Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Monday, September 1, 2008

Finding the PONY





FINDING THE PONY

I attended a Family Wellness instructor course conducted by St Andrews' Lifestreams last month and this was one of the many highlights that I took away.


The story goes like this:
Two siblings came home on Christmas eve to a pile of pony shit under the Christmas tree...

How horrible and terrible this must be....

But like in all things, everything is a perspective and based on how you want to perceive something as....

The older brother cursed, complaining about the CRAP that was under the tree. He shouted saying, "WHHHHHHHAT? I can't believe we got SHIT for Christmas! Could dad but any worst!!!!!!!!"

The younger son on the other hand, ran around the house in excitement and cheer...actively searching for something.....

What could he be possibly happy about?

What could he be searching for and why was he so optimistic?

The older brother shouted at him and asked, "What are you looking for? Aren't you pissed at dad and mom?"

The younger brother replied.... "Well if there is fresh shit under the tree....THERE MUST BE A REAL LIFE PONY!!!!!!! WHHHHOOOOOOOOPPPPPPPPPIEEEEEEEE! I LOVE DAD AND MOM"


Many of us tend to focus on the negative 'craps' that we encounter in our lives never taking time to see what's the blessing behind every circumstance. We take things for granted and we are quick to judge the intentions of those around us.

The moral of this story is that in every situation there is always a PONY.

Reframe your mind to choose to see the blessings behind every circumstance that occurs in your life. I know it sounds impossible....but possibilities are what we choose to make out of a give situation.


For example:

When you mom shouts at you when you are about to burn yourself while frying a meal for yourself....

She might come across as rude and condescending:

"Boy ah! Don't be an idiot! Don't touch the pan!"

But what is she really saying?

What are her intentions?

Is she actually trying to tell you to be careful cause she is concerned about your safety? Does she want to teach you to be wary of dangers that you come across? Does she care for you...and that is why she is telling you not to harm yourself?

There are many reasons....

But it may not have been communicated as such.

Communication is key but as the receiver of such bad communication, our job is to FIND THE PONY.

Try responding, by saying:

"Mom, thank you for loving me and for watching out for my safety"........


instead of snapping back at her (which I am guilty of to my mother) and saying:

"Stop shouting! Can't you see that I know that?!"


Question yourself....

Which response will establish a better relationship with your mother? Which response would allow you to probably SHOCK your mom to realise that she may be in the wrong for using such UGLY words and tone?

TRY THIS.

It is hard....I'm definitely not saying it is easy...but it is worth a try....


Hope you guys got something out of this:)






Monday, April 28, 2008

One Yummy Recipe

Love BBQ Chicken Wings?

Well I was craving for some and these beat the ones at Newton Hawker Center,
Plus, anything with alcohol is always yummier:)

Cheers


INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
1 cup oyster sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1/4 cup gin
2 dashes liquid smoke flavoring
1/2 cup white sugar
1 1/2 pounds chicken wings, separated at joints, tips discarded
1/4 cup honey

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, mix the teriyaki sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, gin, liquid smoke, and sugar. Place the chicken wings in the bowl, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator 8 hours or overnight.
Preheat the grill for low heat.
Lightly oil the grill grate. Arrange chicken on the grill, and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken wings on one side for 20 minutes, then turn and brush with honey. Continue grilling 25 minutes, or until juices run clear.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Jeff Dunham - Achmed the Dead Terrorist




Must Watch!
 this is so funny






Awesome Movie to be Produced by my friend Dorothy Foo

I've never seen something like this before. Its especially awesome to know that it has been created by a friend of mine who has gotten her inspiration from the Most High.


Craving - Tunnel of Love




http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=9466701



Do be kept in anticipation for this movie! I know it will be a blast!

Monday, April 7, 2008

Do you know your HYMNS?

Just for laughs.


Do you know your HYMNS?



The Dentist's Hymn........ ......... ........Crown Him with Many Crowns

The Weatherman's Hymn........ There Shall Be Showers of Blessings

The Contractor's Hymn........ ......... The Church's One Foundation

The Tailor's Hymn........ ......... ........Holy, Holy, Holy

The Golfer's Hymn........ ......... .There is a Green Hill Far Away

The Politician's Hymn........ ......... ..Standing on the Promises

The Optometrist' s Hymn........ ......... Open My Eyes That I Might See

The IRS Agent's Hymn........ ......... .......... ...I Surrender All



The Gossip's Hymn........ ......... .......... ......... ..Pass It On

The Electrician' s Hymn........ .......... ......... ..Send The Light

The Shopper's Hymn........ .......... ......... ...Sweet Bye and Bye

The Realtor's Hymn. * I've Got a Mansion Just over the Hilltop

The Massage Therapists Hymn ............ ......... He Touched Me

The Doctor's Hymn........ ......... .The Great Physician



AND for those who speed on the highway - a few hymns:

45mph....... .......... ....God Will Take Care of You

65mph....... ......... ....Nearer My God To Thee

85mph....... ......... ....This World Is Not My Home

95mph....... ......... ....Lord, I'm Coming Home

100mph..... ............ ..Precious Memories



Give me a sense of humor, Lord,

Give me the grace to see a joke,

To get some humor out of life.

