Problems

I have learned a valuable lesson today. When one shares about Christianity, it is not that being one makes our life easier nor will have lesser problems. Indeed by choosing to be one, it adds on more problems... Problems occur in our life. Even our Lord went thorugh many of them when He came 2000 over years ago.

A brother at church shared that problems:-
1. occur to direct us
2. occur to protect us
3. occur to make us stronger
4. occur to change us and to give us another chance

To direct us - the day when I started my first job, I had high hopes and dreams of what I can do and what I can become because it was a new set up company. I worked with a person whom I regarded as my big brother. From scratch, we eventually managed to build a solid foundation but things did not turn out the way I thought...I walked away with a painful heart not because I quit but because I have lost the friendship as well..

Today, I looked back..I thanked God that He has directed me away because for the last 9 years, I have learned even much more n have helped many to build their dream house...I have met many valuable individuals and some have even became my soulmates..I am not angry with 'big brother' n I hope he is well...

To protect us - i, myself have yet to experience on this factor...but i would not doubt that some times there are challenges that may have delayed us and evetually have protected us from some mishap

To make us stronger - by 12 years of age, i went through the deaths of my grandma and both granpas. it hurts. it did not stop..10 years later, my uncle whom was my pillar of life, left in a sudden..my world crashed..7 years later, when the doctor broke the news that my father had 4th stage of cancer (i was alone in the hospital),i was stronger..i was calm, able to be strong for my dad & mom, made many decisions that i never knew that i would have to..I looked back, somehow i feel it is His plan...both my uncle's family and my own are closer than we ever been..we pray for each other, we support each other, we loved one another, we are united in His name!

to change us and give us a 2nd chance - i don't like to study..i hated homeworks..my academic result from primary to Form 3 trials sucks..before SRP, my dad barred me from going anywhere during weekends including church..i pleaded just to allow me for an hour to attend church. my dad reluctantly agreed. my SRP result was ok..then i lacked in my studies again...every results was so-so..when STPM results were out, 99% of my mates got accepted into university except myself. I was embarrassed and I was left out...my chance in getting a degree is slim because I am from an average income family and could not afford twinning programmes..I ended in TAR college, i strived to obtain my CIMA...His plan was great..I was the 1st batch in TARC to be sent to Sheffield, UK for 'sandwich' degree and at that time my dad got his EPF and was able to support me...

Some times it doesn't make sense for the things that are happening around us...turn to God..He has all the answers..now, all we need is His grace..Amen!

Turning back the clock..No No No!

As usual, CNY period are the days where we often gather with our family, relatives and friends. We would share those memories and the expriences that we went through for the past 364 days and believe it or not being Asian, we would try to outdo each other on whose life is worse.

Example, "Wa, you don't believe how much I have went through......" says one relative. The other would reply " No No no, if you have been in MY shoes, you would know that I had been to 'hell' and return..." or "My son a, he a, very forgetful....your son very goood..." while the other will reply "No, you don't know, your son consider filial, my one a..aiyo, I also don't bother much...."

Gosh, simply nothing better to say. Why can't we learn to share good news and fun times when we meet rather than conversation which are meaningless but pure gossips...I surely hope I would not be sucked into these kinda conversation...I HOPE...;p

Besides the above, we would also remember our loved ones who had passed on. Looking back, we shared and laughed about the habits and the way they had lived. I strongly agreed that in celebration like these, we should talk about our loved ones whom had passed. In this manner, the younger ones get to know a little and we remember that they, played a part in our lives.

Sometimes when I am alone and with the radio playing the oldies (not too long ago songs..ehem..:p) the memories of the past just flash through my mind. I received a comment from a friend. She is suprised how I could remember stuff back when I was 5 years old. Yup, I do. I remember how I like to suck my bottle even when I was 5...hehehehe....and also of cos some experiences during my primary, secondary, 6th form, college, uni days etc.

I guess the expriences we go through whether good or bad, they shape our lives and how we turn out today. At times, we did not have choice of certain situations that happened, we made mistakes, we laughed, we cried, we yelled, we learned, we prayed, we smiled, we loved, we fought, we chuckled etc...Whatever it is, we are growing up and moving from one stage of life to another.

