Last Saturday was a whirlwind of activity what with my cousin Joe getting married on Saturday and FGA's new building dedication on Sunday morning. Needless to say, I was grateful for the National Day PH to finally get some downtime.
But I digress...
Joe's wedding sermon by Pastor Stanley Wong is what I want to talk about. Unlike the soppy message about love and wonderful memories and children and turtledoves, his message was more like a deterrent to marriage, if you think its about the above.
He said," Marriage is not about happiness; its about holiness".
WHAM! It hit me like a bolt from the blue.
"The more difficult your spouse is, the more opportunity you have to let God work in you and increase your holiness."
WHAM! again.
I am not saying I liked hearing it. I am just saying it said something to me.
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 10
Wednesday, April 28
Making memories with mama
Doing this skit for mother's day really makes me think about my relationship with my mother. She turns 61 this Friday and suddenly, I realise I am at the age where I first noticed her getting old. It surprisingly coincides with the time I became a teenager, but I am sure adolescent angst had nothing to do with the way I perceived her. (tongue firmly in cheek)
At 37, my mother was grumpy - alot. Everything I did annoyed her. I remember there was once I came home from school and was sitting at the table talking to her when suddenly, suddenly, she flew into a rage because I was sitting around in my uniform. It was confusing, it was like "you just noticed? I been sitting here for 30 minutes!"
At 37, my mother was not very sociable. She went to work, she came home. No parties, no exercise, no trips to visit people, nothing. It bothered me that she was quite happy pottering around her plants, or sitting in semi-darkness, listening to Tamil film music from the 40s and 50s. Aren't people who need people the luckiest people? I didn't get it.
At 37, my mother was very tired. She slept alot, in the afternoons, early in the evenings, on a bus, in a cab. All the time.
Now that she is 61, she is one of the most happening women. Her days are packed with morning runs, social visits, trips to JB, gatherings, parties. Ever since semi-retirement, its like her life really took off.
And I am tired. and grumpy. and not very sociable.
We have come full circle.
At 37, my mother was grumpy - alot. Everything I did annoyed her. I remember there was once I came home from school and was sitting at the table talking to her when suddenly, suddenly, she flew into a rage because I was sitting around in my uniform. It was confusing, it was like "you just noticed? I been sitting here for 30 minutes!"
At 37, my mother was not very sociable. She went to work, she came home. No parties, no exercise, no trips to visit people, nothing. It bothered me that she was quite happy pottering around her plants, or sitting in semi-darkness, listening to Tamil film music from the 40s and 50s. Aren't people who need people the luckiest people? I didn't get it.
At 37, my mother was very tired. She slept alot, in the afternoons, early in the evenings, on a bus, in a cab. All the time.
Now that she is 61, she is one of the most happening women. Her days are packed with morning runs, social visits, trips to JB, gatherings, parties. Ever since semi-retirement, its like her life really took off.
And I am tired. and grumpy. and not very sociable.
We have come full circle.
Tuesday, May 5
Long time, no see
It's been a real long time since my last post, but things have been swimming along rather furiously and its all I can do to keep my head above water.
Still, thank God for busy periods, especially during this time when people are getting laid off left, right and centre. The busier I am, the more likely I will still be employed at the end of this year eh?
Its been eventful with so many things I can't share here. But I can share this: My mum just had the most rip-roaring 60th birthday this weekend. We had it at the SAF chalets in Changi and more than 50 people came. The food was awesome, the company great and people we haven't seen in a long time showed up so it was quite cool.
My cousin Shal and I made my mother this poster as a keepsake for people to sign on. I thought she will like it it. I didn't expect her to cry.
She had her dance with her husband, which she wanted very much, and really liked her diabetic friendly cupcakes, so I think she was happy.
Me, I was just freaking out at every little thing that didn't go exactly according to plan. Like I always do. :)
Still, thank God for busy periods, especially during this time when people are getting laid off left, right and centre. The busier I am, the more likely I will still be employed at the end of this year eh?
Its been eventful with so many things I can't share here. But I can share this: My mum just had the most rip-roaring 60th birthday this weekend. We had it at the SAF chalets in Changi and more than 50 people came. The food was awesome, the company great and people we haven't seen in a long time showed up so it was quite cool.
