Being Relevant To Others Nowadays

            The issue of being relevant to others can be told through the various treatments we  accord to others. Indeed it's true that human relationships reside on different levels like cliche, skin deep or the more serious ones. when we hear about stories of people like when one is feeling so excited about a new brand  being launched is worth note taking.

           So many stories about human experiences which are entertaining and of interests to people. On the other hand, when we discuss on human interests, I understand that we normally are impacted by the effect of such stories to our very own life.

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We are directly or indirectly affected by certain people so that they already become a part of our journey in life. or not by those experiences 

          Way back 2001, I was studying in another country when I befriended a guy who lost his left arm due to an accident. Others would perhaps see and right away judge him as a desperate or a less fortunate individual yet if you know him personally, you would probably be inspired by his life story. 

          Ironically, it was the contrary for my friend. He raised his two kids just by himself alone- he does it by selling newspapers on the sideline of one of the busy streets of Chicago. He ignored at times the scorching heat of the son or even the pouring rain and what counted much for him is the future of his family. 

           I was moved by his example and this helped me to further treasure my life and if given the opportunity to reach out to others then I would not hesitate to do that. Thus count all your blessings and share them with others especially to the displaced members of our society.  

                                                  

God Will Make A Way

God Will Make A Way

(Don Moen)

God will make a way

where there seems to be no way

He works in ways we cannot see

He will make a way for me

He will be my guide

Hold me closely to His side

With love and strength

for each new day

He will make a way

          What a wonderful song (though this is not the complete song) from the ever known musician, Don Moen. And as I reflect on this day's event, the more that I am awed by the greatness of God's love that in spite of all this so called earthly limitations- things within and beyond my control- still God continuously guides me to life's right path. The more that I appreciate and treasure the presence of those people important in my life.

         Indeed it is very true that in those moments of darkness, when everything seems to lose its meaning, God's embrace engulfs us all.

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From the moment we wake up in the morning until the time we go to bed in the evening, multiple and at times, complex life's events come to our journey. Yet by our belief that God's love is ever present in our life, all of these become a part of our gradual unfolding to what is called life's reality. 

         Having God as our guide, He then serves as a lamp when everything in life turns into darkness. He becomes our source of strength that no matter how mixed up the road seems for us, it then becomes passable by His eternal guidance. He always showers us with bountiful blessings everyday like the gift of our family, good health, our source of security, our jobs, the beautiful society we live in and everything else. 

          Thus I believe it is but fitting for us to remember all of them and shout to Him our thanksgiving for His love is everlasting. 

                                          

Salt for the Ultimate Chef

What would be food without salt? Salt, what an amazing ingredient. Can you imagine your favourite adobo without any salt? Salt is even added to caramel to give it a rounded rich flavour, don't believe me? Get a salted caramel ice cream or tart they're the craze nowadays, I've had an amazing, can't get enough of it popcorn that was so sweet and salty. It was sold in this huge, plastic pillow case size bags and people where queueing up to buy not just one bag but two!

Salt, what an amazing ingredient indeed. 

Ever wondered what it meant to be salt? In Mt. 5:13 Jesus told us " You are salt of the earth but if salt loses its taste it cannot be made salty again. It is good for nothing. It must be thrown out of people to walk on." 

One of the functions of salt is that it helps preserve food. I know, I'm thinking of tuyo (salted pilchard or anchovies), dried squid and I know this writing is making me hungry. 

What salt does is that it prevents the growth of food spoiling bacteria or nasties that can harm us. You see those nasties need moisture to grow and what salt does is to absorb the moisture in the nasties. No moisture, dead nasties. 

So salt does not only have what it takes to preserve the good stuff, it also what it needs to go on the offensive against the nasties. 

It's like spiritual warfare, we need not only have the right stuff for depending but  also the weapons to go on the offensive against spiritual nasties.

In Ephesians 6:10-18, St. Paul wrote:

" Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from His mighty power.  Put on the armor of God so that you may able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with the flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the power, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armour of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and have done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all arrows of the evil one.  And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones."

We need those spiritual defences and weapons, to be the salt of the earth and only God can provide these. 

With these we can stand firm, preserving what is good, eliminating what nasties we have and helping others to do the same. 

The other function of salt is for seasoning, salt enhances the flavour of food. It is worthy to note that when salt is added to a dish, it dissolves and is transformed  and at the same time enhancing the flavours, enhancing what is good. 

