Peggy and William
Tom in the company of his girl friend and her mother
The male members of the Tan clan -- Vincent, Kevin, Leslie and Leslie's sonsSunday, December 30, 2007
And more photos
Peggy and William Tom in the company of his girl friend and her mother The male members of the Tan clan -- Vincent, Kevin, Leslie and Leslie's sons
Saturday, December 29, 2007
More photos of the occasion
Christine, Linda, Terrance, and Robin
Friends and neighbours
Tashy
Tashy, Wendy Linda and Paul
Friends and neighbours
Tashy
Tashy, Wendy Linda and Paul
Christine's 80th birthday party, 2007
Christine's birthday party was celebrated on the 21st of December 2007 simply because her actual birthday, which falls on the 24th, was too close to Christmas. We, Peggy and I and the Hunt family, Wendy, Paul and Tashy, from Canberra, were there to help make the occassion a really grand one. Others, namely Kevin Tan and family, of Western Australia helped to boost the number. The Shankey family-- Linda, Ron, Tom, Michael and Rabecca were there being the closest members of the Metcalfes. Leslie Tan family of Moony Ponds was also present. June McKenna hailed from SA. The rest present were friends and relatives of the birthday girl. The dinner was held at the Flower Drum Restaurant, in the heart of Melbourne. It was an occasion we will never forget.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Carbon Footprint
How green are you?
Seems like a funny question.
Don't get me wrong. I don't mean how naive or easily deceived you are, nor do I mean how envious you are of others of what others have or possess.
If I can put it simply, are you a tree hugger? More pointedly, how large is your carbon footprint?
What is a carbon footprint you might ask.
Well, carbon footprint is the aggregate amount of CO2 each of us produce directly or indirectly each year. This could amount to approximately 10 metric tonnes (each year, my dear).. It is the total amount of carbondioxide we breath out, or expel as a result of excessive gas produced in the alimentary canal. (Sometimes referred to as flatulance, pang phooi (Chinese), kuntut (Malay), etc, etc), as well as gas produced by the cars we drive, or the amount of CO2 produced as we allow our appliances, viz. Plasma, or 200 watt lamps to burn unnecessarily every 24x7 with no end in sight. Incidentally the millions of heads of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs also produce greenhouse gases known as Methane. In fact, they produce more methane than we produce CO2, believe it or not. The good news is there are methane consuming bacteria that can digest the methane and turn it into a non reactive substance. That is a plus for our environment. Methane gas can also be used as fuel for home use for cooking as well as for the production of electricity.
How do we offset our carbonfootprint? How do we counter the excessive amount of CO2?
Trees, my dear. We grow more trees.
What is the connection between trees and the CO2 we produce? The trees absorb and store the CO2 in their wood and leaves and fruits as carbohydrates. They store these products during photosynthesis and in return give off O2 which is what we breathe in to stay alive. The expression is carbon sequestration, the storing of CO2 in the plant so that it will no longer be available to react with other gases. (locked up for good, in other words.)
Where are we going to find enough space to grow more, our backyards being so small? I already have five trees in mine. More would just see them remain stunted and depressed.
The other solution is to offset the CO2 we produce by paying some organisation to grow more trees in areas which have been deforestrated, not necessarily in our country; it could be a neighbouring country where the forest has been expoited for timber, for cash. How many trees? As many as the world can hold - as many as you can afford in dollar terms.
Think of what you can do for the health of the world and not just what you can exploit from mother earth.
Seems like a funny question.
Don't get me wrong. I don't mean how naive or easily deceived you are, nor do I mean how envious you are of others of what others have or possess.
If I can put it simply, are you a tree hugger? More pointedly, how large is your carbon footprint?
What is a carbon footprint you might ask.
Well, carbon footprint is the aggregate amount of CO2 each of us produce directly or indirectly each year. This could amount to approximately 10 metric tonnes (each year, my dear).. It is the total amount of carbondioxide we breath out, or expel as a result of excessive gas produced in the alimentary canal. (Sometimes referred to as flatulance, pang phooi (Chinese), kuntut (Malay), etc, etc), as well as gas produced by the cars we drive, or the amount of CO2 produced as we allow our appliances, viz. Plasma, or 200 watt lamps to burn unnecessarily every 24x7 with no end in sight. Incidentally the millions of heads of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs also produce greenhouse gases known as Methane. In fact, they produce more methane than we produce CO2, believe it or not. The good news is there are methane consuming bacteria that can digest the methane and turn it into a non reactive substance. That is a plus for our environment. Methane gas can also be used as fuel for home use for cooking as well as for the production of electricity.
How do we offset our carbonfootprint? How do we counter the excessive amount of CO2?
Trees, my dear. We grow more trees.
