Jim had a bag of beans. They were very special to him.
Nobody knows why Jim was attracted to that bag of beans. His friends couldn't understand. It was told to many that one day, Jim walked pass Uncle Leonard's grocery shop. He looked at the vast array of vegetables, and suddenly, that crumpled, unshapely brown bag of beans caught his attention. The beans were lumpy, but they looked like beans. Jim's eyes litted when he held the beans in his hands. That begin his uncanny attraction to that bag of beans.
One day, Jim brought his beans out with him. And he met a farmer.
The farmer saw his bag of beans and asked him,
"Young man, what are those beans for?"
"I don't know Sir, I just like to keep them." Jim replied politely.
"Well, what use are they to you? Why don't you give them to me, I can plant them in my field and grow them. The beans themselves aren't really valuable unless they grow into nice big vegetables. If you keep them for too long, they might just dry up and die."
"Die? I thought I could keep them forever." Jim was saddened by the news. It never occurred to him that his precious beans would one day be gone. He couldn't let that happened.
"What must I do Sir? I don't want them to die." Jim asked.
"You've got to plant them son. Like I've said, you can give them to me and I'll plant them in my garden and I'll take care of your beans for you." the farmer smiled.
"I'll let you in on a little secret. If you give me those beans, I promise you I will get you a bigger bag the next time you come and see me. I stay just down the road."
Jim thought about it. It was difficult. His precious bag of beans. They were his pride, his joy, his security and comfort.
But Jim knew he had to do it. If not, his beans would rot and perish. He had to give it to the farmer, for only he knew how to grow and preserver his beans.
Jim raised his bag of beans to the farmer.
" Here you go Sir, you know what's best." Jim sighed. He had to part with the beans. It was time to let go.
It wasn't long before Jim met the farmer again. This time the farmer held a familar looking brown sack in his hands. Jim couldn't believe his eyes! The bag was bigger than before! And the beans were nice and smooth!
"Here you go son, as I had promised.' the farmer smiled, proud of himself. "Look, tell you what, when you want, you can always pop by and pick up some beans. See that green field over there? Yeap, those are all from your beans."
Jim smiled. He was glad he gave his beans to the farmer.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Zack and his two candies
Zack loved candies. It was the joy of his life! Everyday, Zack would go to the basket in the living room and pick out two pieces of candy, nicely wrapped in crisp colourful foil. He loved to roll the sweet around in his mouth, letting it melt in his mouth. Zack never would bite the sweet. He wanted it to last as long as possible. Sweets were the most important to him.
It was time to go to the dentist. And Zack was pretty nervous about it. It was his first time. This year was a year of "first times" for him. First year in primary school, first brother, among others. He didn't know what to expect.
"Open up and say 'AHH'... "
Zack looked at the dentist and went, "ahhhh." He felt the sharp hook scraping, poking and moving all around his mouth. He daren't move. Mum said boys are brave and they don't cry, even when it was painful. Zack wanted to be a brave boy.
Finally, the dentist pushed a button and the chair resumed it's original upright position.
"Zack, do you know what's a cavity?" the dentist asked. Zack shook his head. This was the first time he heard the word. It sounded evil, like some of the words he knew.
The dentist explained it to Zack. It sounded a whole lot like his naggy english teacher. So Zack wasn't listening much until the dentist said, " You cannot eat any more sweets..."
Zack open his eyes in horror and disbelief. No sweets? He felt like the joker got the best of him.
"It might seem bad now, but next time when you're bigger, you will have teeth. And then you can eat all the things you want." the dentist smiled. "Besides, there are other good yummy things to eat."
"But why sir?" Zack asked, ever so hoping that the dentist would take back what he had told Zack.
"It's for your own good."
And so with those words ringing in his head, Zack went home feeling very sad. What he had always had, what he looked forward to everyday, what he wanted so badly when his tummy growled, his two sweets were now gone.
The next morning, the basket was in the living room Zack looked at it. He wanted it. He looked at it greedily and his mouth began to salivate. But he remembered what the dentist said. Especially the last line.
"It's for your own good."
Zack sighed. He walked to the kitchen to eat some bread. The bus was coming soon. It was time for school.
"Open you mouth and say 'AH' " the dentist scrapped, poked and moved the sharp hook between Zack's gums and teeth.
"Well, it looks good." The dentist said as he removed his gloves. "You didn't eat any sweets did you?"
Zack shook his head. He had a been a good boy for the past six months.
