Octopus Hands

“Mum, the light is green now!” I jumped from my 100-seconds nap and engaged my car gear. My helper left last Thursday. Since then, we were frenziedly getting meals ready, putting out the laundry, getting the children to school and ….. the list goes on. And here I was, trying to ‘nap’ at the traffic light at red to get some extra pound of energy.

In moments like that, we wish we have octopus hands. Hands that can comfort a crying child, stir the stew and wash some dishes! And so, I wonder when this madness will ever stop. If I look at the calendar, it’s another 2 months before the extra help arrives. This seems eternity already.

But, if I look up to God, he says “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

In Pursuit of Excellence

In our first attempt in having a tuition class for my 2 sons in my house, it turned out a disaster. A re known mandarin teacher was hired as their personal tutor. They giggled, played a fool, and giggled time and again. They might have even caused indigestion to her breakfast that day. She never came back the second time (well, partly she met with a car accident on her way home. She’s OK, not her car though.) Since then, I had neither dared to call another tutor to the house nor engaged them to any tuition classes.

Lately, my eldest son needs assistance in Bahasa Malaysia (BM). And so, I had him start the BM tuition. This time, I decided to have him sent out to the tutor’s (Mrs Ng) home.

With his ingenuous questions on why, what, when, where and how BM was related to him, the tutor spent 30minutes explaining its relevance and urgency. She commented on fulfilling the Great Commission* for God by excelling in different languages. Lo and behold, that got him a little excited. She also read him some common Bible stories in BM.

Can you believe this? Now, am I going off tangent or she is? The next thing I knew was that I agreed with her teaching my son about the Bible in BM in the first half of the session. Following that, will be the school syllabus proper.

God is super creative, you know. He can turn the stones into bread, water into wine, and even make blind men see. The next time you think your children cannot be bent, think again. God sends people like Mrs Ng!!

In our pursuit of excellence, we truly need God’s grace.

Luke 2: 40 – “And the child (Jesus) grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.”

*The Great Commision – Matthew 28:19,20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father,and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

The First Day

Do you vividly remember the first day you go to school? May it be in the kindergarten, or Standard 1, we must admit that there’s this looming, dreadful fear. What if mummy or daddy leaves and forgets to fetch me? What if some boy calls me names? What if my teacher scolds me for wetting my pants?

Four of my children reacted differently on their first few days of school. Emerson decided to flee when we got down the nearby school parking lot. Evans was cool about the whole thing. A tearful Estelle had to be consoled and carried around the school premise. Elgin was rather quiet at first but admitted that he had 2 tearful episodes after that.

No matter what the reaction was, I thank God that He gave them the courage to face it.

Remember to praise your child today that he or she has been so brave in facing this first day – the day that will mark a difference for the rest of the year 2010.

Blessed New Year 2010!

Joshua 1:9 – Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

The Wise Decision (Part 2)

So, let's continue with our story.....

In that tensed moment, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for 5 seconds. Yes, I felt disappointed that I have failed in my call of duty. Nevertheless, God's spirit spurred me to continue the session with the younger ones. My boys and I had a long conversation after that. They were reprimanded and apologised. We prayed together and asked God to create in us a thirst and hunger for God's word.

During bedtime, I asked my little girl how she felt about the episode that morning. "I feel sorry for you, mum." Wow, she can feel for me! God is so good. Boy, am I glad that I have made a wise decision that morning.

Our children can fail us in many ways. When that happens, let us re-channel our focus on those who need us just as much. May it be your other children in line or your spouse.

DO NOT RESENT AND LABEL THEM UNGRATEFUL BRATS!! (That's a trap)

Ephesians 4: 26 - In you anger, do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

The Wise Decision (Part 1)

During a session of bible reading with the children, 2 of them walked out. They didn't like to be seated and told what to do. How would you react? You may decide to yell, "Sit down, do you hear me? Or you will get disciplined soon." Then, march out to get this settled. Or decide to continue with the session in anger and bitterness.

At this very moment, the younger ones were very quiet. Their faces clearly showed that they wanted to continue hearing the bible story.

I truly struggled with making the right decision. But I finally made it. Before I reveal it, would you share what a wise decision would be?

Dream, dream, dream

Oh....if only I could turn back the clock and be 20 again. Or maybe 30 again. There is so much that I wished I could have done and, got it done better. I thought of being an award-winning director, a cheerleader, and a top athlete.

Wish no more, my friend. But rather, let these be our dreams from this day onwards.

The Christmas play performed in December 2008 was a dream came true when I was able to help direct the play. In the play, I had 2 of my children involved. They were thrilled. You couldn't imagine how much they hoped to shine and excel in this. They worked hard and had fun. I soon realised that I was passing my dream to them.

Do you have a dream? Or do you merely dream that your children have dreams to be doctors, lawyers and engineers?

Joel 2:28 - (The Lord says) I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daugthers will prophesy, your old man will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

Positive self-image

"An individual's self-concept is the core of his personality. It affects every aspect of human behavior: the ability to learn, the capacity to grow and change, and the choice of friends, mates and careers. It's no exaggeration to say that a strong positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success for life" - Dr. Joyce Brothers (psychologist and author)


We shape our children's image. Our children see themselves as what we say they are. Find something positive to say to your son and daughter everyday. Think hard.....surely they have some good stuff in them.

A positive self-image cannot be destroyed when it is firmly established!