Monday, November 30, 2009
Life is SO Short...Leave a LEGACY!
There's this song by Casting Crowns, call 'Who Am I'. The first line of the chorus goes like this:
"I am a flower quickly fading, here today and gone tomorrow..."
Our life is like a flower (below). This is the flower of the peanut plant. Nice right? But it will not last forever. To us, life on earth may be long, but in actual fact, it is not that long, in the eyes of God.
Went to a friend's grandma's wake last week. Inevitably, all of us some how wish that it'll never happen to our love ones. Death is almost an avoided subject. Given a choice, no one would want to think about it. Right?
As I attended the memorial service, I can't help but be reminded of how short life really is. Before we know it, we will be in our 40s, then 50s, progressing into 60s. By God's grace, my friend's grandma lived till an age 87 years old.
Although we have the power to make choices, and we do have free-will, how long we an live on this earth, can never be decided by us. Ultimately, we have no control over certain things in our lives. (Can be quite scary and uncertain...ya?)
In the midst of the service, I started to imagine things. I imagine...if the person in the coffin was me...how would things be. What will people say about me during the service? What will people remember me for? Would I have enough time with my love ones? What would I have achieved by then? How would you feel when death was so close to you?
As I run these questions through my mind, I realised that death is very real in life, and it's a matter of time all of us have to face it. To me death is leaving this earth to another place; time on earth has run out like an expired ticket, and God bought a new ticket for me to transit into heaven for an eternal holiday. It's the end, but it's also a new beginning.
On that day when our ticket on earth has expired, these things will mean nothing:
How much money we have in the bank...
How many nights we spent in the pub...
How glasses of beer we ever drank...
How many boyfriends/girlfriends we ever had..
How many times we proved our parents wrong..
How many days we spent working...
How many As we got in our exams..
But things that really matters....
How have we blessed the people around us with the money in our bank?
How many nights we spent lending a listening ear to a troubled soul?
How have we impacted our classmates/colleagues, so much they'll remember us for the good we've done?
How much effort have we put into letting our love ones know we care for them n treasure them?
We always live life being so confident that there'll be 'tomorrow'. What if there really is no tomorrow, and today is the last?
With the year ending and brand new year coming, I thought it'll be good to make a few decisions, so that in the coming year I can live my life to the fullest.
I want to spend more time cultivating my gifts and talents, and then use it to benefit others around me. I believe God has given us gifts, and we can't just sit and do nothing with it. There are so many problems in the world..of course we can't save the whole world...but we can make a difference to people around us.
I will also spend more time with my love ones. Really important to let them know I love and treasure them. It's never too late to tell someone you love him/her.
I've made some decisions....how about you? =)
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Look yourself in the Mirror
I think this picture is really funny...LOL!
Was very inspired by this song "Man in the Mirror" by the late Micheal Jackson. It talks about how we need to change, if we want to make a difference in this world.
Are we sometimes afraid to look into the mirror?
Remember those times when you had pimples outbreak on your face? Or have dark eye-circles? You try your best to avoid looking into the mirror, 'cause whenever you see those flaws, you felt a little dismayed...you felt a little lousy, you wish you could go into hiding! (so that no one can see you)
I guess that's normal human response. When we search our heart and realized our flaws, most of us want to avoid looking at those. Why? 'Cause the more we look at flaws, the more lousy we felt about ourselves. Isn't that true some times? =)
But it takes a per son of courage and humility, to take a real look at himself in the mirror, and tell himself, "I wanna change my ways, so that i can be a better person."
Time to look ourselves in the mirror...and let the change start with us. =)
"Man In The Mirror"
I'm Gonna Make A Change,
For Once In My Life
It's Gonna Feel Real Good,
Gonna Make A Difference
Gonna Make It Right
As I, Turn Up The Collar On My
Favourite Winter Coat
This Wind Is Blowin' My Mind
I See The Kids In The Street,
With Not Enough To Eat
Who Am I, To Be Blind?
Pretending Not To See
Their Needs
A Summer's Disregard,
A Broken Bottle Top
And A One Man's Soul
They Follow Each Other On
The Wind Ya' Know
'Cause They Got Nowhere To Go
That's Why I Want You To Know
I'm Starting With The Man In The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change His Ways
And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself,
And Then Make A Change
(Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na,
Na Nah)
I've Been A Victim Of A Selfish Kind Of Love
It's Time That I Realize
That There Are Some With No
Home, Not A Nickel To Loan
Could It Be Really Me,
Pretending That They're Not Alone?
A Willow Deeply Scarred,
Somebody's Broken Heart
And A Washed-Out Dream
They Follow The Pattern Of
The Wind, Ya' See
Cause They Got No Place To Be
That's Why I'm Starting With Me
I'm Starting With The Man In The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change His Ways
And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself
And then Make A Change
=)
Monday, November 16, 2009
A Christmas Carol - A great lesson leant!
I just got the chance to preview the movie, 'A Christmas Carol', starring Jim Carrey. I have to say, Jim Carrey was FANTASTIC! He voiced and acted multiple characters (8 to be exact) very very well!! Oh well...i'm impressed...really!