"I've got something for you." The dentist rolled his chair towards the table. He opend a box and reached in. Zack was curious. It wasn quite exciting. He was getting a present. Zack's heart started to beat faster.
"Take this," the dentist opened up his hands and it was two pieces of candy!
Zack could hardly believe his eyes. He was overwhelmed! At this point, Zack remember what
the dentist had said. He was glad he listened to him.
Zack looked at the sweets and this time it felt different. He didn't feel like he needed them. After six months without them, it was as if he loved them no longer. He still liked the taste, but it wasn't the same.
"I'll just take one sir," Zack smiled.
It was time to go to the dentist. And Zack was pretty nervous about it. It was his first time. This year was a year of "first times" for him. First year in primary school, first brother, among others. He didn't know what to expect.
"Open up and say 'AHH'... "
Zack looked at the dentist and went, "ahhhh." He felt the sharp hook scraping, poking and moving all around his mouth. He daren't move. Mum said boys are brave and they don't cry, even when it was painful. Zack wanted to be a brave boy.
Finally, the dentist pushed a button and the chair resumed it's original upright position.
"Zack, do you know what's a cavity?" the dentist asked. Zack shook his head. This was the first time he heard the word. It sounded evil, like some of the words he knew.
The dentist explained it to Zack. It sounded a whole lot like his naggy english teacher. So Zack wasn't listening much until the dentist said, " You cannot eat any more sweets..."
Zack open his eyes in horror and disbelief. No sweets? He felt like the joker got the best of him.
"It might seem bad now, but next time when you're bigger, you will have teeth. And then you can eat all the things you want." the dentist smiled. "Besides, there are other good yummy things to eat."
"But why sir?" Zack asked, ever so hoping that the dentist would take back what he had told Zack.
"It's for your own good."
And so with those words ringing in his head, Zack went home feeling very sad. What he had always had, what he looked forward to everyday, what he wanted so badly when his tummy growled, his two sweets were now gone.
The next morning, the basket was in the living room Zack looked at it. He wanted it. He looked at it greedily and his mouth began to salivate. But he remembered what the dentist said. Especially the last line.
"It's for your own good."
Zack sighed. He walked to the kitchen to eat some bread. The bus was coming soon. It was time for school.
"Open you mouth and say 'AH' " the dentist scrapped, poked and moved the sharp hook between Zack's gums and teeth.
"Well, it looks good." The dentist said as he removed his gloves. "You didn't eat any sweets did you?"
Zack shook his head. He had a been a good boy for the past six months.
"I've got something for you." The dentist rolled his chair towards the table. He opend a box and reached in. Zack was curious. It wasn quite exciting. He was getting a present. Zack's heart started to beat faster.
"Take this," the dentist opened up his hands and it was two pieces of candy!
Zack could hardly believe his eyes. He was overwhelmed! At this point, Zack remember what
the dentist had said. He was glad he listened to him.
Zack looked at the sweets and this time it felt different. He didn't feel like he needed them. After six months without them, it was as if he loved them no longer. He still liked the taste, but it wasn't the same.
"I'll just take one sir," Zack smiled.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
My blog has moved!
Hi all!
All you closet blog-viewers.. I've shifted to
http://jemtay.multiply.com/
check my blog out there!!
All you closet blog-viewers.. I've shifted to
http://jemtay.multiply.com/
check my blog out there!!
Friday, August 15, 2008
The Popiah Aunty (Part 1)
She rises before the sun does. Somehow, past the age of 50, you can't sleep for more than 5-6 hours. Perhaps, it was the hard life she had been through. It was more likely, a habit.
She gets herself ready. There is one additional chore that needs to be done today. She needs to get some groceries.
Carrot, white turnip, baby shrimps, garlic. She runs the list in her mind. She tries to recall what other ingredients are missing. Oh yes, a pineapple.
She locks her door, and unlocks the chain on her bicycle. The market was just downstairs. She looks at the number lock and thinks twice, maybe it would be wiser to leave the bicycle here. On second thought, it might be more convenient to do everything at one go.
As she enters the lift, she greets a familiar face. There was Uncle Tham. He suffered a stroke recently. After much therapy, he's able to walk, albeit with some help from his walking stick. She has know him for many years. It was only yesterday the government decided to take the land from them, and relocate to the HDBs. She's still pretty bitter over the meagre sum the government gave for her hut in the kampung.
