The Mistaken Success

We all like to be successful. We want to be part of the “airs…”. We want to be a millionaire, billionaire, trillionaire and all the airs or the hairs.

Hey, STOP! According to John C. Maxwell in his book Failing Forward success is not just define by the measure of wealth, fame and power. It is more than that. I agree with him and I want to be successful. Success is only success when it is defined in these terms;

Knowing your purpose in life
Growing to reach your potential
Sowing the seeds that benefit others

You see, lately me and my colleagues are required to work from Monday to Sunday and Monday to Sunday continuously. And I did it for 4 weeks without resting. To many even to myself I felt that it was scratch of abuse to life by putting all our eggs into the "work basket" and neglecting all that it is important in life.

Even though I have been neglecting my responsibilities for the past one month for things that are more important but I was trying my best to look at the welfare of my company, taking care of its interest and wanting to do my best in my last three months notice before I leave. If I want to take glory, I would give all the glory to my God.

Currently, how to do my best in my company? Is to trade my energy and seizing the opportunity to sell as much as I can but not allowing the work to go into my head! Not to promote workaholic because I felt that this will hurt us in the end in a way or another. Success is sowing the seed that benefit others, not for own glory. You can do it unseen, untold and un-brag-about-it. Uhh, am I too blunt? I have one problem, I tend to brag. Don’t we?

More than that, as an agent in the marketplace, I believe we are put there for a purpose. Some may want to build their numbers in their bank accounts while others to build their own names. But there is a purpose to more than that. Know what is yours as I know I really do not want to promote any form of exploits to the labour market and not even to give in – firstly, by making a stand for what is right, fair and just. Why? In the history, employees often complaint that their boss exploits them but in actual fact, employees are the ones who allows it. Agree?

Remember the definition of success? Don’t get me wrong, I am also not promoting laziness or asking you to put all the blame to the company. It is all about focus and the right mindset. Promoting what is right, fair and just which eventually will make a difference to our nation and the world, through ONE LIFE, through your life. You may see that your life is tiny and can't do much, but you are wrong.

But I have seen people, once given authority and power, they tend to hem on the powerless, poorer and less smart. You know friends; our purpose and potential can be more than that. We ought to focus on sowing seeds that benefit others and not our own. It will do more harm when we focus inwardly and not outwardly. True?

If you are given the power and authority, remember Spiderman? The greater your power, the greater is your responsibility. Remember Transformer? You ought to be protector and not destroyer. Yes, it is okay if you are being hurt for fighting what is right. We ought to know that the ones that fights for righteous and stand for his faith will always be the minority, the rejected, the misunderstood, alone and feeling like a failure. But you will have peace, the peace that transcends all understanding.

Going back to what John C. Maxwell said, “Failure is merely a price to pay for achievements or your success journey.” If you feel that all your efforts are not being rewarded or appreciated and feeling like a failure then just remember the definition of success and failure again. Keep that in mind.

So do you still want to be successful? :) Be one. You have all my moral support.

Heaven is my home...

This is a very nice verse I heard from a song. And I really feel it when I sing it with my eyes closed.

Whenever I drive to Selayang for work, and I listen to this song I really taste the love of God as I admire His creation. Living in PJ is different because I won’t be able to see as many mountains blanket over the earth as I traveled on the long peaceful super highway.

In some of the mornings I will see white cloudy mist covering the mountains and sometimes they are very green on a sunny morning. Sometimes the mountains are hazy too. They so beautiful, they are same mountains yet look different every day.

This is the time I have peace and communion with God before I start my work. In life we hear too much noise and so much of suggestion or maybe listening too much of my own flesh – I am bored, tired, busy, stess….EWW! Get off me you ugly words. Yes, often we fail to listen to what is eternal and GOOD. So, my morning boost from the heavenly touch really melts my heart and quenches my thirsty soul.

