep well last night. Lots of wierd dreams.

Some more, I injured my ankle whild doing some house work yesterday. Now, it still hurts.

Hate this kind of day. On leave but yet can't do anything except rest.

Anyway, thank you Lord for your love to me.

Praise God, I got better eyesight!

Praise God. My eyesight is getting better.

Yesterday, at the shopping centre, I went for an eye test. And the result is good. The specs power has reduced to 125 point. Earlier my specs power is 150.

This is good news. Thank God for the eye exercises that I followed about less than a month ago. It works. Now I’m more motivated to follow through the exercises. My aim will be until I no longer need to use specs.

For anyone who is interested to do the eye exercises, I do have the e-book. Let me know if you want a copy of that. It is about 2.5MB so you must have an email address that can accept such big file, and of course a good internet connection.

They say that the eye is the window to the world. Now the world is getting clearer for me. Hehehehe. Thank you Lord.

The Promise

Was called to the pastor's office again yesterday.

"So, have you thought about yesterday's discussion?" "Well, yes. I've thought about it. .... I think I could have be more gentle in the way I ask the boy to leave. I could have talk to him one to one and explain to him the situation. I could have listened to his reasons (whatever it may be). Then only will I ask him to leave the field."

Then we talk some more. My pastor said that there's a difference in values between him and I. To him, the most important thing is the soul of the person. He quoted me as saying "I don't care about him (boy)" in the previous conversation. Truthfully, my pastor misquoted me and derive at a wrong conclusion. But I kept quiet about it, not really sure whether I did say those words. I'll give my pastor the benefits of the doubt and assume that I said that. But I told him that it is definitely not true that I don't care about the soul of the person. Jesus died for me, and for that player. Why should I not consider his soul as precious. I think the context of those words being spoken is about discipline and having to bear the consequences for not following instruction. It is in that context per se, and should never be confused with the value of a soul.

My pastor also mentioned that I should know what my roles as an Assistant Pastor. Basically to assist the Senior Pastor. That is very clear to me.

He said that I need to have the same core values as him. That if my values are not the same as his, then I should rethink my position in the church. (Sorry, this is not the exact words used by him, but the message is such). Told him that what happened is not so much of values but different way of handling certain situations. He told me that his ways are more of encouraging and giving people time, flexibility when being asked to do things in the church. I told him that my way is more of the army style, demanding a certain level of commitment from the members.

He told me that only if we have the same values, could we work together. Told him that I'm willing to learn and grow provided that he is sincere in his promise to guide me and help me grow.
At the end of the conversation, we prayed together.

My thoughts: -
1. Well, truthfully speaking, there's nothing much that is keeping me in this church except my pastor's promise to help me grow. Only his promises that I'm "clinging/holding on" to.

2. I've heard from a former staff that my pastor is a great pastor. And for the first 3 years in the ministry, he proved himself to be that. The church is moving and growing. My pastor has the vision that everybody is buying into. There's clear direction on where the church is going. We all are part of the team, thinking, planning and enjoying serving the Lord together. He took up the leadership. But then things changed. There is a change of leadership. Unconsciously the leadership role was given to someone else. That's when confusion, dissatisfaction comes in. The church health starts to decline gradually. Sad... but I pray that things will change back to be better. If only my pastor will take back upon himself the leadership responsibility and not letting others decide for him, then I'm sure things will become better.

3. Thoughts of leaving the ministry occured many times. But then where can I find a leader with big vision, a vision from God that is bigger than my vision? Where can I find a leader whose leadership skills are higher and better that I can learn from? Why is there such a vacuum in the Christian leadership? If none, where would the Lord lead me?

Leadership

Had a talk with my pastor yesterday. About the event on Sunday evening. My pastor not happy with the way I handled the player.

Basically the gist of what my pastor wants to tell me is this (not to be read in specifics but in general): -

"That's not the way we do things in Bethel. There should be grace and flexibility. Especially when relating to non-believers. You will put them off. They are there just to play, recreational purpose. They don't know what you have in mind. "

Told my pastor the reasons I made such action.

"Need to set the standard for the players. Instructions has been given much earlier. Flexibility in terms of grace period has been given. Many times the instructions has been communicated to the players (and to this player in particular). Evangelism through high standards and character in sports."

