As a tribute to all mothers, whether alive in this world or the next, may you be remembered by your sacrifice and unseen acts that are taken for granted by us (children). May your efforts be remembered everyday and not just on Mother's Day each year. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!
Motherhood: A Gift, A Calling, Challenge, Heartbreak, Promise, Pain.
Thanks we sing to Mothers, Dreamers, Gratitude our song's refrain.
Mothers now embrace new freedoms, opportunities abound.
Partnerships are raising children, men and women share new ground.
Faith, Imagination, Humour, Tenderness and Candid truth:
Lessons learned by men and women, leading children through their youth.
God has given us the model:
Setting limits, granting choice, patient love and sure forgiveness,
Guidance from the still small voice.
Some will face a daily struggle, mothers pulled in many way,
Stressful jobs and disappointments, broken families, taxing days.
Some have needs more fundamental:
Food, clean water, shelter, care,
Our support, our prayers essential, in this troubled world we share.
Shaping lives in God's creation, men and women take the lead.
Children made in God's own image:
These are sacred trust indeed.
Mothers growing with their families, friendships in maturity;
Mother's gifts to growing children:
Give them knowledge, set them free.
Words: Jacque B. Jones, 2007
Music: John R. Kleinheksel Sr.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Growing Up versus Growing Old
"Time" is a funny thing that exist in our earthly world where you're bound by its influence and at times, you might feel helpless facing the fact that it still moves on whether you like it or not. Time can be a tool to help us to overcome challenges and also a deadly weapon especially when you dread certain decisions in life which you know for sure you can't turn back in time.
Living and experiencing LIFE as it is, brings me to the point where the saying goes, growing old is mandatory but growing up is a choice!!
Pondering upon this point brings perspective in life that getting older in age and being the responsible person (matured person) that we should and need to be takes real conscious effort to be responsible.
All human beings living on this earth would have a set (or sets) of responsibility in life that will eventually shape us and build us in character. Value system that you hold true and Spiritual conviction are certain indicators on how "responsibility" is a part of you and me. Nonetheless, being responsible in life seems like a fast disappearing trait in our societal evolution.
Being responsible is not always convenient; being responsible is not always a joyous occasion; being responsible is taking the blame when things screw up; being responsible is being accountable to decisions made in life; being responsible is waking up earlier to do chores when others' are sleeping; being responsible is through your pocket where household expenditure is yours to bear too and the list can just go on and on for eternity.
As I mature in life and be exposed to problems of the adult world, responsibility seems to ring louder in my mind as I know learn to evaluate and judge on certain adults I engage with. Adults being human aren't perfect and are scared of taking up responsibility in life coz responsibility means you will be held accountable on decisions; and especially out of work context, it gets more pathetic purely based on the system of no incentive to do so. Recent events in my life has shown that being an adult (growing old) doesn't necessarily reflect growing up in wisdom of matters; by virtue of stubbornness to impending changes further proves my point of being childish and immaturity. Leaders of organisations need to understand the responsibility that is expected from their position and comprehend that their job is not to be boot lickers or peace makers with all parties involved. To my knowledge, leaders need to make judgement based on all related issues and come up with the most amicable solution in any scenario and willing to bear whatever may comes.
Growing up ain't easy and shouldering responsibility as we move along is no small deal in life. May each person learn to juggle responsibilities in life and understand that it is impossible to please everyone at the end. Most importantly is that one is able to stand tall and be accountable to his/her Maker on the responsibilities given during this "temporary" life.
Do remember to grow UP, even when time forces you to grow OLD!! xD
Living and experiencing LIFE as it is, brings me to the point where the saying goes, growing old is mandatory but growing up is a choice!!
Pondering upon this point brings perspective in life that getting older in age and being the responsible person (matured person) that we should and need to be takes real conscious effort to be responsible.
All human beings living on this earth would have a set (or sets) of responsibility in life that will eventually shape us and build us in character. Value system that you hold true and Spiritual conviction are certain indicators on how "responsibility" is a part of you and me. Nonetheless, being responsible in life seems like a fast disappearing trait in our societal evolution.
Being responsible is not always convenient; being responsible is not always a joyous occasion; being responsible is taking the blame when things screw up; being responsible is being accountable to decisions made in life; being responsible is waking up earlier to do chores when others' are sleeping; being responsible is through your pocket where household expenditure is yours to bear too and the list can just go on and on for eternity.