What is the connection between trees and the CO2 we produce? The trees absorb and store the CO2 in their wood and leaves and fruits as carbohydrates. They store these products during photosynthesis and in return give off O2 which is what we breathe in to stay alive. The expression is carbon sequestration, the storing of CO2 in the plant so that it will no longer be available to react with other gases. (locked up for good, in other words.)
Where are we going to find enough space to grow more, our backyards being so small? I already have five trees in mine. More would just see them remain stunted and depressed.
The other solution is to offset the CO2 we produce by paying some organisation to grow more trees in areas which have been deforestrated, not necessarily in our country; it could be a neighbouring country where the forest has been expoited for timber, for cash. How many trees? As many as the world can hold - as many as you can afford in dollar terms.
Think of what you can do for the health of the world and not just what you can exploit from mother earth.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Cherokee Legend
Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage?
His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience because each lad must come into manhood on his own.
The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. May be even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man!
Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.
We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it. Our Heavenly Father is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.
~Author Unknown~
His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience because each lad must come into manhood on his own.
The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. May be even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man!
Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.
We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it. Our Heavenly Father is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.
~Author Unknown~
Friday, November 23, 2007
George Carlin's View on Aging
George Carlin on age.
IF YOU DON'T READ THIS TO THE VERY END, YOU HAVE LOST A DAY IN YOURLIFE.
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions. 'How old are you?' 'I'm four and a half!' You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead. 'How old are you?' 'I'm gonna be 16!' You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life . . you become 21.Even the words sound like a ceremony . YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!! But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you soundlike bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed? You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on thebrakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone. But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would! So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60. You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday! You get into your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there.Into the 9 0s, you start going backwards; 'I Was JUST 92.' Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become alittle kid again. 'I'm 100 and a half!'May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!! HOW TO STAY YOUNG 1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age , weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them.' 2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. 3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil'sworkshop.' And the devil's name i s Alzheimer's. 4. Enjoy the simple things. 5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. 6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you arealive. 7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge. 8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable,improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help. 9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is. 10.Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away
Rather than sending to different people I have decided to publish it on my blog so that it will reach out to a wider circle of relatives and friends.
IF YOU DON'T READ THIS TO THE VERY END, YOU HAVE LOST A DAY IN YOURLIFE.
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions. 'How old are you?' 'I'm four and a half!' You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead. 'How old are you?' 'I'm gonna be 16!' You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life . . you become 21.Even the words sound like a ceremony . YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!! But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you soundlike bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed? You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on thebrakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone. But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would! So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60. You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday! You get into your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there.Into the 9 0s, you start going backwards; 'I Was JUST 92.' Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become alittle kid again. 'I'm 100 and a half!'May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!! HOW TO STAY YOUNG 1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age , weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them.' 2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. 3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil'sworkshop.' And the devil's name i s Alzheimer's. 4. Enjoy the simple things. 5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. 6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you arealive. 7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge. 8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable,improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help. 9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is. 10.Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away
Rather than sending to different people I have decided to publish it on my blog so that it will reach out to a wider circle of relatives and friends.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Melbourne cup day
We did enjoy Melbourne Cup Day -- not Melbourne cup race. It was a holiday and that was what Tashy longed for --- me too (from Metooism). Peggy's gift to me, just before the race started, was Efficient (horse No 6). I thanked her for her generosity-- OH what a gift that was -- it came first in the exciting finish. Did I put any money on the horse?? No Lah.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
At church before our departure from Perth
Kevin with his son, Vincent, and daughter, Emily, and wife, Jenny, Peggy and William
Active fellowship after the church service.A gathering of Kulim folks at Stewart's residence
Stewart and his wife, Amy. Stewart happens to be Teddy's classmate in St Patrick's School, Kulim. He was about to fry koay teow.
Peggy, William, Agatha, John Loh, Stewart and Amy. This was taken just before dinner
Views of Perth
Peggy and Michael in King's Park with the view of the city in the background
Entrance to the esplanade
Skyline of the city - northside of the Swan River
Visit to Perth -- 7th ---14th Oct.2007
It was a worthwhile trip. The above pic was taken when Chong Yew (Peggy's brother) and his wife took us out to lunch. Pictured above are Chong Yew, Celilia and Peggy.
This was taken at Hay Mall, not far from our hotel.
Peggy and Michael ( Peggy's brother) at King's Park. Perth is clean abd very beautiful. We had a wonderful time enjoying hawker food (and very cheap too)
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Birthday bash:PM: Defend the spirit of Merdeka
KUALA LUMPUR: This land and sky above it belongs to all Malaysians, and it is their home and shelter. It promises a strong foundation and a bright future for all citizens to live in unity and full cooperation, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.
The Prime Minister said the country’s independence was fought for by all races in Malaysia and their joint effort had been the basis for the country’s success.
