I am moving to a new work place, which is a considerable distance from my home. A lot of my colleagues encouraged me to consider buying a car.
While I am seriously considering that option, I am also reluctant to spend a large part of my savings on a car. I explained to them that while my wife is working now, we are still thinking of whether we want to have a child.
If we do have a child, my wife would stop working to take care of the child.
When I said that, many people blurted out, "But why?"
I find it very difficult to explain to people that if we do become parents, we want to focus our time on our child. I personally think that it's fair that my wife will be able to spend quality time with our child, instead of getting her to work at the same time.
Considering that she gave up her work for 3.5 years for Charlene, we both agree that she would love it to take care of a child herself, if we give ourselves a second chance.
How do I explain it to people that we would want to make up for time for a lost child? In fact, if I have the financial capability, I would want to stay home and help too.
Having said all that, the car and the child is not a mutually exclusive decision. We can still have a car and a child; only our finances will be hurt.
But we trust in God to provide for us, which He has always done so. Praise God for His providence!
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Project Soar
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| Recycled milk bottles transformed! |
A meaningful event where special needs children made these wonderful art pieces from recycled milk bottles. I liked what the organiser Khor said very much. The milk bottles are supposed to be thrown away but with effort they were transformed into beautiful art pieces. Similarly, special needs children may look useless but there is the potential within each of them! Let us believe in them and help create a more accepting society for them.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Save neira
A 3.5 month old baby is found with THREE tumors.
http://saveneira.wordpress.com/2013/09/21/your-help-is-appreciated/
One of the special needs parents went down to the hospital, and verified the case. So this is a future true case.
Let's pray for neira, for recovery and successful operations.
Stanley
Stanley, one of the most respected lay-leader in our church, passed away on Fri morning. He has been battling cancer for the past few years. He was only 51 years-old.
Me and Dez had only known him for a very short time. When we joined church, we were unable to be engaged in the church activities due to Charlene's condition. After we became more active in church activities, Uncle Stanley had to stepped down from his worship and youth ministry work due to the chemo, and we didn't have many opportunities to interact with him.
The greatest impression we had about him is the immense energy he exhibited during the worship that he leads. He is always bursting with joy as he give praise to the Lord.
His eulogies were given by his former girl's brigade mentee, his 2 nieces and his cell leader. From all accounts, he has been a faithful servant, giving all his best in the ministry work, and changing lives through his passion and Christ-centred life.
The impact he had on those Boys Brigade and Girls Brigade youth is visible from their tears and sorrow.
To me, Stanley's life can be summed up by one of my fave verse. He "live such good lives...they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us" (1 Pet 2:12). Indeed, he's a role model for our church members.
It's unfortunate that we didn't have the chance to know him better.... Correction, it *is fortunate* that we have a chance to talk to him and visit him. Stanley spoke to Dez during the church camp, and his words prompted Dez to release the grief of Charlene's passing away.
Death is inevitable. But for us Christians, we have the hope that we will all gather in heaven, under the throne of our Lord Jesus Christ. Until then, we take heart that Charlene can say hi to Uncle Stanley for us in heaven.
Me and Dez had only known him for a very short time. When we joined church, we were unable to be engaged in the church activities due to Charlene's condition. After we became more active in church activities, Uncle Stanley had to stepped down from his worship and youth ministry work due to the chemo, and we didn't have many opportunities to interact with him.
The greatest impression we had about him is the immense energy he exhibited during the worship that he leads. He is always bursting with joy as he give praise to the Lord.
His eulogies were given by his former girl's brigade mentee, his 2 nieces and his cell leader. From all accounts, he has been a faithful servant, giving all his best in the ministry work, and changing lives through his passion and Christ-centred life.
The impact he had on those Boys Brigade and Girls Brigade youth is visible from their tears and sorrow.
To me, Stanley's life can be summed up by one of my fave verse. He "live such good lives...they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us" (1 Pet 2:12). Indeed, he's a role model for our church members.
It's unfortunate that we didn't have the chance to know him better.... Correction, it *is fortunate* that we have a chance to talk to him and visit him. Stanley spoke to Dez during the church camp, and his words prompted Dez to release the grief of Charlene's passing away.
Death is inevitable. But for us Christians, we have the hope that we will all gather in heaven, under the throne of our Lord Jesus Christ. Until then, we take heart that Charlene can say hi to Uncle Stanley for us in heaven.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Faith and Reason (Dez)
One thing that scares and worries me, is the tendency for youths to dichotomize faith and reason. I have seen youths declaring that "those who believe in God are irrational and stupid!".