As I mature in life and be exposed to problems of the adult world, responsibility seems to ring louder in my mind as I know learn to evaluate and judge on certain adults I engage with. Adults being human aren't perfect and are scared of taking up responsibility in life coz responsibility means you will be held accountable on decisions; and especially out of work context, it gets more pathetic purely based on the system of no incentive to do so. Recent events in my life has shown that being an adult (growing old) doesn't necessarily reflect growing up in wisdom of matters; by virtue of stubbornness to impending changes further proves my point of being childish and immaturity. Leaders of organisations need to understand the responsibility that is expected from their position and comprehend that their job is not to be boot lickers or peace makers with all parties involved. To my knowledge, leaders need to make judgement based on all related issues and come up with the most amicable solution in any scenario and willing to bear whatever may comes.
Growing up ain't easy and shouldering responsibility as we move along is no small deal in life. May each person learn to juggle responsibilities in life and understand that it is impossible to please everyone at the end. Most importantly is that one is able to stand tall and be accountable to his/her Maker on the responsibilities given during this "temporary" life.
Do remember to grow UP, even when time forces you to grow OLD!! xD
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The Farmer's Love - Was is Worth the Sweat?
I was reading an article and it talks about a farmer who works and toil on the land, digs up the stones that lay hidden underground and hamper the growth of the roots. I guess in modern day I may use the example of the farmer digging up the lallang that grows wildly to enable the crops to grow on fertile land that has been cleared.
At the end of the article, the question was asked on whether it was reasonable for the farmer who has work hard on the land to expect the land to produce good fruits?
In logical terms, I guess it would be logical to feel frustrated and disappointed that after putting much effort and no good fruit was produced. Imagine working on a land for months to clear off all the obstacle that would hamper the successful planting and fruits only to realise after a year, no good fruits come from the land. Not just no profit can be made from the land, the initial investment also goes down the drain.
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At the end of the article, the question was asked on whether it was reasonable for the farmer who has work hard on the land to expect the land to produce good fruits?
In logical terms, I guess it would be logical to feel frustrated and disappointed that after putting much effort and no good fruit was produced. Imagine working on a land for months to clear off all the obstacle that would hamper the successful planting and fruits only to realise after a year, no good fruits come from the land. Not just no profit can be made from the land, the initial investment also goes down the drain.
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Monday, February 28, 2011
1st Life Report
Recently I read a "report" on life from a relative and thought that it was an awesome idea to put to practise, partially it helps in recollecting the past events of my life and amazing experiences that has been graciously given by God. Therefore, as a start, this new blog of Thinkerish will just do that as I celebrate my 26th Birthday today..
26th years has passed by since a wonderful woman delivered me to this world (not forgetting the man though..nanti jealous pula) and it has been 26th years this life have struggled within himself and with the world to understand his placing and purpose of existence. From primary school till tertiary education, I have been priviledged to experience a wonderful upbringing whether at home or in school. Since young, my education performance was usually above average and there was always something to be proud of in life:
Primary:
Elocution rep for school, Badminton player for school
Secondary:
School Debater competing in state level, Sportsman, President of a few organisations (best being the President for school graduation magazine), Active in the Boys' Brigade of Malaysia and Scout Troop
University:
Active in all levels of Residential College activities, RC Squash player, Vice President of Student Representative Council
Then in my 23rd year living in this world, things started to change dramatically in my life. It was the year when formal education takes a back seat and it is about facing the world where you work to survive on monthly salary and no more on pocket money or scholarship benefits. First year working life wasn't the best year of my life (by far) and at certain point, it was shear pain and nearing depression. Church life then did not exist and not having a Christian group to support was tough.
*for those who do not know my background, I am used to moving around in few years. Thus the understanding that I do not have a strong church group of friends to help me along in terms of spiritual need*
This was also the year that I lost my mom to cancer and that incident has since left me with a big hole of emptiness and I am still in the process of recuperating from its after effect. However, the passing of my mom has also since change certain perception of my life and brought me back in search for the Almighty God.
Spiritual Life
Growing up in a Christian family has in a way made me take religion for granted as it is a way of life and I've not really question in terms of what my believe system are. God has always been mentioned and prayed to during Sunday services, before meals, worship etc but God was never really there personally in my life (at least in my opinion). It was the practise to attend bible study, sunday school, be active in church activities and losing the real purpose of doing all these activities. God works in mysterious ways and at times, very harsh methods to discipline His believers. It was actually through my mom's passing that I started to search back for God (at first, it was due to frustration and anger at HIM for allowing my mom to pass on), started to read my Bible to know for sure whether should I still believe in a God who allowed this wonderful woman in my life to die and should I leave the faith; and wanting to serve back in Church ministry in any capacity to fill in the emptiness. The whole process lead me to find answers and revelation of many things I did not anticipated.
