Lunch @ CHAO XUAN RESTAURANT

The restaurant is housed in an old heritage house along Lebuh Melayu in George Town, Penang.  Chao Xuan 潮轩 is a Chinese restaurant specializing in 'Teo Chew' dishes with its menu packed of traditional Teo Chew delights and snacks to satisfy our taste bud.

2018 Xmas Dinner at Kizuna Japanese Restaurant @ Penang Time Square

Unayanagawa Don

Blessed to an early Christmas dinner at Kizuna Japanese Restaurant.

Unayanagawa Don – a bowl of Japanese rice covered with fried egg, slices of onion, pan fried eel pieces dipped with Japanese sweet sauce, carrot slices, seaweed slices and chopped spring onion. Serving together with the rice is a bowl of hot miso soup.

Asparagus Bacon Itame

Asparagus Bacon Itame - stir fried asparagus with bacon Japanese style.



Black Garlic Ramen - garlic enhance the flavour of the ramen

Black Garlic Ramen

Yaki Gyoza - japanese style pan fried  dumpling with home made dressing.

Yaki Gyoza

Hotate Kushiyaki

Warabi Mochi

Hotate Kushiyaki - skewered and grilled meat with scallop.

Warabimochi - is a jelly-like confection made from bracken starch and covered or dipped in kinako. It differs from true mochi made from glutinous rice

Dinner at HK BOY CART NOODLE at Ideal @ The One, Bayan Lepas

Try out HK BOY CART NOODLE Restaurant at Ideal @ The One, Jalan Mahsuri, Bayan Lepas.

Pork Chop and Satay Pork Rice is a combination of cheese, tomato sauce, pork chop and satay pork together with rice. They also churns out many popular Hong Kong snacks.

Hor Fun Noodle Pork Liver

Pork Chop n Tuna Omelette Rice

Boneless Swiss Style Chicken Rice

Relationship with God

At the age of fifteen, I was halfway through my secondary schooling.  I was having fun like most teenagers and free of lives burden and stress.

Becoming a Christian was the start of the most exciting relationship, it was the start of a new life.   Christianity is all about relationship with God - a God who loves us and wants the very best for us.  As Paul wrote, 'those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same any more for the old is gone. A new life has begun' (2 Corinthians 5:17, TNLB)

I only noted 'the new life'.

Life isn't meant to be easy, it's meant to be LIVED.  Sometimes good, other times rough.    But with every up and down, you learn lessons that make you STRONG.

During my early Christian walk, serving is my utmost priority.  I would serve until I have no time to fellowship with God.  God have become my employer rather than my personal friend.

After many years abiding and walking in Jesus footpath, I was reminded of Luke 10 : 41-42  Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

I then learn to spend time developing a personal relationship with God.  As I learn to develop a relationship with God, I also learn to have a relationship with others.   

Jesus never promised anyone an easy life, but He promised fullness of life (John 10:10). This new quality of life starts now and goes on into eternity. Our time on earth is relatively short, but eternity is vast.

Good relationships keep us happier and healthier for longer.

Eternity life is a quality of life which comes from living a relationship with God and Jesus Christ (John 17:3).

Giving is the test of loving

Giving is the test of loving - the measure of our loving Christ.  It is what we are willing to give and sacrifice.

An offering should cost the giver in terms of self, time or money.  To give sacrificially requires more than a token effort or gift.  God wants us to give voluntarily, but He wants it to mean something.  Giving to God what costs you nothing does not demonstrate commitment.

Every act of giving can be an expression of worship and "loving obedience"

We need to learn to give NOT because we have a lot BUT because we know exactly how it feels to have nothing.

The key to successful gift-giving is not money; its also listening to others and taking a personal interest in what they enjoy and appreciate.

"True wealth is of the heart not the size of the wallet." - Koon Yew Yin

Dinner at Six Premium Cantonese Restaurant at Penang Time Square

Blessed to a dinner at Six Premium Cantonese Restaurant.
                             

Sauteed Udon with Chicken in Black Pepper Sauce

Lunch at "Spicy Lemak"

Trying out nasi lemak at "Spicy Lemak" in Prangin Mall Shopping Centre

Happy Living

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude." - Denis Waitley

To a traveller - happiness is being able to roam freely without worries or fear.

To an ant - happiness is having enough sugar for a lifetime and not getting squashed by a shoe.

To an owl - happiness is the trill of catching a prey.

To a sheep - happiness is eating the lush grass of the meadow in spring.

To a squirrel - happiness is living in a walnut tree all by yourself.

