Apparition of our Lady of Akita, Japan

Appreciation to my nephew, Wilfred U. for this article.

Our Lady of Akita

Medal of our Lady of Akita

Sr. Agnes Sasagawa.


Japanese quake's epicenter located near Marian apparition site

The shrine of Our Lady of AkitaNiigata, Japan, Mar 12, 2011 / 07:17 am (CNA).- The epicenter of the earthquake that caused a deadly March 11 tsunami is located near the site of an apparition in which Mary warned about a worldwide disaster that could afflict humanity.Japanese church officials have confirmed that the Diocese of Sendai, in the north of the country, was hit hardest by the 8.8 magnitude earthquake – the worst in Japanese history – and the resulting 23-foot waves. Hundreds of people have already been confirmed dead in the city of Sendai, located less than 90 miles away from the apparition site of Our Lady of Akita in the town of Yuzawa.The city of Akita, which experienced fire damage and flooding along with many parts of northern Japan, is a place of veneration for Catholics. In 1973, the Virgin Mary was said to have predicted a number of future events – including natural disasters even more serious than Friday's earthquake and tsunami – during three appearances to a Japanese religious sister, Sr. Agnes Sasagawa. The purported appearances of the Virgin Mary in Japan were reviewed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in 1988. During his time as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith prior to his election as Pope Benedict XVI, he let stand the local bishop’s judgment that the apparitions and the messages were acceptable for the faithful.The messages warned of chaos within the Church, and disasters which could afflict the world.“If men do not repent and better themselves, God the Father will inflict a terrible punishment on all humanity,” Mary reportedly told Sr. Agnes. “If will be a punishment greater than the (biblical) flood, such as never seen before.”“Fire will fall from the sky and will wipe out a great part of humanity, the good as well as the bad, sparing neither priests nor faithful,” she said. “The work of the devil will infiltrate even into the Church, in such a way that one will see cardinals opposing cardinals, bishops against bishops.” “Churches and altars will be sacked. The Church will be full of those who accept compromises, and the demon will press many priests and consecrated souls to leave the service of the Lord.” “Each day, recite the prayers of the Rosary,” she told Sr. Agnes. “With the Rosary, pray for the Pope, the bishops and priests.” Two years after the last message, the statue of the Virgin Mary in the chapel where the apparitions had occurred began to emit tears and drops of blood. The occurrence continued for more than six years.Reports from Akita following Friday's earthquake indicate that the city received significantly less damage than other parts of northern Japan, despite its proximity to the epicenter. However, residents did report power outages, burst pipes, and fires. Bishop Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Niigata, whose territory includes the Akita apparition +++++

Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Japanese in this their time of tragedy and great suffering. You may have heard of Our lady of Akita - if not google it and start reading.On one of my many trips to Japan I made good a promise I made to Our Lady of Akita which was - if ever I finish my work here and can't get out for some reason I will come to see you. This happened one Saturday night when I was at Narita Airport and the flight was canceled because of bad weather. Immediately I caught the train for the long journey to Akita. Before I left I got my agent in Japan to write on a piece of papaer for me "take me to the Cathlic Church". I knew that once I got to the church I could find my way to the convent where the statue of Our Lady of Akita was housed.

I took the train, it was snowing very heavily. I got to Akita and looked for a Hotel. Luckily I got a room late that night; I had not booked so was furtunate I guess. The next moring I got up, had breakfast, checked out and got a cab to the church using the piece of paper my agent had given me. When I got in the cab the driver looked at me rather curiously but drove away from the taxi stand toward the church. About 100 meters down the road there was a statue of Our Lady displayed in a shop on the corner of a street, the cab turned into the street and there was the church - I could have walked!I went to Mass in the church then after found someone who could speak english. I got them to get a cab for me, tell the driver to take me to the convent, leave me there for 3 hours then come back to get me to return me to the railway station for my trip back to Tokyo. And so I went to the convent.It was snowing and the taxi cab was slipping all over the place - eventually we got there. I knocked on the door and a nun answered who spoke english. I began to say "I have come......" when the nun interupted me - "I know why you're here" she said, "the Bessed Mother is in here". I took of my shoes (you have to do that there) and entered the lovel sanctuary that housed Our Lady of Akita"; it was a very special time. An hour later the nun came and said to me - "come and have lunch with us". "No thanks" I replied "I don't need lunch I am hapy to stay here". "No, you must come and have lunch with us" And so I did.What a fantastic lunch it was. All the Japanese nuns were giggling and laughing so I asked the nun who could speak english what they were laughing at. "At you coming here John" she replied. "How come?" I asked, you must have other people coming here also". "Yes", she said, "But not in this kind of weather, not when it is snowing so badly". Well this was the time Our Lady arranged for me and so there I was. The one question they asked me about New Zealand? "What is your national flower?" - I'm ashamed to say I didn't really know but I mentioned a few natives then selected the Kowhai as our native flower.After lunch I spent some more time with Our Lady then the taxi arrived to take me to the train station to catch the train back to Tokyo where I found a Hotel for the night.The next day a funny thing happened. I was walking by Tokyo Central Station looking for a Catholic Church so I could pay a visit to say thankyou to God for allowing my successful trip to Akita. Out of the corner of my eye I saw an old lady sitting on some stairs in distressed state. She had bare feet with sores all over them. She looked shocking to say the least. I noticed literally hundreds of people walking past her and not one of them was taking any notice - I couldn't believe this. I was going to see if I could do any thing for her but then thought I have to find the church to say my thankyou. I had tried on foot but no luck so then I thought I would get a cab because I had the piece of paper to show the driver. I found a cab, the driver read the paper then shut my door (they do it that way there) then drove off for about 20 yards then jammed on the brakes, opened my door, was yellng something in Japanese that I couldn't understand - so I just sat there. He raced off to get some one else who also started yelling and he literally pulled me out of the cab - and that was that.So then I thought I will carry on walking the streets to see if I could find someone to show me where the church was. As Iwas walking I heard a voice say "You Walked past Me", how do you mean I thought to myself. I carried on walking when the same voice said: "You Walked Past Me"; then I remembered the old lady. I thought to myself I will go back and if she is still there I will give her some money to help her situation. I went back, she was still there, so I took some money from my wallet and gave it to her. I could see the joy in her face as she realized someone cared - the rest of Japan was still passing her by without even noticing.It was an amazing journey, my trip home had me thinking a lot about everything. God works in ways we don't understand and this experience of mine was one of them.Todays distress in Japan brought back many memories. One thing I have not heard in the media (not to say it hasn't been said but I have not heard it) the word GOD. The power of Nature is a common phrase it seems to me; when will we ever learn?Below is some informaton abut Akta - the Church has approved it - we need to wake up!John Porteous=============================================Our Lady of Akita weeping statue

AKITA, Japan 1973 to 1975

The extraordinary events began on June 12, 1973, when Sr.. Agnes saw brilliant mysterious rays emanate suddenly from the tabernacle. The same thing happened on each of the two days that followed.