AMEN

How lovely it is to celebrate your Birthday with a cause

Yesterday on a bright and sunny Sunday morning,

About 20 of us young adults brought a orphanage to the zoo in celebration of my friend's Gretta's birthday. At first when I was asked to go to the zoo on Sunday at 9am I thought my friend was out of his mind. Firstly, the zoo is not exactly near, secondly, its 9am on a Sunday, making me miss church and lastly.....why the zoo? But when I heard it was Gretta's way of celebrating her birthday, my immediate answer was "YES! count me in!".

This struck me deep inside, making me want to celebrate my next birthday with a cause. A typical birthday celebration is one that is revolved around getting wasted and intoxicated.... some or if its mine, a lot of booty shaking and dancing like a fool :)

But what a difference it would make if all or at least some of us change this pre-conception of birthday celebrations to one that will impact the society. I personally think its awesome and something that I pray will be contagious. Think of the number of children or abused lives we can touch, if everyone played their part.

Its just something to think about.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Chapter 1: Parenting Book Entry

Being the awesome you


Till this day I am still confused on why we as women feel we need to waste time being someone else. To be frank this is still a constant struggle that I deal with but am slowly mastering the art of accepting and be contented with who I am. A few years ago, in my journey to discover who I truly was and to find out what my true purpose on life was, I tried emulating people who I respected and wanted to be like.

My personal role models were Oprah Winfrey, who is a well respected and famous icon for women worldwide. I observed how she was passionate about what she did and ran after what she believed in. I knew I wanted to be like her but more customized with an Asian feel.

However my aspirations to be like her was also clouded with other people whom I wanted to be like as well. I wanted to be continuously dressed in power suit like the actresses in Alley McBeal and wanted to live the corporate lifestyle.

I imitated woman of this style, their mannerism, the social circles they mixed with and even the type of clothing they wore. Why? Well, all because I respected them and thought they were successful. To me personally, I can’t listen or emulate anyone I don’t respect and that was a key reason to why I was so easily convinced by their behavior and actions. I felt I needed to be like them in order to fully achieve my maximum potential.

But, the more I role modeled the array of different woman I felt torn apart. Yes, I wanted to be like Oprah Winfrey because….and in the corporate world like…. But they each had a different style, adopted different beliefs, mixed with different people and I was continuously trying to do everything they did coupling that with stuff that I enjoyed to do and felt fulfilled in doing. I was overly bogged down trying to be like them and not focusing on what was best for me. What was I thinking? Living more than 3 to 4 lives on top of mine was physically impossible given the standard 24hours we each are blessed with.

I knew I wanted to break out of the race of trying to be a poor imitator of someone(s) else.

I do agree strongly in the power of older council, learning from their wisdom due to their higher intellect or wise collection of experiences but not trying to become like them.

We are each unique, created from the uniting of our father’s and mother’s seeds and carefully crafted by God. No two of us are the same and the scientific explanation is that we each have a unique DNA code that if were to be read, would taken over 90 years. We are each fashioned for a different purpose in today’s history and we have to accept that we have to carry out such purposes in the comfort of our own skin. Yes, it is good to be inspired by others and strive to improve our strengths and weaknesses, that’s all good and I’m not going to argue against that. But the danger and destruction comes when you compare and sulk about what you don’t have and have too much of (tummy and fats :) ) I realized it the hard way to fall in love with myself everyday and to accept that fact that I can never be anyone else; only a better me.

I realized life was really revolved around the choices you made and I feel that we are who we are because of the choices we make in life. Our choices, topped with our genetic strengths and weaknesses plus the influences we gather and discard from the different people we meet and the different situations that we go through. Its all about the choices we decide to live by and the people we choose to spend our time with and the challenges we choose to embark upon.

Given that I knew that who I wanted to be tomorrow did not have to depend entirely on my past. I believe our past brought us to who and where we are today but its what we do today that direct our future. So its about living in the now and living that to the fullest and not regretting any choices we make.

Recently, I have chosen to view life differently and embrace who I am. I get irritated and feel compelled to change the mindset of many who are bogged down by the typical argument of the half filled half empty glass concept.

A majority of people are overly concentrated on making a statement that something in life is half filled, focusing on the weakness of stuff and never letting go and seeing things in totality, or in the light. We categorize these people as the pessimists in our society. Others on the other hand like to categorize themselves as the optimistic people, looking at the same situation or glass per se and saying that it is half filled. They are one step closer to realizing the fullness of that situation but still falling short of the totality of the situation.

