They moved out finally

Had a tenant that always pay late even though we reminded her many times every month. It's very tiring to sms her about it but there would not be any reply. Even when she paid the rental money, we would not know about it. We will only know whether she paid the rental when we check our bank statement online. Some times she would pay less. Even the utility bills are not fully paid. I know that if she leaves, we will have to fork out extra money to pay for the outstanding bills. Even the deposits are not enough to cover the bills. Whatever it is, I'm more than happy to see her moves out. Yes, I'll lose out some money but I know this is much better than the hassle that I have to go through every month waiting for the rental money from her. I just want to move on and God willing, we will be able to find prompt paying tenants for our apartments.

I have not pack my bag yet

That is what my wife told me. She has not pack her bag yet. She is now near her 9 months pregnancy. We have been advised by the nurses to get all the necessary items for the delivery of the baby. All the items should be packed in a bag which we can just take and bring when the time comes. You will never know when the baby decided to come out to see our faces. I think wifey will pack whatever that she has for the time being. There are a few things that she need to buy. With this coming baby, the room will definitely be crowded. There will definitely be some "spring cleaning" done for this room. The only problem is that there are so many necessary things that we cannot simply throw away. Even to pack it and store them in another place would be a difficult task. No more spacious room to go back to until the baby is moved to another room. And that would be like another 2 - 3 years some more. Anyway, I'm really looking forward for this coming baby. I know God is blessing us with this precious gift and we will try our best to raise him up for His glory. Wifey, make sure you pack your bag okay.

What can I do to save some cash around here?

Guest written by our friend Mason Abbott My family has never been one to preach about saving money or being frugal. As I was growing up my mom was always at the mall shopping and spending all of my dad’s hard earned money on shoes and handbags and of course adorable clothes for me and my two brothers. This was all great and awesome all the way through college when they were still paying for absolutely everything I needed including a very nice car. The problem is that now that I am an adult I have no clue what I am doing with money. As far as I know all I do with it is take it to the nearest high end department store and spend it like crazy. I quickly had to learn what it meant to save money and be a bit conservative. My apartment complex neighbor told me about Ambit Energy and how I can get special rates and shop around to find good rates on my electricity. This is something my mother never would have known. Good thing too because she would have spent the savings on a new wallet.

I ache too

Even though I have 5 children, it does not by any means that I am spared from the difficulties of raising up my children. They are human beings too and prone to sickness and problems.

My wife Google chat saying that my fourth child is sick. He complained about stomach ache and his temperature is high. My heart feels for him. His ache is my ache. Wish I could be there to be with him. A prayer goes to the Father, "Your healing touch O God to my child".

I ache too.

Bang, ada Panadol?

A customer just came in to my internet cafe and asked me, "Bang, ada Panadol?"(Brother, do you sell Panadol?). Shake my head and told him, "No".

Sometimes I donno whether these people use their brain or not. I will never in my right mind think of an internet cafe as a place to sell Panadol (paracetemol) and I will never ask such stupid question in an internet cafe. Haizzz. Furthermore, my next door neighbour is a clinic. Why don't he go inside the clinic and ask that question? Pelik betul lah diorang ni.

Rebuke and self determination

A 33-year-old woman in London lost 57kg over two years because a video game had indicated that she was overweight, Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press reported.

The woman, only known as Rose, who weighed 142kg then, had bought a Nintendo Wii home video game console for her daughters as a Christmas present in 2010.

She had also wanted to use the console, which reads body movements to execute moves in the games, to shed the pounds.

However, Rose got herself a rude shock when she stepped on the Wii Fit balance board to play one of the games for the first time.

The device told her “frankly” that she was overweight and her avatar on the screen exploded.
It was reported that Rose was determined from then on to lose weight.

She started replacing chips and cookies with fruits and juice and is now able to enjoy playing on the Wii with her two daughters.

Kudos to Rose for her self-determination. May others be inspired to be determined in their resolutions.

For illustration purposes only

Heavy spirit

Had a heavy spirit today. Its one of those days where God is stirring me to pray and pray hard. Not really sure what it is but I need to pray, pray in the Spirit. Pray until this burden is lifted up.

Growing up believing a lie

On January 16, 2012, Historian Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Khoo Kay Kim said that there is no written proof of the existence of Puteri Hang Li Po and for that matter, the 5 legendary "Hang" warriors, Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekiu and Hang Lekir. 


WOW! And to think that I was told of the Hang's stories and being "educated" into believing the stories since I was young, this announcement by the qualified historian is almost "unbelievable". What would they claim next? I remember declaring myself as Hang Tuah when fighting with other kids when I was small. I am proud of being a Hang Tuah. But now, that pride vanishes into thin air. 


