* Seeking *

Applying for visa at the Chinese Embassy

2012-01-27T11:17:00.004+08:00

Yeah, today I went to the Chinese Embassy to apply visa for my trip to beijing next month.
Prior to this I've googled much to findout the procedure, what to expect... and my.. google is indeed a blessing to many of us out here.

Just a click - and I found all I ever needed. But some of the information I found is a bit outdated.. so today I'll share my little experience.

The Chinese Embassy is located at the 2nd floor of the OSK Plaza, which shares the same building as Bank of China. Bank of CHina on the right, OSK left. You can find the location of the Bank of China or OSK Plaza from google map, but bear in mind to use the "satellite" view instead of "map" coz the "map's" is erronous. WHen you're at JalanAmpang, OSK Plaza will be on your left.

So I turned left and found a big parking lot on my left (as you can see from the above pic), paid RM3 for 1st hour and walked across the street into OSK building. (this is very detailed indeed huh!) Don't be afraid to get lost cozyou'll not be. Once I walked near the building, I think almost 5 security guards turned their eyes on me - and started to enquire where you're going. It's as though this is some VIP's residential building! They're very helpful and polite, I think they looked like preparing for some terrorist attack kind of thing. But very nice experience. So they showed me to the lift, I went to the 2nd floor, and the guards were back to their original positions.

Once I got out of the lift, there was a long queue, slight commotion going on coz somebody couldn't get what he wanted and I only heard him saying, "This is ridiculous.. " sort of thing. Anyway, prior to that I have already printed out my visa applicaiton form which I got online, pasted my pic on it - and the receptionist told me to refil my form - it's outdated!

ouch! There goes... The embassy is quite clean, systematic, we have at least 3-4 form-filling counters, each with 2 pens attached. The new form is more required more details than the old one's. Nevertheless, I passed my forms to the receptionist, he gave me a call number, and immediately my number was called and I went to counter number 17.

The chinese lady was very polite, but her accent was mildly heavy - if you know what i mean. I could understand perhaps 70% of her words, though we're bothe speaking the same language - chinese mandarin. :P

So I passed her a new passport sized photo of mine, she took my passport, and asked me is it ok for me to get my visa after 4 days, I said yes, so she briefed that I shall come back 6 days later (which includes sat n sunday) to get my visa, pay RM58, and get back my passport. Then I left, the whole procedure took me less than half an hour despite filling up the form and the long queue.

So the summary, what yo have to bring to the chinese embassy:
- passport sized photo (without hat, light back ground)
- passport
- details of your travelling itineries, stay, medical insurance, emergency contacts, employers/ family contacts - coz you'll need these in your application forms.

Visa Fees (Ringgit)

Malaysian Citizen
Single Entry: 30
Double Entry: 50
6-Month Multiple Entry: 80
12-Month/24-month Multiple Entry: 120

US Citizen
465

Other Country Citizen
Single Entry: 130
Double Entry: 200
6-Month Multiple Entry: 250
12-Month Multiple Entry: 400

Express Service: 100 (3 working days)
Rush Service: 140 (same day)

Application Service Fees
Regular service: 28 (4 working days)
Express service: 100 (3 working days)
Rush service: 140(same day)

Note:
(1) Visa Fees are collected on behalf of the Chinese Embassy.
(2) Application Service Fees are charged by the Visa Application Service Centre.
(3) The total amount of the fees to be paid by an applicant = visa fees + application service fees.

So next week I'll have to pay RM30 + RM28 = RM58.

For more information, pleas click: http://www.chinese-embassy.info/asia/visa-mys.htm

it's been a long long time...

2011-12-26T21:19:00.002+08:00

It's been a realy long time since I last blogged. I kind of missed this idea of journaling publicly.
Many things have taken place in the past 3 months that I've been silent. Nevertheless... God is good, I'm grateful for everything He's given me.

My humble apology to those who wanted to buy furminators from me, as I did not check my blog comment for the past few months. Very very sorry indeed.. i have sent emails to you.

As I was chopping the lemon grass just now, I almost chopped off my finger. I thank God for His protection. I was chopping at jet-speed (to me), just hacking those lemon grass repetitively with the parang in my right hand, while my left swiftly get closer to the parang. They got so close that my finger got under the parang!

Thank God, just at that moment my right hand gentled her hacking. Else... ouh.... I don't want to imagine. So now I've got a broken finger, but intact finger. Thank you for your covering upon me Jesus!!

Thank you Jesus, and love you!! =)

Help rescue bears from the horror of bear baiting

2011-09-30T20:10:00.004+08:00

Zidi is about to be attacked by dogs for sport. He's petrified with fear. And he's too weak to stand but that won't stop his owner from dragging him into the hot, dusty arena once again.
In rural Pakistan, up to 2,000 spectators will assemble to watch a tethered and clawless bear set upon by trained fighting dogs.

Soon, he'll tie Zidi to a post and watch as two trained fighting dogs launch a savage attack on him, yanking him to the ground as the crowds cheer for more. Zidi's teeth and claws were pullet out years ago so he is left utterly helpless. The only reason Zidi will be saved from death is so he can be thrown back to the dogs again and again. All in the name of the "sport" of bear baiting.

We can't leave Zidi to endure this. But we can't rescue him from the horrors of bear baiting without your help.

Help WSPA end bear baiting

Working with the Pakistani authorities and the Pakistan Biodiversity Research Centre (PBRC), WSPA is halting an increasing number of bear baiting events.

Your donation will fund our work to continue and help WSPA reach our ultimate goal – to stamp out bear baiting for good.

vicstandp.blogspot.com
http://www.wspa.org.uk/wspaswork/bears/bearbaiting/savagebloodsport.aspx

I'm very pissed off with DIGI SUPER LONG LIFE

2011-09-07T22:16:00.000+08:00

Or perhaps I should say I'm pissed off with Digi technical/ information centre/ website or whatever.

Reason being I have reloaded a substantial amount of money into my handphone - and when my time's up, I tried to use the Digi Super Long Life. THe problem is, when I tried and failed and failed again, I decided to call the DIgi helpline.

After waiting for a few minutes, I finally get to speak to the DIGI consultant. When I explained my predicament to the consultant, he simply told me, you cannot reload because your account is no longer valid.

I asked him, why would anyone want to reload their account when their account is still valid with that much of money in their account?!!

Then he told me, it's not a reload, it's a service. What a nonsense.

I told him to refer to his DIGI website - super long life is categorized under the "RELOAD" column. He repeated the same thing to me, you cannot use this service because your account is no longer valid.

I did not need to hear that, I knew that my account is not valid even before making that call. My problem is, why can't we reload after our account time's up (expires). And his excuse is, this is not a reload, it's a service. I'm not impressed, at all.

So I see that there's no use of speaking to the consultant. I suggested to him to add to the website - please put it down in your website that,

1. This is not a reload, it is a service.
2. This service is only applicable for accounts which have not expired.

Walking my dog is fun (though it could have been better!)

2011-09-04T22:51:00.002+08:00

I walk my dogs daily. They're mutts. It's a pleasure to walk them - I get to breathe the fresh air, without getting bored (coz they're always up to something), I get to see what's going around my neighbourhood... talk to my neighbours... and just refresh myself.

There is this uncle who's always watering his plants and always wave his hands to me (I don't know his name yet!), there's this uncle who's always gardening.. and there's this rich man who does gardening on his own... there's this uncle who always ask the same question everytime he sees me, "Taken your meal? Me not yet wor... go eat with me la..." and there are these aunties who always spend their evenings walking around the field... this uncle with his barking schnauzer... this neighbour who always let his dogs walk freely around him then go hunting for the dogs when they run away - especially the black intact male. Haha.

However, not everyone who comes my way are pleasant. There are a few who always give the same joking remarks like, "Why keep a mutt??" or "Why you keep two dogs? So free hah you..." or "Hey, I'm planning to make a soup out of your mutt today..."

There are also those whom do not make any noise, but the look in their eyes are just as annoying. Snobbish look, the look like "Hey, hey, don't come near me.. Your dog bites." Even an aunty who keeps a cocker spaniel - she's one of my top annoying neighbour. Everytime we walk our dogs, and we're like 10m from each other she'll flash her glare at me, and shouts, "Hey go walk away! Don't come near my dog!"

Of course, by arguing and justifying myself with her is a total waste of time. After all, my walk with my dog should be a pleasure. Often I'll meet joggers who usually distant themselves and jog away from me/my dogs, or give the "Japanese-eye-look" or the "Don't-get-near-me-look" and jog away. So I'm used to making my dog stay or walk away from joggers when I see them.

Just now when I was walking Kim, I saw a jogger, who puts on this serious mask on his face. As I was pulling Kim away from him, Kim kept rushing toward the jogger, which really annoys me, for I did not want to offend people. What surprised me was, instead of giving those weird looks or running away from me, this jogger actually smiled and laughed and even played with Kim. I was shocked.

I'm sure Kim felt accepted and contented today. As for me, I'm glad there's a rose among the thorns.

He is the God who sees me.

2011-09-01T16:36:00.000+08:00

August 31, 2011
Silent Longings
Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth
She (Hagar) gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me’ (Genesis 16:13, NIV).

Friend To Friend
Everyone wants to be noticed, to be cared for, to be loved. How my heart breaks with David’s words, “No one cares for my soul” (Psalm 142:4). He is crying out during one of the darkest times in his life and felt all alone in his struggle to survive. We might expect to hear those words from the crowded city streets as men and women scurry about in their power suits off to make the next deal. We wouldn’t be surprised to hear those words from a vagrant huddled under a bridge with all his worldly possessions stuffed in a plastic grocery bag. But would we expect it from the person sitting beside us in the church pew, the co-worker in the next cubicle, or the mother of three next door?

While flying from the east coast to the west coast, I watched an in flight movie, a cleaned up version of What Women Want staringMel Gibson. Mr. Marshal (Mel Gibson) worked at an advertising firm with a host of busy men and women bustling about in their own little self-absorbed worlds. In a strange twist of events, Mr. Marshal is “electrically altered” when he slips in the bathroom and falls into the bathtub, along with a hair dryer. When he regains consciousness after his shocking experience, he has the ability to read women’s minds and hear their thoughts. With his new perceptive powers, he lands a huge Nike advertising account and wins the heart of the leading lady…of course. But there is one poignant sideline of the movie that grabbed my heart.

In the movie, one young nondescript woman in his office had thoughts that stopped Marshal in his tracks. What if I just jumped out the window? Would anyone notice? I could be gone for days and no one would notice…until the files started piling up. Then they’d say, ’Where’s the geek with the glasses who carries the files?’

No one did notice the errand girl who refused to make eye contact with her fellow employees, except Marshal, who could hear her thoughts.

One day, the young women (who we learn is named Erin), doesn’t show up for work?

“Where’s Erin?” Marshal asked as he notices a pile of files sitting on her desk.

“I don’t know,” someone replies. “She didn’t show up for work today.”

Fearing the worst, Marshal locates Erin’s address and dashes out to stop her from ending her life.

Bursting into her apartment Marshal sees a suicide letter lying on the table and his heart sinks. A startled Erin walks into the room.

“Mr. Marshal, what are you doing here?”

“I’m glad I got here before you hurt yourself?” he replied.

“What makes you think I was going to hurt myself?”

“I just sensed it,” he answered.

“Really? You sensed it? That’s not good.”

Then Marshal brilliantly changes course. “The real reason I’m here is to offer you a job. You know we got the Nike account and we were wondering who would be a real spitfire to work on this project…” Marshal offers Erin a job and rescues her from the despair of feeling unwanted, unloved, and unimportant.

I’m not suggesting that you watch the movie. After all, it was a cleaned up airline version. However, I am suggesting that you ponder the situation. I believe that men and women walk past us every day, just like Erin in this movie, who feel that they have no significant purpose in this world. Like Erin, I know that there are many who feel that their sudden disappearance would cause little fanfare or concern. It might be the woman who passes you in the hall at work, the rebellious looking teen who shuffles by you at the mall, or the businessman dashing to his next appointment. It takes so little to let someone know that they are significant. We have the ability to give someone hope by offering a simple word of acknowledgement.

Dr. David Jeremiah wrote, “We are shaped by those who love us or refuse to love us, and by those whom we love or refuse to love” (Dr. David Jeremiah, The Power of Encouragement (Sisters, Oregon: Multnomah, 1997), p. 13) . It is an amazing opportunity given to each of us as we walk through our day to shape and mold those around us with a simple word of encouragement, acknowledgement, or appreciation. The world is crying out for love - a positive word, a tender touch, a morsel of praise. Sometimes a simple “hello” can be a boost to someone starving to be noticed. Many people are so lonely that any token of attention is like a drop of rain on dry parched ground.

Jesus met a woman who felt very insignificant – bone weary and bone dry. As he talked to her by a well, He said, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13, 14 NIV). Yes, Jesus is the living water that people need. Isn’t it amazing that He allows us to hold the cup - to offer the only drink that will satisfy.

Let’s Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You that you always see me and notice what I’m going through. You know every hair on my head! Help me to never loose sight of the fact that I am very significant in Your eyes. You loved me so much that You gave Your Son, Jesus, so that I might have eternal life with You. I praise Your Holy Name.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

Now It’s Your Turn

What's the reason behind Nazri's smile???

2011-07-21T21:47:00.001+08:00

Ten Canine Commandments for all.

2011-07-18T21:20:00.001+08:00

This is really good. I almost cried before finish reading it. :') Nice one, indeed.

Bersih 2.0 - Understanding CLEAN (Bersih)

2011-07-16T21:58:00.000+08:00

I also got this from email circulation - too bad I don't have the author's name. But what he/she wrote speaks for majority Malaysians on Bersih 2.0.
Let us continue to uphold this nation continually in our prayers, that all these wickedness and evil will be purged.

1. Datuk Ambiga did not conceive this movement. It was born out of a civil society movement to which I am proud and happy to be part of since 2007. Ambiga was invited to be Chairman for Bersih 2.0 (2007 being Bersih 1.0), to keep the movement going and the first thing she did was to seek resignation of all members of the Committee who are also leaders of political parties. She correctly wanted the movement to be bi-partisan. Invitations were given to BN political parties to endorse the movement. But it seems only the Opposition parties agree with the 8 demands of Bersih - which safeguards our constitutional rights in ensuring that we have a healthy democracy.

2. It is a rakyat driven movement - the ideals of democracy - by the people, for the people, of the people. It is not led by Anwar Ibrahim, PKR or any foreign bodies. It is led by Ambiga and her 13 fearless committee members - but in reality - the movement is by the people and for the people and about the people. You should check the number of the endorsees/NGOs and volunteers for Bersih 2.0. They are upstanding people - retired patriots who servedthe nation before Merdeka to young voters/volunters - university students who have their places in uni at risk.

3. Bersih 2.0 is not just a street protest. The street protest is only one of the its many activities. What should be the focus is the 8 point demands. No sane rational person will find fault with the 8 points. The other activities held were to gain support from many groups and to impress on the Election Commission on the import of the 8 points for the past 2 years. It is for everyone to see how the EC was not receptive to the 8 points. In fact, EC has closed its eyes on the rampant abuse of the electoral process in all the byelections since 2008. Look at the 8 points:

1.that the EC clean up the electoral roll,

2.reform postal voting,

3.use indelible ink,

4.introduce a minimum 21-day campaign period,

5.allow all parties free and fair access to the media,

6.strengthen public institutions,

7.stop corruption,

8.put an end to dirty politics.

They have advocacy as well as educational programs to educate the public on their constitutional rights. Why? Because the government we have today needs the education too. Look at the PM, the Cabinet, the AG, the Police, the Universities, the Judiciary and the mainstream Media (Judiciary and Media lumped with government, though in a ideal world these 2 institution shd be independent).

4. BN did not lose badly in the last elections. It still managed to gain majority but at a laugh since the electrorate roll and the boundaries for constituencies were very questionable. Tens of thousands of new registered voters were not allowed to vote even though it is well within their constitutional right as registered voters.

5. The by-elections for the past 2 years have been heavily tainted with money politics - using tax payers money. I am more appalled at the head of BN,the current PM making a direct offer - "you help me and I will help you..." . Amazing how shameless! BN's generosity during the past elections (hahaha with my tax payers money) is disgusting. And the very same leader of BN saying he will protect Putrajaya at all cost. Putrajaya does not belong to him. It does not belong to BN. It belongs to the rakyat.

( see the PM - 10 seconds into the video uploaded at http://www.youtube.com/watch?EUKMi6U4xY&feature=related )

6. What makes me want to be out there on 9 July 2011 - is the not just the 8 points, not just because I believe it is timely for Malaysians to come united to protect their basic democratic right, the very foundation of our nation, our democracy - it is now fuelled by the anger and disgust I have - that the government that is for the people is attacking the people - telling us that it is not legal to exercise my constitutional right to peaceably assemble, arresting people for exercising their constitutional rights in freedom of association and expression. Wearing Bersih Tshirts is a threat to national security? Attending a community gotong royong wearing tshirts saying "Negara Bersih, Rakyat Bertuah" is a threat to national security? Waging war against the King? Seriously?!!!

7. Tell me what force is at play - foreign or local - aside from the discontent of a people who is ashamed of the government we have today. Ambiga met many foreign bodies - you will know Bersih 2.0 have moved beyond Malaysian shores. There are chapters in Japan, Korea, Australia, England and the US led by Malaysians and friends of Malaysia. So what if there are foreign bodies involved, if at all? The question to ask- what does Bersih stand for that it has sparked a solidarity across the globe?

8. Tell me what threatens our national security? Tell me why my government is robbing me of my constitutional rights? Tell me why the PM had also threaten to bring out 3 million UMNO memebers to rally agaisnt Bersih when his home minister is quick to ban Bersih 2? Ambiga has asked for a safe route for people to peaceably assemble. How difficult is that? Every few months our government closes public roads for hours - to hold marathons, cycling events, national day parades. Bersih 1.0 whith 50,000 people in 2007 (official mainstream firgures) (unofficial 80,000 to 100,000) went about rather peacabley until the police moved in with their water cannons and batons and tear gas.

Why don't the government take action against or the police arrest the likes of Perkasa's Ibrahim Ali and the editors of Utusan Malysia who spew racial slurs? The PM threatens to bring 3 million street protestors? Ambiga is defamed as being anti-Malay, anti-Islam,anti-Malaysia - choses not to defend herself and rightly so - it's plain to see. She's a hero in our midst. We dont need the USA to honour her as an international woman of courage. She is a National Hero. (And yes, she is a personal friend, one will not defend her own honour because she is honourable).

9. Tell me how you can disagree that something is seriously wrong with the government we have today. Tell me how you can disagree with the 8 points that makes Bershih 2.0. Tell me what avenues the people have to safeguard their constitutional rights when the very governement in place is the robber?

10. Since we are friends, I suggest perhaps you spend more time in Malaysia and see how we can have a government who told us the nation will go bankrupt is we do not cut subsidies, yet have money 63 million to refurbish (not even build a new palace) the PM's home, 35million for a pavillion at the World Expo, 1.8million for facebook, 100 million for a new tower, not to mention the costs overrun for all national projects? A government that can afford to give Lynas, a foreign company, 12 years tax free benefit when it brings radioactive materials into our country and leaves radioactive waste behind but projects an earning of hundreds of millions for the next few years- for rare-earth processing which no developed nation no matter how rich in rare-earth materials supply or how high the demand would not even consider building such plants? (China has its planst in outer mongolia, we have ours 25kms from Kuantan, 250 km from KL).

The list of my disgruntled discontent is long. I want a change not just for me but for the next generation - and change is possible through the electoral process. I just want a fair and free electoral process, my very basic right as a Malaysian.

My Bersih 2.0 Experience - Marina Mahathir

2011-07-12T21:53:00.001+08:00

I got this from email circulation - too good not to share.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

My Bersih 2.0 Experience - Marina Mahathir

So I went.

I have to say that the night before I had many many misgivings, especially after reading about the army doing exercises with the FRU. Could the government seriously be contemplating shooting their own people? Who knows? My stomach was in knots thinking about the many young people I knew who were intent on going, including my daughter. Would I be able to forgive myself if something happened to them?

After seeking advice from various friends, I finally decided that I could not stay safely at home while my daughter, friends and colleagues faced possible danger. I had to walk with them. Besides even if I stayed home, I would have spent all my time worrying. So I had to go.

A friend who lived in the city offered to be my protector and together we devised a plan on what to do. Hubby was supportive and gave some advice on how to stay safe. My neighbours also wanted to come along. So fairly earlyish, my friend drove over to get me with no problem and we headed back into the city. Despite the roadblocks in some areas, we encountered no problems. In fact driving into KL was so pleasant because the roads were so clear. The police directed traffic where they had to and were generally cooperative ( except for one we saw arguing with a man trying to get into his own condo). We got to a roadblock in the KLCC area and my friend explained that he lived in the area and they let us through, four people in a car dressed as if we were going hiking!

From my friend’s apartment block, we walked to Times Square and parked ourselves at the Starbucks for a coffee while we waited. A cursory look around the outlet and mall revealed that many people were doing the same thing. Meanwhile a whole van of police was stationed outside the mall but after a while they all went off.

