3 Scores + 10

To the congregation the speaker reminded us of this:

1 score = 20 years

Therefore if a normal life span is 3 scores + 10 and if we were to begin life on a Monday, at what day is our present state?  Tuesday? Wednesday?

Mine is on a Friday evening.

The theme of the camp was " A good start to finish well".

To these campers, the speaker called it an inter-generational composition. Some are on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and I saw a couple way past Sundays. But it is indeed a timely reminder of our present state.

What are our regrets?

What are our insecurities?

What are our hopes?

We are told to start well and aim to end well; may it be our spiritual, personal or working life.

He spoke much, he shared much and he reflected much.

But of all that he shared I remembered this best: the hope in Naomi's life.

Even after being widowed and having lost her sons, there was still hope in God.With her daughter-in-law Ruth, they etched out a new life in their land of origin on God's timely intervention.The speaker pointed out that despite adverse circumstances, there was still a second chance for Ruth to begin life with Boaz, a man of reputation in those days.

So, the speaker told us that we have to take life stately and be ready to accept losses and get on; to be courageous and not live by regrets.

To believe that there is always hope in God.

It was a hope that we clung to; you would have been blessed by his quiet disposition and explanation.

But I was also most amazed by this mother -daughter relationship.

They must have a lot of fun together.

Perhaps this is the way it should be; that at every stage of our life we must choose to be delightful and make it a point to be happy.

The little girl is on a Monday morning and the mama must be on a Wednesday morning; a long journey to sojourn together; here on earth.

May it be not be too late for me to learn that truth; to be joyous and enjoy the company of people around me and take life as it should be.

God help us through; we pray.

The Beach

 It was a weekend at the beach.

The long weekend was a time for a getaway from the city.

Along with members of PJEFC, we landed at Lumut for a time of learning and fun.

 The beautiful beach was a sight to behold and ponder over. Somehow the sea surely leads you to a time of reflection and taking hold of oneself. You think of what has happened, you try to foresee the future but the best is to tell God you need Him and to rest in His promises.

The ocean tells you that you are but a drop; of no significance and fragile.

So, we must treasure moments.

 It's good to see dad in a relax manner. He works hard and is not slothful. He is also thrifty and careful.

When he strolled along the beach, he recalled the days of old when the girls were kids and willing to follow us wherever we went. Now we cannot assume their keenness anymore.
 In fact, we can only invite, never force.

So, we had to concede to the fact that we had to be on our own without them.

The Damai beach is quiet and serene.
 We noticed the patterns created by sea creatures; almost undisturbed.

Then we saw children building castles and sand mounds. Oh, it seemed like only yesterday that we played with our girls too. When I saw the little girl in blue, I asked dad whom did she remind him of and without hesitation replied: Grace.

That caused me to dig for old photos .

That's Grace with dad. Who had more fun? The father or the daughter? You see, fathers are all out to please their girls. So dad buried himself and gave the daughter a chance to feel great. Now Grace is a woman; ready to be the wife to a man. How does dad feel, I wonder at times.

Dad doted on his first girl quite a bit. 

He would be giving his full attention whenever the need arose.

 He made sure fun was the call of the day. 

The girls like dad because they associate him with fun; not mum.

Occasionally though mum did give in to them; that's mum with Esther in her bikini.

 Now you know why she likes bikini; trained from young.

Beach times were always good; you get to make a mess of everything without being chided.

We  also made sure we had holiday moments for them to remember by.

But the best memories are when the girls are less opinionated, more accommodating and simply love each other. During those days, their only boyfriend is daddy and this common factor draw them close together. But times change, perceptions change and aspirations differ. The girls have grown into women who are highly opinionated; not easily persuaded. But mama prays that they will continue to love one another and ready to accommodate peace and accept differences positively.

 May they strive to be wholesome beings and graciously develop into adults that please their Maker.

May they continue to remain friends and sisters in good and bad times; protecting one another through thick and thin; and know they belong to one another.

God bless the good memories we had with them and may they stay good.

Oh, how a beach walk can evoke emotions.

We have to walk more.

The Sweet Stay

 Last week I experienced reminiscences of the past.

A series of meetings in Johor saw me traveling back to my home state and gave me a chance to put up with my parents in Muar.

