Suffering?????

As promised.... something about the mass I attended at the GIFT OF LOVE home. During the homily, the priest was talking about suffering. The first thing that went through my mind was "How apt! The old folks were there listening as well". Well, he started talking about suffering and that most religions talk about suffering as how to avoid it. But when it comes to Jesus, He teaches us to not aviod it and to embrace it. We know that many people ask if God is so great and good, why does he allow suffering? Well, I never really understoof that too. And I can't say I still understand it today. Anyway, Fr. basically summarised it like this: SUFFERING = MEANING. He went on to give examples of this. One dramatic one which he described, was a man who was in the mountains climbing got entangled in his rope with one of his arms. He could not get out of that. The ONLY 2 options he had was to either die hanging there or to cut off his arm and get out of the mess. No one was around to help as he was alone. Eventually after contemplating and thinking how to cut his bone as well, he cut his arm. He then had to walk to the nearest town, which was not that near by the way and sought help. Now, he had a purpose... to live on. And with a purpose, he suffered for it. Same for Jesus, he suffered and died for us. And that suffering... is unimaginable (see the Passion of the Christ) and that is purpose and meaning for you. Suffering is part and parcel of life. Suffering does not mean dramatic events at work, but can also mean someone backstabbing you at work or something like that. It is how you deal with it and move on with life. And if you ask for it, God will help you out of it. Easy to talk like that, but can I deal with it???? Something to think about man..... I think there are a few more views to "Why Suffering?" I heard of another view and that is "free will." What makes us different from animals and such is "free will." God gave us this "free will." And humans are given the choice to do this or do that. Of course some choices are good and others are simply not...... Something to ponder on too. Gosh..... these are just thoughts and it all just came out on this blog.... gotta get back to work!!!

RCIA ..... excursion?

I would most like to share some thoughts on my trip with the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, which I am involved ib now for the third year running) yesterday. This was a trip organised for them. We choose a few places to go to show them what are some of the things Catholics are involved in here in Singapore. The first place we went to was this place called the "Gift of Love" home. It is situated at next to Marymount Convent and is run by the Missionaries of Charity. For a more recognisable figure, check out the photo. The sister is part of Mother Theresa's order to adminster to the poor, destitute etc. They are a simple order. They do not use washing machines, have a TV and so on. All the old folks they are taking care of are poor or left by their kids, abandoned, etc. They live on people's donations and most welcome volunteers to help them when they can. When we were there, there were some volunteers there. We attended mass there at about 10am, and you should here the choir. The choir was made up of Philipinos and of course volunteers too. They even did the Sister Act piece "I will follow you". Was most impressive (More on the mass later).

Anyway, it was a reminder for me to not take things for granted. And that there are people in Singapore who always need our help. I was there last year as well, and I think if you see the place for the first time, there is more impact. So, "count your blessings" as a friend's blog says.... and help those in need.

Cats and Dogs

Guess what we saw today as I was driving S to work today? Just outside Philips at Toa Payoh, we noticed a cat (white and black one) running up an overhead bridge to presumably cross to the other side of the road. Now what do you think of that???? I thought it was so clever!! Pity we did not have time to whip out the camera!

On the other hand, at the BF club at Block 91, we heard some commotion and later crying just next to the coffee shop. A resident dog (whom we see the owners eat their breakfast there withthe dog) was run over by a passing car and passed on. Now that was sad. Many (especially the senior citizens and the stall owners) were taking turns walking to the owners to look at the dog. We did not do that, but our discussion turned to whether the driver could be sued for negligence??!! Anyhow, my heart goes out to the lady.

Interesting, tumultuous, exciting, frightening times...

Am reading this book at the moment. Just started it yesterday. One thing I already learnt was that if the baby cries, pick him up! Dun just leave him to "cry it out". That was my strategy at first, until the first few pages told me otherwise. It said, " A baby whose cries are not answered does not become a "good" baby (though he may become quiet); he does become a discouraged baby. He learns the one thing you don't want him to: that he can't communicate or trust his needs will be met." I guess the book is trying to say that newborns don't misbehave, they just communicate the only way nature allows them to. Imagine how you would feel if you are unable to do anything for yourself, and your cries for help went unheeded. This book talks about attachment parenting. So far an interesting read.

