The Year That Was

It is always at the end of the year that I feel what Charles Wesley meant by "lost in wonder, love and praise" more than I feel this way at any other time of the year.

365 days in the news. Top 10 - whether winner or loser - of the year. We really got a year that the press people will love for a long time..

The first black president ever in America. The worst financial crisis in decades. Record-high oil prices, followed by record drops. Add to that 100-year floods in the Midwest and history-making achievements at the Olympics, in science and in space.

As the New Year sets in, it is time to reflect. Thoughtfully. Thankfully. In details. At length.

It has been a year of ordinary things, yet each one was momentous - the works, the family, loved ones and friends. But all these ordinary things have turned into spiritual encounters and my reason to be thankful to God for walking with me. Even if it was only bread, coffee and egg for breakfast have been beautiful.

Squeezed between these ordinary things, there were many other charms.

The Church celebrated its Golden Jubilee. I set up this blog and have been truly blessed with sharing of words and pictures. Then, we embarked on a spiritual journey of 40 days. Abundant blessings have been received for reporting and sharing words and pictures in this blog too.

I have walked the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. I have cruised the Mekong River. It was an extended, unhurried leisure yielding rich benefits and deep insights.

I have strolled through the mountain pathway of Poring Hot Springs and National Park, Kota Kinabalu. I have taken careful steps in a canopy walk. It was taking time to stop and listen.

I have watched Rachel and Chris souring like seagulls while I was in a speed boat at full throttle. It was my first lesson of letting go and prepare myself to support her with "wind beneath her wings" to fly soon. Soon, very soon!

I have bagged the prestigious Shell Kenyalang Press Awards - Winner in Health Reporting - together with my many other journalists. It was more than an "Award" of cash and certificate, I proudly took it because I "walk my talk" on health.

I have also walked the Christmas Round Town Procession together with the Girls' Brigade. Though I did not walk well and have yet to recover from the sprained ankle, I finished the walk.

But, I did not do all these alone. They were many loved ones, friends, even strangers, and even friends here in this blogsphere who have walked with me in those many momentous events! I like this story very much, about a boy and a tree..

Once there was a tree and she loved a little boy. And everyday the boy would come and he would gather her leaves and make them into crowns and play king of the forest.

He would climb up her trunk and swing from her branches and eat apples. And they would play hide-and-go-seek.

And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade. And the boy loved the tree very much. And the tree was happy.

But time went by. And the boy grew older. And the tree was often alone.

Then one day the boy came to the tree and the tree said, “Come, Boy, come and climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and eat apples and play in my shade and be happy.”

“I am too big to climb and play,” said the boy.

“I want to buy things and have fun. I want some money. Can you give me some money?”

“I’m sorry,” said the tree, “but I have no money, I have only leaves and applies. ?Take my apples, Boy, and sell them in the city. Then you will have money and you will be happy.”

And so the boy climbed up the tree and gathered her applies and carried them away.

And the tree was happy.

But the boy stayed away for a long time …. and the tree was sad. And then one day the boy came back and the tree shook with joy and she said, …..

The beautiful story continues … until the Boy took all the tree can offer for him to have money.

And after a long time the boy came back again. “I am sorry, Boy,” said the tree, “but I have nothing left to give you - my apples are gone, my branches are gone, you cannot swing on them, my trunk is gone, you cannot climb… I am sorry, I wish that I could give you something… but I have nothing left. I am just an old stump. I am sorry….”

“Well,” said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could, “well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest.”

And the boy did.

And the tree was happy.

How many of the giving trees have there been in my lives and in particular, 2008? How many have helped me to grow? How many have been so kind and sacrificial so that I could reach beyond what I can do?

There are many. If you are reading this, you are one of the giving trees in my life. And I thank you!

I am thankful that I can still give, little that I have though!

To one and all - May the new year brings you added joy and good health!

Happy and Healthy New Year

Frank Burgess, the American humorist, told the truth when he said,

"Our bodies are apt to be our autobiographies."

