Have a Berry Berry Blessed Christmas Everyone

Reading and Reflection: Education

"The truly educated person has only many doors of interest opened. 

He knows that life will not be long enough to following everything through fully" 

"For the Children's Sake"
by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay

This description of a truly educated person is to me an enlightened but profound thesis about the definition of education - a definition that I have only been coming to terms with in recent times. The definition of true education is an intricate weave and tapestry: of seeking out the purpose of man but knowing the sovereignty of God; of hungrily imbibing all that God's world has to offer but being fully cognizant of the frailty of man and brevity of life; and enjoying the fullness and vastness of God's world and ultimately our creator God. Education does not cease with a degree, a masters or even a PHD but carries on through all of life, or however long our candle is allowed to glow. My own attempt at the definition of education: It is a sustained enquiry to all of life that is fired by a divinely inspired devotion to live one's life heartily to the Lord, for the purpose of bringing glory to Him. And True education always brings about change. 

And from the many late night conversations I have had with Daniel, I realize that he had understood these truths in his days of youth because God has revealed and taught him these truths. As I read through these pages, it is as if Dan's pleading to me are all put in print. I am humbled and blessed to know that I have many teachers with me - God, God's Word, His Spirit, Daniel and great books.

Beautiful & Lovely Things

For the past few nights, I have been dreaming and conceptualize a little corner of the nursery for the kids - Reading & Curiosity Corner. Decorating the walls with beautiful children's prints from http://www.etsy.com/shop/sarahjanestudios and ermm...I admit, I got a little carried away with the lovely armchairs. Well, my search stopped at this classic armchair made just for kids from one of my nursery inspiration websites - www.rosenberryrooms.com . Not just because it can only be found in the states, also because it costs a cool US$499 for one. Woohoot! Well, it's still nice to think of lovely things:)

Christmas Fun

We have been doing some 'advent' of sorts - reading the nativity story before bedtime, some Christmas crafts and playing and playing.

One morning, I picked up some felt and decided to cut into shapes for Sarah and Samuel to glue together. Of course, it became a sticky mess:)

For at least 3 days, we had to pop to Changi T3 for various reasons, but we were glad cos it was a playland for kids this Christmas. I think if given a choice, Sarah and Samuel would have stayed there the whole day.

Sarah standing in front of the big red ball that throws out gifts and sweets at intervals in the evening.

Hannah with the balls that she picked out at the redemption counter

Sarah having a whale of a time on the big snowy bouncy castle.

Sarah's 2nd Dental Visit

Inspired by Hannah's good dental visit, Mommy decided to fix one appointment for Sarah. The last visit being just a 'visit', this turned out to be a pretty fruitful one. Of course, Mommy was glad that the dental fees did not go to waste as Sarah sat obediently on the dentist chair and allowed Auntie Eloise to clean her teeth for a good 40 minutes. With her best friend Hannah rallying her along, Sarah is much comforted and actually looked forward to going to the dentist. That's what best friends are for:)

Updates...

Much has gone on in the past 2 weeks...

We had a great time celebrating Sarah and Samuel's Great Grandpa's Birthday. Tributes, Song, Prayers and Special Items filled that celebration. Sarah was very busy that night - playing and catching the balloons. I think she was at it for a good two hours.

It was off to a funfair the next morning, with Bozo the clown, Mark the Popcorn Popper and Sarah the fish catcher.

My niece, Isabelle or Belle Belle turned One! It was another birthday celebration with the family.

December heralds...

This December is indeed very special and precious to me. Perhaps, one that I have not had for a long long time. [To be accurate, since I was in Sec 2]. I find myself in these past few weeks being constantly drawn into a state of reflection about myself and my life. The unprecedented amount of undisturbed time and space in a usually busy month has perhaps given me a much needed headstart in unravelling the tangles of my life in order to weave the balance as rightly demanded from my God for the new year to come. It is interesting how the books I read and words I hear and conversations I have, have directed me to have my priorities realigned, my devotions reclaimed, my weaknesses discerned, my disciplines pursued and my life cast in dependence upon my Lord. I am hopeful and dare I say, excited - at a new life in Christ and a new year in Christ. 

