Sunday, October 31, 2010

A poem on Sin

I would like to share this poem written by a friend of mine..

Sin:
I will meet you in all dimension of time.
I am present in your dreams and mind,
under the water and in the skies,
within the land and at play and pleasure.
Your decisions and actions I will influence,
I will war against you and your soul I shall want.
I will be part of your breath till I destroy you and quench the Light in you.
I will make you my fellow beast until the life in you is no more.
Your ignorance is my greatest weapon.
Remember I NEVER JOKE!!!
Composed by Adadzie, Godwin Delali GADEL on his journey from the Occult to Roman Catholicism

To find more about him or read more about his conversion, feel free to drop by

http://www.dela.co.nr/
http://www.facebook.com/mydelali

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Beautiful, intricate notecards and pocket calendars - Kai Li Design


The picture above belongs to Karen's first collection of uniquely designed notecards and notebook calendars. Named as Kai Li's Designs, they come in different array of designs to suit your taste and occasions. Karen also happen to be my beloved housemate!
I will share a few more pictures here.


One of her inspiration boards



One of the numerous ways you can use a notecard



Kai Li's display in Fat Spoon

Don't they all look gorgeous?
Where to get them?
For those of you who are in West Malaysia, here are the places you can buy them.

1) Craft Haven, One Utama

2) Fat Spoon restaurant/cafe in Uptown

3) Papier, the Curve (opposite Bubba Gump Restaurant)

For those of you who are in Kuching, Kai Li's designs are on sale here:

WE Empire (Maneki Neko)
Store:
New Avenue(The Hills)
Matang (Next to E-Mart)
One Jaya (Jalan Song, Grd Floor)
Branch: 100 Yen (RH Plaza)

For those of you far from Malaysia, feel free to drop by her website and if you're really interested, drop her a line. :)
http://kaili.posterous.com/

Friday, October 29, 2010

My new blog/writing cavern

I am officially a staff member blogging and writing on this website. I am honoured to be invited to share a little about life and God in this site. http://www.prayerandbiblecenter.com/
Feel free to drop by anytime you want to as I will be regularly writing here.

Here's a link to my first article.
http://www.prayerandbiblecenter.com/articles/angelina-bong/be-not-afraid/

May you be enlightened by God's love and encouraged by the little that we contribute.
I am posting an excerpt from a favourite hymn of mine for you to ponder on.

Be not afraid,
I go before you always,
Come follow Me
and I will give you rest

God bless you all.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Being a tourist in KL City Centre for a day

Last week, me and my dearest friend, Joey decided to take a day off and just be a tourist.
Yes, we have always wondered what KL hop-on hop-off bus is like so we decided to just try it ourselves.
It is actually pretty cool and we made so many new discoveries.

KL hop on hop off bus

It is actually VERY convenient and for the price that you pay to see all these tourist attractions, I must say it is well worth it. You get to choose what you like to see and hop off to visit, and then hop on back to another spot that you want to go. It operates from 8.30 am to 8.30 pm.

It was a totally different experience to be higher than the rest, being in the open deck, viewing the city as the bus moves. It was actually breathtaking for me!

I discovered that our national planetarium is actually quite interesting to visit. The best part is getting to know about our first malaysian who went to space. I never knew he is that cute! haha..for those of you who think the planetarium are only for nerds and space freaks, you're wrong.

I finally made it to Merdeka Square after zillions of years being a Malaysian. We have the highest flag pole in the world!! Wooo hooo!! I've also discovered merdeka square is 'D perfect place to play boomerang. Perhaps we shall do it again with a boomerang, joey?

We also caught a glimpse of St. Mary's Church. It is a nice cosy church and right on the altar, there is a painting of Christ with the words on his feet, 'I will always be with you'. How comforting to have this reminder in the midst of the city.
St. Mary's Cathedral, Anglican church

Next stop was the National Art Gallery. I was thrilled to go there as I have never been there. To think that they have sponsored me but I have never been there...Forgive me. I fell in love with a couple of paintings and I'm proud to say Malaysia do produce great artists.