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Exclusive image: ID 17261018 © Harun | Dreamstime.com

It is transformed in a way that you no longer see it but only know and taste it. In a way it has given itself up for the greater good. 

We are also called to do the same, in whatever dish of life we are called to serve and be a part of. We are called to die from ones self for the greater transforming enhancing the dish of life around us.

 Ever notices how someone describes a good dish? "It has hint of nuttiness and red wine, caramelized onion, the vegetables cooked to perfection not raw but still crispy, compliments to the chef.....ya di da di da....hey, what happned to salty?

Salt is rare the centre piece of any dish, yet it can make or break a dish. Not enough and the dish is bland, too much and it is ruined. 

Same with us and our service if we are lukewarm, we are ineffective and bland, too much or to full of ourselves and we leave a bad taste in someone's mouth. Our service should always seek to glorify the one and only Master (Chef), not us.

A well seasoned dish is when the ingredients are in harmony with one another, 

allowing the chef's intended expression to come through. 

So it should be with our life and service, we should allow the ultimate Master (Chef) to express Himself through us. Humble, obedient and ever sensitive to the Master's leading, less our will be done and not His.

Salt, who would have thought; Jesus of course.

May you always keep your saltiness, ever ready to serve the Ultimate Master (Chef).

Guest Writer: 

Ed Canilao

CFC Melbourne Head

                                      Thanks a lot Ed for the inspiration

                                                

Person-Centered Care

          As Australia is an ageing population and many of the old people did come here during the time of the World War, there is a big challenge for those persons who are tasked to accompany them to fully understand them and provide their appropriate needs and wants. Hence it is very important that those carers taking care of them know exactly how to provide a person-centered care to them.

                 

         What then is a person-centered care? It is satisfied when the carer focuses his care plan on the client himself and not on his disease. Let him understand that on the first place, he is a human being that needs full understanding of his age,stage, culture, preferences and everything about him. Furthermore, this is satisfied when the carer will try to know exactly who the client is, to entrust him a genuine value as a human being and to offer him empathy.

       The older people especially those who are in the stage of dementia need to be comforted and loved thus for any carer or person giving them company, he needs to talk to them in a very calm way and to give them reassurance that he is just there to listen to them. He should also learn how to touch the client appropriately then give him empathy by establishing an eye contact with them, and try to ask them how they are and listen attentively to them. 

 All of these would extend to the older people, the clients, that they are still special and important in spite of the stage that they have now. Therefore, being loved and comforted are but very basic needs that anybody have in their entire life. One should be generous enough to share them to others most notably to the older members of our society.

                                       
                                      

Taking Care To One's Gift of Life

Ongoing nowadays is my recent studies on the field of aged care. And as defined, 

" Aged care is the term for daily living and nursing care services provided to older Australians who either need some help at home or can no longer live independently. Services are generally divided into two categories:

Home care services
Residential care services

    " -source-  https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/aged-care/what-is-aged-care" 

          Australia is an ageing population and many of those who came here were witnesses of the previous wars. Thus many of them are on their 70s, 80s, or even 90s nowadays. And as such, there is an urgent need to take care of them not just on their individual homes but also on the various residential care centres all over Australia. 

          Further, we have discussed several topics already on our class. And one thing that is always mentioned repeatedly by our mentor is that life on itself is such a wonderful gift- a precious one that ought to be treasured. 

          Thus, before we indeed learn to take care of other people's lives, it is but important that we learn how to take care of our own lives. Nowadays you can find from the social media, TV news, hard print media that many abuses are happening and this results to people being hurt, being immobile and even dead. It is such a sad reality and this poses a serious challenge to each one of us----all the time we need to maintain that balance and harmony within our bodies. We should never make anything that can destroy our lives and that of others. 

                                           

Why Do People Wear Masks?

          Self-preservation: that's exactly the reason why people tend to wear masks. Constantly, it is man's natural tendency to protect oneself and prevent any harm to happen. Harm can come to anybody and it takes numerous forms such as physical, emotional, psychological, and others. 

          Since birth, one is already surrounded by people who protect him from any harm. And one is told since younger stage to adulthood to prevent from harming other people. However as part of growing up, no one could avoid being harmed or hurt by external and internal matters. As a result, people tend to wear mask to prevent from being harm.