In the meantime, it has also been fun, preparing my family to welcome the Christmas season. Mommy was busy perfecting her new found recipe of oatmeal cranberry cookies the past week. Sarah has just finished picking out Christmas presents for the whole family from Daiso and Mommy bought childproof Christmas decorations for the tree. Yes, Samuel was always around, pretty much hollering at the top of his voice wherever he goes. Now what remains, is for us to buy the Christmas tree and have family and friends gather around:) 

A Ti-shoo A Ti-shoo, We all fall ill...

Saturday night was probably the definitive moment when I concluded that, "We are all ill". Usually, when the kids are ill, they get to sleep on Daddy's & Mommy's bed with no questions asked. That night, Sarah had a real difficult time sleeping. She flipped, tossed and rolled from one end of the bed to another end. Everytime she coughed, she would cry out in pain, "Mama, Mama". I could only offer her words of comfort and hold her hand and stroke her back. It won't be long before she went into a deep sleep that she would be woken up by a cough and then it would repeat itself over and over again. During one of those cycles, our sweet Sarah seemed to know that Mommy was keeping watch over her and she whispered, "I love you." These expressions of love always make me smile...our Sarah responds to illness in a very affectionate manner. Well, after what seemed a long time, she finally fell asleep.

But her sleep was shortlived as Samuel's cries pierced through the night. Soon, Samuel was on the bed with Daddy, Mommy and Sarah. And Samuel was perhaps more hard hit with the illness than anyone that night. Poor boy. Everytime, he coughed, he cried out unforgivingly. He refused to lie down on the bed. And everytime someone touches him, he cried out again. Our dear Samuel is like a bear with a toothache when he is ill.

There came a point in the wee morning, that Sarah was awoken by Samuel's cries and seeing Mommy carrying Samuel, Sarah started to wail again and cry out for Mama. So amazingly, we had two crying children during the climax of the morning. Whilst, Daddy pat Sarah, I tried to pacify Samuel. Finally, we were all lined up like sardines on our queen size bed - Sarah, Mommy, Samuel and Daddy [in that specific order as specified by Daddy]. All but one refuse to lie down. No prizes for guessing who:) Daddy and I couldn't help but snicker through the darkness at the quirkiness of our little special 'genius'. Samuel's final position where he did stop crying was to sit upright on Mommy's stomach. Don't ask me why. I left him there for about 5 minutes and watched him dozed off. Nod, nod, nod and kuplunk. Samuel was soon wedge comfortably where he should be, right in the middle of Daddy and Mommy. And thus our whole family finally went to bed.

I have since learnt from Daddy and from these experiences that the best way to enjoy these bouts of illnesses is to accept the uncomfortable reality that sleep is a forgone conclusion. With this in mind, watching our charges through the night and praying alongside of them in their illnesses makes all the difference. Not forgetting the other conclusion to buy a king size bed in the near future:)

Christmas is a Time...

The cold and crisp December air is met with welcome arms by my family. I am glad that this year's December is special; allowing us time to smell the air, and pause and think and remember much that God has given us before the new year 2010 arrives. *Sniff*Sniff* I think I smell Christmas in the air:)

It is interesting to read how Christmas in all its christmas trees, yuletide, presents giving and merry making was born out of a cauldron of pagan practices and really did not have much roots in Christianity or even in celebrating Christ's birth. It was only with the declaration of December 25 by Pope Julius 1, that the celebration of Christ's birth was officially 'calendarized' and along with it, all its other pagan traditions.

But still, Christmas makes December a lovely time of the year:) And knowing where and what Christ has saved us from and saved us to makes every day a cause for celebration. Our family is excited to begin our own tradition to pause and remember what God has done for us in the year present and to thank Him for all the love His has given, through our family and our friends. And what better time is it, to thank God for His greatest gift to us - Jesus Christ His Son, through whom we would receive our redemption, our inheritance and our hope.