One thing for sure, the education system in Malaysia sucks badly. They have been spoonfeeding or brainwashing almost 3 generations of young children and youths into believing a LIE. The state government of Melaka even "approved" various cemeteries as purportedly belonging to the legendary warriors. There is even a state stadium named after Hang Jebat. The town main road is named Jalan Hang Tuah. Hahaha...what a fool we Malaysians have been made into. Even the State of Melaka also believes in such a lie. This is truly MALAYSIA BOLEH.


Now I wonder what other stories that I've been told and "educated" with when I was young that will be debunked in the future as lies. Oh ya, one very obvious one is the "Ketuanan Melayu truth" which the BN propaganda have been pushing very hard in order to win the votes of the Malays. 


Well, at least there is one thing that has stood the test of time which I can trust with my life, the Bible.

Rebekah Bong Wei Li

 Birthday Girl, Rebekah Bong 13 January 2012, a year old. Tomboyish looking until wifey had to put the head ribbon on her.

The siblings celebrating her 1st birthday. Someone on FB commented that 4 of them belong to me while one belongs to wifey. I mean the look.

Bong Ah Tan's clan

Taken on 16 December 2011. The United Nations of Bong Ah Tan

The Year of the Lord's favor

I'm excited! When Pastor Lee Neo shared about the theme for the church for the year 2012, it stirred my spirit. I believe that God is preparing something great for the church and the nation of Malaysia. Okay, I will not talk about the church or Malaysia, for I'm not "qualified" to share what is happening to our church or this nation. For the past few years many things are happening in Malaysia.

As for myself, I know God has been preparing me to serve Him more. He has given me revelations of what I should focus on. It has become clear that the things that I have been assuming is not what God has in mind. This revelation has made me more focus in my ministry. So this year I'm more focused on what I want to do in ministry. And also in my business. I hope and pray that the Lord's favor will be upon the church, my family and my business. It's time flow in God's direction rather than trying to figure out my own direction.

Many things will be happening in the year of the Lord's favor.

I'm encouraged

Our church did a drama on the birth and crucifixion of Christ for Christmas 2011. It was a good act and I felt that many hearts are touched that night. I know that I was again touched by the suffering that Christ had to go through to redeem me. But I was very surprised that one of my daughters was touched by the Lord too.

Clarissa came and told me that she cried when she watched the drama. She said that she feels sad when she say Jesus on the cross. She also said that she cried a few times when she prays to Jesus. She asked me why it happened to her. Told her that God is touching her.

Indeed it was a surprised to me that my Clarissa felt the touch of God. She is only 7 years old and a little bit mischievous. But God always works in mysterious ways and not to our presumptions. I'm encouraged that God works in my children's lives even at a young age.

Lord, continue to be with Clarissa and all the other children. Let them know you in a deeper way. And please touch all my children always. Oh ya, my wife and me too. Thank you. Amen

HIGH DEFINITION

Posted by Gaylord Campbell

I went to giveadish.com and upgraded our television package to include HD. We have had flat screen televisions with HD capabilities for at least three years, but for some reason, I didn’t realize that you had to get in touch with the television company and that there were special high definition channels. Our kids came over the other day and were flipping through the channels. That thought that it was terribly funny that I didn’t know anything about it. So now that we can actually enjoy the capabilities of our televisions, I am really excited. The picture is really clear and the picture takes up the entire screen. I had no idea what we were missing. I don’t know why I never put two and two together, but my husband is just as to blame as I am, that’s for sure! I always thought that the HD television just meant that it was a flat screen television. They definitely look better than those old clunky televisions that filled our house in the eighties and nineties.

Unfair Tax Deduction in Malaysia

"Our lives begin to end, the day we become silent about things that matter"
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, and is nothing. Only a person who risks is free.


MALAYSIANS ( CHINESE & INDIANS )
BEING TAKEN FOR A RIDE UNASHAMEDLY BY YOUR GOVT. WHO DO NOT SEEM TO HAVE AN OUNCE OF INTEGRITY.
WHAT A SORRY STATE OF AFFAIRS - MIGHT AS WELL BE RULED BY THE TYRANT MUGABE
M'sia tax deduction methods - Fair?
When non-Malays do their religious obligations, it is NOT tax deductable unless the Church or temple has applied and obtained the approval for tax exemption, which is normally very stringent and seldom approved..

Even if approved the donation is restriced to 7% of your aggregate income.
(This has been revised to 10% from YA 2009 for company.)
Whereas zakat qualifies for 100% and is deducted from the tax liability.