If there is a wish to turn back the clock, NO would be my definate answer. Not that my life have been sucked. There were many many great times in the past. However, I am glad I have been through it all and I am more eager to look FORWARD and store up more memories, learn more about life, laugh even more and share loads to many others including to those I have yet to meet...I guess this is far more exciting than turning back!

With God, it doesn't matter how many more years but making the years be meaningful to ourselves and to others should be our goal. God has given the law of gravity. Anything that goes up, will come down and things that went down shall go up!Nothing in life is too difficult only if we trust in Him...Have a great year and moving on!!! :)

One error, it is enough...

Some time in late 1800s, 2 best friends took a risk and left their comforting home in China to make a quick buck in SEA.

They used everything they had saved and with their family's blessing, off they went with high hopes. Life at the beginning was not as good as they thought. With their commitment to make a better living for their family in China, they did anything and everything. Very soon hardwork payoff. These 2 best friends had improved their status.

At that time, tin mining was the hype of the economy in Malaya. Once again, these 2 best friends gave everything they had worked for and bought a tin mine in Perak. They were exhilirated because they knew this time, they are going to make it big!

The day came when they need to register for the purchase but one of them were unable to make it for some reasons. One of them continued with the process while pending the other because he needed to return to China soonest. He gave his name to the malay clerk as Wong Ming Yew. He then left Malaya and promised to return soonest.

After several months settling his matters in China, Wong Ming Yew returned to Perak, Malaya and looked forward to build the tin mine business with his best friend. However, this hope had turned into his worst nightmare in his life. His best friend took on a new name as Ming Yew and owned the entire tin mine because the clerk made AN ERROR and registered Ming Yew as the only owner for the said purchased.

Ming Yew found no meaning to fight nor argue on what had been done. He went back to China as a broken man and never returned to Malaya...(to be continued)

Life and Death Should be celebrated...

A week ago, we welcomed our newborn family member. She is our first new generation in our family. My family is overjoyed. My dad would have been exhilarated if he is here to share the news. This I am sure.

A few days as we were still excited over Azalea’s birth, we were shocked and saddened with the passed of our cousin. I still remember him when he attended my brother’s wedding early of the year. He was a nice chap and respected my parents. He never failed to visit them every CNY except this year and he also visited my dad when he was ill.

One thing about my generation of Wong, we have been thought well to respect our elders and no question about it. He would be the first to pass from my generation of Wong’s.

I attended the wake by myself because according to Chinese tradition, my family are in ‘celebration’ of life while funeral is the opposite and both occasions should not be ‘combined’ (“chung”). I find it very absurd and upset with such tradition.

The funeral was held at a parlor. I arrived late at about 10pm. My view was blocked by another funeral which was attended by a big crowd and I took a long merry-go-round to reach my cousin’s hall. My eldest cousin brother, Daniel and his family were there and the deceased’s family was busy conducting rituals and prayers.

I shared with Daniel that I was feeling uneasy when I walked a merry-go-round since it is surrounded by cemetery and it was a cool night after a heavy rainfall. Adding to it, the place was quiet and when I heard the chanting I know I was near but it also send shivers to my spine! He gave a smile.

We had some time to chat and we shared our memories. It has been 11 years since Pak Pak passed while my dad has been 3 years. I also shared with Daniel that I had a dream last night and saw my dad with Pak Pak. It was strange as in my dream I am conscious that they have passed. I had even joke with Pak Pak that I could see him like a small child playing hide and seek..”I can see yoouuuu…” Pak Pak gave me a big smile…

As we talked, we realized that we both could not or perhaps would not initiate a chat with our own father while we can chat all night long with our uncles’. Daniel talked to my dad like they were good friends while myself with Pak Pak. We both acknowledge that talking to our father took a lot and Daniel claimed that perhaps our expectations and our fathers’ were different. However when we chat with uncles’, it is rather care free…well, maybe. We had a great laugh knowingly we are not alone having such ‘problem’ after all. After an hour, we decided to leave.

As I walked the nearest route to my car, I bypassed the other funeral which blocked my sight earlier on. It was a Christian funeral. People were more joyous and having buffet! The environment was somehow different from the Chinese funeral. I felt warmer and the walk to my car was much ‘easier’.

