Wednesday, October 03, 2012
The lamentations, Lord!
"How can I ever forget the one who gave me 99 roses on my 50th bday?.. I can't bring myself to re-set the alarm he set to get up each day! There's a huge vacuum in my life now.." - widow (60)
"I don't hate him for leaving us behind but i was so let down he went so soon & so suddenly that I threw away all our wedding photos!" - widow (40)
"Life tastes so bitter now .. that I don't get to see the waving hand fr the block where we stay fr where I park my motorbike.. No more warm rice & hot soup waiting for me at home... I feel so lonesome returning to an empty 5-room flat..." - widower (64)
Sunday, February 26, 2012
WHEN GOD CALLS
When God calls,
sometimes it begins with a nudge, and then more nudges;
almost always it means moving from comfort to discomfort zone.
But certainly He will pave the way; He will open door(s),
and He will always make His presence known.
When God calls,
It may begin with a call to brighten up someone's life;
to instil hope & confidence, and to facilitate positive changes.
And certainly He will continue to pave the way, long after the doors have been closed, to make His presence known.
The First Nudge
A gentle knock on the door was heard seconds before it swung open. Two men in uniform entered one after another. The first was a prison inmate in handcuffs, the other was a policeman. For the first time in my attachment with the court as a mediator I had an inmate in the session. He sat down next to his spouse entered moments before him. Cold and impassively, he maintained his position that he had nothing to offer her & their brood, financially. I sensed the despair of a man in dire straits. In this bleak situation, is there anything I can do to help raise his hope; how can I cheer them up? I wondered. I felt a tug at my heartstrings.
The Second Nudge
I was taken by surprise when another was brought in within the same month. With hands secured in cuffs the second inmate was not at all 'present' in the session. He was listless and unfocused, ignoring his spouse and showing not the slightest interest in the negotiation. Time and again he turned to peer through the blinds at the windows to take in the sights perhaps he had missed for years. I noticed the forlorn look and noted his covetousness for freedom. I wished I could read all there was in his mind. Another tug at my heartstrings was felt.
Visit to the Prison
The desire to volunteer at the Singapore Prison Service began to brew. I got my sister Mitra interested in the Yellow Ribbon Project. Together we went to the Changi Prison Complex during one of its Open House. It was certainly an eye-opening experience for all present. The guide who took us on the prison tour spoke near-perfect English & carried himself very professionally. We came to know later that he was incarcerated upon conviction of a white collar crime. Before we left SPS I indicated my desire to volunteer as a counsellor.
sometimes it begins with a nudge, and then more nudges;
almost always it means moving from comfort to discomfort zone.
But certainly He will pave the way; He will open door(s),
and He will always make His presence known.
When God calls,
It may begin with a call to brighten up someone's life;
to instil hope & confidence, and to facilitate positive changes.
And certainly He will continue to pave the way, long after the doors have been closed, to make His presence known.
The First Nudge
A gentle knock on the door was heard seconds before it swung open. Two men in uniform entered one after another. The first was a prison inmate in handcuffs, the other was a policeman. For the first time in my attachment with the court as a mediator I had an inmate in the session. He sat down next to his spouse entered moments before him. Cold and impassively, he maintained his position that he had nothing to offer her & their brood, financially. I sensed the despair of a man in dire straits. In this bleak situation, is there anything I can do to help raise his hope; how can I cheer them up? I wondered. I felt a tug at my heartstrings.
The Second Nudge
I was taken by surprise when another was brought in within the same month. With hands secured in cuffs the second inmate was not at all 'present' in the session. He was listless and unfocused, ignoring his spouse and showing not the slightest interest in the negotiation. Time and again he turned to peer through the blinds at the windows to take in the sights perhaps he had missed for years. I noticed the forlorn look and noted his covetousness for freedom. I wished I could read all there was in his mind. Another tug at my heartstrings was felt.
Visit to the Prison
The desire to volunteer at the Singapore Prison Service began to brew. I got my sister Mitra interested in the Yellow Ribbon Project. Together we went to the Changi Prison Complex during one of its Open House. It was certainly an eye-opening experience for all present. The guide who took us on the prison tour spoke near-perfect English & carried himself very professionally. We came to know later that he was incarcerated upon conviction of a white collar crime. Before we left SPS I indicated my desire to volunteer as a counsellor.
Being equipped
For reasons unknown to me, I waited in vain for a reply from SPS. Along the way an organization offered me to join their ministry to render support to families of the inmates. I had to decline as I felt the calling was specifically to minister to the inmates directly. The following year I undertook a Certification in Choice Theory Reality Therapy. My heart missed a beat when the instructor revealed to us that she was a regular at the prison to run CTRT program to help equip inmates in making effective choices in life. The desire to work with the inmates was immediately re-fuelled. I was excited when the instructor urged me to assist her in running the program at the prison. I sensed God paving the way and opening prison door(s).
