During my first few years of employment in SingTel, I was fortunate to work with a lady called Maureen.
Maureen was a wise woman and she could read the character of a person very well. She herself was of excellent character. By nature, she was kind. She would not harm another person by saying bad things about him.
After so many years, I could not remember many of the wisdom Maureen had shared with me. But there is one phrase she had taught me which I have not forgotten: '...poison his mind...'.
When one person TOM says to a second person DICK something bad about a third person HARRY, Tom is 'poisoning' Dick's mind. It may be just casual remarks like: "Dick, you know, Harry was so unco-operative!"
Be careful! Little by little, Tom is inserting an ugly picture of Harry into Dick's mind!
Thanks to Maureen's advice, when someone tells me negative remarks about a third person, I am always suspicious. I don't believe them; or believe just 10%.
Make sure your mind is not unconsciously or subconsciously poisoned by others' remarks. Think for yourself, and make judgements based on your own experiences.
Thursday 31 January 2008
Guard against Stroke - do breathing exercises
(Please click, on the right, the 'play' button twice to enjoy the 2 songs I have selected for you.)
I am now reading a book titled "TAKING CARE: Self-Care for 100 Common Symptoms and 20 Long-Term Ailments. One of the chapter is on STROKE. I would like to share some information with readers of my blog, particularly those who are above 50 years old and are prone to Stroke.
A Stroke is brain damage resulting from either an obstruction of the carotid artery (at the neck) or an artery in the head, or a bleed into the brain that destroys nearby delicate brain cells and nerves. Because brain cells cannot regenerate, the damage is often serious and may be permanent.
About 80% of strokes result from blocked arteries. One type of blockage is cerebral thrombosis, in which clots form in the artery and impede the passage of blood.
In another book, I wish to share the following:
"It's a sobering fact that the overwhelming majority of fatal strokes occur between 8.00 and 9.00 a.m. when up to half the body's blood is still 'asleep' in the liver and pancreas. Some prelimary 'breathing' and 'stretching' exercises in bed (before a person gets up in the morning) is a good prevention against such strokes..."
I wish to share the case of the death of a colleague some years ago.
It happened at the time when I was working in SingTel Paging. It was a morning management meeting in the early morning. Mr Cheah, excused himself from the meeting and walked to the toilet. While walking back from the toilet, he collapsed backwards onto the carpeted floor. The time was about 8.45 a.m.
Mr Cheah had a stroke and died on the way to the hospital. He was only 42 years old. He was a heavy smoker. Smoking must had been a cause of the stroke.
So friends, be careful in the morning, especially if you feel fainting, dizziness or experience mental confusion. Slow down, breathe hard, and be prepared to seek help.
God Bless.
I am now reading a book titled "TAKING CARE: Self-Care for 100 Common Symptoms and 20 Long-Term Ailments. One of the chapter is on STROKE. I would like to share some information with readers of my blog, particularly those who are above 50 years old and are prone to Stroke.
A Stroke is brain damage resulting from either an obstruction of the carotid artery (at the neck) or an artery in the head, or a bleed into the brain that destroys nearby delicate brain cells and nerves. Because brain cells cannot regenerate, the damage is often serious and may be permanent.
About 80% of strokes result from blocked arteries. One type of blockage is cerebral thrombosis, in which clots form in the artery and impede the passage of blood.
In another book, I wish to share the following:
"It's a sobering fact that the overwhelming majority of fatal strokes occur between 8.00 and 9.00 a.m. when up to half the body's blood is still 'asleep' in the liver and pancreas. Some prelimary 'breathing' and 'stretching' exercises in bed (before a person gets up in the morning) is a good prevention against such strokes..."
I wish to share the case of the death of a colleague some years ago.
It happened at the time when I was working in SingTel Paging. It was a morning management meeting in the early morning. Mr Cheah, excused himself from the meeting and walked to the toilet. While walking back from the toilet, he collapsed backwards onto the carpeted floor. The time was about 8.45 a.m.
Mr Cheah had a stroke and died on the way to the hospital. He was only 42 years old. He was a heavy smoker. Smoking must had been a cause of the stroke.
So friends, be careful in the morning, especially if you feel fainting, dizziness or experience mental confusion. Slow down, breathe hard, and be prepared to seek help.
God Bless.
