Comfort Food

I'm in London now. Eating well.

But nothing like Comfort Food:

Zarifah's mother made some walnut cake for me

Aminah slipped me some pineapple tarts and peanut cookies

And I had brought along some instant noodles

Yummy.

Google Knol on Tithing

By GOD's Grace - I have just written and published a Knol in Google. Google's Knol is similar in concept to Wikipedia. As defined by Google, a Knol is a unit of knowledge.

The title of my publication is "Tithing". It is about Biblical tithing.

All that is in there has been sourced and interpreted mainly from Pastor Joseph Prince's sermons. Only a few things in it are what I believe GOD's revelation to me about tithing. The Knol is therefore not representative of Pastor Joseph Prince nor of New Creation Church. I look forward to your comments, advice of feedback to help me improve any areas that are lacking.

Please click the following link, (and hopefully it links):

http://knol.google.com/k/voon-cheng-tiang/tithing/2gc2cgvd878qc/2

GOD bless! :)

Roots Food

I am a Singaporean Fuzhou ren - Hockchew neng - and some of the food unique to Foochows are Engchow Keh, Hockchew Nyuee Yuan, stir-fried Pak-Kwor, and the Yann. They are, respectively:

- Chicken cooked in the special red-yeast wine and paste ingredient;

- Fishballs with minced pork within it;

- Rice-flour sticks;

- Skins to wrap minced pork, which itself is made by beating a mixture of pork and flour till it becomes a translucent sheet, which is then dried. Nowadays, the skins are simply made of flour, unlike the original Yann-pi (pi for skin) Interesting?

And Mother is an expert in brewing red yeast wine and its paste ingredient. She would make several bottles of each, to use during cooking, especially on festivals and auspicious dates, and to give to family members and relatives. And woww, she cooks up a mean dish of authentic Hockchew engchow keh that my Papa and his Foochow relatives relish and give the 2-thumbs up. Although Mother is Hokkien, she learnt the Hockchew dialect to its finest nuances, intonations and accents. I've once heard a Foochow lady exclaim her surprise to learn that Mother is not a biological Hockchew.

During Chinese New Year and weddings of my siblings, Mother will always cook up a sumptuous feast that will include all of the above, plus more - such as her Ngu-Hiong (fried 5-spices spring roll) and Engzhor Tha (red dates drink). Mother also prepares and cooks the most ingredient-filled Bak-Zhang. Her bak-zhang is the Hokkien variety - fragrant with dark soy sauce, chestnut, dried shrimps, fatty pork and black mushroom! Mother can also cook braised duck. Mother passed the art of brewing Eangchow (the paste ingredient) and Eangchow Jiu (wine), and the art of cooking Eangchow Keh to my two elder sisters Ros and Pat.

Recently when my 2nd Sis Pat brought us four girls to her club for lunch, we talked about Mother's cooking. Then last week, my Eldest Sis Ros again cooked some Engchow Keh and passed it to me. Hmmm - this is what I call Roots Food: food that reminds me of my roots. In fact, I still have a bottle each of Mother's Engchow and Engchow Jiu - which she made and labeled on 8 and 9 January, 2002. This was the final batch that she brewed. The two bottles are tightly sealed and there is no sign of deterioration, except that the wine has evaporated somewhat.

The photos posted above shows my Eldest Sis Ros' engchow keh which she brewed and cooked, and a bowl of Hokchew nyuee-yuan and the yann, which she bought. Roots Food - satisfying to the appetite, aromatic to the senses, invigorating to the roots. Yummm!

I am proud to be a Hockchew Neng who enjoys my engchow keh and other Hockchew cai (dishes). Thank GOD for my Hockchew roots!

The Tree

A few months ago, Carolina gave me a gift (bless her!) - a little plastic jar. In it are many rolled-up strips of Bible verses. Occasionally I will unroll one to read. There is a term called 'The Rhema Word of GOD' which, I was told is a Scripture verse that, when I read it, 'jumps upon' me, is especially edifying, and immediately fills a personal need in a particular circumstance.