         Try to ask oneself, "How many masks I wear in myself?, What kind of mask do I wear on this or that  occasion?",  and other questions.  When one is just with himself, he tends to be the most natural in him and devoid of  any reservation, he can show to himself his true self. However, as he goes with others like friends and buddies, then he also tends to present a different kind of personality.

         And when he is facing another group of people like the elders, he also shows a different kind of persona. One can count of several kinds of masks that he is wearing on various situations as well. One of the prominent reasons of this is that he tends to preserve his self by doing so. Another reason is that the person is scared and apprehensive that if he will show the true self, others would not accept him. 

          Being accepted by others is one of man's primary needs so it is then very essential for anybody to feel comfort and welcomed in the presence of other people. At the end of the day, what counts most is the reality that one allows himself to be an instrument for other people's growth. 

                                                    

Count Your Blessings

Guest Post: 

Blessings are most felt when they are less expected. 

          Two years ago before the graduation, I almost ended my life for I believed that I would no longer be one of the students who would finish with Latin Honours. I am not blaming my extra-curricular activities but I really spent more time in SSC. I even skipped classes before. I was so irresponsible. I also got discouraged during my first class demonstration. I kept asking myself why is this happening to me. This was really not me. On November 2014, I got the chance to go to Baguio and attended the PACSA National Convention and seminar workshop for student leaders. 

          I did not expect that there would be a poster-making contest. I was a bit hesitant but there was someone on my mind saying that I have to join because that would be my last competition as a student. I took a deep breath and decided to join. I passed the screening and was able to represent Central Visayas in the National Poster Making. 

          I asked God to guide me. I even begged Him to let me win the competition. I did not know if it was a coincidence because my mother put some of my art materials in my bag. I did not notice it until the day of the competition. I remember there was a girl who kept on telling me what were the right things to do. I ignored her. It may be applicable to her but would never be in my case. I continued and was able to finish earlier. 

          In the evening, one of the organisers approached me and asked me to explain my work. I just explained it with all my heart. I could not remember the whole detail but I told them that everyone can lead as long as they are ready to serve. To cut this story short, I had an early flight back to Cebu and sad to say I was not able to attend the closing program. However, while on my way home, Maam Vona texted me that I won as the Champion and she would just give me the prize to the adviser from CTU- Argao. God granted my wish. He answered my prayer. From that day, I have been inspired to do my best. 

          But life would always test you. The pressure was really on me especially that my family and friends were expecting me to graduate with flying colours. I was also expecting but I had the feeling that I would not as victorious as before. I cried for so many days and smiled when my mama would ask me about my status as a candidate for graduation. 

          I was too negative. I let myself suffer from these useless doubts. One day, Maam Deev Ohna asked me to come to her office. I was literally shaking and wanted to cry. I thought she would say sorry for I did not make it but she gave me a wide genuine smile instead. She congratulated me for I was one of the graduates with Latin honours. Then I started to cry. God was so good. God was really so good that He still gave me this. All those fears were gone and I was excited to share the news to my parents. Apart from it, I also received a special citation as an SSC president for 2 consecutive years and recognition for winning the National PACSA poster making contest. 

          It has been two years since then. But the memories are still fresh on my mind. To all people who are feeling the same thing. I would tell you to stop and start trusting God's plan for you. Believe in yourself and stop thinking negative. Smile and get ready to the unexpected blessings to come. 

Guest writer: Jake Bocado

                     (Jake is a nephew of mine who finished his studies with flying colours. He also received several recognitions before as signs of his achievements)

                                              

Parents' Significant Role in the Development of a Child

Guest Post:

          Parents play huge part in life of every child. They are responsible for his well-being, education and overall development.

          At the stage of the individual development, the education of the child takes place. The child lives in the family, he takes the example from his parents, as well as he is learning from their mistake. However, parents have to teach their child to do the right thing. They have to direct him to the right path in life. They should teach their child to acquire human qualities such as feelings of shame, love of people, mutual aid, and all the other essential, especially the sense of responsibility.

          It is worth mentioning that parents can be wrong in relation to their children. Together with efforts to inculcate good traits, they can unconsciously become an example of bad traits. Another important thing in the development of every child is education. Thus, the education of the child depends on his parents. In addition, education determines future of a child, as it lies in the formation of personality at the stage of development.

      Parents are the most important people in the life of the child that is why his development (mental and physical) strictly depends on them. It is very important for every parent to take care of his child, to provide him with communication, education and fun. All these factors strongly influence the character and the level of the development of any child. The main aim is for the child to be happy.