To a cow - happiness is making my master happy by providing milk and not getting eaten.

So what is happiness to you??

Happiness is when your life fulfills your needs.  In other words, happiness comes when you feel satisfied and fulfilled.   Happiness is a feeling of contentment, that life is just as it should be.

God's Word tells us that true happiness comes by keeping God's law.

Proverbs 16:20 tells us "God blesses those who obey him, happy the man who puts his trust in the Lord." TLB

Solomon reminds us that God grants happiness to us as a privilege :-Ecclesiastes 3:12 "So I conclude that, first, there is nothing better for a man than to be happy and to enjoy himself as long as he can;"

Ecclesiastes 7:14 "Enjoy prosperity whenever you can, and when hard times strike, realize that God gives one as well as the other—so that everyone will realize that nothing is certain in this life."

Ecclesiastes 11:9 "Young man, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it! Do all you want to; take in everything, but realize that you must account to God for everything you do."

Man cannot find happiness when he lives only for himself.

True happiness in life comes when we bring happiness to others - it is not our condition or outer appearance that makes someone happy, but our existence itself. 

The world offers "passing pleasures" (Hebrews 11:25), but the Lord Jesus offers to give us full and lasting joy (John 15:11).

True happiness is not a function of getting, but a function of giving and serving.

Be thankful

Cultivate the habit of thankfulness.  Thanksgiving has great curative power.  The heart that is constantly overflowing with gratitude will be safe from those attacks of resentfulness and gloom that bother so many religious persons.  A thankful heart cannot be cynical. - A.W. Tozer

Big lies start small

"Once a liar, always a liar" is a proverbial parental admonishment.  A national study in the United States claims there is truth to the adage; People who cheated on exams in high school are considerably more likely to be dishonest later in life, according to a report released recently by the Josephson Institute of Ethics.

Solomon offers a prayer that would be suitable for Christians in bondage to such appetites : "Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom." Song of Solomon 2:15

Unimportant though they may seem, these little, fox-like demons may spoil the tender fruits of the Spirit that God looks for in our lives.  One form of spiritual fruit that inevitably suffers from the little foxes is the fruit of self control.

God's power can be more easily seen and experienced in our lives when we get rid of sin's build-up every day.  First John 1:9 reminds us : "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."  But unless we do that often, we'll be running on diminished power.  That's because the power for living comes from God and not us. [2 Corinthians 4:7]

So we must always be sensitive to sin and deal with it immediately.  The strategy for dealing with sin - includes confession and accountability. Likewise our focus should always be on God's holiness and purity.

James 4:8, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."

What we may consider "little" or "harmless" sins can be our downfall.  Stretching the truth", for example, is actually lying.  And gossip is nothing less than character assassination.  The trouble is that those little sins will inevitably grow larger.

The most deadly sins do not leap upon us, they creep up on us. 

A little sin can be the first step in turning away from God.  It is not the sin we don't know about but the sins we excuse that cause us the greatest trouble.  We must never let away sin go unchallenged.  In our life, an unchallenged sin spread like a deadly cancer?  Don't excuse it.  Confess and ask God for strength to resist temptation.

The Bible urges us not to under estimate the destructive potential of what we say.  We must let the wisdom of God check our thoughts before they leave our tongues.  "The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" James 3:17

WORDS CAN'T BREAK BONES, BUT THEY CAN BREAK HEARTS.

The capacity for love

The capacity for love gives depth to human relationships, brings people closer to each other physically and emotionally, and makes people think expansively about themselves and the world.  In his triangular theory of love, psychologist Robert Sternberg theorizes that love is a mix of three components: some (1) passion, or physical attraction; (2) intimacy, or feelings of closeness; and (3) commitment, involving the decision to initiate and sustain a relationship.  The presence of all three components characterizes consummate love, the most durable type of love.  In addition, the presence of intimacy and passion in marital relationships predicts marital satisfaction.  Also, commitment is the best predictor of relationship satisfaction, especially in long-term relationships.  Positive consequences of being in love include increased self-esteem and self-efficacy.[4]

The Bible records why Christians should love one another :-

1) God has commanded us to love (1 John 2:7-11)

2) We have been born of God and God's love lives in us (1 John 3:10-24)

3) God first revealed His love to us (1 John 4:7-21)

"We love ... because He first loved us."

What happens to a believer who does not love the brethren? 

1) he lives in darkness, though he thinks he is living in the light (1 John 2:9).  He thinks he sees, but he is actually blinded by the darkness of hatred.