‘Watering and being watered’
For reasons unknown to me, I waited in vain for a reply from SPS. Along the way an organization offered me to join their ministry to render support to families of the inmates. I had to decline as I felt the calling was specifically to minister to the inmates directly. The following year I undertook a Certification in Choice Theory Reality Therapy. My heart missed a beat when the instructor revealed to us that she was a regular at the prison to run CTRT program to help equip inmates in making effective choices in life. The desire to work with the inmates was immediately re-fuelled. I was excited when the instructor urged me to assist her in running the program at the prison. I sensed God paving the way and opening prison door(s).
‘Watering and being watered’
Much as I want to share in greater details our work at the male institution, I am bound by the need to keep in confidence matters concerning prison and inmates. Nevertheless, what impressed and encouraged me the most was the ‘hardcore’ inmates' enthusiasm to be part of the equipping program. They were engaging, soul-searching, eager to learn & apply what they learnt. As I endeavoured to refresh [‘water’] them, I found myself being refreshed and gladden. In my effort to be useful, I discovered in myself latent talents and hidden strength for labour. In the words of Spurgeon, “We do not know what tender sympathies we possess until we try to dry the widow’s tears, and soothe the orphan’s grief.” It is in the attempt to teach others that we gain instruction for ourselves.
We witnessed the inmates’ heightened sense of hope as reflected in their commitment to change. The positive report we received from their supervisors about their new attitude towards work and interaction with their fellow inmates encouraged us greatly. Despite it being a short-term call and a long wait for it, I am grateful to God for the opportunity to be His instrument of peace and hope. All glory to Him, my Master and Lord.
Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Provs 11:25b
Monday, December 27, 2010
Motto for 2011
Prayer is the lisping of the believing infant, the shout of the fighting believer, the requiem of the dying saint falling asleep in Jesus.
It is the breath, the watchword, the comfort, the strength, the honour of a Christian.
- CHS
Let the motto for 2011 be, "Continue in prayer."
Year 2011
We, the called & faithful & chosen, will be glad & rejoice in Thee. Thou art the present portion of Thy people, favor us in the New Year with such a sense of Thy preciousness, that from its first to its last day, we may be glad & rejoice in Thee. Let Jan open with joy in the Lord, & Dec close with gladness in Jesus.
- C H Spurgeon
- C H Spurgeon
Rejoice!
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. - John 3:16-17
A very blessed Christmas to all ye who are faithful. Rejoice! Have a Merry Christmas! ;)
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. - John 3:16-17
A very blessed Christmas to all ye who are faithful. Rejoice! Have a Merry Christmas! ;)
Keeping Christmas
The better thing than observing Christmas day is in keeping it. Are you willing to believe that love is stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death & that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem 1900 yrs ago is the image & brightness of Eternal Love?
Then you can keep Christmas. And if you can keep it for a day, why not always? ...
- Henry van Dyke
Then you can keep Christmas. And if you can keep it for a day, why not always? ...
- Henry van Dyke
Christmas...
Christmas is about the arrival of an impossible Baby - Jesus Christ - who would be characterized by doing the impossible.
Why do you think God delights in doing the impossible? Is God asking you to believe something that seems impossible this Christmas? ...
***
马 利 亚 对 天 使 说 ： 我 没 冇 出 嫁 ， 怎 么 冇 这 事 呢 ？
天 使 回 答 说 ： 圣 灵 要 临 到 你 身 上 ， 至 高 者 的 能 力 要 荫 庇 你 ， 因 此 所 要 生 的 圣 者 必 称 为 神 的 儿 子 .
- 路加福音1:34-35
***
Through Christ we have been adopted as children of God. What does this language communicate about God's commitment to loving us? What does it mean to live as a child of God and loving others with the same commitment?
Why do you think God delights in doing the impossible? Is God asking you to believe something that seems impossible this Christmas? ...
***
马 利 亚 对 天 使 说 ： 我 没 冇 出 嫁 ， 怎 么 冇 这 事 呢 ？
天 使 回 答 说 ： 圣 灵 要 临 到 你 身 上 ， 至 高 者 的 能 力 要 荫 庇 你 ， 因 此 所 要 生 的 圣 者 必 称 为 神 的 儿 子 .
- 路加福音1:34-35
***
Through Christ we have been adopted as children of God. What does this language communicate about God's commitment to loving us? What does it mean to live as a child of God and loving others with the same commitment?