About the author:

Melisa Marzett is a professional writer, who  possesses a lot of knowledge in different fields of study. Each her article impresses with the variety of information and interesting fact. Check for her articles on smartessayrewriter.com                             




                                 

Be Present to the Here and Now Reality of Life

         Just like in any book, be constantly aware that life is made up of various chapters.  Sometimes, one chapter closes down while others may have just started. And I believe that life as it is, we must learn how to be present to the HERE and NOW moment. If not, then we might end losing plenty of those chapter's pages.

          Quoting Buddha, " The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, but to live in the present wisely and earnestly." What then is striking on this quote is its invitation for us to befriend our present moment and never to worry on what has been considered as the past.  We somehow divert all positive energies on the present moment. 

          Sadly, as reality tells us, many transactions in a day merely pass unnoticed.What usually happens is that we tend to say sorry for things in the past (we don't have control over them anymore) and on the other hand, we put enormous worry on things that are still to come.

         Hence, if we only learn to appreciate life's every  moment then the more that we will appreciate it. Citing one of those missed precious moment would be our meal times with family members, that instead of giving attention to our loved ones by listening to their stories and empathising with them, we stay silent while allowing our minds to wander somewhere else like worrying so much on the possible outcome of a project. 

         As a consequence, our loved ones will feel unloved and rejected (contrary to LOVE and ACCEPTANCE- two basic needs of man) and they will resort to something else that might not be productive or helpful to their growth. Finally, learn to be sensitive to the presence of others in your life and be aware of the NOW moment to feel that life indeed is such a precious gift.  

      

Honoring Santo Nino de Cebu

          This coming 3rd Sunday of the month, one of the most popular fiesta celebrations in the Philippines will be commemorated. Sinulog festival will be held in honour of the Holy Child. Not just being celebrated by the local Cebuano people, but this festival is so popular that it annually attracts many visitors every time that it is held. Sharing with you here a short history of the Holy Image.

"           The Santo Nino de Cebu (Cebuano: Balaang Bata sa Sugbu, Filipino: Batang Bana ng Cebu, Spanish: Santo Nino de Cebu) is a Roman Catholic title of a statue of the Child Jesus in Cebu City of Philippines. The image is venerated as miraculous by many Filipino Catholics. It is one of the oldest Christian relics in the Philippines, originally given in 1521 as a gift by explorer Ferdinand Magellan to Rajah Humabon and his wife when he landed on the island. 

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          The statue measures approximately twelve inches tall, is made of a dark wood in baroque style and depicts the Child Jesus as a king dressed like Spanish royalty. The statue is clothed in rich fabrics, wears jewelry such as gilded neck chain and bears imperial regala including a gold crown, globus cruciger, and various sceptres mostly donated by devotees. (Source: Wikipedia- the Free Encyclopedia)

          It is said that this image of the Holy Child is a miraculous one thus many devotees come and visit it at the Basilica Menor del Sto. Nino. These devotees believe that whatever prayers, needs, thanksgiving etc. that they extend to the Holy Child will be heard and answered. Nowadays, this festival is becoming so popular that it is now celebrated outside of Cebu like in Melbourne, Australia and other places. 

                               

The Importance of Being Happy

Guest Post:

Have you ever thought that happiness is an integral part of our life? For many people happiness is tightly connected with material things and well-being. However, there real meaning of this concept consist of spirituality.

Very seldom we pay attention to the fact that happiness is around us. You can find it in the smile of the stranger, in the rainbow, in the beauty of the nature. To be happy, you need to find inspiration in the things you do. For example,try to do something new every day. Today, you may start painting (even if you can't), tomorrow you can learn how to cook some dishes, etc. The wind of changes will inspire you and you will feel yourself confident and happy. 

Pay attention to the things that surround you and pay attention to the details. There are so many amazing events and moments! Open your heart to the world and you will see that life is an incredible thing, and you should be happy every day.

Be grateful for the things you have, and you will learn how to value every minute. Life is short, that is why it is important to be happy every minute. Do not forget to smile, because our smiles are the steps on our way to happiness and success. 

Laugh, enjoy your life and remember that our life is full of adventures and fun, and each of us has all the chances to be happy in this world. Happiness is inside you.

About the author:

Melissa Marzett is a professional writer, who is able to write on any topic. Her talent is magnificent, and she knows everything about the beauty of the word and she can show it to you. Simply visit, as Melissa works for this service: royalediting.com and check for her articles. 