In my perspective, I like to not accept either argument. Let me provide you with something that is thought provoking. Why not look at the glass as 100% full? You might question my intellect and not understand what I am trying to say. But think of it this way, the glass is always filled, half filled with air and half filled with water. Cool right? Well let me take it a notch higher, I like to think of the glass as more than 100% filled? How is this possible? And how can something ever be more than 100%? Well look at the glass again. Notice that it doesn’t have a lid on it, hence not preventing any air from flowing in and out. Hope you see where I am getting with this. The glass is more than filled because the air is not contained and actually flows out giving life to those around it. It is not confined and it can not even be measured because it goes out into the universe.

Pretty awesome right? Ingenious? Well I like to think so too. But all glory goes to God cause its Him who gives me the power and creativity to come up with concepts like this that I share freely share with you all.

So woman who truly knows herself can give freely, knowing that it doesn’t take anything away from her, because she is giving out of her abundance and leaving plenty for herself on the inside.

Knowing such revelations keeps us going. Its knowing your destiny that there was a reason why you were put on this planet to extend a helping hand to other and knowing that giving something whether a smile, love, a hug or even money can only further strength you and will not cause you any lack if you live out of your abundance, which again is your choice.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, said “Everyone has the power of greatness” noticed that he said greatness and not fame? In my perspective greatness is determined by the level of service offered and the pure intentions behind it. It is not about the level of glory or feel-goodness that you can get but its about how much you gave to other to make them feel that special way.

I used to struggle with this because I wanted to bask in all the glory and get recognized in the papers, media and magazines for what I have accomplished and for how good I was. However, I knew that could not take the full glory for anything that I did. I realized that it was the team that supported me. No one on this earth is a lone ranger and we weren’t created to be such, cause even if we were suppose to be alone and get full glory for what we did. We need others to recognize our effort and give us the fame and glory. So isn’t that dependence on other and recognizing the importance of leaving goodwill wherever we go?

Since young I understood the power of giving. I got a natural high from seeing other benefit and empowered by the words I gave to them. I knew from young that I wanted to teach others to realize their full potential and grasp the powers that they were born with……

To be continued…..

Shoot at River Place Condo by some photography friends






Wednesday, March 26, 2008

J.P. Morgan's Dirty Little Secret

J.P. Morgan's Dirty Little Secret
By Greg McCoach | Monday, March 24th, 2008


Events last week have prompted me to send out this communication regarding the sudden collapse of the precious metals market. Let's take a look at what caused the collapse and why junior mining companies are the one glimmer of hope amid the chaos.
Bear Stearns, J.P. Morgan, and the Precious Metals Market
The demise of Bear Stearns, which was reported to the public last Sunday evening and Monday, has in turn caused their assets to be sold off in masse this week.
On their book of liquid assets was a rather large, long gold position. It is being sold off in order to raise cash to offset their massive losses. The spot prices have been hammered because of this activity, but it will be short-term in nature. If you're looking to buy physical precious metals to diversify your portfolio at this point, you are being given an unexpected gift to do so. It won't last long.
Another item in Bear Stearns closet was a massive short-position in the ten year treasury. This of course is being unwound this week, which is making the dollar look a bit stronger than it really is. However, don't be confused by this nonsense, the dollar will soon resume its downward trend.
The fact that Bear Stearns was shorting the dollar to such a degree shows that they were not playing along with the the Federal Reserve banking crowd. And they have been severely punished by the powers that be.
What brought Bear Stearns to its knees was their own riverboat gambling mentality that not only jeopardized them, but the financial system as a whole. This story is just the beginning of what will be a long list of companies that meet a similar fate. Will the Fed and the citizens of the United States be able to bail out all the financial sewage that is about to be uncovered?
What the Fed is doing is nothing more than sleight of hand trickery to gain the assets of Bear Stearns. As I have said before, the Federal Reserve is no more "Federal" than Federal Express. It is a private organization owned and controlled by shareholders, the largest of which is J.P. Morgan Chase.
J.P. Morgan Chase, in other words, is the Federal Reserve... so don't be surprised that they end up with the assets while you and I pay for the debts from the whole mess.
When are people in the United States going to wake up to the ugly realities that are now upon us? This ongoing calamity of financial chaos is going to cause extremely serious consequences to each and every American. Your wealth, security and lifestyle are all at stake as the coming months and years unfold.
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4 Ways to Protect Your Financial Security

You should be doing everything you can, including:

Avoiding, paying down and paying off debt

Buying physical precious metals - particularly gold and silver

Getting money outside the country or at least in a better currency

Getting away from dollar-denominated risk

There are going to be banking failures in the United States and around the world. You should be evaluating the merits of who you bank with. Most of the big banks are in a world of hurt. The smaller, independent banks have not leveraged themselves like most of the big banks. So they may fare better, even though they don't offer all the nice, online services the big banks have.


