The Healing Power of Holy Hour

YT was happy as a bumble bee, almost skipping into the church building..that is... if an autumn rose could still skip ...First Fridays, is a time, she looks forward to...but hei, team OLL! Parish Priest!  that hymn when Jesus, says , our tears were the reason he died and that he sees and knows the tears that we cry ...in private...in our hearts...and that guys! that burst the reservoir..OM Gosh! the tap refuses to stop flowing , perhaps...the deep of her heart was pried open..something heavy and painful  surfaced...yes, it certainly felt that way......something suppressed and not released perhaps......thank you Father John...the healing prayer was very powerful, the words used..it does guide a needy person into releasing what should have been released a long time ago..but then healing takes time...because -more often than not, we stubbornly keep our  secret rooms locked away....hidden firmly in a little Hands Off  corner...

A little window has been opened and light is peeping in....slowly but surely, the start of healing..whatever it was....

Folks, if you are going for Holy Hour, go with an expectant heart, do not go for the sake of going.....go with trust and faith...expect the presence of the Lord in your lives....expect healing......and you will definitely feel him .....it is like, there you are kneeling in your need and your need has touched Him.....He comes and reach out and touch you , comforting you, it is an awesome feeling, no words could describe..except in an out flow of emotion....

In a healing and worship session, when healing and rebonding hymns are chosen, they  remind the needy that the Lord is firm  in His love, no matter what our circumstances..no matter our status, no matter anything...He is the reason, why we are journeying......LIFE... ..it is temporary...therefore whatever we go through is also temporary.......one day, we will have to discard our worn out flesh, leave everything behind and  go home to the Father...and that is in itself a comfort.

   

Prayers for a Lady in Autumn

A few more steps and into the gateway of  another year she goes. Hello???? Hey, road ahead!!!Anybody out there???Is there any angel out there to guide and  lead her into a fresh new year???

Kind of scary to see the days  flashing past so fast and suddenly, suddenly, she just wants a humongous hug and the reassurance that the waters will be calm all the way; the road equally smooth. Many wonderful - good, caring and sincere friends by her side. People who understands her and accept her for what she is, the way she is. Don't expect her to  be exciting and interesting all the time. She just cannot...there must be intermittent period of quiet and peace for her...., private moments when she can do her own stuff,  crabby stuff even, plenty of that....that's her.., , write, etc..etc..

Her wish list used to be never ending but for this particular stretch of her journey till the call comes, she just wish for peace, joy, contentment, good health, protection, the grace and love of God, a happy household, and like she says plenty of good and caring people around her and yes, a beautiful and secured garden full of delicious fruits and food to satisy and content her.  Ya, Ya, that is  indeed a pretty long list in itself, but the good Lord......He is Generosity Himself.

But you know what folks, she learnt that Prayers are the best gift for a lady traveller striding into  her autumn days, because if Someone up there, throws his cloak around her, she will always have warmth, if He opens an umbrella, she will have shade, if He  walks with her, she will never be lonely, If He stands with her and smiles down upon her, all will be well..  Thanks and may the goodness of your prayers overflows and their goodness bless you as well!  God Bless one and all!!!!

Discipline the- vital tool for character building

YT simply cannot believe it, some people are saying that if children  were made to stand on chairs and tables as punishment, they  would fall down and hurt themselves. As she remembers  it,  this writer had her fair share of standing on tables and chairs, during her school days. Did her no harm , nobody got hurt ...and there were a couple of times,  the whole class were made to stand on  tables because we were so noisy.  Some could not  stand still and would fidget on the table tops causing the tables to fall either forward or sideways, bringing down the rest of the tables near them...As she remembers it, the girls would simply jump away from the falling tables without suffering a scratch., put the tables back  upright and continue standing  until, the punishment was over..

Of course, we would cover our faces with our books so that friends from other classes would not know, it was us who were  being punished..but that did not take away our confidence...or humiliate us, in such a way, that we felt shamed forever, it was just punishment for some misdeeds, and we took it in our stride and learn from each punishment. Infact, we even build up stronger characters from being punished, we learn right from wrong.

Perhaps, in those days past,  we  had healthier mindsets- ...we exercise more, running-100m, 200m, 400m etc..., basket ball, net ball,high jump..volley ball...long jump...that our limbs had become so strong and sprightly that we could fall without hurting ourselves...  we would just spring up like a rubber ball, and go bouncing away.. We could view everything so positively, and simply learn from our mistakes.

Today, kids hardly exercise...they sit in front of PCs,  the idiot box, or text  their life away. The only parts they exercise were the eyes and fingers...so..what can we expect??? Lazy and soft bones which breaks easily...minds so confined to what they see in computer games, TV shows...that they view things  differently ...parents become ultra-protective where discipline are concerned, sparing the rod..not teaching....not developing or helping  their kids to grow  as they should, some even preventing teachers from doing their jobs. Everything is a legal case, so much so that some kids grew up with the idea that they could get away with blue murder. Remember all the bullying cases, gangsterism, students threatening teachers...drug abuse etc...negativeness and all the truancy in schools....we read about in papers??That  came about because we did not do our parental duties well , we naively thought that was love, BUT.....