Actually, 'A Christmas Carol' was adapted from a novel by Charles Dickens. The novel has the same name, 'A Christmas Carol', and was first published in December of 1843 (so l-o-n-g ago). Many people, including myself, didn't know! Opps...see...that's what happens when you never read more story books when you were young!
The story is about Ebenezer Scrooge (above..look so sad...inverted 'U' mouth-shape), an old, miserly money-lender, who was grouchy all the time. He was never happy, and despises everything that embodies the joy and spirit of Christmas. To him, money was the most important thing. On Christmas eve, his under-paid employee Bob Cratchit has to beg him for a day off on Christmas to spend with his family. And when people came to ask for donations to help the poor and dying, he told them "then they have to die!" and that can help to cope with the increasing population! (HOW COLD-HEARTED??!!!)
On that night of Christmas eve, Ebenezer was visited by the spirit of his former business partner Jacob Marley (who died on Christmas eve 7 years ago) . Jacob told Ebenezer that he was forced to carry heavy chains in his after life, due to his greedy ways. Following that visitation, Ebenezer was visited by three ghosts: the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
The Ghost of Christmas Past brought him to settings of his past - his lonely childhood, moments when he fell in love with a woman named Belle. However, Belle let him eventually as he grew obsessed with accumulating wealth. Ebenezer found himself tearing as he witness these past events of his life.
The Ghost of Christmas Present brought Ebenezer to his poor but faithful employee, Bob Cratchit's home, where he discovered that Bob's young son Tiny Tim was about to die due to malnutrition, as Ebenezer doesn't pays Bob very well despite his years of service. The family has to eat goose instead of turkey, as they were too poor to afford (so saddening). The Ghost of Christmas Present left Ebenezer by warning him about the evils of Ignorance and Wants.
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come showed Ebenezer the final consequences of his greed. Tiny Tim died on Christmas day, leaving the family mourning for the death of their son. The spirit then brought Ebenezer to a tombstone which has 'Ebenezer Scrooge' carved on it. He realized he will die on he same day as well. But Ebenezer was grieved by the fact that people find much comfort in his death (as he was such an evil person). Unwilling to allow this grim future befall him, he begs the spirit for a 2nd chance to live.
On the morning of Christmas day, Ebenezer woke come to find himself still alive and able to laugh! He then sets out to do what was necessary to prevent the horrible consequences from happening. He brought a huge turkey and got a horse carriage to sent it to the Cratchit's house. He went to the streets, greeting every one he saw a "Merry Christmas", and stopped by to carol with a street choir. He also decided to make donations to the poor. Finally, he raised Bob's salary.
The movie ended with Tiny Tim sitting on Ebenezer's shoulder...so heart-warming! =) He spends the remainder of his life a new man embodying the spirit of Christmas itself.
Some thoughts after watching the movie.....
Perhaps, if we are able to review our past, present and future, like watching a movie before our eyes, like Ebenezer, we will choose to live our life differently? Do we require such drastic play-back to wake us up? =)
Only a life lived for other is worth living. Until we learn to love, to give and share, we will never truly be happy. It doesn't matter how much wealth we have accumulated in the bank; it's how many people have benefited from our wealth that really matters. At the end of our lives, people will either remember you for the evil that you inflicted upon them, or the good that you've done for them.
Money can indeed solve many of live's problems; but money cannot buy intimacy, friendships, health, and a good reputation. Money definitely cannot buy us a joyful heart.
Ebenezer was able to live happy, only after he learnt to share his wealth, and put the needs of others more important than money.
Although this is a fictional, fantasy movie, but it reflects values that we must not neglect. May we always find great joy in giving to sharing...and let it begin this Christmas! Learn to treasure and love the people in our lives, and never exchange them for anything else in this world.
=)
Sunday, November 8, 2009
A Special Afternoon with Special People!
Time really really flies!! (especially when you are working) Christmas is coming really soon! Will be helping out at St Luke Elderly Care Centre...COOL way to spread the joy or Christmas! Going there to carol and play games with the elderly folks.
Wanna join me?? (I'm serious!! Join me join me!)
Just reminded me of my special day (few months ago) with a special group of children, from MINDS (Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore), Fernvale Garden School. Here, their t-shirt (well...at least it's not "I Love St. Pat", or "I Love your school's name")
We spent an afternoon @ East Coast Park building sandcastles. It was quite a different experience altogether. Because they were intellectually challenged, it was challenging for us to interact with them as well! Some of them were shy and passive, some were really out-spoken! I had this boy (can't recall his name) who keeps asking me "what's your name?". And after i told him, he just call me "AUNTY Cindy". LOL! He did a few times to me, and my colleagues. Funny!
Here you go: i was all the way at the back trying to snap a few shots. We were on our way to the beach.
First we lead them to the beach, where there's lots of sand (D-U-H). But it was a hot and sunny day, so we had to collect water from the sea to pour on the sand portion which we're using for our activity.