As most of you know, we will be giving birth to a baby boy soon (or more specific S will). I must say, the ride so far has been rather interesting, tumultuous, exciting, frightening, fun and many more emotions that face the two of us, of course much more impacting S as she is the one carrying our child.

I guess being first time parents-to-be, it can be rather scary in the sense that with every little change, that change has to be assessed that everything is alright with the foetus/child. Hormones for the mum-to-be changes especially at the start of the pregnancy and that had an impact on me. It was just strange as to how my wife whom I knew her to be, was suddenly someone else. But that's hormones. After the morning sickness got better, things started to normalise. Of course quite a bit of activities had to be curbed or just cut out (like exercise, roller-blading etc.).

It is now nearing the delivery, and apprehension is now setting in. Confusion and just being unsure about everything seems coming on as well. I read last night in another book about pregnancy (which I read till I kept dozing off!!) about the possible feelings the mother-to-be may be facing and one of the feelings stated, worrying about the health, safe delivery of the baby amongst others. Exactly what has been happening. Of course only God will know what will happen, and we have to trust Him to keep little baby safe and sound. S has to remain as calm as possible and not to stress too much (which can be difficult as I understand it). One thing the book said was to invest in ear plugs and blinders so that we do not compare too much with other mother's experiences (that was funny, bec sometimes they will comment on the tummy being low, too high etc., when in actual fact, every baby is different).

Husbands and fathers-to-be have to be supportive and just be there for your wives. Even if you do not know what to do, just be there as a pillar of strength. And that is what I will try to be.

Check out this website!!

A friend sent this to me. I guess we might all have seen it before, but a reminder is always good!

http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com

Remember! When you get to the website, to click on view presentation. Enjoy and reflect!

All that haze

At the breakfast meeting this morning at the local coffee shop near the office, we were talking about the haze. V was saying that the haze is here. At least a little of it. But, that set me thinking to my trip to Beijing in July. Now can you beat that Singapore???

I think the haze is irresponsibilty to the environment! I know that it is possibly politcally driven, so no comments about this issue.

I miss Australia where the air quality is top notch, dun you agree S? :)

time and money

time and money
Originally uploaded by benkenobi_lim.

What a laugh! Just some simple math!

Funny.... yet a good advertisement for...

A mother and her young inquisitive son were flying Singapore Airlines from Singapore to New York.

The son (who had been looking out the window) turned to his mother and asked, "If dogs have baby dogs and cats have baby cats,why don't planes have baby planes?". The mother (who couldn't think of an answer) told her son to ask the pretty flight attendant.

So the boy dutifully asked the flight attendant, "If dogs have baby dogs and cats have baby cats, why don't planes have baby planes?"

The flight attendant responded, "Did your mother tell you to ask me that?"

The little boy admitted that she did. "Well, then, tell your mother that there are no baby planes because Singapore Airlines always pulls out on time. Now, let your mother explain that to you."!!!

Never go in Summer!!

on the great wall of china
Originally uploaded by benkenobi_lim.

A picture of some colleagues and I in Beijing, climbing the great wall of china! We went up in July 2005 and it is summer in China. It can be rather uncomfortable especially when you are climbing the wall or even visiting the Summer Palace. But we did enjoy ourselves except that I got a little grumpy towards the evening. The heat and probably the lack of food was taking its toll on me!