I recall in one of the documentary on Chinese tradition funeral. It is said that it is good to have family members to cry as loud and as long as possible. Some family would hire a ‘cry-er’ to do the job. The louder the wailing the better the ‘performance’. I was quite taken a back. Imagine if our soul is able to watch – and you find a stranger wailing at our own funeral…Weird?!

I am not here to criticize other’s tradition. We all know that all lives end with death. It is inevitable. Perhaps if we understand death as being part of life, would it be made easier for us to face it then to make it as though it is a situation where it is seen to be ‘unfair’ or a ‘punishment’ or ‘it can only happen to the unfortunate’.

Can we imagine if there is no death? By today, our planet earth would be over-populated with beings. Perhaps there would be no room for birth…and maybe there will be no room for change…

I view death as another beginning of a new chapter. Being in heaven would be so much better than earth since God promised that there’ll be no more tears. With that promise, isn’t death should be celebrated?! For those who are still living, God promised that we shall meet again when the time comes. The dead shall rise and join with those who are on earth…

And do not get me wrong, we cry when there is death and there is no wrong in doing so but we should not 'indulge into the loss' and forget about being alive and those who are still alive... We shall missed them until we meet...And I am sure that my dad n Pak Pak would be pleased to know that we are still sharing good memories of them and remember them, no matter how many years has passed. Overall, I guess it is more important that we treasure our loved ones when they are alive…

A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to
leave the examination room and said,
"Doctor, I am afraid to die.

Tell me what lies on the other side."
Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."
"You don't know? You, a Christian man,
do not know what is on the other side?"

The doctor was holding the handle of the door;
on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining,
and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room
and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said,
"Did you notice my dog?
He's never been in this room before.
He didn't know what was inside.
He knew nothing except that his master was here,
and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.
I know little of what is on the other side of death,
but I do know one thing...

I know my Master is there and that is enough."

A tribute to my cousin bro, Pak Pak, Dad, 3rd Pak, Kung Kung, Ye Ye, Ma Ma, 4th sis in law..rest in peace…

Blessings = shame?

My own family is just an average family in terms of size and wealth. Those days we used to have enough and hardly had excess eventhough my grandfather was a well to do businessman. Our most luxurious meal then was Kentucky Fried Chicken. O, I remembered that once my father took us to The Ship to celebrate my mom's birthday. That was 'the once...'

Both my father and my pak pak had the same fate. Both sons were not favoured by my grandfather - for whatever the reasons were. Both did not get much attention nor help in any way. Moreso, my Pak Pak have 8 dependants compared to my family of 4. Both family's wealth was just enough to get by. No matter how hard they had to struggle in providing to their own family my grandfather did not bothered to lift a finger to help them. Despite that fact, both insisted that we, the grandchildren, must never be disrespectful to our grandfather. And both sons never 'ditched' their father in his old days and cleaned him when he was unable. I respect and salute them as filial sons and this I must learn.

Both men struggles did not go in vain. As far as I am concern, my cousins, my brother and myself have made it in our life and we should be able to make it till end if we stay content. We may not be multi millionaire (maybe some of my cousins are or perhaps in future we may be...hehehehe who knows) but we continue to have enough and now some of us can afford more.

Well, some times 'enough' does not have to be the measurement of wealth...Family unity and the tradition of having generations are more important for Chinese family. These values must be embedded to bring honour to our fathers.

At this moment, I may not be able to 'contribute' in terms of adding to the quantity to my family but I thank God that He has blessed me in other forms. With these blessings, I am able to bless my family. I am proud that I am able to afford many things and to share with my family. I am proud that I do not need to depend on others just to ensure my family is provided and also we are able to indulge into some luxurios items.

I do not think that we are being a show off nor being materialistic when we are able to afford luxury. However I should not covet neither be prideful. To me, I trust that by working hard and believing that God hears our prayer would bring blessings to us. And we should not be 'shameful' by these blessings neither should we find explanations to these blessings. Also we should not think it is by luck we have these blessings. We asked from God, we should then claimed them and glorify Him.

Besides, I also believe that at times, when we struggle and that we do not see the results now - it does not conclude that our struggles will go in vain. We may not receive the blessing directly for ourselves but surely there will be. I thank God that both my father and pak pak did not give up nor blame my grandfather. I would think the values that could have instilled in us would have been different should our fathers 'curse' our grandfather then.