This happened when I read one of the verses recently. It is about 'trees'. Although I have many, many of GOD's promises and assurances regarding my forthcoming one year study in Europe - there are still many unknowns in the pipeline. Gracious Father GOD used one of these precious verses to once-more establish me in His love, grace and shalom-peace.

The Scripture verse is from Jeremiah 17:7,8 which I personalize into:

“In CHRIST JESUS - blessed is Voon-Cheng who trusts in the Lord JESUS,

And whose hope is Him.

For Voon-Cheng shall be like a tree planted by the waters,

Which spreads out its roots by the river,

And Voon-Cheng will not fear when heat comes; but my leaf will be green,

And Voon-Cheng will not be anxious in the year of drought,

Nor will I cease from yielding fruit."

While the world has received its report-book for the 2008/2009 year of 'drought' caused by recession and inflation, praise GOD that He comforts me that the 'year of drought' will not harm me. The word 'hope' means a confident and joyful expectation of GOD's good things to happen in my life! And what do I need to do? It is written that I only need faith to trust and hope in Him. Letting His peace guard my heart and my mind - do not be anxious about anything; and letting not my heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. This, I have to hold unswervingly to.

Jer 17;7,8 is a mirror verse of Psalm 1:3, that says, (also personalized):

"In CHRIST JESUS, Voon-Cheng shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,

Voon-Cheng bring forth fruit in its season,

My leaf also shall not wither;

And whatever Voon-Cheng does shall prosper."

The 'rivers of water' that I am planted by refers to The HOLY SPIRIT in me (John 7:37-39) - which is imparted after JESUS' death. Hence the two passages exhort me to never forget to focus on The Finished Work of CHRIST at the cross for me:

* He shed His Blood and died to forgive all my sins - and gave me His Righteousness;

* His Body was wounded to heal me of all my diseases - and gave me His Resurrection Life.

Upon a tree on Calvary Hill, The SON of GOD was hung as a curse for me - that I receive His blessings forevermore (Galatians 3:13,14).

He gave His Life for me on a tree of death and the curse - that I am today grafted into The Tree whose foliage is always green, who will never fail to bear fruit, and through This Tree of Life - whatever I do prospers and is successful. Thank You, LORD JESUS.

New Identity

On my way to church today, I saw three Cosplay characters, and took a photo with them. Their characters are, from left: Karda, Lavi, and Komui - all from the D.Gray-Man series. Many people do not think much of people who go for Cosplay. But I admire their courage, their creativity. They really need much dare to stand up for their pursuit, to display their Cosplay characters in public - literally being uncommon. Generally the common mass tend to pull down those who are uncommon, don't you think so? Who knows I may be a Cosplay fan if various conditions were favourable, *ahem*, one of them being, *cough*, age. Cosplay fans assume a new identity when they are dressed up in their favourite characters. They no longer become a common person.

In CHRIST JESUS, GOD's Word says that I am a new creation (2 Co 5:17) - and it all began with the love and The Finished Work of CHRIST at the cross (v14). All old things connected to me have passed away, and woww! everything about me in Him has become completely new. In the past, I try to be a righteous believer by keeping laws. But this old mindset is gone. Now, my new mindset is: I know that I am righteous because CHRIST died for me (v20).

This is the new mindset in His grace. And I am set apart from being common, by His shed Blood at the cross for me. I have become uncommon. I am set apart in His love, His grace and His Finished Work. In Him, I have an everlasting new identity: I am a new creation; and I am no longer common, but divinely set apart.

Celebrating Life

Today, on Sat. 9 Aug 08 - I celebrate life.

I celebrate new life - Mona and Hubert's new born son arrived 3 days ago - a bundle of delight for new parents, their families and relative, and us friends. The photos above are Mona and Hubert's new born son, Mona and Hubert at their wedding dinner - cutting cake and pouring champagne; and Mona with an elegant baby bump. I rejoice with both proud parents their new roles, new dreams, and a new horizon. May GOD bless Mona and Hubert with many, many joyful days ahead, and His guardian angel to watch over their new born son.