Example.
Ah Chong donate to temple : RM10,000.
His Annual income : RM100,000.
Tax Relief : RM 23,000 (For Individual) + RM 7,000 (For Donation)
Chargable income : RM70,000
Tax payable : RM7,125

Ahmad - same income and relief
Chargeable income : (RM100,000 – RM23,000) = RM77,000
Tax payable : (Rm7125 + 1680) = RM8,805
Less zakat : RM 10,000
Tax refundable : RM (1,195)

Ah Chong has the same annual income & donated the same amount, but he still needs to pay tax of RM7,125
Yet, Ahmad is entitled to a tax refund of RM1,195.
He is also deemed a dutiful tax payer and honours his religious obligations.

How do you like that?

THIS IS CRUDE BUT STRAIGHT TO THE POINT !

Do you know that 90% of the people paying income taxes in Malaysia are the non-Malays?
Yes, you are one of them.
Malays who are taxable usually prefer to contribute to Zakat (tax deductible

from NETT tax) and give to State Religious bodies (not Govt or Income Tax Dept)

PAY YOUR TAXES DUDE, SO THAT THE MALAYS CAN ENJOY THEIR LIVES n CALL YOU PENDATANGS !

13th GE is our last chance for CHANGE
If you don't protect your future generation, your children or grand-children may spit on your grave!

As Patrick Teoh exclaims, "Niamah!!!"

Which side are you on?

"At a White House dinner, a churchman offered a benediction and closed with the pious affirmation: "The Lord is on our side."

When President Lincoln did not respond to this sentiment, someone asked him, "Don't you believe, Mr. President, that the Lord is always on the side of the right?"

"I am not concerned about that," was Lincoln's answer, "for we know that the Lord is always on the side of the right. My concern is that I and this nation should be on the Lord's side."

New Year resolutions

As usual, a new year brings in new resolutions. Not that I remembered what my resolutions are for 2011. Can't even remember a bit of it. Now, my new year 2012 resolutions. Hmmm... a bit hazy lah.

Ok... lets try this.

1. Be more involved in ministry. Meaning, be available to preach more, song lead more, teach more, back-up singing more and hopefully be able to mentor 1 or 2 people.

2. Finish my 2nd Degree. One more paper to go. Which normally takes me about 6 months.

3. Build up my business. This one a bit hazy coz it all depends on God's blessings.

4. Be a good and godly husband and father in my family. Hope to be able to support my wife spiritually and teach my children godly principles in life.

Ok lah.... too many nanti tak boleh buat pulak.

My two little ones

My little tomboyish Rebekah Bong


My little cheeky Ezra Bong

Donating blood

Brought Belle to the hospital on Wed 28 Dec 2011. I wanted to donate blood and she wants to observe how it's done. After registering for the Kelas Peneman, we went to the blood bank department. Only one donor was there and it didn't take long for my turn to donate my blood. Showed Belle my Donate Blood Book and told her that I've donated 18 times and hoping to donate more in the future.

She watched the nurse inserted the need into my vein and how the blood flowed down into the bag. Thank God that she did not fainted or scream during the whole process.

Oh ya, the nurses at the Kelas Peneman registration counter and the blood bank thought that I am a Malay. They had to look at my name twice to confirm. Hahaha...the same experience every time I went to the hospital.

Proud parents

One of the best way to honor our parents is to make them proud of us. It can be in the form of our godly character, obedience and even achievements. And this Christmas, I am one of those parents who are proud of their children.

Annabelle, Clarissa and Barnabas participated in the church Christmas Service presentations. They did a sign language presentation which came out well. Furthermore, Annabelle joined the tambourine group and presented a tambourine dance (Shouts For Joy song). It was a proud moment to see my girl dance gracefully on the stage. Now I know how it felt to be a proud parent.

And I'm sure my brother Daniel and Engso Jacklyn would also be proud of their 3 daughters who performed a number of presentations on this Christmas Service. I'm waiting for the days when all my children will up there on the stage to present their dance, drama or presentations to the Lord. I'll be a proud father again then.

Running tight on budget

What have I done wrong these past few months? At the end of every month, it always seems that I have not enough money. There are always some extra expenses to pay for. There is the apartment’s toilet floor to repair. Then there is the photocopy machine that needs major repair. The water heater had to be changed. The car gear box suddenly got jammed and the repair really caused a big dent on my bank account. All these unexpected extra expenses really bite chunks of my monthly income. And I do not have much to spare either.

So for the past few months, I have been juggling my income and my expenses on a thin line. I thank God for the shop landlord who is understanding and kind enough to let me delay my rental payment. It gives me some time to juggle my income and pay the necessary bills first. The utilities bills must be paid on time or else the utilities company will cut off their supply. The staffs’ salary is also on the top priority list. I also thank God that somehow He provided enough for me to clear all my expenses though there is a need to juggle the expenses at the end of every month.

