My Big Christmas Tree

I think, we all do have this happy feeling and joy when we begin to experience a colourful and bright atmosphere, whenever we know that the festive season is just around the corner! 😍..

And I guess, one of the most essential and attractive "ornament" above all is the Christmas tree! 🎄...

So I think, I don't have to elaborate more details because you already know what I mean..."🎄 🎅 🎆 🎉 🎈 🎇 🎊 🍖 🍗 🍳 🍴 🍲 🍷 🍹 🍰 🍪 🍬 🍭 🍨 💃 🎶 💑 👪 👴 👵 ⛪"...😅 😂. And well yes, I'm not surprise and everybody knows well of how a Christmas feeling is like!

And of course, there'll be a lot of pretty things to see, nice songs to hear, gorgeous decorations to admire, good foods to eat and all.., and well yes, it's all about something that we do love to celebrate together with families and loved ones. Hence, to be able to feel and do have all those beautiful things, obviously you'll feel joy and happy, and fun too...

I think almost everyone can appreciate all those pretty things and the good times. And well yes, it's good! But then, apart from all of these things, what else do you think that can bring joy and happy the most?..

And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." - Luke 2:10

"And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." - Luke 2:12

Well, there was a story.. A baby boy was born in a manger. And, it was a very long time ago...

But then, I don't really know if there was a Christmas tree or, the pretty decorations or, all those nice songs or, good foods.., were all there at that time? 😅.. But, things changed over time... We come to see different things. We receive unusual or different points of view, and all sorts of diverse interpretations.., each time when "Christmas time" comes around 😬. Ultimately, what actually then, that you're going to really celebrate is all about? It's a bit confusing.., huh?

Well yes, people do have their own opinions about "Christmas things" from time to time. Anyway, long story short.. I think that it's not merely about how the baby was born but, it's all about he was born to save.. And stay with us!

I think, it's all about the good news that the child is going to implement according to God's purpose for his life in the world. So now, do you think that we celebrate Christmas because of the good news?.. Well yes, Christmas is the good news!

We celebrate Christmas once a year simply just to remind us about a precious child was given from God into the world because the Lord our God loves us so much! Hence, Christmas celebration is not just about all those beautiful Christmas trees, those stunning decorations and nice songs, and good foods... But, in other words, we're celebrating "the baby boy in the manger" born into the world, as the most precious present or gift on the Christmas day!

So, I'll say that they're indeed the pretty things that we do love to celebrate with families and loved ones, at this time, all because of the good news that God made for us in that particular moment in the past that had happened only one time in the history...

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." - John 3:16-17

Therefore, we celebrate Christmas because a baby boy was born. He was born to save and give life. He was born to bring good news into the world. He was born to love and stay forever with us!

And, when you get to know and learn, and then eventually believe "Christmas".., there'll be no other true joy and happiness more than this!.. Because, it's all about God's unconditional love..💗.

Well of course, there's no other great love like the Lord our God's unconditional love for the world on Christmas day but then, each time at Christmas, let's us learn to love one another too because Christmas itself is all about love!

Thus, I wish you and your family a happy and meaningful Merry Christmas! And with a heart full of love! 💗..

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6  

"Do you hear what I hear?" - for KING & COUNTRY 🎧

And well yes, Christmas songs will never get old...💖.

Sunny Day At Beach

It was just only an ordinary day.. And, it was the day that had quite a clear blue sky, bright and sunny 🌞.. And yes, it was definitely a hot weather!

Well yes, we were all living in the same world but having different climates, because I thought, when I used to have a hot and "spicy" weather over here, then you on the other side used to have a cold and "icy" weather over there!..😂.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. - Psalm 19:1

"While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease." - Genesis 8:22

Anyway, it was my brother's idea, actually...😅. I remembered that it was a hot day and felt warm in the house. So, my brother had suggested that we should go out of the house. Huh! 😳.. And eventually, we went to the beach! 😆.