On June 28, 1973, a cross-shaped wound appeared on the inside left hand of Sr. Agnes. It bled profusely and caused her much pain. On July 6, Sr. Agnes heard a voice coming from the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the chapel where she was praying. The statue was carved from a single block of wood from a Katsura tree and is three feet tall. On the same day, a few of the sisters noticed drops of blood flowing from the statue's right hand. On four occasions, this act of blood flow repeated itself. The wound in the statue's hand remained until September 29, when it disappeared. On September 29, the day the wound on the statue disappeared, the sisters noticed the statue had now begun to "sweat", especially on the forehead and neck. On August 3, Sr. Agnes received a second message. On October 13, she received a final third message.

Two years later on January 4, 1975, the statue of the Blessed Virgin began to weep. It continued to weep at intervals for the next 6 years and eight months. It wept on 101 occasions.



Here are the three messages of Our Lady of Akita to Sr. Agnes:

JULY 6, 1973

"My daughter, my novice, you have obeyed me well in abandoning all to follow me. Is the infirmity of your ears painful? Your deafness will be healed, be sure. Does the wound of your hand cause you to suffer? Pray in reparation for the sins of men. Each person in this community is my irreplaceable daughter. Do you say well the prayer of the Handmaids of the Eucharist? Then, let us pray it together."

"Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, truly present in Holy Eucharist, I consecrate my body and soul to be entirely one with Your Heart, being sacrificed at every instant on all the altars of the world and giving praise to the Father pleading for the coming of His Kingdom."

"Please receive this humble offering of myself. Use me as You will for the glory of the Father and the salvation of souls."

"Most holy Mother of God, never let me be separated from Your Divine Son. Please defend and protect me as Your Special Child. Amen."

When the prayer was finished, the Heavenly Voice said:

"Pray very much for the Pope, Bishops, and Priests. Since your Baptism you have always prayed faithfully for them. Continue to pray very much...very much. Tell your superior all that passed today and obey him in everything that he wil tell you. He has asked that you pray with fervor."

AUGUST 3, 1973

"My daughter, my novice, do you love the Lord? If you love the Lord, listen to what I have to say to you."

"It is very important...You will convey it to your superior."

"Many men in this world afflict the Lord. I desire souls to console Him to soften the anger of the Heavenly Father. I wish, with my Son, for souls who will repair by their suffering and their poverty for the sinners and ingrates."

"In order that the world might know His anger, the Heavenly Father is preparing to inflict a great chastisement on all mankind. WIth my Son I have intervened so many times to appease the wrath of the Father. I have prevented the coming of calamities by offering Him the sufferings of the Son on the Cross, His Precious Blood, and beloved souls who console Him forming a cohort of victim souls. Prayer, penance and courageous sacrifices can soften the Father's anger. I desire this also from your community...that it love poverty, that it sanctify itself and pray in reparation for the ingratitude and outrages of so many men.

Recite the prayer of the Handmaids of the Eucharist with awareness of its meaning; put it into practice; offer in reparation (whatever God may send) for sins. Let each one endeavor, according to capacity and position, to offer herself entirely to the Lord."

"Even in a secular institute prayer is necessary. Already souls who wish to pray are on the way to being gathered together. Without attaching to much attention to the form, be faithful and fervent in prayer to console the Master."

After a silence:

"Is what you think in your heart true? Are you truly decided to become the rejected stone? My novice, you who wish to belong without reserve to the Lord, to become the spouse worthy of the Spouse, make your vows knowing that you must be fastened to the Cross with three nails. These three nails are poverty, chastity, and obedience. Of the three, obedience is the foundation. In total abandon, let yourself be led by your superior. He will know how to understand you and to direct you."

OCTOBER 13, 1973

"My dear daughter, listen well to what I have to say to you. You will inform your superior."

After a short silence:

"As I told you, if men do not repent and better themselves, the Father will inflict a terrible punishment on all humanity. It will be a punishment greater than the deluge, such as one will never seen before. Fire will fall from the sky and will wipe out a great part of humanity, the good as well as the bad, sparing neither priests nor faithful. The survivors will find themselves so desolate that they will envy the dead. The only arms which will remain for you will be the Rosary and the Sign left by My Son. Each day recite the prayers of the Rosary. With the Rosary, pray for the Pope, the bishops and priests."

"The work of the devil will infiltrate even into the Church in such a way that one will see cardinals opposing cardinals, bishops against bishops. The priests who venerate me will be scorned and opposed by their confreres...churches and altars sacked; the Church will be full of those who accept compromises and the demon will press many priests and consecrated souls to leave the service of the Lord.

"The demon will be especially implacable against souls consecrated to God. The thought of the loss of so many souls is the cause of my sadness. If sins increase in number and gravity, there will be no longer pardon for them"

"With courage, speak to your superior. He will know how to encourage each one of you to pray and to accomplish works of reparation."

"It is Bishop Ito, who directs your community."

And She smiled and then said:

"You have still something to ask? Today is the last time that I will speak to you in living voice. From now on you will obey the one sent to you and your superior."

"Pray very much the prayers of the Rosary. I alone am able still to save you from the calamites which approach. Those who place their confidence in me will be saved."

Preventing Stroke

Appreciation to my friend, Francis A. for this article



Preventing Stroke


Please read, the many minor symptoms that most people overlook.


Three years ago I was struck down by a stroke. Three years later I am still stricken with the malady. In the beginning, I asked doctors about the condition and was told that there is no cure for stroke. . I asked about the symptoms and was told there are no symptoms meaning a stroke will attack a person suddenly, without warning. That is bad news, very bad news.



Following my own advice, I did not believe that. So, I thought back to my experiences and I found that there are plenty of signs that a person is susceptible to an attack of the deadly stroke. Hah! If you cannot cure it at least you can prevent it. That is what we should all do. We must choose to avoid the stroke or be condemned to consuming tons of pills whose veracity is questionable. How do we go about that, how can we prevent stroke. Will it be expensive? Will it be time consuming? Before we go into details let us first recognize the symptoms, the signs if you like.



More than thirty years ago, while reversing my car, I suddenly found that I could not move my right leg. It simply refused to obey me. I went to see a doctor immediately and all I got was two days medical leave. That was the first sign that I was heading for a stroke. After two days rest, I was back on my feet as if nothing had happened. I just put it down to work stress and physical and mental exhaustion. When I was afflicted with the stroke and certain parts of my body refused to obey me I realized that I had experienced that feeling before.