I would say that the conversation with my pastor does not end properly. Basically what I understand from what he wants to tell me is this.
"My action in asking the player to leave the field is not warranted, not proper, and too harsh. There is a risk of the player having negative thoughts/impressions of Christianity. This will defeat the purpose of having sports ministry, the main objective is to reach out the lost. Until and unless the players are clear to the commitment expected of them, there should not be any rules enforced on them. "

Upon reflecting on the events and on what my pastor said, these thoughts came to my mind: -

1. I could be more gentle when asking the player to leave. I could have approach him one to one and explain the whole situation and ask him to leave. This would not create such a stunning effect to the other players (so that the weak in faith would not be stumbled).

2. There should not be any rules given before starting a club. I'm not really agreeable to this thought. In any games/sports there are simple rules that should be followed. If these simple rules seems so difficult to follow, it shows our attitude and should not play the game as our action could endanger not just ourselves but other players.

3. There is difference in leadership style between my pastor and me. He's more on ensuring that everybody's feelings are look into. The impressions I got is that it is okay to be flexible (in this sense, to lower down our standards) if we could win them to Christ. Well, I'm okay with being flexible but the extent of flexibility and the consequences of that flexibility needs to be define.

As for me, I'm more of the army style. Instructions given should be followed. I demands commitment, not so much to make me feel powerful, but so that they will move to a higher standards in life. Some may argue that I'm following the ways of the world in leadership. Yes, why not? If that leadership style is not inconsistent with the Bible teachings. In fact, Christians should reach higher than the ways of the world. While we take what is good (e.g. commitment and obedience to the rules), we must also include Godly characters to it. If however, our mentality is such that Christian conducts is more of "grace", that it is not necessary to follow rules because we need to have show more grace, we are actually pulling down God's standards for Christians. Paul experienced the same issues (Romans 6), "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?" Paul clear answer to that issue is "By no means!"
Showing grace to others is necessary but it should not be to the extent that they be allowed to go on "sinning".

4. I think the name Sports Ministry is a misnomer. It should be Recreational Ministry. Different emphasis.

5. Should we risk our integrity just because we want to pacify one person, hoping that that person will come to know Christ? I don't think so. By lowing our integrity we can be in danger of entering hell. Christians can be viewed as people without integrity.

So at the end of this matter, do I think that my pastor is wrong?
Well, no he is not wrong. It is a matter of different leadership style and different perspectives.

Tough decision

Last Sunday, I had to make a tough decision. Been thinking about this possibility for a few weeks already. I know that it will come to this situation. Making tough decision. I hope that it will not come to this but it has. I have to stand on my word and be strict with the players. That means that if they don't follow the instructions given, they have to pay the consequences.

I've given them ample time (a month) to get the proper gear for the football game. Told them specifically that beginning of December 2005 every player must wear long socks and shin guard. If they don't have these, then they would not be allowed to play. Even then, after two weeks in December, there are still some who do not have these football gear. Rebellious players.

So last Sunday is the big day. They have to be confronted. They have to be reprimanded. I must set the discipline right. The players must know that it is important to follow instructions, especially in the team sports like football. Two of the players (the expected rebellious players) still come without long socks and shin guard. Asked them why they didn't wear the long socks and shin guard. And the answer is "Bought it but forgot to bring it. It's at home".

"Okay, then you can go home." I told them. "Only when you wear your long socks and shin guard you can play with us". Then one of them said that he still wants to play. "We don't want to play with you" I told him. "Two months already I said that must wear long socks and shin guard,... is it so difficult to do that? You can go home".

I turned my attention to the others who only has shin guard but no socks, and ask them to do 10 push-ups. Then I asked one of the players to lead in warming up session. The rebellious player slowly went out of the field. With that a few of his friends also had to follow him as they came to the game together in one car.

We had a good game that evening. And I know the other players will have more discipline in future. As for me, I feel great as making that tough action. I'm prepared to enter into a fight if necessary (since that rebellious player is quite a big size guy and known to have unruly character). Thank God that didn't happened. Thank God also for the support that I received from my other coach. Making tough decisions altough it may mean that people will not like you.

Clarissa

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A sad christmas tale.

Christine had just finished the tree, the lights worked and it looked good.
She picked up the phone as it rang.
then listen carefully,
her daughter spoke on the other end, Mum we cant make it over to you christmas day.
the kids want to be with there friends and we are also very busy, hope you forgive us and have not gone through to much trouble.
tears filled her eyes but she said its ok.

It seems so long ago when the house was last full of laughter and the smell
of foods and all christmas things,
she took one last look at the presants under the tree, then switched the lights off.

It was quiet in the big old house Christine sat alone for hours in the dark,
thinking of days gone by, the loss of her man,the kids moving out,
the tears run down her face,
feeling old and alone Christine headed for the bedroom got out her best dress then layed on the bed,
she took the tablets to the music im dreaming of a white christmas.