He said, "Together with the strong to mild afternoon breeze... At least, it's windy at the beach!".. Well yes, the wind felt nice and I didn't feel much warm but the heat 😲.. Oh my... I still could feel the strong afternoon heat on my skin when the sun was highest in the sky shining brightly, exactly above my head! 😅.

But, the view was awesome! I would say that we had been fortunate enough to had seen a huge and wide sandy beach during a low tide. I even saw the very long sandy beach that was widely extended towards the sea. And I thought, that was very rare! And, there were people who liked to just walked in the sand until they reached the ocean waves where the water was all very shallow.. But then, I suddenly realized that how did exactly those people out there could stand the heat? 😧.

God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. - Genesis 1:10

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. - Habakkuk 2:14

I never thought that I could actually see a really beautiful clear blue sky with those pretty clouds as well...😍. And, I thought it was because of the bright and sunny weather made the view more clear, clean and neat. Hence, it was very unique! But, the only thing that I could not stand with was the heat and hot weather 😥. And again, the funny thing was earlier on it had been raining actually, but then suddenly the weather became so bright and sunny after the rain, and then followed by the heat!

Well yes, it sounded like a funny weather..😬. Actually, the weather conditions were normal and not extremely hot or, not too hot all the time. But yes, the weather was generally always hot and humid throughout the year, due to the tropical climate.

Anyhow, I knew that I could easily get tanned when I stayed under the sun for a long time.. And, I was not surprised when I felt like a lobster being roasted in minutes! Well yes, I became "red" easily, though 😅.. Next time, I should bring an umbrella..😁.

The ideal thing was that we should always staying well-hydrated. Hence, I should drink enough water or stayed in shades for a while before walked out under the sun especially during those warm or hot days.

Anyway, apart from the hot weather, those views were pretty. The beach was gorgeous. And, I thought it was all about something that we still could enjoy or appreciate in the midst of all those warm, and hot, and heaty weather as long as you would not get burned 😂.

O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great. - Psalm 104:24-25

So, as to ended the day, my brother even had suggested again that we should eat hot and spicy burgers during hot and "spicy" weather too! 😉.. "Oh, really?"..😵.

I Love Soup

There're times that I really cherish and do love to have soup for myself whenever I need something like, to "self-soothing" myself at any time when I'm at my "lowest"..😅. You know, a bowl of nice and warm soup is always good for the soul and health! And I think, that's why soups are the best and will be much preferred and loved by most mothers...😍.

Well yes, mothers know best! And, she loves to make simple, and yet healthy soup for her family. Thus, whenever she makes one at home, it's always taste delicious 😋. I usually think that the perfect time to enjoy warm or hot soup is during a cold weather because it can keep you warm and may help you feel at peace with yourself!

To make a bowl of healthy soup is not that hard, and it's pretty easy to make, actually. It's kind of a nice meal that you can easily make at home with some ordinary and simple ingredients that you normally do find in the kitchen. And, my mom used to say that she can make soup at any time, whenever she wants to make soup for us in the kitchen at home. And with that, I understand that she loves soup so much! 💖.

And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God. - Ecclesiastes 3:13

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31

I really appreciate it whenever she has made a healthy and delicious soup for the entire family. And, I eventually come to learn that well yes, making soups are literally not so hard... :) It's pretty easy and fun!

Nowadays, if you want to learn more about making soups, there're a lot of soup recipes that you can find on the internet. It really has a variety of soup recipes! Well yes, I do have come across to a few really nice soups online as well. So I think, I'm going to just show you some of the videos shared from the people who really inspire us on how to make delicious soup at home! Well, who knows maybe these soups making will kick-start your "journey" on how to make good healthy soups all by yourself! 😄.

Wonton noodle soup

💗 💗 💗 💗

Chicken corn soup

I'm amaze that soups are just simple to make and delicious too! If you just know and learn those simple steps on how to make soup, I believe, you can make a simple healthy, yet very tasty bowl of chicken soup or, vegetables soup or, even noodle soup 😋.