“Malaysia will continue to be developed together in a spirit in which we will not allow any narrow interpretation of the people’s identity, religious extremism, injustice against any citizen or uncertainties on the future or any citizen,” he said in his speech at the Merdeka Mammoth Celebrations at Stadium Merdeka here last night.
All ready: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, together with their wives Datin Seri Jeanne and Datin Seri Rosmah, waiting for the arrival of the King before the start of the 50th National Day Parade in Kuala Lumpur yesterdayHe said that it was at Stadium Merdeka where “Merdeka” was first hailed 50 years ago and it continued to be shouted for another 50 years.
“The acclamation will continue forever, as long as there is a moon and sun,” he said, adding that the independence of the country and its people must continue to be defended.
“We must continue to sow the Merdeka spirit. As of last night (Thursday), the first 50 years have passed. Today is the first day in our journey into the next 50 years,” he said in calling on Malaysians to pledge not to allow their motherland and their mentality to be ruled by others.
Abdullah added that it would be the various communities who would continue to steer the country’s future and progress.
“We will continue to ensure it is a peaceful and stable country, practise moderation and have mutual understanding and respect among the people of various cultures.
“Malaysia will strive to foster good relations with all countries and not take any action to spark animosity. Malaysia will bring the voice of peace in international issues,” he said.
Abdullah called on Malaysians to reflect on the country’s success and be thankful that the people of all races, religions and cultures had come together to build one country and one nation – a Malaysia that has become a model for success.
“We must be thankful for the prosperity enjoyed by so many of us, prosperity which is still just a dream to people in many countries in the world,” he added.
The Prime Minister said the country’s independence was fought for by all races in Malaysia and their joint effort had been the basis for the country’s success.
“Malaysia will continue to be developed together in a spirit in which we will not allow any narrow interpretation of the people’s identity, religious extremism, injustice against any citizen or uncertainties on the future or any citizen,” he said in his speech at the Merdeka Mammoth Celebrations at Stadium Merdeka here last night.
All ready: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, together with their wives Datin Seri Jeanne and Datin Seri Rosmah, waiting for the arrival of the King before the start of the 50th National Day Parade in Kuala Lumpur yesterdayHe said that it was at Stadium Merdeka where “Merdeka” was first hailed 50 years ago and it continued to be shouted for another 50 years.
“The acclamation will continue forever, as long as there is a moon and sun,” he said, adding that the independence of the country and its people must continue to be defended.
“We must continue to sow the Merdeka spirit. As of last night (Thursday), the first 50 years have passed. Today is the first day in our journey into the next 50 years,” he said in calling on Malaysians to pledge not to allow their motherland and their mentality to be ruled by others.
Abdullah added that it would be the various communities who would continue to steer the country’s future and progress.
“We will continue to ensure it is a peaceful and stable country, practise moderation and have mutual understanding and respect among the people of various cultures.
“Malaysia will strive to foster good relations with all countries and not take any action to spark animosity. Malaysia will bring the voice of peace in international issues,” he said.
Abdullah called on Malaysians to reflect on the country’s success and be thankful that the people of all races, religions and cultures had come together to build one country and one nation – a Malaysia that has become a model for success.
“We must be thankful for the prosperity enjoyed by so many of us, prosperity which is still just a dream to people in many countries in the world,” he added.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Surprise, surprise. Read all about it
Kulim, the town where I come from, is to have LRT system and airport by 2020.
Kulim is poised to be a Smart City by 2020 complete with a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system and a regional airport.
The proposals for such mega projects are included in the Kulim Local Plan draft dubbed Kulim 2020, drawn up by the Town and Country Planning Department.
The proposed LRT system from Bertam in North Seberang Prai to Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah through Padang Serai will complement the development of Penang's integrated transport network, said development planning unit 1 project manager Mohd Sharif Che Din.
A regional airport for light and medium aircraft has been proposed in Padang Meha, he said.
“The proposed airport will not create air traffic conflict because it is located 50km away from the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas and 100km away from the Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Alor Star.
“It will cater for private jets, community airline services such as Malaysia Airlines' FireFly and medium-sized cargo planes,” he said.
Other proposed mega projects to boost development in Kulim include the Central Spine Highway, South Kedah Highway (LEKAS), a spacious 112.22ha container depot in Padang Meha and an extended railway system linking Penang to Kulim.
The Central Spine Highway is part of the Kedah Structure Plan to construct an alternative central highway stretching from Jitra in the north to Bandar Baru in the south.
LEKAS will link the eastern part of Kulim to Selama in Perak through Mahang and Baling.
Kulim is poised to be a Smart City by 2020 complete with a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system and a regional airport.