I will now endeavor to put down on paper, for you, the other signs so that you may recognize a potential victim before the stroke strikes and be able to take evasive steps to prevent it happening. These signs will be presented randomly as they come to mind.



1. When walking you stumble even on level ground.



2. You kick the legs of chairs and tables when you usually walk pass them effortlessly. 1 & 2 is because your legs are not as strong as they used to be although you do not realize it.



3. You sometimes find you cannot pronounce the 'ar' sound and it comes out as 'el', your speech is slurred and sometimes you drool.

4. The pen you are holding slips from your fingers. Holding up the newspaper can be a problem because your fingers have lost their flexibility. You think it is clumsiness when in truth it is not. It is caused by your muscles having lost their strength.



5. After sitting for some time you find that you cannot stand up as usual. You lose your balance and fall back onto the seat.

6. You also lose your balance when you squat and may find yourself sitting instead of standing up.



7. You are always sleepy even after a good night's sleep. This sleepiness is quite different from the usual tiredness you experience after a restless or late night.

8. Urinating has become a problem. Instead of a strong stream what you get is a trickle and this causes you to go to the toilet often.

9. Constipation becomes more frequent as your rectal muscles do not work well anymore.

10. Sometimes you will find you are forgetful and mental activities become difficult as your brain weakens through lack of nourishment. Blood is not getting through to your brain quickly enough.



Some of these signs will come and go, so much so that you do not take them seriously when they do occur. You tend to pass them off as signs of physical and mental stress and fatigue or in certain cases of aging. Since there is no pain you do not think it necessary to see a doctor. Anyway, the signs come on only momentarily and disappear almost at once. So that you think it is not anything serious and a visit to a doctor is out of the question, until it is too late that is. Then, it is the doctor who has to come to you. Another thing, the signs are similar to many other diseases and illnesses which are quite common. Seeing a doctor would be rather pointless, as far as a stroke is concerned, as you would only describe the symptoms you are experiencing at that particular moment.



Now we come to the important part of this discourse, how do we prevent stroke. What can we do or rather what should we do when these signs appear one by one. Let it be known that I am not a doctor and never in my dreams do I even pretend to be one. So what I am about to tell you is mostly from my own experience.



Firstly, when you find that your body is not functioning as it should, that some parts are slacking and not obeying your brain as it normally does, you should start exercising. Go for long walks. Incidentally, you will experience immediate benefits even while exercising, such as clearer vision and mental alertness.



Make it a habit to go for walks at least three times a week. Do not stop. I did go for walks but then I stopped when the symptoms disappeared. I made the mistake of not exercising for far too long and then it was too late. The stroke struck!

Remember, regular exercise is very important in promoting blood circulation. Of course, other forms of exercises will be just as good for you. One word of advise, exercises performed with the use of machines are not necessarily the best and that is why I advocate free hand exercises like walking, jogging and swimming.



Drinking lots of water helps immensely. Drink two glasses of water first thing in the morning every morning. Then drink one or two mouthfuls every half hour or whenever thirsty. This is to provide the blood stream with a regular supply of fresh water as our body gets rid of water all the time. We lose water when we breathe, sweat and urinate. Lack of water means poor blood circulation which can lead to stroke.

Eating proper foods is also important and I mean greens and fruits on a daily basis. Everything else can be enjoyed in moderation. A monk who practices healing advised me on certain foods to take to prevent the occurrence of stroke.

It is my pleasure to be able to share it with you here. He said that to prevent stroke I should drink a soup made of one cucumber and one red tomato. Boil them together, strain and drink one or two glasses daily. That will help prevent the blood from coagulating (or is it congealing?). Stroke affects the brain and the best remedy for it is egg yolk. The monk suggested I take the yolk from free-range chickens leaving out the white. The egg must be hard boiled. Consuming egg yolks is also recommended for elderly people as well as school children because it helps to nourish the brain and thus improves memory..



What do we do when someone is suddenly seized by a stroke? Chinese physicians will use a pin to prick the ends of the fingers and toes, all twenty of them, and squeeze out a few drops of blood from each prick. The logic is that by drawing blood one is stimulating the flow of blood. Think of it as unlocking a traffic jam. The needle must first be disinfected by putting it over a flame and wiped clean with tissue paper. Everyone and anyone can do this because there is absolutely no danger whatsoever. Wait, not everybody can do that. Oh? Yes, those people who are afraid of blood, else we will have two patients instead of one.



Okey, you are now as expert as I am in the matter of strokes. Share the information herein with anyone and everyone who is willing to lend you their ears. Perhaps, there will be less people afflicted with the dreaded stroke (slight shiver).



MAY YOU ALL ALWAYS BE WELL,

MAY YOU ALL ALWAYS BE HAPPY.

MIND MATTER

     Appreciation to my friend John P. for this article

Season of goodwill

MIND MATTER by RAJA ZARITH IDRIS (Sultanah of Johore)



If Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Isa (Jesus), a prophet respected and revered in Islam, is it so wrong to wish a blessed day for those who celebrate it?



DURING the days before Christmas last year, I wished my friends who were celebrating it "Merry Christmas" in much the same way they would wish me "Selamat Hari Raya" or "Happy Eid".



I find it rather sad that such a simple greeting – one which I grew up with and which I have never regarded as something that would compromise or de-value my own faith – is now regarded as something so religiously incorrect for us Malaysian Muslims.



When I was at boarding school in England, I had to go to church every Sunday because it was part of the rules. My father advised me to consider it as part of my "education" and he had no doubt that the experience would strengthen rather than weaken my own faith.



I was able to see the similarities and differences between Christianity and Islam. I learned more than the average Malaysian Muslim would about Christianity. I learnt that just as we Muslims categorise ourselves according to the four different schools of thoughts of the four Imams (Imam Malik, Imam Al Shafi, Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Ahmad Abn Hambal) and are either Sunnis or Shias, so Christians too are divided into different sects or churches.



Going to church did not make me less of a Muslim when I was a young girl, and neither does saying "Merry Christmas" make me less of a Muslim now. My faith has not been shaken just because I wished some friends a time of joy with their families. Neither will I suddenly suffer from amnesia and forget what my religion is.



What I do not wish to forget, however, is that there are good, kind people who are not of the same faith as me.



As Harun Yahya, the Turkish writer (he was selected last year as one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan) noted: "Islam is a religion of peace, love and tolerance.



Today, however, some circles have been presenting a false image of Islam, as if there were conflict between Islam and the adherents of the two other monotheistic religions. Yet Islam's view of Jews and Christians, who are named `the People of the Book' in the Quran, is very friendly and tolerant.