My cousin Shal and I made my mother this poster as a keepsake for people to sign on. I thought she will like it it. I didn't expect her to cry.
She had her dance with her husband, which she wanted very much, and really liked her diabetic friendly cupcakes, so I think she was happy.
Me, I was just freaking out at every little thing that didn't go exactly according to plan. Like I always do. :)
Wednesday, January 30
Life, Death and Matrimony
Lately I have been having many experiences that cross the 3 main events in a human being's life, so when a friend mentioned today that I haven't blogged in a long time, I thought I would like to talk about this.
This week alone, I attended one funeral, one wedding and 2 of my friends had babies. Quite a few of them are also pregnant, due "anytime now!" as they like to inform me.
The wedding was that of a friend from polytechnic, a happygolucky "take it easy policy" guy. As I watched the ceremony and the shy surreptitious smiles he was exchanging with his bride, I wondered how as a species we adapt to the 180 degree change in lifestyle which comes with marriage and children.
In today's world, change is the only constant. I remember thinking "wa lau, so cliche!" the first time I read that. But it is so true.
The funeral was of this colleague who worked at the Bowling Alley at the Club. He was 61, one year short of his retirement and rest. At his funeral, I found out he had a terminally ill wife, who was in ICU and didn't know he was dead. He was also sole custodian of his 2 grandchildren.
I wonder what his dreams must have been like when he got married, and his kids were born. The dreams he had. The ambition to be the best dad, husband, lover, colleague, friend. The things that I get to be at different times every day and never give a thought to. (well, except dad, cos I am a mum, but you get the picture.)
Then I think about Jesus speaking to his disciples and saying, I will be with you, even unto the ends of the earth. And that comforts me, knowing that in all my failures and planning and triumphs, I have Someone who will be constant. Does not change. Always the same.
This week alone, I attended one funeral, one wedding and 2 of my friends had babies. Quite a few of them are also pregnant, due "anytime now!" as they like to inform me.
The wedding was that of a friend from polytechnic, a happygolucky "take it easy policy" guy. As I watched the ceremony and the shy surreptitious smiles he was exchanging with his bride, I wondered how as a species we adapt to the 180 degree change in lifestyle which comes with marriage and children.
In today's world, change is the only constant. I remember thinking "wa lau, so cliche!" the first time I read that. But it is so true.
The funeral was of this colleague who worked at the Bowling Alley at the Club. He was 61, one year short of his retirement and rest. At his funeral, I found out he had a terminally ill wife, who was in ICU and didn't know he was dead. He was also sole custodian of his 2 grandchildren.
I wonder what his dreams must have been like when he got married, and his kids were born. The dreams he had. The ambition to be the best dad, husband, lover, colleague, friend. The things that I get to be at different times every day and never give a thought to. (well, except dad, cos I am a mum, but you get the picture.)
Then I think about Jesus speaking to his disciples and saying, I will be with you, even unto the ends of the earth. And that comforts me, knowing that in all my failures and planning and triumphs, I have Someone who will be constant. Does not change. Always the same.
Thursday, June 28
It’s a fact, but is it truth?
It's a fact
We like to talk about facts in our culture.
“Face the facts”
“As a matter of fact”
“The facts of life”
They all seem to indicate that if something is a fact, it must be true.
But that’s not true, and scientific fact finders will be the first to tell us that. A fact needs to be linked with other indicators that are real, i.e. exist, before it can be verified as truth.
But most of the time, we seem to think that if something is a fact, then it must be the truth.
Does the sun rise?
For example, it’s a fact that the sun rises every morning, right?
But that’s only what we perceive with our eyes. It is only partial knowledge, that which is witnessed by our position as a being standing on earth at dawn, and watching the brilliant colours change in the sky as we slowly see the sun peeking over the horizon.
The truth is that the earth rotates, and in its rotation, part of it is illuminated by the sun, and part of it is in shadow. The interim period where the earth’s rotation takes a section of the earth from shadow into the light is what we call the “sun rising”.
So is it a fact that the sun rises? Yes
But is it the truth?
But what is truth?