  

Perhaps, if we were to encourage more healthy living, more social interactions ,  BLOCK OUT race or creed,.start disciplining our kids like the days past,  teaching and instilling good values, good morals, strong religious beliefs, respect for their parents, elders, teachers etc...CHARACTER BUILDING....we could reverse the deteriorating trend and rebuild a culture of  positiveness, love and respect for one another,  healthy individuals.. , high morals ...  brilliant minds, who could think for themselves, and establish a future for themselves and  for the land they call home....  .

A gift of Great Food

 Contentment! Ah! what satisfaction you give! And as each  plate of sumptuous delight, quickly arrive, temptingly "bagus"; salivary good -restrain and refine behaviour flew out of the window! Chopsticks went click, clack.. quickly chomp ping in, and........a spontaneous chorus of Mmmmmmmm  filled the air. Wow! great stuff! The char siew was deliciously tender, juicy with just the right crisp- a great starter to a perfect afternoon lunch. (what you see here is just half the amount, ..before the camera could click, half the amount already made its way into 'can't wait anymore' tummies)..

Crab rice, the signature dish of Siu Siu Restaurant in Old Klang Road was superb, the taste was just right, the crabs fleshy and cut to the right size, making it easy to dig in...they supply you with clippers, or do you call them crackers??? but  you do not need those very much, because somehow the crabs were marinated and steamed in such a manner, that the shell has become soft and with just a tiny twitch the whole flesh dislodge itself  for  your tongue to roll around it, savouring the goodness...

The river fish prepared in  Nonya style is out of the world! No joking here! Authentic truth! YT was still tearing and poking at the bones, looking for any tiny bits of flesh that may still cling on ...after all had been wolfed down.....that's how good it was. Fresh, real fresh! Extraordinarily good. The best she has eaten for a long, long time!

The kangkong belacan was passable but better than most and..... man oh man! the Salted eggs Prawns (shell-less) were just heavenly! Generous portions for every dish! Service was superb , the atmosphere.... green, cooling.....relaxing , the kind of place, you would like to sit, linger  and just enjoy..... Try it out yourself folks!
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A mother's heart was gladden and yes, this great taste of good food, amongst great atmosphere  will certainly linger on ,  and occupy a permanent place in her heart and memory lane. Thanks K, guys and God Bless!

The call to Holiness- St Anne-Port Klang

Holiness is not about how many times, you pray a day, how many masses, you attend, it is certainly NOT self righteousness. It is all about being righteous  ..listening to your conscience; walking the acts of doing good for  your own family, your community, your church, etc..etc...It is about love for others in our lives, and yes...also for ourselves....for then, we would be well nourished, with sufficient strength to nourish others and provide them with the warmth  they need...

Marie has only one word for this morning's message by Father Simon, Simply Powerful, prompting us to straight away examine ourselves...are we just  acting holy or really heeding the call to holiness in all seriousness...our good deeds coming straight from the heart in all sincerity... that we give hope and happiness to others...., are we Strong and consistent in what we believe in and not afraid to stick to our  principles and defend our beliefs; ..... speak up for what is right. This is wisdom that nourishes, this is nutrients that nurtures young minds and hearts and yes even we- ourselves... that we  walk straight paths in the light of the Lord God...and this is precisely what this world needs...., the power of pure love , to cleanse its space and the earth  of  the poisons that pollutes, destroy  and kills  everything in its path....- family bonds, marriages, relationship, health, livelihood, friendships etc..etc.. because  we we have lost sight of the goodness of being HOLY in its correct context;  and we have shifted our gaze from our God ...

Saint Anne pray for us! 

A call to all mothers/parents, look after your children!!!

We have apprehended one monster and brought down  the hammer and chains of the law on him. But how many more monsters still exists out there, camouflaged by their sheep clothings that we do not see their evilness until it is too late???
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Once...our hearts are at ease the moment, we hand our children over to the school bus "uncle"  " uncle bus" we used to call our trusted guardians of school children. Not anymore, never again!!!! We do not know where the bad apples are...and are forced to exercise caution  without exception.....at this point of time..Could we do less when evil has consumed the minds of some unspeakable morons  that they could fearlessly go around raping young children even in  full view of other kids right in the school bus and by a busy public road???. What sort of  pervert is that???? From which gate  of  hell ???  which  dimension??? And that is not his first offence, he had done it to other young children before??? even his own adopted daughter??? Why is he still on the loose???and why are children still entrusted to his care???? Parents! be more careful entrusting your children to others...Listen to what your kids may be trying to tell you! Pay more attention to their welfare, their appearance, their behaviour etc..etc..! They are so innocent and helpless, protect them!!!
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Even adults go into depression and become totally different people after being  violated..what more kids and at such tender ages???

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First, it was public buses, then it's taxis that we have to be careful...and now...school buses as well??? No wonder,  calamities are erupting around the world.....earth certainly needed a cleansing.....Her morals had been thrashed...and badly needed a revival and uplift-ment .