Christine started to drift into dreams she entered her dark lanes,
she thought she could see lights and felt that someone was holding her hand.
Christine knew this was her last christmas day alone.


Check your list to make sure that you havent left anybody alone out there,
so many people friends mothers fathers decide to walk dark lanes at christmas,

Windfall for Nicol

Windfall for Nicol

Yeah… Nicol David won!. I’m so happy and proud. Prayed for her during the World Open. And now she will be World No. 1 player this coming January. Yeah… way to go Nicol.

 

My 3D faces

Tried out the Face Generator Modeller.
This is what my face looks like.
Of course, in real life, I do have nice short hair on my head.
Also, I got my moustache and beard.
I don’t think my ear looks like that.
The eyes, eyebrows and the nose are similar.
The mouth and lips are similar too.
The “scary” utopia eyes are similar too.
Well, will try and generate my wife and daughter’s face.

Cinema Screen delayed

Looks like the construction of the big screen will be delayed. Not so much of budget cut or red tapes but because of the weather. It has been raining almost daily. This is not good for the plywood screen. Will have to wait until the weather changes to dry. Anyway, so far I'm busy with other things.

Making a cinema screen

I’m making a big billboard in front of my house. Planning to use it as a screen to watch movies using my LCD projector.

Last night, Annabelle helped me with nailing some of the nails to the plywood. Hopefully to get it done by end of this week. Then I can start enjoying big screen movie right in front of my house. Plan to watch LOTR again (extended versions).

Tired.... tire.... tir....ti....t.......zzzzzzzz

Feeling very tired lately. I think it is because of lack of sleep, … or lack of real quality sleep. I had 8 hours of sleeping time but still wakes up tired.

Found an E-book about sleeping patterns but haven’t got the time to really go through it. Maybe when I’m not tired, I’ll will go through it. But then, I must read it so that I can know how not to be tired. Vicious circle of tirednes.

 

Purplish on Jeanette's birthday

 

My wife bought the stripe T-shirts for Annabelle and herself,

but not for me. So I had to wear the purple colored vest.

Enjoyed the party as I’m not involved in the preparation of it.

Kids humor...Dear GOD

Going to church has it's benefits.

Church-going boosts economic well-being: study - Yahoo! News

Read the above news from Yahoo.

Indeed, going to church helps you to overcome poverty. God’s blessings come not just spiritually but also materially.

“Doubling the frequency of attendance leads to a 9.1 percent increase in household income, or a rise of 5.5 percent as a fraction of the poverty scale," Jonathan Gruber of the economics department at Massachusetts Institute of Technology wrote in his study.

So to all of you out there, come to church lah.

I wonder whether the study includes people who work in church building like me. More blessings kah?

Praise God for His blessings.

Shopping

Yesterday, I rearranged the room bed and cupboards. Took me more than half day to finish. Had to clean and clear all the dust, vacumming and mopping the floor. Also managed to throw away lots of rubbish. hehehe at last got rid of some of the small items/decorations that collect dusts. I think the small decorations are put there not so much of beautifying the room but as a dust trapper. Now all of them is trapped in the rubbish dump.

Last night, I asked my wife whether she wants to go shopping. NO answer from her. Amazing, amazing, amazing. Couldn’t believe it. Usually, she will immediately say a resounding “YES!” but last night was total silence. After a while… she said to me….
“No money lah to spend”. No wonderlah. Newey, I then mopped the house floor. Then only I managed to persuad her to go shopping with me at the nearby supermarket.

 

Testing Video Blog

David is British Open Champion

Nicol David is British Open Champion

Yes. I’m happy and I praise God for Nicol. Keep it going Nicol.

Pain in the leg

Played football on Sunday in the rain (sort of). It's drizzling but the guys still come and we had fun playing on the wet field. Scored one goal for my team.

But got myself hurt on the leg muscle while tackling one of the player. Now it is still painful. Thank God, the pain is lesser now. Can't wait for Sunday to come.

But Sunday is when I have to preach in Merlimau. Still haven't prepare for it. Then next coming Saturday, have to preach in church service. Also not prepared yet.

Football Coaching

Yesterday, we had our first football coaching under one ex-national player Wong Kuw Fu. It is great to be trained under him.

There are about 22 of us that came for our regular football game every Sunday 5–7pm. And Brother Wong has graciously enough made his time and effort available to train us to be coaches.

Learn 3 basic skills yesterday. Quite tiring after the practice. Had about 40 minutes of game after the practice. We played on a small school field but with “no high ball” rule.