Sometimes, we can speak a fact into being the truth. As a mother with a small son, I see that almost every time I talk to my son. The words I speak influence him into believing that what I am saying is true, even though there is no evidence for it yet.
Let me illustrate this. Even before Hanan started taking guitar lessons, we told him about what a musical genius he was. His dad encouraged him to listen to and sing all kinds of music and I kept telling him what a great musician he could be.
When Hanan picked up the guitar for the first time, it never crossed his mind that he wouldn’t be able to master it. Within weeks, he learned chords that took me, in my teens, weeks to get even the fingering right. Even his guitar teacher was amazed at how quickly he picked it up.
Now here are the facts:
- Hanan has heard music before and can sing
- He may have musical genes he inherited from the father
But nothing there says that he is a good intuitive musician. It’s what we wanted for him, and we spoke it to him till he believed it enough and it came to pass.
***
Why are we sick?
The reason for this sermonette on fact and truth is this – my mother just started medication for diabetes last week. And when did she decide she had diabetes? Some time in March.
In March, she started complaining about how she is getting old (fact) and is not going to be as healthy as she used to.
Me: Why do you say that?
Mum: I feel tired after work, lethargic, don’t feel like doing anything after that (fact).
Me (laughing): Ma, I feel like that after work too. Maybe your body is just telling you to take it easy, that you aren't as new as you used to be.
Mum: No lah, I think I need to get tested for diabetes.
Me: Why do you think you have diabetes?
Mum: My mother had diabetes what, very strong family history (fact). Anyway this is the age lah, where all these things happen.
Me: ……
Her facts may have been correct, but do they mean that she should also have the disease because of all those reasons?
Every month after that, my mother went to test her blood sugar. All the time confessing how she is getting old, and has a history of the disease, and its time for something like that to happen. For 3 months, the doctors told her that she had a normal reading.
But my mother was adamant something was wrong. She went to different doctors and finally found one that could tell her that her blood sugar was high (although the reading was the same as it was with the other doctors). And finally it got high enough, and she was put on medication for diabetes.
Now reading this account, do you get a sense that she almost wanted to get the illness? That she went out of her way to procure the diagnosis and succumb to the odds? That’s how I felt, watching her go through this thing.
Now when she whines about not being able to eat chocolate anymore, or how much she loves bread and jam, and can’t have it, I don’t know how to react. I know she wants my sympathy, but I can’t give it because I saw how she sought the sickness in the first place.
The Healer
And I am angry. That I know that she doesn’t need to be sick, and I know she doesn’t have to accept the symptoms, but she wants to be sick. And I am frustrated because I know Who can heal her, but she doesn’t want to know Him.
And I understand why Jesus, toward the end of His life, looked at the city of Jerusalem and said, with tears in his eyes and pain in his heart,
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!
Matthew 23:37
There is a Healer, who does not want us to be sick. He said He is the Way, the TRUTH and the life. And He wants to gather you to Himself, Ma.
Are you willing?
We like to talk about facts in our culture.
“Face the facts”
“As a matter of fact”
“The facts of life”
They all seem to indicate that if something is a fact, it must be true.
But that’s not true, and scientific fact finders will be the first to tell us that. A fact needs to be linked with other indicators that are real, i.e. exist, before it can be verified as truth.
But most of the time, we seem to think that if something is a fact, then it must be the truth.
Does the sun rise?
For example, it’s a fact that the sun rises every morning, right?
But that’s only what we perceive with our eyes. It is only partial knowledge, that which is witnessed by our position as a being standing on earth at dawn, and watching the brilliant colours change in the sky as we slowly see the sun peeking over the horizon.
The truth is that the earth rotates, and in its rotation, part of it is illuminated by the sun, and part of it is in shadow. The interim period where the earth’s rotation takes a section of the earth from shadow into the light is what we call the “sun rising”.
So is it a fact that the sun rises? Yes
But is it the truth?
But what is truth?
Sometimes, we can speak a fact into being the truth. As a mother with a small son, I see that almost every time I talk to my son. The words I speak influence him into believing that what I am saying is true, even though there is no evidence for it yet.