Dear Sarah and Samuel,

• Let Christmas be a time to remember what the Lord has done for us in the year past and present,
  
• Let Christmas be a time to commit the new year ahead and all its uncertainties
  
• Let Christmas be a time to enjoy the warmth and love of family & friends
  
• Let Christmas be a time to give thanks to the Lord for all He has bestowed
  
• Let Christmas be a time of giving to family and those who need the Lord
  
• Let Christmas be a time to simply enjoy the beauty of life that God has given to mankind.
  
• Let Christmas be a time to remember Christ's birth as foretold in God's sovereign plan
  
• Let Christmas be a time to know that Christ is the centre of all of life

In years to come, wherever you both are in life, may you both return home and gather with Daddy and Mommy, to celebrate all that Christmas is to our family.

Love
Daddy & Mommy

Samuel turns 16 Months!

Dearest Samuel,

Daddy and Mommy can't believe how a little boy you have grown up to be. No longer do you like to confined anymore [well, who does anyway?] You simply love to be on your feet, scooting [in Auntie CC's words] from place to place. And we love the little dance you do whenever the music plays:) You have become a little companion to Sarah and Hannah and love to be a part in all they do.

But you always intrigue us with your peculiar ways - like stuffing things into slots and holes. Daddy definitely thinks these are signs of a little genius in the making. And mommy readily agrees. You have been spouting many words - from 'umbrella', to 'take picture', to 'singing along' and of course not forgetting your favorite words, 'No', Dun Want' and 'Stuck'.

You have brought so much joy to us and we thank God for His work in your life. You are very special because God has protected you right from the very start. We love you very much our little boy:)

The 1st Belated Birthday Post

Specially Dedicated to My Mother-In-Law: The lady with an Undivided Heart

One of the greatest blessings in my life is my mother-in-law [and CC can readily attest to it]. Knowing her and seeing her life lived out in front of my eyes have taught me much about a life in Christ. She is truly a lady with an undivided heart. I am amazed and very thankful at how selfless and tireless she is when it comes to loving the family. Spending time with her grandchildren is done with an undivided heart. At each time and opportunity to teach and love her grandchildren, she would do so wholeheartedly, even though deadlines may be looming around her. Spending time with her children and her father is very much the same way. Sometimes, even though the way to love her family is fraught with much difficulty, she continues and perseveres because she is clear in her mind what God desires of her. As I grow each day and understand more about the life which God has called us to, I dare say her undivided love towards her family comes from her undivided love towards God.

She loves what God loves and that has given her the propensity to enjoy all the beauty and joys that life has to offer. She also abhors what God hates and that has caused her to stand alone but confidently in the Lord [though with much pain and sorrow] even when circumstances and men are opposed to the ways of God.

When my health took a turn in 2008, it not only took a toll on me, on Daniel but on my mother-in-law and Daniel's family. Her retirement plans were put on hold, or more aptly, they took a different course because of my condition. But never at one time, did I hear her murmur or complain. Instead, with much prayer and seeking, she allowed God to change her plans and course in her life and took on the great responsibility of looking into my meals and ensuring that I am fed good and healthy meals. That meant sourcing recipes, investing much in organic food and tediously preparing meals for me and the family. She not only took pains to provide me physical food but she also cared for my spiritual health. Each time I headed for my chemotherapy sessions, she was there. To cover me in prayers and to massage my back after 4-5 hours of sitting on the chair. But even when her apparent needs are overwhelming, she was not blind to the needs of others. I remembered how she shared the gospel with the daughter of another cancer patient during one session. And to hear how readily the girl wanted to know God revealed to me how that incident was providentially orchestrated. The girl was just waiting for someone to speak to her. And my mother-in-law was the one because she availed herself in all situations. Only a life yielded to Christ can be of such great use. In particular, I will never forget how she carefully memorized Psalm 91 and recited it to me in its entirety on 15 July when I was to undergo my final and biggest operation.

I speak so unreservedly of my mother-in-law because she is to me - a person who honors and glorifies God in life simply by making herself available at every turn in her life to be used of the Lord. And in her, I can see a real life realization of the woman of Proverbs 31. Praise be to God alone.