"This attitude towards the People of the Book developed during the years of the birth of Islam. At that time, Muslims were a minority, struggling to protect their faith and suffering oppression and torture from the pagans of the city of Mecca. Due to this persecution, some Muslims decided to flee Mecca and shelter in a safe country with a just ruler. The Prophet Muhammad told them to take refuge with King Negus, the Christian king of Ethiopia. The Muslims who followed this advice found a very fair administration that embraced them with love and respect when they went to Ethiopia. King Negus refused the demands of the pagan messengers who asked him to surrender the Muslims to them, and announced that Muslims could live freely in his country.



"Such attitudes of Christian people that are based on the concepts of compassion, mercy, modesty and justice, constitute a fact that God has pointed out in the Quran."



I do not wish to be a self-centred Muslim who expects friends of other faiths to wish me Selamat Hari Raya or, for those who are not Malaysians and therefore do not know about Hari Raya, a Happy Eid and yet do not return their goodwill when it is Christmas, Chinese New Year, Deepavali or Vesak Day.



Every year, friends who are Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs or those without any faith come to our home to celebrate Hari Raya with us. They do so with sincerity and as a mark of respect for one of the most important days in the Muslim calendar. Why should we not reciprocate their kindness, show them the same mark of respect for their religion and wish them the same joy on their holy days of celebration?



An Islamic scholar and lecturer also reminded me that as Muslims we must remember the importance of both the five Pillars of Islam and in the six Pillars of Iman (Faith), which are:

Belief in Allah;



Belief in the angels;



Belief in the revealed Books (which include the Bible, the Torah and the Holy Quran);



Belief in the Prophets (May Peace be Upon Them);



Belief in the Resurrection and the events of Kiamah, the Day of Judgement; and



Belief in the predestination (Qada' and Qadar) by Allah in all things.



The prophets include not just Muhammad (May Peace Be Upon Him) as the last prophet and as the Messenger of Islam, but also in the 24 earlier ones who are mentioned in both the Bible and the Quran. Four of them are Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Daud (David), and Isa (Jesus).



So, if Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Isa (Jesus), a prophet respected and revered in Islam, is it so wrong to wish a blessed day for those who celebrate it?



We are now in the second decade of the 21st century. Surely, we should, now more than ever, be far more enlightened at a time when information of any sort and of all kinds are so readily available to us.



What is most important is that we regard one another as fellow citizens and treat each other with respect, regardless of our race or religion.



The writer is Royal Fellow, School of Language Studies and Linguistics, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and holds a BA (Honours) degree in Chinese Studies, University of Oxford

Indigenous Ethnic Communities of Sabah: The Kadazandusun - Adding On To Their Cultural And Value System

Comment in response to Tan Sri Datuk Herman Luping's talk on the Indigenous Ethnic Communities of Sabah: The Kadazandusun at the Sabah Society's Premises on 15 September 2009

Tan Sri Datuk Herman Luping

What is important here is the Adat or Culture. A name is only a name. A Rose is a Rose by any other name. Actually, it is only a form of identity. However, the heart of the matter is the most crucial.




In this case, it is the Adat or Culture which will determine whether a race will move to higher level of achievement, educationally, commercially, industrially, agriculturally etc.. So far the Kadazan/Dusun/Murut ( KDM ) Culture has been able to cope with the progress of modernity.



I am in agreement with Tan Sri Herman Luping on the role that Culture plays in the life of an individual. It is the motivating force which makes a person achieved his dream or goal.



Values originate from Cultural practices. Similarly Values can be changed to meet the needs of the times. It follows therefore that dynamism is required to make one competitive in this era of globalisation in all aspect of human endeavours.



Just so, this same spirit of ' high self-esteem ',  hardwork, pragmatism, perseverance, knowledge seeking and ' never say die ' must be complementary to the existing KDM Culture and Values. These are mechanisms or means that will propel KDM to the next level of development and achievement.



No doubt, Tun Fuad Stephens, Datuk Peter Mojuntin, Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Tan Sri Suffian Koroh, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, Datuk Monggoh Orow including Tan Sri Luping and other KDM leaders have the abovementioned prerequisites of holding firmly and practising the Culture and additional Values of hardwork, pragmatism, perseverance.................



And because of these Values, each one of them have achieved their respective dreams and goals.Therefore these supplementary Values should now be incorporated into the mainstream of KDM Culture. Thus making them  part and parcel of the KDM Cultural and Value System.



It would also be a good idea to record the struggle of all KDM leaders until they attained success in their respective fields. These would then be compiled into a book and become compulsory reading for all KDM parents and children.



In order to instil them with these positive values, thus enabling them to become achievers in this competitive world.

The Difference Between Westerner & Asian - In A Nutshell

Appreciation to my friend Ms. Janet H. for this article



          Asians                          Westerners

Difference between Westerners and Asians -

This is very interesting, just read on.


To group all the different races of Asia as one is to overgeneralize. They are more diverse than the Caucasians, i.e. Indians are different from the Chinese. And the most glaring differences between Asian and Westerner are as listed below:-

(1) Opinion
Westerners: Talk to the point
Asians: Talk around in circle, especially if opinions are different

(2) Way of Life
Westerners: individualism, think of himself or herself
Asians: enjoy gathering with family and friends, solving their problems, and know each other's business.

(3) Punctuality
Westerners: on time.
Asians: in time.

(4) Contacts
Westerners: Contact to related person only.
Asians: Contact everyone everywhere, business very successful.

(5) Anger
Westerners: Show that I am angry.
Asians: I am angry, but still smiling... (Beware!)

(6) Queue when Waiting
Westerners: Queuing in an orderly manner.
Asians: Queuing?! What's that?

(7) Weekend
Westerners: Enjoy weekend relaxing peacefully.
Asians: Enjoy weekend in crowded places, like going to the mall.

(8) Party
Westerners: Only gather with their own group.
Asians: All focus on the one activity hosted by the CEO.

(9) In the restaurant
Westerners: Talk softly and gently in the restaurant.
Asians: Talk and laugh loudly like they own the restaurant.

(10) Travelling
Westerners: Love sightseeing and enjoy the scenery.
Asians: Taking picture is the most important; scenery is just for the background.

(11) Handling of Problems

Westerners: Take any steps to solve the problems.

Asians: Try to avoid conflicts, and if possible, don't leave any trails.

(12) Three meals a day

Westerners: Good meal, once a day is sufficient.

Asians: At least 3 good meals a day.

(13) Transportation

Westerners: Before drove cars, now cycling for environmental protection.

Asians: Before no money and rode a bike, now got money and drive a car

(14) Elderly in day-to-day life
Westerners: When old, there is snoopy ( a dog ) for companionship.

Asians: When old, guarantee will not be lonely, as long as willing to babysit grandkids.

(15) Moods and Weather

Westerners: The logic is: rain is pain.

Asians: More rain, more prosperity

(16) The Boss

Westerners: The boss is part of the team.