I confess, a year ago health was never my concern. I thought - I did not eat excessively. I exercised whenever I could. I slept early. I woke up early - were this lifestyle not a healthy one? And if I still did not have good health, it must be genetic. And there was really nothing I could do.

I am tall. I could hide my fat quite well. Friends, being kind, said, you have big bones, not fat.

Health was like that ordinary student in school who often did not get notice.

I was wrong. I know I was grossly overweight. I felt tired most of the time. I did not want to move, besides, the routines that I needed to do.

Then came that fateful day in March, my body lost its cool and screamed for my attention. Read here.

Thank God, it gets it!

Almost nine months down the road, my blood pressure is a stabilized 100/70. I happily let go of 10kg load from my body. I exercise - rain or shine. I eat wisely.

I may write nice health reports. But, I am not a doctor who speaks with authority. Probably, a shared wisdom?

Quote Charles Swindoll,

Three questions: How are we to glorify God? Where is the temple of the Holy Spirit? What is to be presented to the Lord as a living sacrifice?

One Answer: The body. Let's not think that loud prayers and lengthy Bible Studies and lovely church services will cause God to smile at lousy health habits.

So, friends, keep our balance.

Wishing one and all - Happy and Healthy New Year.

Christmas Round Town Procession

(Story from The Borneo Post, Pix from yours truly who walked the Procession with the Girls' Brigade)

If there is one thing that the town folks here should be praised for, it is their commitment and determination. Take for example, Saturday’s Christmas parade.

Despite heavy rain, they turned up in full force to either take part or cheer those in the procession hosted by Sarawak Association of Churches, Sibu Branch.

In fact, some came as early as 4 pm to ensure that they would not miss out on the revelry which started about 7:30 pm.

For them, the celebration belonged to everyone and rain or shine they took to the street to support the event.

As the rain pelted down, many held up umbrellas or clad themselves in raincoats. The thought of heading home were farthest from their minds.



The usually dull evening at the town square turned colourful and spectacular – thanks to the hundreds of uniquely designed candles and lanterns.

This year, the colourful and well lit Christmas trees at the square further brightened up the celebrative mood.


Perhaps, what was more outstanding was the fact that people from all walks of life and background coverged at the square to jointly witness the event.


The celebrative mood was heightened with the lighting of the Christmas by leaders of the Churches of SIB< Roman Catholic, Methodist and Anglican together with Deputy Minister of Local Governemnt and Housing, Datuk Robert Lau. Later, Lau was seen leading the procession around the town. As in the past, the procession included decorated cars, choir groups, candle – or lantern-carrying groups, Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades and many others.

A Christmas Tale

While in KL last weekend, Eunice, a friend in Girls' Brigade Ministry invited me to this heartwarming experience to see 'A Christmas Tale' - A musical collaboration of songs, dances, and drama - to discover that the story you expect may not be the one you hear.

Yes, what's the story we expect?

The child - we keep the Christ-child around to grace our managers. But "He" is merely one symbol among many: Rudolph, Santa Claus, little drummer boys, shepherds, angels, Christmas trees, Yule logs cake and Jesus. It seems everything is alongside everything else.

Is there something special about The Child?

One carol we sing at Christmas asks the question,

"What child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?"

And the chorus answers the question,

"This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the son of Mary."

What child is this?

Ray Stedman, a late preacher said,

We never can answer that question until we have the full record unfolded in the Gospel accounts of the silent years in Nazareth and the coming of age of Jesus, his baptism by John, the trudging up and down the hills of Galilee and Judea with his disciples, the teaching, the miracles, and finally, the last crowded dramatic week in Jerusalem that culminated in the cross and the blazing glory of resurrection.

And then it still was not over. There was the moment in Jerusalem when the Spirit was poured out upon the waiting disciples. The whole city was gathered to hear the great sound of a rushing wind in the wonder of Pentecost. It is only then you begin to get a full answer to this question, "What Child is this?"