I am so thankful and blessed. Blessed Birthday Mom!


Her children rise up and call her blessed; 
her husband also, and he praises her:
Proverbs 31: 28

Bible Study Fellowship

Today was the last day of BSF for 2009 and looking back at how CC and me found ourselves into this group – I can only say that God provides all things, in His time and in His way. It all started from a thought, to a desire that grew within me to study God’s word wholeheartedly, to an invitation that was unsolicited and to finally getting a place in BSF.

2009 is really a year of recollection, of remembrance, of reading and of having the opportunity to meditate on who God is and what He has done in my life. It is a year of lying in green pastures and sitting beside the still waters and getting to know my God all over again. What a privilege it has been...

As I sat quietly during my first session and listened to my group members share their answers of the study of Exodus, my heart was moved. It really isn’t about right and wrong answers anymore. Perhaps, it never was. But it is the developing of a personal relationship with the Lord, who himself is the only Way, the embodiment of Truth itself and real living Life. That alone is so precious and valued by God Himself. To hear others testify of God’s grace, mercy and faithfulness is very overwhelming to me. Though I hardly knew anyone, they felt so close to me because of the wonderful God we all knew.

As we sung this hymn at the closing of the session, I could not help the tears that welled up in my eyes. How apt it is for us to part by blessing one another with God’s blessings. Truly, God be with you all till we meet again….

God be with you till we meet again,


By His counsels guide, uphold you,


With His sheep securely fold you,


God be with you till we meet again.

Till we meet, till we meet,


Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;


Till we meet, till we meet,


God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again,


’Neath His wings securely hide you,


Daily manna still provide you,


God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again,


When life’s perils thick confound you,


Put His arms unfailing round you,


God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again,


Keep love’s banner floating o’er you,


Smite death’s threat’ning wave before you,

God be with you till we meet again.




Reading Reading and More Reading

It's interesting how one's reading habits are continually evolving. I use to think I need to finish a book from cover to cover to really think I have mastered the contents of the book. I would in the past dutifully go back and forth and back and forth to recover lost content as my strayed while reading. But of course, mastering may not mean understanding fully what the author has intended. Almost never in my case. I am really so amazed at the relevance of several books at one time and how they seem to be interconnected. Nothing escapes God's plan and sovereign working - even the books we read. Reading is truly an important exercise that strengthens, builds and enriches one's mind and soul and equips one to worship and serve God.

I am thankful to have my thursdays off - off from kids and my computer. To be able to read over a cup of tea and cookies is a blessing and a much needed exercise for me - if I were to be useful for the Lord.

Current reads for me:

 

As I move to relearning and educating myself, I find myself moving into the realm of understanding what education is and then I find myself naturally searching for how then to really educate my children. And that brings me back to a full circle of what motherhood really is and it ends up with understanding who we are in Christ and what God has meant for each of us to do. Amazing amazing amazing.

Rhyme Bible Book: The Day Jesus Died

I have been reading the Rhyme Bible Book to Sarah almost every night before she goes to bed - totally at her request:) I do wonder when she would ever get bored of it, but I think I should be delighted that she loves the book. It has become those necessary things before bedtime. We always try to end each story with a song and Sarah likes to sing along. I have decided to blog about this regularly because I hope to record the stories that she enjoys and it comes in phases. At one time, it was "A Sick Girl" - the story of how Jesus raised the little girl who fell sick. Sarah really liked the happy ending when the girl was well with her daddy and mommy. Then, it was "The Special Baby" because she likes the words "Clipety Clop" which begins the story and the song "Little Baby in a Manager" which we sing at the end of the story.

These few weeks, it is "The Day Jesus Died". Sarah is very quiet and observant when it comes to the page where Jesus is hung on the cross with his head bent low. She would stare at the picture and point to the nails. Each of them - and there are 3. She would place her finger there and look at me. Mommy would say, "Pain". She would move from the left hand, to the right hand and then to Jesus' feet. Sometimes, I would try to explain that it was painful because those were nails and that Jesus died for you and me. One time, she pointed to the loin cloth of Jesus and said, "Ribbon":) We would end off the night singing one of my favorite choruses - At the Cross. It has also since become one of Sarah's favorite.