Sunday 27 January 2008
The world is changing
I am watching the USA 2009 Presidential Election with interest. Today's news bulletin mentioned that Obama won a landslide victory in the primary election in the State of South Carolina.
I don't know what Obama stands for, or what ideas he has if he is the President of United States. I only know he has been shouting about 'change' all the time, but change to what... nobody seem to know. I also know he can speak very well, and I believe this is what the American people are impressed about.
I believe strongly in the value of experience and wisdom. So I am worried if a junior senator were elected as President of North America and entrusted with the responsibility to lead the world. Even with years of experience as a statesman and politician, President Bush's performance is dismay during his second term in office. I am disappointed with his leadership.
But knowing how Americans vote, I think Obama has a good chance to be voted in as the first USA President of African-Negro decent. And like the multitude of climbers who conquered Mount Everest following the success of Sir Edmund Hillary, there will be many non-white USA Presidents for the rest of the century following the success of Obama.
So the world is changing quickly. Within 20 years, America will probably relegate from its position as the Top Nation in the world. The world's centre of gravity relating to finance, power and authority will drastically shift away from North America, and a new, more complex world order will evolve.
All these, I believe, are brought about by human beings themselves, but allowed by God because He has the final say. Regardless what men do, finally, God Reigns.
I don't know what Obama stands for, or what ideas he has if he is the President of United States. I only know he has been shouting about 'change' all the time, but change to what... nobody seem to know. I also know he can speak very well, and I believe this is what the American people are impressed about.
I believe strongly in the value of experience and wisdom. So I am worried if a junior senator were elected as President of North America and entrusted with the responsibility to lead the world. Even with years of experience as a statesman and politician, President Bush's performance is dismay during his second term in office. I am disappointed with his leadership.
But knowing how Americans vote, I think Obama has a good chance to be voted in as the first USA President of African-Negro decent. And like the multitude of climbers who conquered Mount Everest following the success of Sir Edmund Hillary, there will be many non-white USA Presidents for the rest of the century following the success of Obama.
So the world is changing quickly. Within 20 years, America will probably relegate from its position as the Top Nation in the world. The world's centre of gravity relating to finance, power and authority will drastically shift away from North America, and a new, more complex world order will evolve.
All these, I believe, are brought about by human beings themselves, but allowed by God because He has the final say. Regardless what men do, finally, God Reigns.
Tuesday 15 January 2008
A Scarlet Thread for Safety and Peace
Moses died before entering the promised land. Joshua took over the leadership from Moses. He sent 2 spies to Jericho to spy on the land. A harlot named Rahab hid the 2 spies in her house so that they would not be discovered. During the night, Rahab let them down by a rope through the window so that they could escape. (Joshua Chapter 2:1-18)
And the 2 spies said to Rahab, "... one day when we return to attack this land, you tie this cord of scarlet thread in the window through which you let us down, and gather into your house ...your father, mother... and all your father's household. And if any of them (in this house) is hurt we shall bear the responsibility..."
Not long after, Joshua led the army to conquer Jericho. Only Rahab and all who were with her in the house were unharmed, because she had assisted the 2 spies earlier on. (Josh 6:17)
-----------
Sometimes when friends and neighbours died, we could go over to attend 'nightwatch' to pay our respect prior to the funeral. Before you leave the 'nightwatch', you would be given a scarlet thread. It was meant for Safety and Peace after the 'nightwatch' visitation.
You see, the origin of the scarlet thread was in the Bible.
Hallelujah
And the 2 spies said to Rahab, "... one day when we return to attack this land, you tie this cord of scarlet thread in the window through which you let us down, and gather into your house ...your father, mother... and all your father's household. And if any of them (in this house) is hurt we shall bear the responsibility..."
Not long after, Joshua led the army to conquer Jericho. Only Rahab and all who were with her in the house were unharmed, because she had assisted the 2 spies earlier on. (Josh 6:17)
-----------
Sometimes when friends and neighbours died, we could go over to attend 'nightwatch' to pay our respect prior to the funeral. Before you leave the 'nightwatch', you would be given a scarlet thread. It was meant for Safety and Peace after the 'nightwatch' visitation.
You see, the origin of the scarlet thread was in the Bible.
Hallelujah
Sunday 13 January 2008
Floods: Part 2 - Noah's Flood and re-start of the Human Race
Please refer to and read first the story of Floods: Part 1, below.