Aquaria. It was interesting to feed my curiousity of the aqua world. I find the humongous water rat very adorable indeed. hehe..

Next, my first attempt of walking from KLCC to China Town. It is indeed mind-opening. Try it and see for yourself!

Finally, we sat down and chill after a long day at Reggae Bar. My old time favourite place to chill, possibly because they play reggae music and offer good prices. I also happen to love the simple pizzas.

For those of you who has never seen KL city centre for what it really is, try the bus! For those of you wondering where you should take your friends from abroad, this is a good start. It's definitely money well-spent for a day.

Adios!!

p/s: check out http://www.myhoponhopoff.com/ for more details on the bus.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Are you serving God or are you serving yourselves?

I came across a few writings from this person that is ever so inspiring.
It is only normal that I wish to find out who this author is.

It turned out he signs only as 'A Friend of Medjugorje'
I read on to find out why..
Here is an excerpt from what he answered:

"I have never had an ambition or desire to write. I do so only because
God has shown me through prayer, that He desires this of me.
So, from the beginning when I was writing to only a few people, I prayed to God
and promised I would not sign anything, that the writings would have to carry themselves and not
be built on a personality. I prayed that if it was God's desire for this writing to
be inspired and known, then He could do it by His will and grace and that
my will be abandoned to it.

The Father has made these writings known and continues to spread them
to the ends of the earth. These were Our Lord's last words before ascending
"Be a Witness to the ends of the Earth"
These writings give testimony to that desire of Our Lord
to be a witness with one's life. It is not important to be known.
It is important to do God's will.

The last two stanza really moved me. Indeed, these writings of his has bear fruits all over the world but few or maybe none knows who he really is.

How many of us seek for fame and seek to glorify ourselves, to be great in the eyes of the world even when doing God's work?

Let us ponder within and search our hearts today. Are we serving the Lord or are we serving ourselves?

Lord,
We offer ourselves to be your hands and feet in this world.
May we always be reminded that it is not important to be known but rather 
it is more important to do the will of God.
Amen.

God bless you all.


Friday, October 22, 2010

Do you want to be DIFFERENT?

How to be different? Do you want to make a difference in the world? Where and what you may ask. Well, read on.

Well, I've been bugged in my heart for the past couple of days regarding these orphanages that I came to know about. To be more precise, they belong to the International Humanity Foundation (IHF).

At the moment, they are looking for directors to direct these orphanages in Indonesia, Kenya and Thailand. No matter what kind of experiences you have had in working, IHF needs you. If you have a desire to reach out to these poor kids, why not commit a year to help direct these orphanages? What better ways to help them than to get involved directly?

Now, you may ask whether or not they are genuine or whether donations make will go directly to them? Well, I KNOW because I've applied. All donations go directly to the poor kids; hence that is why IHF needs volunteers to run the place. Directors are not being paid so donations will go straight into helping them. That is also the main reason that I am blogging here. Sadly, I am unable to apply to be a director because I do not have enough funds to cover my living expenses there.

SO, I am blogging here with the hope of some kind soul with a little money (to be able to support him/herself) who wants to make a difference in the lives of many to apply.

Check out:
   http://www.ihfonline.org/vacancies.php

If you have a month or so and would like to volunteer, IHF needs you too.

If you're busy, you can make donations. As little as US20 can go a long way to feed someone. They are in need of other things especially the following listed on their site.

Computers,cell phones and other technology in helping IHF teach the children English and computer classes.
Vitamins
Tape recorders and English as a second language teaching DVDs
Notebooks and childrens books in English.
School supplies; pens & pencils sets, backpacks.
Used guitars or musical instruments.
Clothes for children and slum teenagers.
Antiseptic creams.
Anything you can think of and would like to donate would be of great value to them.

Check: http://www.ihfonline.org/donating.php

Thank you for taking the time to read. Even the littlest that you donate can go a long way be it time, money or materials.

God bless you all.


Photo from IHF gallery

p/s: to read more about the founder:
http://www.worldofchildren.org/index.php/honorees/2007-honorees/41-carol-sasaki

If you are still doubtful, perhaps read some reviews here:
http://greatnonprofits.org/organizations/reviews/international-humanity-foundation

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Wisdom found in birds

I was waiting in the car for my housemate and I saw the most magnificient sight..something that many missed..