What to Expect From Junior Mining Companies


As far as junior mining stocks go, they will rebound. Right now they are getting hit as investors like us prepare to write checks for our capital gains taxes. Yes, it appears many of us have waited till the last minute to raise money to pay for these taxes. Most of us will have to sell something to pay for them.

So, in the next few weeks, expect further weakness as this takes place. The better companies will be hit with this activity as well. Those who have the cash will be given the best opportunity to buy low and sell high.

After tax season however, and as the precious metals prices begin to make very large moves in April, the bigger junior mining companies will also make their move... going to much higher levels.

As we move forward in the next six to eight months, I see a time where we will begin to beef up positions in companies that are either in production or are near-term producers. Companies that are more speculative and do not have any near-term production capacity will be eliminated. The reason for this is that the risk capital markets are going to be getting much tighter moving forward, and many junior mining companies that are still in the speculative phase will find it much harder to raise monies moving forward. I will be talking more about this in the coming months.
Until next time,
Greg McCoach
www.GoldWorld.com


Current Metals Prices
Gold$923.703.70
Silver$1,715.0030.00
High Grade Copper$361.203.85
Palladium$432.50-13.55
Platinum$1,875.80-1.50




Small Cap Wizard Reveals Little-Known Secret to Easy Money
Ian Cooper has found a way to safely pull in triple-digit winner after triple-digit winner in an otherwise dangerous small-cap sector.His off-the-charts accuracy for reliably reading the markets, matched with his winner-after-winner track record, has plastered his sought-after advice on the pages of numerous publications. He's filled columns from Investor's Business Daily all the way to Forbes.
He's also frequently appeared on investment shows such as Money Matters with Barry Armstrong and On the Money with Mike Stein.

Click here to learn more about Ian's next pick.





Related Articles
Investing in Egyptian Gold

Investing in Silver

Why the Price of Gold is Down



Economic Releases for the week of Monday, March 24th, 2008:

Mar 24 - Existing Home Sales
Mar 25 - Consumer Confidence
Mar 26 - Durable Orders
Mar 26 - New Home Sales
Mar 26 - Crude Inventories
Mar 27 - GDP
Mar 27 - Initial Claims
Mar 28 - Personal Income and Spending
Mar 28 - Michigan Sentiment

Brought to you by Wealth Daily




From the Archives...
Gold Falls Over $100 an Ounce in Two Days
2008-03-20 - Luke Burgess

Why Silver Could Reach Over $150 an Ounce by the End of this Bull Market
2008-03-19 - Luke Burgess

Aurelian Cuts 169 Meters Grading 13.16 g/t Gold
2008-03-17 - Luke Burgess

Why $1,200 by Year End Isn't Out of the Question
2008-03-15 - Ian Cooper

Gold Hits $1,000 an Ounce
2008-03-13 - Luke Burgess

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

WHY PARENTING?

Why Parenting?
Many of you must have questioned or are still questioning why this fresh College Graduate would want to write a book about parenting. You have probably realized by now that I am still single, have no adopted children or children of my own. However, I do have a heart and passion for children and youth. I have taught at the YMCA children camps, gone for numerous mission trips, taught Conflict Resolution and Anger Management Modules to Grade 5 students in Canada and volunteered to teaching Sunday Schools at my church, City Mission Church. Additionally I am thankful to God for creating this desire to share how children, youth and young adults perceive parenting for their point of view. This book was inspired to bridge current parents’ understanding of their children and enhance the intangible relationships within families.

This need to share such values and insights was initially birth in me when I was still a teenager. I was appalled by the numerous youths who continuously cursed and sweared about their parents, belittle their jobs or lifestyle and show absolutely no respect what so ever. This by far was the norm and such bombardments of disrespect flood our city. I was blessed to have been brought up by good Christian parents who loved and cared for me unconditionally. However, I have to give tribute to the fact that my dad was posted overseas forcing my mother to give up her job and become a full time mom in Canada. Having been fortunately raised overseas where the work hours our less and more flexible, my family was able to spend a lot more time than a typical family in Singapore would.

We live in a culture that is booming exponentially and where a standard two-income family’s cash flow just breaks even or is still in debt or is left with very little savings. It is almost impossible for a fresh graduate to ultimately pay for a down payment of any private residential unit (public residents: HDB requires that you are over 35 years old or are married to qualify for a HDB unit) as the prices have soured due to the recent 2007 economic boom. Parents are forced turn to foreign helpers to take care of their children and many children end up spending more time with these helpers than they do with their own parents. Obviously, with little to no time spent as a family, relationships will inevitably tarnish and wither away.