Let me illustrate this. Even before Hanan started taking guitar lessons, we told him about what a musical genius he was. His dad encouraged him to listen to and sing all kinds of music and I kept telling him what a great musician he could be.
When Hanan picked up the guitar for the first time, it never crossed his mind that he wouldn’t be able to master it. Within weeks, he learned chords that took me, in my teens, weeks to get even the fingering right. Even his guitar teacher was amazed at how quickly he picked it up.
Now here are the facts:
- Hanan has heard music before and can sing
- He may have musical genes he inherited from the father
But nothing there says that he is a good intuitive musician. It’s what we wanted for him, and we spoke it to him till he believed it enough and it came to pass.
***
Why are we sick?
The reason for this sermonette on fact and truth is this – my mother just started medication for diabetes last week. And when did she decide she had diabetes? Some time in March.
In March, she started complaining about how she is getting old (fact) and is not going to be as healthy as she used to.
Me: Why do you say that?
Mum: I feel tired after work, lethargic, don’t feel like doing anything after that (fact).
Me (laughing): Ma, I feel like that after work too. Maybe your body is just telling you to take it easy, that you aren't as new as you used to be.
Mum: No lah, I think I need to get tested for diabetes.
Me: Why do you think you have diabetes?
Mum: My mother had diabetes what, very strong family history (fact). Anyway this is the age lah, where all these things happen.
Me: ……
Her facts may have been correct, but do they mean that she should also have the disease because of all those reasons?
Every month after that, my mother went to test her blood sugar. All the time confessing how she is getting old, and has a history of the disease, and its time for something like that to happen. For 3 months, the doctors told her that she had a normal reading.
But my mother was adamant something was wrong. She went to different doctors and finally found one that could tell her that her blood sugar was high (although the reading was the same as it was with the other doctors). And finally it got high enough, and she was put on medication for diabetes.
Now reading this account, do you get a sense that she almost wanted to get the illness? That she went out of her way to procure the diagnosis and succumb to the odds? That’s how I felt, watching her go through this thing.
Now when she whines about not being able to eat chocolate anymore, or how much she loves bread and jam, and can’t have it, I don’t know how to react. I know she wants my sympathy, but I can’t give it because I saw how she sought the sickness in the first place.
The Healer
And I am angry. That I know that she doesn’t need to be sick, and I know she doesn’t have to accept the symptoms, but she wants to be sick. And I am frustrated because I know Who can heal her, but she doesn’t want to know Him.
And I understand why Jesus, toward the end of His life, looked at the city of Jerusalem and said, with tears in his eyes and pain in his heart,
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!
Matthew 23:37
There is a Healer, who does not want us to be sick. He said He is the Way, the TRUTH and the life. And He wants to gather you to Himself, Ma.
Are you willing?
Sunday, June 24
Love Thy Brother
It's hard to be half-sister sometimes.
I have 2 brothers, one from my mother and father and the other from my dad and step-mother. The second one, I never really got to see growing up, because my visits to my dad's place were sporadic at best and non-existent at times. The reason: my stepmother and I didn't quite get along. She thought I was a lazy, spoilt rich girl who did not deserve the incredibly good father I had. I, of course, resented her for taking my dad away from us. Caught in this cold war was the innocent little Brother No 2.
So Brother 2 pretty much grew up as an only child. Sure he had an elder sister and brother in name, but for the most part he was by himself.
So I guess I shouldn't be surprised that he feels some resentment now.
Yesterday was my birthday celebration with my dad, and both my brothers were supposed to come along. But at the last minute, my second one told my dad he wasn't coming. When asked why, he lashed out at my dad, "Why should I come to my sister's birthday, who wasn't even there for me half my life?"
Ouch. When my dad told me, that stung. It stung all the more because it's true, that my mindshare for this brother is minimal - only birthdays and Deepavali. I think about him if there is occasion to, but not otherwise.
So his comment is not false. It still hurts though. I am sorry that I wasn't there for you more, but I hope you will one day understand the circumstances that led to that.
Meanwhile, your resentment is justified. And I still have love for you.