Through the whole experience, I realised that God has enabled me to feel compassion at a very deep level, to share and connect with those who are suffering (whether it is family break up or losing a love one), faith to encourage that God still loves and care when we're suffering like crazy. I wish things could have been different but the more I think of it, God indeed has a greater plan in our life but being human, I still wish that the price I had to pay for a change in my life was not by her death.
Career
Ever since graduation, I didn't really rely on God's advice in terms of where to head to, it was mainly about who pays a higher salary and where the job prospect lies. In this area too, God decided to take me on a ride with few tempting prospective options such as pursuing a Masters in the UK with Scholarship and a chance to enter an international consulting firm after working a year in the market. However, it is quite obvious that these options didn't work out for very specific reasons..Which leads to me joining the Civil Service as a PTD officer now based in the Economic Planning Unit, PM's Department.
Honestly, I would have never dreamt myself joining civil service as both my parents are very dedicated people who serves the country and yet, let's just say it usually goes un-notice and un-appreciated. However, with every opportunity that came knocking, it seems that one by one they kept closing on me till this letter of acceptance I received from SPA one day asking me to report for duty. After much thought and prayer, there was a sense of calmness in me that to quit my job and enter service. So, as the saying goes, the rest is history.. What is the plan God has for me in this place of public service? I really do not know for sure but what I know is, I will continue to serve as long as He thinks I am needed.
Relationship
Tricky thing to actually talk about in a public domain. Nonetheless, here goes =)
I used to think that by the age of 30, I would be holding my first son/daughter (meaning I'll be married at least by 29 years old). However, as the years go by and the window called "time" is closing on me, it seems harder to accomplish that dream. I have the thinking of starting a family younger is because of shear logic and being practical as I DO NOT want to be working still to pay for my children's education when I've retired!! *envy my dad's position now*
Being more matured@older in life, the thought of marriage and finding that girl that I would love waking up too every single morning and to say I LOVE YOU even when she is walking with a stick in her old age is a real question many of people my age think about. Trouble is: Where is that "she"??
I used to pray that God will give me that particular girl that I like at a point in my life but after awhile, I start to realise (through others' counselling) that the method wasn't the right way or rightly motivated. I might like her and fall crazily for her but would she make a good wife and mother is a totally different story as only God knows who best to suit us. Therefore, my direction is courtship now has change and the prayer is that God would motivate me to be patient even when circumstances seem otherwise (or have been rejected upon proposing) and be MAN enough to approach the girl with much respect&dignity and of course be prepared to be answered with a "NO" or "Sorry".
~~Hey, who said that it was easy being a guy huh? coz guys are scared of rejection too okay girls~~
Anyway, this issue would be 'diangkat' to God for His approval in each attempt I would take. Let's see what the future holds..
It has been 25th years since my little body came into existence and prayerfully with God's grace, many more years to come for me to be of fruitful use for His divine purpose. Birthday is a good occasion to remind myself that I'm here for a purpose and to be reminded that each second of air I breath is by the grace of GOD. What is in store for me in the near future, I do not know but what I know is this..God will not short change me for my faithfulness.
26th years has passed by since a wonderful woman delivered me to this world (not forgetting the man though..nanti jealous pula) and it has been 26th years this life have struggled within himself and with the world to understand his placing and purpose of existence. From primary school till tertiary education, I have been priviledged to experience a wonderful upbringing whether at home or in school. Since young, my education performance was usually above average and there was always something to be proud of in life:
Primary:
Elocution rep for school, Badminton player for school
Secondary:
School Debater competing in state level, Sportsman, President of a few organisations (best being the President for school graduation magazine), Active in the Boys' Brigade of Malaysia and Scout Troop
University:
Active in all levels of Residential College activities, RC Squash player, Vice President of Student Representative Council
Then in my 23rd year living in this world, things started to change dramatically in my life. It was the year when formal education takes a back seat and it is about facing the world where you work to survive on monthly salary and no more on pocket money or scholarship benefits. First year working life wasn't the best year of my life (by far) and at certain point, it was shear pain and nearing depression. Church life then did not exist and not having a Christian group to support was tough.
*for those who do not know my background, I am used to moving around in few years. Thus the understanding that I do not have a strong church group of friends to help me along in terms of spiritual need*
This was also the year that I lost my mom to cancer and that incident has since left me with a big hole of emptiness and I am still in the process of recuperating from its after effect. However, the passing of my mom has also since change certain perception of my life and brought me back in search for the Almighty God.