A theologian professor, Arthur McGrath, talks about his personal experience: "On several occasions I've been earnestly told by New Atheist foot soldiers that I have no business being a professor in a leading British university. After all, they inform me, I believe in God and am therefore stupid, evil and mentally unstable. I ought to be locked up for the public good."
The dichotomy between faith and reason is not as clear cut as the new atheists like to think. All reason requires some basic assumptions, which the assumptions are accepted "by faith". All good faith should examined the evidences, so that the faith becomes stronger.
An atheist philosopher Keith M. Pardons commented that 'a dichotomy between faith and evidence is grossly simplistic. Faith need not be blind and science is not always quite as evidence-driven as simplistic stereotypes imply.'
J.P. Moreland explains the relationship between faith and reason clearly:
"The essence of faith - biblical or otherwise - is confidence or trust, and one can have faith in a thing (such as a chair) or person (such as a parent, the president, or God), and one can have faith in the truth of a proposition...
When trust is directed towards a person/ thing, it is called 'faith in'; when it is directed towards the truth of a proposition, it is called 'faith that'...
It is a great misunderstanding of faith to oppose it to reason or knowledge. Nothing could be further from the truth. In actual fact, faith - confidence, trust - is rooted in knowledge. "
Moreland concluded that faith is 'a trust in and commitment to what we have reason to believe is true'.
I believe it's important for us to examine our faith, and to have a ready testimony to share with others WHY we believe in Jesus Christ. Explain to people, youths or adults, that there is a rational basis why we are Christians.
One of my fave verse: 1 Pet 3:15. "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect"
* Note: the quotes are obtained from this book "C.S. Lewis vs the New Atheists", written by Peter S. Williams. A very good book, with lots of resources and references. Recommended to those apologetics at heart (like me ^_^v)
A theologian professor, Arthur McGrath, talks about his personal experience: "On several occasions I've been earnestly told by New Atheist foot soldiers that I have no business being a professor in a leading British university. After all, they inform me, I believe in God and am therefore stupid, evil and mentally unstable. I ought to be locked up for the public good."
The dichotomy between faith and reason is not as clear cut as the new atheists like to think. All reason requires some basic assumptions, which the assumptions are accepted "by faith". All good faith should examined the evidences, so that the faith becomes stronger.
An atheist philosopher Keith M. Pardons commented that 'a dichotomy between faith and evidence is grossly simplistic. Faith need not be blind and science is not always quite as evidence-driven as simplistic stereotypes imply.'
J.P. Moreland explains the relationship between faith and reason clearly:
"The essence of faith - biblical or otherwise - is confidence or trust, and one can have faith in a thing (such as a chair) or person (such as a parent, the president, or God), and one can have faith in the truth of a proposition...
When trust is directed towards a person/ thing, it is called 'faith in'; when it is directed towards the truth of a proposition, it is called 'faith that'...
It is a great misunderstanding of faith to oppose it to reason or knowledge. Nothing could be further from the truth. In actual fact, faith - confidence, trust - is rooted in knowledge. "
Moreland concluded that faith is 'a trust in and commitment to what we have reason to believe is true'.
I believe it's important for us to examine our faith, and to have a ready testimony to share with others WHY we believe in Jesus Christ. Explain to people, youths or adults, that there is a rational basis why we are Christians.
One of my fave verse: 1 Pet 3:15. "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect"
* Note: the quotes are obtained from this book "C.S. Lewis vs the New Atheists", written by Peter S. Williams. A very good book, with lots of resources and references. Recommended to those apologetics at heart (like me ^_^v)
Sunday, September 8, 2013
2.4 Hours (Dez)
This is a daily devotional (4 Sep) from the Upper Room.
I found it very thought provoking and decided to put it up.
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Many people are sticklers about tithing a tenth of their income, but tithing includes more than just our money. Sometimes, when it comes to time, we aren't so generous in giving to the Lord.
A tenth of our day is just under two an a half hours - 2.4 to be exact.
When we think of all the things we already cram into our day, it may seem impossible to give that much time to God. The good news is that our tithe of time doesn't have to be spent all at once. We can give more time on weekends, if necessary. We can do a variety of things as we tithe our time to God each day: study the Bible, pray for others, call someone, send an encouraging e-mail, send a card to brighten someone's day, fix a meal for the sick, visit the housebound, bake cookies for a neighbor, be a mentor to a young person who doesn't have both parents, bring groceries to a needy family, take a depressed friend out for coffee, or listen to a friend unload his problems.