I pray that the standard of the players will improve from now on. Bro Wong said he will come every Sunday. Origianally the plan is that he will only come evey 2nd Sunday of the month to give coaching clinic. Now that he is willing to come every Sunday, that will be an added bonus to us.

At the same time, I will have to talk to the headmaster of the school. In the past, he has not allowed us to play at the school field, but along the way… we sort of ignore that instruction and continued playing there. Will have to assure the headmaster that we would not hold the school responsible for any injuries incurred in the school.

 

Clarissa morphing to Annabelle

Morphing my two daughters

File Attachment: clarissa annabelle.gif (3217 KB)

The Power of God

Last Sunday, my family and mother went out for dinner with Bro Ann & family. Bro Ann wanted to bless us and mom with dinner at the clubhouse. Went there and as usual, the children are moving around the restoraunt while Engso May Lan ordered the dishes.

When the food arrived, the children helped themselves to the food. One of the food is the “tauhu” which was cooked with a certain kind of soysauce. When Engso May Lan tasted the tauhu, she immediately realised that the chef might have used the soysauce that contains one type of beans called fava beans. 3 of the children Jian Shen, Jian En and Florence are confirmed G6PD, having some kind of body deficiency. According to research, one benefit of having G6PD deficiency is that it confers a resistance to malaria. G6PD deficiency is also sometimes referred to as favism since some G6PD deficient individuals are also allergic to fava beans.

Unfortunately, all the three children had taken a sip of the tauhu sauce which contains the fava beans. This is very critical, as within 3 to 8 hours their blood cells will be diluted and can cause bloating, brain damage and in most cases death. Engso May Lan was very panic. As for me, I does not know what the whole G6PD deficiency problems so I was not worried at all. However, as Engso May Lan explained what had happened to her friend’s children who had G6PD, I was beginning to realise the grave situation that the 3 children are facing. I uttered a silent prayer for the 3 children.

We continued to have our dinner, realising that there is much that can be done humanly but to wait and see. Engso May Lan did check with the chef, and it was confirm that the soysauce contains fava beans. After dinner, we went back to Bro Ann’s house.

Upon reaching the house, I called the three children and told them that I want to pray for them. Though there is nothing that we can do humanly, there is still one thing that I can do… asking God to intervene in this matter. Praise God that my brother Ann and Engso May Lan did not object to it. Then I prayed for the children, surrendering them to God, asking God to intervene and protect them, I also bind the work of the enemy, bind the sauce from causing harm to the children’s bodies, taking authority by the promises of God’s word.

Thereafter, we rest for a while and then went to sleep. I surrender everything to God. I’ve done what He prompt me to do, it is all now up to God to do His mighty saving work. The dinner is at about 9.00pm, and by 12.00 midnight we will know what will happen to the children. I’m sure that Bro Ann and Engso May Lan are very worried about the three children but God showed His love and power that night. The children are alright and fine.

Woke up in the morning. Couldn’t really sleep because the room is really warm. Anyway, went down and asked the maid about the children. She told me that all of them are okay. Praise and ALL Glory be to God.

 

Why is life worth living?

If you were given just 2 minutes to convince a person that this life is worth living for, what would your answer be?

Being a person who seldom thinks… or very lazy to think, I would find difficulty in answering this question. I enjoy living, about 90% of the time. It is there, so why should I think about such question? Maybe the problem with me is that I am not surrounded by people who have problems living their lives. Thus I’m not forced to think of such issues. I have the habit of thinking that if only people live the way I live…. well, to be precise… think the way I think… then the question does not need to arise.

Is life worth living? Of course, it is!…

Why? …umphh… don’t know lah. It is just worth living lah.

Maybe I’ll take some time to ponder on this question. Surely there are reasons to why my life is worth living. For the meantime, I’ll use the new Miss Malaysia / World 2005 winner Emmeline Ng’s answer. 

The 22-year-old Ng's answer was:

“I would tell him to live on for his family because they are always there for you, that you should never give up as life is full of miraculous twists and turns and that it is worth taking risks in life, as the greater the risks, the greater the returns.”

Okay… after a little bit of pondering… I’ll change the answer to, “…to live on for those who cares for you because you made their lives beautiful and wonderful. That there is hope in a better future as God has laid down the best plan for your life, as you follow God’s path to an abundant life.”

Of course, if given more than 2 minutes to answer this question, I’ll be babbling and babbling of a lot more things that is worth living for. But then… who would want to listen?

 

Sick! I'm Sick.

I’m so sick of it. Really really sick of it. I just hate it.