The proposals for such mega projects are included in the Kulim Local Plan draft dubbed Kulim 2020, drawn up by the Town and Country Planning Department.
The proposed LRT system from Bertam in North Seberang Prai to Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah through Padang Serai will complement the development of Penang's integrated transport network, said development planning unit 1 project manager Mohd Sharif Che Din.
A regional airport for light and medium aircraft has been proposed in Padang Meha, he said.
“The proposed airport will not create air traffic conflict because it is located 50km away from the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas and 100km away from the Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Alor Star.
“It will cater for private jets, community airline services such as Malaysia Airlines' FireFly and medium-sized cargo planes,” he said.
Other proposed mega projects to boost development in Kulim include the Central Spine Highway, South Kedah Highway (LEKAS), a spacious 112.22ha container depot in Padang Meha and an extended railway system linking Penang to Kulim.
The Central Spine Highway is part of the Kedah Structure Plan to construct an alternative central highway stretching from Jitra in the north to Bandar Baru in the south.
LEKAS will link the eastern part of Kulim to Selama in Perak through Mahang and Baling.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Winter solstice
To-day is the last day before the sun starts its journey southward towards the Tropic of Capricorn. It is marked by what is called the winter solstice ( or Summer solstice in the case of the northern hemisphere. This is the time of the year when you can view the sun at midnight if you happen to be on the Acrtic circle). It is the shortest day of the year here in Australia ( not just in Australia but also all the countries south of the tropic of capricorn)
The days will start to get longer although it will not be very perceptible for the first few days. The good news is it will sooner or later get warmer -- what a pleasant thought. The fear is it will get warmer than usual due to global warming as we experienced last year. Whether we have left the steps taken to combat global warming too long remains to be seen.
Have a happy winter solstice day, whatever you have planned to do.
The days will start to get longer although it will not be very perceptible for the first few days. The good news is it will sooner or later get warmer -- what a pleasant thought. The fear is it will get warmer than usual due to global warming as we experienced last year. Whether we have left the steps taken to combat global warming too long remains to be seen.
Have a happy winter solstice day, whatever you have planned to do.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Global warming is the question.
The winter cold is beginning to bite but not too severely. It is now June.
Legend has it that the cold spell usually sets in a day or two after Anzac Day but, of late, the weather has remained quite warm. The cold spell is just setting in and it is already the second day of winter ( June 2nd). The days have been warm and the nights cool with a few exceptions when the temperature dropped to -1.
The plants are showing signs of uncertainty. I think they are misreading the signs too. Usually May remains the most beautiful months for Canberra when the leaves of deciduous trees turn yellow and red but this year, being very dry, the trees are completely bare of leaves. Some of the diosama shrubs are actually flowering when it should only happen in Spring. The rose shrubs are shooting new leaves as if to welcome the warm spring-like weather. The only Canadian maple in the back yard is showing young buds but they appear to be holding back because of the cold nights of late. There seems to be a general state of confusion. The roses are blooming gloriously when they should be going into hibernation.
I will be watching the birds and smaller insects to see if they have detected any change in the cyclic nature of the climate. Please report to me if you have noticed anything unusual.
Will keep you informed.
Legend has it that the cold spell usually sets in a day or two after Anzac Day but, of late, the weather has remained quite warm. The cold spell is just setting in and it is already the second day of winter ( June 2nd). The days have been warm and the nights cool with a few exceptions when the temperature dropped to -1.
The plants are showing signs of uncertainty. I think they are misreading the signs too. Usually May remains the most beautiful months for Canberra when the leaves of deciduous trees turn yellow and red but this year, being very dry, the trees are completely bare of leaves. Some of the diosama shrubs are actually flowering when it should only happen in Spring. The rose shrubs are shooting new leaves as if to welcome the warm spring-like weather. The only Canadian maple in the back yard is showing young buds but they appear to be holding back because of the cold nights of late. There seems to be a general state of confusion. The roses are blooming gloriously when they should be going into hibernation.
I will be watching the birds and smaller insects to see if they have detected any change in the cyclic nature of the climate. Please report to me if you have noticed anything unusual.
Will keep you informed.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Roses - Kardinal
"Kardinal: A highly prized red-flowering hybrid tea rose bred in Germany in 1958.
A robust free flowering rose, it grows to 1.2 m in height, and has long strong stems that make it ideal for cutting and exhibition. The perfect pointed buds open to a large, bright cardinal-red flowers that are highly-centred and velvety."
Author: Mary Moody
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Sermon on the Mount
Sermon on the mount __ Recently voted one of the most important speeches made in history
Introduction, 5:1-2
"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain; and when he was set, his disciples came unto him, and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: ..."