In the midst of the bustling roads,
Filled with heavy vapours and dirty air,
Birds of different kinds are flocking in front of me,
Pigeons, sparrows and little magpies,
Birds with no name and birds that are foreign to me...


Brown feathers weaved with shades of cream,
Black feathers intertwined with purple, green and red,
White feathers tainted with multiple tonnes of grey,
Big, small, petite, medium and tiny,
Each is made unique on its own

Pecking away at crumbs on the roadside,
Flapping their wings next to parked cars,
Oblivious to the honkings and the mad traffic
Each one finds its way to feed itself
Not caring one bit of what people do
Not thinking or complaining
Minding their own business,
Free of the chains we have..

Observing them teaches me about life, a simple reminder of things we have learnt but forget..
Looking at them makes me feel secure because God takes care of the birds who have no where to live; what more is said of us who are far more precious than He is? If each bird is unique, even more so are we..

"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?" Matt 6:26

Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?
Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.
Even the hairs of your head have all been counted.
Do not be afraid.
You are worth more than many sparrows.”

Monday, October 11, 2010

Grandpa dear

Yesterday, I have the most amazing time with this man I call Grandpa.
Well, he's not exactly my grandfather but because he is such a loving old man who has been so dear to my family, I call him Grandpa. There are probably hundreds of kids calling him Grandpa too.

This man is one of the early missionaries who came to Sarawak to evangelize, build churches and schools and seminaries to preach the good news to a nation who did not know God exist. It is amazing that now, there are christians everywhere in Sarawak and lots of believers and unbelievers alike who had benefited from the mission schools that was built. I am definitely one of them :).

Yesterday, I came to know a little of the first missionaries who came to Sarawak. Those before him, in the 1880s. These priests and missionaries who came knew nothing of Sarawak, the Land of the Headhunters as we still call it today. It was a totally primitive land, with no proper buildings or facilities known to the comforts of those in Europe.

Still, these men came to bring light to this side of Asia. A lot of them died within 7 years due to malaria and hundreds of diseases and possibly because their immune system were not accustomed to those of the natives back then. Some died within a year or so. I am amazed at these men who came and sacrificed their lives for us. Without them, I would not have known the Lord. I would not even be going to school and English would have been an alien to me.

I pay tribute to them today. I thank God for sending them.

Indeed, they have lived up to Jesus's commission to his apostles,"All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of age". (Matt 28:18-20).

Teacher Man

Blissfulness..
I spent the entire Sunday reading Teacher Man by Frank McCourt. It has been a while since I did that; just spending an entire day reading and sipping coffee on my bed. It was so captivating that I could'nt put it down. Some might beg to differ but this book is one that brought me back to my schooling days; even bringing me back to my tutoring days.

I read three of Frank's books and all three are memoirs of his life but this one in particular compelled me to write something here. I wish I had been in his class especially his creative writing classes. Something I always wanted to learn but never did. His classes were not only unconventional, bringing him to the 'authorities of teaching' but grabbing both the attention of the students and the parents. His storytelling in his classes were loved by all. I wish I could have been there when they were singing and playing flute to the words of recipes in cookbooks. Now, can you ever imagine just being in one of these classes? Wouldn't that be a class to remember for the rest of your life?



Reading about teachers brings me down to memory lane. I remember teachers who had made a difference in my life. Teachers who inspire and brings life to lessons in the classroom. I remember incidents where I have challenged teachers too even when I was just at the age of 8. Shame on me for doing that!!

I remember few teachers in particular back in primary school. Sr. Mildred is a Franciscan nun who teaches me in my early primary school days. She is always cheerful, loving and full of encouragement. What touches me most were not the words she uses but her very actions that prompted me to try harder in all that I do. She would give me a a present acknowledging that I was the top student or even when I only made it to top three. Most of the time, these presents are books. Everyone back then knew that to make me happy, just buy me a book. These little gestures that was showered upon me impressed upon my heart that a little encouragement goes a long way for the little ones.