2) he becomes a cause of stumbling (cf. 1 John 2:10).

an unloving brother stumbles himself, and in addition he causes others to stumble.  The best way to help other Christians not to stumble is to love them. Love makes us stepping-stones; hatred (or any of its "cousins," such as envy or malice) makes us stumbling blocks.

3) it retards a believer's spiritual progress (1 John 2:11). 

Christ in your heart

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.  Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.  Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong.
— Ephesians 3:16–17

Is Christ at home in your life?  If He were to walk around from room to room, would He see things that would make Him ill at ease?  Would He see things that might cause Him to ask, "Why do you have that?  What is that on the wall?  What are these magazines?  What is on your computer screen?  What are you reading?  What are you doing?"

The apostle Paul made an interesting statement to the believers at Ephesus.  He said, "I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.  Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him . . . " (Ephesians 3:16–17).  Why would Paul pray for Christ to dwell in the hearts of Christians?  Doesn't He dwell in the heart of every believer?  Yes, He does.  In Paul's prayer, the word "dwell" has more meaning.  From the original language, "dwell" could be translated, "settle down with finality, be at home in."  So Paul was saying, "My prayer for you Christians is that Christ may settle down and be at home in your heart with finality."

It can be difficult to settle down and feel comfortable in some homes.  Then there are other homes that feel comfortable the moment you walk in.  We should live our lives in such a way that Jesus would be at home in every room of our hearts and where He would have the master key to every lock.

We should be able to say, "Lord, make yourself at home.  Go where you want to go.  Want to look in that closet?  Look in that closet.  Anywhere you want to go, it is all yours, because you are a permanent resident."

Is Jesus settled down and at home in your heart? Harvest Daily Devotion for 1/3/2011: "At Home in Your Heart?"

Crossroads

Whenever we come to a crossroads in life, what choice do we make?  In other words, in what direction will we travel and what habits will we establish?

Inevitably, in life, we need to make choices everyday we wake up.  What to eat?  What to wear?  Every choice we make creates a ripple effect on our lives as well as the lives of others.  The choices we made throughout our life determine where we are and what we are becoming.

A habit is a pattern of behavior that we follow consistently.  We need to decide prayerfully, what habits we will practice.  Paul's referred to his life journey as a race.  He learned that the only way to stay the course was to discipline [his] body and bring it into subjection.   No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. [1 Corinthians 9:27]

Disobedience to God makes our heart-home dirty.  But obedience that is expressed out of love for Him will make our heart a suitable home for God now, and we will be ready when Christ returns.

In the beginning we make our habits; in the end our habits make us.

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:14 KJV

W.I.S.D.O.M. of married life

'W '  is for working it out

One should always make an effort to preserve one's marriage.  Successful marriages are not perfect or made in heaven but rather well managed.  Accept the realities of day-to-day life, and work within it.  It is important that marriages be sustained and improved upon.

Divorce is not a wise solution in most cases, often time, it is only the convenient way out.

'I'  is for in-laws

Your relationship with your in-laws must be conducive.  Do not put your spouse in a difficult situation where he has to make a choice between you or his parents.  Always have the right attitudes towards them as choice of words are important as a sign of respect and love.

'S'  is for self

We always forget to put emphasis on ourselves.  Keep some time for yourself, your spouse should also do the same - your own 'me-time'.  It is lovely to have the peaceful sanctuary of ones own room just being alone.

'D'  is for dumb and deaf

When an argument arises, it is wise to act dumb and to turn a deaf ear to whatever says. Words that are not thought over are best left unspoken.  Better still, write them down - will give you time to ponder and evaluate your innermost feelings.  A wise man treats an argument as a way to understand each other better.  It is not a matter of winning or losing.

'O'  is for observe

Observe what your spouse despises and avoid them.  Learn to pick up the hints from body language and facial expression.  Quarrels can be easily avoided once we are able to recognize the trigger points.  Care and take notice of his 'liking'.

'M'  is for mediate

Sort out any disagreements, talk it out and find an amicable solution.  You have a lifetime to spend with this person, yet life is too short to be wasted on unconstructive arguments.  To strengthen a marriage, there must be mutual effort.

Beauty of woman

God said, "When I made the woman she had to be special.

I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort.

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly.

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And finally, I gave her a tear to shed.  This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed."

"You see my son," said God, "the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."