To be grounded in my house, and cannot do anything that I want. Argghhhhhhhhh… I hate it.. I’m sick of it. Stupidos.

Lord, help me. Help me please.

My collection

Read about Johanna’s fascination for serviettes. Wah… she collected more than 600+ serviettes. That made me reflect on my fascination for collecting things. NONE. No fascination at all.

Maybe the only fascination that I have right now is computer softwares and cracks. I think it all started because of one program called SwishMax which was introduced to me by one girl called aish. Since then there is no stopping me from finding softwares/programs and the best part of it… finding the cracks/keygens/serials for the softwares. And with streamyx connection, this fascination was given much boost. It is much easier and faster to download whatever programs that I want. Of course there’s the risks to it. Not so much of anti-piracy enforcement officers but more of the viruses that comes together with the downloaded crack/keygens files. Had to reformat the hard disks twice but still the fascination does not dies off.

Do I feel guilty about using pirated softwares. Well… not yet. I guess it is because I didn’t sell the crack softwares for financial gains. By the way, most of the programs are just to satisfy my curiousity. I found good softwares for database management, wedding, video, web edit etc. Now I must learn how to crack the program itself rather than waiting for other to do it. 

Well… my collection continue growing….

 

Merdeka activities

On top of my house’s roof.

Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!

Go figure this out!

A few days ago, while driving slowly on a road full of holes, my wife who was seating at the backseat raised her body and said, “Now the car is lighter”. Her action reminded me of my experience while I was in KL, so I told her my experience.

The story goes like this.

I was driving down the road behind an 18 wheeler, at every stoplight the trucker would get out of the cab, run back and bang on the trailer door. After seeing this at several intersections in a row I followed him until he pulled into a parking lot.

When we both had come to a stop the truck driver once again jumped out and started banging on the trailer door. I rolled down my car window and asked him, "I don't mean to be nosey but why do you keep banging on that door?"

To which the trucker replied, "Sorry, can't talk now, I have 20 tons of chicken and a 10 ton limit, I have to keep half of them in the air all the time!"

younger days - without moustache

Me and Annabelle. This is before the accident when I decided to keep my moustache and beard

Share share share

Went to the school Christian Fellowship yesterday with Daniel. First impression… wah… more girls than guys. Two third are girls. About 26 of them came for the meeting. Mostly Chinese speaking students. I’m not really comfortable with this type of group coz I don’t understand them when they talk to one another. But now with the school education system, they are more fluent in Bahasa compared to English which works fine with me.

The food was good, Mee Hun, Poppiah, Blueberry bread, Nasi Kuning, Jelly, sandwic, with curry chicken, and a few other gravies. Wanted to eat more but the thought of not feeling comfortable during sharing stopped me.

After singing 3 songs during the welcome session, I shared to them about Teenage Years. How teenage years are critical years in a person’s life. Manage to share my testimony of why I accepted Christ when I was 12 years old. Also encouraged them to find those who are able to guide them to achieve their life purpose. Had the Find The Treasure activity. They being teenagers don’t listen to the instruction… but they had fun. I too had fun with them.

Newey, praise God for the opportunity to share to the teenagers. Prayed for the Form 3 & 5 students before we dismissed. May they continue to search the true God and find Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.

Sharing to the students.

Been asked by Chye Hong to share to the students in their school’s Christian Fellowship. At first, don’t really know what to share… then thought of doing the activity (Finding the Treasure  blindfolded).

Might share a bit on the need to depend on others and God for the direction in our life.

 .

Mommy cannot fall sick.

In His Time

Michelle is sick alredi…. not pyscho sick but physically sick. Got sore throat then now… got fever. Wah…. terrible lah… from one person to another. First it’s Annabelle, then Clarissa then now it’s Mommy. Well it will stop there.

Must take care of everybody’s health. Lord, protect your servant and your servant’s family too.

Kena Spam alredi

Today, my blog kena spam by this Mohammed fella. Talk about timber stuff…. rubbish.

Must find ways to prevent spams….

A child's pain

Clarissa is sick now. Coughing, fever and flu. Everytime she coughs she will cry. The pain of coughing out the irritation in her throat. Also because of the sore throat. My heart cried for her. So small and yet still have to suffer the pain. When will she be well?

Even for me, I dread the feeling of having cough. It’s terrible. Mind not working well, what’s more the body. Lord, please heal Clarissa. Many a times I have the thought of taking the place of Clarissa, me being sick instead of her. If only God can take the sickness and put it on me so that Clarissa would not have to suffer. But then, that is not the law of nature. Yes… caring and compassionate thought it is but that is just not the way. I don’t deny that God could do so if He chooses to do it but He also has set the law of nature.