Our Lord journeyed through Galilee "teaching in their synagogues and preaching the Gospel of the kingdom" (Matt. 4:23). The "Gospel of the kingdom" is the most important subject in the New Testament (cf Matt. 3:2). The Gospel and deeds of Jesus Christ were understood as messianic, especially when Christ was "healing all manner of sickness". Christ was accepted by the multitude as the Messiah. It was at this moment that Jesus left the multitude and "went up into a mountain" (5:1), which by tradition is located about five miles west of the Sea of Galilee. On this mountain Jesus taught His disciples and other persons.
The Sermon on the Mount was destined to become the universal charter of ethics and higher ideals that have shaped the moral principles of the civilized world. The Sermon on the Mount reminds us of Moses and the Mosaic law, the covenant and the Ten Commandments, which were delivered on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:3f). At that time, God appeared in clouds and thunder; but in the Sermon on the Mount, God was present as a divine and human Being, the incarnate Jesus Christ, to utter clearly the revelation for the new creation of mankind.
The main teaching of the Sermon is not so much the kingdom of Heaven and repentance (4:17), which are presupposed, but the new piety versus the old piety of the scribes and pharisees (5:17-26). The Sermon encourages the Christian to apply in his own life these principles of piety. It opens with the Beatitudes (5:3-12), which describe the character of a true disciple, and of the Christian who glorifies God. and will enter His kingdom. The Sermon instructs the Disciples and believers, to seek the true righteousness and informs them that their good works are for the glory of God (5:13-16), not for merit and fame. It indicates that this righteousness is superior to the purely legal kind taught by the scribes (5:17-48) and practiced by the pharisees (6:1-18). For the attainment of this goal, a series of commandments are given (6:19-7:6 negative, and 7:7-23 positive), and the Sermon closes with the parable of the builders (7:24-27), all to the astonishment of the listeners (7:27-29).
The Beatitudes
"'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.'"
The Sermon on the Mount begins with the utterance of "moving lyrical strains of the Beatitudes." They constitute "the string of pearls" which adorn the crowning of Christian ethics. The Beatitudes are independent exhortations of blessedness to mold the character of the Christian believer.
Blessed is the translation of the original Greek word, makarios, which means much more than happy or fortunate. "Blessedness implies a feeling of being highly favored, especially by the Supreme Being, and often a deep joy arising from the present domestic, benevolent or religious affection" (Webster's Dictionary of Synonyms) (See Ps. 1:1; 2:12; 65:4, etc.)
The Beatitudes provide the specifications for the architecture of Christian character. Accepted as a whole, they provide the ingredients for the upright Christian character:
Blessed is the man who is poor in spirit, that is, one who feels so-the humble one, because humbleness is the gate which leads to the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the mourners, who long to enter the kingdom of God, but who face many difficulties, such as sin and other impediments which block the way to the kingdom of God. Our merciful God will comfort them.
Blessed are the meek, the people who are not disturbed by their own desires, but trust in the Lord (cf. Ps. 37:11, LXX). Their attitude will be rewarded with the inheritance of the earth, which means through their convictions and trust in God they will inherit the age to come.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. They feel the impulse and desire to fulfill the Will of God by their worship of and obedience to God.
Blessed are the merciful not only for giving alms, but especially for giving of themselves in helping others, who in turn obtain mercy (cf. 6:14; 18:33).
Blessed are the pure in heart, the upright, the sincere, the honest in every thought and activity (Ps. 24:4). They will feel the abiding companionship of God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, between neighbors and between nations, who have a peaceful mind to resolve human discrepancies. They should be the treasurers of divine peace from above in order to provide this peace for others who shall be sons of God.
Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness' sake. People who are armed with virtues of the previous beatitudes are well shielded to face persecutions for the establishment of divine principles of life. The kingdom of God is expanded to their hearts.
Blessed are ye (my Disciples) who resist evil and undergo persecutions by words and acts for My sake.
The blessedness of God is the source of men's rejoicing and gladness not only in themselves but also for the reward in heaven, as it happened to the persecuted prophets (cf 23:20; Lk 11:33-38).
Introduction, 5:1-2
"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain; and when he was set, his disciples came unto him, and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: ..."
Our Lord journeyed through Galilee "teaching in their synagogues and preaching the Gospel of the kingdom" (Matt. 4:23). The "Gospel of the kingdom" is the most important subject in the New Testament (cf Matt. 3:2). The Gospel and deeds of Jesus Christ were understood as messianic, especially when Christ was "healing all manner of sickness". Christ was accepted by the multitude as the Messiah. It was at this moment that Jesus left the multitude and "went up into a mountain" (5:1), which by tradition is located about five miles west of the Sea of Galilee. On this mountain Jesus taught His disciples and other persons.