Today, I am writing about the second Flood.
Dake's Annotated Bible describes the second Flood as the one that Noah was instructed to build an Ark for.
Genesis Chapter 5 gives the detailed genealogy. Adam was the first generation. Noah was the 10th generation. Noah was born 1056 years after Adam was created. The Flood came when Noah was 600 years old. By then, the human race had became so corrupted that it had to be re-started again.
So Noah and his family ( I believe not more than 50 persons), together with all animal species, either in pairs or in sevens, entered the Ark. They survived the Flood, and went forth to multiply after the Flood. That must be around 4,300 years ago, or around 2,300 BC. Supposedly, only the living things on land perished during the Flood. The creatures in the ocean were not destroyed.
But this Bible story cannot be refering to the whole earth than we know today. There are many well-documented historical records to show that human tribes already existed in many parts of the world, in North Asia, East Asia, Africa, North America, during that time. And these tribes are the ancestral lineages of the indigenous peoples in these areas today.
It is not possible for the few members of Noah's family to in-breed and multiply to the world population of 6 billion today.
Perhaps the Biblical story refered to a localised flood in the Biblical part of the world only, and NOT refering to a flood that covered the whole world. ONLY the Jewish and Arabic lineage were destroyed and re-started via Noah's family after the Flood. The rest of the world were not affected by the second Flood.
I am a Singaporean and of Chinese descent. Could I be a descendant of Noah's family members? I don't think so.
Then who am I? I don't know.
I only know that God in His mercy and grace, granted me the faith to believe in Christ, and so, one day when my journey on earth ends, I will be in God's Kingdom in gloryland. Meanwhile, He walks with me and cares for me every minute of the day.
(Like my ancestors 4,300 years ago, the cockcroaches and the mosquitoes must had avoid Noah's Flood, and survived to this day to irritate me . )
Praise and thanks to God, for the little I know, and the much that I do not know, including the unquestionables.
Hallelujah.
Today, I am writing about the second Flood.
Dake's Annotated Bible describes the second Flood as the one that Noah was instructed to build an Ark for.
Genesis Chapter 5 gives the detailed genealogy. Adam was the first generation. Noah was the 10th generation. Noah was born 1056 years after Adam was created. The Flood came when Noah was 600 years old. By then, the human race had became so corrupted that it had to be re-started again.
So Noah and his family ( I believe not more than 50 persons), together with all animal species, either in pairs or in sevens, entered the Ark. They survived the Flood, and went forth to multiply after the Flood. That must be around 4,300 years ago, or around 2,300 BC. Supposedly, only the living things on land perished during the Flood. The creatures in the ocean were not destroyed.
But this Bible story cannot be refering to the whole earth than we know today. There are many well-documented historical records to show that human tribes already existed in many parts of the world, in North Asia, East Asia, Africa, North America, during that time. And these tribes are the ancestral lineages of the indigenous peoples in these areas today.
It is not possible for the few members of Noah's family to in-breed and multiply to the world population of 6 billion today.
Perhaps the Biblical story refered to a localised flood in the Biblical part of the world only, and NOT refering to a flood that covered the whole world. ONLY the Jewish and Arabic lineage were destroyed and re-started via Noah's family after the Flood. The rest of the world were not affected by the second Flood.
I am a Singaporean and of Chinese descent. Could I be a descendant of Noah's family members? I don't think so.
Then who am I? I don't know.
I only know that God in His mercy and grace, granted me the faith to believe in Christ, and so, one day when my journey on earth ends, I will be in God's Kingdom in gloryland. Meanwhile, He walks with me and cares for me every minute of the day.
(Like my ancestors 4,300 years ago, the cockcroaches and the mosquitoes must had avoid Noah's Flood, and survived to this day to irritate me . )
Praise and thanks to God, for the little I know, and the much that I do not know, including the unquestionables.
Hallelujah.
Floods: Part 1 - The Pre-Adamic and Post-Adamic Age
DAKE's Annotated Bible was one of my favourite book. It has helped me to understand the Pre-Adamic period (that is, the dispensations before Adam and Eve).
There were 2 major floods in the Bible. First the Pre-Adamic Flood, the flood just before Adam and Eve were created. In this Flood, all living things were destroyed. The earth started on a clean slate again after that. God created Adam and Eve to populate the earth with the human race. By following the genealogies in the Bible, Adam and Eve were estimated to live about 6000 years ago.