Asians: The boss is a fierce god.

(17) What's Trendy

Westerners: Eat healthy Asian cuisine.

Asians: Eat expensive Western cuisine.

(18) The Child

Westerners: The kid is going to be independent and make his/her own living.

Asians:  Slog whole life for the kids, the centre of your life.

 

 

 

 

 

A New Malaysian Identity

Commenting on Azly Rahman's post - " Brave new Malaysian identity emerging? "  in his blog http://azlyrahman-illuminations.blogspot.com/2008/03/162-brave-new-malaysian-identity.html

It is not impossible to achieve this Malaysian identity. The instrument to do so is already in place - One Malaysia/Bangsa Malaysia. It is now up to the Government to make it a reality. It must realise that the crucial issue is Equal Opportunity for every Malaysian irrespective of  race or religious belief. Human being have one important basic need that is the chance to improve their families and their own financial position. And this is also the heartfelt desire of every Malaysian.

Having achieved such a goal will ensure comfortable living. The Government can do this, with the facilities it has, to implement the policy of fairness in getting scholarship/employment in the Civil Service, Armed Forces, Police, Education, Medical, etc. within the Government and in the Commercial, Plantation, Manufacturing and Service Industries of the Private Sector too. And to give senior or top positions within these organisations to the cream or the best individuals who are qualified to hold such posts whether they are Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadzans/Dusuns, Bajaus, Ibans, Melanaus, etc..

Merit and qualification should be the only yardstick use and not race or religion to determine acceptance. Instead, Malaysians are moving disparately. This is not good for the country, it shows the Goverment have failed.

But  all is not lost, the Government has this opportune time - now! Using the concept of One Malaysia/Bangsa Malaysia, it can once again salvage this Social Tragedy. It must be implemented materially with seriousness, honesty and integrity. Not a halfhearted attempt.  It should be treated as top priority.

The issue is not complex. It is simple that is to  " satisfy the needs of Malaysians whether Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan/Dusun, Bajau, Iban, Melanau, etc. to be given equal opportunity in all fields of enterprise whether in Governmental or Private Sector . "

And that is all that is required to create a genuine United Malaysian Nation - One Malaysia/Bangsa Malaysia. 

Perkasa Still Living in the Stone Age

This comment made below in response to posting made by Khoo Kay Peng in his blog, Straight Talk on Monday 25 January 2010 at http://khookaypeng.blogspot.com/

Portrait of Malaysians

First priority is Bangsa Malaysia if we want to create a stable economy and a united nation.

UMNO and Malay will still be the dominant party and race respectively even if it were to espouse and practise the concept of 1Malaysia/Bangsa Malaysia, based on the racial composition of this country. That is an undeniable fact.

It would greatly improve UMNO's political standing if it would implement policies that would give more opportunities to non-Malays in education, senior and top government posts including the armed forces and so forth.

When these are put into effect, the question of loyalty and patriotism will no longer arise. It is when these issues are not resolved that people start asking,why the double standard? And frustration, anger and disillusionment will creep in.

The best leave this country. It doesn't have to be so. Again as mentioned, these matters can be settled. The goodwill that UMNO can garner by putting these policies into action will certainly be tremendous.

All Malaysians must realise that whatever race they are,they have one great desire, to have opportunities to improve themselves and their families financially or otherwise. These are natural human feelings and tendencies.

UMNO can choose whether to play this positive role in being able to help all Malaysians irrespective of race or to narrow down to just one. The choice is UMNO's.

Islam As It Relates To Modern Life

The comment below is made in response to the interview given by Professor Tariq Ramadan which appeared in the Blog Rantings by MM at http://rantingsbymm.blogspot.com/

Picture of Professor Tariq Ramadan

I agree with what Professor Tariq Ramadan said in his interview above. The doctrine of all religions including Islam has not changed. What changes, are their applications to meet differing conditions and cirmcumstances.

Meaning that methods, techniques and instruments to meet the needs of Muslim at that time cannot be applied now because positions have altered. So a new way have to be found to make the application of the tenets of Islam relevant to modern life from the aspect of functionality and practicality.

This does not mean that the original concept of Islam has changed. Only the approaches.

And he also raises the issue of inter-religious dialogue which will help Muslim to undestand people of other faiths better. Vice versa, it will do the same for the followers of other religions too.

Another important point he raised is the need to respect the various religion in the country as Malaysia is made up of diverse races.

Professor Ramadan has put it clearly that Muslims should not be afraid to ask questions in regard to matters of faith with their religious leaders in order to solve problems on the basis of practicality and not otherwise.

Genuine Effort To Create Unity - Not Disrupt Racial Relationship

Dato Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Hj Abd Razak

The Government must realise that it must be genuine and sincere in its effort to unite the nation. In this regard, no government agency must be used intentionally to split the country. Otherwise, after forty six years of independence, this country is still living on fears and paranoid. If we do that, it means Malaysia is sending the wrong signal to the young of this country.

Many Malaysians don't understand, why there is no healing process being undertaken to resolve the racial conflict? It seems like, we are forever in a state of discrimination pertaning to issues of opportunities. Why is the question of resolving poverty, scholarship, government jobs etc, are not done in respect of the Chinese, Indian and other races. All races have their poor too.

Instead, they are being sidelined. The Prime Minister's, One Malaysia Concept.....can truly be a unifying factor if it is applied based on its original principles and its programme reflecting the same. There is a feeling that somewhere, along the line, some Napoleons have introduced their own agenda.

Totally different from what was pictured.

It's like they have two sets of programme, the one shown to the Prime Minister and his cabinet is the positive one containing the original ideas but the other (which they actually implemented) is negative and is destructive to the basic scheme.

So when the Deputy Prime Minister defended the BTN, his impression was that he was defending the positive programme ( shown to the cabinet ). In actual fact, it was the negative one (creating disunity and not unity, further affecting the racial divide). Unwittingly this was the case.

The implication is, it will create adverse effects on Malaysians.

Eggs - The Wonders Of Its Benefits

Appreciation to my brother, John M. for this article. It is published just for information with no affirmation given to its truth.


10 Health Benefits of Eggs

1. Eggs are great for the eyes.. According to one study, an egg a day may prevent macular degeneraton due to the carotenoid content, specifically lutein and zeaxanthin. Both nutrients are more readily available to our bodies from eggs than from other sources.

2. In another study, researchers found that people who eat eggs every day lower their risk of developing cataracts, also because of the lutein and zeaxanthin in eggs.

3. One egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein and all 9 essential amino acids.

4. According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, there is no significant link between egg consumption and heart disease. In fact, according to one study, regular consumption of eggs may help prevent blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks..

5. They are a good source of choline. One egg yolk has about 300 micrograms of choline. Choline is an important nutrient that helps regulate the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.