We kept in touch with various friends around the city to find out where they were and what the situation was. At about 12.30 we started to walk up Jalan Hang Tuah towards the stadium area. We were not in big groups, just people out on a weekend stroll. We thought we would encounter police in front of the big police headquarters in front of Pudu Jail but there was nothing. When we got to the corner of Jalan Hang Jebat, we saw some police motorcycles and only a couple of cops. Lots of people were just sitting on the curbside under the eye of the cops. It was pretty clear what all these people were there for.

We walked along Jalan Hang Jebat in front of Stadium Negara towards the OCM and found many other friends waiting there. Apparently at one point the cops had given chase even though there was no reason to and caught some people and hauled them off. But from then on we could sit and wait by the curb without anyone disturbing us.

Jalan Hang Jebat and the small road that led up to Stadium Merdeka stayed pretty quiet. Members of the Bar Council (who had to suffer wearing their suits in the heat just so that we could spot them easily) walked around observing what was happening. At one point one woman in a suit sat herself at the intersection to take notes.

One lone woman lawyer at her station, Jln Hang Jebat

We all debated whether to stay there or move down to Petaling Street but we were afraid that we wouldn’t be let back up again. Then it started to rain. My friend and I sought shelter under some hoarding along with young people. Just then I got a message that we were to go to KL Sentral. After confirming this with a friend at Sentral, my friends and I started to walk down Hang Jebat just as a large group of people started walking up. The rain was pouring at that point and I didn’t know quite what to do, whether to tell people they should turn round or not.

Seeking shelter for a while under a shop five-foot way, I talked to various other friends and eventually decided to head back to the stadium area where I found my daughter and lots of other friends there. The main group earlier had gone up to Stadium Merdeka, did some chanting in front of the FRU and then headed down again. But many people hung about just to observe everything and soak in the atmosphere. One group of young people had yellow ribbons on sticks and started a little dance. Others were buying ice cream from a bicycle vendor who came by. There was a real carnival atmosphere.

Here's a video of the rally yesterday taken by my daughter. As you can see, it was peaceful. And every time some people started chanting 'reformasi', someone else would start a louder chant of 'Bersih'.

I have to say that I never felt safer than when I was in the crowd. People recognized me and said hello. Some wanted to take photos. It didn’t feel any different from any other Saturday out. And to be perfectly fair, the cops and FRU in my area showed admirable restraint. They saw that people were not doing anything more than chanting and nobody was harming anyone so they just stood there and left everyone to do their thing. We came across a whole FRU unit blocking a lane next to the Chinese temple at the roundabout at the bottom of Jalan Maharajalela, waved at them and they waved. Cool cops!

Of course not everyone had the same experience. Here’s an account from a colleague who was in a different street:

Unfortunately my experience wasn't so benign. I was part of the marchers (along with A and others) who were effectively kettled by the police in Jalan Pudu. FRU units to the front and back of us prevented us from leaving, and we were trapped by the walls of a construction site opposite Tung Shin Hospital after the FRUs pushed us back. It was probably the worst of the hotspots because of that: when the police started firing round after round of tear gas at us, we had nowhere to run to. I think they were determined to make an example out of us, because they bloody well tear-gassed and sprayed us with water cannons when they had no reason to do so.

We were all tear-gassed at least three, four times. An NGO staffer was hit by a canister. V told me that she saw people jumping off the second floor of the Puduraya bus terminal because the police had released tear gas too close to the terminal and the wind carried the fumes into the enclosed building. When the marchers ran for shelter in Tung Shin Hospital, the police fired tear gas and water cannons INTO the hospital grounds. Later the police lured us into re-assembling on the road on the pretext of negotiating a peaceful dispersal. They arrested the MP (Sivarasa) who was doing the negotiating, then -- after ordering us to sit down so (as we realised later) we would be sitting ducks -- they fired more tear gas and water cannons at us. A, myself and our companions eventually managed to find a way out from the trap via the Santo Antonius church and (irony of ironies) the car park of the Hang Tuah police station (near the monorail station). There were so many very brave people yesterday.

I now know that smearing toothpaste under the eyes to reduce irritation caused by tear gas actually works (thanks, A)! I'm still itchy and short of breath from all that tear gas, which is a bit annoying. But really, mostly what I remember of the rally was how moving it was: the solidarity among the protesters, how people looked out for one another. Whenever I was tear-gassed there was a stranger running along at my side and offering me and my friends salt to counteract the effects. When the police sprayed chemical-laced water cannons into the crowd and the people affected cried out for water to wash the stuff away, others turned and ran back toward the cannons with bottles of water to help. People helped others climb up a hill towards the hospital to escape (some guy helped me up the steep slope). Someone always stepped up to make sure that a panicked run doesn't turn into a stampede, including an elderly woman who took it upon herself to guide the marchers to safety. She's a first-time marcher to boot! Actually there were lots of first-time marchers, and more young middle-class urbanites than I've ever seen at any other rallies including the 2007 Bersih rally. At one point people started picking up the tear gas canisters and throwing them back at the police, or kicking the canisters safely away from the marchers and bystanders. I heard via the #bersihstories Twitter hashtag when the police fired tear gas into Tung Shin, there were people who grabbed the canisters and wrapped them in their own towels, then threw the canisters into the drain so there wouldn't be so much fumes.

And another one, about people’s goodness:

My group has a lovely little story to tell as well, of how we escaped from the Tung Shin hospital area after one of the tear gas attacks. We took a little alley uphill between the shophouses, and there was a block of flats there. One of the residents told us to go through the building to get out through the back! We climbed upstairs and then along the opposite corridor a woman shouted and pointed, "That way, go that way, there is an exit out the back!" and we scuttled along our corridor, down the back stairs and found ourselves safe outside on Changkat Tung Shin or something like that.

Rakyat all contributing in their own ways!

There are many stories and photos, both good and bad, of the whole event. But to me what was most important was that Malaysians proved two things: one, they can assemble together on a common cause peacefully and two, therefore showed that they are a mature people. The fact is that there were all kinds of people there, young and old, all races and religions and all classes and creeds. I bumped into many young people, the children of my friends, who had come to see what it was all about and decide for themselves what to think about the issue.

Do these people look like hooligans to you?

Whatever one thinks about the issue that Bersih is espousing, we should all be proud of our fellow Malaysians who did not, despite dire predictions by some, behave like hooligans and destroy property and hurt one another. There were people hurt and one death but people who had participated in the rally did not cause them. The restaurants and shops around the area were doing roaring business as people got thirsty and hungry.

There are also some people claiming that the world now has a bad impression of Malaysia because the foreign media (and the local media for that matter) reported only about the teargassing and water-cannoning. I think people are confusing the government with the people. Yes, the world now has a bad impression of the Malaysian government because it has handled this whole issue so badly. They don’t have the same impression of the Malaysians who stood up for their rights and their cause.

This is what gives a good impression: protestors and police shaking hands before dispersing at 4pm.

And by the way, I can’t believe some of the mean things being said about the man who died after being teargassed! My goodness, every time I read totally uncompassionate things like that, I know that I’m on the right side.

Bersih 2.0. Who is Ambiga Sreenevasan?

2011-07-06T21:33:00.001+08:00

Ambiga Sreenevasan : the humble recipient of Secretary of State's Award for International Women of Courage

(Malaysian Bar Council)

This is the lady who will lead the BERSIH 2.0 march on 9 July 2011.

Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama

12 Mar 2009, 0853 hrs IST

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and first lady Michelle Obama present give away Secretary of State's Award for International Women of Courage to Malaysia 's Ambiga Sreenevasan (Malaysian Bar Council) at the State Department in Washington , DC (AFP)

The shame of it all that we should be so proud (and are) of our own Malaysian receiving an international award like this, but the Malaysian government and press don't see it as important enough to publish it in our local dailies! It was only published by THE SUN but rather small and hidden in the inner pages. WHY???!!!!...

Never mind if they don't publish in the papers......lets circulate ........

This Picture Made It To the Pages of India Times but not in our own papers!

Hillary Clinton:

Our final speaker, Ambiga Sreenevasan, has a remarkable record of accomplishment in Malaysia. She has pursued judicial reform and good governance, she has stood up for religious tolerance, and she has been a resolute advocate of women’s equality and their full political participation.

She is someone who is not only working in her own country, but whose influence is felt beyond the borders of Malaysia. And it is a great honor to recognize her and invite her to the podium. (Applause.)

MS. SREENEVASAN:

The First Lady Mrs. Obama, Madame Secretary Hillary Clinton, ladies and gentlemen, I am humbled to be in the company of seven extraordinary women receiving this award for courage, and I am deeply honored to now speak on their behalf and on mine.

We accept this award in all humility, remembering that we have been fortunate in being singled out from among countless courageous women in our countries who are dedicated to the cause of equality and justice.

It is also timely for us to remember all the women in other conflict-ridden territories, like Palestine and other countries, who have to show courage every single day in their struggle to survive and to keep their families together.

Each of us fights causes that promote equality and justice, and by presenting us with this award you honor those causes and all the people who work tirelessly for them with unflinching dedication.

This award will help to bring to the international stage our voices and our advocacy on these important issues. This occasion gives us an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the rule of law in promoting the rights of women around the world. When the rule of law is upheld, equality is upheld, the cause of justice is upheld, and human rights are upheld.

Today, we are witnessing a struggle for the souls of our nations, taking place between the forces of the old and the forces of change. We see our commitment to the rule of law, fundamental liberties, and the independence of our institutions being tested. The strength of our nations will depend on how well they withstand this test.

There are those who claim that democracy is a Western concept and is unsuitable elsewhere. There are yet others who perpetrate injustices behind a veneer of democracy. We say that democracy is universal, and a true democracy and the rule of law will prevail when the collective voices of the people are raised in its support.

On my part, I have for the past two years had the privilege to lead and serve the Malaysian Bar, a professional organization consisting of approximately 13,000 lawyers. History will bear testament to the fact that the Malaysian Bar has always been true to its first article of faith, to uphold the cause of justice without regard to its own interests or that of its members uninfluenced by fear or favor.

In a sense, I was merely stepping into the shoes of the many other brave leaders of the bar who came before me, whereas many of the awardees today are pioneers in their struggle for justice.

This award has given us the opportunity which we would not otherwise have had, to share our stories, our successes, our failures, to reach out across our borders and to establish a base upon which we can build a meaningful network of support. These stories must be told in all our countries.

By this experience, we are both enriched and enraged; enriched by what we have shared, and enraged that so many of our sisters endure intimidation and suffering in their countries. Nevertheless, ours is a message of hope that something has been achieved, despite the odds. Martin Luther King said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This means that although we may come from different walks of life, our struggle is common.

And each success is a success for all, just as each failure is a failure for all. When we unite on a human rights platform, whether domestically or internationally, above politics and political alliances, we create more enduring partnerships and relationships. When we pursue freedom and empowerment for others, we reaffirm and protect our own.

In my interaction with the other awardees present here today, it was evident that the passion we feel for our causes is driven by the love of our homelands and our people. That, in turn, drives our passion for what is right and what is just.

Our people deserve nothing less. We all believe in striving for ideals that are– if I may borrow the words – self-evident; namely, the ideals of truth, justice, goodness, and universal love and understanding. Our stories are a testament to the universality of these ideals.

We are truly and deeply honored by this award, more so, when it comes from you, Madame Secretary, yourself a woman of courage, who has inspired women around the world to reach great heights. Your untiring efforts in championing women’s rights worldwide are well known.

Your immortal words that, “Human rights are women’s rights, and women’s rights are human rights,” resonate with all of us here.

We would also like to express our deep admiration for the First Lady Mrs. Obama, and we would also like to express our appreciation for your sharing this moment with us. Madame Secretary, on behalf of all the awardees, I thank you. And we accept the honor with humility and pride. Thank you. (Applause.)

barbarians in malaysia culling angels in the street?

2011-05-26T01:07:00.000+08:00

Strays allegedly caught and shot in full view of children

By ZALINAH NOORDIN
zalinah@thestar.com.my
Photos by ZAINUDDIN AHAD and GOH GAIK LEE

RESIDENTS who witnessed an alleged open-shooting of stray dogs by the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) have expressed shock and disgust over the inhumane act.

Inhuman method: File photos of stray dogs being chased, trapped and shot during a local council operation to reduce the stray population in housing areas

The shooting was said to have been carried out in residential areas and in the midst of children who were walking to a nearby kindergarten.

The residents are now urging the council and the Penang government to review the method used to dispose off the strays because open-shooting could pose a danger to the public.

Inhuman method: File photos of stray dogs being chased, trapped and shot during a local council operation to reduce the stray population in housing areas

A witness to the incident who wants to be known only as Rowe, said that of late, there were many strays roaming at Sunway Mutiara in Batu Maung but the animals did not cause any harm to anyone.

She said that she saw a few council workers shooting the dogs in her neighbourhood a few days ago, leaving behind “a trail of blood.”

“When they arrived, the dogs were sleeping under cars parked outside the houses here. They lured one of the dogs out, wrestled it to the ground and shot it several times in its head despite the dog not behaving aggressively,” she said.

Inhuman method: File photos of stray dogs being chased, trapped and shot during a local council operation to reduce the stray population in housing areas

Another resident, who wished to be known as Shu, a homemaker, said her three young children had witnessed the brutal slaying and they were now traumatised by the incident.

“What if the bullets had gone astray? The children could have been harmed,” she said.

American Sarah Rinkenberger, 32, who resides in the same area, said she was not at home during the shooting but she learnt about it from neighbours.

“I’m surprised such a method is still being used in this country. Back in America, strays are caught and sent to the pound but they are never shot in the open,” she said.

Rinkenberger, who helps to manage a language centre here with her husband, said it was her personal belief that God created both humans and animals, therefore dogs must be treated in a good way.

Peace shattered: Rinkenberger watching over her children playing in front of her house in Sunway Mutiara, Batu Maung, where the shooting of stray dogs has allegedly taken place recently

A spokesperson from the MPPP’s Urban Services, Public Health and Licensing Department denied that the council had shot the stray dogs in such a manner.

However, the spokesperson said that shooting would be carried out if there was no other way.

“We are trying to use humane methods such as tranquillisers and we have applied for licensing from the police last year but we have yet to hear from them,” the spokesperson said, stressing that the department would only act based on complaints from the public.

A non-governmental organisation called Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (MDDB) Penang coordinator Chuah Kok Han said the alleged shooting should not be justified by any party.

“It is wrong to use such a method to cull animals. MPPP must stop doing this and the state Veterinary Services Department must ensure that it is stopped immediately,” said Chuah.

He added that nowadays most people no longer tolerate cruelty towards dogs.

“We are a civilised society and we expect relevant authorities such as the local councils to behave in a civilised manner when it comes to handling animal-related issues,’’ said Chuah.

Chuah also said that MDDB Penang plans to meet Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng over the issue.

Children’s Protection Society Penang secretary Magdeline Ng-Leong said the safety of children should not be compromised under whatever circumstances.

“The council should use other methods instead of openly shooting the strays in the presence of children.”

Penang Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) administrator Lily Leng said that stray dogs should not be destroyed in full view of the public.

“We received endless complaints about dogs being shot in public and I think there should be other ways to handle stray dogs instead of shooting them openly.

“Not only is it dangerous, the whole ordeal is disturbing and heart-wrenching to watch. Strays should be put down in private and not in the open,” she said.

Unity is not unison. It is working together, complementing one another

2011-05-09T00:31:00.002+08:00

Unity is not unison. It is working together, complementing one another in order to achieve the common goal.

We see so many divisions in so many organizations today, including churches, bodies of churches - the same thing actually happened 2000 years ago during the apostles' time.

That's where Paul addressed the following letter to the Philippians,
"I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are
in the Book of Life. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Philippians 4:2-5"

Paul knew the importance of teamwork, so he encouraged two women who had been quarreling to make peace. Euodia and Syntyche, members of the Philippian church, had created some division by their disharmony. Paul uses them as examples to launch into an entire chapter on peace. He doesn't ask these women to act uniformly, but rather to be of the same mind.

The term he uses connotes harmony. Singing in harmony doesn't mean singing in unison. Players should play different positions on a team. Harmony means their efforts complement the efforts of others, rather than conflict with them.

Source: EQUIP

A personal God (Ever wondered who God is? What does He look like?)

2011-04-30T03:27:00.004+08:00

A personal God (Ever wondered who God is? What does He look like?) Take a look at creation.
--

I was once a professor at Britain's largest university, and I held various degrees and academic distinctions. in many ways, i was quite sophisticated - intellectually. But I do not feel in any way intellectually inferior to say I believe the Bible's record of creation.

Prior to believing the Bible, I studied may other sources that attempted to explain man's origin, but I found them unsatisfying. In many cases, they contradicted one another. I then turned to study the Bible - not as a believer but as a professional philosopher.

I thought to myself, At least it can't be any sillier than some of the other things I've heard! To my astonishment, I discovered that the Bible had the answer.

In Genesis, we read a short, simple statement. It begins, "The LORD God" - that is , "Jehovah God" - God's personal name. This term tells us that a personal God formed a personal man for personal fellowship.

The LORD God formed (molded) man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being (soul). - Genesis 2:7.

Here we see the union of God's divine, eternal breath from above with the body of clay from beneath, molded by the hands of the Creator. The union of spirit from above and clay from beneath produced a living human personality - one that can have fellowship with the living, personal God.

- Derek Prince.

animal rights activitists rally at moscow against violence, especially of stray dogs

2011-04-21T20:45:00.000+08:00

Animal rights activists hold a rally to protest violence against animals and to demand better treatment of stray dogs in particular, in Moscow, April 21, 2011. – Reuters pic

Japan’s nuclear plant operator pays ‘condolence money’ - Japanese culture (bowing down)

2011-04-08T22:17:00.000+08:00

One thing I really liked about Japanese and Koreans is their polite culture - bowing down, in respect and in apology/ regret. I believe this culture was part of the Chinese's until recently, all that's left in the Chinese, is... you only see them bow before their idols/ ancestor/ in funerals.

There's so much meaning in such a simple gesture. It is a act of humility, of sincerity. A person who's proud and floating on air can't easily bow to the people around them. Bow down in sincerity.

A priceless gesture, an honoured culture.

Tokyo Electric executive vice-president Takashi Fujimoto (second left) bows with the company’s operating officers at the news conference at the company headquarters in Tokyo, April 5, 2011. — Reuters pic

japanese boy teaches lesson (tsunami, earthquake, refugee, food distribution)

2011-04-06T23:06:00.000+08:00

japanese boy teaches lesson (tsunami, earthquake, refugee, food distribution)

Published on ShanghaiDaily.com (http://www.shanghaidaily.com/

)

http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/?id=467066&type=Opinion

Japanese boy teaches lesson in sacrifice

Created: 2011-3-24 0:17:31

EDITOR'S note:

THIS letter, written by Vietnamese immigrant Ha Minh Thanh working in Fukushima as a policeman to a friend in Vietnam, was posted on New America Media on March 19. It is a testimonial to the strength of the Japanese spirit, and an interesting slice of life near the epicenter of Japan's crisis at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. It was translated by NAM editor Andrew Lam, author of "East Eats West: Writing in Two Hemispheres." Shanghai Daily condensed it.

Brother,

How are you and your family? These last few days, everything was in chaos. When I close my eyes, I see dead bodies. When I open my eyes, I also see dead bodies.

Each one of us must work 20 hours a day, yet I wish there were 48 hours in the day, so that we could continue helping and rescuing folks.

We are without water and electricity, and food rations are near zero. We barely manage to move refugees before there are new orders to move them elsewhere.

I am currently in Fukushima, about 25 kilometers away from the nuclear power plant. I have so much to tell you that if I could write it all down, it would surely turn into a novel about human relationships and behaviors during times of crisis.

People here remain calm - their sense of dignity and proper behavior are very good - so things aren't as bad as they could be. But given another week, I can't guarantee that things won't get to a point where we can no longer provide proper protection and order.

They are humans after all, and when hunger and thirst override dignity, well, they will do whatever they have to do. The government is trying to provide supplies by air, bringing in food and medicine, but it's like dropping a little salt into the ocean.

Brother, there was a really moving incident. It involves a little Japanese boy who taught an adult like me a lesson on how to behave like a human being.

Last night, I was sent to a little grammar school to help a charity organization distribute food to the refugees. It was a long line that snaked this way and that and I saw a little boy around 9 years old. He was wearing a T-shirt and a pair of shorts.

It was getting very cold and the boy was at the very end of the line. I was worried that by the time his turn came there wouldn't be any food left. So I spoke to him. He said he was at school when the earthquake happened. His father worked nearby and was driving to the school. The boy was on the third floor balcony when he saw the tsunami sweep his father's car away.

I asked him about his mother. He said his house is right by the beach and that his mother and little sister probably didn't make it. He turned his head and wiped his tears when I asked about his relatives.

The boy was shivering so I took off my police jacket and put it on him. That's when my bag of food ration fell out. I picked it up and gave it to him. "When it comes to your turn, they might run out of food. So here's my portion. I already ate. Why don't you eat it?"