Once these activities becomes habits, we might be surprised to find that a tenth of our day just isn't enough time to serve God.
-----
Reflections questions:
-read Deuteronomy 14:22-28. In this passage, what is the purpose of the tithe? How are tithes used? How does this passage change or support your understand of tithing?
- Name some ways you already contributed towards "tithing your time."
Did the author's list bring other ways to mind?
I found it very thought provoking and decided to put it up.
-----------
Many people are sticklers about tithing a tenth of their income, but tithing includes more than just our money. Sometimes, when it comes to time, we aren't so generous in giving to the Lord.
A tenth of our day is just under two an a half hours - 2.4 to be exact.
When we think of all the things we already cram into our day, it may seem impossible to give that much time to God. The good news is that our tithe of time doesn't have to be spent all at once. We can give more time on weekends, if necessary. We can do a variety of things as we tithe our time to God each day: study the Bible, pray for others, call someone, send an encouraging e-mail, send a card to brighten someone's day, fix a meal for the sick, visit the housebound, bake cookies for a neighbor, be a mentor to a young person who doesn't have both parents, bring groceries to a needy family, take a depressed friend out for coffee, or listen to a friend unload his problems.
Once these activities becomes habits, we might be surprised to find that a tenth of our day just isn't enough time to serve God.
-----
Reflections questions:
-read Deuteronomy 14:22-28. In this passage, what is the purpose of the tithe? How are tithes used? How does this passage change or support your understand of tithing?
- Name some ways you already contributed towards "tithing your time."
Did the author's list bring other ways to mind?
Nick Vujcic
Nick Vujcic is in Singapore to give a speech. For those who don't know him, he is known as the motivational speaker who was born without hands and legs.
Despite his physical limitations, he was able to live life without limits. He can play golf, soccer and he has scuba dive, swim, horse ride, surf (surfing real waves) and sky dive! In Singapore, he went to the RWS sea aquarium and and swam with the sharks.
But more than his achievements, it's his positive attitude towards life that inspires people. He has a huge charming smile, full of confidence. He joked about his lack of limbs, defusing the situation. You really have to google him and watch his video to see how amazing he is.
Knowing that he was coming to Singapore, we bought the tickets on the first night. Being cheapos, we bought the cheapest tickets at $33 each. We later found out that all 5000 tickets were sold in 5 days. The most expensive was sold at $148, if I remember correctly.
The venue was at The Star, the Building besides buona vista mrt. The hall was amazing, being able to accommodate 5000 people. The building was also well designed, with a lot of considerations about the crowd traffic. I didn't have to queue for toilet after the event as there were so many cubicles!
Hearing Nick Vujcic, allows us to catch a glimpse of him as an individual. We know his story well as we bought the books. But nothing beats seeing the actual person and seeing him recounting his stories, and how his faith saved him.
One quote which we remembered clearly is: "The strength we have today was build on the pain of yesterday". Indeed, we have been through much trials... But we know that God is with us. This knowledge allows us to be reassured that these trials won't beat us down, and we can be a stronger person to do God's will.
There was an extremely short Q&A session where someone asked about how to motivate a youth who has lost interest in studying. Nick answered that the current youth generation believes in YOLO (you-only-live-once). With that YOLO attitude, they then only prioritise on enjoying themselves. School, to them becomes only a burden as they see no point in studying when everyone dies. He then suggest that youths need to realize how much they have, and how much they can contribute to the less fortunate (orphans, cancer patients, etc). A lot of times, he has seen youths being inspired by those less fortunate as they fight hard in their life.
Though he did talk very little about his Christian faith, we could tell that his faith in God prompted him to answer the question in that manner. As we Christians believe in a greater Being, a greater Purpose, we want to live life in accordance to God's will. Knowing that life has meaning can change our perspective towards our trials and tribulations.
In the final section, the host invited Jason Chee (the navy personnel who lost his legs and left hand in an accident) and Aisha (an ex SEA games medalist who lost all her limbs due to infection). I think that they intended to give the 2 Singaporeans hope for a better future through nick as a role model.
God has shown us how He can use a man without limbs mightily, to inspire millions of people. Praise be to God!
Despite his physical limitations, he was able to live life without limits. He can play golf, soccer and he has scuba dive, swim, horse ride, surf (surfing real waves) and sky dive! In Singapore, he went to the RWS sea aquarium and and swam with the sharks.
But more than his achievements, it's his positive attitude towards life that inspires people. He has a huge charming smile, full of confidence. He joked about his lack of limbs, defusing the situation. You really have to google him and watch his video to see how amazing he is.