6. They contain the right kind of fat. One egg contains just 5 grams of fat and only 1.5 grams of that is saturated fat.

7. New research shows that, contrary to previous belief, moderate consumption of eggs does not have a negative impact on cholesterol. In fact, recent studies have shown that regular consumption of two eggs per day does not affect a person's lipid profile and may, in fact, improve it. Research suggests that it is saturated fat that raises cholesterol rather than dietary cholesterol.

8. Eggs are one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring vitamin D.

9. Eggs may prevent breast cancer. In one study, women who consumed at least 6 eggs per week lowered their risk of breast cancer by 44%.

10. Eggs promote healthy hair and nails because of their high sulphur content and wide array of vitamins and minerals. Many people find their hair growing faster after adding eggs to their diet, especially if they were previously deficient in foods containing sulphur or B12.

A Prayer Covering All Circumstances

Appreciation to my friend Datuk Stephen K. for this article.

Hands in prayer.


You never know

when God is going to bless you!!

Good things happen when

you least expect them to !!!!!!!!


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 God and

an 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 every day

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 will delete this

without sharing it with others

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 hearts of every eye that sees it

in Jesus' name. Amen!

My Merdeka Wish - Sharyn Lisa Shufiyan * Tunku Abdul Rahman's Great Granddaughter

Appreciation to my fellow LJCCC brother, Michael J. for this article.


Tunku Abdul Rahman

“Both my parents are Malay. My mum's heritage includes Chinese, Thai and Arab, while my dad is Minangkabau. Due to my skin colour, I am often mistaken for a chinese.
I'm happy that I don’t have the typical Malay look but I do get annoyed when people call me Ah Moi or ask me straight up "Are you Chinese or Malay"
Like, why does it matter? Before I used to answer "Malay" but now I'm trying to consciously answer Malaysian instead.
There's this incident from primary school that I remember till today. Someone told me that I will be called last during Judgement Day because I don’t have a Muslim name. Of course, I was scared then but now that I'm older, I realise that a name is just a name. It doesn’t define you as a good or bad person and there is definitely no such thing as a Muslim name. You can be named Rashid or ALI and still be a Christian.
I’ve heard of the 1Malaysia concept, but I think we don’t need to be told to be united. We've come such a long way that it should already be embedded in our hearts and minds that we are united. Unfortunately, you can still see racial discrimination and polarisation. There is still this ethno-centric view that the Malays are the dominant group and their rights must be protected, and non Malays are forever the outsiders.
For the concept to succeed, I think the government should stop with the race politics. It's tiring, really. We grew up with application forms asking us to tick our race. We should stop painting a negative image of the other races, stop thinking about 'us' and 'them' and focus on 'we', 'our' and 'Malaysians'.
No one should be made uncomfortable in their own home. A dear Chinese friend of mine said to me once, "I don’t feel patriotic because I am not made to feel like Malaysia is my home, and I don’t feel an affinity to China because I have never lived there.
I know some baby Nyonya friends who can trace their lineage back hundreds of years. I'm a fourth generation Malaysian. If I am Bumiputra, why can’t they be, too? Clearly I have issues with the term.
I think the main reason why we still can’t achieve total unity is because of this 'Malay rights' concept. I'd rather 'Malay rights' be replaced by human rights. So unless we get rid of this Bumiputra status, or reform our views and policies on rights, we will never achieve unity.
For my merdeka wish, I'd like for Malaysians to have more voice, to be respected and heard. I wish that the government would uphold the true essence of parliamentary democracy. I wish for the people to no longer fear and discriminate against each other, to see that we are one and the same.
I wish that Malaysia would truly live up to the tourism spin of Malaysia truly Asia. Malaysians to lead - whatever their ethnic background. Only ONE NATIONALITY -MALAYSIAN. No Malays, No Chinese, No Indians - ONLY MALAYSIANS. Choose whatever religion one is comfortable with.

Removing Gallstones Naturally - Fruits' Juices Method

With appreciation to my friend, George H. for this article.









REMOVING GALLSTONES NATURALLY
by Dr Lai Chiu-Nan

It has worked for many. If it works for you please pass on the good news. Chiu Nan is not charging for it, so we should make it free for everyone. Your reward is when someone, through your word of mouth, benefits from the regime. Gallstones may not be everyone's concern. But they should be because we all have them. Moreover, gallstones may lead to cancer. "Cancer is never the first illness," Chiu Nan points out. "Usually, there are a lot of other problems leading to cancer.

In my research in China , I came across some materials which say that people with cancer usually have stones. We all have gallstones. It's a matter of big or small, many or few.

One of the symptoms of gallstones is a feeling of bloatedness after a heavy meal. You feel like you can't digest the food. If it gets more serious, you feel pain in the liver area." So if you think you have gallstones, Chiu Nan offers the following method to remove them naturally.

The treatment is also good for those with a weak liver, because the liver and gallbladder are closely linked.

Regimen:
1. For the first five days, take four glasses of apple juice every day . Or eat four or five apples, whichever you prefer. Apple juice softens the gallstones. During the five days, eat normally.
2. On the sixth day, take no dinner.
3. At 6 PM, take a teaspoon of Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) with a glass of warm water.
4. At 8 PM, repeat the same. Magnesium sulphate opens the gallbladder ducts.
5. At 10 PM, take half cup olive oil (or sesame oil) with half cup fresh lemon juice. Mix it well and drink it. The oil lubricates the stones to ease their passage.

PS. 1cup=250ml, ? cup lemon juice=3 lemons (aprox.)


The next morning, you will find green stones in your stools. "Usually they float," Chiu Nan notes. "You might want to count them. I have had people who passes 40, 50 or up to 100 stones. Very many."

"Even if you don't have any symptoms of gallstones, you still might have some. It's always good to give your gall bladder a clean-up now and then.

Aids - Aids - Aids

With appreciation to my sister in-law, Yolanda M. for this article.

SENIOR CITIZENS ARE THE NATION'S LEADING
CARRIERS OF AIDS! ( MEANING ASSISTANCE )


HEARING AIDS

BAND AIDS

ROLL AIDS

WALKING AIDS

MEDICAL AIDS

GOVERNMENT AIDS

MOST OF ALL,

MONETARY AID TO THEIR KIDS!

WELL AIDS, IS SOCIETY'S WAY OF
PAYING BACK TO SENIORS FOR
THE CONTRIBUTION THEY HAVE
MADE TO THE COUNTRY

REMEMBER, ONE DAY, ALL OF US WILL
ALSO HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF GROWING
OLD

Cut Down Living Expenses - Apply This Useful Tips

With appreciation to my friend, Janet H. for this article.


Ants Problem:
Keep the skin of cucumbers near the place or ant hole.