The Sermon on the Mount was destined to become the universal charter of ethics and higher ideals that have shaped the moral principles of the civilized world. The Sermon on the Mount reminds us of Moses and the Mosaic law, the covenant and the Ten Commandments, which were delivered on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:3f). At that time, God appeared in clouds and thunder; but in the Sermon on the Mount, God was present as a divine and human Being, the incarnate Jesus Christ, to utter clearly the revelation for the new creation of mankind.
The main teaching of the Sermon is not so much the kingdom of Heaven and repentance (4:17), which are presupposed, but the new piety versus the old piety of the scribes and pharisees (5:17-26). The Sermon encourages the Christian to apply in his own life these principles of piety. It opens with the Beatitudes (5:3-12), which describe the character of a true disciple, and of the Christian who glorifies God. and will enter His kingdom. The Sermon instructs the Disciples and believers, to seek the true righteousness and informs them that their good works are for the glory of God (5:13-16), not for merit and fame. It indicates that this righteousness is superior to the purely legal kind taught by the scribes (5:17-48) and practiced by the pharisees (6:1-18). For the attainment of this goal, a series of commandments are given (6:19-7:6 negative, and 7:7-23 positive), and the Sermon closes with the parable of the builders (7:24-27), all to the astonishment of the listeners (7:27-29).
The Beatitudes
"'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.'"
The Sermon on the Mount begins with the utterance of "moving lyrical strains of the Beatitudes." They constitute "the string of pearls" which adorn the crowning of Christian ethics. The Beatitudes are independent exhortations of blessedness to mold the character of the Christian believer.
Blessed is the translation of the original Greek word, makarios, which means much more than happy or fortunate. "Blessedness implies a feeling of being highly favored, especially by the Supreme Being, and often a deep joy arising from the present domestic, benevolent or religious affection" (Webster's Dictionary of Synonyms) (See Ps. 1:1; 2:12; 65:4, etc.)
The Beatitudes provide the specifications for the architecture of Christian character. Accepted as a whole, they provide the ingredients for the upright Christian character:
Blessed is the man who is poor in spirit, that is, one who feels so-the humble one, because humbleness is the gate which leads to the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the mourners, who long to enter the kingdom of God, but who face many difficulties, such as sin and other impediments which block the way to the kingdom of God. Our merciful God will comfort them.
Blessed are the meek, the people who are not disturbed by their own desires, but trust in the Lord (cf. Ps. 37:11, LXX). Their attitude will be rewarded with the inheritance of the earth, which means through their convictions and trust in God they will inherit the age to come.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. They feel the impulse and desire to fulfill the Will of God by their worship of and obedience to God.
Blessed are the merciful not only for giving alms, but especially for giving of themselves in helping others, who in turn obtain mercy (cf. 6:14; 18:33).
Blessed are the pure in heart, the upright, the sincere, the honest in every thought and activity (Ps. 24:4). They will feel the abiding companionship of God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, between neighbors and between nations, who have a peaceful mind to resolve human discrepancies. They should be the treasurers of divine peace from above in order to provide this peace for others who shall be sons of God.
Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness' sake. People who are armed with virtues of the previous beatitudes are well shielded to face persecutions for the establishment of divine principles of life. The kingdom of God is expanded to their hearts.
Blessed are ye (my Disciples) who resist evil and undergo persecutions by words and acts for My sake.
The blessedness of God is the source of men's rejoicing and gladness not only in themselves but also for the reward in heaven, as it happened to the persecuted prophets (cf 23:20; Lk 11:33-38).
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Yi shi wei liao ( let food be madicine)
Have you ever noticed that most Chinese reataurants,(especially the good ones) are packed with Chinese families most days of the week and especially during the weekends. I am referring to the restaurants in the Capital cities of Australia. Try having Yam Cha on any weekend the queue is usually that long your waiting time is always more than an hour. That is because the Chinese love their food. The Westerners eat to live, whereas the Chinese live to eat. Despite that fact very few chinese are obese. Not many of them are fat fat, (know what I mean?). Very few have lobes of flesh hanging on all sides with buttocks that look like elephants' rumps.
Indeed the Chinese are obsessed with food. When a Chinese meets another kinsman he does not say "How are you?" He usually inquires, " Have you had anything to eat?"
The enjoyment of cuisine is also considered an art as well as a measure of culture. Like the French the Chinese are very serious about their cuisine. As far as cooking is concerned the French have done the most with the most whereas the Chinese have done the most with the least. Most Chinese will agree with the French gastronome, Brillat-Savarin,that "the discovery of a new dish does more for the happiness of mankind than the discovery of a new star"
Fancy having chicken feet in plum sauce or birds' nest soup or veges fried in shrimp paste? Yamee!!
Throughout history the Chinese have suffered from severe famines that they have learnt to turn everything edible into items for consumption.