One of the things that I do not like to see every month is the credit card bills. No, my wife and I do not overspend with our credit card. In fact, if I were to check my credit report, I would get a good report. The credit cards are used to pay our house bills and our household groceries bought at the shopping market. It is just that I prefer to pay by cash instead of using credit card unless I do not have cash at hand. If you do not seem to get a hold on your finances, get your free credit score to see where you stand financially.

Then there is the end of the year holiday/festival expenses. I tried not to spend much on this type of expenses but with 5 children, it can be very difficult. Little expenses here and there equals to a big chunk out of my income. Next year would be a harder year especially when the number 6 arrives. I really must discipline myself not to spend unnecessarily on my food. Lord, bless your servant. Thanking You in advance.

Finding freedom or Master

Scottish theologion P.T. Forsyth, "The first duty of every soul is not to find its freedom, but to choose its master."

Reminded me of the story of the kite. A boy made a kite and brought it to the beach. He let it fly and soon the kite was flying high. Every tugging by the boy made the kite fly higher and higher. Then the kite thought that it could go higher if only the string that holds it back is cut loose. The kite snap loose the string and with high anticipation and eagerness wanted to fly higher. But to its dismay, it was swayed by the wind and dive towards the ground.

Everyone of us can achieve greatness and fly higher only if we are attached to our master and do the bidding of our master. Then we can find the freedom to fly higher in the sky. To be free without our master will surely cause our downfall. Many in this world wants to be their own master without realizing that their own capability is very limited. Many in this world wants to be free. Unfortunately the very freedom that they say they have later become a bondage to them.

Choose wisely your Master for the true Master shall set you free.

What is worship?

by John Piper, Desiring God (Sisters, OR: Multnomah, 1986), 65-66

The fuel of worship is a true vision of the greatness of God; the fire that makes the fuel burn white-hot is the quickening of the Holy Spirit; the furnace made alive and warm by the flame of truth is our renewed spirit; and the resulting heart of our affections is powerful worship, pushing its way out in confessions, longings, acclamations, tears, songs, shouts, bowed heads, lifted hands and obedient lives.

Publish Post

Beautiful Washington

Contributed by Milford Woods

Washington is really the most beautiful place I’ve ever lived.I moved to Kennewick a long time ago, and never plan on leaving. The Pacific Northwest just has so much to offer, and I am so happy here. I am close to my family, and have a beautiful home. The weather may be really rainy most of the time, but I don’t mind it. It’s not too hot, so that means I can hike and spend a lot of time outdoors, which is awesome. When I’m not outdoors enjoying all of the beautiful scenery, I’m usually at home on the internet. I lean on the internet for most of my communication. I don’t have a home phone line anymore, because I really felt like I was throwing money out the window. I also pay all my bills and read most of my news on online, so having good service is really important. I wanted to check out progress on wireless internet Kennewick, so I went online and checked it out. It’s crazy how many more local places are offering free wireless and how many more providers we have in the area now.

born good or evil

Are we born good or born evil?

We are born separated from God and that separation can only be bridged by God. - Ravi Zacharias

God Who Holds Past - Present – Future

Dr. Helen Roseveare, a missionary to Africa, told about a mother who died at the mission station after giving birth to a premature baby. An incubator was set up to keep the infant alive, but the only available hot water bottle was beyond repair.

During devotions that morning the children were asked to pray for the baby and for her young sister, who were now orphans. One of the girls responded, "Dear God, please send a hot water bottle today. Tomorrow will be too late because by then the baby will be dead. And dear Lord, send a doll for the sister so she won't feel so lonely."

That afternoon a large parcel arrived from England. Eagerly the children watched as it was opened. Much to their delight, under some clothing was a hot water bottle! Immediately the girl who had prayed so earnestly started to delve deeper, exclaiming, "If God sent that, I'm sure He also sent a doll." And she was right!

Five months earlier, God had led a group of women in England to include both of those items in response to a prayer that had not yet been uttered.