To get pure and clean ice:
Boil water first before freezing.


To make the mirror shine:
Clean with spirit


To remove chewing gum from clothes:
Keep the cloth in the freezer for an hour.


To whiten white clothes
Soak white clothes in hot water with a slice of lemon for 10 minutes 10.


To give a shine to hair:
Add one teaspoon of vinegar to hair, then wash hair.


To get maximum juice out of lemons:
Soak lemons in hot water for one hour, and then juice them.


To avoid smell of cabbage while cooking:
Keep a piece of bread on the cabbage in the vessel while cooking.


To rid the smell of fish from your hands:
Wash your hands with a little apple vinegar.


To avoid tears while cutting onions:
Chew gum.


To boil potatoes quickly:
Skin one potato from one side only before boiling.


To boil eggs quickly:
Add salt to the water and boil.


To check freshness of fish:
Put it in a bowl of cold water. If the fish floats, its fresh.


To check freshness of eggs:
Put the egg in water. If it becomes horizontal, its fresh. If it becomes slanting, its 3-4 days old. If it becomes vertical, its 10 days old. If it floats, its stale.


To remove ink from clothes:
Put toothpaste on the ink spots generously and let it dry completely, then wash.


To skin sweet potatoes quickly:
Soak in cold water immediately after boiling.


To get rid of mice or rats:
Sprinkle black pepper in places where you find mice or rats. They will run away.


To get rid of mosquitoes at night:
Keep leaves of mint near your bed or pillows and in around the room.

God Is Love

With appreciation to my friend, Janet H. for this article.



Father John Powell, professor at Loyola University in Chicago, writes about a student in his Theology of Faith class named Tommy

Some twelve years ago, I stood watching my university students file into the classroom for our first session in the Theology of Faith.
That was the day I first saw Tommy. My eyes and my mind both blinked.. He was combing his long flaxen hair, which hung six inches below his shoulders. It was the first time I had ever seen a boy with hair that long. I guess it was just coming into fashion then. I know in my mind that it isn't what's on your head but what's in it that counts; but on that day I was unprepared and my emotions flipped. I immediately filed Tommy under 'S' for strange...very strange.

Tommy turned out to be the 'atheist in residence' in my Theology of Faith course. He constantly objected to, smirked at, or whined about the possibility of an unconditionally loving Father/God. We lived with each other in relative peace for one semester, although I admit he was for me at times a serious pain in the back pew.

When he came up at the end of the course to turn in his final exam, he asked in a cynical tone, 'Do you think I'll ever find God?'

I decided instantly on a little shock therapy. 'No!' I said very emphatically.

'Why not,' he responded, 'I thought that was the product you were pushing.'

I let him get five steps from the classroom door and then called out, 'Tommy! I don't think you'll ever find Him, but I am absolutely certain that He will find you!' He shrugged a little and left my class and my life.

I felt slightly disappointed at the thought that he had missed my clever line -- He will find you! At least I thought it was clever. Later I heard that Tommy had graduated, and I was duly grateful.

Then a sad report came. I heard that Tommy had terminal cancer. Before I could search him out, he came to see me. When he walked into my office, his body was very badly wasted and the long hair had all fallen out as a result of chemotherapy. But his eyes were bright and his voice was firm, for the first time, I believe. 'Tommy, I've thought about you so often; I hear you are sick,' I blurted out.

'Oh, yes, very sick. I have cancer in both lungs. It's a matter of weeks.'

'Can you talk about it, Tom?' I asked.

'Sure, what would you like to know?' he replied.

'What's it like to be only twenty-four and dying?'

'Well, it could be worse.'

'Like what?'

'Well, like being fifty and having no values or ideals, like being fifty and thinking that booze, seducing women, and making money are the real biggies in life.'

I began to look through my mental file cabinet under 'S' where I had filed Tommy as strange. (It seems as though everybody I try to reject by classification, God s ends back into my life to educate me.)

'But what I really came to see you about,' Tom said, 'is something you said to me on the last day of class.' (He remembered!) He continued, 'I asked you if you thought I would ever find God and you said, 'No!' which surprised me. Then you said, 'But He will find you.' I thought about that a lot, even though my search for God was hardly intense at that time.

(My clever line. He thought about that a lot!)

'But when the doctors removed a lump from my groin and told me that it was malignant, that's when I got serious about locating God. And when the malignancy spread into my vital organs, I really began banging bloody fists against the bronze doors of heaven. But God did not come out. In fact, nothing happened. Did you ever try anything for a long time with great effort and with no success? You get psychologically glutted, fed up with trying. And then you quit 'Well, one day I woke up, and instead of throwing a few more futile appeals over that high brick wall to a God who may be or may not be there, I just quit.

I decided that I didn't really care about God, about an after life, or anything like that. I decided to spend what time I had left doing something more profitable. I thought about you and your class and I remembered something else you had said: 'The essential sadness is to go through life without loving. But it would be almost equally sad to go through life and leave this world without ever telling those you loved that you had loved them.''

'So, I began with the hardest one, my Dad. He was reading the newspaper when I approached him.
'Dad.'
'Yes, what?' he asked without lowering the newspaper.
'Dad, I would like to talk with you.'
'Well, talk.'
'I mean. It's really important.'
The newspaper came down three slow inches. 'What is it?'
'Dad, I love you, I just wanted you to know that.' Tom smiled at me and said it with obvious satisfaction, as though he felt a warm and secret joy flowing inside of him. 'The newspaper fluttered to the floor. Then my father did two things I could never remember him ever doing before. He cried and he hugged me. We talked all night, even though he had to go to work the next morning. It felt so good to be close to my father, to see his tears, to feel his hug, to hear him say that he loved me.'

'It was easier with my mother and little brother. They cried with me, too, and we hugged each other, and started saying real nice things to each other. We shared the things we had been keeping secret for so many years.

'I was only sorry about one thing --- that I had waited so long. Here I was, just beginning to open up to all the people I had actually been close to.'

Then, one day I turned around and God was there. He didn't come to me when I pleaded with Him. I guess I was like an animal trainer holding out a hoop, 'C'mon, jump through. C'mon, I'll give you three days, three weeks.''

'Apparently God does things in His own way and at His own hour. But the important thing is that He was there. He found me!

You were right.. He found me even after I stopped looking for Him'! !

'Tommy,' I practically gasped, 'I think you are saying something very important and much more universal than you realize.

To me, at least, you are saying that the surest way to find God is not to make Him a private possession, a problem solver, or an instant consolation in time of need, but rather by opening to love. You know, the Apostle John said that. He said: 'God is love, and anyone who lives in love is living with God and God is living in him.'