The Chinese see food as something important for the maintenance of good health and many view that food and medicine should not be perceived as seperate. Eating a healthy diet is our first line of defence against disease and is a potent form of preventative medicine.
In the west,foods are classified chemically into fat, proteins and carbohydrates or fattening or non fattening.
Whereas the Chinese have two classes of food -- hot or cool.
'Hot foods' can be beneficial or harmful depending on the consumers' condition at any one time. Good 'hot foods' improves the digestion and stimulates metabolism. Bad 'hot food' worsens infections and fevers. Examples of hot food, ginger, chillies,
pepers, garlic, chestnuts,and beef.
'Cool foods' can also be good or bad at different times. 'Cool food' is cleansing and soothing.It relieves fevers. Excessive cool food causes runny nose, diarrhea, etc. Examples of 'cool food' are cucumbers, lettuce,and most fruits.
I don't think i need go into detail about the Chinese version of food chemistry. You still have to have a well balanced combination of hot and cool food to stay healthy and strong.
Avoid overeating especially meat.
Longevity comes with good food and hard work.
Enjoy your food but don't overeat.
Indeed the Chinese are obsessed with food. When a Chinese meets another kinsman he does not say "How are you?" He usually inquires, " Have you had anything to eat?"
The enjoyment of cuisine is also considered an art as well as a measure of culture. Like the French the Chinese are very serious about their cuisine. As far as cooking is concerned the French have done the most with the most whereas the Chinese have done the most with the least. Most Chinese will agree with the French gastronome, Brillat-Savarin,that "the discovery of a new dish does more for the happiness of mankind than the discovery of a new star"
Fancy having chicken feet in plum sauce or birds' nest soup or veges fried in shrimp paste? Yamee!!
Throughout history the Chinese have suffered from severe famines that they have learnt to turn everything edible into items for consumption.
The Chinese see food as something important for the maintenance of good health and many view that food and medicine should not be perceived as seperate. Eating a healthy diet is our first line of defence against disease and is a potent form of preventative medicine.
In the west,foods are classified chemically into fat, proteins and carbohydrates or fattening or non fattening.
Whereas the Chinese have two classes of food -- hot or cool.
'Hot foods' can be beneficial or harmful depending on the consumers' condition at any one time. Good 'hot foods' improves the digestion and stimulates metabolism. Bad 'hot food' worsens infections and fevers. Examples of hot food, ginger, chillies,
pepers, garlic, chestnuts,and beef.
'Cool foods' can also be good or bad at different times. 'Cool food' is cleansing and soothing.It relieves fevers. Excessive cool food causes runny nose, diarrhea, etc. Examples of 'cool food' are cucumbers, lettuce,and most fruits.
I don't think i need go into detail about the Chinese version of food chemistry. You still have to have a well balanced combination of hot and cool food to stay healthy and strong.
Avoid overeating especially meat.
Longevity comes with good food and hard work.
Enjoy your food but don't overeat.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
The Hunt's Residence
I don't think this picture was ever posted on Wendy's Blog. It is the place of residence for the Hunt Family. Wendy wil be surprised to see it herself.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
How Australians have changed.
What tickled me most, as I watched Steady, Ready, Cook, a TV Cooking Programme, last week, was the constant reference made to Asian ingredients like sesame oil, Indonesian ketchup manis, hoisin sauce and veggies like Bock Choy, Choy Sam, Kai lan and spices like coriander seeds and condiments like prawn paste. All totally foreign to most Australians not too long ago. The chefs, I am referring to were Aussies. They used the wok and talked about stir-frying as a preference to boiling or steaming vegetables.
Indeed Australians have come a long way. Walk into any restaurant and you are likely to find listed, on the menu, fusion food -- in reference to food with Asian Flavour.
I was at Byron Bay two years ago and I had the most delicious dish of shellfish (Mussels) prepared in Vietnamese style in an Aussie restaurant
Most Australians I know love Laksa and they are familiar with roast pork and Char Siew . Invite an Aussie Friend to Yam Cha he knows what he is likely to be served. Some will even tell you what they like to have.
When we first moved to Adelaide, in 1976, we would consider ourselves lucky if you could buy ingredients like coconut milk, or dried chilly from the supermarkets. You would have to travel to the city to buy the stuff you like in a Chinese grocer (at that time they were few and far between, now you find them by the dozens in any Chinatown).I remember we had to drive a few kilometers to a private home to buy bean sprout. To day bean sprout is served in Greek and Italian restaurants in their salads.
Walk into Coles or Wollies and you are sure to find one of the aisles marked Asian foods. Fruits like durians, mangoesteens and rambutans are displayed on the tables and shelves. Of course you pay for them through your nose.
When you invite some friends to your house for a meal they know what to expect. They will tell you there is going to be satay and fried noodles. Prawn on your BarB is a Vietnamese concoction, did you know that?