The boy took my food and bowed. I thought he would eat it right away, but he didn't. He took the bag of food, went up to where the line ended and put it where all the food was waiting to be distributed.

I was shocked. I asked him why he didn't eat it and instead added it to the food pile. He answered: "Because I see a lot more people hungrier than I am. If I put it there, then they will distribute the food equally."

When I heard that I turned away so that people wouldn't see me cry.

A society that can produce a 9-year-old who understands the concept of sacrifice for the greater good must be a great society, a great people.

Well, a few lines to send you and your family my warm wishes. The hours of my shift have begun again.

Ha Minh Thanh

My dog eats his pooh vs swallowing down nasal discharges

2011-04-02T00:06:00.000+08:00

My dog eats his pooh vs swallowing down nasal discharges - they're different, aren't they?

I dislike going to the doctor, no matter what illness i've got. I don't like to get my body checked, to be diagnosed, and to be given certain medicine which could harm my livers and etcetera... (but then again, on the other hand, sometimes even simple viral or bacterial infection will also harm my liver and etcetra, so... it's a lose-lose situation when one falls sick). Only God's healing hand produces a win-win situation to me. haha. ;=) So I'd rather pray and allow healing take place on its own. However, of late, there have been times when I succumb to external / surrounding pressures or the excruciating pain due to the sickness, then I'll knock on the clinic's door.

Recently a good friend of mine recommended a certain doctor near my place. I visited him once when I had a bout of severe poisoning - I thought my kidneys were shutting down.. but when I met him, he made a few serious checks and explained, "it's only the ligaments pulling, due to the strains in the intestines." I could only hope and pray that he's right. My will's not done yet.

Anyway, 3 days later I recovered. Just a few days ago, after taking some hot n spicy food, my eyes start to swell a bit, my nose get runny abit. By the third day, my voice was "cloggy" (any better vocabulary for this adjective?) and when I went to work on the fourth day, I felt like I could faint anytime of the day. My nasal discharges were thick green, the phlegms I coughed were thick green. I could almost imagine the greenish phlegms lining up the alveoli in my lungs. oops. to cut things short, I took half day mc, and went to see this doc.

So as I walked in the consultation room (after more than half an hour's waiting?), I complained about the fever, lost of voice, bad flu, choked up frontal sinuses, I was almost in tears. It was really miserable a flu. He looked concerned, "What's the colour of your phlegm?"

I told him my phlegms are thick green and running nose with all greenish discharges. With an amused look, he chuckled, "Everything green?"

At this point, my amygdala almost blurted, "Yah, and it's tasty too..." However, thank God the message got truncated at my association cortex and I compared what my clients complained often, "My dog always eats his pooh... is it really that tasty?"

Ouch... what would this doctor think of me if I did not filter this sentence? Will he compare me with a dog?? So my association cortex edited this answer to a simple "yah, yah, haha..."

Sometimes it feels so fun when you can just talk like a child, without any care of the consequences.
It's the same as when you're a student, your stature and language would not mean as much as when you're a working adult.
That goes for a grown up too. Every word that comes out from our mouth - should be filtered, for they will definitely bear consequences, some in ways that we may never know.

Be sure that the words that come forth from your mouth edifies and encourages the listener. I'm learning this. ;=) (which is so difficult to do!!!)

church growth biggest barrier - solution - people (sheep) matters more

2011-03-31T19:29:00.000+08:00

church growth biggest barrier - solution - people (sheep) matters more

I believe that Jesus’ biggest argument with the Pharisees was their complacency—their desire to put programs and preferences ahead of people. In Matthew 12:11-12, Jesus said to them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep?” Jesus’ greatest concern was the fact that they had put more emphasis on the systems and their own personal lives than they had for people.
This is still a barrier in today’s churches. There will be people in your church who will constantly want to do what feels good for them inside their comfort zone. Often people in the church are more concerned about serving themselves than reaching out to serve the lost.

Bayside Community Church

Jesus praying Gethsemane suffering of broken heart

2011-03-29T19:17:00.000+08:00

The Sufferings of His Broken Heart
by Max Lucado

Go with me for a moment to witness what was perhaps the foggiest night in history. The scene is very simple; you’ll recognize it quickly. A grove of twisted olive trees. Ground cluttered with large rocks. A low stone fence. A dark, dark night.

Now, look into the picture. Look closely through the shadowy foliage. See that person? See that solitary figure? What’s he doing? Flat on the ground. Face stained with dirt and tears. Fists pounding the hard earth. Eyes wide with a stupor of fear. Hair matted with salty sweat. Is that blood on his forehead?

That’s Jesus. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Maybe you’ve seen the classic portrait of Christ in the garden. Kneeling beside a big rock. Snow-white robe. Hands peacefully folded in prayer. A look of serenity on his face. Halo over his head. A spotlight from heaven illuminating his golden-brown hair.

Now, I’m no artist, but I can tell you one thing. The man who painted that picture didn’t use the gospel of Mark as a pattern. Look what Mark wrote about that painful night, he used phrases like these: “Horror and dismay came over him.” “My heart is ready to breakwith grief.” “He went a little forward and threw himself on the ground.”

Does this look like the picture of a saintly Jesus resting in the palm of God? Hardly. Mark used black paint to describe this scene. We see an agonizing, straining, and struggling Jesus. We see a “man of sorrows.” (Isaiah 53:3 NASB) We see a man struggling with fear, wrestling with commitments, and yearning for relief.

We see Jesus in the fog of a broken heart.

The writer of Hebrews would later pen, “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death.” (Hebrews 5:7 NIV)

My, what a portrait! Jesus is in pain. Jesus is on the stage of fear. Jesus is cloaked, not in sainthood, but in humanity.

The next time the fog finds you, you might do well to remember Jesus in the garden. The next time you think that no one understands, reread the fourteenth chapter of Mark. The next time your self-pity convinces you that no one cares, pay a visit to Gethsemane. And the next time you wonder if God really perceives the pain that prevails on this dusty planet, listen to him pleading among the twisted trees.

The next time you are called to suffer, pay attention. It may be the closest you’ll ever get to God. Watch closely. It could very well be that the hand that extends itself to lead you out of the fog is a pierced one.

Catching a stray dog (which is infamous for aggression, lesson from Cesar Milan, with God's favour)

2011-03-27T00:01:00.000+08:00

Catching a stray dog (which is infamous for aggression, lesson from Cesar Milan, with God's favour)

I usually do not like to write the details about my work, but today an exceptional thing happened. It was not an ordinary day, and I must write it down - so that I'll remember the details, in years to come. ;-)

Today I received a call, by a person whom sounded very desperate over the phone - claiming that Majlis Perbandaran went to her housing area to catch a few stray dogs. Of the stray dogs, there were two which she successfully "trapped" into an empty house compound. She requested my help to go to the house and catch the dogs, so that the dogs can be neutered and then transferred into a doggy farm.

Upon reaching the house, the lady came to me, introducing herself as someone who fears dog. I was surprised, but was glad that despite her fear she managed still to lure the dogs into the house compound. There were 2 dogs - one was a labrador cross, while the other a belgian shepherd cross. The labrador was tied onto a post, while the belgian was left running around freely in the compound. They could not tie the belgian because it's very fierce.

As I walked near the house, the labrador began growling and barking me, threatening me, but I got hold of the string (thank God, the lab did not strike me), and got her into a pet carrier. Now the real problem...

After putting the lab into the pet carrier, another neighbour actually walked out and talked to the lady rescuer. THey were chit chatting, saying how a gentle and nice doggy this lab was, how they wanted her as their pet, have they had a place. And then they talked about the belgian which was still sleeping behind a car in the house compound.

"That dog ah, very fierce one! Yesterday when I walked near, he jumped out at me and wanted to bite me! Bad dog, I'll never keep him as a pet! bla bla bla (negative comments stacked one upon the other, about the belgian cross doggy). I gulped. I requested them to go to a far away place, so that neither me nor the belgian will be distracted by them.

"You're not scared ar?" The lady asked me.
"No, I'm not, " I paused for a moment. "Please pray for me," I continued.

It did not matter to me, however they may pray, but I called upon my God, "Dear Lord, you are my God. Forgive me all my wrong doings. Please, grant me your favour that this dog will submit to me, I will be safe. I do not want any bite. Please Lord, cover me."

With that, I opened the gate, made my first step into the house compound. Then I heard sounds coming out from behind the car. The belgian has awaken. He walked out and stood at a distance from me, staring at me, gauging my motives and moves. I avoided looking at him, and I remembered what I learned from Cesar Milan's videos. This dog is those kind which exhibits territorial aggression.

Very calmly, I assert my dominance with my body language (Cesar's lessons), very slowly taking steps, walking closer to him each time. Then he ran to the other side of the compound. He's giving up his territory! My heart leaped a little. Again, I repeated my steps, calmly, in silence, walking toward him steadily, until the distance between us was a mere 1 metre. I stopped.

He was trembling. I say that's a good sign. But the tail was not in between the legs, so... this dog may be in fear, but he's ready for a fight. I was cautious. I kept praying in my heart. "Please Lord Jesus, keep me safe, make him submit to me."

Then I noticed one of his front leg shaking and making uncertain movements, which reminded me of what Cesar Milan said - this is a sign that the dog is uncertain of what to do next. So I held out my leash, very slowly introduced it around the head, and suddenly, he rocketed off backway.

So I restarted my steps, getting closer to him, until he was cornered. There was a mere 30cm distance between us. He's trembling hard, but what bothered me was the tail was not in between the legs. And his posture was not a submissive one. I remembered the famous chinese saying, "Don't push a dog to a corner, else having nowhere to turn to, he's forced to strike you." I gulped. Prayed. Please Lord Jesus, grant me wisdom. I want to help this belgian. So I waited for him to calm down a little. When he finally sat down, I slowly introduced the leash. With every small jerk coming from him, I countered with an quick but calm, antagonizing posture.

After a few minutes in this positions, he finally allowed me to loop the leash around his head, and BINGO! I got him! PRAISE GOD, FOR HE'S GOOD TO THOSE WHO LOVES & trusts in Him!

Once I got him out of the house compound, he was much relaxed, he licked me, tried to befriend me, and I actually was able to push him into the carrier.

I was so glad,so grateful. I thank God for zero aggression from this belgian, and thank Cesar Milan for his lessons. They were useful. oh yah, I'm safe, so is the belgian.

SUCCESS!! yahooooo......

The biggest sin - disunity of the church/ christians (destined to soar)

2011-03-24T23:20:00.000+08:00

The biggest sin - disunity of the church/ christians (destined to soar)

At the end of a devastating three-year drought, all Israel assembled at Mount Carmel. There Elijah boldly challenged them to watch a contest between the prophets of Baal and himself.

After the prophets of Baal exhausted themselves in vain to persuade their god to answer by fire, it was Elijah’s turn to call upon Jehovah.

But before he did, he first rebuilt the altar of the God of Israel: “And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down. And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob . . .” (1 Kings 18:30–31).

This act of Elijah is of great significance. These 12 stones speak of the unity that was required before he—or anyone else—could see God’s work accomplished. Then Elijah could only go as far as two sentences into his prayer before the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, the dust and the water in the trenches.

Jesus’ disciples might have felt small compared to the mighty prophet Elijah. However, Jesus told them how they could have the same presence of God and experience His powerful answers to their prayers: by being united in their hearts. “If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:19–20).

I hope that you will not miss the seriousness here. The work of God goes forward through unity. Without it, what happens to God’s purposes here on earth? Consider this quote from Paul Billheimer’s book Love Covers:

The most important, momentous, crucial, but the most ignored, neglected and unsolved problem that has faced the Church from its infancy to the present throbbing moment is the problem of disunity. . . . The sin of disunity probably has caused more souls to be lost than all other sins combined. Possibly more than anything else, it is the one thing that binds the hands of the Holy Spirit and thwarts His work of convincing of sin, righteousness and judgment.1

Without any doubt, disunity is one of the most powerful weapons Satan uses to hinder the work of God. We should guard against it at all costs.

So often we get caught up in the face value of our lives and situations that we don’t even realize how demons are blowing things out of proportion, twisting the facts and manipulating situations all with the aim of creating disunity. Yet when we respond in a godly manner, we thwart Satan’s tactics. Christlike attitudes will save us from words and actions that would have caused rifts in the Body of Christ. What are the thoughts and attitudes that keep us from responding in Christlikeness and the spirit of unity?

A judgmental spirit. Having a judgmental spirit means we have a critical and unloving attitude toward others. We think we have the only right answers. We measure everyone and everything by our standards while our critical and unmerciful attitude toward others is just as displeasing to the Lord as the sin we see in them.

Jesus vividly illustrates this contrast by comparing our judgment with that of a man who tried to remove a speck from his brother’s eye while having a log in his own. He goes on to tell us that such a self-righteous attitude has severe consequences: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged” (Matthew 7:1–2).

Lack of brokenness. Unless we are willing to give up our own ambitions, we cannot be one with the other members of the Body of Christ. If we are so adamant about our rights and our ways, we are not able to live and work together in God’s kingdom.

Each one of us has to come to a place at which we recognize the depths of our self-love and then repent and be willing to say, “I am sorry.” As long as we are unwilling to admit that we are wrong, we are weak and there is no unity among us.

Unwillingness to become servants. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5, kjv).

Do we serve others because it is convenient or when we know we will be praised? Or will we serve simply because it is our privilege to take a low position?

The way we respond to Christ and humble ourselves before Him is reflected and judged by the way we respond to others around us. Jesus said, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40).

It’s easy to climb up the ladder; the hardest thing is to go down by choice. I believe this is where we are tested—to see if we are willing to humble ourselves and maintain unity by serving others.

Clouded vision. Like soldiers on the battlefield, if we fall down, we continue on. We don’t walk out of the battle. When we face difficulties—times of misunderstandings, differing opinions, disappointment or missed expectations—our vision can become clouded, and we forget the war that is raging.

But Paul urges us, “Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27). We are in a battle for souls, and our unity is so crucial to accomplishing this purpose. So don’t let the times of difficulty blur your vision. Remember why you were enlisted.

The destiny of nearly 3 billion unreached people hangs in the balance. Yet not a day goes by that we don’t hear of disunity in the Body of Christ, whether it’s among individuals, denominations or mission groups. So often division takes place over such small issues that are not at all crucial in order to maintain fellowship in Christ. Do you know how 115 The Weapon of Disunity splintered we are? We are one Body, one Church, yet we have more than 3,000 different denominations.

My dear brothers and sisters, we cannot afford to be playing games. May the Lord give us the courage, clear thinking and brokenness to walk together in unity.

Will you lay down your own agenda for the sake of the many who are waiting to hear the name of Christ?

If you would like more information about Gospel for Asia, please visit our website. www.gfa.org

This would be my prayer.. a complete prayer.. perhaps can be improved...

2011-03-22T15:06:00.003+08:00

This would be my prayer.. a complete prayer.. perhaps can be improved...if I have the time.. ;-)

May you be blessed.

--
Dear Lord,
I thank You for this day,
I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning.

I'm blessed because You are a forgiving and understanding God.
You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me.

Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to You.
I ask now for Your forgiveness.

Please keep me safe from all danger and harm.
Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude.
Let me make the best of each and everyday to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.

Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things.
Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over, and give me the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits.

I know that when I can't pray, YOu listen to my heart.
Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others.

Keep me strong that I may help the weak.
Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others.

I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way.
I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood.
I pray for those who don't know You intimately.
I pray for those that don't believe.

But I thank You that I believe that God changes people and God changes things.
I pray for all my sisters and brothers.
For each and every family member in their households.
I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes;
that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God.
Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.

I pray that these words be received into the heart of every eye that sees it.

AMEN!!!

Faith and reason go hand in hand — Ronald Benjamin (Malay language bible seized by Malaysian government)

2011-03-20T17:34:00.000+08:00

Faith and reason go hand in hand — Ronald Benjamin

March 18, 2011

MARCH 18 — The government decision to release the Malay version of the Bible with conditions such a stamp with the Home Ministry seal and a serial number reveals the inner character of a government that is beginning to lose a sense of decency and civilised behaviour towards Malaysians of the Christian faith.

This is the reason I have been always sceptical of the 1 Malaysia slogan which is crafted through a political conceptualisation with an electoral strategy in mind, to win back lost votes, but beginning to lose its credibility due to overbearing, deceptive public relations exercises, besides failing its stress test on issues of great universal significant such as freedom of religion.

Freedom of religion is not merely the right to freely practise a religion, it is a dignified right of individuals to search for spiritual truths and meaning of life without restriction and boundaries. Search for the truth and making decisions on faith are a fundamental human right.

History would attest that the control of people’s minds would always be counter productive because we live in a complex world where individuals, with various degrees of cultural upbringing and thought patterns that are evolving, are the decision-makers of their own destiny.

People cannot be restricted to any ideology because God is beyond rigid ideology. People can be persuaded but not forced into submission especially if it is related to faith which should be chosen in freedom.

It is puzzling that the ideological religious establishment in Najib’s government has little sense of conscience and truth while they call themselves religious. This makes the government less credible to speak about Muslim rights in other countries.

Just imagine the type of demonstration that would have taken place if this issue of dictating the labelling of a religious book had taken place the other way round. It is worthy to note that an Islamist party such as PAS has taken a broader view of this issue.

Solutions to religious disputes would take place when faith and reason are connected, where the self evident truth of do unto others what you want them to do for you is present.

In the Malaysian context the beauty of religion has been diluted to ethno-religious, ideological dominance and political construct that makes a broad dialogue of reason an uphill battle. It is hoped that an amicable solution to this crisis can found with humility and reason.

* Ronald Benjamin reads The Malaysian Insider.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.

Source: The Malaysian Insider

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/breakingviews/article/faith-and-reason-go-hand-in-hand-ronald-benjamin/

pet/dog evacuation/ shelter in japan earthquake/tsunami relief

2011-03-17T22:25:00.001+08:00

A woman shares her food with her dog at an evacuation centre for pets and their owners near an area devastated by an earthquake and tsunami in Kesennuma, north Japan March 17, 2011. – Reuters pic

Source: The Malaysian Insider

ANIMALS ACT 1953 (Revised 2006) PART IV

2011-03-08T19:05:00.000+08:00

ANIMALS ACT 1953 (Revised 2006) PART IV –

PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
Section 44. Penalty for cruelty to animals
(1) Any person who —
(a) cruelly beats, kicks, ill-treats, overrides, overdrives, overloads, tortures, infuriates or terrifies... any animal; shall be guilty of an offence of cruelty and shall be liable to a fine of two hundred ringgit or to imprisonment for a term of six months or to both.

The "two hundred ringgit" makes me laugh. Malaysia, Malaysia... An animal's life is equivalent to a traffic summon. How pathetic a law.

Taliban militants on Wednesday shot dead Pakistan's only Christian government minister for challenging a law that mandates the death penalty for insul

2011-03-06T23:36:00.001+08:00

I was reading the news a few days ago when suddenly a title drew disgust and indignant from within me. The title reads, "Taliban militants on Wednesday shot dead Pakistan's only Christian government minister for challenging a law that mandates the death penalty for insulting Islam"

Surely, what is the use/ meaning of "religion" or "God" when hatred and killings are birthed from this "religion" or "God".

If you have a choice, would you want your "GOD" to be a commander that demands everyone that talks bad about him killed (e.g. similar to Hitler, old Chinese emporers)...

or would you prefer a God that loves even His enemy that He will die for this enemy?

Think about it. This news saddens me, but a scripture quickly came into my mind.

"The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good see in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.

But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, "Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?

He said to them, "An enemy has done this." The servants said to him, "Do you want us then to go and gather them up?"

But he said, "No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn."

.... He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.

Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire.

There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Matthew 13:24-43)

How sad, and cursed are those who allow themselves to be used by the evil one, for the furnace of fire is awaiting them.

A solution for pulling/tugging problem when walkingyour dog

2011-03-04T23:57:00.000+08:00

Ever want to walk your doggies peacefully? I've been struggling on this issue with my toff for many years. So far I've tolerated well, until another canine joined our pack - kim.

He... he's a super-copy-cat of the bad habits of toff, and he adds into those bad habits his gangsterism behaviour. You know what I mean? To cut things short, with the two of them now walking on leash equals to a hard time for me.
Toff will sniff every inch of the ground, pulling and zooming without ever considering his poor owner could fall or trip.. and kim simply makes things worse by zooming the other side, and he jumps up and down floppping his hands all around the air... gangster in action.

Anyhow, I sorted for rescue and came to this gentle leader.

So far I've succeeded in putting this beautiful headcollar on them.

Will I succeed in walking them? Let's see. May God's favour be upon me.

get serious about sin - confession

2011-03-02T20:40:00.000+08:00

February 23, 2011

Get Serious About Sin

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done" (1 John 1:9, NCV).

Friend To Friend
As a little girl, I always looked forward to the first day of summer vacation because it meant two things. First, I did not have to sit in a classroom all day wasting precious brain power trying to comprehend and learn what I considered to be useless information. Second, I did not have to wear shoes except when I went to church or when my mother handed down the decree, "If you are going with me, you have to wear shoes." It had to be a really important errand for me to don even a pair of sandals or flip-flops.