It is because we do not take care of our health that we will be sick.

It is because of the law of gravity that things fall down and not fall up.

Clarissa caught the cough when Annabelle while still having cough, drink from her sister’s water bottle. That is just the consequences of one action. Germs/viruses can be transmitted from one person to another.

Having said that, nothing is changed if nothing is done. Medicine will be given to Clarissa to help her body cope with the vast influx of germs/viruses in her body. But I also believes in the power of God. Lord, please heal Clarissa. Amen

I'm sleepy!!!

Feeling sleepy now. Last night, Clarissa woke up for milk. Instead of making the milk for her, Michelle woke me up to make milk. I was too sleepy to do it. Only when Clarissa cried so loud did Michelle get up to prepare milk for Clarissa. After drinking she still couldn’t sleep. By this time I’m already awake, couldn’t get back to sleep because of Clarissa’s whining.

Feeling a bit angry. Still agitated by the event. Why can’t she wakes up and prepare the milk and not waking me up too. Why must there be two people feeling sleepy unnecessarily? What lah..But then, must be quick to forgive.

Precious time

Went to Michelle mother’s house during lunch time… (Michelle’s lunch time). As I parked my motorbike, out came Annabelle, peeking out from the door. She smiled and went inside again, then come out peeking again. She smiled again at me.

As I came in the house, she came to greet me. “Annabelle, Daddy wants a hug.” She gladly welcomed me to hug her. As usual, I hug her, and while carrying her up kiss her and told her that daddy loves her. Then she started to tell me about her “day”. As I settled down on the sofa, she sat on my lap and began to talk to me. This went on throughout my short stay at the house.

Another wonderful time spent with Annabelle. Thank you Lord.

Monday holiday.

I always look forward to Monday. It’s my offday. It’s wonderful to have an offday on Monday.

I can be alone if I want to. I can do house work without any interruption. I can chat or just sleep if I want to. I can rest and read the Word. Since the children is at my in-law’s place, I can have the privacy that I needed. Thank God for Monday.

 

Anniversary bloopers.

It was our second anniversary, and my husband sent me flowers at the office.

He told the florist to write "Happy Anniversary, Year Number 2" on the card. I was thrilled with the flowers, but not so pleased about the card.

It read "Happy Anniversary. You're Number 2."

Enough is enough, Indonesia

This is from The Star 13–8–2005. Agree totally with the writer.

 

Enough is enough, Indonesia

COMMENT
By WONG CHUN WAI

LET’s be clear about this as we talk about the haze. Malaysians are fed up with having to put up with this annual problem and, this time, many of us think it has gone too far. 

Malaysia is literally choking as the country has been blanketed with smog over the past few days. Schools, ports, offices, shops and the Subang airport have been ordered closed as visibility worsened. 

The question is why does the Indonesian government allow these selfish plantation owners to burn their forests and let them get away with it? 

Indonesia has fingered 10 Malaysian-owned plantations as being responsible for the starting the fires. If that is the case, it should name the culprits. The owners should not only be prosecuted but if found guilty should be severely punished and even jailed if this is provided for under the law. 

These people should also be made to pay compensation, for they have profited at the expense of others. They should not be let off so easily. 

That aside, the forest fires are also the work of farmers in Sumatra who slash and burn these forests to clear their land. It is as simple as that. We have all along known the source of the problem since 1990 when Asean leaders met to talk about these hotspots. 

But 15 years later, the talk has not moved beyond anything else. To put it bluntly, it has been all talk and nothing else. For the last few years, we have had to send our fire fighters and ministers to Indonesia to seek their cooperation. 

We have heard the apologies from Indonesia before but maybe it’s time we invited the Indonesian officials to come over and see the problem for themselves. Jakarta doesn’t have a smog problem, Kuala Lumpur does. 

The Indonesians will able to understand our frustration, and even anger, better if they can spend a few days walking the streets of Kuala Lumpur and Port Klang and Kuala Selangor, the last two having been declared emergency areas. 

Work has been disrupted and obviously money and productivity lost as a result of such yearly burning in Indonesia. More important, our health has been affected because of the foul air and that is worrying. 

Malaysians do not care if the haze is confined to Indonesia as a result of the indiscriminate burning but, unfortunately, it has affected us. Tomorrow, the wind may just blow to Singapore. 

Yesterday, haze reduced visibility in the Straits of Malacca to less than 1km, posing risks to ships while vessels at Port Klang have been beached. 