I continue to celebrate friends. Carolina, Linda and myself visited proud parents Mona and Hubert and baby boy yesterday. After that we had another round of coffee, cake and chat. I'm grateful that I have friends with whom I can just talk at lengths about everything that friends can confide in. May GOD continue to bless Carolina and Linda and their families richly.

Singapore's 43rd National Day being today - I celebrate my wonderful Nation Singapore together with it's nearly 5 mil population. I am certainly proud and privileged in being a Singapore Citizen. I love Singapore, and pray for continued showers of blessings for its leaders, its citizens and all who live, work and visit here. Indeed, there was a refreshing rain before the actual parade began in the evening.

I celebrate also the spirit of sportsmanship at the Beijing Olympics. I applaud the decision 30 years ago in 1978 by the Chinese government to soften its Marxist-Leninist rule, and open the doors of China to the world. May GOD continue to open the hearts and minds of its leaders and peoples regarding freedom and spiritual freedom.

I praise GOD for His Life in me through CHRIST JESUS. I celebrate His love and His grace. I echo the psalmist in Psalms 63:3, and declare: "I praise You GOD, because Your lovingkindness is better than life itself." Sometimes I am too busy with life and its activities. When I quieten down and rest in His Presence - I meditate on His everlasting love and immense grace over my life. Then I realize how much 'life' pales in comparison with His tender-mercies.

Above all - even as I celebrate this earthly life, I celebrate His lovingkindness, which is far better than life itself.

The EM MA SEN Programme

My itinerary for the EM MA SEN programme is:

* 26Aug 08 to 10Sep 08: Roehampton Uni, London, UK

* 11Sep 08 to 27Feb 09: Fontys Uni, Tilburg, Netherlands

* 27Feb 09 to 13Mar 09: Charles Uni, Prague, Czech Republic

* 14Mar 09 to 1Sep 09: Any one of the above 3, depending on where I've decided to complete my dissertation.

The Erasmus Mundus Masters in Special Education Needs (EM MA SEN) is a one-year, bond-free scholarship ($E24,200) offered by the European Commission, and conducted at the above 3 universities - with a focus on Inclusion and Inclusive Education for persons with special needs.

The parent Erasmus Programme is an impressive programme comprising several accredited courses of study spread throughout Europe. Mundus means 'world' in Latin. Hence, the Erasmus Mundus Programme is the international version of the parent programme, established since 2003.

It is named after the Dutch classical scholar, humanist and theologian - Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus (or, popularly known as Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam), who lived between 1466 - 1536. He has been accorded "the crowning glory of the Christian humanists" whose works include: The Praise of Folly, Handbook of a Christian Knight, On Civility in Children and many others. He was one of the outspoken Renaissance humanists who, being learned in languages, raised pertinent questions that would later influence the Reformation.

He was an open critic of clerical abuses within the Vatican and the church. He was part of the group of Reformers who charted new and critical horizons of the Christian faith, especially of its practice. One key development was that he continued to embrace the Catholic idea of free will, antagonizing the Protestant Reformers, one of whom was Martin Luther, who favoured the doctrine of predestination.

The programme is currently open for application and selection towards the Aug 2009 intake. Please visit the website for more details: www.roehampton.ac.uk/admissions/erasmusmundus/index.html

Besides the MA SEN Scholarship, it is also offering a Human Rights Practice (HRP) Scholarship for those with a passion in this area, and is held in universities in Sweden and Norway. Do let your friends know about these two generous bond-free available scholarships.

De-Cluttering

It all started I-don't-know-when and I-don't-know-how. Maybe it was 'once upon a time'.

With the hectic work lifestyle, and the luxury of owner-residence - there was this lady who did just three things: 1) She bought things and kept things. 2) She bought things and kept things. You know what's the third.

The blessed day came when 1) She got a 1-yr scholarship to study in Europe. 2) She got 2 months off-work to prepare things. 3) She casually mentioned to good friend Carolina Chan about this bugger called 'The Clutter in The House'.