A letter from Jesus

My little child, I love you. (John 15:9)

I have called you by your name, you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1)

Before I formed you, I knew you. And before you were born, I consecrated you. (Jeremiah 1:5)

You did not choose me, I chose you. (John15:16)

Beloved, I wish above all things that you prosper and be in good health, even as your soul prospers.(3rd John 2)

Because you are precious to me, and honored, I love you. (Isaiah 43:4)

I have loved you with an everlasting love and I will continue my Constant love. (Jeremiah 31:3)

How can I abandon you? My love for you is too strong. (Hosea 11:8)

I love you so much that I hung on the cross at Calvary. I died for you, and if you believe in Me you will have everlasting life (John 3:16)

Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore? Yet, even should she forget, I will never forget you. I cannot forget you. See, I have graven you in the palm of my hands. (Isaiah 49:15-16)

For I, the Lord your God, am holding you by the right hand. (Isaiah 41:13)

I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS UNTIL THE END OF THE WORLD (Matthew 28: 20)

Signboard is up

A few weeks ago, the municipal enforcement officers came and issued me a notice. They gave me a 7 days notice to bring down my old signboard. The reason is that my signboard is old and faded.



Since I was forced to change my shop signboard by the municipal, I decided to change my signboard design. The main deciding factor is durability. The wording 'STARHAWK' is made of stainless steel with a dark blue background.


This is the new signboard put up today. Praying that it will last long as promised by the advertisement company.

The Dog Whisperer

When the show was aired on the TV, I thought that this is just another mundane show. However, what was shown really amazed me. Various problematic dogs were rehabilitated and the owners were taught and trained on how to solve their problems. As a dog owner myself, I learned many lessons from the show. It is indeed a great show for all dog owner to watch and learn.

In the past, I allowed my dogs to stay in the house. This has created many problems especially when they poo and urinated in the house. The house would be smelly and we have to clean up the mess. Of course the work is made much easier with pet odor removal service austin. Those of you who had your pet poo on your carpet would know how difficult to clean and remove the odor from the carpet. If you are at loss on how to go about it, check out pet urine odor removal carpet austin. Who says having a pet is easy. But it is also a joy to have them around.

Now that I've learned many tips and lessons from the Dog Whisperer, I'll definitely try it out on my dogs.

Many children is a blessing

Wifey is pregnant again. This will be our No 6. How do I feel? Don't really know how to describe it. I'm thankful to God for trusting me to handle so many "gifts". I believe that God will provide the means for my wife and I to raise them up. And I also believe that He is able to provide for our needs. He has done that thus far. We are not starving but we are also not able to live a luxurious life.

However, there are times when I'm not so sure that I'm doing okay with taking care of the 5 that He has given me. There are times when I feel so inadequate and hopeless. And I also feel for my wife who has to look after them. So I'm not so sure what it will be like to have 6 children in one house. I can only take each day as it comes, drawing strength from Him to enable me to be who He wants me to be. I pray that I will be a good father who would be successful in raising up godly children.

Friend in Atlanta

Guest post from: Constance Rodgers

We moved to Atlanta six months ago. My husband joined a practice in the Buckhead area. We also were lucky enough to find the perfect starter home for our family. I found out last week that one of my best friends got a job offer at a law firm in Atlanta and is going to take it. I have been helping her look for a house to buy this week. I think that she has narrowed the field down to two that she is trying to decide between. One home has an alarm system and the other doesn’t. I told her that it shouldn’t be a make or breaking point. It is easy to www.atlantahomesecurity.com and get an alarm system. That is what I did when we moved to Atlanta not too long ago. I am pushing the house that is closer to us. If she moves into the house closer to us we will only be about five minutes away. If she picks the other house with traffic she will be about thirty minutes away. I am keeping my fingers crossed that she will be close. I have been wanting a really close friend inAtlanta since we moved here!

Saturday is cleaning day

Since the maid did not return to work, we have to do the house cleaning on our http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifown. It is nice to have a big house and compound but when it is cleaning time, we wished that the house is not so big. Cleaning the whole house and compound can be a daunting task. And it can't be completed in a day unless the whole day is spent just to clean the house. It will be more like spring cleaning.

As such, we allocated certain days for cleaning certain parts of the house. And every Saturday is mopping day. Since this would be our norm until the next maid comes in (which we are not sure whether to employ another maid for the time being) I was wondering where to buy medical scrubs for our own usage. A quick Google search and I found this link http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/ where they sell a whole range of medical scrubs. I think that once I'm good at cleaning my house, I might as well work part-time cleaning other people's house.

Clever decoy

Neighbors had complained to the mayor about the noisy pub on
the corner of 3rd & Lambourne. Seems that the old cronies got
together every Friday & Saturday, played cards, drank beer,
told lies and jokes until 2am Saturday morning, when the pub
had to close.

Officer Redding, parked down the street, was not amused. He
checked his watch, noted it was 01:55, time for the old drunks
to start leaving. If he hadn't been assigned this crap detail
he'd be down at the I-80 truck stop about now having a nice hot
cup of coffee. Redding pulled out a cigarette and was about to
light up when the door of the pub slammed open and an old
geezer stumbled out. Redding put the smoke back in the pack; he
was "on point" now.