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Religious,  parents, teachers...there is much you can do..governments...there must be stricter laws,,preventive laws...curing takes longer time and it is sometimes difficult to straighten a crooked tree....but a young sapling,  carefully watched over that it grows strong and upright without any blemishes has its beauty contained forever. ...   beauty is cultivated  from home, schools... religion .. Let us work together as one community to straighten this mess.....

The Passing of Time

It is Father Time and he pats you gently on the shoulders and whispers ever so sweetly. Your toll, my dear, before you venture any further....And like everything else, cost  has gone up double, triple fold... and you know how it is, my dear,   he mouths....the sun will soon be setting and as dusk gathers ,  we will have to turn  the street lights on so that you could see clearly as you continue on your journey.....Can't have you stumbling around in the dark, you know...he winks and deftly  collects his due..one whole year of youth .... and wearing it like a garland of flowers  around his neck, he merrily walked on ahead of you......opening yet another chapter in your book of life. 

And as this Being, hesitates at the entrance and looks back at the mountain of NOT YET ATTAINED  she singled out one priority.....to walk on the birth land of her faith....to breathe the air, to experience  worship in the very place, faith sprang forth, established, grew....and found its way into her soul ....and in a very earnest moment she holds out her hands for that great gift to live and walk her dreams...perhaps,  then somehow, the rest of her dreams will fall in place........ hey! Father Time! Wait up will ya!

The Exocticasy of Prawnie Mantis

Are those  Praying Mantis ? Or  big fat Bugs?? This writer sure loves Mantis Prawns when it is properly de-shelled, or chopped into  pieces and  fragrantly fried dry with dried prawns , garlic,  shallot  with just the right twang of chili in it. But when she was served a plate of  big  fat mantis complete with shell and all,  ..what the heck is that??? man! for moment she was totally eeeeeyuck...off ......  like giant bugs! The type she would whack with her slippers and go running screaming at the top of her lungs! But that exotica  was ordered at a hefty price and so she gingerly tucked and pulled  at the shell, ....slapped  pounded chili sauce on. it....and with great bravo sank her teeth into the whitish looking flesh   but then .... wonders of wonders! hey  they do  taste sweet and tender, even if they are buggish in looks! You know, the taste of very fresh steamed seafood....but! to be perfectly honest, despite the sweetness, there was this tiny wienie uneasiness in her system......she would have enjoyed it more, much, much more if she had been spared looking at their crawlie frame! This writer, she has a weak stomach for exotics!

But the steam boat was a delight and certainly one of the best ......Pulau Ketam, straight from the sea! Thank you and God Bless . A  total treat  from the hearts of those she held dear!

On the Day I called, You answered me, O Lord (Psalm 137)

On the Day I called, You answered me Oh Lord! (Psalm 137 ) Powerful, awesome and so full of response and endearing comfort! Folks! Were you touched?  Did you hear the promise ringing out that God answers those who calls upon Him??? It humbles the heart and puts a song of  highest praise and worship of the Lord God. It is  to the poor that He hasten to shower reassurances and compassion.. The poor - those who have a need, .......perhaps a desperate need for the grace of God that a spontaneous call arose from the deepest of the heart.....so needy that it rises up and touch the Divine Heart of God. 

Persistence and preserverance are good ingredients  to add to our prayers. YT was at St Anne's Port Klang last night and  homily was dished out by  Father Larry Chan and he mentioned the word 'discern' and  the need to be conscious  of what we asks for.  Know what you want,  and be able to differentiate between the good and the bad.....if YT may add, careful what you asks for as well . The good Lord in His Humour may just grant you wishes, you really, really do not want.... A girlfriend, fell for the good looks of someone in her circle and vaguely remembered uttering something like.." Oh God, I would give anything, anything at all if  this person would just show me some attention" and before she knew it, she got more attention than what she bargained for and in the process also discovered how horrid this person could be.....Needless to say, after that, she never again prayed without weighing the consequences  of her wishes... But of course, one good thing came out of this episode. She saw things in their correct prospective..

If one may express appreciation Father Larry! A family that prays together certainly stays together, that's good salt for the tasting.....because the common bond is God and somehow, He provides the nutrition to keep  the peace, love, understanding and contentment steadfastly flowing and firm within the household.

Transformation

Nine, soul reviving weeks of the LSS, and brilliantly wrapped up by Dr. Aloysius tonight. Soul provoking and insistently reminding that with the Holy Spirit , lives must be transformed to actioned the love commanded us. It must overflow...into an outpouring of goodness.....to those around us, our neighbours.... Marie ,  especially liked the  expression " fanning the fire" so that  diminishing flames may be re-fired-  burning strong and bright again, so that we may walk forth in great strength and courage to do the will of God.
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We are  reminded, the importance of  praying daily, for there is great power in prayers...Indeed, prayers draw us into the presence of God  and it  reinforces and renews our link with our God , each time we pray to Him. Well folks, let us begin by walking in a spirit of humbleness, the rest- let us  leave it to God to guide us.....