So who is to blame? The society, the parents or the children? However there is only so much that we can do to change how the society we live in. But there is a 100% cause and effect to how we can decide to change how we act as individuals, be it the role of a parent or the child. So the real question is, how willing and determined are we to foster the relationships you have as a family unit? To what extents are you willing to go through to fight for this goal?


Young at Heart. Parenting is an opportunity for rediscovering one's inner child that had been buried deeply beneath the layers of conditioning that we had acquired in the process of growing up. It is a reminder to feel young again at heart, and experience the world with a child-like wonder. It is all right to be playful. Give yourself full permission to party and have fun with our children.

Communication

Communication
Inspiration from Kenny Toh, Parents as Coaches

One of the main problems in today’s families is the lack of communication. Let me be a little more specific and state effective and quality communication, as many of us ‘communicate’ through shouting, door clamming or silent body gestures continuously at home. The lack of proper communication has been lacking in families and this is not a new epidemic.

Effective communication really takes two hands to clap and it requires both parties to actively listen and contribute tactfully to the communication process. If otherwise done, you might as well talk straight to a blank wall or your favorite stuff toy at home.

I’m going to lay out some elements of effective communication in this write up and I hope you will be able to pick up some nuggets of truth and inspiration.


Communication through PLAY:

Children have been born to play. Even when I’m nearing 24, I still love playing and I make it a point to have fun in whatever I do, be it work or reading a book or even just sweating it out at the gym.

It is no secret that children learn best through playing. In fact, that applies to adults too. Playing is not only essential but a lot of fun too. It warms up and relaxes the mind, making it open and receptive to learning.

Playing puts a child in a state of wonder, enabling them to experiment with new things, ideas or activities, uninhibited by fears arising from excessive self-consciousness. The message for parents is that, "if you want to teach children something effectively, make sure that the process is fun for them".

Moreover, playing has healthy consequences to the family, for a family that plays together often stays together.



Communication through AFFIRMATION:

Children need affirmation, especially from their parents. Affirmation is nourishment for the soul. Affirmation may be given in the form of words such as "I believe in you" and "You are doing fine", or simply by nodding our head with encouragement. When we affirm our children, we strengthen their beliefs in themselves and help them build greater confidence.

Communication through COMPASSION:

Compassion is about feeling for others, empathizing with their sufferings, a virtue that is beneficial to cultivate from young. Virtues or values are to be caught and not taught. The best way to cultivate compassion in our children is through our actions. Children learn and absorb what’s around them like sponges. We may be quiet about what we are choosing to soak in but we tend to retail a lot of things, both good and bad.

An act of compassion need not necessarily involve volunteering at non-profit organizations or donating cash to charities. Opportunities for showing compassion happen in our every day life and is especially apparent in times of crisis. Most people are filled to the brim with complaints and bad mood, emo things, but it is at these times that compassion can really go very far.

If parents were to show such compassion since their children’s growing up age, it will inevitable rub off on them. It will be ingrained in their sub-conscious mind and a mimic behavior on their part would not be a chore or sacrifice but their way of life.

Recently, I have committed to show compassion in my daily life. I started tipping generously to people who least expect it. For example, paying a tip to the cab driver that is 50% of the fare or even 100%! The shocked but happy smile was all worth it. It made my day and definitely made his. Another thing we should all do, is thanking and tipping the uncles and aunties at the hawker centers and in our washrooms. Think about this: When was the last time they got a compliment?

Trust me on this, their smiles and appreciation will be worth much more than your dollars and cents.

Additionally, they need it much more than you do and I can promise that you will get back your act of kindness much more in return. Remember that we were blessed so that we can in return be a blessing. If you sow financially you will reap financially. It’s a biblical and spiritual truth. So go out there and bless

Communication through EMPATHY:

Empathy is the cornerstone of effective communication between the parent and the child. The key to tuning into our children emotionally lies in our ability to listen with empathy. Empathy requires the ability to feel what they feel, see what they see, hear what they hear, without reacting to these emotions. To listen with empathy, we need to be fully present to our children. Children need undivided attention. Through listening to their emotions, and acknowledging them without judgment, we make them feel understood. When a child feels understood, he feels loved. And when he feels loved, his opens up and becomes receptive to guidance.

Communication through HONESTY:

We would like to think that honesty is the best policy, but the truth often hurts. At times, honesty can be brutal. When a child tells a parent how much he hated his little brother and how he wishes that the latter is dead, it may cause the parent to feel hurt or furious over the child's ill thinking.

How should the parent respond? Definitely not with anger or disapproval. To encourage honesty, we need to maintain an environment in which our children feel safe to open their hearts and speak honestly. Conscious parents will acknowledge the child's courage for being honest, show empathy for the child's hatred, seek to understand the underlying causes, and then guide them out of the undesirable emotions.