The old man stumbled around, fished his car keys out of his
pocket, dropped them a couple of times, finally found them and
weaved down the sidewalk and across the road to his car.

Redding started his engine, watching carefully as the old man
fumbled to unlock his door. Other patrons leaving the pub
seemed a little tipsy, but nothing like the old goat trying to
get into his car. As soon as the old man's car started to pull
away from the curb, Redding was on him like a hound on a bone,
siren, red lights and loudspeaker. Redding wanted these
complaining neighbors to know the city was doing its job.

"Outta the car, old man!" demanded Redding. "But officer, I
haven't had anything to drink!" complained the old boy. "Sure,
you haven't, oldtimer, sure you haven't", replied Redding as he
put the cuffs on the old guy and hauled him downtown.

At the station, the old man blew into the breathalyzer and the
needle didn't move. "What the...you HAVEN'T been drinking, old
timer!"

But that's what I tried to tell you back there, officer!" "Well
then, why were you stumbling all over the place?" asked Redding.
"Well, officer, tonight when we all got to the pub, they
elected me to be the 'designated drunk' when the place closed
down!"

Different perspectives

Ernest Shackleton's recruiting advertisement for his 1912 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition:

"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success."

If Shackleton were advertising in the 2000's:

"Members wanted for adventure trek. Low cost, cool sights, lots fun nights, thrills galore, insurance available. Get your picture in Outdoor magazine."

Encouragement

George M. Adams observed that "encouragement is oxygen to the soul." If we plan to go on living, we need oxygen; if we plan to go on serving the Lord, we need encouragement.

The times are tough

Almost every day I have to deal with cash. Looking at the sales for the day can be an up and down experience. When the sales are low for the day and expenses are high, it is very difficult to be optimistic. More so when I know that there are huge unpaid bills still in the drawer. Credit cards bills are the ones that came to mind when the sales are low. How and when can I pay all the bills and still have extra money to spend?

No, I am not a shopaholic and I do not make unnecessary purchases at the shopping centers. I use my credit cards to pay for the necessary purchases. It is just that the cost of living has increased, while there has not been a change in income. The amount that I can save every month keeps on getting smaller. I seldom use my credit card to do online purchases as the risks of identity theft are real. For those of you who are not familiar about it or have just received your first credit card, do have a look at this IdentityHawk Commercial. There are also many other companies similar to IdentityHawk that provide identity theft protection.

The times are tough and will definitely get tougher if I become a victim of identity fraud.

Shopaholics should check out their credit score

The Star Online today reported the shocking reasons why most Malaysians are living beyond their means. The report also stated that a good number of Malaysian consumers are shopaholics and having poor management of personal finances. Unnecessary spending at shopping centers resulted in them living beyond their means. This is unfortunate as many are facing the possibility of being declared a bankrupt at the age of 40.

While having credit cards can be very useful and convenient, uncontrolled purchases using credit cards should be avoided totally. Consumers should know their buying power limits and one way is to find out their credit score. With the convenience of internet, they can search for free credit score offer. Such services can make a lot of difference in helping consumers plan their purchases and control their finances.

The habits of uncontrolled spending should be nip at the bud. Children should also be taught on how to control their usages of money. It is the responsibility of the parents to teach their children to value money. The report made a shocking finding that many children did not know where their money came from. Many of the children surveyed thought that their money came free from the ATMs. It reminded me of the phrase, "Money don't grow on trees".

Teaching our children good habits can take time. And time is what most of us believe that we don't have. It is better to spend some time everyday to build good habits in our children than to waste thousands of dollars as the result of bad spending habits in the future.

Would God trust you?

Did a study on Joseph, the "earthly" father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was not as popular as his wife Mary and I have yet to hear any sermon on him preached in the church, except the sermon which I myself preached in Philippine a few years back. After doing some study on him, I found him to be quite an extraordinary guy.

He had to suffer much because of God's plan for this world. Why did I say that? Try to imagine these situations: -

1) How would you feel when your fiance/wife is pregnant and you are sure you are not the father to the child?

2)Then your fiance/wife tells you one out of the world story that she did not have sexual intercourse nor did she used any modern technology to get her herself pregnant but that she is supernaturally being made pregnant.

3)You have to choose either to let your fiance/wife bear the public shame which could cause her to be stoned to death, or to marry her and take in the shame upon yourself.

4)Do you risked your wife's life and the baby in the womb just because you have to register for a census? You and your wife (who is almost due) have to walk or sit on a donkey and travel for a few days to register.

5)How would you feel when people that you don't know come and worship your baby?

6)How would you feel when foreign people come and worship your child and told you that this child would be a King someday?