I have 2 brothers, one from my mother and father and the other from my dad and step-mother. The second one, I never really got to see growing up, because my visits to my dad's place were sporadic at best and non-existent at times. The reason: my stepmother and I didn't quite get along. She thought I was a lazy, spoilt rich girl who did not deserve the incredibly good father I had. I, of course, resented her for taking my dad away from us. Caught in this cold war was the innocent little Brother No 2.
So Brother 2 pretty much grew up as an only child. Sure he had an elder sister and brother in name, but for the most part he was by himself.
So I guess I shouldn't be surprised that he feels some resentment now.
Yesterday was my birthday celebration with my dad, and both my brothers were supposed to come along. But at the last minute, my second one told my dad he wasn't coming. When asked why, he lashed out at my dad, "Why should I come to my sister's birthday, who wasn't even there for me half my life?"
Ouch. When my dad told me, that stung. It stung all the more because it's true, that my mindshare for this brother is minimal - only birthdays and Deepavali. I think about him if there is occasion to, but not otherwise.
So his comment is not false. It still hurts though. I am sorry that I wasn't there for you more, but I hope you will one day understand the circumstances that led to that.
Meanwhile, your resentment is justified. And I still have love for you.
Saturday, June 16
Another Year
I apologise for the long blog absence, but really, so much has been going on, that I havent had time to stop and record stuff.
For one thing, I just had a birthday *blush*. Yep, I turned 34 on Wednesday, and spent it with Otrie and Hanan in Downtown East, in one of the chalets. It was good to take the time off to relax with my family and just enjoy each other (as far as that is possible!)
A few things that hit me while I was there:
1) I will never been this young again.
2) This will by far be the most challenging year of my life, as my friend said "the most mountain tops"
3) This will be year where more things happen, career and finances-wise, faster than they have happened in the past.
Hmm, on that note, I decided to not worry about how I look in my yellow swimsuit (like Big Bird), and have fun. So i went on every ride at Wild Wild Wet and Escape Theme Park! Now pple who know me, know that I am not usually a thrill ride person, so this was quite a stretch for me.
In the evening, we went to Mumtaz Mahal at Downeast for dinner. Firstly, an Indian fine dining restaurant in a place where flip flips and sarongs are de rigeur is an anomaly in itself. Then, we were the first customers and the only ones there for about 20 mins. So we had a good chat with our waiter, who has had the most fascinating career. Worked in India, Middle East, US and now Singapore, managing the most high end restaurants. He said he took this job because he wanted to slow down and have more time for his family (!) Which, you know, is as it should be.
I was supposed to go to work the next day, but the pool water set off my earache again, so I happily went to the doctor, and then happily went home. And slept all afternoon. It was the perfect way to end a great birthday celebration.
Here are some pictures
Waiting for our turn
How high is 15 m again?
Go Karting
Pool Fun.
The rest of the pictures are here.
For one thing, I just had a birthday *blush*. Yep, I turned 34 on Wednesday, and spent it with Otrie and Hanan in Downtown East, in one of the chalets. It was good to take the time off to relax with my family and just enjoy each other (as far as that is possible!)
A few things that hit me while I was there:
1) I will never been this young again.
2) This will by far be the most challenging year of my life, as my friend said "the most mountain tops"
3) This will be year where more things happen, career and finances-wise, faster than they have happened in the past.
Hmm, on that note, I decided to not worry about how I look in my yellow swimsuit (like Big Bird), and have fun. So i went on every ride at Wild Wild Wet and Escape Theme Park! Now pple who know me, know that I am not usually a thrill ride person, so this was quite a stretch for me.
In the evening, we went to Mumtaz Mahal at Downeast for dinner. Firstly, an Indian fine dining restaurant in a place where flip flips and sarongs are de rigeur is an anomaly in itself. Then, we were the first customers and the only ones there for about 20 mins. So we had a good chat with our waiter, who has had the most fascinating career. Worked in India, Middle East, US and now Singapore, managing the most high end restaurants. He said he took this job because he wanted to slow down and have more time for his family (!) Which, you know, is as it should be.
I was supposed to go to work the next day, but the pool water set off my earache again, so I happily went to the doctor, and then happily went home. And slept all afternoon. It was the perfect way to end a great birthday celebration.