The question is what guarantee can Indonesia give us that Malaysians will not have to go through this again this time next year? Do we have to put with more joint committees and sub-committees to come up with more meaningless reports? 

Or are Malaysians supposed to adopt a positive attitude in the face of the smog in the spirit of good neighbourliness as the farmers and greedy plantation owners get back to their irresponsible action next week? 

At our end, the government too has set up committees in the past with promises of early warning systems but, obviously, we are defenceless when such a problem hits us. 

But for the moment, we have no choice but to offer to send to our fire fighters there to help put out the fires. We are, of course, supposed to be thankful that the offer has been accepted. 

Malaysians, however, must appreciate the decision of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to release the air pollutant indices for the first time after six years. 

Until now, for some strange reason, these figures have been regarded as a state secret for fear of scaring away tourists. Common sense has finally prevailed because the health of Malaysians is far more important than tourist dollars. 

Indonesia has to wake up to the fact that the forest fires have become an Asean problem, full stop. Let’s end this annual ritual once and for all with serious enforcement.  

Bisa diatur, as our neighbour would say. (“Can be arranged” in Bahasa Indonesia).  

Haze Emergency Curfew, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Haze Emergency has been declared indefinitely for the entire Kuala Selangor and Port Klang areas from yesterday, the Government announced. 

All workplaces are to remain closed except for essential services, food retailers and supermarkets. 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the emergency status was declared only for the two areas where the Air Pollutant Index breached the 500 mark. 

Abdullah declared the emergency at 5pm, two hours after the API showed a reading of 500 in the two areas. 

Abdullah said he had given the National Security Council the authority to declare emergency in other areas whenever the API level hits 500. 

“They don’t have to wait for me to make the announcement,” he said. 

He also said he had telephoned Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to offer Malaysia’s help to contain the fires in Indonesia. 

“It is up to them whether they want to accept our invitation. I have offered cloud seeding and our Smart team to help put out the fires.” 

He said Susilo was unable to say how long it would take for Indonesia to contain the fire but the Indonesian president admitted that the area involved was very big. 

“I hope people from other faiths can also hold special prayers for more rain. This has been my approach in facing situations like this. We ask for God’s intervention.”  

Prayer - Cleanlaugh

Prayer

A good friend was waiting nearby while his young son prayed silently before going to bed. Suddenly the boy burst out laughing.

"Reggie!" scolded his father, "Why are you laughing during prayer?"

"But Dad," the boy answered, "you told me that prayer is talking to God as to a friend, and I just told him a joke."

* Need to this type of prayer more often. I believe God will be pleased when we come to Him like little children.

Finished Chores

Finished Chores

My parents are both busy professional people and have trouble finding time for chores and home maintenance. On weekends they each make a list of things to be done. Father's list is never completely crossed off, but Mother's always is. Puzzled, I asked her how she managed that.

"Simple," she answered with a satisfied grin. "I do the chore first, and then I put it on the list and cross it off!"

More places under hazy siege

More places under hazy siege

PETALING JAYA: It is confirmed – our air is hazardous and in more places than earlier thought. 

The people wanted the Air Pollution Index (API) released and the Government did so on the order from the Cabinet.  

The figures showed that at noon, places like Port Klang, Shah Alam and Kuala Selangor were hazardous at a level of over 301 on the API while Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Gombak, Putrajaya and Seremban were very unhealthy at between 200 and 300. 

By evening the levels rose even higher with the air quality in Petaling Jaya and Putrajaya also reaching hazardous levels as the API passed the 301 mark.  

Many activities came to a halt because of the deteriorating air quality caused by the fires in Sumatra, where there were 542 hotspots as of yesterday. 

Schools in Kuala Selangor and the Klang district in Selangor have been ordered to suspend classes for the next two days.  

Following suit was a directive to close all 200 schools in Kuala Lumpur for the week.

 

Hazy weather.

It’s been a hazy day today. Can really smell the smoke and acrid smell. Hope it will not last long. Too many fire hotspots in Sumatera, Indonesia.

The Indonesian government are requesting help to put out the fires. Pray that many nations will send their people to help out.

Need to cry out to God to send rain, heavy rain that will put out the hotspots.

Searching

I feel empty inside.

Dryness of the spirit. It's biting me a bit by bit... not a big bite that will cause me to go crazy, but small nibbles that cause me to ask "why? what?".

Senseless.... going without direction. Yeah... there's direction indeed.... but is that the direction that I should be going? No motivation... no energy, no zeal to go where I'm going. This emptiness is slowing me down. Should I stop? Should I ..... do what?