Another teacher of mine is in fact another nun who happens to be my grandaunt. She did not exactly teach me in classes but she read books to me when I was very young, telling me stories of saints and the early christians who sacrificed their lives for Jesus. I remembered how my little spirits soared when I hear the stories. Little did I know she was sowing seeds on me, seeds that I buried when I was growing up but I think these seeds are slowly making its way to grow in me now. Sr. Eulalia is what I call her.

Another favourite teacher of mine taught me both English and catechism. She was a petite lady with grey curly hair always wearing flowered print, tailored dresses. She taught me manners and inspired me with the beauty of the language, English. Mrs. Chong, my favourite English teacher.

I could go on and on about the list of teachers in my secondary school and especially in colleges. Teachers or lecturers who became my friends, my confidantes, my crazy 'partners in crime', my colleagues, my imagemakers and etc. It would be too much to contain in a single blog. Perhaps I could start a memoir, the teachers who made a difference in my life.

I have to agree with Frank on something though. Teachers are always underappreciated and probably will be for centuries to come. However, the kid you taught will remember you although you might not know it. They just have too much pride to admit it and knowing you have contributed to making that someone a better someone, I think that is something already worth celebrating.

If you happen to be a teacher or a lecturer or whatever they call you but you know you are imparting knowledge to someone, remember that you are not merely teaching, you are helping to mould that someone to be a better person.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Wake Up

Wake up,
Arise and Shine
Stop hitting the sheets
Pressing on the world of make belief

Vivid imaginations paint wild characters
Putting a halt to a tender heart
Yet beating even more laboriously
To capture the art of satisfying one’s lust

The guys are always charming
Forever saving damsels in distress
Sweet smiles and luscious looks take control
Where even Casanova cannot get away

It is always like love in Venice
Where boats take you to your perfect love
A breath away from your dream house
Where Prince Charming awaits with the glass slipper

Alas it must stop
Wake up my beauty
Gold and diamonds do not fall out of heaven
Like precious manna once upon a time

The time is ticking
The tides have reached the shore
Awake my princess
From this slumber of never land

Wake up
For the time waits for no one
Summon a full stop to start making it real
Come breathe the air of the living

Thursday, October 7, 2010

I dream, dream and dream

I stumbled upon this in an old journal and realised what a dreamer I have always been...

Here was what I penned:

I dreamed of another world,
A world that is not my own,
Full of treasures, full of fun,
The adventures are neverending,
A world totally on its own,
Where fantasies and reality caught up together,
No one human is alike,
No one person is the cream,
I used to sit and stare,
And dreamed of musical tones,
In a world that no one will know,
A world where only I and them exist,
A fantasy riding in wonderland
I dream, dream and dream
of theatres, music and drama
and I dream, dream and dream

I read that and I knew I have come a long way from the days of dreaming..I was so full of dreams that I forgot to live..I'm glad God takes care of my dreams now..He knows best what's in store for me..take it all..
You're now in charge..
Now that is some liberation!!!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Memoirs of Love

Oh refresh my sweet memories of love
A taste of manna and honey falling from the sky
Oh replenish my thirst in the deserts that is ever so dry
In solitude alone I would understand the meaning of it all

Choirs of Angels singing to the rhythm of my heart
Cherubim and seraphim dance to the beats of my soul
Saints would join in this grand feast of communion
Peering from the pearly gates sending signals of love

Painting the sky with golden strands of splendour
Letting the sun trickle through the tips of clouds
Whisper words of sweetness and joy to my ears
Like a glimpse of the rare sunset in the Blue Mountains

I cry to remember that one moment of heavenly touch
That sanctuary formed in the deepest forests of fire
Where diamonds and gold are nothing but dust
A savoury of my precious love carved unto my life

Do you long for peace in your heart?

Do you long for peace in your heart? Pray the prayer below and mean it.
 
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon:
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope
where there is darkness, light
where there is sadness, joy
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
This very prayer has inspired me to write my poem entitled 'Let me Sow Peace', and not forgetting the exemplary life of the man who wrote it.
 