I remember that, there're times that I do feel grateful about being able to enjoy a nice healthy bowl of tasty soup when I'm feeling sick. Now, mothers will always do this... It reminds me that when I was young, my mom used to make her very special chicken soup for me when I'm unwell at home. And, I thought that was a very delicious chicken soup I ever had when I was a kid!

You know things get downhill when you're not feeling well. And, I even tend to loss my appetite each time when I really get sick. And, it's even worse when I have a runny or stuffy nose at the same time 😥. So, whenever in times like these, I still find that mom's warm or hot chicken soup is the best, delicious and healthy too! Because, only mom knows all about her secret, healthy ingredients that are perfect into making a nutritious chicken soup for us when we're unwell. And, I believe most mothers will do the same thing..😍.

Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. - Isaiah 55:2

For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, - Ephesians 5:29

So again, if you still wish for more simple ideas on how to make tasty soups, there're these people who again will motivate us into the making of delicious homemade soup!

Hot and sour chicken soup

💗 💗 💗 💗

Chicken and vegetables soup

Now I think, I better stop looking at all the foods that are literally making me feel hungry right now...😬. So, with all those simple and attractive media, I do hope that you'll enjoy making soups at your convenience.

Therefore, regardless you're sick or not sick, soups are still great! It's just that soups are superb and ideal especially when you're sick! 😊.. And, it's always make you feel at home...

Short Break Vacation

After a long time to just only "working" for the past few months, I finally took some days off just to be with my nieces! 😍. I thought, it had really been a long time since I met them... Probably, I haven't seen them for almost 2 years?.. Because, I remembered that was only during the last Christmas 2 years ago 😅.

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. - Psalm 127:3

Actually, when I found out that my nieces wanted to come on a family vacation and I thought, I'm the one who felt the most excited! 😬. And, the thing was anything regarding my nieces were pretty easy and simple, actually.. :) Their dad even said that no matter at what places his daughters played and had fun, that particular spot should have offered "water". Huh! 😂. Because, they liked to play around with water!

And I believed, the most precious thing was that, this was their first-ever family vacation after the COVID pandemic. As to this moment, we all knew and well-understood about this COVID thing that had literally affected most of our lives, as well as the children. The most obvious thing that the children knew so well was to just stayed at home! They didn't go to school, they didn't see their friends, they didn't go outside their house, and so forth... And, they learned that pretty well from the parents for the period of almost 3 years in pandemic 😥.

Therefore, when all these pandemic things have had gradually passed, been able to had planned their first family vacation after almost 3 years was a blessing! And when my nieces came to know their first special treat that their dad had for them, they were truly very excited and eventually, it happened to be a wonderful experience for them too!

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." - Matthew 19:14

"I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it." Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. - Mark 10:15-16

So, for them to have played with water, their dad had rented an apartment with a pool! 😂. Because, as long as there was a swimming pool nearby, the father knew that his daughters would be enjoyed swimming the most!.. Apart from that, it was also about something that I never did after a long time... :) Well, something like, swimming in the pool! 😂.

As for me, it was a good opportunity for me as I had the time for myself and to just enjoying myself. But, the most marvellous thing was that I'm happy enough and thankful to had been spending time together with my lovely nieces whom I never met in almost 2 years time.. Anyway, it looked like it was me and their mom were the ones who tried very hard to kept floating on water, and really had fun time the most than the kids! 😅😂.

Personally, I took it as to indulged myself into their little world and I was enjoying it. It was truly about something that I had never been doing in a very long time, especially when you were a kid. Hence, we did a lot of things together such as like played around with little toys and watched television with their favourite cartoons! 😁. We ate foods, we took a walk somewhere and enjoyed the good scenes... And of course, we swam in the swimming pool too!

Thus, to be honest, I eventually had learned about small little things from them.. :) And then, I realized that I came to like watching cartoon! 😆. You might have thought that well it was kids' things... Well yes, it was.. But, it happened that I came to notice about all those little things that used to be with me and, grew up together with me, which then surprisingly, had introduced me to the old memories in the past, where I truly appreciated them over time.