Those first few days of my shoeless adventures were always a painful shock to my tender feet since my "playground" was actually nothing more than a gravel road running beside our house on the edge of town. I played for hours, climbing trees and racing friends up and down that rocky street. At the end of each day, my feet were grimy and filthy, often bruised and sometimes slightly bloody. Even now I can remember the stinging discomfort inflicted by those razor-sharp rocks during the first few weeks of summer. My pain management was firmly rooted in the knowledge that my feet would soon grow callused and tough. I took comfort in the fact that I would soon be running down that gravel road with little or no pain.

Sin works the same way. The first time we commit a sin it is painful. We are filled with remorse and mourn the fact that we have grieved the heart of God, but regret is not enough when it comes to dealing with sin. Unless we confess and turn away from that sin, we are likely to commit it again. If we allow sin to settle into our life and refuse to confess it, that sin eventually hardens our heart and builds spiritual calluses in our soul. When we become comfortable with our sin, we are walking in enemy territory and setting ourselves up for spiritual failure and discouragement.

The good news is that Jesus understands human frailty. He is well acquainted with temptation and the tactics of Satan. Jesus gave His life as a ransom for yours and mine. He paid our sin debt in full.

1 John 1:9 "But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done" (NCV).

This verse was written to believers as an encouragement to deal with sin and a promise that when we do so, God will be faithful to forgive us and clean up the mess that sin has caused. We are not perfect - just forgiven. To experience that forgiveness fully we need to keep short books on sin. That means being sensitive to sin and immediately choosing to do something about it. God is serious about sin. We need to be as well.

1. We must confess sin continually. "Confess" means to agree with and is a present tense verb meaning that we must confess sin frequently, without stopping.

2. We must confess sin completely. We commit sins one at a time. We need to confess them one by one as well.

3. We must confess our sin confidently. Once we confess and repent of our sin, we can put it behind us. God is just and fair - seeking only one payment for sin. Jesus has already made full and complete payment with His death on the cross.

One of Satan's favorite tactics is to resurrect buried sin. Wrapping that confessed transgression in his vain taunts and useless accusations, the enemy hauls it back into focus, hoping that guilt will paralyze and imprison a soul set free. Satan can hold us prisoner if we let him. But how often do we believe his empty lies - and by doing so, grant him access to that which he has no right? To break the hold of sin, we can and must stand against the enemy, trusting not in our feelings but in the facts of God's word. And those facts are unchanging and crystal clear - when we confess sin, God forgives it.

Let's Pray
Father, do not let me ever forget the price You paid for my sin. Thank You for the forgiveness and freedom You purchased with Your death on the cross. Bring swift awareness and conviction when I sin. Give me the strength and power to deal with and turn from the sin in my life. For Your glory and in Your name I pray, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Set aside time each day to pray and study His Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of every sin that stands between you and God. Confess that sin. Choose against it and walk on in His power and forgiveness. Ask yourself the following questions:

What sin do I need to confess right now?

Why have I held on to this sin?

What effect has this sin had on my life?

What changes do I need to make in order to "turn" from my sin?

Do I really believe that God can and will forgive this sin? Why? Why not?

What Kind of Book Are You Writing? becareful you speak

2011-02-28T20:19:00.000+08:00

(Becareful what and how you speak, this speaks for me as well)

What Kind of Book Are You Writing?

Mary Southerland Today's Truth
"I will be careful how I act and will not sin by what I say. I will be careful what I say around wicked people. I became very angry inside, and as I thought about it, my anger burned. So, I spoke" (Psalm 39:1, 3 NCV).

Friend To Friend
A young lady named Sally relates an experience she had in a Seminary class taught by Dr. Smith, a teacher who was well known for his elaborate object lessons. One particular day, Sally walked into the classroom and instantly knew they were going to have a lot of fun. On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table was a large stack of darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of a person they disliked or someone who had made them angry and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture.

Sally's girlfriend drew a picture of a girl who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother who was a constant irritation. Sally drew a picture of a former friend who had betrayed her. As Sally remembered the pain and hurt of that broken friendship, she put a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. When her picture was completed, Sally sat back and gazed at her work, pleased with the overall effect she had achieved.

The class lined up and began throwing darts. Laughter and shouts of success rang out as each dart found its target. Some of the students threw the darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally was looking forward to her turn but was disappointed when Dr. Smith called time and asked the students to return to their seats.

As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target, Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall. Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A complete hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covering His face.

Dr. Smith quietly said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:40, KJV). No other words were necessary. The tear-filled eyes of each student focused only on the picture of Christ.

Words are like seeds. What we plant will grow. The words we speak are powerful and will either build up or destroy. Words can diffuse anger and turn tragedy into triumph. The right word, spoken at the right time and in the right way can bring peace in the midst of confusion. God gives us "spiritual radar" so we can assess a situation and speak the right word for that circumstance, but how often do we speak before we check the radar?

· A judge utters a few words and a guilty man is taken to death row.

· A friend speaks a word of encouragement and a desperate heart finds hope.

· A mother lashes out with angry words and the light in her child's eyes is gone.

· A wife offers a word of forgiveness and a marriage is saved.

· A gossip makes a phone call and a reputation is destroyed.

· A teenager says "no" and changes the course of her life.

It has been estimated that most people speak enough words in one week to fill a large book of 500 pages which, in the average lifetime, would amount to somewhere around 3000 volumes or 1,500,000 pages. What kind of book are you writing today with your words?

Let's Pray
Father, I need Your help. I want the words I speak to encourage and build up the people in my life. Forgive me for the hurtful words I have spoken. Teach me how to speak the right words in each situation and how to think before I speak. And Lord, help me keep my mouth shut when I need to!

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Colossians 4:6 (NLT) "Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone."

Is there a meaning to life? The purpose driven life.

2011-02-26T19:21:00.000+08:00

Many people ask - is there a meaning to life? Let's hear what this brilliant man has to say...

"This life is not all there is. Life on earth is just the dress rehearsal before the real production.
You will spend time on the other side of death - in eternity - than you will here.
Earth is the staging area, the preschool, the try out for your life in eternity.
It is the practice workout before the actual game;
the warm-up lap before the race begins.

This life is preparation for the next."

-Rick Warren (The Purpose Driven Life)

There comes a moment (Winston Churchill)

2011-02-24T18:09:00.000+08:00

"There come a moment in everyone's life,
a moment in which that person was made for.
If he seizes that special opportunity,
he will find that he will fulfil the mission for which he is uniquely qualified.

In that moment, he will find it has been his finest hour"

Winston Churchill

Is Life Worth Living - Times and seasons (rat race)

2011-02-22T14:58:00.002+08:00

Life is full of disappointments. You expect a relationship to happen ,but when it does not, the clock seems to stop. Yet time still goes on.

There is a time for you to digest your experience,
a time for you to learn,
a time for you to reflect,
a time to develop and further redefine what God is doing in your life.

Do not be caught up in where you should be.
Do not be in the rat race chasing goals.

BE IN THE RIGHT RACE.

black german shepherd from germany

2011-02-14T22:10:00.004+08:00

Black german shepherd from germany

I was walking my dogs just now when my neighbour's visitor struck a conversation with me.

"These are your dogs?" He enquired, i'm not sure of the sincerity behind his question.
"Yah." I answered crisply while quickly making my way pass him.
"I have a dog at home," He looked at me.

"OK." I was really not interested to talk to him. But my dog was "dancing around with his neck leashed" (if you know wat i mean, he did not want to follow my direction and pace of walking, so he was struggling there with his dances refusing to follow me, right in front of the stranger).

"It's a german shepherd. A black german shepherd." He continued.
"OK." That statement drew me colder from continuing any conversation with him. So what if it's a black german shepherd? Like I cared.
"Imported from Germany," He sort of shouted as I walked pass him.
"OK." was my reply. I wondered did anyone imported any german shepherd from south africa? Oh gosh, I was getting cynical. At least by now I was no longer standing infront of him and obliged to pay heed to his comments and "one-kind" look.

I've attached a picture of a black german shepherd so that (if you sohappen never seen onebefore) you may know.

To me, a black, or brown,or white, or silver, or green german shepherd, is just another dog. No difference from a mutt.

coming out of the dark (help/ heal/ cure on depression woman)

2011-02-05T19:53:00.000+08:00

coming out of the dark (help/ heal/ cure on depression woman)

February 4, 2011

Coming Out of the Dark

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry" (Psalm 40:1,NIV).

Patience is not my greatest virtue. I do not like to wait - for anyone or anything - which is precisely why you should never get in line behind me at the grocery store. It doesn't matter if there are two people or ten people in front of me, my line will invariably be the slowest line. I do not like to wait on God either ... but was forced to do so when I found myself sitting at the bottom of a pit called clinical depression. I was empty and more tired than I had ever been in my life. I kept asking, "How did I get here?"

Depression is not an overnight phenomenon. I can honestly say that I don't know a single person who has climbed out of bed in the morning and said, "Hmmm ... I think I will jump into the pit of depression today." Deliverance from that pit is usually not an overnight process either. It takes time and patience.

1. Wait. The psalmist simply says, "I waited." Waiting is not passive. Waiting is meant to be a time of preparation, a time of rest and healing,

To wait means to accept the pit. Isaiah 45:3 (NIV) "I will give you hidden treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name."

Any time "LORD" is capitalized in Scripture, it means "Abba Father." This verse indicates that our Father has gone before us and in every dark moment or painful circumstance has buried a treasure or stored a secret. The only way we can find the treasure or learn the secret is to pass through that darkness. Some things cannot be learned in the light. To wait means to accept the pit, knowing it is for our good.

To wait means to admit there is a problem. Isaiah 40:29 (NLT) "He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak."

Emotional health begins at the point of emotional integrity with a willingness to say "I need help!" When clinical depression overwhelmed my life, my husband was the pastor of a large church in South Florida. We could choose to be transparent and real or we could sweep my struggle under the rug. We concluded that in order to be right, we had to be real. Dan and I shared my battle with the staff, the deacons and then with the entire church. Yes, we took a risk but learned an important lesson in doing so. A shared load is a lighter load. We were created to need each other.

To wait means to be still. Psalm 40:1 "I waited ..." To wait means to hope in and look for someone or something who will rescue us.
So much about God can never be known on the run. I was so wrapped up in serving God that I had failed to be wrapped up in Him. During those two years in the pit, I not only gave up every role of leadership, there were many times when I could not even attend church because of panic attacks. God taught me an important truth. He is more concerned with who I am than what I do. No one can take my place in His heart.

2. Be patient. It took twenty-two years for the McDonald's hamburger chain to make its first billion dollars. It took IBM forty-six years and Xerox sixty-three years to make their first billion. Harvey Mackay, in his book Swim with the Sharks, tells of an interview with the 88-year-old President of Japan's largest and most successful electrical enterprise. The interview went as follows:

Question: Mr. President, does your company have long-range goals?

Answer: "Yes."

Question: "How long are your long-range goals?"

Answer: "Two hundred and fifty years."

Question: "What do you need to carry them out?"

Answer: "Patience."

David said, "I waited patiently for the Lord." The word "patiently" means "without tiring and with perseverance." It took me many years to hit rock bottom. It took me two years to climb out of that pit and I am still climbing. Yes, I still battle depression from time to time. Depression keeps me broken and on my face before God - and that is a good thing.

Depression may not be the problem you are facing, but at some point in life, we will all face some kind of pit. It may be a pit that we have dug with our own hands of wrong choices or it could be a pit that has been uniquely designed for us by the enemy. But a pit is a pit - a place of paralyzing fear and numbing doubt that is constantly fed by our human frailty and desperate attempts to escape the darkness.

The good news is that God is drawn to broken people. Psalm 40:1 says "He turned to me." Notice it does not say that David turned to God. Honestly, I doubt David had the strength to turn to God ... so God turned to him. God heard the cry of David and he will hear yours. I don't know if you are in a pit and need help or if someone you love is in that pit and needs your help, but one thing I do know is that the purpose of the pit is to purify and then restore. Right now, surrender the broken pieces of your life to God. He can and will bring you out of the dark.

Let's Pray

Father, I am so tired. I can't hear Your voice or sense Your presence in my life. My faith is weak and I need Your strength to go on. Right now, I am laying the broken pieces of my life at Your feet and counting on You to come through for me.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Diagnostic occupation requires good communication skills.

2011-01-31T12:18:00.003+08:00

Being in a diagnostic field for some time now, I've roughly captured the gist of my general clientele profile. Communication is a skill, which needs to be learned and applied well in both parties in order to ensure smooth transition of information.

Below is an example of communication problem without information breakdown.

O: my dog has diarrhoea.
m: how bad? watery or porridge-like?
O: one piece, solid one.
m: that's not diarrhoea...
O: that's not diarrhoea mea?
=.=''''''''
m: how many times vomit?
O: ALOT!
m: 10 times?
o: once.
m: a big patch?
o: abig one!
m: how big is the patch?
o: about half a palm size...

=.='''

Is Life Worth Living (life cycle, circle of life, meaning of life, vanity, ecclesiastes)

2011-01-27T21:04:00.000+08:00

Is Life Worth Living (life cycle, circle of life, meaning of life, vanity, ecclesiastes)

For Solomon, life was an endless circle.
The answer to the question "Is life worth living?" escaped him.

For me, the answer is only found in Jesus Christ.

On the day I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour, God ended that circle, straightened it, stretched it and reshaped it into His divine timeline.

Not only do I now have a reason to live, but more importantly, I have a higher cause to live for.

I want to tell the world that life in CHrist Jesus is indeed worth living.

My prayer is that as you read this book, God will use the thoughts and words to inspire you - maybe even provoke you - to recalibrate your life to live for God.

Journey with me as we discover life together.

Dr Chew Weng Chee
Author, Is Life Worth Living?

amekim the naughty but adorable...

2011-01-25T16:43:00.000+08:00

Amekim... the first time I looked at him, I sympathized him...
Then I brought him home, and found him really... sticky and won't leave you.. which is a plus point for a pet... I didn't have to walk him on leash.. he'll just stay by me...
Then I started talking to him, stroking and pampering him...
and I think, restrospectively...
that's where all the problem began...

He started whining everytime it's time for wee wee (he can't do it in his spacious house!)...
grizzling whenever he knows that I'm home...
jumping and nipping on my thigh causing lots of mysterious bruises on my legs...
then he started running around crazily in the house compound (before this he was very calm, submissive, controllable) and now he's obviously another personality!

For the superstitous chinese, some will say he "zhong guai" (kena rasuk hantu/ possessed by ghost). However, being a scientific and rational person, I began to understand tat I was the culprit of this "zhong guuaai" switch of personality.

I've captured some photos with my handphone, but my memory card's got some prob, so I can't post it up yet..

Maybe some time later, and you'll understand why I'd say he's crazy.

Simply off-mode.

Where to buy furminator in Malaysia/ KL/ Singapore?

2011-01-23T16:21:00.004+08:00

Where to buy furminator in Malaysia/ KL/ Singapore?

It's been a while since I last written my thoughts in this blog. But I figure this time I would just promote on this wonderful product. ;-)

Toffee has been shedding less lately, and I've lent my furminator to my sister (she's got 3 dogs!). So now all I can do is to sweep the floor... :P

Some times although a dog's hair maybe short, they can shed super seriously excessively e.g. dobermann. This kind of breed definitely needs a furminator.

Toffee's hair is medium short (not those super short like miniature pinscher type), more like the in-between of a rottweiler's and a german shepherd's hair. But he sheds like no one's business. Through out the years! And thinking of years.. gosh... he's already 7 this year! I'm already concerned abt stuffs... geriatric stuffs... but that's another issue. Back on furminator at home now.

But there are dogs whose hair is long, yet doesn't shed - we're looking at the poodles.

Mixed breeds - some shed, some do not. It depends. But I still find mixed breeds the best of all breeds. ;-)

The FURminator deshedding tool is a specially designed shed-less treatment for cat and dog brush. FURminator's unique blade is designed to remove loose hair like no other. Dog groomers love this deshedding brush because it removes undercoat hair from dogs and cats while leaving the shiny top coat intact and healthy.

If you're interested to buy the furminator, drop me a comment n i'll be happy to get back to you. If you stay in malaysia (depending on which area)/singapore the shipping (registered pos) takes only 2-15 days. If you want it faster then there is courier service, which is of course, more expensive. ;-)

My furminator hav been with me for almost 2 years now - so far... so good. ;-) (at least my blade is still working fine!)

Will blog again another time. Ciao!

Say NO to shark fin products (exotic food restaurants)

2011-01-11T22:36:00.000+08:00

Take the No Shark Fin Pledge

Help stop needless cruelty and save endangered species: Say NO to shark fin products.

Each year, millions of sharks are hunted, their fins sliced off, and then thrown back into the ocean -- dead or dying. "Finning" is done to make dishes such as shark fin soup, which may be served by Chinese restaurants and during Lunar New Year celebrations, weddings, and other celebratory events.

Consuming shark fin soup is cruel and unnecessary. And not only does shark fin have little taste, it can contain high levels of mercury.

Most fins for soup are obtained by the brutal practice of “finning,” which is carried out in all the world’s oceans. Sharks are caught and hauled out of the water. Their fins and sometimes their tails are sliced off, and the fish are thrown back into the ocean. Many of them are still alive. They cannot swim without fins, so they helplessly sink into the water to the ocean bottom, to die slowly or be eaten by predators. It is estimated that 73 million sharks are killed each year in this fashion.

Sharks are apex predators, situated at the top of the food chain. When they disappear, the prey they would have eaten become more numerous. The species these secondary predators eat are then hard hit; it has been observed that populations of such tertiary prey species as scallops, clams, and spiny lobsters were ravaged after the numbers of local sharks diminished drastically. This is the situation from the culinary consumer’s point of view. From the marine biologist’s point of view it is a grim picture of a possible ecological collapse. One thing has been learned from similar situations: there will be a domino effect but it is not easy to predict what will fall.

Is shark fin soup a part of your Lunar New Year celebration?

2011-01-09T22:32:00.000+08:00

If shark fin soup is a part of your Lunar New Year/ wedding/ engagement/ Full Moon celebrations, I ask you to consider re-thinking that choice. The sad truth is, shark populations are dwindling and the process for extracting fins is cruel and painful.

Please re-think this tradition and pledge NOT to eat shark fin soup this year. »

Shark fin soup is produced by hunting and catching sharks, slicing off their fins and throwing the bodies back into the water. These tortured sharks will die a slow, painful death underwater just so their fins can be added to a traditional soup. It's simply not worth it.

Tens of millions of sharks are killed every year to meet the demand for shark fin soup, a terrible blow to the many species of which are already threatened with extinction.

Celebrations should not be tied to cruelty and the degradation of our oceans. Please pledge not to eat shark fin soup this year!

Thoughts aplenty but not ready for jotting them down.

2011-01-07T21:07:00.000+08:00

There are so many things that I wanted to write about.
Thoughts about the supernatural... moral issues. cosmic.. celestial.. nature.. mother nature... the holy bible.. prophesies fulfilled... emotions.. death.. funeral.. birth... love... relationships...

In the morning while running my errands, words kept filling up my mind and thoughts, I wanted to share them in my blog.

While driving to work more words came filling up mythoughts..

While I work, during the few seconds where my mind relaxes, deep thoughts visited my mind, even when they were just a matter of seconds..

While driving home from work, emotions and thoughts stir around, and I've decided that I would really like to blog them down.

Few hours later when I finally have the luxury to check my email and visit the blogger page...

Guess what?

My mind is empty.

No words.

Kosong.

beautiful THAI song!!!! version of The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.

2011-01-06T00:27:00.000+08:00

beautiful THAI song!!!! version of The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.

D G D A
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
D G A
His mercies never come to an end
G A
They are new every morning
D Bm
New every morning. (3x)

G A D A D
Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord.
G A D
Great is Thy faithfulness. (2x)

I've so much in my mind, and yet my mind is empty

2011-01-04T00:04:00.002+08:00

I've so much in my mind, and yet my mind is empty - for now.

Pure shiba inu for adoption or buy at cheap price

2010-12-30T21:36:00.000+08:00

"Pure Shiba Inu for adoption or buy at cheap price" or

"Champion shiba inu at a reasonable price for sale"

I'm sure if I post something similar to the above titles in facebook, i'll be getting tons of reply enquiring and bargaining - they're all interested.

What if I add "mixed" or "cross" i.e. Shiba inu cross for adoption, FREE - whatdo you think the response would be? Yes... there will be zero response. They may say, "Cute dog!" but no body will offer to adopt him.

That's mankind. We look and judge according to outward appearance and status. Fame, beauty and wealth are all tat matters to most people. However, God says otherwise in His Word, “For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

How true it is! A word said 2000 years ago is still true and applicable today!