I remembered Rick Warren once told in one of his book that God created us as a human being that longs for perfection and eternity. No matter how we run or hide against our design, we can never escape, for God has created us in His image. We are always looking for the best ways and things or perfections with our partners, at home or our work and even our boss or ourselves. Have you wondered? I did.

Let us just listen to that small voice. Refreshing our vision. Realigning the goal of our life. What is life all about? Where are you heading with your partner, family, activities, money or even career? What is my reasoning?

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than yours. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and make it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for eater, so is my word goes out from my mouth will not return empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:8-11)

And then the Lord says;

“You will go out in joy and he led forth in peace, the mountains and hills will burst into songs before you and the trees of the field will clap their hands…” (v.12)

May the Lord bless our every move – success and failure is not important, but the purpose and will for our life.  In the midst the ups and downs of my life, heaven is still my home.

Memory of a dear friend… The legacy he has left behind….

Contributed by Evelyn Kuang

Connor Wong

(21st Aug 1968 –14th Sept 2008)

He is a man of God. He had a sacrificial heart, a loving soul, a persevering spirit and a giver. Here is one man who had shown a powerful testimony of faith...

Connor Wong had recently returned to be with the Lord on the 14^th of Sept 2008. He was a dedicated CG Leader in PJN1 and he had served in the Nepali Sangati for many faithful years. He served even when he fell sick and was diagnosed with cancer.

Connor simply lived a life of serving others. He gave more than he took. He had a heart of mission and always gave his time and effort into reaching out to the lost, serving the needy.

Jesus said that we must consider others more important than ourselves in Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Connor had definitely lived this out in his life and shown through his actions in serving others.

Connor’s life has left many of us reflecting on how we should grab hold of the time we have on earth to live a life worthy of God’s calling. During the wake service, Pastor Chris challenged us to live our lives purposefully by looking at Connor’s life – not just to run this race of life but more importantly, to finish it well.

We are reminded of this in 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

On another hand, I was also very touched by the love shown by the friends around Connor. During his last two weeks in the hospital, Connor has seen and experienced a lot of love.

There were people who took special care of him and his family by running the extra mile to be by their side and to meet their needs. They selflessly gave their time, effort and love to serve in a practical way. His Mentoring Accountability Group (MAG) and a few close friends were exceptional in loving this brother.

Moreover, there were many, many, many others, behind the scenes, who have risen up to intercede for him. There was even a 24 hours prayer schedule to cover Connor with prayers. All in all, many cell groups that rose up in their faith by just battling it together with Connor with their prayer and emotional support.

This is real Christianity that models the Spirit of Christ. I am thankful for this network of faithful Christian friends and truly encouraged to experience Jesus in our midst here in DUMC. I am even surprised that many non-Christians visited Connor too and I am certain that they caught a glimpse of what loving others mean in the body of Christ.

Here are some touching eulogies from people whose lives have been truly impacted by Connor by the way he lived. Indeed, something that we could all learn together and be inspired to live our life purposefully for God while we are still here on earth. (click on the link below if you are connected to the internet. Feel free to leave a comment as well, if you know this dear brother.)

http://connorwong.blogspot.com/2008/09/in-memory-of-dear-friend.html

Truly, the memory of our dear brother Connor would remain close to our hearts for a very long, long time. May he encourage you in the same manner.

God bless.

Cornor....Shared by Alvin Yeo

I did not share further last nite on this because the emotion was just too much for me.

I mentioned if we were to think of something Connor said, it would not be much, infact, it may be none... but many of us can testify to the many acts of servant hood and support he has given to us. He has never let us down and even in his own time of distress, he found time to minister to the needs of others, always putting others before himself.

We have actually been face to face with Jesus as Connor has mirrored His image of grace, mercy and love to us. I am priveleged to have encountered Him through Connor.

For those whom are not christians, they have also had an encounter with God. A God moment where they may not have realised or been able to distinguish. So if they remember Connor and his acts of support and kindness, remember also Jesus whom came for us, and Connor knew this and instead of telling you about Jesus, he Showed us Jesus.