Meaningless, meaningless.... all is meaningless. As the Teacher has said it, so these words resound in my mind. If that is so, why live? Why waste our energy to do things that would be meaningless? Surely there must be something to life. No, I should not adopt this mindless, unfruitful thinking.

As I'm created by Him, surely there's meaning to my life. Surely life is not meaningless when Wisdom who is Love created me. Why should Love created something without meaning.... at the least it should be something that Love himself will love.

Then this words came to mind, "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit...". I must be united with Christ, that by being so, I will have encouragement, and comfort. I must have fellowship with the Spirit, in order that I might know Christ better.

Yes.... that's the answer to my search. By being united with Christ! Then there will be the encouragement to move on in life. Then life itself is full of purpose. When I'm down, there will be comfort from Him. Alas, the answer has been found ... CHRIST JESUS!.

Forgive me Father for forsaking your son. Just like the prodigal son, accept me like the Loving Father.

Is there someone who can walk along me through this journey?........

Well rested.

 

Today.... woke up at 10.50am.... then chit chat with Mom. Lunch. Michelle brought Annabelle at 1.30pm. Played with her until 3.30pm... then took a nap while she accompanied Mom mopping the floor. Woke up at 5pm. Annabelle already went to sleep. She woke up at 5.35pm when she heard her mummy came back.

 

Didn't realised that I was so tired. Maybe becoz yesterday was a busy day. Travelling to Muar to meet Amuse, then back to Ujong Pasir to meet Tony. Then football in the evening and the massage session at night. Wow.

 

Hope that now, I'm well rested to start anew this week.

 

 

bank account

me: Would it be possible to transfer the church account from Melaka Raya to Malim Jaya. I don't have to go all the way to Melaka Raya every time.
boss: yeah... we have thought of it.. but what happened when you leave the church... it is nearer for us.
me: yeah... but still it is nearer to go to the bank (Malim Jaya Public Bank) in case of emergency.
boss: ...... (smile) ..... (said nothing)

well... my first thought..... what lah... can think like that one... so selfish one.... I might be here in the church for another year or more, and I have to travel all the way to Melaka Raya every week until I leave the church. Also... not that the account cannot be transfered back to Melaka Raya Public Bank. Just because you think that I'm going to leave the church (sooner or later), you rather let the bank account be in Melaka Raya where it will be an additional 20 minutes drive. Not to be calculative but think of the amount of saving of i) time, ii) petrol, iii) vehicle maintenance, and iv) energy. What does it take to having this wonderful saving.... just a group decision and a letter authorizing the bank to transfer the account. Just that.... but no... you might be leaving so better not do the transfer.

All this stuffs makes me want to leave the church faster. Not a good thought but if that is how the boss sees things.... then the probabilities of it happening is much higher. Be careful what we wish for.

Right now.... just asking God what He wants me to do. Find that there's no umphh in personal life or even in the church. Need a revival.... really need a revival.

"Revival fire fall,
revival fire fall"

Ceramah Motivasi

went to give a ceramah at SMK Durian Tunggal. went with Daniel Ee. he helped me with the powerpoint. really appreciate his effort. reached there at 10 to 11, looked for Puan Sung. it is through her that I was able to come and share with the students. she brought us to the canteen for lunch. then met Mr Tan who took our biodata.

the ceramah is at one of the school's smart classroom, more like a lecture hall. about 34 of them came.... all indians... Form 3 and 5.

had a good time sharing with them about how to achieve succes in life... they were very responsive and attentive listener. enjoyed the record breaking activity. do hope that they've learned something from the talk. not enough time to cover all the material that I've prepared. 2 and a half hour and yet still not enough time..... wow..... I myself can't believe it.

newey... really enjoyed sharing with them.... may God bless them in their coming exams.

I just don't think it's fair!

me: Why is mommy look so sad?
she: I just don't think it's fair!

and then she sulked the whole night.

reason becoz... she couldn't go to JJ to repair her broken spec.

she is still using the old one... no problem with the old ones.

she wants the new ones becoz she said that it makes her look better.

hmmmm..... yalo... it does make her look better....

Great software!!!!

Found this great software from Download.Com.

It's called World Wind. You can look at any places on earth through NASA satellite images.

Here is an image of my hometown Bukit Rambai, with the surrounding area. The beach is Klebang beach, with Tanjong Kling area. With the program, I can zoom in to my hometown, although the image may not be so clear.

Now I don't have to buy any more maps, but can just see the real area with this program.

Now where is this Nagaland where my ISLT roommate lives? Who knows I might even see his face with this program. hehehe