Here are some pictures
Waiting for our turn
How high is 15 m again?
Go Karting
Pool Fun.The rest of the pictures are here.
Thursday, May 10
Getting to know you!
This is such a perfect opportunity to get to know all you guys! Please do it and send it back to me ok? Email also can!
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
No
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
On Sunday
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
No. It's childish.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
SPAM! (Is there any other kind?)
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes, yes, yes, and I want more!
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Definitely! I am delightful!
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM ALOT?
Yes. Bad me.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS
Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Only if someone's life depended on it.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Nestum!
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
No
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Not at all.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Macadamia and butterscotch
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their eyes.
15. RED OR PINK?
Red
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
woah.. where do I start
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST
My best friends
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Absolutely
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
black and black
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Rice vermicelli sauted in garlic chili oil with soya beans.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
My colleague's Chinese radio station (ugh)
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Burnt Orange
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
sandalwood, Otrie's cooking, and Hanan's head.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
my mother
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Love her with all my heart!
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
NBA
27. HAIR COLOR?
brown
28. EYE COLOR?
brown
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No. Perfect eyesight, praise the Lord
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
All of it, I guess
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Spidey 3!
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Dress, dark blue
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
We don't have a choice here -summer
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
I have to choose?! Kisses
36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Otrie's key lime pie
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Who knows, man?
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND
By default, all of them.
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
And the Shofar Blew by Francine Rivers
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
What an archaic question!
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT?
American Idol!
42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Hanan singing praise songs!
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
North Carolina
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Honey, I am ALL special talent
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
KK Hosptial, Singapore
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
All you lot! Consider yourself tagged!
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
No
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
On Sunday
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
No. It's childish.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
SPAM! (Is there any other kind?)
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes, yes, yes, and I want more!
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Definitely! I am delightful!
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM ALOT?
Yes. Bad me.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS
Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Only if someone's life depended on it.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Nestum!
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
No
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Not at all.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Macadamia and butterscotch
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their eyes.
15. RED OR PINK?
Red
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
woah.. where do I start
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST
My best friends
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Absolutely
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
black and black
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Rice vermicelli sauted in garlic chili oil with soya beans.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
My colleague's Chinese radio station (ugh)
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Burnt Orange
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
sandalwood, Otrie's cooking, and Hanan's head.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
my mother
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Love her with all my heart!
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
NBA
27. HAIR COLOR?
brown
28. EYE COLOR?
brown
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No. Perfect eyesight, praise the Lord
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
All of it, I guess
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Spidey 3!
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Dress, dark blue
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
We don't have a choice here -summer
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
I have to choose?! Kisses
36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Otrie's key lime pie
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Who knows, man?
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND
By default, all of them.
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
And the Shofar Blew by Francine Rivers
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
What an archaic question!
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT?
American Idol!
42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Hanan singing praise songs!
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
North Carolina
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Honey, I am ALL special talent
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
KK Hosptial, Singapore
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
All you lot! Consider yourself tagged!
Tuesday, May 8
Letter from Grandma/ Grandpa
National Library Board has launched this project called Letters From Grandma And Grandpa.
The project is to help record advice (can be about life, the future, lessons to remember) grandparents want to pass on to their grandchildren.
Tamil Murasu is working together with National Library Board to gather and publish the letters in Tamil.
This is open to all Grandparents, who are Singaporeans or Permanent Residents.
Your letter has to be written in Tamil.
You should submit your letter in either typewritten or handwritten form.
Each letter should have approximately 500 to 1,000 words.
Unselected letters would be archived.
Letters are subjected to editing by the selection panel.
For more details please contact me via email and I will tell you what to do.
The project is to help record advice (can be about life, the future, lessons to remember) grandparents want to pass on to their grandchildren.
Tamil Murasu is working together with National Library Board to gather and publish the letters in Tamil.
This is open to all Grandparents, who are Singaporeans or Permanent Residents.
Your letter has to be written in Tamil.
You should submit your letter in either typewritten or handwritten form.
Each letter should have approximately 500 to 1,000 words.
Unselected letters would be archived.
Letters are subjected to editing by the selection panel.
For more details please contact me via email and I will tell you what to do.