Would have been very powerful to many in the wake last night...

Out of ICU, Check-in to Heaven

Connor Wong

21st Aug 1968 –14th Sep 2008

A lil' touch of Cornor

I just came back from Tung Shin hospital. The doctor said that Cornor’s condition is critical. His cancer spread to his lungs and he has difficulty in breathing. The doctor also said that he has 3 more days to live and we are praying for miracle.

As I was reflecting back about him, I saw his smiling face. Within his thin frame, he got the THREE “S” – steady, still and strong. He is persistent and a determined man. He is really strong man at heart and full of God’s spirit because he is always serving and caring. Always adding sugar to people’s life! Cornor is truly a man of God. :)

I met Cornor last year. Before I even knew him, I heard of his name in our Church. Cornor is an easy name to remember. I knew about him even more when Calvin spoke a lot about him, they seem to be very close. At that time Calvin and I were still friends.

On 7.7.7, I attended my friend’s wedding, and that was the first time I met Cornor Wong. He is a quiet and friendly person. I heard so much about him, how much he cares for his cell group and giving his life and heart to the Lord to serve the cell group.

Last March 2008, we found out that he was diagnosed with lymph node cancer. He went for his treatment for the past few months. After that he looks so healthy and cheerful. I can never forget his smiling face when I see him in church. Often I see and I hear how he is always everywhere when help is needed. Looking back, he even came to paint Calvin’s house, in his health condition.

He really impressed us; everyone is talking about how he took cab for his entire trips to hospital. Until last Sunday, Calvin received a sms from Cornor saying that, “I can’t breath, I will faint.” Then, Kelvin Yong went off to see Cornor in his house, and arranged the ambulance to take Cornor.

We visited him on Monday, 26th August 2008. At that time he still speaks a word or two. He was breathing very loudly and we were told he is infected with pneumonia. Today, he doesn’t really speak but he writes to communicate with us. He can’t really speak because of difficulty in breathing. In fact, his cancer has spread to his lungs.

Many of our church friends visited him at hospital. They sang praises to the Lord for his goodness and blessings. We are indeed thankful to have Cornor.

Thought I only know him for that one year and barely know him personally but the lil’ touch of Cornor has left a deep memory in my heart. His life, an aroma to many people.

Cornor, we love you! See you in Church!

Sunday Morning

A typical Sunday morning....

Breakfast at kopitiam

My New Bag

Nice or not?

WHosE DreAm?

It was indeed one of the greatest days of my life to remember – my friend went with me to the "Whose Dream?" production in my church. A very nice drama which is humorous and the story was soup to our souls. What a lovely night!

I really thank God for the wonderful time together with my friend. She is my long time school friend, which we have grown apart and now catching up again. In fact, she moved back to PJ, and stays just right behind of my house. I’m so happy that she is nearer.

It was August 2nd 2008, we went to watch the drama about a story of dreams, aspirations and all about PRAWN MEE! The story is about this young man whose dream is to be a chef. And his father who is a prawn mee seller was so disappointed and devastated when he knew that his son wants to be a chef. His dad’s dream for him is to be an accountant and not to be like him, a cook in any form of cook. So his son took the difficult choice, left his family and went off to London to pursue his dream.

However, years later when he came back, he didn’t become a chef. But he produces a famous prawn mee paste back in London. When he came back to Malaysia, his dad in the end was so proud of him BUT STILL did not acknowledge or even tell son that he is happy with his son’s success.

The story tells me that many times in life we face rejection, abandonment and isolation from our society and even from our loved ones. Nothing is more hurtful than being rejected by our own family, even just like this story about how his father rejected his son’s dream. Because of “rejection” and “wanting our ways” in people life always ends up everything upside down.