Tom, could I ask you a favor? You know, when I had you in class you were a real pain. But (laughingly) you can make it all up to me now.... Would you come into my present Theology of Faith course and tell them wh at you have just told me? If I told them the same thing it wouldn't be half as effective as if you were to tell it'

'Oooh, I was ready for you, but I don't know if I'm ready for your class.'

'Tom, think about it.. If and when you are ready, give me a call.'

In a few days Tom called, said he was ready for the class, that he wanted to do that for God and for me. So we scheduled a date.

However, he never made it. He had another appointment, far more important than the one with me and my class. Of course, his life was not really ended by his death, only changed. He made the great step from faith into vision.

He found a life far more beautiful than the eye of man has ever seen or the ear of man has ever heard or the mind of man has ever imagined.

Before he died, we talked one last time.

'I'm not going to make it to your class,' he said.

'I know, Tom.'

'Will you tell them for me? Will you ... tell the whole world for me?'

'I will, Tom.. I'll tell them. I'll do my best.'

So, to all of you who have been kind enough to read this simple story about God's love, thank you for listening. And to you, Tommy, somewhere in the sunlit, verdant hills of heaven --- I told them, Tommy, as best I could.

With thanks,
Rev. John Powell, Professor, Loyola University , Chicago

God Knows - What Is Best For You

With appreciation to my friend, Janet H. for this article.



I asked God to take away my habit.

God said, No..

It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.

God said, No.


His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary

I asked God to grant me patience.

God said, No.

Patience is a byproduct of tribulations;

it isn't granted, it is learned.


I asked God to give me happiness.

God said, No.

I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.


I asked God to spare me pain.

God said, No..

Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares

and brings you closer to me.


I asked God to make my spirit grow.

God said, No.

You must grow on your own,

but I will prune you to make you fruitful.


I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.

God said, No.

I will give you life,

so that you may enjoy all things.


I asked God to help me LOVE others,

as much as He loves me.

God said.......Ahhhh,finally you have the idea.


THIS DAY IS YOURS

DON'T THROW IT AWAY


May God Bless You,

'To the world you might be one person,

But to one person you just might be the world'

'May the Lord Bless you and keep you,


May the Lord Make his face shine upon you,

And give you Peace......Forever'

'Good friends are like stars...

You don't always see them, But you know they are always there.'

Light Of Jesus Christ's Covenant Community (LJCCC) Celebrated Its 26th Anniversary On 30th August 2009

The Light of Jesus Christ's Covenant Community, Kota Kinabalu celebrated its 26th Anniversary on Sunday 30th August 2009 with a 3.00 pm thanksgiving mass held at the Church of Mary Immaculate, Bukit Padang. The mass was said by Rev. Fr. Felix Chung.

After the mass, there was high tea and fellowship, so members could socialise with each other and renew relationship. The Presiding Elder, Mr Joseph Chee together with the other Elders jointly cut the anniversary cake. The lady members were responsible for arranging the variety of cakes and other delicacies.

Everybody had an enjoyable time and are looking forward to the next jubilee at 2010. Speaking about next year, we are only a few months away from it. Time just seem to pass so quickly.

Don't Judge Leaders By Their Appearances - The Same Apply To Ordinary People

With appreciation to my friend, Bernard L. for this article.

2 Tough Questions

Question 1:

If you knew a woman who was pregnant, who had 8 kids already, three who
were deaf, two who were blind, one mentally retarded, and she had
syphilis, would you recommend that she have an abortion?

Read the next question before looking at the response for this one.

Question 2:
It is time to elect a new world leader, and only your vote counts.
Here are the facts about the three candidates. Who would you vote for?

Candidate A.

Associates with crooked politicians, and consults with astrologist.
He's had two mistresses. He also c hain smokes and drinks 8 to 10 martinis a day.

Candidate B.
He was kicked out of office twice, sleeps until noon, used opium in
college and drinks a quart of whiskey every evening.

Candidate C

He is a decorated war hero. He's a vegetarian, doesn't smoke, drinks an
occasional beer and never cheated on his woman.

Which of these candidates would be our choice?

Decide first... no peeking, then scroll down for the response.
Candidate A is Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Candidate B is Winston Churchill.
Candidate C is Adolph Hitler.



And, by the way, on your answer to the abortion question:

If you said YES, you just killed Beethoven.



Pretty interesting isn't it? Makes a person think before judging someone.

Wait till you see the end of this note! Keep reading..



Never be afraid to try something new.

Remember:

Amateurs....built the ark.
Professionals...built the Titanic



And Finally, can you imagine working for a company that has a little more
than 500 employees and has the following stat istics:

* 29 have been accused of spousal abuse
* 7 have been arrested for fraud
* 19 have been accused of writing bad checks
* 117 have directly or indirectly bankrupted at least 2 businesses
* 3 have done time for assault
* 71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit
* 14 have been arrested on drug-related charges
* 8 have been arrested for shoplifting
* 21 are currently defendants in lawsuits
* 84 have been arrested for drunk driving in the last year...

Can you guess which organization this is?



Give up yet?





It's the 535 members of the United StatesCongress.
The same group that crank out hundreds of new laws each year designed to
keep the rest of us in line.

Are You Ashamed Of God

With appreciation to my brother, John M. for this article.

IF SOMEONE HAD A GUN HELD IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE AND ASKED YOU IF YOU BELIEVED IN GOD, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? SAY NO AND FELT ASHAMED FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE? OR SAY YES, I DO, AND DIE STANDING UP FOR GOD?

TAKE A DEEP BREATH BEFORE READING THIS.

There was an atheist couple who had a child. The couple never told their daughter anything about the Lord. One night when the little girl was 5 years old, the parents fought with each other and the dad shot the Mom, right in front of the child. Then, the dad shot himself. The little girl watched it all. She then was sent to a foster home.. The foster mother was a Christian and took the child to church. On the first day of Sunday School, the foster mother told the teacher that the girl had never heard of Jesus, and to have patience with her. The teacher held up a picture of Jesus and said, 'Does anyone know who this is?' The little girl said, 'I do, that's the man who was holding me the night my parents died.'

If you believe this little girl is telling the truth that even though she had never heard of Jesus, he still held her the night her parents died, then you will share this to as many people as you can.

Or you can delete it as if it never touched your heart. Funny, isn't it? Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell.Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.

Funny how everyone wants to go to heaven provided they do not have to believe, think, say, or do anything the Bible says. (Or is it scary?)

Funny how someone can say 'I believe in God' but still follow Satan (who, by the way, also 'believes' in God).

Funny how you can send a thousand 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing them.

Funny how we can go to church for Christ on Sunday, but be an invisible Christian the rest of the week. (Are you laughing?)

Funny how I can be more worried about what other people think of me than what God thinks of me. (Are you thinking?)

Funny how the lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but the public discussion of Jesus is suppressed in the school and workplace.