Children are a gift from God

I looked on child rearing not only as a work of love and a duty, but as a profession that was fully as interesting and challenging as any honorable profession in the world and one that demanded the best I could bring to it.  What greater aspiration and challenge are there for a mother than the hope of raising a great son or daughter? - Rose Kennedy (John F. Kennedy mother)

The Bible tells us repeatedly in His Word how all children are a gift from God.  Every single life, every single child, is a reward and blessing. Whether they're bringing parents pride and joy, or whether they are teaching us how to be more patient and forgiving, children are a gift from God and a source for the growth of His Kingdom here on Earth!

God knows that children can bring us closer to Him and help grow our Christian character. Be encouraged by the following Bible verses about children and how the Lord sees them!

Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.  It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.   Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.  As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.  Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. [Psalm 127]

Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers [Proverbs 17:6]

We must be prepared to spend time in building up the relationship.  By investing time in the parents-child relationship over the years will give us huge dividends later in life.

The children God has entrusted to us are precious gifts.  A good foundation will help them to develop into mature believers who are "complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Tim.3:17) 

They say the father is a son's first hero and a daughter's first love.

NAMES for GOD

New Year Eve Steamboat Dinner

New Year Eve Steamboat dinner with the  'Cheah' at Lembah Permai.  Full of good food and fellowship.

Iron Bowl Lunch

Family lunch at Iron Bowl.

Dim Sum @ Qi Xiang Dim Sum Restaurant at Farlim, Penang

Qi Xiang Dim Sum Restaurant located at Thean Teik Road, Farlim is spacious and offers variety of foods with reasonable price.

The Lay's - fellowship at Batu Ferringhi

Blessed to spent time fellowship and encouraging one another over food. Enjoying a good chat and celebrating God's blessing and goodness talking about a multitudes of topics.

Kuih Bangkit (Tapioca Cookies)

Kuih Bangkit - In Malay "bangkit" is rise. So literally "kuih bangkit" is translated as "rising cake or rising cookies".

Kuih bangkit, a powdery sweet cookie seemed very easy to make but is in fact very challenging.  To get the melt-in-the-mouth effect is no small feat.  The tapioca flour [some uses sago or arrowroot flour] has to be pan fried with pandan [screwpine] leaves until light and fluffy.  The egg and sugar mixture is hand whipped with a spring beater until light and frothy before the cooked flour and freshly squeezed coconut milk are added to the mix.  It is then kneaded to form a soft pliable dough that is not too moist or dry.  It sounds easy, right?  Grandma and Grand Aunt certainly made it look easy but try recreating it in your modern kitchen and you will agree that this “not-too-moist-or-dry” thing is almost a fluke shot.

Blessing - celebrating the joy of faith ...

Yes, my cup runneth over.  Every morning before I get up from my bed, I thank my Maker, God Almighty, for the good life He has blessed me with.

Sure, there were hiccups in our marriage, and life was not a bed of roses.  Friends are so important.  There were trials and tribulations, of course - married life is seldom smooth sailing after all, but we survived and fervently hope for more happy years to come in the twilight years of our lives.

What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise - Oscar Wilde

Thanksgiving

Without exception, Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday of November in America and the second Monday of October in Canada.  This year that's today.  In the US, government offices, business and schools are close on Thanksgiving Day.

The celebration of Thanksgiving is, in general, a feast to give thanks for the fruits of the previous harvest, in America specifically and it dates back to the 1600s.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good - Psalm 107:1 NIV
David wrote - Psalm 103:2 - its good to remember God's past mercies, how He forgave our sins, healed us, sustained us and lavished His blessing upon us.  Continually thinking upon this will help us become more thankful and trusting.

The spiritual healthy Christian knows what to remember and what to forget.

Forget not all his benefits - Psalm 103:2

Forgetting those things which are behind - Phil 3:13

Don't let the abundance of God's gift cause you to forget the giver.

The Best Fathers Not Only Give Us Life ...

Ever since we were little, there was always this eagerness to grow up; to take the first step, to utter the first word, to attend school and quickly graduate so that we can join the working force.  Time seems to whizz past at supersonic speed.

The working years tightly scheduled our life.  Our time was fully occupied, so sacrifices were made, and we had to forgo many things.  We have to be grateful for all the blessings that we receive, and be thankful for each day that passes by without incident.








I was reflecting about growing old on this special day.  I assumed and believed we are all filial sons and daughters.  When our dads grow older and older, maybe some will have retired from their careers by now.  I wonder how many of us "love our dads" in the way that allows him to continue to be the man that he is.

Dads who are now retired are dads from a different era. Most of our dads are the strong silent types, not like many of the younger dads nowadays who will try to be good friends with their kids.

A person's spirit is the hardest to please and easiest to break.  Love comes in many disguises.  Love is not just money but attitude as well.  Reconsider how we love our dads. Mine is no longer around.  One way, even if they are no longer with us, is to show respect for the values they taught us.  If your dad still is, be thankful, and be the better son and daughter.  Love your dad better.  Some things never change, like the fragrance of home.

THE BEST FATHERS NOT ONLY GIVE US LIFE -- THEY TEACH US HOW  TO  LIVE.