The Bible did not provide a view on what was like in the 'Pre-Adamic' Ages or dispensations.
Perhaps hundreds of million years ago, the earth was teeming with dinosaurs. Perhaps a few million years ago, the earth was inhabited by ape-like 'Early Man'.... Let the archeologists dig up the fossils and tell us.
The Pre-Adamic Flood neatly separates God's revelations after Adam and Eve; and God's non-revelations before Adam and Eve.
However I can't help but ponder how, during the Pre-Adamic Flood, cockroaches and mosquitoes managed to survived, and continued to irritate me up till this day. Or did God allowed these vermints to be created ( or re-created) on Day 5, before Adam and Eve were created on Day 6? (Gen 1: 1-31)
Again, this is just a question of a seeking mind. No answers yet. But don't be afraid to ask.
Read about Flood: Part 2, soon.
Still, Hallelujah
There were 2 major floods in the Bible. First the Pre-Adamic Flood, the flood just before Adam and Eve were created. In this Flood, all living things were destroyed. The earth started on a clean slate again after that. God created Adam and Eve to populate the earth with the human race. By following the genealogies in the Bible, Adam and Eve were estimated to live about 6000 years ago.
The Bible did not provide a view on what was like in the 'Pre-Adamic' Ages or dispensations.
Perhaps hundreds of million years ago, the earth was teeming with dinosaurs. Perhaps a few million years ago, the earth was inhabited by ape-like 'Early Man'.... Let the archeologists dig up the fossils and tell us.
The Pre-Adamic Flood neatly separates God's revelations after Adam and Eve; and God's non-revelations before Adam and Eve.
However I can't help but ponder how, during the Pre-Adamic Flood, cockroaches and mosquitoes managed to survived, and continued to irritate me up till this day. Or did God allowed these vermints to be created ( or re-created) on Day 5, before Adam and Eve were created on Day 6? (Gen 1: 1-31)
Again, this is just a question of a seeking mind. No answers yet. But don't be afraid to ask.
Read about Flood: Part 2, soon.
Still, Hallelujah
Friday 4 January 2008
The Gift Of Healing
Now and then, there are healing services organised by the churches. Sometimes it is held in church premises, sometimes in public auditoriums and even in the Indoor Stadium.
Some claimed that their infirmities were healed during these healing sessions. I believe them.
However, I have not come across physical miracles. I mean, I have not encountered someone with one leg, and after attending a healing session, miraculously a second leg appeared for all to see.
I have the opportunities to witness the healing service at Novena Church (Thomson Road) once a month. Normally the service is well attended.
I am always puzzled how, when the priest 'touch' a person, he would fall back and collapse onto the hands of some helpers who lower him to lie and rest on the floor till his energy returns.
Some time ago, my daughter attended this healing service at Novena Church too. She could not explain what happened, but when Father XXX prayed and touched her, she simply collapsed like so many other people there.
I take this as a spiritual manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit. There are certain things that the Holy Spirit would do, or not do. The Holy Spirit may heal some, and yet do not heal some. The Holy Spirit may heal a diseased part of the body, yet will not replace an amputated leg with a new one.
God's mysteries are boundless. We have to accept our limitations in knowing God fully.
Alleluia.
Some claimed that their infirmities were healed during these healing sessions. I believe them.
However, I have not come across physical miracles. I mean, I have not encountered someone with one leg, and after attending a healing session, miraculously a second leg appeared for all to see.
I have the opportunities to witness the healing service at Novena Church (Thomson Road) once a month. Normally the service is well attended.
I am always puzzled how, when the priest 'touch' a person, he would fall back and collapse onto the hands of some helpers who lower him to lie and rest on the floor till his energy returns.
Some time ago, my daughter attended this healing service at Novena Church too. She could not explain what happened, but when Father XXX prayed and touched her, she simply collapsed like so many other people there.
I take this as a spiritual manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit. There are certain things that the Holy Spirit would do, or not do. The Holy Spirit may heal some, and yet do not heal some. The Holy Spirit may heal a diseased part of the body, yet will not replace an amputated leg with a new one.
God's mysteries are boundless. We have to accept our limitations in knowing God fully.