Judge yourself today. Do you remember people by…

1. Their outward appearance – their costume, jewelleries, handbags, shoes etc?
2. Their wealth – the credit cards they use, houses, cars, how many times a year do they travel for holiday etc?
3. Their status – do they carry a reverend, datuk, tun, tan sri, dr before their surname? What area do they live in? What breed of dog do they buy/keep?
4. Their fame – how many people know them? Their popularity?

Or do you remember people by…
1. How they talk/ treat the less privileged people/animals?
2. Are they “in-touch” with charity organizations?
3. their integrity? Life principles?
4. Their character/ attitude?

Judge yourself today.

Please be honest upfront, do not overpromise. you become...

2010-12-28T22:16:00.002+08:00

Please be honest up front, do not give empty promises, don't over promise, don't give promises or words on things which you have no control in, else you become a liar!

That's what I can't tolerate in many people these days. When you requested certain things from them, he/she promises quickly, "Sure can, no prob, no problem at all,I can do it for you, just leave it to me." Very well. It was not even an obligation, just a simple request, and he/she promised to do it for you.

However, when the time nears, he/she without any sense of guilt/remorse tells me, "You must understand.. this is not within my control.. I can't do it for you." Hey, if you have no control over this, in the first place, please do not promise anything. No one is indispensable. If you just tell me an honest no,I could have found enough time to find another person who could have done the job for me.

That's terrible sales. I'll never go backto the same person. I'll never go back and ask any kind of tiny weeny puny favour from this person anymore.
For example, today I went to a shop where my friend is the boss,I often get discounts of 10-20% from my friend. However today when I dropped by the shop, I found that my friend was not around. So I asked the staff, hey, do I still get discount coz your boss is not around?

The staff answered, "Yes, of course, you'll alwasy get discounts over here." I smiled, relieved that I don't have to come back another time.

I shopped for a while, and upon payment (few hundred ringgit) I realized that there is no discount at all. I dazed at the staff, and she quickly told me, "YOu must understand, I'm not the boss here, only the boss can give you discount."

???!!!

LIAR! If shewere to tell me upfront that she can't give me any discount coz she's not the boss, I would have returned another day when my friend's around. I was not disappointed coz of the few ringgit that I could have saved.

I was very disappointed, because this staff had overpromised, knowing very well beforehand that she will not be able to deliver what she says, yet, she still promises. Just to close the sales.
And that's bad.
It makes her a liar.
A bad sales person.
There is no integrity at work.
I lose trust in her.
I'll never deal with her again in future.

I know there are many salesman/woman out there who do the same thing (esp. in direct sales marketing, insurance etc.), but that doesn't make it right, just because the entire world is doing it.

What is wrong remains wrong no matter what the democracy decision is.

National Geographic bird ash mother wings protect chicks christmas

2010-12-25T00:43:00.004+08:00

An article in National Geographic several years ago provided an interesting picture of God's wings. After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage.

At the base of a tree, one ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes. Dismayed by the strange sight, the ranger knocked the bird over with a stick.

To his amazement, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, sensing the impending disaster, had carried her chicks to the base of the tree and gathered them under her wings.

She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. The blaze had descended upon her, scorching her small body, but the mother remained steadfast, willing to die so those under the cover of her wings would live.

God's love is like that. God defined His unconditional and relentless love for us when He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to earth as a baby. And Jesus said, "Yes!" What an amazing gift!

The love of God for you and for me compelled Jesus Christ to willingly exchange a throne for a manger, divinity for humanity and Heaven for Earth. God's love changes everything and everyone it touches. It protects and breathes life and purpose into every minute of every day.

God's love is a gift beyond measure that surrounds us and covers us when the fire of life rains down. It is God's love and the very reason for the season we call Christmas - or it should be. I know many of you are experiencing those "fires" of life this year. No job and no prospect of one.

Someone you love is very ill or maybe you are the one battling to survive each day. A rebellious child has broken your heart. A secret addiction is slowly destroying your life. Your spouse packed his bags and walked out the front door because he no longer wants to be married.

It is hard to celebrate anything in the midst of such darkness.

I have great news for you, friend. You can celebrate Jesus. Do not believe the lies of the enemy when he tells you that your God has forsaken you. God is with you - Emmanuel.

God understands your fear and loneliness. He endured the cross, completely and absolutely alone because He loves you and because no one can take your place in the Father's heart. No matter where this Christmas Eve finds you - you can celebrate Jesus. Let's Pray

Father, I celebrate You and the love You so freely offer. I may not understand some of the things happening in my life right now but I choose to trust You with each one. My faith is small, Lord. Give me Your strength for each step and help me to remember that You are with me. Lord, today I celebrate Your birth. Thank You for the gift of life and love I find in knowing You. My Christmas gift to You is everything I am, everything I have, everything I hope to be.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Source: Girlfriends in God

December 24, 2010 And Jesus Said "Yes" Mary Southerland Today's TruthPsalm 91:4 "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge."

Toying around with small breeds dogs?

2010-11-10T11:40:00.001+08:00

This morning as I was walking both my dogs, a neighbour called out to me, "Hey Pam, why don't you toy around with small dogs instead?"

MY dogs are medium sized mixed breed, one being 20kg, the other being 11kg. Both are cute, but sometimes incomprehensivably naughty. Today they were behaviouring acceptably well. I turned to him, "Keeping dogs is not about toying around with their lives. They are not toys. Rather, it is about providing them a safe and good home."

My answer shook him from his relaxed-early-morning grin, "You mean these dogs are stray ar?""Just this one," I pointed to the 11kg Amek.He widened his grin, "You know Pam, in places like Vietnam and Cambodia your dogs will be delicious meals!"I smiled, "I know, which is why I do not see these countries growing/developing."He was again, shocked by my reply.

This is amek, the 11kg shiba inu x miniature pinscher, who's looking for a good home.

I do not like shocking people early in the morning, but neither do I like to entertain insensitive remarks. 4-5 years ago he was keeping a Jack Russel Terrier, and 2-3 years ago he was keeping pekingese/pomeranion (I can't remember clearly) and today he's having a chi hua hua in his home.Although I never liked his "switching/toying" around dogs' attitude, I never commented on it. But today I guess the opportunity came.

Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, China, The Philippines are countries which are infamous for dog eating.Although God has said in the bible that all animals are edible, I do not think all are beneficial. All things are permissible, but not all things are beneficial.

Use your discernment to judge, think about it. If you have wisdom, use it.

No matter what, an animal who understands the meaning of "faithfulness & love" more than the average human being, do not deserve to end up on the dining table.

A creature who would die protecting his master, should never deserve to end up on the dining table.

An animal who knows how to mourn (sincerely) upon the death/departure of its owner, do not deserve to end up on the dining table.

A spesies which the mankind would call "His Best Friend" should never deserve to end up on the dining table.

**THe mark of civilization of a nation is gauged by the way they treat the animals.

Inhumane killing of licensed dogs in Ipoh, Malaysia

2010-11-09T00:44:00.001+08:00

Inhumane killing of licensed dogs in Ipoh

IPOH: The recent killing of a licensed therapy dog by Ipoh City Council enforcement officers is totally unacceptable, said Perak state executive councillor Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.
“It is too much,” he said yesterday.

He wants the city council to investigate the matter.
Food fair: Dr Mah (right, in white t-shirt) trying his hand at making chapati during the ISPCA food fair in Ipoh Sunday.

Speaking to reporters after opening a food fair in aid of Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Dr Mah said a more humane manner was needed to put down dogs.
On Oct 29, the dog named Spunk, belonging to a 75-year-old woman, was gunned down after it was caught by council dog catchers.

According to a blog named Petpositive, run by the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association, Spunk was wearing a valid dog licence at the time of the incident.
Petpositive said the woman had wanted to bring Spunk for his daily walk.
She, however, left the dog unattended for a while as she went to her house to bring toilet paper to pick up after Spunk.

When she came out of the house, she saw Spunk in a council lorry. The 10-year-old dog was later found shot at a nearby neighbourhood.
Asked why the council opted to shoot dogs rather than put them to sleep, Dr Mah, who is also state Local Government Committee chairman, said it was more economical.
“Notwithstanding that, I will talk with the animal rights groups for their views on the methods of putting down dogs,” he added.

Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran said he visited the woman, a retired teacher.
“She is devastated and hurt. She has mentally broken down,” he said when contacted yesterday, adding the woman has difficulty controlling her emotions.
Kulasegaran lambasted the council for their inhumane treatment of the dog, adding that there was no apology from the council to the woman so far.

“There is not even a word about compensation due to her,” he said.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/11/8/nation/7381959&sec=nation

My first encounter with the royal malaysia police at traffic

2010-11-07T14:57:00.004+08:00

My first encounter with the royal malaysia police at traffic ( I didn't know they have the authority to issue summon/compound!)

Today at noon after I left church heading for home, I made a U-turn (which I always do) at a “junction” at the end of a certain road. Unknowingly to me, 3 policemen emerged from the opposite direction, and upon the completion of my U-turn, they signaled me to stop.

Immediately I started grumbling and felt very frustrated, “Why.. don’t you have other things to do?!” Part of me wanted to stay calm, the other part of me wanted to scold them off, while another part of me was questioning, “How much is the summon? Oh no.. this month I’ve donated twice to DBKL traffic summon, and now JPJ?” This part of me wanted to cry.

Anyway, I opened my door and before I could say a word, police officer A scolded me, “Buat apa U-turn di sana?” I tried explaining but before I finished 20% of my sentence he kept interrupting with his harsh “words of wisdom”. That made my heart boil even hotter. “Tunjuk IC dan lesen.”

I passed it all to him. One part of me wanted to look at him in a mean, sinister, angry, boiling-over manner, the other part of me said, “You should smile and apologize, he may just let you off”. I tried smiling, but it was so fake and against my will. I quieted all these “wills” and prayed, “God help me, but may your will be done.”

I couldn’t smile, nor apologize but I refrained from my “cruel look”. So I looked calmly as Police A took my documents and opened up his thick “notebooks” with the arrogant look, and while he’s taking his sweet time copying down certain information (I do not know what), Police B came to me, “Cik, ini saman ya.”

I couldn’t help but to turn my annoyed look at him, “Ini pun mau samankah?”
He replied, “Itu tak boleh buat U-turn, kau buat U-turn buat apa?”
“Sana tak ada sign cakap tak boleh buat U-turn ma.”
“Lu tak ada ambil undang ka? JPJ orang tak de ajar ka?””JPJ orang memang tak ajar. Tak apa. Boleh saya tau saya langgar undang-undang akta apa, seksyen apa?”
He grinned, “Er.. itu mau tanya Police A. Nanti ar.” He walked to Police A.

Then Police C came to me. “Sana tak boleh buat U-turn…”I replied, “Betul saya tak tau, encik, saya betul-betul tak tau… tapi sekarang saya taulah…”

Then police A walked toward my car, with his snobbish look he “copied” down my road tax number, and continued jotting things into his notebook. After a few minutes, Police A walked to me, “OK, cik, kali ini saya bagi amaran. Saya tak saman. Tapi lain kali jangan U-turn sini lagi.”

Immediately, I was relieved, my serious-angry face switched to appreciative smile, “OK ok, terima kasih.”
“Tadi cik tanya ini akta apa seksyen apa ya?I nodded happily, “Ya, ini akta apa?“Sekarang saya beritahu u, ini Akta Undang-undang Lalulintas Tahun 1987.”I replied, “Tapi akta ini banyak seksyen. Seksyen apa?” “Kamu balik rumah baca buku undang-undang you, ada banyak seksyen.”With a curious look I asked, “Tapi mesti ada satu seksyen yang menyebut tak boleh U-turn di tempat macam ni. Saya nak tau apa yang seksyen itu tulis. Kalau tidak saya tak akan tau apa kesilapan saya.”

With a frustrated look he said, “Ok kalau cik mau tau banyak sangat nanti u boleh call saya. Saya explain satu satu bagi you. Tapi kalau ada divider macam ni tak boleh U-turn.” He explained further, “Divider ada 2 jenis, satu yang macam tembok kuning ni, satu lagi macam besi highway. Ini dua divider tak boleh U-turn.”

“Ooo.. boleh boleh, bukan masalah, terima kasih ya. Minta maaf ya, betul betul sorry, sebab saya betul betul tak tau.” I smiled happily. Then I chirped, “Tak ada saman, jadi tak blacklisted juga kan?”

He nodded, and the three of them left.

Yeah.. truly I thank God for rescuing me from these policemen, despite my ill mannerism, God was still merciful. Praise the Lord! ;-)

Ps. After I reached home and do some research, n here’s some findings.

Compound and Summons
Road Transport Act 1987 and Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act 1987 empowers Road Transport Department Officer, traffic police and other authorities such us local councils to serve summons notices as provided by Section 53 & 115 RTA 1987 and Section 45A VLBA 1987.
Any person who has committed an offence breaching the Act, may be served with a notice to appear before a Magistrate court. The Road Transport Department (RTD) and the Royal Malaysian Police may issue summonses based on both the Road Transport Act 1987 and the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board Act.
You can access the following sites to know more about traffic offences:
· Royal Malaysian Police
· Road and Transport Department
· Kejara System (Demerit Points)
· Check and pay traffic summons (www.eservices.com.my)
· Check and pay traffic summons (www.rilek.com.my)
· Check and pay traffic summons (www.myeg.com.my)

Source: http://www.malaysia.gov.my/EN/Relevant%20Topics/Transport%20System/Citizen/CompoundandSummons/Pages/CompoundSummons.aspx

Shiba Inu cross Pinscher for adoption

2010-11-02T00:46:00.001+08:00

Cute playful, silly-faced, sometimes smart-looking Shiba inu cross miniature pinscher for adoption. IN malaysia.

A day of mourning - 12 killed in horror crash near NS-Malacca border

2010-10-11T20:51:00.002+08:00

12 killed in horror crash near NS-Malacca border

Today is indeed, a sad day, a day of mourning for Malaysians. Many a times when tragedies befall upon people we know, we can't help but to ask the creator, "WHY?! WHY?!"

We are nothing but merely human beings, created by the creator. We may know the reason one day, perhaps in our lifetime, or after our lifetime on earth? Whatever the reason, it is still a day of mourning for many of us here... :'(

My deepest condolence to the family and friends of the victims... ":'(

Reports by SARBAN SINGH, C. S. NATHAN, MARTIN CARVALHO and FLORENCE A. SAMY

SEREMBAN: Twelve people were killed when a north-bound express bus crashed through the guardrail and ploughed into five vehicles heading in the opposition direction at KM223.2 of the North South Expressway near Simpang Ampat here.

Forty-five others were also injured in the 7.45pm accident, which occured near the Negri Sembilan-Malacca border here yesterday.

Witnesses said the express bus crashed into the rear of a car before the driver lost control of his vehicle and rammed through the guardrail and onto the path of an oncoming bus, two cars and a motorcycle.

The impact caused the express bus to flip onto its side. The bus driver and motorcyclist were among the casualties. The oncoming bus belonged to the Welfare Department.

Grim scene: Rescue personnel looking for trapped victims in the wreckage near the Simpang Ampat toll plaza at the Negri Sembilan-Malacca border Sunday.

Apparently, out of the 45 injured, four have been rushed to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital for treatment, 22 were sent to a hospital in Seremban and 12 to another hospital in Malacca.
The express bus had left Malacca about 45 minutes before the accident and was on its way to Kuala Lumpur.

The accident caused a traffic jam stretching for more than 25km along the expressway.
Of the 12 who died, eight were believed to be passengers from the express bus.
One of them was decapitated.

Two others were from a MyVi, which was crushed by the bus, and another from a Honda Accord.
PLUS officials had to divert motorists at the Pedas/Linggi toll plaza as the south bound lanes were impassable to traffic.

A Plus traffic control centre spokesman said the accident occurred at about 6km from the Simpang Ampat toll near Alor Gajah, Malacca.

“The middle and left lanes for the south-bound traffic were blocked by the vehicles involved in the accident while the right lane for the north-bound traffic was closed to facilitate emergency works at the scene,” he added.
Sources said that the department’s bus was carrying delegates for a gathering of former servicemen, which was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil earlier in the day.

“None of them in this bus was injured,” said Malaysia Ex-Servicemen’s Association Datuk Muhammad Abdul Ghani.

Source: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/10/11/nation/7201269&sec=nation

Iceland volcano eruption March 2010 - time-lapes of new lava superb youtube video

2010-10-08T21:55:00.000+08:00

Iceland volcano eruption March 2010 - time-lapes of new lava superb youtube video

Do yo remember of a great volcano eruption earlier this year in March/ April?

If you're living in Malaysia, most likely you won't remember it. But if you do remember it, may I salute you here... I've found this superb video in the youtube, showcasting the Iceland volcano eruption March 2010 - time-lapes of new lava. What makes the video so wonderfully beautiful, is because it was taken at night, so you can actually see all the fumes in red and yellow.

It's just beautiful. I mean, the situation was horrifying, but the sight of it, is beautiful. And to make it even nicer, it was taken just before sun rise! haha... now I'm sounding as if I'm promoting this Iceland volcano eruption March 2010 - time-lapes of new lava , of which I'm not.

Have a nice day! ;-)

http://4allpetlovers.com or www.4allpetlovers.com

2010-10-06T21:23:00.002+08:00

I used to maintain 2 blogs, ie this one that you're surfing/reading, and the other one is http://4AllPetLovers.com or some preferred to type it as www.4allpetlovers.com.

either way, it's the same. It is a blog that I dedicate to bring the latest information about Dog Adoption, Dog Training Tips, Pet Food, etc. So to my friends who have problem training, adopting dogs, doggie tips, i'll refer them to that blog of mine, 4allpetlovers.com

unfortunately, that blog required me to pay some amount of money per year. Since it's not a profit-oriented blog, it will not make any sense for me to pay the money, and maintain it. Well, some bloggers may differ, to them, it's "their" personal site, so that little money is no issue to them.

I'm not an avid blogger, the reason I blog is because I got frustrated/lazy repeating the same info again n again n again.. so instead, to make things simpler, I refer people to my blog, 4allpetlovers.com

But now... since 4allpetlovers.com is no longer valid, I'll have to cramp all info into this faithful pam-pam.blogspot.com (thank God it's still free for the moment!).

So to all my friends who's been wondering, "what happened to http://4allpetlovers.com?" Well, it's gone. It's now been transferred to my http://pam-pam.blogspot.com. To be specific, I've created a few labels "4allpetlovers.com" and "training tips" so you guys can find wat you want or may be interested in there.

Till then, that's all for now. God bless everyone! ;-)

Morning prayer (cute australian blue heeler cattle dog)

2010-09-29T23:45:00.002+08:00

This is too good not to share!!! I can't help but to laugh and roll on the floor (literallY!) as I watched this video, again n again n again.. n i'm still laughing!

enjoy this wonderful superb youtube, featuring the cute australian blue heeler cattle dog saying grace (morning prayer). watch it, don't miss it!!

Men are just the happier creature

2010-09-08T23:17:00.003+08:00

Men Are Just Happier People

NICKNAMES
· If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Kate and Sarah.
· If Mike, Dave and John go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Dickhead and Shit for Brains.

EATING OUT
· When the bill arrives, Mike, Dave and John will each throw in $20, even though it's only for $32.50. None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want change back.
· When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket calculators.

MONEY
· A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs.
· A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need but it's on sale.

BATHROOMS
· A man has six items in his bathroom: toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel.
· The average number of items in the typical woman's bathroom is 337. A man would not be able to identify more than 20 of these items.

ARGUMENTS
· A woman has the last word in any argument.
· Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

FUTURE
· A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
· A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

SUCCESS
· A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.
· A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

MARRIAGE
· A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.
· A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, but she does.

DRESSING UP
· A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the trash, answer the phone, read a book, and get the mail.
· A man will dress up for weddings and funerals.

NATURAL
· Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.
· Women somehow deteriorate during the night.

OFFSPRING
· Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favorite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams.
· A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A married man should forget his mistakes. There's no use in two people remembering the same thing!

Dear dog with owner of mastectomy (breast cancer)

2010-09-07T22:12:00.002+08:00

Dear dog with owner of mastectomy (breast cancer)

Anyone who has pets will really like this. You'll like it even if you don't and you may even decide you need one! Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.' Lucky was a real character.

Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing. Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer.

Something told her she was going to die of this disease.....in fact; she was just sure it was fatal.She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought, "He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him!" The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.
Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap..

Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed. When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life.

He had covered her with his love. Mary forgot about dying.. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free.. Lucky He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.

Remember....live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God.. And never forget....the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most Credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care for us.

May She Rest in Peace - a suggested prayer

2010-08-31T22:50:00.001+08:00

Father,

it seems that anxiety and doubt are constant companions right now. This valley seems so deep and so dark. By faith, I choose to trust You, my Shepherd. I am so tired, Father. Will You please carry me?

I cannot see what is ahead. Will You please guide me?

I am discouraged and ready to quit. Will You please be my strength?

I love You and want to please You with my life.

Empower me to be all You created me to be.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

- Mary Southerland

working vs studying

2010-08-23T00:47:00.002+08:00

As I looked back at my previous blogs while i was still a student, i couldn't help but to smile.. every time those moments revisited my mind.

