Tooth and ENT Doctor

It's Easter Sunday! Have you ever wondered why it's called such? Why not 'Wester', 'Souther', or 'Norther'? No, it was not named because of a particular direction, although a logical mind would say that probably it was named Easter because the sun rises from the east, and the feast is all about 'rising' or 'resurrecting'. Do you know that the feast was actually named after "Estre", the pagan goddess of 'rising sun of day' whose feast was celebrated in early years on April? What an irony! A supposedly christian' feast appellated from a 'pagan' god. Because of this, Resurrection Sunday I think would be a better name to call this day, in keeping with our remembrance of Jesus' death and resurrection. That is far more worth celebrating!

As we prepare for the coming week, let us be reminded again of this powerful message. In the message "Believe and Be Restored" we considered our need to believe that what God said is true. He said the death and resurrection of Jesus was the final sacrifice for our sin, and that those who believe would receive the gift of eternal life. Clearly, our Salvation is a gift from God; "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). We did nothing to earn our Salvation and there is nothing we must now do to keep it, we simply must believe; "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). Though our sins are forgiven and Jesus is 100% sufficient for Salvation - though we walk in grace and are absolutely free of condemnation - sin in our life still causes temporary separation and tension in our relationship with God. Therefore, over and over in scripture, we are called to a life of holiness: "As obedient chi...

There is nothing permanent in this life. Everything  changes and whether we like it or not,  it impacts us. But instead of denying and resisting it, we should learn  how to accept it and move on. “We need to develop the habit of looking at whatever happens through a positive mindset instead of a negative, defeatist one.” Have faith that God has a purpose in everything that happens. We need not understand what and why now, but for sure in His perfect time, we will know it and be thankful about it.

We all go through the highs and the lows of life. One moment we are loving every second, then we just want to give up on everything all of a sudden. They say that is human nature, a result of several generic, metabolic, environmental, and idiopathic factors. Whatever is the cause though, we can actually control it. It is really all in the mind. We have the power to determine what our mind focuses on. If we harbor the negative thoughts and situations, the longer we stay on the down side. If we fill our mind with good things and positivity, the faster we go up that happy state again. To do this though, a strong faith and right perspective are necessary. We should just always remember that all things work together for good for those who are called according to God’s purpose!

Today is my last day here in Laos and looking back at the past 4 days, it has been an awesome and unforgettable experience. My passion to make a difference in one person’s life has been reinforced more than ever. There is indeed a lot of needs that has to be addressed all over the world and we can do our parts in our own little ways.  Let us continue to live a life of purpose and make this world a better place for everyone.

Yesterday, the company treated us with a full course Chinese meal in celebration of the Lunar New Year. We had the traditional Yusheng, or prosperity toss, a salad consisting of strips of salmon, mixed with shredded vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments and other ingredients. The higher you toss with your chopsticks, the more prosperous your new year will be, they say. While eating the 6 course meal, our boss handed out to each one of us a red envelope known popularly as ‘ang-pau’ with 88 Singapore dollars in it. It got me thinking, what’s with number 8? Why is it considered a lucky number? “8 has long been regarded as the luckiest number in Chinese culture. With pronunciation of 'Ba' in Chinese, number 8 sounds similar to the word 'Fa', which means to make a fortune. It contains meanings of prosperity, success and high social status.” I respect the belief and I sometimes catch myself saying ‘good luck’ to people. But our faith should put it in the right per...

After a short break and vacation to be with my girls, I am back on the bus en route to the SG office. With a wireless earphone listening to praise songs, I reminisce the weekend that was. Four days are really not enough to spend with love ones. There are too many things to do, stories to catch up and lazy moments to just hug and lie around in each  others arms. These are the precious times that we often  neglect when we are always with them. Indeed, you will never know how much you love your family unless you are away from them. 

Love is the most powerful thing in this world. It is much more than feelings, instincts or emotions. It has an unlimited reach. As Jesus says, ‘Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, soul, mind and strength”. He even demonstrated it by becoming man and dying for our sins!  Love is indeed costly. “ Real love demands sacrifice that can’t be found in self-centeredness. You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving. Sacrificial love requires that we give what we value most.” So if you ask me, ‘Love can only be understood from the actions it prompts. When we bear with the failings and weaknesses of others, divine love reveals itself ( Ephesians 4:2 ). At all costs, this love compels us to give so that we alleviate the suffering of others. Instead of seeking to fulfill our emotional and physical needs (receiving), we humbly give of ourselves ( 1 Peter 3:8 –9)’.

Bus ride in Singapore never cease to amaze me. It is convenient, predictable, comfortable and relaxing. I cannot remember the last time I rode a bus in Manila but it is surely not a similar feel good experience. I can’t help but postulate on the many reasons why there’s such a big difference but there are actually just two glaring ones, systems and discipline. What can go wrong with designated bus numbers and bus stops, almost on point arrival times, passengers on queue and automated card for fares? What can go right when buses stop anytime and anywhere, and passengers flag and alight at any point they wish to?  The fact that I can write a blog post while on the bus in Singapore is proof enough that it is such a joy ride.

It has been 26 days since I courageously accepted the challenge to come to Singapore and work for a few months, alone and without my family. It is a big move considering that I haven’t lived singly for the longest time and so the anxiety and fear of having to do everything and navigating through life by myself are overwhelming. But surprisingly, despite some first day mishaps, I found myself settling quite well and easy. I guess it is because this ‘exile’, as I call it, is with a bigger purpose, more than just for career advancement. I am going to write about this wonderful journey as it happens and it is a great opportunity to go back to blogging once again.