I used to think that life were unfair for my father and pak pak because they did not have the chance to enjoy their 'fruits' of labour. They have gone too soon. It was very naive of me...What does the earth has that heaven does not?!

They had laboured for us, their children and we should treasure their struggles and set the same values for our children...never be ashamed of what we have or afford...they are ours when God says they belong to us...Amen!

There are so many titles that come to my mind when I wanted to share on this piece…some are - 180 degrees change with His grace, Jesus says “With Me it is Possible”, Some times we need to go through storms to appreciate the Light, Nothing is Impossible, The Light after Dawn, etc…which one?

This time I would like to share with you some one who is dear to me and I have known this person for over decades of my life. I shall name this person ‘Shortie’. I am neither pastor nor a preacher but I remember well a tax collector who was mentioned in the bible whom was the least person on earth where the 12 disciples thought would be appreciated by Jesus. In the old days a tax collector were generally disgusted by the public for their snobbish attitude...But Jesus took notice of this tax collector on the tree (who was a short man and that he had to climb on a tree to look out for Jesus) and went to his house to dine. With that, the tax collector vowed to give all his ill gotten gains and change his life to follow Christ.

Now back to my Shortie. When I was very young, Shortie was beautiful and talented. She was a singer in a night club. Before Shortie started singing, her dad was super against the idea. However she pressed on and proved she was well demanded. Many men adored her singing and so am I. I recall some of her glistening stage dresses and a vague memory of her stage performance. I caught a glimpse while waiting for her one night together with my uncle.

Besides, I remember those days she would wake up by noon to practice every hour before she took the stage by night. Till to date I could hum some of those songs she practiced. Mostly were golden Shanghai oldies. Thus my friend was shocked when she heard me humming of an oldie song and wondered where I have learned it since I am considered a “Mandarin Idiot”…there was also a book where many paper cuttings about Shortie.

Being the youngest in Shortie’s household then, everyone loves me. I adored her and yet I was afraid of her. Well, she could loose her temper easily due to her hectic schedule and the pressure was enormous to stay on ‘top’. So when I annoyed her, I would get a very nasty stare but when I behaved, I get treats like bubble gums.

She was then attached to a man. Initially I found the man very man (if you know what I mean). But things took a downturn. Some how her career took a dip and the man, so called man became a bastard - I would put it this way.

Shortie had a hard fall. She had then took on several odd jobs and became fanatic on her religion. Each year Shortie would seek medium’s prediction on her future and if some unfavourable event was expected she would spend to ‘get rid’ of the spell. Along the way she met another decent man and became her husband. Life did not favour Shortie for many years. Any ‘routes’ she embarked which look promising at the beginning - turned into darkness within a short period. Money became a problem for the couple. They were in great debts and to the point of not answering phone calls. At times my heart ached to know her situation. So were her family and especially her parents. They blamed it on fate. But Shortie’s sister and I prayed that somehow, someday Jesus will show her the way…

We are blessed to see that day. Shortie turned up in church one day to my surprise. From then onwards, she never looked back to her idols and mediums to seek for fortune or to ‘get rid’ the unfortunate but to rely on Jesus. After several months, she was baptized and my heart rejoices with her that she found ‘The Way’. She is faithful and at one time, there was an opportunity to earn more but she had to work on Sunday. I prayed that she will trust God and return to church. She took the courage and chose to come back to church.

Things begin to change. She is not in fear anymore. She and her husband found a decent job and now she has savings. Most of all I can see and feel she has found peace in life. Today she is happily rejoicing and singing for the Lord on the stage!

At times it takes a lot to belief what took place two thousand years ago just via a book. We could have questioned ourselves what if the author of the Bible added or subtracted some information and made it exciting for us. How can we verify? One way – simply to trust it with faith. I am super blessed to witness many lives which have been changed and transformed when one chooses to believe in Him – including mine.

Some may ask that many Christians believe in Jesus when they were at their lowest (or when they faced life and death situation). I agree to some extend. We have been given a choice at all times. At some point in life, some one would have spoke to us on Christ or some how we would have been exposed to Christianity.

At the good times of our life, we are arrogant and do not need anyone neither God. We claim success and riches are by our own effort. Some may abide in God only with the intention to want more riches or to protect their wealth and good health to enjoy their wealth. Sometimes humans need some ‘spanking’ to learn Who is in control…For those who repent, the Father is ever merciful…Amen.