Subsequently, I came to watch "The Sea Beast" because of my nieces! 😂. Well, I would just say that "The Sea Beast" was actually a cartoon movie. It was fun and funny. It was very entertaining as well as truly a good cartoon movie suitable for both children and adults.

Anyway, the real thing was that I'm grateful to had spent lovely time with my nieces. Even though, it was just only in a short period of time, but we did have a meaningful time together. Because, when we all had the opportunity to spent even for a little time with our loved ones, it was still precious!

I would say that it was indeed a special gift after a long pandemic. And, I hope we will meet again next time!

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. - Deuteronomy 6:6-7  

Just Get Used To It

I would have called it a "saying" as it usually comes into mind whenever I am to find difficult things, or when I get into a pretty hard time or, difficult situations...

It feels funny but, it's a "saying" goes like this.., "Get used to the difference.."

I have come across with this particular thing so many times, and yet I still have to always remind myself to just.., "Just get used to it!" 😬. It appears to me that we can't really always have to be in the "our comfort zones" all the time 😅.

Well I think, it happens all the time because it's most likely due to my work itself. It's something that you actually can't decide yourself about certain things. I would say, there are circumstances that beyond our control and well yes, it's tough and crucial. It's a type of a demanding job or task that requires a lot of your time, effort, energy and attention.

Ever since I came into my world of working in healthcare, dealing with life, illness, disease and death is normal. Of course, it's not something that most people will like or feel good about, but it's a reality that most of us need to accept, whether you like it or not 😧. And, it's a part of life in this world is all about.. To be honest, the entire "process" that I have gone through from the beginning until now, was not an easy thing.

I remember when I was still very junior, or so-called a freshy, and then I happen to have discovered myself handling of people's lives in an acute and critical setting for the very first time was seriously no joke! I was like an ordinary plain person who have just walked into an extraordinary and extreme life situations which it was something I've never seen before, at that time. And, I said to myself, "I am not used to this!" 😰.

"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?" - Jeremiah 32:27

And heal the sick there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.' - Luke 10:9

Anyway, long story short, it happened almost 20 years ago 😬. So now, some people may think that well, after that very so long period of time, you're likely already get used to this by now!.. Well, not really...😅. Well yes, it may not be so unusual to where I was at, for the very first time, but still I'm not that 100% to get used to all things... Because, life is not the same for everyone. Everyone's life is different. And, people are not all the same... Well I think, I probably get to know that we're always learning in our entire lives, as well as try to get used to the differences we may find in life although sometimes, we may feel that we're not used to the difference.

Now, I have learned that a lot as I encountered so many people from all walks of life. The people and their lives I see around me, as well as patient's lives.

But then, when the whole world got hit by COVID pandemic few years back, things again have changed.

Even though we're not so dealing with the severe and critically ill patients with COVID for the time being, we still need to treat the complications due to COVID. It's a long-term effects of Covid-19, known as post-COVID conditions, or long COVID. Well yes, we're going to deal more with the post-COVID conditions rather than the COVID itself. Hence, there will be more discussions on post-COVID things such as like acute respiratory failure, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute liver injury, acute cardiac injury, secondary infection, acute kidney injury, septic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, blood clots, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, chronic fatigue, rhabdomyolysis, and so forth... And these are just a few. Actually, they're a whole lot more!

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. - Matthew 10:8

When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. - Luke 4:40

And again, it has changed a lot in the way we manage and treat those people with this post-COVID thing, especially the older generation, or elderly people because they're the ones who are more vulnerable to any harm caused by the disease 😟.

And with all of these, it seems grandpa is not exempted from so-called the same situation...😞. Actually, in the past few months my grandfather has been in and out from the hospital few times. And again, he readmitted recently due to the sickness and old age. And, all I wish is.., "I hope you will get well very soon, grandpa..." 😥 🙏.

So I guess, we're going to "to just get used to the difference" kind of thing as it's something that we're going to see more often from now on. Well yes, it's all about life in a broken world... It's like, whenever there is earthly life surely there will be sickness and then death at the very end.

