Motive Behind Donations

I’m always suspicious of the motive behind any business corporation stepping out to make any donations. Most of the time, their donations are accompanied by news, publicity, limelight, etc.

Donations for this very recent Tsunami Disaster is no different. To date, there are quite a number of local banks making donations already. No doubt, there are no business corporations which wouldn’t want publicity, furthermore these are good publicity for them. However, I feel as though they’re trying to out do each other’s donations and also limelight. On the other hand, I applaud those who give generously and remain anonymous.

But, what the heck. In the end, the victims, relief workers, etc. will all still benefit from it. And I do agree with one of the Star newspaper’s editor that whenever there’s a call for help in term of finances for a worthy cause, Malaysian are generally quite generous. But hopefully for the right reasons because there’s something call donations for tax deduction purposes 8-).

Hard Time

Our second child in the making is giving SL a hard time in terms of morning sickness. I shouldn’t even categorize it as morning sickness, should be called whole day sickness for her. She would feel tired the whole day and vomit anytime of the day. It’s so different with when NN is in the making. In fact, it’s totally opposite. Her first experience was totally pleasant with no sickness at all. SL said that she wished time could be fast forwarded so that she don’t have to suffer so long. She said she’s even more afraid of these sickness than with child labour.

SL’s colleague told her that we might be expecting twins because her experience was exactly the same and she has twins. Well, we’re keeping our fingers crossed on this 8-). Hopefully not, because it’ll be more than we can handle. But whatever it is, He knows better if we should have twins.

Tsunami!

It was a frightening sight on the Star newspaper front page today about the Tsunami disaster. Worse still, it happened on a weekend holiday where many were at the beaches in the region. I got an sms from my boss on Sunday morning asking if I felt any tremor as I live in an apartment building. At first, I thought my boss was in the joking mood during the holiday season. However, after watching the news did I know that it was for real.

We, Malaysians, have taken for granted that there are no natural disaster in our country but nature just unleashed one of the worst earthquake/tsunami since the 20th century.

I would like to dedicate the following prayer to the victims of this disaster :-

“Lord, we commit especially those family who have lost their loved ones in this disaster. For those who survived, we pray for quick recovery. We know, Lord, that physical wounds may heal quick but emotional wounds may not. Therefore, we ask for your Holy Spirit to come and sweep over those who are mourning and ask you to comfort them. We pray that those leaders crisis situations of the affected countries will be vigilant in case there is a second wave. We also pray for them to know what to do especially for those countries which do not or have not experience natural disaster, like Malaysia. Lord, we ask for your protection for areas which are vulnerable for a second wave. Amen.”

Sick of Money??

This is what I heard from radio the other day. Believe it or not, a celebrity said that. She said that her growing wealth is giving unnecessary pressure when all she needs is to cover her and her children's basic needs. She also fear that it'll give pressure to her children when the wealth is passed on to them.

I've to admit that it's a statement that I've not heard from a celebrity before. But I also thought instead of making a statement like that, she could've given away her wealth to the needy and then make that statement. Then, it would bring more meaning to it rather than just creating news.

Rantings

I was joking with some that it’s not my work that SL is expecting again. I counted the days (those married will know what I’m talking about), I made plans, etc. But, I know very well that our God don’t play by our rules. That’s why, I wasn’t to shock to find out the good news. Furthermore, I think the timing is just right so that NN will have someone to take care of and play with.

With the dawning of this new life, we’re even more focused and spurred to work towards a single income family. It’s no easy task, especially for the parent (usually mum) who’s staying at home to take care of the domestic matters. Some may think that we can afford with just my income. Yes, we can get by but barely, and not without sacrifices from our part which only we know. As my colleague always tell me that, “You’re the man with the plan”. I’ve plans for things I want to achieve (material, lifestyle, etc) but going towards single income will mean that those “dreams” will go up in smoke. It took me a while to ponder, think, and get back to reality. Do we want to go through life doing what people “normally” would do? Going for double income and dump the kids with the nanny, baby-sitter, etc, or whoever you can think of. As I was pondering, I was suddenly reminded of the wide and narrow path in Matthews. A homemaker, though not popular (at least media doesn’t portray it that way), is one of the most noble and important role. It contributes to the society/world in a micro manner but I believe can have macro effects. We’re trying our best to trust in Him to take care of our other worries because we truly feel that this is the right thing to do even though our flesh may be telling us something else. As we abide in Him, He will abide in us.

Please don’t get me wrong. I don’t mean any disrespect for those who really need double income to support the family. However, I don’t think we can deny the fact that many times we’re heavily influenced by the media, the society, friends, etc, of how we live or should live our lives. So much so that we can’t give up our certain lifestyle in order to achieve something better. It’s hard for me to put this in words. I remember an author of a financial book once said that we often chase after the good things in life, so much so that we missed out the best things in life. I believe the same can be said of our walk with God. Often we’re clouded by the cares of the world that we missed out the best God wants for us.