By: Navin Jethmalani

RIGHTEOUSNESS IN THE HEART CAN MAKE ANY LIFE BEAUTIFUL

The three 'R' of our Relationship

A time to Remember, Rejoice and Renew

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.  “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,

“Therefore I hope in Him!” - Lamentations 3:22-24

I have been married for more than three decades and in that time, although I think I know my spouse better than any other human being on planet Earth, there are still moments when I exclaim, "Why, I didn't know that about you!"

I am a hopeless romantic.  It was our 32nd wedding anniversary today.  It is a very good reason to celebrate.  For when we rejoice, it's not about the food and revelry, but in thanksgiving for a relationship that has withstood many trials and tribulations, and the test of time.  I marveled at this woman who has stood by me for 32 years.

I believe every journey is different.  We have been nice to each other and been a good friend - we make each other laugh most of the time, and wept together some time.

Our love for each other have been precious and has grown in time, especially when things were tough.  It was in those times, when love came through In laughing, in crying, our love stands true, our love still grows and deepens even more with hope in our hearts and trust in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dr Karl Menninger - "One does not fall in love: one grows into love and love grows in him."

To the woman who has been my helpmate, my best friend and confidante, my rock of support, and of so many other good things that have come our way because of you, I just want to say I appreciate you, not only on this special day but all the other days of the year as well.

We’ve gain and lost some hair and pounds but it doesn’t matter really.  You’re still the same kind, gentle and wonderful person I’ve known from the time I first set my eyes on you.

So, I would like to say to you this day, my dear darling, ‘Happy 32nd Anniversary!

And may the good Lord continue to bless your life and our marriage abundantly and may we have many, many, many more Anniversaries to come! Amen.

SALT vs RICE

If you were to cook 3 cups of rice, would you add 3 cups of salt to it?  I certainly hope not!
So, in every preparation of rice, the rice always outnumbers the salt, yet a little salt makes a huge difference/impact in the overall outcome.

In the room in which you currently are, look up at the ceiling...  Yes, I said look up!  What is the size of the bulb compared to the size of the room?  In the room from which I typed this, my guesstimate is probably a ratio of 1:5000.  Yet, darkness flees the entire space once the small bulb is flipped on.

If I am the salt of the earth, and the light of the world, then "little me" has the ability to make big things happen.

Sometimes, because we feel outnumbered or overwhelmed at the sheer magnitude of evil or wrong-doers, we then choose powerlessness, and decide to go with the flow, not standing up for what we believe is right.

Stop it!  Little doesn't mean insignificant.  You are significant.  Your presence should make a BIG difference.  Stop waiting to be on the side of the majority.  They may be the majority, but they are the trivial majority, and you are the impactful minority.  They are the rice of the world, and you are the salt of the world.  They are the room, and you are the light.  Make your influence felt!

"You are the world's seasoning, to make it tolerable."

[Extract from : Archana Shastry

PoSH Consultant, NLP practitioner , Behavioural, Soft Skill]

True salt, which comes from the sea and dried under the sun and commonly called rock salt, has 72 natural minerals including natural sodium, chloride, and iodine.
Why salt? Because without salt the body cannot retain water no matter how much water is drunk. You will still be dehydrated because you will just keep urinating and sweating the water out.

Praise God for the furnace

Testing is difficult, but the result is often a deeper relationship with God.  Those who endure the testing of their faith will experience God's great rewards in the end.

Despair or misfortune is a great opportunity to test whether your faith is genuine or not. 

"The water is hot - put in the tea bag - "did this tea lose its taste because it went inside the hot water?  no, it probably revealed its true taste by being in the hot water. "

"Do not try to be strong in the midst of temptation."    Know your weakness.  The reason you are tempted is because you are weak.   In Scripture, it does not say to fight temptation, but to flee from or get out of it.

Christians mistakenly believe that when things go well, they are in God's will, but when things do not go well, they are not.  Remember, for every testimony of victory, transformed lives, and deliverances, there are ten more about martyrdom, anguish, and loss.

Just because God does not answer our prayers the way we think He should does not mean He is any less compassionate, loving, or sovereign.  Ultimately, it is not primarily about victory over your particular situation, but about His glory over the earth.

A.W. Tower once said, "Whom God would use greatly, He will hurt deeply."

God does not send trials to take away our joy but to increase our joy.

Just as fire purifies silver in the smelting process, trials refines our character.   They bring us a new and deeper wisdom, helping us discern truth from falsehood and giving us the discipline to do what we know is right.

Trials help us realize that life is a gift from God to be cherished not a right to be taken for granted. - Psalm 66:10-12

Dinner at Black Kettle

Dinner with Evelyn Cheng of Wycliffe, Joanna and spouse Jody of YWAM
.