At the cross, at the cross

Where I first saw the light

And the burden of my heart rolled away

It was there by faith I received my sight

And now I am happy all the day.

May little Sarah and Samuel come to know the Lord and all that He has done for them.

Updates

Pressing entries have pushed these updates till now. For the past month, it has been a busy one with meet ups with family friends from afar as well as a stay over and some celebrations.

Saturday: Godma Viola came back on a very short trip and the kids managed to catch up with her over lunch.

Not forgetting Godpa Melvin - Sammy had quite a fun time chatting with him over the phone.

Mon -Wed: Weining & Emily came over to stay during PSLE marking week and this was our trip to our favorite nature spot.

Saturday: We had dinner with Auntie Ching who was back in Singapore for a short trip too.

Preparations for Sarah and Samuel's Learning

As I am slowly reading and learning as well as preparing for Sarah and Samuel's learning, I do take occasional breathers from the intense preparation to enjoy designs - may it be home & decor, nursery decor, paper decor and artwork. Recently, I stumbled upon designs & artwork which would assist in their learning & I am so thankful for these creative people who readily make available their designs to share.

Days of the week: I have been meaning to reinforce the days of the week visually to Sarah. It all started with Sundays when Sarah knows that she goes to church and Wednesdays when mommy goes for BSF as well as Saturday and Sunday, the days when mommy allows her to watch Sound of Music. I was planning to make tags to put in the car and dread the amount of time I would have to spend on Big Mac when I found this at www.livinglocurto.com under freebies. Inspired but relieved:) Go here and have a whale of a time digging for treasures but remember, don't get carried away.

This clever designer made tags for her children's clothes so that they can grab their clothes in the morning before going off to school. A brilliant idea that can be translated to just about anything.

Numbers and sequence of events: This other idea by the same designer gave me some ideas in teaching numbers and sequence of events to Sarah and Samuel.  

Our Short Getaway - Port Dickson 25 -28 Oct

This was a trip planned entirely by Daniel. It was a short self drive trip to Port Dickson with the family with the objective of "Enjoying Each Other" with no strings attached. For that reason, photography for me was restricted and Daddy and Mommy could only bring one book each to read. I must say, this short trip was a real blessing to me and I enjoyed myself very tremendously. Oh yes, so did the kids:) Looking back, I am so very grateful to be able to do this.

Every morning, Sarah would ask, "Where's Sa going?" And Mommy would happily reply to her, "We are going to swim and play sand." With a lilt in our steps, we would trudge off to the sandy beach linked to the hotels. Well, Sarah and Samuel literally wore their wetsuit for a large part of the day, at the breakfast table, at the playroom, and at the beach and swimming pool. Our first stop, we stayed at Thistle, which just reopened in May after a major 5 month renovation. Everything in the room was spanking new and it was right beside the Malacca Straits.

'

Then, we headed to Avillion for the rest of the holiday. This is a pretty much self contained recluse and there were so many things to do for the entire family...and instead of living right beside the sea, we were living in the middle of it.

That's Sarah at breakfast in her wetsuit.

Grandma and grandpa who came along to help us with the kids.

Samuel had a whale of his time feeding and touching the pets in their in-house pet farm.

This baby bunny was too cute to be fearful of that even Sarah managed to stroke it a few times. 

That's Sarah at the playroom in her wetsuit, again.

Our lovely Sarah and Samuel.

That's how Samuel was during the trip, laughing and laughing, playing and sleeping.

On the final morning, the tide receded so much that we could walk across the beach and into the sea where we saw swarms and swarms of soldier crabs and other interesting sea creatures.

That's sea grapes for you [according to Rubi our helper]

Brave little Samuel venturing into the sea for the first time.

Interesting little corner in the resort for people to write.

Grandma and her birthday present.

It was only 4 days but it felt so long. And I take home much from this wonderful, burden-free trip. Thank you God for all the blessings that you have given...