Communication through INFINITE PATIENCE:

Effective parenting requires infinite patience. Children seldom respond at the rate that we wish they do. They need a lot room to experiment, try new ideas, and figure things out without being rushed or ridiculed.

With infinite patience, we are able to provide them the space for learning, failing, and growth. The best way to cultivate our patience, is to put the well-being of our children at heart when we are being with them. When their development is placed at the top of our priority, there is nothing else that we ought to be rushing to at the expense of their growth.

Communication through LISTENING:

The art of attentive listening is essential to effective communication. Listening attentively to our children requires us to be fully present to the conversation that we are having with them, while being aware of the perceptual filters that is determining what we are listening to.

We seldom listen with a truly neutral or open mind. What is important is not to eradicate these filters, but to be conscious of them and choose the appropriate filters that fit the situation. When we give our children full attention, we show them respect. As we listen with empathy, and respond in a manner which shows that we appreciate how they feel, we make them feel understood and loved.

Communication through QUESTIONING:

A question sets up an expectation for an answer. Questioning is one of the most powerful tools we could use to direct our children's thoughts. With great power, comes great responsibility, and hence it is to be used with care. Asking a child "Why did you do this?" may invite him to look for reasons and excuses for his behavior, and even lead him to lie if he feels that honesty will lead to worse consequences. Asking a child "What do you think you can do about it now?" directs his attention to actions, instead of reasons.

Asking a child "What if you can?" can redirect his thinking from limitations to possibilities. Conscious parents constantly hone their skills in questioning by developing a collection of useful questions to be fired off at the appropriate moments for guiding their children effectively.

Communication through SUGGESTIONS:

Suggestions work better than instructions. Children and teenagers who are establishing their own identities are prone to reject being told what they should do.

Consider the use of suggestions through the use of words such as "Would you consider ..." or "Perhaps you may like to try ..." instead of "Do as I say!". Suggestions have the power of penetrating into the child's subconscious mind, and hence, bypassing the deliberate evaluation by the conscious mind where the child accepts or rejects what was said.


True suggestions, we can provide guidance through exploring them to new options, without appearing to imposing on them.


Communication through JOKES AND RIDDLES:

Children love jokes and riddles because they make them laugh.

A sense of humor is a great asset for getting through to children. Make a commitment to learn some jokes and riddles, and use them generously on your children, especially when they feel down or depressed. After all, laughter is often the best medicine!






Monday, March 10, 2008

something to chew on

************ Wedding Sermon on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ************

By: Rev. Adrian Dieleman

This sermon was preached on April 4, 1998

Wedding Message for Kent & Julie Houtsma
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
(Eccl 4:9-12) Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: (10) If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! (11) Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? (12) Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

"Two are better than one." This principle lies behind every marriage, every friendship, and every relationship. "Two are better than one." I'm sure, Kent & Julie, that on this your wedding day you would not disagree with that statement. You have decided it is better to go through life as a couple than as two separate individuals. But, then, that is the way God created us — to fellowship together. Remember Adam in the Garden? God looked at Adam and said, "It is not good for the man to be alone" (Gen 2:18). So He created Eve and brought her to the man. "Two are better than one."

Why are two better than one? Why did God create Eve for Adam? Listen to what Scripture says:
(Eccl 4:9) Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work ...

(Gen 2:18) The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."
This is two ways of saying the same thing.

What does it mean? God is talking about the comfort, support, help, and joy that companionship can bring. You see, one is a lonely number. But two, that is better, much better. "Two are better than one." Kent and Julie, in the marriage relationship, you are to be each other's best and closest companion and friend.

In three examples our passage illustrates the blessings of companionship. The examples are taken from the risks of traveling by foot in Palestine during the days of the author. This, I think, is very suitable as marriage is like a trip or journey. For, when a bride and groom are joined to each other in marriage they covenant to travel life's pathway together.

The first example is that of a traveler who falls into a pit or ditch:
(Eccl 4:10) If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
For a traveler on his own a fall might prove fatal, especially at night. If a leg is broken, if ribs are cracked, if a skull is split open, the single traveler may never receive needed medical attention. The traveler with a companion, however, has someone to pull him out of the ditch or pit, someone to splint his broken bones, someone to bring him to safety.

By getting married, Kent and Julie, you do not travel alone. You have each other. You have each other to look to for help when disease or accident occur. You have each other to lean on.

The second example is that of a traveler facing the cold Palestine night:
(Eccl 4:11) Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
Don't forget, back then there were no Holiday Inns. The traveler usually had to sleep under the stars or in a cave. And the Palestine night, even during the summer, can be very cool. Most travelers found it necessary to sleep close together in order to stay warm and comfortable.

