I've never seen a generous person who wasn't happy.
God simply loves to shower blessings on the generous.
Be generous to someone today.

Grace and I celebrated our 25th Anniversary recently at the beautiful Pangkor Laut Resort. The great service, gourmet food and the spa and massage made us feel truly pampered. This holiday was like another honeymoon for us (hee...hee..), but certainly much better this time in so many ways because our love for each other has grown deeper and richer because we faced so many challenges together through these 25 years that have made us appreciate and grateful for each other. Grace is truly my lucky star. Without her love, encouragement and belief, I would not have done or become who I am today. I am so thankful for her. With wonderful children like Sarah and Nicholas and with such a great church family, I could not have asked for more. I just want to thank God for everything.

It's only as we become open about our lives that we experience authentic fellowship. The Bible says, "If we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each other..." (1 John 1:7-8 NCV). It happens when people get honest about who they are and what is happening in their lives. They share their hurts, reveal their feelings, confess their failures, disclose their doubts, admit their fears, acknowledge their weaknesses, and ask for help and prayer. Of course, being authentic requires both courage and humility. It means facing our fear of exposure, rejection, and being hurt again. Why would anyone take such a risk? Because it's the only way to grow spiritually and be emotionally healthy. The Bible says, "Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed" (James 5:16 MSG)- Adapted from Rick Warren's Devotional

New Life's first mission trip to Cambodia- 1994

My heart of laughter brings health to my body (Pro 7:22). I can laugh in every situation because my Father is in control. His goodness will prevail in every area of my life. His love makes me confident for the future.

Pictures of Grace's plants around the house

At the time of writing, the H1N1 virus or Swine Flu has nearly reached pandemic proportions.
11 countries are already affected and nearly 300 people are confirmed cases. In times like this, it is good to return to the word of God and know that God's people do not need to fear.

God has assured His people that He is our hiding place, our strong tower, our refuge and our fortress.
When we put our trust in the Lord, He will shield us, protect us, hide us and deliver us from any plague.

Ps Chris Leong, Ps Richard Toh and I did the fifth LPPKN (Lembaga Penduduk dan Pembangunan Keluarga Negara) Smartstart Program Praperkahwinan at the Tropicana Golf Club. So far we have taken more than 50 couples through this pre-marital program which is highly subsidized by the Government. The couples only pay RM60 which include materials and two buffet meals and one tea break. The Cantonese will say 'ho die'- very worth it. The lessons which are very critical to a successful marriage include 1. Our expectations 2. Our Love Language 3. Conflict Resolution 4. Finance 5. Sex 6. Understanding our partner's upbringing (which impacted a great deal on his present personality and behaviour). If you are planning to get married or if you are newly married, please contact my secretary, Shirley Tan and she will help you make the arrangements. This investment will be much worth your while.

Last Saturday, Grace and I invited Hana, Pastor Patrick, Bee Long and one of Grace' work colleagues, Ron Renten to a performance of the Malaysian Philharmonic. This is maybe my fifth time to the MPO and I continue to be fascinated by the wonderful music that comes from such perfect synchronisation and harmony from an orchestra of violins, drums, tubas, flutes, cellos, bassoons, horn etc (thanks to Hana, I can at least identify some of them). We listened to the 1911 Russian revolution through music. It was a treat!!

On Tuesday night, I joined Grace as she hosted SHE (Safety, Health and Environment) managers from all over the world for a dinner cruise around the Putrajaya Lake. The buffet catered by Shangri-la was nice and the mood and conversation was relaxing. It was an enjoyable experience as we went on the deck after dinner to take in the night scenes around the lake. At the end of the cruise, one thing I told myself is to read up on PutraJaya so that I will be more knowledgeable when taking visitors there. This is the pride and joy of the nation and I need to be conversant on it.