Trust the trusty good friend Carolina to do this: Thoughtfully, she shopped for and bought NY Times Bestseller "It's All Too Much" by Peter Walsh - and gave it to that lady, author not included. And trust the Grace of God - just one page - I repeat - just one page did it. To be exact - it was one paragragh. It hit the nail real neat. Right on cluttering due to "sentimental value".

"Do you hold on to stuff because "it reminds me of the past"? Do you worry that in letting go of an item you will have to let go of those memories? ... Are you afraid that if this ('precious' thing) is gone, you will lose that part of your past forever?"

This lady sat down and was amazed how clarifying those words were. And how absurd it was for the need to link beautiful memories to visible things. It can ... but it absolutely didn't need to.

From the photos above, you could see the evidence of God's grace in using situations, a good friend, and a good book - to teach me sensible things in which I had, over the years, lost some perspective of. The first photo shows the lot that a Thrift Shop will collect tomorrow. The second shows another lot to be collected by 800Super Waste Recycling. Thank God, thank Carolina, and thank Peter. Whew - the indescribable lightness of being de-cluttered. And baby, the good news is that there're more to go - hallelujah!

However, if I'm not careful - I might just give myself away one of these days!

My UK Visa

Praise The LORD, the British Govt granted my UK Visa 3 days after my application. I'm now able to stay in UK as a student till end of Oct 2009.

Today

One of Paul, my youngest brother's favourite songs many years ago was 'Today', popularized by John Denver, words and music by Randy Sparks. I had kept Paul's handwritten lyrics of this song. The year could be between the late 70s to early 80s. There's even a drawing of a bee, possibly sipping a dew of sweet wine. The lyrics reflected Paul's free-spiritedness in living the max for the moment. He's not the type who will waste his time fretting about tomorrow or feeling bad about yesterday. The song contains 4 mentions of "Today and Now", 2 for "tomorrow", and only 1 for "yesterday".

God promised me that He is my Ever-Present Help in times of need. He is all for today. Once I heard a sermon that exhorted me not to be trapped by "if-only" and "what-if". "If-only" refers to the regrets, the condemnation, the shame and guilt of things that I had done, or not done, yesterday. "What-if" is the worry, the anxiety, the desperation and the oppression of bad things that may happen tomorrow.

My God promised me that He is my God of Grace (in fact, exceedingly abundant Grace) for all my Todays. Christ had shed His Blood, died for me to forgive me all sins and to give me His gift of righteousness. His Body was broken for me to heal me of all my diseases and to to impart His resurrection life in me. He was hung on the cross to redeem me from all curses, and imput His blessings in me. Hence "if-only" and "what-if" cannot entrap me anymore. What do I have to do? I simply rest, believe and receive - hallelujah!

God's Word also said that where sin tries to increase in my life, His exceedingly abundant grace abounds over the sin. There are times when "if-only condemnation" and "what-if worry" (these are derivatives of sin) try to increase in my life. I simply hold unswervingly to Jesus' finished work at the cross for me - and let His grace abounds over the "if-only" and the "what-if"!

The lyrics for 'Today' is:

"Today, while the blossoms still cling to the vine

I'll taste your strawberries, I'll drink your sweet wine

A million tomorrows shall all pass away

'Ere I forget all the joy that is mine today.

I'll be a dandy and I'll be a rover

You know who I am by the songs that I sing

I'll feast at your table, I'll sleep in your clover

Who cares what tomorrow may bring

I can't be contented with yesterday's glory

I can't live on promises winter to spring

Today is my moment and now is my story

I'll laugh, and I'll cry, and I will sing."

I can still hear Paul singing Today today.

The Path He has for Me

When I first heard of this Scripture expounded by the preacher - Proverbs 4:18 "The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the perfect day" - I was amazed by God's promise to me. Because I am the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus, it means that His path for me is like the radiance of dawn, and it will continue to shine ever brighter. It means that my today's-path is brighter than my yesterday's-path. It may not seem so in the secular world and in the earthly sense - but I've got to believe in faith that it is so, according to God's truth and promise. When a few ex colleagues heard that I'm leaving my previous job, they were well intentioned, and voiced some natural comments - mostly regarding the down-economy. It took me over a month to decide to accept and proceed with the scholarship for further studies. One of God's words that encouraged me is the above Pro 4:18. It assured me that my scholarship-days will shine brighter than my employment-days; and after that, my post-scholarship-days will again shine brighter than my scholarship-days. This is God's Path for me, certainly not my natural path. (The photo that I've uploaded is just a natural path @ AMK, only for the purpose of adding some colour to this posting)