The market is bustling with life. She zooms in on her usual store. It wasn't always about the cheapest deal. Freshness, quality, texture, country of import, all these mattered to her. She only trusted Lim. He too, came from the kampung. Unfortunately, only Lim, Tham and herself were relocated to Eunos. Some went to Bedok and Aljunied. They had lost all contact the moment they shifted out of the kampung.
They exchange a few words. She asks about his daughter. Lim's daughter was a scholar, and she works in the civil service. Lim was very proud of his daughter. She was the pride of his life. Everyone that knew Lim long enough would know the sacrifices and love he devoted to her ever since his wife passed on. It was a tragic accident. Lim still blames himself for the accident. He shouldn't have brought her our for supper.
Lim's face lights up the moment she mentions her name. She just got promoted. Lim tells her that he's going to a restaurant this Sunday to celebrate her achievement. He invites her to come join in the celebration. She accepts, of course. Everyone in the kampung was like family. They shared their hardships and losses together, and celebrated the successes as one big family.
She picks up a few carrots, turnips, and the pineapple and asks Lim for the total price. Lim smiles back and tells her the vegetables are on the house. He waves for her to take it. She refused, in polite oriental custom, but he insists. She finally accepts the gesture of goodwill. After all, she had been like a mother to Lim's daughter.
When Lim was holding two jobs, he would leave his daughter with her at the store. She took care of her as if she was her own. She never had her own child, much to her disappointment. Lim's daughter was like a mandate bestowed from heaven. She felt responsible for her upbringing.
She gets herself ready. There is one additional chore that needs to be done today. She needs to get some groceries.
Carrot, white turnip, baby shrimps, garlic. She runs the list in her mind. She tries to recall what other ingredients are missing. Oh yes, a pineapple.
She locks her door, and unlocks the chain on her bicycle. The market was just downstairs. She looks at the number lock and thinks twice, maybe it would be wiser to leave the bicycle here. On second thought, it might be more convenient to do everything at one go.
As she enters the lift, she greets a familiar face. There was Uncle Tham. He suffered a stroke recently. After much therapy, he's able to walk, albeit with some help from his walking stick. She has know him for many years. It was only yesterday the government decided to take the land from them, and relocate to the HDBs. She's still pretty bitter over the meagre sum the government gave for her hut in the kampung.
The market is bustling with life. She zooms in on her usual store. It wasn't always about the cheapest deal. Freshness, quality, texture, country of import, all these mattered to her. She only trusted Lim. He too, came from the kampung. Unfortunately, only Lim, Tham and herself were relocated to Eunos. Some went to Bedok and Aljunied. They had lost all contact the moment they shifted out of the kampung.
They exchange a few words. She asks about his daughter. Lim's daughter was a scholar, and she works in the civil service. Lim was very proud of his daughter. She was the pride of his life. Everyone that knew Lim long enough would know the sacrifices and love he devoted to her ever since his wife passed on. It was a tragic accident. Lim still blames himself for the accident. He shouldn't have brought her our for supper.
Lim's face lights up the moment she mentions her name. She just got promoted. Lim tells her that he's going to a restaurant this Sunday to celebrate her achievement. He invites her to come join in the celebration. She accepts, of course. Everyone in the kampung was like family. They shared their hardships and losses together, and celebrated the successes as one big family.
She picks up a few carrots, turnips, and the pineapple and asks Lim for the total price. Lim smiles back and tells her the vegetables are on the house. He waves for her to take it. She refused, in polite oriental custom, but he insists. She finally accepts the gesture of goodwill. After all, she had been like a mother to Lim's daughter.
When Lim was holding two jobs, he would leave his daughter with her at the store. She took care of her as if she was her own. She never had her own child, much to her disappointment. Lim's daughter was like a mandate bestowed from heaven. She felt responsible for her upbringing.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Less comfortable
I realised that sometimes, even a time of rest can degrade into a time of slack and comfort.
For me, I realise that I've not been praying enough for my friends. I've been praying convenient prayers for them, but not standing by them in prayer!
Second thing that hit me at this moment is that my time with God is not two hours in the morning and two hours at night. It's the WHOLE DAY. It just means I got to watch my guard 24/7, remembering to keep my eyes pure ALL the time. Evaluating my intentions, and thoughts. Not letting and unwholesome talk come out of my big gap.
Can rest, but not slack! =P
For me, I realise that I've not been praying enough for my friends. I've been praying convenient prayers for them, but not standing by them in prayer!