Muar, as has always been mentioned, occupies a special corner of my heart.

 Overlooking the Straits of Melaka, my parents' abode has a magnificent view covering the town. The evening breeze adds a feeling of nostalgia and I am grateful to God that they have a lovely place to stay. I cannot help but recall my childhood days when times were hard and to have a chance to stay like this was beyond imagination. So, My memories stretched and stretched. I can still remember the streets that I trudged on in the evenings after dinner and the small joys in strolling with my mum.

 When I became a trained teacher, I was sent to the outskirts of Johor in Rengit, Batu Pahat and Lenga, Muar. See, I looked fresh and bright; eager to teach and lead. My rural stints lasted for at least 5 years and it was a daily challenge to drive from the towns to the school; a journey that lasted an hour, one way. Back then, I did not really complain so long as I could be home each day with my parents.

 Last week for the first day, my father repeated an act he did during my younger teaching days. He drove me to town to wait for my transport to Batu Pahat. I remembered. Back then, Kong Kong would get up early in the morning, waited for me and then sent me to town just like on that day last week. I held back myself as I saw history repeat itself. I am thankful to God that I still have this privilege of having Kong Kong do that bit for me again. As caring as he always is, he waited and waited with me till my friend came. He refused to move otherwise. I am touched by his steadfast love.

Oh, I must mention what Por Por did. She got up, cooked my oats, made my Milo and insisted I drink a bottle of Brand essence of chicken for alertness. These acts are made in their precious care for me.

I must emulate their ways.

3 gruesome days of brainstorming for the best to come to the school; that was the mission of the trip. It has been a long, long while since I left Batu Pahat and it was indeed great to have a chance to visit the town on a working trip. The iconic building of the town, BP High is equivalent in status to Muar High but has recently been awarded the cluster school status just like Seafield.

As a cluster school, it is mandatory that both students and teachers perform their best to maintain the good reputation. The instruction is clear; do well.

Besides holding the instruction, I held good memories of the stay in Muar with my parents. 

May I have the privilege of many of such stays with them.

A sweet stay indeed.

The Ramadan Market

 The Malaysian Way; unique in so many ways.

The Ramadan month when the Muslims of the country go through a month of fasting is also a month of cultural display of festivity. All peoples of the land get to savour in palatable dishes; sometimes not found outside this period of time.

A walk round the bazaars showed some similarities and differences; well at least the one in Subang Jaya and the one in Muar.

 Perhaps the season eradicates colour and race; for all long to be together in search of good food.

People go to great lengths to please their taste buds and emotions.

 Well, at least the Murtabak of both towns look the same; but I am not sure about the taste.

 When I walk round the bazaar of Subang Jaya, they tell me the famous 'nasi briayani' of Muar is a favoured dish except strangely enough when I went to the one in Muar, I could hardly find a store serving it. By the way, the 'long rice' above is really good.

 This is a long time favourite; especially to Robin. I am sure he would travel thousands of miles again sometime in the future for this specialty. The satay is versatile; you can eat it when you are hungry and when you are not because you will never be full when eating it.

 Yes, this is the way they roast chicken wings. Would you believe that both were taken at different towns but they seemed to be done the same way. So, this must be the best way.

 After a fast, the sweet drinks are a must to quench the thirst; don't they look appealing?

This style of display is found in Subang Jaya.

 Look at how vendors advertise their drinks in Muar.

 But what's with the blue drink? How is it so?

 Of all the vendors, this one caught our attention with his smile and friendliness. His pleasant disposition is an attraction to many. However what really went through my thoughts is the assimilation of culture in this food; the "Chinese churros" done the Malay way. This is what I like. We learn and accept one another's way in unity.

 In Muar, I was introduced to an unique way of cooking noodles. 

The wok is filled with curry sauce and the dry noodles immersed in it.

We wondered at the end product.

 Not to bad; but I backed away after seeing the way it was cooked.

Don't the chicks look too good and sexy?

They must taste real palatable.

Chicken deep fried is always finger-licking good !

The Ramadan bazaar is for all and sundry irregardless of creed and colour.

It is a good way of relaxation and fun.

Enjoy the bazaar while it lasts.