I really missed those days.. those care free days.. where life was so hard, and yet you have all the reasons to smile and don't care a bout a single thing... but now... life as a worker.. things are totally different.

Sometimes you wonder why you are where you are.

Perhaps I should put it better - I'm living life as an adult human now. When I was a student, I was still a child, but now that I'm working, I've moved to the next stage - the adult stage. hmm...

Thank God.. I'm always a child in God's eyes. ;-)

Police reports lodged against Tony Pua

2010-08-12T22:33:00.002+08:00

*How can the people expect the country to grow when the people's mindset never grow?

Police reports lodged against Tony Pua

AMPANG JAYA: A total of 22 Umno youth divisions in Selangor lodged police reports simultaneously Wednesday against Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua.

Selangor Umno Youth information chief Sufarizul Mustafa said the reason for the police reports were due to the MP’s suggestion recently to scrap the discount for bumiputras when purchasing commercial properties and luxury homes in the state.

"The MP's suggestion can be considered insensitive and provocative in nature.
"It also challenges the Article 153 of the Federal Constitution (which safeguards the special position of Malays and bumiputra) and is an offence under the Sedition Act," he said after lodging a police report at the Ampang Jaya district police station at 11.35am.

He urged the authorities to act on the matter quickly to avoid jeopardising the peace among the races in the country.
DAP MP Pua recently suggested that the state government abolish the bumiputra discount for purchase of houses costing more than RM500,000 and commercial property costing more than RM2mil.

quoted from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/8/12/nation/20100812112206&sec=nation

Illusion optic (albert einstein, marilyn monroe, 2 become 1)

2010-08-11T23:07:00.001+08:00

Illusion optic (albert einstein, marilyn monroe, 2 become 1)

Illusion optics, I've seen many. But this one, is new (at least to me!).
Try it - it's not somthing to pull your leg, but let me assure you - you're gonna enjoy this illusion optic. ;-)

Have a nice time! :D

Sweet reminiscence

2010-08-09T21:58:00.005+08:00

Today I went to the university where I spent 5 years some time ago... as I drove in past the guard house... thoughts began wandering.. "Is this the right road?"

"Have they changed the faculty location?"

"How does it look like now?"

All of a sudden, the faculty in which I spent 5 years having fun and mentally tortured became a nostalgia to me... I stepped into the side door of the faculty... Memories of friends and I grumbling and rushing for lunch filled my mind... I smiled..

I ran up the staircases as I was 15 minutes to the faculty closing hour... as I ran.. I remembered how my friends and I walked up and down the aisle and staircases forcing the last minute info and details into our tiny brain for the impending examination... I smiled.. Those were difficult times.. but full of fun... We punched and scolded one another, but we also spent time together burning the mid night oils.. on the same bed...

I saw many staffs many of which I couldn't remember the names anymore (I'm so sorry!)... a humble and grateful smile was all I could offer for I know that forgetting their names is a big crime... Then I had a chat with a man in the corridor.. all went well until I blurted this question, "You just finished surgery is it?"

"I'm a staff here lah..."

Ooops! oops! I wished by slapping my face I could retract the question.

All of a sudden.. the place which brought about much stress and tension to me, has brought about sweet smiles into my heart... Do I miss you, o UVH?

I missed the people who once were here.

You Can Recycle Plastic Bottle Caps (DIY- do it yourself)

2010-08-09T01:14:00.003+08:00

You Can Recycle Plastic Bottle Caps (DIY- do it yourself)

*very creative and practical tip.

When you do not have a container, you can put your biscuits, cookies and snacks air-tight in plastic bags. Instead of tying up the plastic bag, you can use this ingenious way to keep the bag air-tight.

1. Clean and dry the disposable plastic bottle.

2. Then, cut out the neck of the disposable bottle

3. Put biscuits, cookies or snacks in plastic bag and insert the plastic bag through the neck of the bottle, then tighten the cap.

where to buy furminator in malaysia?

2010-08-07T00:57:00.003+08:00

Perhaps getting tired is part of getting old process.. or perhaps it's because i no longer exercise?

Hmm.. it's really hard to find time to exercise... should I try cycling to work, in order to make myself exercise? But with so many gigantic roads to cross, and lorries speeding up and down the roads, I've thought that cycling to work is not a good idea.

But I really need to have regular exercise... swimming! - no free & near & clean swimming pool-

jogging! - bad for my knees..

aerobic! - no time no space...

sigh... I'm still working this out.

I was about to sleep earlier on when I thoguth, oh yah, it's really been a while since i last posted an article on my blog.. i'm really tired..

but a phrase won't take much time right.. here's the phrase for today:

"It is hard to expect any empty plastic bag to stand up straight." -Winston Churchill

Cleaning poo poo n other chores

2010-08-05T21:03:00.000+08:00

This morning, my neighbour, Mrs. Wong asked how many times a day I wash the porch. Mmmm... I wash as often as the dogs poo. Since Mrs. Wong's question at 7 AM, I had washed the porch four times and it is not yet noon.Cleaning dogs' poo poo is my job.

Now with a new addition, the front porch is getting really messy. Apart from Goodness and Mercy, we now have an active Danny. This puppy is the one that Grace rescued about two months ago, on a rainy evening. Both its legs were broken. ..

to view the full article, please click http://faith2ndhalf.blogspot.com/2010/08/this-morning-my-neighbour-mrs.html?spref=fb

Cow-head protest: 12 fined RM1,000 each for illegal assembly (Updated)

2010-07-27T16:40:00.000+08:00

Ooh la la....

Cow-head protest: 12 fined RM1,000 each for illegal assembly (Updated)
Two also fined RM3,000 each for sedition, of whom one sentenced to a week's jail
SHAH ALAM: The 12 cow-head protesters, who pleaded guilty earlier Tuesday to a charge of illegal assembly, were fined RM1,000 each or a month's jail in default by the Sessions Court here.
Two of the men were also fined RM3,000 each for a sedition charge, one of whom was sentenced to a week in jail as well.
Four others on the same sedition charge were given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal.
Judge Hasbi Hasan fined the 12 men after they pleaded guilty to committing the offence at the State Secretariat building on Aug 28 last year.
The 12 were Ahmad Mahayuddin Abd Manaf, 36, Ibrahim Sabri, 43, Eyzva Ezhar Ramly, 31, Mohd Azmir Mohd Zain, 35, Ahmad Suhairy Zakaria, 30, Mohd Hilmi Ni, 40,Jainuddin @ Zainuddin Md Yusuff, 67, Mohd Jurit Ramli, 39, Mohamad Nordin Zakaria, 46, Jamil Mohamad Isa, 40, Rahimuddin Md Harun, 39, and Azhari Shaari, 39.
Eyzva Ezhar and Mohd Azmir Mohd Zain were each also fined RM3,000 or three months' jail on the sedition charge. Eyzva Ezhar was also sentenced to a week in jail.
Eyzva Ezhar was ordered to serve his week in jail after he completes his current jail time. He is currently serving time in a prison in Jelebu for a previous drug conviction that will end on Aug 4.
Four - Ahmad Suhairy, Mohd Hilmi, Ibrahim and Ahmad Mahayuddin Abd Manaf - were granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal after the other two pleaded guilty to sedition charge.
The 12 were part of group - which brought a cow's head to the gate of the State Secretariat building - protesting the relocation of a 150-year-old Sri Maha Mariamman Hindu temple from Section 19 to their neighbourhood in Section 23. They were all earlier charged under the Sedition Act 1948.

related post:
http://pam-pam.blogspot.com/2009/09/what-malaysia-is-obviously-severely.html

Dog farming in south korea, under the sun

2010-07-22T22:56:00.003+08:00

In South Korea, a typical dog farm will house hundreds of dogs, crammed together in tiny cages. They are left exposed to extreme heat, biting wind and driving rain. Disease is prevalent. At the end of their short, traumatic lives they are taken to slaughterhouses or markets where dog meat is sold. They are typically electrocuted. It’s neither quick nor painless.

WSPA is working to prevent other dogs from going through this unimaginable suffering. But we can’t do it without funding.

Dear friends, if u feel a pain in your heart as you read the above lines, do click at the following link, to see what you can do about it. Stop being spectators. It's time to make a change. Do something about it, while you have the capacity and ability to.

To those who give, more will be given unto them.

the stone unthrown - adultery, sin, forgiveness

2010-07-12T22:52:00.001+08:00

"What are we going to do with this Jesus," the chief priest asked the group. "He is going about healing people left and right. Everywhere I go the buzz is about Jesus. It's Jesus this, and Jesus that. And the crowds are calling him the Messiah! Everyone knows that the Messiah will not come from Galilee. If we don't get rid of him, we are going to have an insurrection on our hands."

"And ever since the buzz about him multiplying a few loaves and fish to feed over 5,000 people has circulated, his followers have multiplied as well. He must be stopped."
"I have an idea," Lucius responded with a gleam in his eye. "I happen to know a certain married man who is sleeping with his mistress at this very moment. I happened to see him slink into her house last night."

And as the hard-hearted Pharisees gathered round, a spiteful plan to trick Jesus began to unfold.
The sun was just peeking through the securely locked shutters of Morah's bedroom window. The predawn stillness was broken only by the songs of early rising birds floating on the breeze. Morah was a tangle of sheets, arms and legs as the man she loved lay sleeping beside her.

"Oh, Zachariah," she whispered as her fingertips brushed a stray lock of hair from his closed eyes. "If only you weren't married. I know this is wrong, but I love you so. And I have to believe you when you say you love me as well. We are risking our very lives with these frequent trysts."

Morah's musings were suddenly interrupted by a banging on the door.
"Open up!" the gruff voice demanded.
"Who is there?" Morah cried as she scrambled to find her robe.
"Open up or we'll break the door down."

"What's all the commotion," Zachariah mumbled as he groggily sat up in bed. "What's going on?"
Before Morah could even think to answer, the angry mob of religious men broke through the simple lock and into the lovers' hideaway.
"What is the meaning of this," Zachariah barked. "What do you think you are doing?"
"What do you think you are doing, my friend?" the Pharisee countered. "That is the real question here."

"Morah, daughter of Omar, you are under arrest for adultery under the Law of Moses!" the moral police spat. "Get dressed and come with me."
The Pharisee tossed Morah her night robe, but failed to turn his head as she slipped her trembling frame from the cover of the sheets and into the thin cloak. He grabbed her by the arm and began dragging her to the door.

"Where are you taking me?" she cried.
"You'll find out soon enough," the Pharisee growled.
"What about Zachariah?" the youngest man of the group inquired.
"Just leave him," the Pharisee replied. "We don't need him."

"Why don't you go back to your wife where you belong," the Pharisee called over his shoulder as the group left the room. And with that, the conspiring mob continued their trek to the temple with the half-clad trembling woman in tow. Two men flanked the weeping woman on either side, dragging her through the early morning hustle and bustle of the city. The bait was hooked, and now it was time to reel in the catch.

Like mice following the Pied Piper, a curious stream of townsfolk joined the parade. Jesus was already teaching in the courtyard with a group gathered at his feet. As always, Jesus' message and miracles drew large crowds. A distant rumble interrupted his gentle teaching as the angry mob and curious crowd approached. They marched right into the inner circle of the classroom and thrust the woman at the Master's feet.

Morah's unbound hair fell around her bare shoulders and fluttered in the early morning breeze. Her shame-filled eyes stayed riveted on the earthen floor, refusing to meet Jesus' gaze. Then one of the men pulled her to her feet and displayed her for all to see.
"Teacher," the pious Pharisee began, "this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The Law of Moses commands us to stone such a woman. Now what do you say?"

She didn't need to look at the man before her. She recognized his voice. It was Jesus.
Jesus didn't look at the woman's half-clad body as the others openly gawked. He looked into her soul.
Morah lifted her eyes and looked into the face of love. What do I detect in his gaze? she thought to herself. It wasn't contempt, disgust, or condemnation, but rather compassion, concern, and pure, unadulterated love. Somehow she knew that this was the look she had been searching for her entire life.

As Morah listened to the Pharisee's question, she understood Jesus' dilemma. If he set her free, the Pharisees would accuse him of ignoring the Law of Moses and deem him a heretic. If he sentenced her to death by stoning, then his teachings of grace and forgiveness would be negated.

The religious leaders already held the stones in their clenched fists, anticipating his reply. Their hearts were as hard as the rocks they held in their hands, but rather than give a quick answer, Jesus moved his gaze from the trembling woman and stooped to the ground. With his finger, the very hand of God-made-man, he began writing in the dirt.

A frigid chill swept through the Pharisees pious robes. Suddenly they felt the rawness of naked exposure as Jesus' eyes looked up at each of them and without a word, uncloaked their sinful thoughts and desires. With one look from Jesus, they stood soul bare and more exposed than the half-dressed woman before them.

Everyone held their breath. The silence was deafening. The tension was palpable. Finally, Jesus rose and delivered the verdict.
"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."
Then Jesus squatted once again and continued to write.
One-by-one the Pharisees unclenched their fists, dropped the stones, and filtered through the crowd. The older men who had accumulated a longer list of sins turned to leave first, with the younger ones not far behind.

The remaining crowd listened closely as the drama continued to unfold. After the last of the Pharisees cleared the scene, Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?"
"No one, sir," she replied.

"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
The woman turned to leave - but not before picking up a discarded stone to take with her.
"To remember," she whispered.

- The Stone Unthrown - Sharon Jaynes

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, this story of Your great mercy and grace takes my breath away. Just to think that the only person qualified to throw the stone was the very One who set her free. Help me to always remember that You have forgiven me of my sins. Help me to drop the stones I so quickly pick up to cast at others and extend to them the same grace You have extended to me.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

I hope your heart was stirred with the re-telling of this amazing story. We don't know the woman's name. I have simply called her Morah so we can paint a picture of a real woman with a real problem in our minds. Now let me ask a few questions...

When is the last time you held a rock of condemnation in your hand? Not a real rock, but a judgmental attitude?

When is the last time you acted like the Pharisees who were so quick to condemn?

Who do you want to be like, Jesus who showed grace and forgiveness, or the Pharisees who wanted to give her what she deserved?

An off day! (JPJ,SKEM, GDL, exam tips)

2010-07-01T17:45:00.004+08:00

Finally... I've got my rest today. It's not really an official off day, coz I had to go to JPJ to sit for an exam for GDL (goods driving license). The test was quite simple, provided you know Bahasa Melayu and you do your homeworks. Most of the questions came from the RM4 booklet. The facilities were ok, officers were ok. The teachers that taught us certain courses - some were very good, straight to the point while some seriously need a cctv and see for himself how he's conducting the class.

Despite all the good things, I still have to comment that JPJ must really think of how to improve their Bahasa grammar both in the exam sheet and booklets. All my years of learning and studying and using Bahasa Melayu, I've never come across such out-of-standard grammar usage by the government office. Typing errors, spelling mistakes were rampant. No wonder why some people had to repeat their exams.

As I stepped out of the exam hall, again I marveled at the hills and trees surrounding this little Gombak district. I smiled and thought, "It's been really quite a while... it's time to venture into nature again."

It's about time. ;-)

What do your pets do when we're at work? funny video

2010-06-05T22:22:00.002+08:00

What do your pets do when we're at work?

A hilarious, funny video clip to get your day going.

Hey, aren't pets just wonderful?! Such a blessing from our God, for those who hav pets. Make sure you love them more than they love you, people!

Have a nice day!

Beauty Skin care tips from body shop

2010-05-24T21:31:00.000+08:00

Beauty Skin care tips from body shop

So this is what the "akak akak" salesman taught me...

listen up.

If you have a combination skin, which means your "T" zone is oily, and you're very dry on your cheeks..you need to use this sea cucumber product etc etc...coz it kind of balances your skin (now that reminds me of origins Balance which mesmerized me much).

And the way you wash your face, always lather it in your hand, then first spread to the oily parts, i.e. your T zone (fore head, nose, chin).. with the remnants of the lather, wash your cheeks.

Vice versa, when you apply your moisturiser, you should pump a pea-size moisturiser onto your finger, spread it on your fingers/hand, and apply them evenly first on your cheeks. The remnants (if any), apply on your T zone.

I was like, "Wow... granma didn't know that!"

What about you? Do you know this before I share with you? =)

Have a nice day! ;-)

body shop malaysia sales promotion up to 70%!!!

2010-05-22T20:57:00.003+08:00

Yeah, you heard it rite! body shop malaysia is on a 3-day sales, from 21-23 may 2010, up to 70% discount!

Nope, you guess it wrong - i'm in no way related to body shop, and am no fan of it. Somehow, early this year I was introduced to a vitamin C product which really got my eyes hooked on it. But the price was expensive.. i'm not of the medium-high income you see.. a low income employee I am... I won't want my money end up there.

So I waited.. and waited.. finally the day is here! I went to Jaya Jusco Kepong the other day visited the body shop outlet, it was fun, seeing so many price tags 5%, 70%, 70%, 50%... As I drooled my way in, a very polite salesman walked to me and greeted, "Hi, kak!"

I was thwarted, Hey, calling me kak ain't far from granma? Y can't he just address me as miss? Grrr.... didn't the body shop assistants attend Public Relations lessons before serving the customers? While I started finger-counting his age in my mind, my heart was still drooling at the 50%, 70%.. and finally I saw my target product.

He kept repeating, "Kak, akak... kak, akak..." which really frustrated me, but in between there was a rich outflow of product information and skin care advice, which got me really interested. Alright.. nevermind about the akak stuff. He knows his stuff. I shall forgive him. So here, I'd like to share with you some information which I've never heard of for my past years of skin care!

Many of you may have already known this, well.. i'm not those really really into skin care kind of person... so this is something new....

stay tuned...

Don't feel like writing

2010-05-16T20:15:00.002+08:00

Ever felt thoughts swishing thru n fro your mind, it seemed like your mind is overwhelming, questions, answers, facts, keep churning about your mind, you felt like you have so much to write in your blog, but the moment you turn on the pc, typed in the first few sentences...

you stopped, your mind was empty for a while, and you broke down into tears.

The past two weeks have been tough for me, I can't write, I term it as a "recuperating period".
I can't even talk about it, coz I knew I'd cry if I do. I don't want people's sympathy. I just needed understanding ears.

I'm hurt, and I'm waiting for my heart to heal.

cute one - European Commission official Language - Euro English

2010-04-28T21:42:00.000+08:00

Absolutely Brilliant

The European Commission has just announced an agreement whereby English will be the official language of the European Union rather than German, which was the other possibility.
As part of the negotiations, the British Government conceded that English spelling had some room for improvement and has accepted a 5- year phase-in plan that would become known as "Euro-English".

In the first year, "s" will replace the soft "c". Sertainly, this will make the sivil servants jump with joy. The hard "c" will be dropped in favour of "k". This should klear up konfusion, and keyboards kan have one less letter.

There will be growing publik enthusiasm in the sekond year when the troublesome "ph" will be replaced with "f". This will make words like fotograf 20% shorter.

In the 3rd year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be expekted to reach the stage where more komplikated changes are possible.

Governments will enkourage the removal of double letters which have always ben a deterent to akurate speling.

Also, al wil agre that the horibl mes of the silent "e" in the languag is disgrasful and it should go away.

By the 4th yer people wil be reseptiv to steps such as replasing "th" with "z" and "w" with "v".
During ze fifz yer, ze unesesary "o" kan be dropd from vords kontaining "ou" and after ziz fifz yer, ve vil hav a reil sensi bl riten styl.

Zer vil be no mor trubl or difikultis and evrivun vil find it ezi TU understand ech oza. Ze drem of a united urop vil finali kum tru.

Und efter ze fifz yer, ve vil al be speking German like zey vunted in ze forst plas.
If zis mad you smil, pleas pas on to oza pepl.

Grievous dog's leg neck tied tightly to grill and wood shoved down inside its throat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.(Ghastly animal abuse at Kepong)

2010-03-24T23:14:00.005+08:00

M Nisha
Mar 17, 104:43pm
http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/126798

Grievous dog's leg neck tied tightly to grill and wood shoved down inside its throat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Ghastly animal abuse at Kepong KTM station

I am writing because of a grievous incident that took place on Monday, March 15 at about 3pm at Kepong Central KTM Station. My friends and I (six of us) were there to take the train to the Bank Negara station.

After parking our cars, we heard a dog howling, more like a painful cry. Then, we noticed a dog being tied to the grill (steel fence) of the KTM station. As we approached the dog, we stood aghast at the sight.

The stray dog's leg and neck was tied very tightly to the grill and a piece of wood had been shoved down inside its throat! The dog was bleeding and its feces were all around it. The string was attached to a pole in the KTM station.

Immediately, we confronted the KTM workers. They said that it was done by Kuala Lumpur City Hall workers because a minister was to be visiting the station next week. They failed to explain further.

At once, we called the SPCA and the Paws animal welfare society. The SPCA responded efficiently by informing us that an animal control officer would be there soon. We made a slight commotion in front of the KTM station but the KTM workers were not concerned at all.

After about an hour, as we were returning to the KTM Kepong Central Station, we received a call from the SPCA officer stating that the dog was now not tied up and was moving around. When we arrived, the dog was limping. The same KTM workers avoided us as we tried to confront them. A passer-by told us that the dog has been that way for quite some time.

