IT'S MAGIC

Love is magic!

Whenever you feel alone, lost, disheartened, dysfunctional and timid, summon to mind all the people who have loved...truly, truly loved you. Remember how they made you feel. Never mind if these special people in your life are long gone, the magic remains. People...may be your grandparents, parents, teachers, childhood friends, siblings, spouse; admirers who thought the world of you and made sure you knew your power and potential. They took away your awkwardness, your fear...your aloneness...your doubt...and your timidity. In place they gave you confidence...compliments...credibility...and courage. And don't we need an extra dose of courage to help us navigate safely through these troubled times. Yes, remember all the people, every single one of them who have loved and demonstrated such intense emotions toward you; bask in the glow of their faces, gasp at the twinkle in their eyes; dance to their heavenly applause... and return the favor by loving others in the same deep manner. Wave the wand and create magic...

LOOK UP

 "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; like a medicine is a merry heart.

A broken spirit dries the bones but a merry heart is a joy from above."

The best is yet to come although it doesn't look that way right now but right now isn't here to stay! Sure we've seen better days and certainly we'll see them again. Think it...speak it...will it...pray it...work toward it; declare all that's good, positive and optimistic into our lives and the lives of those who are associated with us in some ways. Pray that this pandemic will be uprooted and eradicated forever in accelerated time! Believe and breathe life into 'dry bones' and behold the dawning of a new day; new beginning; hope for a great future. The sun will surely make its appearance and the Greater Son, the hidden hand that holds the universe in place, continues to work behind the scene arranging things to our favor. Yes and Amen. I believe, help my unbelief..

BECAUSE HE LIVES

Not a pretty picture!

That was twenty seven years ago when I first made national news!

Unfortunately it wasn't for any glamourous event or noble cause! The accident happened on that fateful morning when I had dropped my daughter off at school as usual. I was cruising happily on the highway to work enjoying my favorite songs, spun by celebrity DJ, Yasmin Yusuf, on the radio when I saw from the rear view mirror a menacing looking black Mercedes charging at me in breakneck speed. Before I could even mutter OMY, it had ploughed hard into the rear of my sporty red Mazda.

The tremendous impact resulted in a nasty pileup with me pinned at the bottom!

I had the most horrifying fright of my life! Thankfully I came out unscathed though badly shaken. That incident certainly changed my life's perspective.

Of course, since then I've had many, many more terrible, scarier and nastier encounters and experiences which have left even deeper imprints!!

I realized adversities, trials and tests, produce patience, perseverance and endurance.

In despair I've found my destiny; in pain I've found peace; in weakness I've found self worth; in forlorn agony I've found the finished work of Christ evident in my life.

In dying to self I am finding life abundant.

So grateful for all the things I once had but don't anymore.

Glad for all the people who left to make room for those meant to stay.

Awed to witness curses that turned to blessings.

And to top them all I'm truly grateful and blessed for a secured future because I know in whose hand my future lies...my Abba, my Father...

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

BRING IT ON

Once upon a time, in our youth, we were fearless! We dared to attempt the impossible. 

Impetuous, obstinate and determined we were unstoppable. We bulldozed our way through life, oblivious of consequences.  Danger was not in our vocabulary. We relished in being and were happy. Life was simple. And then we grew up! 

Inevitably, we had our share of heartbreaks, headaches, hard knocks and a fair amount of humiliations! We matured, mellowed, made peace and persevered with changes. We've become more suspicious, reserved and guarded; shed much of our naivete and embraced a new daring. Age has a way to tame the raging spirit, soothe the hurting heart and bury the unwelcome past. On reflection...what if all we've been through is a setup... Hardships-endurance-refinement = Character Building 

 How else can we ever hope to be all we were created to be...

 "Happy Sister Day," ...YOU awesome ladies who are saying, "Bring it On!"
Blessings to one and all...

WOW MOMENTS

WOW moments are scarce...fleeting...short-lived! But when they happen, the adrenaline rush stirs the senses; jolts one out of misery; brings heightened joy often indescribable.

Words, regardless of their eloquence, are inadequate to express the shocking pleasure of the moment. It makes us want to dance ...tap our feet...break out in song! We live in difficult times with endless challenges. People are crumbling under the weight of seemingly insurmountable burdens. Be the catalyst ... create WOW moments...for others and also for self.

We need these for our sanity. Tomorrow might not come for some, at least we have today...

LOVE...HARMONY...UNITY

Focus on the present...one day at a time. 

Don't get distracted! Steer clear of pessimistic and negative influences; faked news...false prophets...foolish fantasies...financial scams...filthy lies...feeble excuses. Throw them all out! Lets face it. Some times 'My Way' isn't always the best way! Instead try 'Our Way'....we don't have to do life solo. It's more meaningful with people who look out for one another. 

God's grace is sufficient for the day...the moment.  He sends fresh manna (provision) daily. Enduring peace and joy is possible only when we trust, believe and obey our Father above. Rejoice...a new day dawns.

MANAGEMENT SKILLS

To sustain a satisfying and successful relationship requires an enormous amount of skilful management!

The health of any worthwhile relationship is not dependent on feelings.
Sweet emotions such as love, sacrificial giving, tender care, gratitude, trust, surrender etc are the result ...product...of excellent Relationship Management, without which we will never taste the sweetness, satisfaction, fulfilment and fullness we so long for...