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." - Revelation 21:3-4

I Own Nothing

It seems like almost all things that we do have right now in this world, will eventually may not stay permanently with us.

"Huh? 😳. What do you mean?"

Do you ever come to think that we all do have these essential stuff or necessary items that we need are legitly ours or, really belong to us but then, we come to find that in the end, we actually not own them?.. And the thing is... Yes, I do think so 😬. In other words, we don't have the "ownership" of all these things, although we think that we do really have them. So, huh? That's funny!.. And therefore, I'm saying that you only can "borrow", and then "return". Or, you only can "rent", and not to be the "owner". Well yes, it appears that it's not so easy. Well, life is hard or a bit tricky in this world, and complicated too 😥.. Anyway, let's just put it this way, or it can be something like this....

For example, there are people who do have a house that they only can rent but, they can't own it.. Or, if some people do buy and own a house, they still need to manage to pay for the house monthly mortgage payment, otherwise the house will be taken away or, selling the house to pay debts. And, again they can't own it.. Or, if there is something bad happened, such as like a fire or, natural disasters that can cause huge damage to the house, and all... Eventually, they still have nothing in the end 😨.

And also, if people do have a car. Whether they rent a car or buy a car, it's possible that the car may not last long because, sooner or later it can be taken away, or broken, or stolen, or missing, and all... So I think, it's the same with other things too regardless of big or small, and it involves almost everything that you do have, don't you think?

Well, it looks like nothing is belong to us is permanent. And actually, we don't really own all things. Do you think that we come into this world only to "borrow" things and then "return" back? Or, we only to "rent" things and then "move out"? Or, we only make "loan" and "pay" things because if not, we won't have them? It's likely that we're not belong to this world, neither this world belong to us.

So, when we seem to own nothing at all, I can only learn that we exist because of "someone" who creates, and that we belong to that creator who creates. Hence, if I'm going to say that if only we belong to this world temporary, then we belong to the creator permanently. The reality is that the creator, to be precise, the Lord our God owns us completely and entirely!.. And, He as the founder and creator of the heavens and the earth and all that is in them, God holds the rights to all of it. And that includes even us. Our bodies, our minds, and our lives. In other words, He holds our "ownership" and, nothing can separate us from Him, and that's permanent!

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. - Colossians 1:16

Behold, all souls are Mine;The soul of the father 

As well as the soul of the son is Mine;The soul who sins shall die. - Ezekiel 18:4

   

Thus what if, when we're not belong to this earthly life. Instead we're truly belong to God and "His world" up above. I wonder, what does it look like?.. If I'm going to say something like well, we probably going to live in a house without paying any rent or a house loan? No electric bills and water bills? 😲.. Or, we probably going to "drive" a car with no monthly payment?..😵. And then, you would probably ask, "Huh? Is that so?" 😅.. Well, I don't know... :) I can only imagine..

But, the only thing that I get to know about is that well, it's free!.. For in "The Kingdom of God" everything is free!

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, - Romans 14:17

I Love Durio

I am not really into a "fruit" blog? 😂, or being someone who is a pro blogger pertaining to food. You know, something like a food blog! 😅.

Let's just say that I love eating durian since when I was a kid. It's something that we kids loved picking and eating durian fruits at my grandfather's orchard, a long time ago in the village. And I think, that was the time that we as kids were truly had a fun and enjoyable time during durian season. Well, it's just all about something that grandparents would do where they had planted various fruit trees that would produce or bear many types of delicious fruits for their children and also grandchildren to enjoy eating later on in the future. So, our most favourite fruit was the durian! 😍.

And until today, durian is still popular and a well-known type of fruit mostly in the Asian countries. People even called the durian as the "king of fruits"!.. Well, most people love to eat durian, but there are also those people who don't eat durian too. And, those people who don't like durian, they probably would say that durian smells strong, or stink, or has fishy odour, or rotten smell...😬, until these fruits have come with a so-called prohibited sign at certain places such as like in the hotels, inside a lift, during travelling in a flight or plane and, many other places where eating durian is strictly not allowed. And, that's the "power" which a durian holds where, I think it's probably the only type of fruit that has its own "warning" sign at a place where durian is not welcomed 😅.