Alleluia.
Mira asked, "Can non-Christians get to heaven? "
Can non-Christians get to heaven ?
I am always intrigued by this questions. Many of you have family members and friends who are non-Christians and we hope that they would be in heaven with us one day.
I was taught in bible studies to believe that non-Christians CANNOT go to heaven. John 14:6 "I am the Way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father, but through me."
This is what Jesus said ! The questions on everyone's mind were:
-How about the babies and young children who died without an opportunity to accept Christ?
-How about the patriarchs of olden times, of Abraham, of Moses, all the prophets, all the old Testament heroes and godly people? They do not know Christ. The idea of a Triune God only pop up in the New Testament times.
-How about the godly and holy Jews today, who love and serve God, but do not accept Christ?
-How about the wonderful people of other religions, the buddhists, the muslims, who live lives of humility, selflessness and servitude, but who do not accept Christ.
In recent years, I am aware that many Christian groups adopt the idea that Christ is not the only way. Non-Christians can get to heaven.
I keep a copy of 'DEAR PADRE (Nov 20, 2005 issue)'. This is how Father Joseph Nolen, C.Ss.R. replied to Mira's question...
----------
Dear Mira,
Put your mind at ease. A person who is not a Christian CAN go to heaven. I imagine we will see many more people than we think in heaven. Heaven is not just for Christians, but for everyone who loves God and responds to God's will in his or her life.
We know that God wants all people to be saved, not just Christians. Jesus began a church to help people achieve salvation. What I know as a Catholic is that God called me into the Church. It is there that I will work out my salvation. I do not know why there are some people who have never heard of Jesus or who do not have the faith to join the Church. I do know that God wants them in heaven just like God wants me in heaven.........
---------
Personally, I do not know whether Father Joseph Nolen's view is the official position of the Catholic Church.
But I know God is kind, merciful and fair.
By my accepting Jesus, I am a child of God, and heir also, and fellow-heir with Christ. Roman8:17.
But others who did not accept Jesus, they are not children of God. But they still can be citizens of Heaven. (Sounds like heresy to some ?)
I am of the view that there is hope that the little children who died before knowing Christ could be in heaven also; and my non-Christian friends could be too.
What do you think ?
End
I am always intrigued by this questions. Many of you have family members and friends who are non-Christians and we hope that they would be in heaven with us one day.
I was taught in bible studies to believe that non-Christians CANNOT go to heaven. John 14:6 "I am the Way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father, but through me."
This is what Jesus said ! The questions on everyone's mind were:
-How about the babies and young children who died without an opportunity to accept Christ?
-How about the patriarchs of olden times, of Abraham, of Moses, all the prophets, all the old Testament heroes and godly people? They do not know Christ. The idea of a Triune God only pop up in the New Testament times.
-How about the godly and holy Jews today, who love and serve God, but do not accept Christ?
-How about the wonderful people of other religions, the buddhists, the muslims, who live lives of humility, selflessness and servitude, but who do not accept Christ.
In recent years, I am aware that many Christian groups adopt the idea that Christ is not the only way. Non-Christians can get to heaven.
I keep a copy of 'DEAR PADRE (Nov 20, 2005 issue)'. This is how Father Joseph Nolen, C.Ss.R. replied to Mira's question...
----------
Dear Mira,
Put your mind at ease. A person who is not a Christian CAN go to heaven. I imagine we will see many more people than we think in heaven. Heaven is not just for Christians, but for everyone who loves God and responds to God's will in his or her life.
We know that God wants all people to be saved, not just Christians. Jesus began a church to help people achieve salvation. What I know as a Catholic is that God called me into the Church. It is there that I will work out my salvation. I do not know why there are some people who have never heard of Jesus or who do not have the faith to join the Church. I do know that God wants them in heaven just like God wants me in heaven.........
---------
Personally, I do not know whether Father Joseph Nolen's view is the official position of the Catholic Church.
But I know God is kind, merciful and fair.
By my accepting Jesus, I am a child of God, and heir also, and fellow-heir with Christ. Roman8:17.
But others who did not accept Jesus, they are not children of God. But they still can be citizens of Heaven. (Sounds like heresy to some ?)
I am of the view that there is hope that the little children who died before knowing Christ could be in heaven also; and my non-Christian friends could be too.
What do you think ?
End
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