One of the joys of marriage, Kent and Julie, is being able to share a bed with your partner. There is nothing quite like snuggling up to the wife of your youth during a cold winter night or in the cool of the morning.

A third illustration is taken from the burglar or wayside bandit:
(Eccl 4:12) Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
The single traveler may be overcome by a bandit; safety is found in numbers. The rope-makers of the Ancient World certainly knew that: a rope made of a single or double strand of cord could be broken so easily; a rope, however, made of three strands was not so easily broken.

In marriage, Kent and Julie, you can strengthen and sustain each other. You can look to each other for support and encouragement. You can uphold and defend each other.

Kent and Julie, the two of you are life-long companions of each other. From now on you travel the same road. None of us knows the kind of road the Lord has in mind for you. None of us knows the pitfalls, the curves, the valleys, the hills that you will face. But as your wind your way through life, you have the comfort and strength of each other as lifelong traveling companions.

Kent and Julie, remember please that "Two are better than one." The Lord has blessed each of you with the companionship of the other person. So many couples forget this. Over time they neglect and forget their marriage partner; over time they stop doing things together, they stop communicating with each other, they start to drift apart; they lose the joy of companionship they had during dating and the first year or so of marriage. So Kent and Julie, don't ever forget or neglect your friendship with each other. Remain each other's best friend; continue to share with each other; spend time talking to and with each other; do things together; don't ever let a hobby, a job, children, or even church and kingdom work take so much of your time and energy that you no longer have time for each other.

None of this denies, of course, the joy and importance of other relationships. For, don't forget, you are also members of a church. As a couple you also have the responsibility of giving and finding companionship among the people of God.

Lastly, and most importantly, Kent and Julie, you also stand in relationship to God. It is He, especially, Who is your life-long traveling companion. He has been so since even before the time you were first placed in your mother's arms. It is He, especially, Who helps when you stumble and fall, when you are cold and weary, when you are attacked and molested. And, only when you get close to Him can you get the support and strength that you need to make life's journey together. You see, Kent you are one strand of the rope that is marriage, Julie you are another strand, but the third strand is God. To keep your marriage strong, then, you need faith in Jesus. To keep your marriage strong, then, you need to give your heart to Him Who died for you. To keep your marriage strong, then, you need to make Jesus the Lord of your home and the Head of your marriage. Then, and only then, do you have a marriage cord of three strands that cannot be quickly broken. As the poem on your program puts it:
Marriage Takes Three

I once thought marriage took
Just Two to make a go,
But now I am convinced
It takes the Lord also.

And not one marriage fails
Where Christ is asked to enter
As lovers come together
With Jesus at the center.

But marriage seldom thrives,
And homes are incomplete,
till He is welcomed there
To help avoid defeat.

In homes where Christ is first
It's obvious to see,
Those unions really work,
For marriage still takes three.

Perry Tanksley 1984


Kent and Julie, as you travel down life's pathway together, remember this: "Two are better than one." But also remember: "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." When the three of you — Kent, Julie, and God — travel together, you stand on such solid ground that nothing can tear you apart.
You can e-mail our pastor at: Pastor, Trinity Christian Reformed Church
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Sunday, March 2, 2008

beyond belief...In Him all things hold together....

I hope these clips will put us into perspective with God and make us realise that we are nothing without Him. I know i'm not the most angelic being on this planet, but I also know that I am fully redeem by God's blood and in Him there is no condemnation. I know that He loves me deeply and has an awesome plan for my life.

This preaching by Louie confirms everything that I believe in and it had re-affirmed my faith. I know that I serve a Huge God that is not only the Greatest and most Influential COE of the universe but one that even know me by name...and loves me so much that He cares and will send His only son to die for me, even though I'm still a sinner. That's just crazy love.

Okay coming back to the links I attached on my previous post. Louie talks about the cell adhesion protein molecule called “LAMININ”. Many of you must be like...errrr... what on earth is laminin? Don't worry I had that mind block as well....

Well it’s the “glue” that holds our cells together. When he puts this picture up on the big screen the crowd just claps and cheers when they see it. The picture on the left is the scientific diagram and the one on the right is the actual molecule under an electron microscope.

The stuff that holds our bodies together is in the shape of the cross! How cool is that?

He than quotes the verse from
~ Colossians 1:17 “He (Christ) is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”




Geez... Power Power Power....



Lastly, in the preaching before this.... Louie uses a picture of the middle of the Whirlpool galaxy that is 31 million light years away. This image was captured by the Hubble telescope. God’s glory imprinted in the cosmos!

Another..... Power shot and fact!

Its so crazy and we serve a cool and real God, who not only knows everything but wants to guide us to discover His plans for us...and is always there when we cry out to Him. Can't believe that I can have the honour or calling him my friend, a friend that is closer than no other... that's just cool.....=)


How Great is Our God - by Louie Giglio

This blew my mind away!

