New culture for Seniors

He who observes the wind will not sow; and he who regards the clouds will not reap. Ecclesiastes 11:4

Once upon a time, 55 is old and on the way out. Today, 55, 60  is new  life in a different platform. Out of the challenging times and the changing culture, has emerged a different breed of  seniors, I call them the experienced navigators of the seas, who has no qualms  continuing in their quest  of  productivity .and self sufficiency. Some are driven by monetary need, others just the sheer pleasure  to actualizing dreams, they had  kept aside in the name of family responsibilities.


To gain respect, you have to worthy of respect and that does not happen if you tell the world, you are tired, old and in need of handouts.

 Filial piety is altogether a different matter. Our children must be brought up to be filial, for the preservation of family virtues, which must be passed on to preserve family units and the marriage institution- the commandments of old-Thou shall honour thy father and mother  But that does not mean, you can expect the world from your children- burden overly. Be considerate, Contribute, make yourself useful. It adds on to family harmony.

The world have become border less with the explosion, the invasion  of the internet and all of a sudden-  distance becomes least  issue- everything  is  just a click away. The world have been brought into our homes. Everything is changing. Mindset is changing.

 Retired no longer mean "on the way out",.."one foot  inside the coffin". In today's world, it just means, moving on to a different platform. Research has proven that active  mind and physic do keep ageing a bay .Eating right , exercising correctly keeps the limbs and bones  strong . Tons of vitamin pills and health enhancers easily available -also work wonders  at preserving health and energy. The Well-being industry  has never been more healthy . It is so happening  and gaining momentum daily, I believe, their sun will never set.. .

What then is  stopping seniors from the many pursuits of living? Why should the experienced navigators be relics, history when they have so much to offer? Silver and greys can be very becoming if you take pride in self quality,  if you refused to be cowed by the perception of others and with courage find new platforms for yourselves.   Always be presentable, put on a touch of perfume..., make it pleasant for others to be in your company ,always be ready for opportunities  and get into the act with  defined purpose. Sometimes, seniors run faster, do better! Bear that in mind.

Psalm 75

These are the words that greeted me when I randomly opened the Bible this morning:

All the horns of the wicked he will cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted. Psalms 75:10

A reminder- walk in the light and spurn the darkness and if situations push you into the shadows and the darkness, call upon the light of the Lord to guide you through those stretches!!

Challenges are for the growth

Challenges are always there, that's for the purpose of strengthening and personal growth. The good comes with the bad. You need to taste the bitter before you can appreciate the sweet. No lesson is learnt without the experience and the process. You'll never know your blessings until they have been taken away and when that blessings flow in again, you will know gratitude.  

There is a plan in every journey, an objective and  achievement  target.. No one wanders around aimlessly  unless he is in a drunken stupor. Everyone has been given their own little world to survive. First excel in your little world , then move on to the bigger world. don't  relax too much, too much of one thing  does nobody any good.  Some people wake up to the facts earlier, others take a longer time but ultimately they do get there, but don't tarry too long, lest you miss your season. Lean on the Lord- for whatever that comes from God remains ever fruitful  wondrous  gifts of  inheritance.

Family Day, OLL 31st August 2013

Joyous, harmonious fun, togetherness, solidarity, community, BEC, team spirit  that's  the Big Family do of Our Lady of Lourdes, Klang,. this morning and afternoon  - 31st August 2013, at La Salle's Klang! What could be more memorable than organising the special event  on the very day, the Nation celebrates liberation day! 

Merdeka Malaysia! Congratulations you are 56! How proud our voices as we lustily sang   the Negara Ku !! Our country and our homeland!! Such cheers , such thunderous applause resounded when the celebration balloons were released at the end of the  National anthem .  A powerful message -We are Malaysians -families of Malaysia!

Happy Independence Day Malaysia! and to you parishioners  of Our Lady of Lourdes Klang , friends and  Migrant communities-Happy Family Day!!

No celebrations would be complete without thanksgivings to the good Lord!! And who could lead the prayer for blessings more powerfully than the good Rev Fr. Michael Chua?? He does not fail, he never does, not when it is the works of the Lord we talk about..