7)How would you feel when you are told that this child of yours will be the saviour of mankind and that you too will one day bow in worship before him?

8)What would you do if angel visited you and tell you to flee to another place because someone wants to kill the child? And you can't go to the "police" because they are the instrument used by the authority who ordered the killing?

9)How would you feel when your child conveniently stayed back at the place where he wants to be, without informing you and you thought that he is missing. You tried to find him for 3 days without any success.

Despite all that Joseph had to go through, God trusted him to take care of Jesus. Joseph did not abuse Jesus even though Jesus is not his real son. Joseph taught Jesus the trade of carpentry. And Joseph provided an excellent role model of an earthly father to Jesus.

Ayam Masak Kunyit

Wifey decided to cook Ayam Masak Kunyit today. Helped her to pound all the ingredients. This dish is one of the Malays' cuisine, a delicacy that one must try when in Malaysia. Enjoyed the dish very much although I must say that if it is blended with Chili Padi, it would make it even better.


Bon apetite

7273

Had a dream a few days ago. Can't really remember what the dream is all about. Must be the aging effect on my brain. Anyway, the only part I remember about the dream is where I saw the number 7273. Then I found myself winning something and was very excited about getting the prize. When I reached the podium, to my surprise I was given a basket of fruits. The organizer told me that they don't have cash so they are giving me the fruits instead. Huh..!

So I woke up remembering the number. And then told my mom to buy the number. I don't know why I want to buy the number. I've never buy numbers before nor do I advocate buying numbers. Someone said that it is against Biblical principle and I agree to that (though I've yet to do a Biblical study on that). And lo and behold, the number came out wrong. The nearest number is 2273. Hahahahaha... padan muka.

The moral of the story is... Don't gamble coz the gambling company is the one that will always win.

She adores me

Never before in my life have I seen any girl who adores me like she did. It was just awesome to look in her eyes and see such deep adoration coming out and finding its way to my eyes. Even my love partner did not have such deep adoration for me (or maybe I've forgotten of the times when she did). She would look at me with her round (or maybe sepet abit) eyes and with the sparkle in her eyes fix her gaze on me for a few seconds before giving me the sweetest smile of joy that melts my heart instantly.

Ah... such blessings from God. Thank you Rebekah for you adoration to daddy.

The Old House

Contributed by Milford Woods

My house is an older one and I’ve spent a lot of time and money fixing it up exactly the way I wanted to. I love the idea of living in something historical and every creak and bump makes me love it more, not less. I like looking online endlessly for things like glass doorknobs and old stained glass windows and I know that the harder I try, the better this place is going to look and the more I can get for it when I sell it. That doesn’t mean I didn’t modernize anything though since I’m from the city and I couldn’t handle some stuff! I got SATELLITESTARinternet.com internet so I could get online all the way out here and installed a high-efficiency shower head, too, so my showers would be pleasant. I put up a fence made of metal rather than wood but I think it’s all just going to add value to the property. I like living here for now though and I have no plans to sell anytime soon!

A Priceless Gift

A Priceless Gift
by Helen Steiner Rice

Friendship is a priceless gift
That can't be bought or sold,
But its value is far greater
Than a mountain made of gold.

For gold is cold and lifeless,
It cannot see nor hear,
And in your times of trouble,
It is powerless to cheer.

It has no ears to listen,
No heart to understand.
It cannot bring you comfort
Or reach out a helping hand.

So when you ask God for a gift,
Be thankful that he sends,
Not diamonds, pearls, or riches,
But the love of a real, true friend.

No licence issued anymore

I wanted to apply for a new internet cafe licence from MBMB Melaka. However, I was informed that the council has freeze the issuing of new internet cafe licence since 2008. Okay, that put a brake on my plans to open up new branch.

However, just over the past 2 months, there are 3 new internet cafes opening near my shop. What's happening? How can they start their business when no licence is issued out by the MBMB? Two possibilities: -

1. They are operating the business illegally, or
2. The officers in MBMB received bribes to issue out the licence.

Grrr...

Does God exist?

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects.

When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: 'I don't believe that God exists.'

'Why do you say that?' asked the customer.

'Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.'

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.

Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back to enter the barbershop again and said to the barber: 'You know what? Barbers do not exist.'

'How can you say that?' asked the surprised barber. 'I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!'

'No!' the customer exclaimed. 'Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside.'

'Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me.'

'Exactly!' affirmed the customer. 'That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world.'

Buying over another business

I'm excited with the buying over of another internet cafe shop. Another friend agreed to come out half of the amount and also to manage the shop. There are many things that needs to be done to make the shop more attractive to the customers. I guess the next few months, I would be busier trying to manage one shop and helping my partner manage another shop. But it would be exciting to see the progress of the business.