Friday, May 4
Defending God, or Defending myself?
“And you call yourself a Christian!”
The first time someone used that put-down on me, I was shattered. There were 2 reasons it hurt so much.
1) It was a direct below the belt hit on the one thing that I cling to as my identity, which encompasses every aspect of my being. Attacking my status as a follower of Christ is the sharpest barb Satan has in his arsenal, on par with “If you are the Son of God…”
2) The mouth that uttered those words was my father’s, a man that I adored beyond anyone else. It was the ultimate rejection and put down.
Over the next 10 or so years, I have heard him say this about many believers, some of whom I love dearly. All it took was for the believer to make a mistake, act in a way my dad didn’t like, tell a lie or conceal a truth for him to jump on him with the only way he can attack him while maintaining his face and sense of self-worth.
My reaction was always one of anger and deep hurt. I jumped to God’s defense, trying to explain away my shortcomings or defend my actions, as if the circumstances extenuate my actions. I tried to get my dad to understand that it’s not God’s fault I am such a sad example to his glory. I pleaded, groveled, explained and generally left feeling even more defeated and deflated then when I started.
But lately I have been thinking about what that statement really means. Yes, it is said with derision and a sneer, but it carries the following hidden meanings:-
1) Because you are a Christian, I hold you to a higher standard than anyone else.
2) Your profession of faith is the only thing I can attack because there is really nothing else about you that I can possibly be offended by.
3) I want you to remember who you are and Who you represent here on earth, so that, through you, I can experience such a little of the Grace you walk in.
4) I know what the “rules” of Christianity are, but I don’t know who Christ is.
Now when I hear my father or my brothers ask if someone calls himself a Christian, my answer is a simple yes. For being a Christian is not about how good you are. It’s about how good Christ is.
If I was able to be good, keep all the “rules”, never lose my temper, never tell a lie, never swear and never make mistakes of any kind, then, why would I need a Saviour?
Ephesians 2:4-10
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
Enemy: Call yourself a Christian?!
Me : Why yes, I do. Because in my moment of weakness, Christ loved me. In my moment of hurt and anger, He comforted me. When I fell and fell again, he shed His blood for me. When my sinful nature arose, He forgave me.
Enemy: Call Nalinee your child?!
Jesus: Why yes, I do. Because when I hung on the cross, it’s her face I saw. When I was striped with the lash, I had her healing in mind. When I shed my blood, I redeemed her unto myself. When she calls on me, I answer her.
I don’t need to defend God against a defeated enemy. And who better to defend me than the King of Heaven?
The first time someone used that put-down on me, I was shattered. There were 2 reasons it hurt so much.
1) It was a direct below the belt hit on the one thing that I cling to as my identity, which encompasses every aspect of my being. Attacking my status as a follower of Christ is the sharpest barb Satan has in his arsenal, on par with “If you are the Son of God…”
2) The mouth that uttered those words was my father’s, a man that I adored beyond anyone else. It was the ultimate rejection and put down.
Over the next 10 or so years, I have heard him say this about many believers, some of whom I love dearly. All it took was for the believer to make a mistake, act in a way my dad didn’t like, tell a lie or conceal a truth for him to jump on him with the only way he can attack him while maintaining his face and sense of self-worth.
My reaction was always one of anger and deep hurt. I jumped to God’s defense, trying to explain away my shortcomings or defend my actions, as if the circumstances extenuate my actions. I tried to get my dad to understand that it’s not God’s fault I am such a sad example to his glory. I pleaded, groveled, explained and generally left feeling even more defeated and deflated then when I started.
But lately I have been thinking about what that statement really means. Yes, it is said with derision and a sneer, but it carries the following hidden meanings:-
1) Because you are a Christian, I hold you to a higher standard than anyone else.
2) Your profession of faith is the only thing I can attack because there is really nothing else about you that I can possibly be offended by.
3) I want you to remember who you are and Who you represent here on earth, so that, through you, I can experience such a little of the Grace you walk in.
4) I know what the “rules” of Christianity are, but I don’t know who Christ is.
Now when I hear my father or my brothers ask if someone calls himself a Christian, my answer is a simple yes. For being a Christian is not about how good you are. It’s about how good Christ is.