You have to watch these few YouTube clips and tell me what you think! This is the second part of the first mind-blowing message titled "INDESCRIBABLE". Watched it at my Tuesday group fellowship and was amazed! I knew I had to share it with as many people as the truths you find out in these two messages are just out of this world!

Trust me. You won't regret watching this!

Here are the links:

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfTQqsoa1QQ

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKY6gY1ZsV8&NR=1

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtrpa40DYwg&feature=related

Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfI05Xuv9BE&feature=related

Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoTmwZ2wh-c&feature=related

Part 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjSDN-SHcMA&feature=related

Part 7: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5ZMdjCI2aY&feature=related

Part 8: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE6LfjTvV9g&feature=related

Part 9: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzHxAhPtbJE&feature=related

Part 10: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng4gkBk4cuc&feature=related

Part 11: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBeJK76k4y0&feature=related

THIS IS SO COOL! ITS THE LAMININ SELF-ADHESION MOLECULE that is holding your body together

LAMININ: Part 12: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEYfuKklds4&feature=related

Part 13: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4_9jdmUUrM&feature=related

Part 14:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCE3iYRRCHg&feature=related

Part 15: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzHMyOWQmIk&feature=related

Friday, February 29, 2008

What I think about HOUSE




It has been a while since I last wrote an entry and I apologise to those who have been visiting my blog and have been disappointed with the lack of updates.

My new part-time job at HOUSE has been keeping me busy, but I'm loving it at the same time as I get to meet very interesting and awesome people but best of all get to see old friends whom I lost complete contact with.

Last night, I ran into two of my track and field juniors from Crescent and it was a pleasant surprise. It was good catching up with them and making sure that they enjoyed their experience at HOUSE.

On Valentines Day, I got pulled back to work as they were short-handed on their staffing. I cancelled my plans and made my way down dragging my feet as I found it was a sad case that I had to spend Valentines' Day at work but also psyching myself up to make the best of the night. Everything turned out well in the end, as I ended up bumping into my ex-lecturers from NJC and I am patiently waiting to see if I can give a motivational talk at my old JC.

I believe all things happen for a reason and we as individuals need to see the light amongst every situation. Its a hard technique to master but it is really all a matter or perspective and a choice to see things in a positive angle.

I highlight in my book about that we as individuals are an aggregate of our choices in life. We are a sum of all the information we choose to retain and recall from books, tv, movies, music, all the choices you made at different situations, the challenges you decided to take on and those you decide to avoid....etc...

However, I mention that you aggregate defines your present but your future need not be the same as something your choose to do or someone you choose to let into your life could have taught you something that transforms your life. This element/lesson/revelation can screw your whole aggregate, making you an entirely different person.

But again, as I emphasize, it all start with what you choose to do and what you allow to affect your mindset, heart, emotions and even spirit.


I need to run off the HOUSE for work again so I'll complete my entry later in the afternoon or sometime over the weekend.

I will be posting information on my book on this blog, so please write in to give me your insights and perspectives on things.

GOD BLESS

Thursday, January 31, 2008

I'm the New PR for HOUSE @ Dempsey

Hi everyone,

I know its been ages since I last made a posting cause too many things have been happening over the last few weeks. So here's a quick update with what's been happening in the month of January.

For my personal life, its been a series of ups and downs. Been meeting many people but no one has particularly caught my eye. I'm someone who takes relationship very seriously as I tend to get very or should very overly EMO. I feel the pains of the other party and internalize and carry their burdens, even when not asked to....I try to be more self-centered but can't cause that's just who I am. So i'm trying to distant myself and remain relatively cold and wary cause I afraid to be hurt and heartbroken again.

I believe a lot in peer and parent acceptance and approval of your to be boyfriend as your friends and family only have your best interests at heart and want the best for you. So that on top of talking about deep issues are my pre-reqs before getting into another relationhsip as i'm just tired of the whole 'game' especially when you don't see eye to eye with the other party. Being honest is the key, I feel  otherwise its just a waste of time and money for both sides...

okay, enough on relationships....

My book is moving along great. I've got Kelvyn Foo to help me out as my copywriter and we have been meeting up almost every other day. So that's been pretty awesome. To top things off, Kenny Toh, the columnist for Mind your Body for the Straits Times on Parenting...loves my idea and wants to be my mentor and help out....isn't that pretty sweet!

On top of that my new job as the new PR of House @ Dempsey allows me to meet a lot of interesting and fun-loving individuals who are not only well-connected but also very passionate about what they do in life. These are all stepping stones to my ever increasing network and I thank God for blessing me.


I am happy with my life at this moment despite the many different things that I am involved in.

Checking out for now........