We have many plans to attract more customers to the shop. The previous owner does not offer many services to the public which we intend to make available. We trust God that with more services made available, the business would grow and we would be blessed with additional income. I know we can get financial advice from Missoula, MT wealth management group as to manage our money wisely. We hope to be God's channel of blessings to the needy especially those who are serving God in the rural areas. As for now, we can only do our best knowing that only God can bring success in the business.

Mom knows Everything

Thanks for the guest post by Donn Schroeder.

My mother told me she had reduced her electricity costs just by going to a website called http://www.texaselectricityproviders.com/txu-energy-texas/Texas/L/Lacy-Lakeview/. I was a little hesitant at first, but once I got going, it saves me a lot of money. She also told me about this great couponing site that saves her a lot of money on groceries… I signed up as well and now all I have to do is print out some sheets before I go shopping each week. Speaking of coupons, have anyone else been watching that extreme coupons show on TLC? Those people on that show save hundreds of dollars every time they shop… I don't know how they do it! I'm thankful my mom-suggestions that really helped me get my budget back on track. I hadn't realized how much extra I was spending each month until she had me look at all my finances and figure out where I could cut back. What is it that they say? Mom always knows best? Given that the whole truth!

Mom is in the hospital

After making kuih chang everyday for more than a week, her body finally succumbed to tiredness and fatigue. Nobody forced her to do the kuih chang but it is out of her love for her children that she persistently and laboriously prepare the kuih daily. She had to sit or squat for a long time while making the kuih chang and thus it affects her abdomen muscles.

When the children went back to their respective homes, it was a little too late for her to catch her rest. She caught fever and lost her appetite. The next day, she complained of stomach ache. The clinic doctor told her that it may be because of bacteria in her stomach and prescribed some medicine for her. That night her condition got worse and she had to endure stomach pain until morning. She was brought to the hospital and after a MRT scan, the specialist said that her appendix burst and they need to operate on her. Now she is recuperating and God willing, she can be home in a few days time.

Sometimes I am amazed at her persistence in doing something for her family that she is willing to risk her health. People who are injured by others can get the service of Austin Personal Injury Lawyer at O’Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath – Personal Injury Lawyers – 808 West Avenue, Austin, TX. 78701 – 512-494-9949 but what would you do in my mother's case. Self "inflicted injuries" because of love for family is a no cause for any legal action. At least not in most countries of this world. Would I do the same for my children when I am in my golden age? Hmmm... .

Don't forget to pray for Mommy

Wifey is having fever due to mastitis. We went to see the doctor and she was given the necessary medications. During lunch time, Annabelle and Clarissa inquired as to what happened to their Mommy. They seems very concerned that their Mommy is not feeling well. I asked Annabelle and Clarissa to look after their brother and sister, and not to trouble their Mommy unnecessarily.

As I was getting ready to go to work, Annabelle reminded me, "Daddy, don't forget to pray for Mommy at work". I'm happy that she is very concerned about her Mommy's health and her trust in God to heal her Mommy.

"Father, heal Michelle and grant her a strong and healthy body. Grant the childlike faith of Annabelle that You are Jehovah Rafar, the God who heals. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen"

Even the Genie doesn't understand women

One day a man was walking along the beach when he found a
bottle, when he opened it up a genie popped out. The genie said
he could have one wish. The man thought about it a while then
told the man that he was afraid of heights and got sea sick,
but really wanted to go to Hawaii so he asked the genie to make
a highway to Hawaii.

"I don't know," said the genie, "that is really difficult. Do you
have another request?"

"Well, I really want to know all about women, you know, how
they tick and why they're the way they are!"

The genie replied: "Will that be two lanes or four?"

Lazy maid

We have read many stories of house maids being lazy. My wife's friends have complained about their maids. The number one problem that most of us maid owner faces is the maid being lazy. When they first started working, the maids would be very hardworking just to impress us. After a few months they started to show their true color. The maid would take naps whenever the employers are not around. The maid would not do the work as diligent as before.

We as parents of small children are quite worried when we have to leave our children with our maid. We wonder what the maid would do to our children. Would she treat our children well if we are not there to watch her. It is because of this fear and uncertainties of their maids, some of the parents thought of home security pima. I too have considered installing multiple security cameras and Direct TV around my house. Then I can watched what happened in my house when I am not there. Would the maid be sleeping? Would the maid be stealing food and other things in the house? Would the maid be watching TV instead of doing her household chores?

Whatever the situation is, we as parents are caught in the middle. We do not like the maid's attitude but we cannot live without the maid's service.