Spiritual Life
Growing up in a Christian family has in a way made me take religion for granted as it is a way of life and I've not really question in terms of what my believe system are. God has always been mentioned and prayed to during Sunday services, before meals, worship etc but God was never really there personally in my life (at least in my opinion). It was the practise to attend bible study, sunday school, be active in church activities and losing the real purpose of doing all these activities. God works in mysterious ways and at times, very harsh methods to discipline His believers. It was actually through my mom's passing that I started to search back for God (at first, it was due to frustration and anger at HIM for allowing my mom to pass on), started to read my Bible to know for sure whether should I still believe in a God who allowed this wonderful woman in my life to die and should I leave the faith; and wanting to serve back in Church ministry in any capacity to fill in the emptiness. The whole process lead me to find answers and revelation of many things I did not anticipated.
Through the whole experience, I realised that God has enabled me to feel compassion at a very deep level, to share and connect with those who are suffering (whether it is family break up or losing a love one), faith to encourage that God still loves and care when we're suffering like crazy. I wish things could have been different but the more I think of it, God indeed has a greater plan in our life but being human, I still wish that the price I had to pay for a change in my life was not by her death.
Career
Ever since graduation, I didn't really rely on God's advice in terms of where to head to, it was mainly about who pays a higher salary and where the job prospect lies. In this area too, God decided to take me on a ride with few tempting prospective options such as pursuing a Masters in the UK with Scholarship and a chance to enter an international consulting firm after working a year in the market. However, it is quite obvious that these options didn't work out for very specific reasons..Which leads to me joining the Civil Service as a PTD officer now based in the Economic Planning Unit, PM's Department.
Honestly, I would have never dreamt myself joining civil service as both my parents are very dedicated people who serves the country and yet, let's just say it usually goes un-notice and un-appreciated. However, with every opportunity that came knocking, it seems that one by one they kept closing on me till this letter of acceptance I received from SPA one day asking me to report for duty. After much thought and prayer, there was a sense of calmness in me that to quit my job and enter service. So, as the saying goes, the rest is history.. What is the plan God has for me in this place of public service? I really do not know for sure but what I know is, I will continue to serve as long as He thinks I am needed.
Relationship
Tricky thing to actually talk about in a public domain. Nonetheless, here goes =)
I used to think that by the age of 30, I would be holding my first son/daughter (meaning I'll be married at least by 29 years old). However, as the years go by and the window called "time" is closing on me, it seems harder to accomplish that dream. I have the thinking of starting a family younger is because of shear logic and being practical as I DO NOT want to be working still to pay for my children's education when I've retired!! *envy my dad's position now*
Being more matured@older in life, the thought of marriage and finding that girl that I would love waking up too every single morning and to say I LOVE YOU even when she is walking with a stick in her old age is a real question many of people my age think about. Trouble is: Where is that "she"??
I used to pray that God will give me that particular girl that I like at a point in my life but after awhile, I start to realise (through others' counselling) that the method wasn't the right way or rightly motivated. I might like her and fall crazily for her but would she make a good wife and mother is a totally different story as only God knows who best to suit us. Therefore, my direction is courtship now has change and the prayer is that God would motivate me to be patient even when circumstances seem otherwise (or have been rejected upon proposing) and be MAN enough to approach the girl with much respect&dignity and of course be prepared to be answered with a "NO" or "Sorry".
~~Hey, who said that it was easy being a guy huh? coz guys are scared of rejection too okay girls~~
Anyway, this issue would be 'diangkat' to God for His approval in each attempt I would take. Let's see what the future holds..
It has been 25th years since my little body came into existence and prayerfully with God's grace, many more years to come for me to be of fruitful use for His divine purpose. Birthday is a good occasion to remind myself that I'm here for a purpose and to be reminded that each second of air I breath is by the grace of GOD. What is in store for me in the near future, I do not know but what I know is this..God will not short change me for my faithfulness.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Resurrection
It has been a long time since I last written anything about my thoughts of how things are on this place called Earth. This born again version of "thinkerish" would serve as a platform for me to share on it and therefore others' should read with good faith that anything posted is done in proper gesture and has no intention to create misunderstanding or ill-feelings. Please do understand that it is your right to critic/disagree with my thoughts and subsequently my right to ignore/comply/give in with regards that your ways are better..
My aim of writing what I think is happening or my concerns of what is going on is just for matured discussion between sensible people. After all, my reasoning can be faulty and that is the only way I would know of what are the weaknesses in my train of thoughts.
Therefore, further write-up will follow and have fun reading..
My aim of writing what I think is happening or my concerns of what is going on is just for matured discussion between sensible people. After all, my reasoning can be faulty and that is the only way I would know of what are the weaknesses in my train of thoughts.
Therefore, further write-up will follow and have fun reading..
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