The Christmas Tale is -

Though Christ a thousand times in Bethlehem be born,
Until This Child is born within your heart
Your life is still forlorn.

A blessed Christmas to you all.

The Advent Candles

My Church has the tradition of lighting the advent candles when the advent is here. This year, Advent starts on Sunday, November 30. It extends to Christmas Eve.

It is time of waiting and anticipation of the birth of Jesus. The lighting of the candles at the beginning of the worship service brings much peace, joy and love. I prayerfully prepare for Christmas.

Greeting my dear readers with these candles in my blog - warming up your Christmas!

You've Got A Friend

James Taylor's You've Got A Friend sang out friendship so true and warm!

When you're down and troubled
And you need a helping hand
And nothing, whoa nothing is going right.
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest nights.

I counted myself blessed to have many friends in my life. Different friends come running to my different needs at different times.

You just call out my name,
And you know whereever I am
Ill come running, oh yeah baby
To see you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall,
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.
You've got a friend.

I may be one lonely voice in an organization on an issue and felt very lousy, I just need to tell it to a friend in an email, he would write - mGF (read as my good friend), I am so proud of you. It really made the day!

If the sky above you
Should turn dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind should begin to blow
Keep your head together and call my name out loud
And soon I will be knocking upon your door.
You just call out my name and you know where ever I am
Ill come running to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you got to do is call
And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Yes, people can get so cold, but friends are always there - warm and close!

Hey, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend?
People can be so cold.
They'll hurt you and desert you.
Well they'll take your soul if you let them.
Oh yeah, but dont you let them.

In life's journey, it's really nice to have some good friends.

I met these three good friends who travelled together from Miri to Kota Kinabalu for a trip of friendship. They were in an Island Hopping trip too. I was attracted by the warmth of friendship as they did some exercises together. And as I watched, as I thought whether I could join them, Jacinta extended her friendship and invited me to join them!


You just call out my name and you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again.
Oh babe, don't you know that,
Winter spring summer or fall,
Hey now, all you've got to do is call.
Lord, Ill be there, yes I will.
You've got a friend.
You've got a friend.
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend.
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend.
You've got a friend.

Thanks, Jacinta for the friendship!

Letting Go

Two weeks ago, Rachel (my daughter) said she would have her ears pierced right after her last day of exam. I knew, it's time to "let go".

Two years ago, when she asked if she could have her ears pierced, I said this, "If God wanted you to wear earrings, you would have been born with holes in your ears." And I counted myself "glorious" to say such wise and godly words.

A year later, she asked again. This time I reasoned, "Why don't you do it after your secondary school days. You can't wear earrings to school after all." I was buying time.

I was not an adventurous teenager. The only impetuous thing I'd ever done was probably going to a movie without dad's approval. I still remember how mad dad was. Dad was the manager of a cinema. We enjoyed many movies during the weekend. However, every movie must be screened by dad and approved by him. I could not remember what movie I watched without his approval. That was the protected environment that I grew up.

Yesterday, we went island hopping in Kota Kinabalu. I am really much more adventurous now than when I was a teenager, or even just a year ago. Look at how Chris (son) caught me in such sunny smile!

When the children said they wanted parasailing, I did not say "no, no". And honestly, I did not even know what was parasailing!

I am learning to Let Go!


I pondered on these thoughts when Rachel and Christopher were taking that adventures -

Every daughter must have her adventures, she needs to create her own story to become her own person. No matter how much mothers, anxious for their daughter's safety or success, insists that they "go straight" to their destinations, daughters must always take their own circuitous route, and mothers can only watch and suffer, or watch or rejoice. - Josephine Evetts

I watched and rejoice - I did.

The Walk of Faith

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night (vv. 1,2)

That's the walk amidst the canopy of the Menggaris tree - the King of the Forest. The walkway is 157.8m long and 41m high.

Who walks better? Mum, the son or the daughter?

We are in Sabah, also known by the famed romantic name of "The Land Below The Wind". We have been amazed by the awesome top, and yet to immense in the spectacular ocean deep!