WEIRD

Celebrate being human...wild, witty, wilful, wise, weary, whimsy; weird! 

It's okay to step out of character at times. Laugh at ourselves. Leave the confines of the comfort zone!

Life is short...it can still be splendid ... sensational ...supernatural!
Good or bad; happy or sad...this too will pass. Meanwhile we look out for one another.

THIRD TOTAL MCO

Third time total lockdown ...there's absolute quietness in my neighbourhood. Even the cats and dogs aren't out to play! 

Sombre mood but life goes on. Personally, I welcome the 'solitude'...the 'silence' ... quietening of the body and spirit doeth good for the soul.

Relish the stillness; remove the distractions. Rest...relax...recharge...rejuvenate; enter into His Presence with reverence. For that is when God draws near and whispers your name.
Stay safe...stay hopeful...stay joyful...despite trying circumstances.

Home kitchen

Baking is June, our daughter-in-law's passion; pies and cookies her specialties!

From one flavour - creamy chicken - June and Brandon (our son) have developed three more flavours; beef stew pie, creamy mushroom pie and curry chicken pie bringing the total to four flavours!

I enjoy them all. My thickening waistline gives me away...points to my carnal indulgence!

Other than pies, June's cookies - pineapple ball, pure butter, melting peanut, mixed nut florentine - are available still by popular demand, even when out of season.

May 2021 marked the 1st Anniversary of their home based pie kitchen, "June's Delight." We are truly grateful and appreciative of our many loyal family, friends and customers for their thumbs up, constant support and encouragement. They give the children the much needed boost, motivation and inspiration to continue in the business.

Thank you from the heart...

Monroe Marilyn

She knew I needed a boost and so she came ... in all her splendour.

Eighteen months in the waiting! Finally she made an appearance. Although I had given up on her it appears she has not! As long as there is life, there is hope. Let faith, hope and love arise to see us through this trying time.

Sending blessings and all kind thoughts to one and all...

CATALYST

Give the gift of encouragement today. Be the beacon...the light that seeks to diminish the darkness in our presently grim world. It only takes a spark to get the fire going!

Happiness is inexhaustible. The more we give ... in greater abundance shall we receive! 

Encouragement = Happiness. 

Surely we're blessed to be a blessing

CHOICES

There are legitimate and illegitimate pleasures! 

Those that DO NOT delay...diminish...distract...destroy our divine destiny are deemed 'LAWFUL' and to be lauded. May we have a discerning spirit to distinguish the ones that are harmful from the those that are harmonious. 

Too much of a good thing can be wonderful ... unfortunately, deceitful at the same time!

WORTHY

Save the talk on prudence and frugality for another day! 

Receive with joy and gladness the affection, affirmation and approval from loved ones who applaud and appreciate you. Relish the thoughtfulness and bask in the love and adoration. You deserve it...

FOOD HEAVEN

Craving for banana leaf rice satiated. Good food, glorious weather and excellent company...what more can one asks for ... SO BLESSED AND BLISSFUL.

Available 24 hours. Surely we live in food heaven - Malaysia!

VINDICATE

We don't have to take ownership of words, opinions, hints, heresy etc. etc from individuals or groups who neither have our best interest at heart nor give two hoots about us except to make us feel guilty, shameful or unworthy. 

Let these unfair judgment brush past us!

However we ought to be sincere, teachable, humble and receptive to the constructive voice which serve to inspire, encourage, build and propel us forward. Be wise and discerning; learn to distinguish what we should accept as beneficial and reject as rubbish. Our destiny is too precious to be robbed by lies and falsehood. Let God vindicate us.

40TH ANN

"I've got you under my skin; then...now...forever..." says he.

How romantic is that?

HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY!

DECEITFUL

There are legitimate and illegitimate pleasures! 

Those that do not delay...diminish...distract or destroy our divine destiny are deemed 'lawful' and to be lauded. 

May we have a discerning spirit to distinguish good and evil. Too much of a good thing can be wonderful ... and deceitful at the same time!

NICKI

A simple ceremony to say goodbye to our old faithful friend. Our Beagle Nicki died yesterday after a short illness. She was fourteen. In all that time we've had her she gave us little trouble. She was never demanding, fussy or aggressive. She was a happy dog and loved a good tickle! Nicki was just....Nicki. Our small grandchildren are very observant. They saw how we treated her, when she became old, sick and dying. Nicki was cared for gently with kindness, patience and dignity. I believe these are important lessons in life for the young.

We miss our old friend, each one of us grieves in her/his own way.

Go in peace, old girl ... thank you for all the memories.

FELLOWSHIP

To be in a relationship is good but it is far better if fellowship is present in that relationship! Very often it is not.

A relationship that is devoid of fellowship is shallow and superficial; unfulfilling and uncomfortable; callous and cruel even. It is wearisome to body, spirit and soul. We do well to work at nurturing wholesome fellowship in all our significant relationships. Life is more colourful...more meaningful...more purposeful... more joyful...when we have deeper intimacy with people who matter to us.
Blessings to one and all.  

SHALOM

It's mostly in the mind! Subject our thoughts to our authority. Speak encouragement, inspiration, instruction, initiation and motivation to our minds. Pray...persuade...plead ...and pummel mind to submit to our command. Show mind we're the boss and experience the change we want to see in us!

Restful and relaxing weekend to all...choose faith over fear; happiness over anxiety; love over indifference...shalom