Second thing that hit me at this moment is that my time with God is not two hours in the morning and two hours at night. It's the WHOLE DAY. It just means I got to watch my guard 24/7, remembering to keep my eyes pure ALL the time. Evaluating my intentions, and thoughts. Not letting and unwholesome talk come out of my big gap.
Can rest, but not slack! =P
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Word of God speak.
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak
I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak
I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice
Thursday, August 07, 2008
The Lord GOD Almighty
Recently, I've been reading up on the contemporary prophets of the OT. And boy it sure is scary. The God that could send earthquakes, fires, destroy nations, etc etc. It sure gave a new dimension to the way I see Him.
Many passages talk about the judgement of nations, and Israel as well. It always seems that the OT God is separate from the NT God. The old was righteous, impartial, a judge of nations; the new was a God of grace, love, mercy.
Through the readings, it has really got into my skull that God is the same past present or future.
One book that really left a deep impression on me is the book of Jonah.
God loved the Assyrians too. He loved them so much he sent Jonah to proffer a chance of to turn from their wicked ways. The last few verses of Jonah was an insight into God's character. That God valued mercy over judgement. He was patient and judgement was like a last resort.
Was really awed at God's love. How he loves them so much. How he loves me so much.
Thank You God for Your love. You are awesome, majetic, infinite, and the supreme Ruler of all, yet You choose to invest, sacrifice and love a person like me.
Many passages talk about the judgement of nations, and Israel as well. It always seems that the OT God is separate from the NT God. The old was righteous, impartial, a judge of nations; the new was a God of grace, love, mercy.
Through the readings, it has really got into my skull that God is the same past present or future.
One book that really left a deep impression on me is the book of Jonah.
God loved the Assyrians too. He loved them so much he sent Jonah to proffer a chance of to turn from their wicked ways. The last few verses of Jonah was an insight into God's character. That God valued mercy over judgement. He was patient and judgement was like a last resort.
Was really awed at God's love. How he loves them so much. How he loves me so much.
Thank You God for Your love. You are awesome, majetic, infinite, and the supreme Ruler of all, yet You choose to invest, sacrifice and love a person like me.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Major overhaul
By far, these few weeks in retrospect have been by far one of the most fulfilling ones for me.
I just asked my Dad to buy me a bottle of multi-vitamins, for preventive purposes.
In this season of nakedness, it is as if God was feeding me multi-vits. Can't see the benefits of it yet, but in the long run, the yield will be high.
Feel that God is teaching me a lot about character. About meekness, about gentleness, about my actions, words, thoughts and attitudes.
Every misunderstanding, quarrel, reprimand, scolding; daily situations, daily encounters with family, strangers, bad drivers, is a chance for God to mould my character. Ain't that awesome??
God orchestrates every single meeting in my life as a chance to make me more Christ-like!
Looking back, serving God in ministry was one season, and in that season, God worked differently in my life. So new season, new lessons, and more importantly, more like my Saviour.
I just asked my Dad to buy me a bottle of multi-vitamins, for preventive purposes.
In this season of nakedness, it is as if God was feeding me multi-vits. Can't see the benefits of it yet, but in the long run, the yield will be high.
Feel that God is teaching me a lot about character. About meekness, about gentleness, about my actions, words, thoughts and attitudes.
Every misunderstanding, quarrel, reprimand, scolding; daily situations, daily encounters with family, strangers, bad drivers, is a chance for God to mould my character. Ain't that awesome??
God orchestrates every single meeting in my life as a chance to make me more Christ-like!
Looking back, serving God in ministry was one season, and in that season, God worked differently in my life. So new season, new lessons, and more importantly, more like my Saviour.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Macbook. Finally.
My mac is finally working. My first post on macblack! haha. I am so amazed at the beautiful screen i am staring at now. It's so much nicer than any windows interface!
This is my first week of school, but i've got no classes till week 2. haha. so an extra week of holidays!! woohoo!
Yesterday morning Ps Yang preached on the wilderness. And he said that if there is no wilderness, there won't be a promised land.
Determined to make it through the promised land.
When times are really tough, it's the cross of Jesus that makes it sweet. =)
This is my first week of school, but i've got no classes till week 2. haha. so an extra week of holidays!! woohoo!
Yesterday morning Ps Yang preached on the wilderness. And he said that if there is no wilderness, there won't be a promised land.
Determined to make it through the promised land.
When times are really tough, it's the cross of Jesus that makes it sweet. =)
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