Last night after watching the reality TV show at 10.30pm on TV3 (I’m not saying the name as I’ve nothing good to say about it), I was tossing and turning in bed trying to fall asleep but my mind was thinking a lot on what went on the show. This is a good example of what the media’s feeding our minds. Go get it, betray to achieve, ulterior motives, live the great life, grab all you can, etc. I think you can think of more. Yeah, we all watch it for fun, I know I do. To a certain extent, I feel it has some hold or influence on us. That’s enough to get us off track. Seeing these participants bad mouthing each other in order to survive the round just make me sick. Well, the good thing is they’re not stabbing each other backs…just stabbing each others chests…hahaha. Out of all these, the rich donkey gets richer while being able to enjoy seeing these participants fight it out for the priced position. Again, I’m not against any of these. Ask SL, and she will tell you that I’m a TV series addict. I’m reminding myself the effects of all these can have on me also.

It’s a rather long ranting for Monday but I’ve to get it out after last night’s tossing and turning. 8-).

AIM

This is written some time ago.....
______________________________________________________

THE PLUNGE
I took the plunge when I made the decision to study in USA with DN. Why PLUNGE? Because I was going to be promoted to be a Team Leader in my company and the MD advised me not to go but to stay on to build my career. I took this “PLUNGE”.

THE RACE
I came back after 6 years in USA and got a little shock of realization that my friends and classmates have already established their careers and here I am just at the beginning line of the RACE. I know I have to run this RACE to catch up with what I have left behind. And I joined Everyday Brush Ind. (M) Sdn. Bhd. On 9 October 2000.

THE SURF
In Everyday Brush, I have gone through a lot of ups and downs ad I have learnt to SURF with the ‘waves’ fully utilizing each wind that comes my way to guide me through. The ‘wind’ in my belief is God sent guidance and ‘angels’ that helped pull me out of the water and back on my ‘surfing board’ to catch the next wind to tackle another ‘wave’. Three (3) years 3 months in this company has taught me a lot from work and also human angles. It is some experience money cannot buy.

THE ROW
In order for me to get to where I am targeting in life, I need to ‘ROW’ hard and also in sync with the people around me. To ‘ROW’ alone is not as difficult as to ‘ROW’ with others. We must all be in one accord, the right timing, the right strokes, the balanced strength, etc.

THE AIM
I strongly believe that if I abide in God, He will abide in me. My ‘AIM’ in life is to live a peaceful and harmonious life with my loved ones and also those around me. I want to help others see this ‘AIM’ as important as the way I see it.

MY AIM TO LIVE A PEACEFUL HARMONIOUS LIFE:

AT HOME
To go home to a refuge where I can unwind and spend quality time with my loving husband and lovely angel daughter. Let there be no squabbles and arguments under the roof we share. If any disagreements, we make sure we settle or conclude it before the next sunrise. To bring up our daughter in a God-guided manner and way.
If the above have been achieved, I visualize a heavenly family growing in love and with love together. A family where each supports the other in prayer and guidance will bring about a healthy and strongly as well as closely knitted family. In times of trouble we know we can count on one another. This is a Household of Faith and Love.

IN CHURCH
To be active in church serving the Almighty God! This challenge is not an easy one but with God’s mercy and grace we can grow together with other members of the ‘body’. Sharing life experiences to guide one another, giving motivational support and blessing other members with God’s love and God’s abundant providence in our lives. Where there is giving, there is also receiving.

I want to be able to receive criticism and give constructive criticism in a tactful manner. To be able to use my gifts in ways that will build the kingdom of God. To be salt and light of the earth.

If the above can be achieved, the Church would be a place where Christians come from all walks of life to a common place, the footstool of Jesus to share their lives and to serve God. God’s kingdom would grow in His mysterious and unexplainable ways. There would be laughter and cries but all sorrows will be wiped away by the love of Christ for us all.

AT WORK
Work is a tough place as many come with different packages and baggages. My aim is to learn to communicate constructively to others. To be tactful in all my actions and words. I need to learn to be slow to speak and quick to listen. I would love to be able to assist others in their departmental issues and also be able to be their friend that could lend a shoulder to cry on and to lend them a hand when they fall.

If the above could be achieved, I can visualise all staff wearing a smile to work and be upfront sincere with one another. Whatever issues we have at work is not personal but we all concentrate on solving the issues. We can have outings and luncheons together and whenever we walk into the office in the morning, there is a feeling of comfort and satisfaction.

The above is my AIM I hope to achieve not only with my own strength but also with the grace of God.

Nice People?

I had a conversation with a colleague yesterday about Christians. Apparently, her circle of friends are mostly Christians .However, she’s not one. Even her boyfriend is a Christian. I’m quite surprise with a comment she made about Christians. She thinks that Christians are a friendly and nice bunch of people. After getting receive a negative comment about Christians from another colleague some time ago, I didn’t think that there are people still think that Christians are nice and friendly.

I also asked her why she thought Christians are nice and friendly. Surely there are nice people who are not Christians. However, she maintained that Christians are generally nice and friendly but I did caution her that there are some who are the opposite. Hopefully she won’t get a shock of her life when she meet one like that.