The SPCA officer could not capture the dog as it walked away for quite a distance. He advised us to write to the media and to the SPCA as well.

Doesn't our country's animal rights support the idea that an animal has the right to live its life without being harmed and hurt by humans? We realize that people define the meaning of animal rights and abuse in different ways but aren't the citizens of our country merciful?

This dog could have been just put to sleep if it had been harming the public or causing a nuisance. Why stick a wooden stick down its throat?

Missing dog returns home - Miller shih tzu Penang, Kuala Lumpur

2010-03-08T20:40:00.003+08:00

From the bottom of my heart... I AM AMAZED!! How can the veterinarian recognize the dog? Amazing. Good story to be shared. ;-)

Monday March 8, 2010
Missing dog returns home
By K. KASTURI DEWI

kasturidewi@thestar.com.my

GEORGE TOWN: The frantic search for Miller, a seven-year-old Shih-Tzu that went missing here on Feb 21, ended well when the dog was found safe hundreds of kilometres away in Kuala Lumpur.
The good news came on Saturday when a veterinarian called businessman Michael Khaw and told him that he recognised Miller from a postcard that Khaw and his wife May Chong had distributed at his clinic.
Loving pooch: Alicia patting Miller as she plays with the dog in Penang yesterday. The Shih-Tzu went missing last month after wandering out of its owner’s home.
Khaw said the veterinarian told them that a woman from Kuala Lumpur had brought Miller to his clinic on Feb 21 and asked for the dog to be kept overnight there as she was leaving for the city the next day.
“I was convinced that the dog he was talking about was Miller because he mentioned about the scar on Miller’s left hind leg,” said Khaw when met at his business outlet in Prangin Mall yesterday.
He said he called the woman after obtaining her phone number from the veterinarian.
The woman claimed she had found the dog at Burmah Road but had given Miller away to a friend.
“I then told her that I had lodged a police report and after much coaxing, she finally admitted Miller was with her,” he added.

He said he drove to Kuala Lumpur with his wife and three-year-old daughter Alicia on Saturday afternoon.
The family was then reunited with Miller when the woman’s niece handed over the dog at a hypermarket in Cheras.
They also gave the woman RM500 as a token of appreciation and planned to send a bouquet to the veterinarian for his help.
Miller went missing after wandering out of its owner’s house at Irrawaddy Road.

Saved by grace (how to nurse new born orphan kitten)

2010-03-03T20:46:00.006+08:00

Saved by grace (how to nurse new born orphan kitten puppy)

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!" ~Romans 5:6-9

The above verses from the holy bible explains what God's grace is about. Men are doomed to eternal death, but by grace, God saved us. I heard of a news lately, it reminded me much about God's grace.

A lady caught a pregnant stray cat on the street and brought her to a clinic to get her spayed and aborted (this is a common, commendable, charity practice done in many countries to help put an end to the overwhelming stray population. to find out more about stray cat or dog population, click here.) During the neutering surgery, one of the technician saw that the fetuses within the uterus were moving. It seemed to him as though they were trying to breathe.

Should he rescue or leave the fetuses within the uterus to die slowly?

Let's look at the present issue here.

1. The momma cat was a stray - nobody wanted her, and after the surgery, the "owner" will leave her back where she belonged.

2. The technician was instructed to leave the uterus alone and do not free the fetuses.
3. The "owner" have asked for an abortion, not a caesarean.
4. The technician lived in a shared, rented room where pets are prohibited.
5. The technician is of low-income group - which means he's only got enough to feed himself on a daily basis. If he were to nurse the kittens, where should he find the money to buy milk, etc.?
6. The fetuses were "meant" to die.

What should he do?

Against all odds, without the knowledge of the other staffs, he cut the uterus, allowed the kittens to breathe, and kept it in his room. He nursed them, and they survived as orphans, without a momma.

When I heard this, I couldn't help but think... "These kittens were doomed to die. Legally/juridically they must die. But what saved their lives?"

Love and grace.

So was how God saved us, only in much much more incredible, bigger ways -

He DIED, brutally tortured for us, in order to save us.
Would the technician die to save the kitten's life? ;-)

Would the technician bear whippings, spattings and crucifixion to save the kitten?
.
.
.
There is no God like Jesus.

Disabled pet paralyse wheelchair suffer

2010-02-18T20:51:00.000+08:00

Love knows no bounds
########
A disabled pet presents unique challenges, but none deter these committed animal lovers, writes CHAI MEI LING

MARJAN Sipsma is a pet owner extraordinaire. She dotes on her five dogs, five cats and a kitten.
Not only that, she is totally committed to her paralysed terrier mix, Snoopy.

Several times a day, she has to carry all 12kg of Snoopy to the garden for exercises.
She also cleans after the dog, plays with him and turns him over.
When she walks the other dogs in the evening, Snoopy comes along in a wagon.
Snoopy in the wagon which Marjan Sipsma uses to take him out for a walk.
At night, Sipsma sets her alarm clock to ring every three hours so she can adjust his position to prevent sores.

Sipsma, an expatriate from the Netherlands who has been in the country for more than a decade, acknowledges that caring for a disabled pet is hard work.
"I am thankful to my maid for her help. There are only two options -- you make the sacrifice, or you put the dog down -- and I'm not very good with the last one."
Just a puppy when he got hit by a car eight years ago, Snoopy's entire back was smashed to a pulp.

Some children brought him to the veterinarian, where he was nursed back to health.
Adopted by Sipsma three-and-a-half years ago, Snoopy was struck by tragedy another three times.
"He became paralysed after collapsing, falling down and choking on a bone. At one point, his eyes were the only parts that could move."

Snoopy has had a vet acupuncturist and animal communicator-cum-masseuse work on him, and has just started going for a weekly swim as part of physiotherapy.
While Sipsma believes Snoopy will never walk again because of the extent of his injuries, she hopes he will one day recover enough muscle mass to turn himself over or shift his weight.

Klang Valley-based pet rescuers Joanne Low and Leigh Chen are also caring for disabled pets.
Jumaat Oktober, which has feline leukaemia, has surpassed vets’ prediction of her life expectancy.
Kiki, a stray, hurt himself when he was 3 weeks old, losing the function of his hind legs.
Low and Chen have tried almost everything under the sun to get Kiki cured -- from conventional treatments, which involve X-rays and nerve tests, to alternative medicine and acupuncture -- to no avail.

Treatments have so far set the two friends and donors back by some RM10,000.
Now 8 months old, Kiki scoots on his bottom to move around. His right hind leg was amputated three months ago after he developed a habit which saw him constantly chewing on it.
The biggest challenge for Low, who houses Kiki, is to clean up after him because of his loss of bladder and bowel control.

"I do get annoyed at times. Caring for a handicapped pet is troublesome, but when you get to know him and his funny character, it's worth it," says Low, who has another dog which needs special care.
Latte, a chihuahua, suffers from an incurable neurological problem which prevents her from standing straight and walking properly. Low bought the dog from a pet shop.
Another person who takes in unwanted animals is property manager Kathy Revi.

She keeps 12 cats in her centre, one of which is Jumaat Oktober.
The cat has feline leukaemia, an incurable viral disease.
Because of her vulnerable immune system, Jumaat has to be kept indoors all the time.
Kathy has been feeding her lingzhi tablets, made from medicinal mushrooms, for the last five years to boost her immunity.
Found seven years ago at a construction site, Jumaat was stuck in mud up to the neck.
Kathy also feeds and sterilises strays -- both cats and dogs -- which venture into the compound of the property she manages.
The animated animal lover says her family has cared for animals, including chickens and goats, and nursed injured wild foxes for as long as she can recall.

Her parents had a three-legged cat called Tripod, and Kathy, a cat with renal failure which needed dialysis.
Often, a pet's quality of life can be improved with management, says a Dr Teoh from a veterinary clinic in Kuala Lumpur.
Dr Teoh says his disabled dog Mei Mei has been happier since he bought a RM1,500 custom-made cart from the United States for her.
Similarly, Sipsma has also got Snoopy a four-wheel cart, shoes and a cooling mat from the United States.

For these pet owners, euthanasia is the last resort.
"Why put Kiki down when he's strong, healthy and playful?" asks Chen.
Kathy says she doesn't always take suggestions from vets to put animals to sleep.
"If a vet suggests it because taking care of the pet is going to cost me a lot of money and time, I'll put my foot down. But if the injury is too severe and the animal is suffering, then there's no choice."
Sipsma says she is not opposed to the idea of euthanasia, having put down sick pets before, but she believes that as long as an animal is healthy, it's unfair to terminate its life.
She recounts the time when she first saw a dog in a wheelchair on a television programme in the Netherlands years back.
"When I saw the dog wearing nappies and being brought out in a cart, I said, 'Oh c'mon! If it's time to go, it's time to go'.
"But once you're in that position, it changes your entire perception.
"On the other hand, if my dog or cat is in pain and there's no light at the end of the tunnel, I'll be the first to put it down because it's selfish to keep it alive for my sake. Loving an animal is knowing when to let go."

third day of the new lunar calendar - happy chinese new year

2010-02-16T23:43:00.000+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year!!

Today is already the third day of the new lunar calendar.. how time flies!

Still, I'm greeting everyone out there, have a blessed year ahead, and may our good Lord turn his face upon you and shine upon you. =)

God bless!! =)

Survivor shipwreck smoke God help trouble

2010-02-15T00:30:00.001+08:00

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, deserted island. He prayed fervently for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none came. Exhausted, he eventually built a small hut out of driftwood as a shelter and a place to store his few remaining possessions.

One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. Everything was lost. Stunned with grief and anger, he cried, "God, how you could do this to me!" Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island. It had come to rescue him! "How did you know I was here?" the weary man asked. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

God is always at work in our lives, even during the most stress-filled moments. When we entrust everything we are and everything we have to God, when we depend upon his truth instead of our own understanding and choose to walk in obedience, God promises to "make our paths straight" (Proverbs 3:6 NLT). No matter how deep the valley, we can count on God for direction. In Proverbs 3:6, "make straight" means "to do right, to make smooth or to be evenly hammered".

I love that truth! I can almost see my Father going before me, the hammer of truth in his hand, flattening every fear-filled obstacle, hammering down every mountain of doubt before me so that, when he has made a way, I can cross over. He straightens out the crooked paths, improving my behavior and causing me to do the "right" things.

Valleys are best faced with a total abandonment to the Shepherd of the valley. How many times have we danced with joy on the mountain top then moaned and complained in the valley? God is Lord of the mountain and the valley. I suspect that the most powerful life is lived in the valley - not on the mountain top.

Every valley is surrounded by mountains and every valley has a shepherd, a shepherd who will walk with us through the valley, a shepherd who will go before us, leading us out of the valley. When the psalmist wrote these words, he wrote my life message, "I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." (Psalm 40:1-2 NIV)

As a young pastor's wife, I desperately needed help. Grace Chavis, a gifted author and speaker, stepped into my life and was a friend and mentor to me for many years. I will never forget the day I heard she had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. I picked up the phone to call this precious lady, expecting to offer words of comfort and faith. The person who answered the phone could not possibly be Grace! She sounded ecstatic! But it was Grace!

I sputtered, "Grace, I must have misunderstood a message I received today saying you had been diagnosed with terminal cancer!" A laugh of pure joy rang in my ears as she said, "Yes! That's right! I am a little out of breath because I am here in my living room, dancing before Jesus and singing, "I'll be with you soon!" I have to tell you that her response blew me away and to this day still challenges my faith. Talk about trust!

No matter where you are today, your Father is there. No matter how deep or long the valley, he is with you, waiting for you to surrender all. Give him your valley, knowing that he will surely lead you out. God has ordained that valley as an altar of sacrifice, an opportunity for him to work through your broken heart and life. Keep your glance on the valley and your gaze on the Shepherd. Begin praising him for your deliverance. It will surely come.

Let's Pray

Father God, my Shepherd. I feel like a lost sheep, a broken lamb. I am desperate for You. I confess that I don't always understand how You work, and tend to doubt You in those times. But I want to trust You as a sheep trusts its shepherd. By faith, I come to You, placing my life in Your hands in total surrender. Thank You for loving me just as I am.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Happy Chinese New Year!! - greetings!

2010-02-14T23:39:00.002+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year!! ;-)

Warm wishes and greetings to all celebrating Chinese New Year around the globe and world! =)

This new year may you find the peace, hope, joy, wisdom and celebrate life in good health.

To all my Christian brothers and sisters out there.. this year...

may we walk closer to the Lord each day.

Learn from the lessons of a life guard - never quit, persevere, motivate

2010-02-13T02:26:00.001+08:00

Learn from the lessons of a life guard - never quit, persevere, motivate

As I deal with people from all walks of life everyday, I get demotivated very easily. Especially in the customer service area - no matter what clients do or treat you, scorn you, you must still SMILE and give them top service. Well, superficially it's called, "Professional customer service".

But you know what? Most the the things that drain people off their desire to move on, or that push people to quit what they're doing are not things that we see from the outside, superficial. It is what's churning WITHIN a person that drives or drains the person. I have even come to a point where I thought, forget about helping or servicing these people. I've better things to focus my energy at.

But you know what? Just as I was about to give up, God miraculously (again) opened doors and gave me hope to linger on, until today I heard a message about the lessons learned from a life guard. It's not about swimming. It is, "Even when people are not nice, we must not stop doing what God has called us to do."
Drowning people are not very nice. When you try to save them, they grab, stab, slap and even drown you. Every life guard knows this. If you are drowning and I am about to save you, and you slap me, and I retreated, "Wah, you're not very nice huh, I'm not going to save you." And I swim back.

NO LIFE GUARD EVER DO THAT!!

It's the same thing with life. People are not always nice. But it must not stop us from doing what God has called us to do. Develop the inner capacity. Press on, persevere, even when you cannot go on anymore. Have the robust faith in God, just do not quit.

Stay faithful in your humble assignments, and in due time God will extend your territories.

Learn it from the mighty men of David in 2 Samuel 23 (Adino, Eleazar and Shammah).

[Partially extracted from Pastor Benny Ho's preaching on Triumphant through Tough Times.)

Fire cracker sell during chinese new year season

2010-02-11T18:37:00.001+08:00

A common sound during chinese new year or new year celebration would be the endless shouts of the fire crackers, waking every sleeping soul at night, especially. When I was young, we used to play fire crackers of all sorts, throw it all over the road and field, and everyone else would laugh with us.

Now? A "Booommm..." would trigger some anxious look in the faces of people nearby - "Hey.. the police may hear that.." Yes.. it is now illegal, considering the con outweighing the pro here. Nevertheless, with or without fire cracker, I still love chinese new year.

I love the spring breeze.. *chun feng.

Dog skin disease requiring euthanasia (kill or put to sleep)

2010-02-09T21:45:00.001+08:00

Dog skin disease requiring euthanasia (kill or put to sleep)

Today I had a not so good, not-so-bad experience with an owner. Apparently the owner wanted to euthanise the dog because the dog has skin problem. Looking at the dog, hey.. lots of stray dogs look like tat! Do you have to kill a dog just because they look like a stray dog?

To make things sadder, the dog is really tame, loving, wags her tail at everyone. Although she's very skinny, greasy (probably never bathe for a year or so) dirty... but the love she showed to her owner was unbelievable looking at how the owner treated her. Sometimes I wonder, how do I ever tell the doggie that, "Your owner wants to kill you because you don't look pretty enough?"
I got really disappointed, frustrated, fed-up with such people. I thank God, just in time... somebody walked in and learned of the event and offered to take care of the dog. Well, they made some agreement about certain details... but towards the end I am glad for the dog gets to live.

How do you celebrate chinese new year in your country?

2010-02-07T18:33:00.001+08:00

Here in Malaysia most Chinese celebrating chinese new year usually have a gathering/ reunion dinner with family members the night before the first day of chinese new year.

sometimes we have yee sang... sometimes steamboat.. sometimes buffet.. sometimes home-cooked.. anyway, it's celebrated either big or small way. It is the togetherness that counts. =)

How to plant / grow orchids at home/garden

2010-02-05T20:28:00.000+08:00

Today I'm going to talk abit about my little gardening venture. Some time ago, a dear sister of mine gave me 5 little pots of beautiful orchids, flowering, blossoming. Forgive my english errors. Anyway, ever since I took hold of the orchids, the flowering all stopped. Infact the orchids look like shrivelling each day.

How to plant or grow orchids in your garden or home?

I made sure I provided little shady sun light, enough water.. but still the condition was bad. I called my fren and she said, "You didn't talk to the orchids enough."

Oh ya? Believe it or not, I was desperate enough to talk to the orchids daily. When they did not respond to my coax.. i decided to cek for more info on orchid planting.

Eventually I found another key to sustainable living for orchids - they need light, water and air!!! Not just normal air, air with GOOD VENTILATION! Oh.. suddenly all my memories of orchids gathered and made sense to me - that's why people HANG their orchids! Because they needed ventilation!

Well, supposing this is the key I missed, we shall see my orchids producing flowers soon. Hmmm.. as you can see in the picture, this is day one. I'll keep you updated when I see the first flower.

Till then, gardening is fun!

Key to Effective management/organization

2010-02-03T20:26:00.000+08:00

Learn this from DHL - the key to effective management/ organization. I know it's not the same subject here. but i'm talking about principles. ;-)

Get less middlemen, less paper work then you'll get more speed and total control. And your happy clients will definitely pay you cash.

Good keys to successful business, maybe? '=)

Through a Rapist's Eyes (No Joke) defense kung fu

2010-02-02T21:37:00.000+08:00

Through a Rapist's Eyes (No Joke)

When this was sent to me, I was told to forward it to my lady friends, but I forwarded it to most everyone in my address book. My men friends have female friends and this Information is too important to miss someone.

Please pass it along and share it with your children.

A group of rapists and date rapists in prison were interviewed on what they look for in a potential victim and here are some interesting facts :

1) The first thing men look for in a potential victim is hairstyle. They are most likely to go after a woman with a ponytail, bun, braid or other hairstyle that can easily be grabbed . They are also likely to go after a woman with long hair . Women with short hair are not common targets.

2) The second thing men look for is clothing. They will look for women who's clothing is easy to remove quickly. Many of them carry scissors around specifically to cut clothing.

3) They also look for women on their cell phone, searching through their purse, or doing other activities while walking because they are off-guard and can be easily overpowered.

4) Men are most likely to attack & rape in the early morning, between 5:00a.m. and 8:30a.m.

5) The number one place women are abducted from/attacked is grocery store parking lots. The number two : office parking lots/garages. Number three : public restrooms.

6) The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a woman and quickly move her to another location where they don't have to worry about getting caught..

7) Only 2% said they carried weapons because rape carries a 3-5 year sentence but rape with a weapon is 15-20 years.

8) If you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged because it only takes a minute or two for them to realize that going after you isn't worth it because it will be time-consuming.

9) These men said they would not pick on women who have umbrellas, or other similar objects that can be used from a distance, in their hands

Keys are NOT a deterrent because you have to get really close to the attacker to use them as a weapon. So, the idea is to convince these guys you're not worth it.

10) Several defense mechanisms he taught us are : If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage or with you in an elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and ask them a question, like what time is it?, or make general small talk : 'I can't believe it is so cold out here,' 'We're in for a bad winter.' Now you've seen their face and could identify them in a line-up; you lose appeal as a target.

11) If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of you and yell STOP! or STAY BACK! Most of the rapists this man talked to said they'd leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would not be afraid to fight back. Again, they are looking for an EASY target.

13) If someone grabs you, you can't beat them with strength but you can by outsmarting them. If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker either under the Arm (between the elbow and armpit) OR in the upper inner thigh VERY VERY HARD. One woman in a class this guy taught told him she used the underarm pinch on a guy who was trying to date rape her and was so upset she broke through the skin and tore out muscle strands - the guy needed stitches. Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you can stand it - it hurts.

14) After the initial hit, always GO for the GROIN. I know from a particularly unfortunate experience that if you slap a guy's parts it is extremely painful. You might think that you'll anger the guy and make him want to hurt you more, but the thing these rapists told our instructor is that they want a woman who will not cause a lot of trouble. Start causing trouble and he's out of there.

15) When the guy puts his hands up to you, grab his first two fingers and bend them back as far as possible with as much pressure pushing down on them as possible. The instructor did it to me without using much pressure, and I ended up on my knees and both knuckles cracked audibly.

16) Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware of your surroundings, take someone with you if you can and if you see any odd behavior, don't dismiss it, go with your instincts!!!

You may feel a little silly at the time, but you'd feel much worse if the guy really was trouble.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do : The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2. Learned this from a tourist guide in New Orleans : If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you....chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4.. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc, and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.) DON'T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.

a. If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, repeat : DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot or parking garage:

A.) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat.

B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.

C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.

IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times.. And even then, it most likely WILL NOTbe a vital organ. RUN, preferably in a zigzag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP! It may get you raped or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well-educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

9.. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her 'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.'

The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.