But we know that we have our Abba Father, in Heaven can fix it. He is our creator who accepts us with open arms and loves us dearly who can turn our mourning to joy, our hurt to gladness and our weakness to strength. He is the author of our life and perfecter of our faith, if we let Him. :)

God speed His love2U!

Take a Break with Me

Beautiful Ixora

These can actually grow up into a mini tree and they are only RM 7.50

Just love them

Gardening & Landscaping has been the Chi's family (my mother's surname) expertise.

My Job @ Newlake Development S/B

Taman Damai Jaya under construction
When I was a little girl, my dad always bring me to his site.

Some of these pictures, really reminds me of my dad's pictures when he was younger.

Feels like my daddy...construction line runs in my dad's family.

Gardening and home decorating runs in my mom's family.

And me....I am like them. :)

One Life Revolution

OLR at Dream Centre

Last Saturday, I went for the One Life Revolution (OLR) Exibit at Dream Centre. OLR is an experiential exhibit where it allows visitors like you and I to walk through the life of a broken child who endured extraordinary hardships because of HIV/AIDS and trafficking.

I was given an earpiece to listen to the narration and walked through the exhibit. I walked through two person’s life. One of them is SM from Cambodia.

SM is from Cambodia, at age of 10 her father died and her mom remarried. When her mom remarried, she was abandoned with her grandmother. Later, she went to the city to look for her mom, but couldn’t survive there so she was forced to the brothel homes. She was forced to have sex to old men locals and tourists without condom while she was still a child. (I also found out that the average income in Cambodia is RM 3.50 per month!!!)

One day, she got very sick that the brothel home agent brought her to the clinic, from there she ran away. She got herself checked at a clinic but like any other child, would like to hear the good news that she is healthy but she was diagnosed with HIV POSITIVE.

I was her in the narration. After I (Syree Mom) received my report that I was HIV positive, I have to wait with others with HIV positive for someone who is willing to take me. Then, someone took her in. Today, SM is a volunteer at World Vision. She was being treated and now making awareness for World Vision to give hope to those who are like her.

To me, there is still hope. HIV cannot stop them unless we stop them. We can give hope through World Vision. :D

After the exhibit, I filled up the form to sponsor a child. I chose the option to sponsor as little as RM50.00 per month for the child to receive medication, supplies, education and shelter. I believe this child will be someone. I remembered John Maxwell said, “Start now, for a new end.” Every child can have a new end, if they can start now. Kudos to my colleague who also sponsored a child after sharing with her about these kids. :D

There are many like SM waiting for people to sponsor them. If you are interested to sponsor a child or donate, please do visit:

http://www.wvi.org/

or

http://www.worldvision.com.my/

or

https://www.worldvision.com.my/onelife/

"One Life, Do Something." Thank you and God bless you abundantly. :D

Faith vs Problems Dominating

When I woke up this morning, this was the first image that came to my vision. Every morning I have one vision. I believe this is the power I received since the Nights of Fire; I have attended at my Church.

Many of us are so afraid of problems that we let fears dominates us. Who is fear? Do you know him? Then, why do we entertain them by believing them??? Hmm...What should we do??

I was telling some of my friends that I believe I would settle my education loan with PTPTN within these two months. I believed it and there is nothing more rewarding and feeling good about believing in settling your debts soonest.

“Now FAITH is being sure of what you hope for and being CERTAIN of what you do not see.” Hebrew 11:1, AD70


Can you imagine what is happening every month when I was paying for my PTPTN monthly installment? I paid RM 100 monthly and from that RM 100, there is an admin fee of RM 40ish deducted!!! It means I have been paying RM 60 every month for the past one year.

My personal desire is to be debt free. Last year on December 2007, I cleared my Credit Card debts. So, I am free from Credit Card debts!

Today, another personal desire for me to achieve is to settle my education loan. My desire is to set myself free from this burden. I thank God for my parents (Kudos to my parents!) who bought me insurance with a unit trust investment, which I will be selling it. With that “X” amount I am able to settle more than 70%.