Confirmation thots

Last night was the last session of the confirmation training for the year 2005. On one hand it was a relief that it was done, however, it just felt like it has just begun, not just for the newly confirmed, but for the guardians. Dun know how to explain that, but that is how I feel. It was true about what Fr. J said that the guardians would have learnt a lot too. I felt that I had in the past 3 mths or so. I will be going back to the RCIA as of this Sunday. I dun like to compare, but the confirmation does have a closer knit group with more interaction. I guess the RCIA is a little more laid back and not that challenging. However, the RCIA and the confirmation programmes are all intertwined. One cannot do without the other. Thus the "follow through" from the RCIA to Confirmation. Somehow, these two programmes have showed me and taught me that I have to be more "garang" and to be able to approach people easier (though I am still shy at times). The other thing is to try not to judge people and to try and accept people as they are, no matter how they hurt us or take us for granted (this is difficult of course as there were a few characters I keep complaining about to S). However, what I do is "complain to let it out and then move on". No use dwelling on it right?

Anyhow, I am now faced with a decision about next year's confirmation programme. I have been asked to be co- coordinator for next year's programme with Z. However, one thing is for sure, I will not be able to be the co-ordinator, but the assistant to the co-ordinator when the actual programme starts. When Fr. J mentioned Z and my name last night, the first thing my heart told me was to say yes. However, I will have to think about it as I have bible study on Monday, RCIA on Tues and Sun. For now, I will be continuing with the RCIA and the occasional bible study. If I were to do the confirmation programme, then I will freeze the bible study (as I did for the past 3 months) and the RCIA. So I guess at anyone time, I am alternating between the programmes. Of course great consideration must be taken into account about my son who will be due in October 2005. So that is something I will have to think about. Of course, nothing is possible without the support of my wife. If my wife cannot cope, then all these cannot be done. So, these thoughts occupy my mind for now, at least till next week, when I have to give Fr. J an answer.

my results

BROWNIE BATTER! You scored 81% SWEET, 51% CHUNKY, and 62% UNIQUE!

brownie batter ice cream with a rich brownie batter swirl Mmmm....you are a very sweet mix indeed! You are warm, loving, and caring to all those around you, but you're not boring in the least! You have a wild streak and a creative, unique streak, too. You are a great friend, an interesting person, and you know how to have fun without ending up crouching over a toilet bowl. Nice!

apple ibook.... its gone!

Can you believe that my apple ibook crashed yesterday? It was so bad and upsetting. Just thinking about all my photos.... all gone.

Was doing a presentation in keypoint and using powerpoint slides to convert to keypoint. Think the apple just cannot handle the powerpoint stuff well, the computer just crashed. I could not get the OS to start up. I tried the safe mode, fsck, but in vain. It said the HD vol could not be repaired. I went home, got the installation disk and used disk utility to try and repair the disk. Again the HD volume could not be repaired. I have not heard of an apple crashing like that. It looks to me my HD is just gone ...... RIP! I will be bringing it down to the apple centre later to see if they can do anything. Its crazy man.....and upsetting and it is making me depressed!

Anyway, I will have to pick up the stones and move on with my life!!!

Past Sunday

Had quite a scare last Sunday. The day started early with me rushing to FMM to help out at a retreat for the confirmation group. At 10.30am when I was in church helping out with the RCIA group, I got a call from S telling me about a blood streak! S was in an emotional state that I could not ignore at church. Advised her to get the Obstetrician while I made my way home.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, things subsided by the evening. After seeing the OB the next day, it was suspected an infection. The baby is safe, viciously kicking at times. But for the husband, it can be fun (better not say too much, or S might go on and talk about women going through 9mths and its not fun! :P)

This incident kinda made me think a little more about health of the mother and baby. I guess when people ask me whether I am excited. I usually tell them now, no, not now. I will be excited when the baby is delivered and both mother and babe are safe!

Sister's Commencement

Sis Graduation
Originally uploaded by benkenobi_lim.

Sister finally got her degree in July. This was a photo with her at home. The Lim kids are all grown up now. Sis even has a job already in Corporate Comms. Good on her man! Think I am looking fat too.......Weighed myself the other day in the gym. A gain of 2kg after the wedding already. The BF guys said no worries, you will start to lose weight of course and sleep too, once the baby comes!