                                             

The Treasure of Being Together with Loved Ones

           Due to certain recent priorities that came out, I did not have anymore the luxury of having sufficient time to update my blogs. Yet I don't have any regrets since the time that I spend now with my family ( my wife and kid) is more precious than those other times. 

          Anyway, those moments spent with my love ones were treasures which are beyond any material possession. These memories would always remain in the deepest part of my heart. Having recently reunited with our son meant a lot for me as a father ( and for sure, same goes with my wife being a mom). There were times that my patient was tested by my 4 year old kid but I always tell myself, the adult in me needs to come out rather than just allowing my inner child to interfere.

          As a grown up, I know that there are things that my son, at his stage, doesn't exactly know and beyond his grasp of comprehension thus, whether he behaves properly or the other way around, it is then my responsibility as well as role being a father to guide him what then is best for him.

         As a whole, my treasured and bonding moments with my family will then be a personal source of strength to move forward and look ahead on what is at stake before me. 

Intellectually Giant but Emotionally Dwarf

          While attending a service today, I was struck when the presider said that many among the young children of today grow as intellectually giants but emotionally pygmies. And while I was listening to him, I slowly nodded my head in affirmation. And to add to that, I think the only legacy that any parent can leave to his children is the examples of being a good and kindhearted individual. 

          Sometime last week, I remember reading it online that a son of a very well known intellectual family committed suicide since he did not find any consolation anymore in the family. What were normally brought during table conversations were topics on achievements, figures, big amount of money, etc. and he was feeling left out since at that very moment, he was already sensing like being choked in the neck. What he needed at that time was a breather and not all those accomplishments, greatness, incentives etc..

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         On the other hand, there was another sad story of a very intelligent man who became so famous in the world of entrepreneurship yet due to later pressures in his life, decided to abandon his family to prove to his detractors that he was right with his theories in the business. These are but just two examples of people who have enormous intelligence yet they ultimately failed for they were not able to cling to what is essential in life.    

         Thus for parents and for other adults, you perform a crucial role to the total formation of your children and the other young ones around you. The best examples then that you can give to them is by living all those good ideals and values in life. Constantly teach your children well and let them realise that being successful in life is not merely gauged by medals and awards but also on how you treat other people especially those who seem to be lower than you in social, financial, psychological and other status in life.    

                                                

A Reflection on Life

          Nearing to the culmination of this year, I made a reflection on what has transpired to me all throughout those months starting from January this year up till the end. I was surprised to realise how blessed am I as I recalled back all my activities this year. And everything boils down to this reality that life is such a precious gift. And it just come and go hence we need to embrace every second of it. 

Consequently, I can compare life with a three-legged stool in the following components: 

photo credit: Windmill 'De Berk', Veenpark, Netherlands - 1534 via photopin (license)

-just like the stool which relies on its three legs for strength, we also need various support systems in life. Hence we need to establish as many friends as we can for they can journey with us no matter what kind of surface that we are trekking.

-while on top of a stool is a space for a comfortable sitting, we also have spaces in our life that allows others to feel comfortable with us. In relation to this, it is therefore impossible for us to live just by our lonesome. We can't hide or deny the fact that we need others. 

- finally, the stool also are supporting each other thus they are intertwined with each other. Similar with life, we need to have a space at times but we also need to extend ourselves to others. We need to establish that equal footing among us and as such, we are all invited to render equal respect for each other notwithstanding differences in terms of race, status, age, or gender. 

                                              

The Art of Driving

          A while ago, I was talking to my wife and she mentioned that when she was driving back home from work yesterday at the Freeway, there was an accident involving 4 vehicles. Those cars were in front of her and luckily she was spared from that accident and all its hassles. Then I tried to remind her to constantly maintain a proper and safe distance between her and the car in front of her so that if it suddenly applies brake, it would not put her into danger. 

           As I tried to reflect on that situation, I realised that life is like driving- that our actions are similarly affecting us and those people around us.  Anyway, here then are few similarities between the two of them:

1. Direction- in driving we always need a direction where to go and where to perform stops, turns and  slowing down. In life, we also need to have that directions (goals) for from them, we also set our strategies and steps on how to achieve them. In driving, we need to be in full control of the steering wheel so that we will have a safe and pleasurable trip. While in life, we also need to have that full control of ourselves but we also need to rely and submit everything to Him Above for we know that He is our constant Guidance.