Jamie Oliver , the young English Chef, uses the lesung (mortar and pestal) to prepare his fresh ingredients for his cooking. Indeed the lesung is a symbol of a master cook and it is an item most sought after even if it not used for the purpose it is made for. They are on sale at Target, Kmart and BigW
Where do you go for the best Asian Meal -- the answer is Sydney or alternatively any of the capital cities in Australia.
Hawker food stalls are found in all food courts. Have a char koay teow (fried rice noodle) the next time visit a food court . It is my favourite, served with lots of chilly.
Enjoy!!!
What tickled me most, as I watched Steady, Ready, Cook, a TV Cooking Programme, last week, was the constant reference made to Asian ingredients like sesame oil, Indonesian ketchup manis, hoisin sauce and veggies like Bock Choy, Choy Sam, Kai lan and spices like coriander seeds and condiments like prawn paste. All totally foreign to most Australians not too long ago. The chefs, I am referring to were Aussies. They used the wok and talked about stir-frying as a preference to boiling or steaming vegetables.
Indeed Australians have come a long way. Walk into any restaurant and you are likely to find listed, on the menu, fusion food -- in reference to food with Asian Flavour.
I was at Byron Bay two years ago and I had the most delicious dish of shellfish (Mussels) prepared in Vietnamese style in an Aussie restaurant
Most Australians I know love Laksa and they are familiar with roast pork and Char Siew . Invite an Aussie Friend to Yam Cha he knows what he is likely to be served. Some will even tell you what they like to have.
When we first moved to Adelaide, in 1976, we would consider ourselves lucky if you could buy ingredients like coconut milk, or dried chilly from the supermarkets. You would have to travel to the city to buy the stuff you like in a Chinese grocer (at that time they were few and far between, now you find them by the dozens in any Chinatown).I remember we had to drive a few kilometers to a private home to buy bean sprout. To day bean sprout is served in Greek and Italian restaurants in their salads.
Walk into Coles or Wollies and you are sure to find one of the aisles marked Asian foods. Fruits like durians, mangoesteens and rambutans are displayed on the tables and shelves. Of course you pay for them through your nose.
When you invite some friends to your house for a meal they know what to expect. They will tell you there is going to be satay and fried noodles. Prawn on your BarB is a Vietnamese concoction, did you know that?
Jamie Oliver , the young English Chef, uses the lesung (mortar and pestal) to prepare his fresh ingredients for his cooking. Indeed the lesung is a symbol of a master cook and it is an item most sought after even if it not used for the purpose it is made for. They are on sale at Target, Kmart and BigW
Where do you go for the best Asian Meal -- the answer is Sydney or alternatively any of the capital cities in Australia.
Hawker food stalls are found in all food courts. Have a char koay teow (fried rice noodle) the next time visit a food court . It is my favourite, served with lots of chilly.
Enjoy!!!
Thursday, March 01, 2007
End of Summer
If you have read Wendy's entry in her blog you would have come to the conclusion that EL Ninio has given way to EL Nina with a vengence. Indeed it has. We did have a very severe storm in our part of the ACT a few weeks back. It was one huge downpour accompanied with hailstones the size of marbles lasting about an hour that changed the landscape especially alongside the waterways and the lake which was covered with tons of debri. Wendy's report was centred on the CBD of Canberra. Yet in the south, where we happen to be, the rain was light and gentle. How widespread the damage is yet to be discovered.
The weather still remains warm , with tempertures down from the thirties to about 27/28 range and still very hunmid. The forecast shows rain / storm for the next week and contrast that with dry run we have had for at least ten to twelve months. We welcome the wet but not the devastating storms. We need all the rain we can get to fill our reservoirs and water tanks or we would have to get used to the idea of drinking 'poo water' that is talked about for some time. Our trees, lawns and gardens need the moisture to survive. We truly pray for the return of El nina and hope it stays for some time yet.
The weather still remains warm , with tempertures down from the thirties to about 27/28 range and still very hunmid. The forecast shows rain / storm for the next week and contrast that with dry run we have had for at least ten to twelve months. We welcome the wet but not the devastating storms. We need all the rain we can get to fill our reservoirs and water tanks or we would have to get used to the idea of drinking 'poo water' that is talked about for some time. Our trees, lawns and gardens need the moisture to survive. We truly pray for the return of El nina and hope it stays for some time yet.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
The veges you see are the product of three months of care and attention given to the plants in the garden beginning with the coming of spring. They are our pride and joy. The unusual heat has given us an added problem. Nevertheless the plants survived. We are grateful to Him.The fruit cake is the result of Peggy's experiment.
It was excellent -- richly laced with brandy.
'Yammy', said Wendy.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Friday, January 12, 2007
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