Knowing that he was coming to Singapore, we bought the tickets on the first night. Being cheapos, we bought the cheapest tickets at $33 each. We later found out that all 5000 tickets were sold in 5 days. The most expensive was sold at $148, if I remember correctly.
The venue was at The Star, the Building besides buona vista mrt. The hall was amazing, being able to accommodate 5000 people. The building was also well designed, with a lot of considerations about the crowd traffic. I didn't have to queue for toilet after the event as there were so many cubicles!
Hearing Nick Vujcic, allows us to catch a glimpse of him as an individual. We know his story well as we bought the books. But nothing beats seeing the actual person and seeing him recounting his stories, and how his faith saved him.
One quote which we remembered clearly is: "The strength we have today was build on the pain of yesterday". Indeed, we have been through much trials... But we know that God is with us. This knowledge allows us to be reassured that these trials won't beat us down, and we can be a stronger person to do God's will.
There was an extremely short Q&A session where someone asked about how to motivate a youth who has lost interest in studying. Nick answered that the current youth generation believes in YOLO (you-only-live-once). With that YOLO attitude, they then only prioritise on enjoying themselves. School, to them becomes only a burden as they see no point in studying when everyone dies. He then suggest that youths need to realize how much they have, and how much they can contribute to the less fortunate (orphans, cancer patients, etc). A lot of times, he has seen youths being inspired by those less fortunate as they fight hard in their life.
Though he did talk very little about his Christian faith, we could tell that his faith in God prompted him to answer the question in that manner. As we Christians believe in a greater Being, a greater Purpose, we want to live life in accordance to God's will. Knowing that life has meaning can change our perspective towards our trials and tribulations.
In the final section, the host invited Jason Chee (the navy personnel who lost his legs and left hand in an accident) and Aisha (an ex SEA games medalist who lost all her limbs due to infection). I think that they intended to give the 2 Singaporeans hope for a better future through nick as a role model.
God has shown us how He can use a man without limbs mightily, to inspire millions of people. Praise be to God!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
White Manta - Special Needs children cruise (Dez)
31st August was a special day for me and my wife.
We were invited to go on a cruise. A specially booked cruise, by one of the special needs mum, Sam, for a afternoon outing for special needs children family.
As we indicated our interest late, we almost didn't make it for the cruise. I was also rushing out some work over the weekend, and was considering not to go.
Fortunately, I decided to make the effort. It was a very pleasant journey. Me and my wife agreed that it's probably once in a life-time experience, for us middle-income family, to be able to on a private cruise ship, White Manta.
If I remembered correctly, 10 families went for the gathering. This was my first time meeting many of those families. All (except us) brought their kids along for the event.
I volunteered to be the camera-man, and I went around snapping pictures with my wife's new camera phone HTC One and some mummy's compact camera. Thank God for my wife's new HTC one cos the pictures turn out very nice! The pictures in this blog were all taken by HTC one. Will need to download it and send to Sam...
The cruise ship was huge, with 3 decks. The top deck was like an open-top bus, but much bigger. You can see part of the top deck, on the photo on the left. There are many lounge chairs around, and benches at the side.
The middle deck was where we hang out, with a nice air-conditioned cabin. I don't have the pictures of the cabin on the HTC one, as those were taken by the compact camera.
One of the highlight of the day was the release of balloons. One family actually brought a helium tank so that we can fill up the balloons. All the families then wrote down the blessings and wishes on the balloons. We then released the balloons and see it rise into the air... Of course, as Christians, we believe our prayers are heard by Jesus anywhere. Nonetheless, the symbolic act of seeing the balloons rising up... was very therapeutic.
The kids have a fun time running around on the top deck, playing with the balloons and enjoying the sea breeze. The families also prepared some games, in which the children need to burst the balloons, perform some tasks and get some prizes. You can see the families generally enjoying themselves. The organiser was also thoughtful enough to get a nurse on board of the ship, so that the special needs family can have a peace of mind.
Dinner was served by the cruise crew. Apparently they have a kitchen on the lower deck, and they served delicious fried chicken wings, satay, bee hoon, apple pie among others. The families also brought food, with a chef father bringing delicious sandwiches (which I chomped down before dinner since i was sooo hungry).
We brought 2x bottles of moscato and went around pouring wine for others. Many of us also chit-chatted, though mostly we were just enjoying the scenery and the sea breeze. Or maybe it's just me, cos i was going around snapping pictures of everyone.