Words that Feed, not Beat

I was deeply touched when I read Justice Tay Yong Kwang's words to convicted soldier Dave Teo, on the premium page of The Straits Times, Tue 8Jul08. I'm sure many felt that way too, like good friend Carolina who agreed keenly; and no less the paper's editor. This is one of the very rare occasions in which our national papers would highlight a judge's comments on its front page and top position to cap it all.

The poignant part of his advice to Dave was: "It has been written, 'To everything there is a season'. There was a time when you loved, there came a time when you hated. There was a time when you felt you wanted to kill, now is the time for you to heal. There was a time you were broken down, now is the time to build yourself up. There was a time when you were at war in your being, now is the tme to restore peace within." (you can click on the photo to enlarge it if you wish to read the Justice's other comments) I recognize that the exhortation reflects God's words in the book of Ecclesiastes chpt 3.

The shepherd-heart of Justice Tay is so crystal clear for all to see. He didn't assume his seat with a judge-heart. It is so easy to use words that beat the errant. It is indeed precious that he chose words that feed the soul and the spirit. Words that build up, words that edify, words that encourage.

My prayers go to Dave that he shall one day open his heart to The Good Shepherd Jesus Christ. The Good Shepherd is the only one who can heal the wounds, restore the broken heart, give rest for the soul, and love unceasingly. May God continue to bless Justice Tay that he'll continue to minister wisely to persons brought before his judgement. And may Abba nurture a shepherd-heart in me - so that my words feed, not beat. These I pray in Jesus' Name, amen.

My Netherlands Visa

Thank God, my Netherlands visa came through successfully this afternoon :) I heard from a friend that her friend had some difficulty in getting her Netherlands visa - so, I am thankful that by God's grace. the NL office called me this morning to say I could pick up my visa in the afternoon. It was quite a thorough process. I had to have a document extracted from Immigration Authority, which took one week, then have it certified at Foreign Affairs, before it could be legalized at the NL Embassy. After that I had to lodge it, with other documents, as part of my application.

I appreciate the stringent procedures, which in turn, will benefit all who are staying or visiting Netherlands, including myself.

By the way, I've just learnt some interesting facts about The Netherlands:

1) Famous personalities include Anne Frank, Johan Cruyff, Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt.

2) The Dutch are statistically the tallest people in the world - with reasons ranging from genetics diet, and the country's wealth

3) There are about 16mil bicycles in NL, about one for every inhabitant, which is its 16mil population. Singapore's population is 4.5mil

4) Easily 200 nationalities live in NL, especially Amsterdam, its capital.

5) 'Netherland' means 'low country' - as about a quarter of its land is below sea level.

6) Netherlands is commonly called Holland because two of its 12 provinces - North Holland and South Holland - were the most developed and prosperous during the 17th century. Today, both provinces continue their wealth trend, and are heavily populated, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague (NL's Seat of Government). Hence Holland tend to be used interchangeably with Netherlands, although the other 10 provinces may have a slight frown upon this.

7) Longest N-S distance is 300km; longest E-W distance is 200km. Compare this with Singapore's 23km N-S; and 42km E-W. NL's surface area is 41,528 sqkm compared with our approx 693 sqkm. Their highest peak is 323m, while ours is 164m.

8) Well known Dutch brands include: Philips, Shell, G-Star, Heineken, Unilever.

9) NL is an independent 'self service' society. Typical Dutch expressions are: "We're all equal", "One thing at a time", "It's a Dutch treat", "All individual opinions are important".

10) The scholarship that I've been awarded with is named after Desiderius Erasmus - a renowned Dutch humanist, theologian, and scholar (1466 - 1536AD).

11) New York City (USA), Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Jakarta (Indonesia) were once Dutch colonies.