I am very much in agreement with Mark Conner’s statement,

“Money … everyone wants more of it. Somehow we think it is the answer to all of our problems.

No doubt money has great power … for good or for evil. It all depends on our attitude towards it and how we use it.

One of your goals should be to be financially ‘free’. In other words, to have your needs met and enough to give away. That’s a good definition of ‘prosperity’.”

Welcome New Things

New curtains, affordable and soothing to your eyes.

New dining table, custome made from Kuching (recommended by Auntie Doreen)

New orchid, from Ikea at RM 29.90 a set

Fruits for Life

Uncle and Auntie preparing fruits every morning

See, happy couple! :D

Every morning, I would take a few minutes walk to the fruit sellers. I have been buying from them every morning. At first, I felt like we were strangers, but hey, why can't we be friends? Now, they are my morning friends.

Yes, the price of a small packet of fruits is RM1 but what can RM1 do compared to the fruit that enters our body? Giving that RM1 a day for fruits will be bonus to your health.

Going to the fruit stall to me is healthy ...

1. I get to loose some fats on my legs as I walk there
2. I get to spend time chatting with my fruit seller friends
3. I get to support them in this weakening economic times
4. I get to refresh myself with FRUITS.... *slurpy juicy*

Today is a Good Day!

Today is a good day because the fund prices are up! YAY!

This means, in the midst of such prolonged market downturn, there is a rise. And rise is a positive outlook for our economy.

Even though the prices are very low now, but low prices are the best time to buy because it is like a MEGA-SALES.

In investment, the best time to buy is when the prices are LOW! However, I would like to add, that making an investment need patience, and take time to learn. Remember, understand what you are investing, and make sure it is not a quick rich schemes!!!

Mark Conner's Space

This is a cool blog.

http://markconner.typepad.com/catch_the_wind/

Tells you about marriages, life decisions, money issue and etc. A good one to visit. :)

To fear "FEAR" itself

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

On March 4, 1933, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was sworn to office and became the thirty second president of United States. At that time the country was facing Depression, people were losing up their savings and facing problems in feeding their family.

But let me encourage you, dear Malaysian, in the midst of facing much saddening issues such as political illness, economic downturn, price rises, uncertainty on rakyat's well being and natural disasters in some parts of the world, we ought not to fear. Instead we should Press-On! :D

Let me encourage you with what Roosevelt uttered;

"Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to covert retreat to advance. In everty dark hour of our national life of leadership frankness and vigor has met with understanding and support of people themselves which is essential to victory."

Many of us now, are paralyze by FEAR. As for me, whatever we win on earth whether it is money or power or the glory of our name, it shall all pass away.

Why not take a step of faith to step out and take RISK? Life is like an economy, if we don't take a risk to invest, the economy will be dead! Imagine 100% people don't invest in Malaysia, what will happen? I'll leave it to you then.... Nothing will move ON and go UP, if we allow FEAR to paralyze us.

Start investing in people's life which gives you the eternal value of friendship and joy. Start investing in economy, to keep the economy robust and ask FEAR to go away. You have ONE LIFE, DO SOMETHING!

God bless you!

Frogs & Jewels

This is funny that but impactful to me,

"Do you know some people when they open their mouth, full of frogs come out from their mouth. Learn how to have jewels come out of your mouth."

Mr Balulba (MFGAM)

a picutre by my lil brother :P *winkz*

"A gentle answers turn away wrath, but hard words stirs up anger."

King Solomon, Proverbs 15:1

"The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes a spirit."

King Solomon, Proverbs 15:4

Yeah, I understand, sometimes you just feel so negative & at times hurt when we keep having frogs around. But heys, change and make effort to speak jewels into people's life. What are the jewels? :) Hey hey hey, don't get me wrong.

They are;

Words of love

Encouragement

Uplifting

&

ADD-VALUE

Dim Sum Moments

My Little Dim Sum, SS2