Please pass this on and DO NOT open the door for a crying baby --- This should be taken seriously because the Crying Baby theory was mentioned on America's Most Wanted this past Saturday when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana .

I'd like you to forward this to all the women you know. It may save a life. A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle. I was going to send this to the ladies only, but guys, if you love your mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, etc., you may want to pass it onto them, as well.

Don't judge a book by its cover

2010-01-30T20:21:00.002+08:00

Remember my previous blog about the tattooed men who turned out to be christians? Hmm... well, I don't know much about them, but I've learned to set my eyes on people's eyes n their attitude and not on their body deco.

Some time ago a friend of mine saw me driving a car with luck charms and amulets and beads and he was very surprised - what happened to me? Just like me, he got very curious and anxious and doubts began to rise... until...
One day we met, he questioned me of the origins and reasons why I place those charms and beads n amulets in my car. I responded candidly, "That's not my car. I just drive it."

He heaved a loud sigh of relief. I was annoyed, "Come on... where's your faith on me?"
He smiled.

Well, conclusion is - Don't judge a book by its cover.

Cut-off Slam finger door die graft

2010-01-30T01:23:00.000+08:00

Julianna came out of the womb ready to meet every challenge with determination, every celebration with enthusiasm, and every mystery with the passion of discovery. Her fiery red hair was matched only by her fiery personality. She never did anything half-way, but with the throttle full speed ahead. Of the Price's three children, Julianna was the one who frequented the emergency room for stitches due to throwing caution to the wind as she whirled through her childhood.

Cut-off Slam finger door die graft

One day when Julianna was twelve years old, she rushed out her front door on her way to dance class. She slammed the door behind her as she hurried to catch her ride, but the door closed before all of her fingers followed her body across the threshold. Now you have probably have slammed your fingers in a door a time or two, and can remember wincing a bit. But Julianna never does anything half-way.

She jerked to a sudden halt, spun around quickly, and saw her appendages trapped in the closed door. When she opened the door to remove her hand, she was horrified to discover that all of it was not there. She had amputated the upper third of her second right finger.

"Help! Somebody help me! I've just cut off my finger!" Fortunately, the woman picking her up for dance class was a nurse. She rushed to the screaming ballerina.
"Julianna, where's your mom?" she asked.
"She's not here," Julianna answered between sobs.
"Nobody's here but Daniel."
"Quick," the neighbor instructed, "Let's put some pressure on that nub. Daniel, come help us!" she yelled. Daniel, Julianna's fifteen-year-old brother, ran down the stairs at the cry for help.

"Julianna's just cut her finger off. You have to find it. We've got to put it in ice and take her to the hospital right away." A pale-faced Daniel went to the scene of the accident. As he hung his head, he saw the finger lying at his feet. Trying not to lose his breakfast, Daniel picked up his sister's digit in a towel and handed it over to the nurse.

Well the good news is that they got to the hospital in time. The skilled doctor put Humpty-Dumpty back together again and told them to pray that the finger would reattach.

"We'll keep our fingers crossed," he said with a grin as he walked out of the treatment room. A few days later Julianna unwrapped the bandages, afraid of what she might find underneath. What she saw was not a pretty sight. Instead of a finger, she saw a black mushroom-like thimble sitting atop her nub.

"Doctor, we took the bandage off today. It's black and crusty and looks like a mushroom cap," her mom reported.
"It looks dead."
"That's fine," he reassured her.
"Don't worry. If nature is working properly, and it sounds like it is, the top will turn black, but underneath, nerves and blood vessels are reattaching. Underneath the thimble, a new finger is forming. She needs the old part in order for the new part to form underneath. In about three weeks, we'll know if the procedure worked. Just keep it wrapped and clean."

A few weeks after the accident, Julianna came to spend the night with us while she was attending a dance camp in my hometown. I had the pleasure of her company and the displeasure of changing her bandage. Her description was accurate.

Four weeks after Julianna had returned home, she wrote me a thank-you note for having her in our home. She ended by saying, "P.S. Guess what? My crusty thimble fell off and I have a new finger!" Now don't ask me how this happened. It is a mystery to me. But scripture tells of another mystery that is just as amazing.

Another grafting process that is just as miraculous. When God warned Adam and Eve not to eat of fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, He told them that their punishment for disobedience would be death. They did eat - and immediately their spirits died- their zoe life was taken away and they were cut off from God. As a result, every person after that time has been born with a dead spirit, including you and me. But God didn't leave us that way.

God demonstrated His love toward us, that while we were still a sinner (cut off, dead, rotten to the core), Christ died for us and made it possible for us to be grafted onto the living root - Himself (Romans 5:8, Romans 11:17). At the very moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we receive a new living spirit (zoe life) to replace our old dead spirit.

In the twinkling of an eye - in the time it takes for us to say, "I believe," we become a spiritually new creation. However, God's process of shaping and molding us into the image of Christ, takes a lifetime. That process is how to become spiritually beautiful. Paul tells us: "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV).

Reflecting the Lord's glory!
I know of no other beauty treatment that will make a woman truly beautiful.

Let's Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I know I became a new creation in Christ when I became a Christian. But sometimes, I just feel like the same old me. Please help me to become more conformed to the image of Christ today. Take away whatever needs to be taken away to reveal the beauty of You that is in my heart. Help me to be spiritually beautiful today and always. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Body Arm Tattoos designed with gentle nature

2010-01-27T21:47:00.003+08:00

Body Arm Tattoos designed with gentle nature

This morning while at work, two men walked in - bodies and arms engraved with huge tattoos of unexplainable design (in my vocabulary world). Thin and skinny. Their cheeks looked sunken. Yah, they're slightly aged (around 40's) but the sunkenness of the cheek.. with the tattoos on... it sends a message to me automatically.

Surprisingly when I talked to one of them, he was very polite, face full with smiles, and he was very gentle in nature. So unlike other clients, even those without tattoo, in office look, tuxedos.. he speaks better manners than the rest of them. The other was quiet, hasty in nature, but smiles, which surprises me also.

The usuall tattooed clients of mine do not smile. Even when they talked, they'd do it in a threatening tone. But these two people got me wondering and I just could not understand.

After a while, one of them asked me, "Are you a Christian?" I was surprised! Could it be... but why.... To give an answer to all my wonderings and confusions I asked him in return, "You a Christian too?"

"Yes, I was a pastor at this this that AG church." I was amused. But I need to test his truthfulness. So I asked him questions about the church, of which he answered quite expectedly. Then he shot, "Which church are you from?"

"I'm from CC."
"OOOOoooo CC!!!"

I perked up my eyes, "Why's that?"

"Pastor Yeetw!! I knew him since long ago.. he's now overseas d..."

Hey... this guy seem real, but why the tattoos? As though understanding my facial questions, he continued, "I used to minister to the drug addict.. we built a rehab centre.... and HIV centre..."

Wow! The puzzle was solved immediately. This explains why... the tattoos and the gentle nature.

Puppy hit by car accident fractured leg treat

2010-01-25T22:27:00.001+08:00

I have determined to post up beautiful things in my blog. Even if 10 ugly things happened in my day, I shall still post the one beautiful thing that happened.

Puppy hit by car accident fractured leg treat

This morning two young guys walked in nervously – Do you guys treat dog?

“Yah, we do,” I replied.
“Broken leg, you do?”
“Yah, we do.”
"How do you treat it?”
“Bring it in and let us see it.”

Then the two guys brought in 2 puppies – one with a leg badly fractured.
“I reversed my car, and found these two puppies crying after that.” One of the guy said.
“These your dogs?”
"No, they’re stray. I don’t know where they came from. Suddenly they went underneath my tyre.”
“Treating a fractured leg would cost much. You willing to do so?”
“Yah, what to do? I banged onto him.”

”Yah, what to do? I banged onto him.” These are the words that are so lacking in today’s society. These days out of 100 hit-by-car cases, 99 are hit-and-run. And today I met some unfortunate nice people who are so responsible they are willing to spend a thousand to treat two puppies. The most intriguing part was, they are ordinary factory labourers with low income.

It is the morale behind the story that brightens my day. It was their responsible, compassionate spirit that twisted my ugly glasses toward mankind.

Although 9 devils roam around, I manage to bump into 1 angel.

That’s good news to me! ;-)

Venus Jupiter Universe Halley's Comet return

2010-01-13T21:18:00.000+08:00

Mark your calendar now if you want to see the next celestial convergence of Venus, Jupiter, and the moon. On November 18m 2052, you'll be able to peer through the evening darkness as those solar system neighbours "gather" in a tiny area of the sky. That remarkable juxtaposition of reflective spheres last sparkled the night sky on December 1, 2008, and it will happen again 4 decades from now.

This predictability, as well as things such as eclipses and the return of Halley's Comet (July 28, 2061), prove the orderliness of the universe. If no fixed set of laws governed the movement of eerything in the universe, such predictions could not be made.

Are these set rules more than random standards? Can we see God's hand in these celestial certainties? Look at Jeremiah 33:25-26. God has in view the covenantal relationship between Himself and His people, and He uses a scientific fact in the analogy. In effect, God says that His fixed universal laws, "the ordinances of heaven and earth," have the same certainty as His promises to His covenant people.

God's laws have governed the universe since its creation - and continue to do so with astounding predictability. So mark your calendar, and be amazed by God's unchanging control.

-Dave Branon

A prayer: Dear Lord, I marvel at the wonders of Your creation. You are such a great and awesome God who does not change. As I place my life in Your hands, I will trust You to be faithful. Amen.

The wonders of creation reveal God at work.

What grace is this? It's the Father's grace - Paderewski, great pianist

2010-01-11T23:16:00.000+08:00

What grace is this? It's the Father's grace.

Years ago, in a large southeastern city, the great pianist, Paderewski, was scheduled to perform. The city was alive with excitement and the day finally came. In the crowd at the concert was a young mother clutching the hand of her small son. Hoping to inspire him to practice, she had brought him to hear the master perform. As they sat and waited for the concert to begin, she turned her head to look at the people as they filled the auditorium.

The little boy saw his chance to escape. He quietly slipped from his seat, walking down the aisle toward the stage. Just as he reached the orchestra pit, a spotlight hit the grand piano and he gasped at the beauty of the instrument. No one noticed the little boy as he slipped up the side stairs to the stage and climbed up on the piano stool. No one noticed him at all, until he began to play "Chopsticks".

The concert hall fell silent. Then people began to shout. "Get him away from that piano!" Backstage, the Master heard the crowd and grabbing his coat, rushed to the little boy's side.

Without a word, he bent down and, placing his hands on either side of the boy's, began to compose a beautiful counter melody to "Chopsticks". As they played together, he whispered in the little boy's ear, "Don't stop! Keep on! Don't quit!"

Right now, right where you are, understand that your Father is standing beside you, with His arms wrapped around you. Listen as He gently speaks, "Don't stop! Keep on! Don't quit!"

Blood clot / stroke - indicator early treatment

2010-01-09T12:07:00.000+08:00

B lood Clots/Stroke - They Now Have a Fourth Indicator, the Tongue
อาการบ่งชี้ 4 อย่างของเส้นเลือดอุดตันในสมอง

I will continue to forward this every time it comes around!
ไม่ว่าจะได้รับเมล์นี้อีกกี่ครั้ง ฉันก็จะส่งต่อไป

STROKE:Remember the 1st Three Letters....S.T.R.
เส้นเลือดอุดตันในสมอง (Stroke) ให้จำไว้ว่า อักษร 3 ตัวแรกคือ S.T.R

My nurse friend sent this and encouraged me to post it and spread the word.
I agree.
เพื่อนพยาบาลส่งเมล์นี้มาให้ และสนับสนุนให้ฉันส่งต่อไปอีกเรื่อยๆให้ทั่วโลกเลยยิ่งดี ฉันก็เห็นด้วย

If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks.
Seriously..
ถ้าเราสามารถจำสิ่งง่ายๆเหล่านี้ได้ เราจะช่วยชีวิตคนบางคนได้..อันนี้เรื่องจริง

Please read:
STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
อาการบ่งชี้ของเส้นเลือดอุดตันในสมอง

During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) .she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.
ระหว่างงานเลี้ยงบาร์บีคิว เพื่อนคนหนึ่งสะดุดล้มลงไปกองกับพื้น แต่เธอบอกกับทุกคนว่าเธอไม่เป็นไร (เพื่อนๆถามว่าจะให้เรียกแพทย์เคลื่อนที่มั้ย) เธอบอกว่าเธอแค่สะดุดก้อนหินเพราะยังไม่ชินที่ใส่รองเท้าคู่ใหม่มา

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening
ทุกคนช่วยกันปัดเศษสกปรกออกไปจากตัวเธอและไปตักอาหารมาให้ใหม่ ตัว Ingrid เองหลังจากนั้นรู้สึกว่าจะมีอาการสั่นเล็กน้อย แต่ก็สนุกสนานดีตลอดเย็นวันนั้น

Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 pm Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't die. they end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.
หลังจากนั้น สามีของ Ingrid โทรหาเพื่อนๆทุกคนว่า ภรรยาเขาถูกนำตัวส่งโรงพยาบาล (และเสียชีวิตในเวลา 6 นาฬิกา) เธอมีอาการของเส้นเลือดอุดตันในสมองตั้งแต่ตอนที่อยู่ในงานเลี้ยงบาร์บีคิวแล้ว ถ้าทุกคนรู้ว่าเธอมีอาการนี้เสียตั้งแต่แรก บางที Ingrid อาจจะยังอยู่กับพวกเราในวันนี้ก็ได้ บางคนก็ไม่เสียชีวิต แต่ต้องใช้ชีวิตอย่างคนสิ้นหวังและช่วยเหลือตัวเองไม่ได้

It only takes a minute to read this...
ใช้เวลาอ่านบทความนี้เพียงไม่กี่นาทีเท่านั้น

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.
แพทย์ด้านประสาทวิทยากล่าวว่า ถ้าแพทย์สามารถไปถึงตัวผู้ป่วยเส้นเลือดสมองอุดตันได้ภายใน 3 ชั่วโมง แพทย์จะสามารถช่วยชีวิตผู้ป่วยได้แน่นอน ที่สำคัญก็คือต้องทราบว่าผู้ป่วยมีอาการของโรคนี้ วินิจฉัยได้ได้ จากนั้นก็ให้การรักษาภายใน 3 ชั่วโมง ซึ่งเรื่องจริงนั้นเป็นไปได้ยากอยู่

RECOGNIZING A STROKE
ต้องรู้ก่อนว่ามันคือเส้นเลือดสมองอุดตัน

Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR . Read and Learn!
ขอบคุณพระเจ้าที่หาวิธีจำง่ายๆมาให้ STR

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
บางครั้งอาการของโรคเส้นเลือดสมองอุดตันก็เป็นการยากที่จะรู้กันได้ แต่ที่ร้ายแรงกว่านั้นก็คือ การไม่รู้อาจหมายถึงหายนะได้ สมองผู้ป่วยอาจจะโดนทำลายอย่างรุนแรง แต่คนรอบข้างไม่ได้รู้เลยว่านี่คืออาการของเส้นเลือดสมองอุดตัน

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
หมอบอกว่า คนที่ยืนอยู่รอบข้างก็สามารถรู้อาการได้ โดยคำถาม 3 ข้อ ดังนี้

S *Ask the individual to SMILE.
S คือบอกให้ผู้ป่วย ยิ้ม

T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(i.e.. It is sunny out today.)
T คือบอกให้ผู้ป่วยพูด โดยอาจจะเป็นประโยคง่ายๆ เช่น วันนี้อากาศดีนะ

R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
R คือบอกให้ผู้ป่วยยกแขนทั้งสองข้างขึ้น

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
ถ้าผู้ป่วยมีความลำบากในการทำข้อใดข้อหนึ่ง ให้โทร.หาเบอร์ฉุกเฉินทันทีและแจ้งไปว่าผู้ป่วยมีอาการอย่างไร

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue
สัญญาณใหม่ของเส้นเลือดสมองอุดตัน -- แลบลิ้นออกมาดู
NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue.. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.
หมายเหตุ: สัญญาณอีกประการหนึ่งก็คือ ลองให้ผู้ป่วยแลบลิ้นออกมา หากลิ้นมีลักษณะม้วนงอ ตกไปด้านใดด้านหนึ่ง นั่นคือข้อบ่งชี้ว่ามีอาการเส้นเลือดสมองอุดตัน

Cherokee legend youth rite (red indian)

2010-01-08T21:53:00.000+08:00

Cherokee Legend
Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of Passage?
His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him an leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone.

Once he survives the night, he is a MAN.
He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own.
The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him .. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man!
Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold.

It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him.
He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.

We, too, are never alone.
Even when we don't know it, God is watching over us, Sitting on the stump beside us.
When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.

Moral of the story:
Just because you can't see God,
Doesn't mean He is not there.
"For we walk by faith, not by sight."

* Seeking *

Applying for visa at the Chinese Embassy

it's been a long long time...

Help rescue bears from the horror of bear baiting

Help WSPA end bear baiting

I'm very pissed off with DIGI SUPER LONG LIFE

Walking my dog is fun (though it could have been better!)

He is the God who sees me.

What's the reason behind Nazri's smile???

Ten Canine Commandments for all.

Bersih 2.0 - Understanding CLEAN (Bersih)

My Bersih 2.0 Experience - Marina Mahathir

I got this from email circulation - too good not to share.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

My Bersih 2.0 Experience - Marina Mahathir

Bersih 2.0. Who is Ambiga Sreenevasan?

barbarians in malaysia culling angels in the street?

Strays allegedly caught and shot in full view of children

By ZALINAH NOORDIN zalinah@thestar.com.myPhotos by ZAINUDDIN AHAD and GOH GAIK LEE

Unity is not unison. It is working together, complementing one another

A personal God (Ever wondered who God is? What does He look like?)

animal rights activitists rally at moscow against violence, especially of stray dogs

Japan’s nuclear plant operator pays ‘condolence money’ - Japanese culture (bowing down)

japanese boy teaches lesson (tsunami, earthquake, refugee, food distribution)

My dog eats his pooh vs swallowing down nasal discharges

church growth biggest barrier - solution - people (sheep) matters more

Jesus praying Gethsemane suffering of broken heart

Catching a stray dog (which is infamous for aggression, lesson from Cesar Milan, with God's favour)

The biggest sin - disunity of the church/ christians (destined to soar)

This would be my prayer.. a complete prayer.. perhaps can be improved...

Faith and reason go hand in hand — Ronald Benjamin (Malay language bible seized by Malaysian government)

Faith and reason go hand in hand — Ronald Benjamin

pet/dog evacuation/ shelter in japan earthquake/tsunami relief

ANIMALS ACT 1953 (Revised 2006) PART IV

Taliban militants on Wednesday shot dead Pakistan's only Christian government minister for challenging a law that mandates the death penalty for insul

A solution for pulling/tugging problem when walkingyour dog

get serious about sin - confession

What Kind of Book Are You Writing? becareful you speak

Is there a meaning to life? The purpose driven life.

There comes a moment (Winston Churchill)

Is Life Worth Living - Times and seasons (rat race)

black german shepherd from germany

coming out of the dark (help/ heal/ cure on depression woman)

Diagnostic occupation requires good communication skills.

Is Life Worth Living (life cycle, circle of life, meaning of life, vanity, ecclesiastes)

amekim the naughty but adorable...

Where to buy furminator in Malaysia/ KL/ Singapore?

Say NO to shark fin products (exotic food restaurants)

Take the No Shark Fin Pledge

Is shark fin soup a part of your Lunar New Year celebration?

Thoughts aplenty but not ready for jotting them down.

beautiful THAI song!!!! version of The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.

I've so much in my mind, and yet my mind is empty

Pure shiba inu for adoption or buy at cheap price

Please be honest upfront, do not overpromise. you become...

National Geographic bird ash mother wings protect chicks christmas

Toying around with small breeds dogs?

Inhumane killing of licensed dogs in Ipoh, Malaysia

My first encounter with the royal malaysia police at traffic

Shiba Inu cross Pinscher for adoption

A day of mourning - 12 killed in horror crash near NS-Malacca border

Iceland volcano eruption March 2010 - time-lapes of new lava superb youtube video

http://4allpetlovers.com or www.4allpetlovers.com

Morning prayer (cute australian blue heeler cattle dog)

Men are just the happier creature

Dear dog with owner of mastectomy (breast cancer)

May She Rest in Peace - a suggested prayer

working vs studying

Police reports lodged against Tony Pua

Illusion optic (albert einstein, marilyn monroe, 2 become 1)

Sweet reminiscence

You Can Recycle Plastic Bottle Caps (DIY- do it yourself)

where to buy furminator in malaysia?

Cleaning poo poo n other chores

Cow-head protest: 12 fined RM1,000 each for illegal assembly (Updated)

Dog farming in south korea, under the sun

the stone unthrown - adultery, sin, forgiveness

An off day! (JPJ,SKEM, GDL, exam tips)

What do your pets do when we're at work? funny video

Beauty Skin care tips from body shop

By ZALINAH NOORDIN
zalinah@thestar.com.my
Photos by ZAINUDDIN AHAD and GOH GAIK LEE