I would say that it is neither the fame nor riches that can bring us far but His peace and joy. He always know what we needed, it is us who are choosing the wrong things in our life. Trust Him or trust ourselves, the choice is ours!

I am still undecided on the title…but I guess it’s the contents that matter…

It wasn't my bravery but it was His peace given to me...

I can't help it but to share my first night in Bangkok with my friends and colleagues when I returned last Tuesday. Infact, I was doubtful about others when they shared their experiences...

We checked into a hotel at the heart of Bangkok about noon. It was a suite with a living room and a bed room. As usual, I pressed the door bell before we entered the suite. The bell boy knocked twice when he rolled in the baggages together with us. I acknowledged his acts but did not put much thought about it.

The bell boy opened all the curtains and the sun shined into our suite. We then went off to do our shopping and only returned by night. The room was poorly lighted as the lights were a liitle deemed. The bedroom aircond was not cool at all. My colleague cum travel mate decided to shower first while I lied on the couch and watch TV. After she had done, she came asking why did I knocked her door knowingly that she was in the midst of showering. I denied it cause I did not even moved and inche from the couch! We put that incident aside without further comment.

While preparing for bed, we decided to open the bedroom door to allow the aircond from the living room to flow in and to block part of the desk mirror which was facing my bed. Another mirror from the bathroom was also facing my bed. I told my mate to closed the bathroom door when she had done her business to block the said mirror...I felt some what uncomfortable when I saw a reflection from part of the desk mirror...I told myself it was my imagination and went to bed.

It was hot so I cover half of my body with the blanket. By middle of the nite, I was covered from my chest to toe. Suddenly I realized that the blanket covered from my head to toe and I struggled to get out of it. I yelled to my mate to wake me up and prayed. At the same time, my conscience mind told me that I was half dreaming and no matter how I yell for my mate, she could not hear. Again in my mind, I can see that my mate was sleeping soundly. I stopped yelling and struggled hard to wake myself up. After a few minutes, I was awake. I looked around and my mate was sleeping. I thought I was too tired. But I was sweating by then. I turned to face my mate and fell asleep again.

This time I felt 2 fists punching my back and trying to push me off the bed. I felt frustrated and irritated. I prayed again and struggled to lie on my back to face upwards so that the punching can stop. After a few struggles, I managed to face upwards and awake.

I repeatedly told myself that I shall changed room tomorrow and prayed numerous times "In Jesus mighty name, set me. By the blood of Jesus Christ, set me free...Amen" until I fell asleep till morning.

By morning, my mate explained that she had headache in the middle of the nite and took panadol. She further explained that she seldom experience headache after falling asleep. I immediately told her to change room and told her my experiences.

We approached the lobby after breakfast and requested for a new suite. The receptionist asked why and my mate explained that a 'guest' slept with me and also knocked her door while she was bathing. The receptionist did not look shock neither any facial expression that tells us that she was suprise to hear such comment. She smiled and obediently handed us a new suite key. We were quite taken a back with her reaction.

We checked into a new suite and the feeling was some what different from the initial one. Gee...

I shared my experiences with my friends and colleagues when I returned to KL. The common questions were "Weren't you scared? Why didn't you wake up your mate or sleep on the same bed with her? why didn't you change room immediately then?"

Well, I did thought of changing room then or even to wake my mate. But I just don't have th heart to scare her when she was sleeping soundly. Moreso my heart was not beating as though I was fearful...I was just sweating and I thought to myself that I can 'survive' through it!

They said I was brave but I do not agree because I did nothing but prayed...It was His peace given to me..."When I felt secured, I said; "I will not be shaken" '(Psalm 30:6) AMEN!

If you asked whether I would dare to check in to the same suite again since I have strong faith in Christ...I won't! Not that I am lacking faith in Jesus, but we should not test our Lord by purposely asking for trouble, agree?

So, His presence give us authority and protection. Besides, today's sermon in chruch thought me to put away those folks tale practices ie pressing the bell or knocking on the hotel door before entering the room neither should I be placing one slipper up while the other down to keep away the 'guests'. These do not help but only Jesus do! Amen!!! Hope this testimony would strengthen your faith in Him...