Most Pampered One

I've never really understood why the youngest child always seems to be the most pampered in any family. Until now.

This boy will be the last baby I have. I probably will never get to experience this phase of growth again. Therefore every moment seems precious - I want to savour it while I can. Because after him, there will be no more babies.

He's the focus of everybody's love and delight - from the sisters to the grandparents, he can do no wrong. :)

Living with Hope

I Need to be AWARE

I want my grandkids to be conceived the natural way (and born into a natural family), so I need to know what they are being taught in schools!

It is not right to try to change things quietly:

1. This is Singapore, and the last I checked, we are Asian, Chinese, Muslim - this brand of tolerance is a big change from where we were
   
2. These acts are still criminal in Singapore - so to teach "tolerance" in schools is to go against the norm.
   

I wonder how the debate even evolved to assuming this specific mode of "inclusion" as the default.

This cannot be what we are teaching our kids.

On My Knees

Parenting drives me to my knees: Praying...

• in thanksgiving - "what have I done to deserve the privilege of fathering such wonderful kids?"
  
• in repentance - whenever I realise how far short I have fallen in bringing up my kids
  
• in reverence - to think of the awesome task of shaping the image of God in my children
  
• in desperation - to realise how little I can do to influence the outcome of my kids' life
  

Most Recent Favourite Song

Lyrics to History Maker :
Is it true today that when people pray
Cloudless skies will break
Kings and queens will shake
Yes it's true and I believe it
I'm living for you

Is it true today that when people pray
We'll see dead men rise
And the blind set free
Yes it's true and I believe it
I'm living for you

I'm gonna be a history maker in this land
I'm gonna be a speaker of truth to all mankind
I'm gonna stand, I'm gonna run
Into your arms, into your arms again
Into your arms, into your arms again 

Well it's true today that when people stand
With the fire of God, and the truth in hand
We'll see miracles, we'll see angels sing
We'll see broken hearts making history
Yes it's true and I believe it
We're living for you

Arrows

PS 127:3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.

Not Wind, but Joseph

ISA 26:18 We were with child, we writhed in pain, but we gave birth to wind.

I confess that I had to fight some negative thoughts when my wife was going to give birth. The memory of 2 previous miscarriages weighed on my mind.

(But we prayed, and many of you prayed for safe and complete delivery. I do not take it for granted that Joseph is here today. I am very thankful.)

What was not shared with you was what God spoke to me, to not give up before the work is done.

ISA 26:17 As a woman with child and about to give birth writhes and cries out in her pain, so were we in your presence, O LORD.

I could understand (to some extent) the anguish described in the preceding verse, when it all came to nothing after months of carrying the child.

Sometimes an extreme example is great reminder for us doing ministry.

The end is certain. But the going gets tough, often more so when the "expected delivery date" draws near. Near to the EDD, the load almost becomes unbearable.

But it's all worth it when you get Joseph (instead of wind).

Are there negative thoughts today as you build the next generation?

Personally I've had to fight so many thoughts, in people, basketball, pastoral work. But in particular, I was reminded not to give up in G12 & Basketball.

Burping Joseph

Ahh, the joy of fatherhood ;)

Week 1 of "No Negative Words" Campaign

"My kids have never heard a single harsh word from me"

I must confess that I did not believe that when I first heard it from Ps Cesar about 4 years back.

Maybe it wasn't pure disbelief - but I could not see how it can even be possible.

(I was thinking: I may not be the best father but I think do quite well. I never scold my kids stupid and I do show a lot of affection to them.)

"You start with a day, then move on to a week, then a month and then forever..."

My eyes were opened that moment.

It's been 1 week. the home feels different. I've not said a single harsh word to my kids. And to my wife too.

"Do you realise Daddy has not scolded you for 1 week?"

[Nods]

"Do you like it?"

[Nods]

It was good. They were even more cooperative contrary to what I expected.

Somehow the impossible became reality. It was not even important whether I could sustain it. I now believe. :D

MK 9:23 " `If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."

MK 9:24 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

(I was less successful at work and on the court, but nevertheless improved. Looking forward to transformation!)