The fun started with the  Big Faith Walk  for four categories of participants, the children (fancy dress walk) senior citizens, youths, and adults participants -taking a big  route  across a number of residential gardens and returning to the base at La Salle school where the rest of the fun fare continued.  Children from the St. Bernadette Home Klang, Ozanam House, SVP Home, Elizebeth Home  and the various migrants community were among the excited participants. 

Freebies were generously rolled out. Coffee, tea, mineral water, milo and cordial drinks were  aplenty for the participants. Buns, breakfast of nasi lemak and mee hoon too,  were on the house.

Activities included the  all ages tele-match, treasure hunt, entertainment by OLL's very own band -OLL Youth Band. Of course, not forgetting , the aerobics  warm up starters and Jasmine, the aerobics instructor  who lead the body stretch, stretch., bend and stretch was fantastic- so full of energy! I was informed there was a cultural performance by the ethnic and language groups and a magic show  in the afternoon, which enthralled both the children and the adults. 

Totally a lovely and amazingly day of  activities, get together, relaxation, bonding, just being family! Team spirit was a top performer!  George Doss , organising chairman of the Big Do attributed its success to combine efforts - PPC, unifying with BECs, volunteers and hard workers of the parish. The amount of prizes, raised by the Committee for  the big event were just incredible. Efforts translated into achievements! YT bet  everyone went home with a prize!  Jessie , PPC chairperson added that the committee also have to thank the generosity of  parishioners and good  support from well wishers for the loads of prizes..

Besides the freebies, there were a number of stalls selling an interesting range of  cupcakes and sweets, miniature cakes with the National  flag standing regally on them. Baby sausages, burgers too were sold!  Hmmm and what  do you know- .there was .ice kacang as well ! It was truly a welcome sight in such brilliant and sunny weather! There was even a stall selling packed ingredients for varied dishes, curry laksa..fish, meat..xtra..Home Cooking made easy. They do think of everything!

Pop corn,  Cotton candies ..totally won the hearts of the children! It is not everyday that they are allowed such "goodies", but then this is a day of fun, so hei, let's just enjoy!! Others have worked so hard for us!!

The child in Yours Truly too, was caught up in the magic of the pink fluffy cotton candies. It was ages, since she last saw a candy machine, and tasted those lip smacking fluffies. She could almost see the  old Ah Pek of her childhood days, performing the same  tricks , except that he very  deftly , does  the spin and the roll  from the back of his big grandfather bike..!

Almost twelve, and food started coming in. A caterer was seen frying his  mountain of well marinated chicken. YT had a peep at the trays placed at various locations-woh! mouth watering curries - lots of yummies for lunch!!

The heat got to YT..and she had to call it a day, but the day's fun was far from over. Infact the tempo was just building up. There were piles of prizes just calling out for ownership, and many were patiently waiting to take home some of the attractively packed prizes.

Worthy of mention were the three huge pink Inflatables placed in the middle of the field. A wondrous , safe and magically fun play land for the children !  So much laughters ,scrambling up and down, hops and jumps, giggles!.It was mighty  heartening to see such happiness on the faces of the children! Whoever suggested that idea...great job! great job!

People's Doing Elects.
with parish Priest Fr. M.Chua

Thumbs up for the two VIPs who were good enough to join the community in their family day joy  -an appreciation of thanks, a big round of applause- the very popular YB Charles Santiago and YB Dr. Xavier Jayakumar.!! Elects, with a heart for the people! Fact seen!

Parishioners of OLL, did you enjoy your fun day??

My torch for you

Who knows what goes on in this vale
The storm that rage within
The tug of war, the needs
and wants
amidst the silver of time.
I hear your silent calls-
that only a mother feels and
hears,
flooding my conscious...
And my heart empathise.


I shall not fail my role
I will not  abandon ..
No... I shall hold up my

torch for you till the last
breathe ..
I know not what my Maker
has written for me
But I know He has listed
compassion and love
to reign foremost the paths He
ordained me!