At the end of the day, the cruise ship director/ CEO/ boss made a short speech. He felt that God has planned for all this cruise to happen, as many coincidences happened. Normally the cruise was fully booked, but just the weekend, they were unable to get sufficient clients. Normally, he would be overseas, but somehow or rather, he was available locally. Normally, he do not need to be present on the ship, but the main coordinator went on leave, and he have to take over. He gave a prayer to all the families present, praying for God's healing and strength for all of us.
Tears were rolling down me and my wife's eyes when he prayed. Not specifically because of the prayer, but because we felt that the guy was really genuine in his speech, and that he felt blessed seeing the special needs family, and he saw strength and resilience in us. We sense the sincerity in his speech.
We thank God for the special day that we have as a community of special needs kids. I am reminded of Charlene when I see the kids. Their struggles, their progress, their smiles, their strength.... They remind me of Charlene.
Though I get teary eyed when I'm with this community, I would not want to be cut off from them. It is through Charlene that we know them. Me and my wife understand the difficulties they are going, the pain they are enduring, and the little triumphs in their daily lives... we recognise those things and we want to affirm them.
Thank you Lord Jesus... for giving each and everyone of us the strength, and the purpose-filled lives for us to keep on walking down this journey.
We were invited to go on a cruise. A specially booked cruise, by one of the special needs mum, Sam, for a afternoon outing for special needs children family.
As we indicated our interest late, we almost didn't make it for the cruise. I was also rushing out some work over the weekend, and was considering not to go.
Fortunately, I decided to make the effort. It was a very pleasant journey. Me and my wife agreed that it's probably once in a life-time experience, for us middle-income family, to be able to on a private cruise ship, White Manta.
If I remembered correctly, 10 families went for the gathering. This was my first time meeting many of those families. All (except us) brought their kids along for the event.
I volunteered to be the camera-man, and I went around snapping pictures with my wife's new camera phone HTC One and some mummy's compact camera. Thank God for my wife's new HTC one cos the pictures turn out very nice! The pictures in this blog were all taken by HTC one. Will need to download it and send to Sam...
The cruise ship was huge, with 3 decks. The top deck was like an open-top bus, but much bigger. You can see part of the top deck, on the photo on the left. There are many lounge chairs around, and benches at the side. The middle deck was where we hang out, with a nice air-conditioned cabin. I don't have the pictures of the cabin on the HTC one, as those were taken by the compact camera.
One of the highlight of the day was the release of balloons. One family actually brought a helium tank so that we can fill up the balloons. All the families then wrote down the blessings and wishes on the balloons. We then released the balloons and see it rise into the air... Of course, as Christians, we believe our prayers are heard by Jesus anywhere. Nonetheless, the symbolic act of seeing the balloons rising up... was very therapeutic.
The kids have a fun time running around on the top deck, playing with the balloons and enjoying the sea breeze. The families also prepared some games, in which the children need to burst the balloons, perform some tasks and get some prizes. You can see the families generally enjoying themselves. The organiser was also thoughtful enough to get a nurse on board of the ship, so that the special needs family can have a peace of mind.
We brought 2x bottles of moscato and went around pouring wine for others. Many of us also chit-chatted, though mostly we were just enjoying the scenery and the sea breeze. Or maybe it's just me, cos i was going around snapping pictures of everyone.
At the end of the day, the cruise ship director/ CEO/ boss made a short speech. He felt that God has planned for all this cruise to happen, as many coincidences happened. Normally the cruise was fully booked, but just the weekend, they were unable to get sufficient clients. Normally, he would be overseas, but somehow or rather, he was available locally. Normally, he do not need to be present on the ship, but the main coordinator went on leave, and he have to take over. He gave a prayer to all the families present, praying for God's healing and strength for all of us.
Tears were rolling down me and my wife's eyes when he prayed. Not specifically because of the prayer, but because we felt that the guy was really genuine in his speech, and that he felt blessed seeing the special needs family, and he saw strength and resilience in us. We sense the sincerity in his speech.
We thank God for the special day that we have as a community of special needs kids. I am reminded of Charlene when I see the kids. Their struggles, their progress, their smiles, their strength.... They remind me of Charlene.
Though I get teary eyed when I'm with this community, I would not want to be cut off from them. It is through Charlene that we know them. Me and my wife understand the difficulties they are going, the pain they are enduring, and the little triumphs in their daily lives... we recognise those things and we want to affirm them.
Thank you Lord Jesus... for giving each and everyone of us the strength, and the purpose-filled lives for us to keep on walking down this journey.
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| One of the balloon blessings - "All families have, despite challenges, can have strength, peace and joy! Rose & family" |
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