Today is the memorial of Francis of Assisi and in memory of him, I am posting this favourite prayer of all times. It is a prayer that challenges us to pray to be different, to be as Jesus would want us to be, to live out the Gospel in the way that God asks us to and to be His messengers of peace. Without peace, there is no life.

Francis was a man who loved all the pleasures and wealth of the world and he dreamed to become a knight. He experienced a deep conversion, thus leaving everything he ever had to follow Christ. He fully obeyed what he had heard in prayer:
"Francis! Everything you have loved and desired in the flesh it is your duty to despise and hate, if you wish to know My will. And when you have begun this, all that now seems sweet and lovely to you will become intolerable and bitter, but all that you used to avoid will turn itself to great sweetness and exceeding joy."

From the cross in the abandoned ruins of the chapel of San Damiano, Christ told him, "Francis, go out and build up my house, for it is nearly falling down." That day, he became the knight of a King, the saviour of the world.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Are you Broken Hearted?

Today we sang this in church and it truly lift up my spirits.
Many of you has probably heard of this song or came upon the lyrics but I would still love to share it here.
For those of you who are down, crashed and broken hearted or simply need a reminder that the Lord is there waiting for you to come to him, to get a hug from Him as He freely offers you, this one's specially for you.

Say to those who are fearful hearted
Do not be afraid
The Lord your God will come
And with His mighty arm
When you call on His Name
He will come and save you

He will come and save you
He will come and save you
Say to the weary one
Your God will surely come
He will come and save you
He will come and save you
Lift up your eyes to Him
You will arise again
He will come and save you

Say to those who are broken hearted
Do not lose your faith
The Lord your God will come
And with His loving hand
When you call on His Name
He will surely come


He is our refuge in the day of trouble
He is our shelter in the time of storm
He is our tower in the day of sorrow
Our fortress in the time of war


p/s: in times you feel alone and God is silent, have faith for He is there.

You can listen to the music here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWwBteZb_5A&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTLiEB6EqTo

Friday, October 1, 2010

A Story of A Soul

             A Tribute to Someone who truly inspires me.


       I went to a primary school which was under the patronage of this saint. She’s none other than one of the well-loved saints, St. Therese of Child Jesus. A Story of a Soul tells the autobiography of her life right from her childhood till her days in the Carmelite monastery.

       In the modern days of today, we have almost forgotten the simplicity and child-like faith of the olden days. The life of the monks and nuns that are cloistered are far from us and we find it hard to relate to the fast-paced life that we live in now. This book gives us an insight into the life of a Carmelite and at the same time, showing us the way to Jesus in the simplest manner.

       We often heard of extraordinary gifts and works from saints and sometimes we find it so hard to embrace sainthood because we think that the road to perfection requires special talents or callings. St. Therese shows us in her story that the little ways are the ones that lead us to God. She speaks of the kingdom of heaven like a garden full of flowers. The garden is where God plants all kinds of flowers from the magnificent roses to the small lilies but each completes the garden in its way. We are like the different flowers being shaped in the way God has intended for us to be.

       She died at the age of twenty-four but her story will continue to touch many hearts and bring souls to God. She possessed such beautiful words of wisdom and love even at her young age. One hidden from many, she seek not fame or glory on earth but lived a life of prayer and sacrifices to intercede for the lost in the world.

I posted this earlier but I would like to dedicate this poem to her for her life story has touched me so.

The garden of delight
Oh how a soul would be magnified in power
Small, fragile, demure and light
Such were the story of the little flower

What unmistakable light of purity for one to bear
A soil fragranced with the odour of holiness
Eight white lilies sprung up from nowhere
Where Hermits dwell in the midst of blessedness

What lesser flowers which simplicity shines
Divine sun illuminates each ones
All things work together for good that binds
To be content as daisies or violets with no more wants



         The Story of A Soul is a book like no other. It is a love story that speaks of heavenly treasures in the simplest form.  She is one that reflects the very words of Jesus:" Indeed I tell you that, unless you undergo a change of heart and become like children, you shall not enter My heavenly Kingdom".