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2. Routine Maintenance- cars should always have a regular maintenance like checking the lights, indicators, windshield washer fluid, engine oil level, oils, hoses etc.. Our life also needs a constant checking and maintenance like we need to pause once in a while to check if we are still tracking the right path towards the achievement of our goals. We also need to check our primary and other forms of relationship to see if we are still in congruence with what is acceptable or not. 

3. Peace of Mind- when both of them (car and life) are in good hands and going smoothly then we are assured that we can experience a harmonious trip and life every single day. Though we still need to check all other cars on the road and we also need to observe what is going on with life but if we religiously perform the first two main responsibilities of being drivers to both cars and to life, we are assured that we can reach our destinations safely and with lots of fun memories to remember. 

                                      

The Agony of Waiting

          My wife underwent thyroidectomy last Monday at Austin Hospital. Before her scheduled surgery, I was already trying to anticipate what will be the various scenarios on her big day. What I perceive was just a simple surgery then maybe after an hour or two, everything will be alright. 

          However, on the day itself, it was a long wait for me and I was filled with mixed emotions as I stayed in the hospital waiting for her to complete her procedure. What was perceived as an easy ordeal became a long and tedious waiting. We arrived earlier at Austin Hospital (actually she was expected to arrive at 11 am but due to our excitement, we decided to go to the hospital earlier). We went to the information booth and were  instructed to proceed to the 3rd floor for her initial steps prior to the surgery.

          At the waiting room, she filled up paper works and got ready for her knife appointment. Past 1pm, 3 personnel talked with her and told her she needs to go into another scan for they detected something on her last scan result which they were not sure what exactly it is. So she had her scan and luckily at 2pm, she was given the go signal to proceed with the surgery. Hence from 2pm onwards, I was left on my own since I was not allowed to go with her on the theatre. I didn't exactly know what I really feel by that very moment that she started her ordeal. 

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          The fact that I had no idea what was going on at the theatre was the thing that gave me that sort of "agony". The waiting period was seemed eternal. First hour quickly passed and I was still feeling alright. However at six in the evening and I still had no idea what was going on with her, I started to have that feeling of anxiety and worry thus I went to the information centre and enquired of any progress but the nurse in charge was clueless also. Eventually, at quarter past six, her surgeon passed by the waiting area and I wasted no time to converse with him about my wife's progress. And I was relieved of my agony when he told me that everything went well. 

          I finally saw my wife again by half past seven and even with all those instruments attached to her, I was still feeling relieved and grateful that she passed her surgery. At times, when we are in a situation wherein we seem to be helpless and clueless, there is no one much greater to comfort us except Him Above.

PS: 

Special thanks to the following people for their assistance during that journey:
Harvey, Dundee, Marilyn, Dr. Allan and his team, nurses Meghan, Kelly, Carissa and all those who have wished me and my wife the best of everything. All your support and prayers allowed us to have peace of mind and harmony on that difficult time of our life especially Myra. Thanks in a great way to HIM Above.



                                          

Celebration of LIFE

          In life, we have numerous occasions that we termed as milestones. What makes them deep-coloured is when we have the chance to celebrate them with good friends and special people in our life. We have gatherings such as work anniversary, golden wedding anniversary, retirement, birth of a new baby, birthdays etc.. 

          As I celebrate one highlight of my life, my birthday, I am grateful to all people who have come and made it colourful. At the outset, I am thankful to God for the gift of life that He has entrusted to me. And although I know that it is but a borrowed one and that sooner or later, I am going to return it to its Creator, I am but extremely joyful that I embrace this life. Consequently, I recognise that I have a great responsibility to take care of it thus allowing it to grow into the kind of life that will make its owner happy. On the other hand, knowing that I have both yin and yang of this life (light and dark shadows), I also have the accountability to grow into a more mature person and to share this life with others.

          I am also thankful to God for showering my life with wonderful people, first and foremost, my two treasured gifts- my wife Yanyan and our beloved kid, Kurt Kristoff. Being light bringers, they both radiate a constant positive energy to me to get up and face squarely whatever is at stake on every single day. As a social being, I am also indebted to other people who have  shared both my pains and joys. People come and go in our life and I am forever thankful to those who have helped me achieve the person that I am  now and would still be willing to journey with me to the rest of my life. 

         No matter how simple or challenging this life journey could be but with the presence of all these significant others in my life, I know that I could acquire the positive energy each day to continue with this journey.