12) While the Netherlands flag is red, white and blue, its peoples have a passion for the colour orange. This is because orange is the colour of the Dutch Royal Family. Netherlands' current dynasty is the House of Oranje-Nassau. The lineage dates back to the royal Willem van Oranje. Today in a broader perspective, the colour orange depicts the country's pride and identification. The (former) Queen's birthday is celebrated on April 30th, and many inhabitants throng the streets in a show of orange solidarity.

National Day Parade Rehearsal

After attending the MOE Excel Fest on Sat 5Jul08, I mingled with the crowds around the seafront to catch some overspill of the action of the National Day Parade Rehearsal. The aerial stunts by the Black Knights was quite a treat, but the fireworks never fail to draw applause. As the National Anthem played, I stood at attention. I truly am proud and feel blessed to be a Singaporean. May God continue to bless our nation, grant wisdom to our leaders, nurture our children and families, hedge us from terror, and prosper our peoples and our land.

Change is as Constant as Change can be

These 2 photos show AMK Hub during construction in May06, and months after its opening in Dec07. Things change. Someone coined 'change is the only constant'. I've modified it slightly to the title above. The book 'Who moved my cheese?' highlighted the inevitable change that everyone has to face. There are so many, so many philosophies about change. From the 2 pix, it showed that the change had been good for the majority and generally.

He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brocycle

The tree sang: He ain't heavy ... he's my brocycle. Pix taken in Oct 06, on my way to work. The real evidence of any relationship is not when things are going well. It is when things are not smooth and yet there is no forsaking. Humans may disappoint each other. God's word assures me that Jesus will never forsake me.

A Promise is a Promise

An old bookmark caught my eye when I was searching for something else. It brought on tons of memory. Where should I begin? I begin with 1986 when I received Jesus as my Saviour. From then, my earnest prayers were for my parents to also come to a saving faith of Him. They had been staunch taoists. I clung onto what God promised in Acts16:31 "Believe in The Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household".

You can click on bookmarks to enlarge pix.

In 1990, a dear church sister gave me this bookmark "What God hath promised". The initial comfort I drew from its message was that God will always grant me "strength for the day, rest for the laborer, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, undying love".

When I was studying in Melbourne during 1996 - I was inspired by The Holy Spirit to pen this: "God hath not promised that my parents always be with me; But God hath promised that they be with me always!" I was moved, well, very moved - and my tears stained my words.

Mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2002. Heavy hearted, I had to draw deeper from God. One of the ways was to personalize His assurances: In Christ - God hath promised VC, strength for VC's day, rest for the laborer VC, light for VC's way, grace for VC's trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, undying love.

On 16Jul02, Deacon Ng and Sis Christina from New Creation Church - responding from the invitation of my dear brother Paul - lead mother to a glorious saving faith in Jesus. I was present by her bedside and witnessed it - hallelujah! On 3Aug02, my papa also received Christ as his Saviour! Mother and papa returned to glory in Sep and Dec 02 respectively.

In Jan03, as I was writing my testimony "Nothing but the Grace of God" for my church newsletter, I chanced upon the bookmark again. This time, I was more than well moved. And this time, joyful tears celebrate His promise manifested.

Yes, mother & papa cannot always be with me.

But in Christ Jesus, they will be with me always - forever unto everlasting. Thank you Father God! Your promise was indeed a promise.

I Ain't Paying Attention

Today, I share a photo that I snapped in 2006. While everybody (and every camera) was paying attention to the glamorous show on stage, I wasn't.

Relaxed Day

Today began with having lunch with a good friend, her new-born son, and her mom. Baby cuddled off to sleep after milk session and after doing some baby business, ahem. Nothing compares to resting in the bosom of a parent. Then I went to immigration and foreign affairs to get a travel document. Thank God it was so smooth, exceeding my expectations. As foreign affairs was so close to Botanic Gardens, I popped in for a short browse before heading home. Of course I couldn't resist taking some photos and sharing them here. I'm impressed by the 4 tiny flowers of an arid plant - they simply are themselves - blooming inspite of the harsh environment. Shalom.