Re-discovering Christmas ...
Wise men still seek Jesus. - Rick Warren
***
How have you experienced Jesus as a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace? How is He a King of Kings and Lord of Lords in your life?
***
Immanuel means "God with us." How is Jesus still "God with us" even now that He's not walking on the earth? How is God "for" us different from God "with" us? How important is it to seek to experience that closeness all the time? ..
***
How is God like a conductor or director? How can we apply the discipline of rehearsal to improve our relationship with God?
How was it like when we were completely in tune with what God wanted for our life? What are some spiritual disciplines that we need to rehearse more regularly to get back in sync with God?
***
How have you experienced Jesus as a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace? How is He a King of Kings and Lord of Lords in your life?
***
Immanuel means "God with us." How is Jesus still "God with us" even now that He's not walking on the earth? How is God "for" us different from God "with" us? How important is it to seek to experience that closeness all the time? ..
***
How is God like a conductor or director? How can we apply the discipline of rehearsal to improve our relationship with God?
How was it like when we were completely in tune with what God wanted for our life? What are some spiritual disciplines that we need to rehearse more regularly to get back in sync with God?
Matthew 25
'Master, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’
Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’
Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’
Isaiah's prophecy concerning Jesus (Isaiah 9)
A Child Has Been Born—for Us!....
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—light! sunbursts of light!...
You repopulated the nation, ...you expanded its joy.
Oh, they’re so glad in your presence!
Festival joy! The joy of a great celebration,
sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—light! sunbursts of light!...
You repopulated the nation, ...you expanded its joy.
Oh, they’re so glad in your presence!
Festival joy! The joy of a great celebration,
sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.
7 mighty men i should know...
Athanasius (296-373)
Augustine of Hippo (Libya) (354-430)
John Wycliffe (1325-84)
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
John Calvin (1509-1564)
Jonathan Edwards (1703-58)
William Carey (1761-1834)...
C S Lewis
If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire: if you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them... Once a man is united to God, how could he not live forever?
Matthew 5:3-5
You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
约翰福音3：5~7a
耶 稣 说 ： 「 我 实 实 在 在 的 告 诉 你 ， 人 若 不 是 从 水 和 圣 灵 生 的 ， 就 不 能 进 神 的 国 。从 肉 身 生 的 就 是 肉 身 ； 从 灵 生 的 就 是 灵 。我 说 ： 『 你 们 必 须 重 生 』 .... 约翰福音3：5~7a
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Friday, June 04, 2010
Monday, November 16, 2009
Morning Glorious Lord
Morning Glorious Lord
[Lyrics by Annie Seah]
1. My heart is quickened
my feet ordered
to meet My Lord in the morning.
What is it, Lord, you see in me?
'Tis undeserving soul
your forgiveness endures.
Chorus:
The Lord keeps - as we can’t -
us upholding The Covenant
in this frenzy world.
The Lord sees - what we don’t -
us reflecting HIS glory
in our human frailty.
2. Your Spirit beckons,
'tis glorious morn;
in sweet commune, You & us, Lord.
That in our yielding,
anchoring our soul;
glorious eternal Lord with us abide.
[Repeat Chorus.]
16 Nov 09
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
My Significant Other
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Freddy Oh is a leading expert in the areas of testing and problem-solving for Petroleum products. He has over 27 years of experience in the Oil and Petrochemical industry. During these years he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and hands on experience in dealing with the quality and problem-solving aspects for products like Jet Fuels, Gasoline, Diesel and Fuel Oil.
Freddy graduated with Honors from London University College in Chemical and Polymer Technology and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Education. He is a Chartered Chemist from the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK, since 1987. In 2004, Freddy was one of the first batch of Chartered Chemists to be awarded the prestigious title of Chartered Scientist by the United Kingdom Science Council in recognition of his decades of experience and vast contribution to Petroleum Technology.
Freddy is at present the Laboratory Technical Director of CCIC, where he is constantly in touch with the latest developments in the Petroleum and Petrochemical industry. He provides valuable knowledge to the laboratory and customers in various technical areas. He conducts a number of training programs, both internal and external and specializes in courses like gasoline and fuel oil blending, diesel specifications, Jet Fuel specifications and bunker fuel program.
Freddy is also a technical assessor for Singapore Lab Accreditation Scheme (SINGLAS) under the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC). He contributed significantly in the field of Chemical and Biological Testing when he was a Technical Committee Member for SAC-SINGLAS from 1994 to 2000.
Freddy and Annie have 2 sons aged 21 & 19.
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