Each of us lead a group. Our first task is to get the children to sketch what they would like to build. That was really NOT EASY. I had a group that has mixed personalities. I had 1 boy who was always trying to go to another group; another one was really quiet, need to encourage him to talk and participate; another boy was super hyper-active and talked a lot. So it was quite an exclusive experience trying to get them to settle down a
nd work together. =)
To be honest, i already know it was no point getting them to draw. 'Cause they will definitely not be following! Err...they didn't manage to agree on one design(of course). I believe we are doing this to break the ice with them, so that they won't feel shy. Yes...they have emotions too!
Working hard: This is my colleague, Alris. Sorry that you can't see her pretty face! she was just working too hard trying to facilitate the kids building sandcastles!
Here's a very interesting boy, call Ronnie. He is very good at drawing! Amazingly, he seems to understand what's team work, and able to take instructions better. But unfortunately, i guess he's allergic to some components in the sand. After a while, his hands were really red. ~scares~In the end he had to stop and wash up.
This is the boy who left the deepest impression in my heart that day. His name is Melvin. Melvin LOVES to talk, and he is very cooperative! He's actually very out-going, and super hyper! I had lots of fun trying to 'disturb' him....Hahaha!
Melvin posing for the camera! I told him, "Melvin! Do this!"...and i taught him to do a 'V'. LOL! But he did something that touched my heart. While we were all building sandcastles together, he told me, "Jie jie, jia you!". And repeats it a few more times, through out the entire activity. Surprisingly, he went around cheering his friends too. =)
I can't help but felt really moved in my heart, when i realized that Melvin knows how to encourage others.
Yea...this is the work of their hands! Cool right? We could have done better with more time! But still, it's not about the aesthetic value of the sandcastles; it's about the children trying to accomplish something together, by piecing their individual efforts together.
Enough of sand!! It's now time for some water!! WOOHOO! We took our groups to the water, and for most of them, this was the first time, they ever played with sea water. They were so excited and made a lot of noise. Some of them were jumping around 'cause they couldn't contain their excitement!
Here's a group photo of all of them! Some of them can't do 'V'. So they only pointed their finger at us! =)
It was truly a great experience. I'm deeply inspired by the teachers who too care of them. It takes extra patient, extra passion, extra of everything to take care of these special children.
To conclude, i believe one thing - ALL human beings need love! Just like you and me, these children need to know they are loved and wanted.
Having said that, and with Christmas around the corner, let's do something to make someone feel special, loved, and treasured.
=)
Thursday, November 5, 2009
When I first saw this picture, it reminded me of a commonly used phrase - "a dog is a man's best friend". This little boy looks so attached to his pet dog...seems like he is able to find comfort and shelter when he needs it. (awww...so sweet)
This is another picture depicting loyalty...a bird coming to a dying friend. Despite knowing the fact, it didn't just left it there to die. It was there all the way.
That's loyalty - to stand by someone, through ups and downs, providing comfort and shelter through difficult moments.
A true friend is loyal to the end. =)
Reminds me of a story in the bible, about David and Jonathan. Jonathan died, a faithful friend to David.
1 Sam 20:4,"So Jonathan said to David,"Whatever you yourself desire, I will do it for you."
Wow...Jonathan was not only there during David's difficult time, but he assured David that no matter what was his decision, he will support him, and help him in every way possible.
Loyalty is to be there in the valley with a friend in crisis. When our friends are in crisis, where were we? What will we do?
That's not all...
1 Sam 20:32, And Jonathan answered Saul his father," why should he (David) be killed? What has he done?"
It was a time when Saul (Jonathan's father, also the king of Israel) was after David's life. He was hunting David down, out of fear that David would one day take his throne. But the beautiful thing about this story was Jonathan's response to Saul, his own father. When Saul said David deserve to die, Jonathan spoke up for David.
Have you been in situations, where people are talking nasty things about your love one? It can be our best friend, our leader, our parents, our siblings, etc. Jonathan stood up for the friend he loved.
What about us? Do we have the courage to stand up for what is right? =)
The best thing was Jonathan knew that his father (Saul) was doing something evil in the sight of God. He was doing something wrong, out of the wrong heart and motive. He didn't just blindly follow his emotions. I believe before he made a decision to be loyal to David, he figured out that God was on David's side.
It's always wise to stand by those whom God is standing with. If God is for them, who can be against them? We need to pledge our loyalty to the right people, not just anyone whom we think is good. Worse still, we're pressured to be loyal to a person, even when he/she is doing something wrong, 'cause that person is our friend.
Oh c'mon! We need to show some character and some values!!
I pray that God will always open my eyes, to see where His hands are. So that I may stand with the right people, be loyal to the right people.
=) Amen
Went to a friend's grandma's wake last week. Inevitably, all of us some how wish that it'll never happen to our love ones. Death is almost an avoided subject. Given a choice, no one would want to think about it. Right? 
This is another picture depicting loyalty...a bird coming to a dying friend. Despite knowing the fact, it didn't just left it there to die. It was there all the way.