If I was able to be good, keep all the “rules”, never lose my temper, never tell a lie, never swear and never make mistakes of any kind, then, why would I need a Saviour?
Ephesians 2:4-10
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
Enemy: Call yourself a Christian?!
Me : Why yes, I do. Because in my moment of weakness, Christ loved me. In my moment of hurt and anger, He comforted me. When I fell and fell again, he shed His blood for me. When my sinful nature arose, He forgave me.
Enemy: Call Nalinee your child?!
Jesus: Why yes, I do. Because when I hung on the cross, it’s her face I saw. When I was striped with the lash, I had her healing in mind. When I shed my blood, I redeemed her unto myself. When she calls on me, I answer her.
I don’t need to defend God against a defeated enemy. And who better to defend me than the King of Heaven?
Tuesday, April 10
All the what ifs
It's quite interesting, preparing for the kind of trip I am going to take.
Not so much in terms of what I am going to bring to wear etc, but what to expect, and how far will be expectations exceed reality or vice versa.
I think about my one contact who is the only link to family (if that). How does he feel about this so called relative who is going to impose upon his time, his home and his family, to do something as innocuous as search for things he has known all his life?
I think about my friend, Hameed, who is producing this show, and the huge chance he has taken on my one link. If the link leads to a dead end, will we just make stuff up along the way? Will the "magic" of television be enough to fill in the gaps in my travel story?
My dad told me that my great grandfather gave up his comforts, his land and all that he knew to stow away on one of the merchant ships heading towards the Malayan Peninsula. This must have been circa 1880. A few questions have been in my head since then:-
1) Why did he leave? A sense of adventure? Some kind of trouble? Did he get some shy young temple dancer pregnant and had to run away from her father and his large machete? Or was it something more noble, like new business opportunities?
2) Indian merchant ships were going everywhere from England to South Africa back then. Why did he pick one headed to Malaya? I could have been a British or South African citizen now if he had picked a different boat.
3) What if, once landing, he decided to pick a local Malay girl as a bride? Indian girls must have been few and far between back then. I might have been Indian Muslim if he had made THAT choice.
4) What if he made his fortune and decided to move back to Sirkazhi instead of stay in Malaya? Would I have been a MSc from IIT instead of a BA from QUT? Or would I have given up education to marry a gentle Indian agricultural officer (farmer) and live out my days in quiet oblivion?
More questions than answers as this point. But it's humbling to think about how different my life would have been if not for my pioneering, adventurous great-grandfather.
Not so much in terms of what I am going to bring to wear etc, but what to expect, and how far will be expectations exceed reality or vice versa.
I think about my one contact who is the only link to family (if that). How does he feel about this so called relative who is going to impose upon his time, his home and his family, to do something as innocuous as search for things he has known all his life?
I think about my friend, Hameed, who is producing this show, and the huge chance he has taken on my one link. If the link leads to a dead end, will we just make stuff up along the way? Will the "magic" of television be enough to fill in the gaps in my travel story?
My dad told me that my great grandfather gave up his comforts, his land and all that he knew to stow away on one of the merchant ships heading towards the Malayan Peninsula. This must have been circa 1880. A few questions have been in my head since then:-
1) Why did he leave? A sense of adventure? Some kind of trouble? Did he get some shy young temple dancer pregnant and had to run away from her father and his large machete? Or was it something more noble, like new business opportunities?
2) Indian merchant ships were going everywhere from England to South Africa back then. Why did he pick one headed to Malaya? I could have been a British or South African citizen now if he had picked a different boat.
3) What if, once landing, he decided to pick a local Malay girl as a bride? Indian girls must have been few and far between back then. I might have been Indian Muslim if he had made THAT choice.
4) What if he made his fortune and decided to move back to Sirkazhi instead of stay in Malaya? Would I have been a MSc from IIT instead of a BA from QUT? Or would I have given up education to marry a gentle Indian agricultural officer (farmer) and live out my days in quiet oblivion?
More questions than answers as this point. But it's humbling to think about how different my life would have been if not for my pioneering, adventurous great-grandfather.
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