However, as for me, I love eating durian! 😋. I think, it smells really good! 😁. And, it tastes sweet and creamy! And, I would say that durian is my childhood type of fruit, and it brings a lot of fun times old memories in the past, especially with my grandparents in the village.

But then, as time goes by, I come to learn that apart from just eating the durian flesh, my colleagues teach me how to eat the flowers too! Huh!..😳. And that, I think, that's weird!

The funny thing is, I have never thought that durian tree has really pretty little flowers! 😃. The local people called these flowers as bunga durian which mean durian flowers. Actually, we also can have durian flowers during the durian season. Thus, it's not only that we can go and pick durian fruits, but also can go and collect all those fallen durian flowers on the ground beneath the durian trees! And, soon after the flowers have been washed and cleaned, then they can be fried with a little bit of cooking oil with onions, and add in some dried anchovies.... Well, it's how the one kind of local recipe look like! The one special recipe that my colleagues introduce to me, 😆 and yes, it tastes delicious!

Although you can eat durian, but still you can't eat way too much of it! Well, there's a limit to it while you can eat because it can cause heaty to the body. People do say that durian is a sort of heaty food and, sometimes it can bring few but mild health medical conditions to some people. Hence, it would be wise enough, if one could just eat durian in moderation. And also, eating durian together with other certain foods and drinks like alcohol, or drugs are strictly no, no...

But sometimes, you do find there are too much durian in the house 😂 when you can't eat them too much at a time! So, why not just try different methods to make them into something else instead, in order to consume them, in a nice, fun and healthy way....

Well, I think, there are many ways and, or other sources that you can easily find in the web regarding different ways on how to eat your durian.... And for me, there are some fun and easy ways that I like, where you actually can do at home whenever you have some durian leftovers in the kitchen! 

And, they are videos, actually. Thus, I hope they can inspire you whenever you need some ideas or creativities with your durian. So, do enjoy!

Durian pancakes

💗 💗 💗 💗

Durian puffs

Because He Knows

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. - Psalm 139:1

There was a story....

{"Emily was going to Singapore, and to start a job as a nurse. She's hoping that she would be able to better provide for her family, more than she could in Manila, Philippines, where job opportunities were limited. On the night before her departure, Emily gave instructions to her sister, who would be taking care of her five years old daughter while she was away.... Emily said, "She will take her vitamins if you also give her a spoonful of peanut butter." And, Emily explained, "And remember, she is shy. And, she is afraid of the dark..."

While she was looking out from the airplane window the next day, Emily prayed.. "Lord, no one knows my daughter like I do. I can't be with her, but You can."}

Well, we know about the people we love, and we aware all the details about them because they're precious to us. When we can't be with them due to various circumstances, we're often anxious or, feel so worried that since no one knows them as well as we do, and that they'll be more vulnerable to harm.

I think, to those people who believe, they'll know that deep inside their hearts, they can rely on God, and trust in the Lord that their loved ones will be always in our Father's loving hands 💗..

Then suddenly, I remember about the people who were, once I used to work with long time ago in the past!.. Well yes, they were my colleagues, as well as mothers....

And yes, they were nurses who came over a long way as far as from India, Indonesia and Philippines. And again, they were indeed foreign nurses who came into the country to work and earn income for their families whom they had left behind in their own countries. But, the thing was, most of them were young mothers. And, they had little kids, or young children back home in their respective countries, either staying with their husbands, parents, siblings, or any other family members. And, I believe that they entrusted these people whom they knew well into taking care of their children while they were away.

But, deep down in their hearts, they knew that no one would know their children well like they did, themselves. Thus, I agreed that only mothers would know and understand her children very well.., as to what my colleagues who also mothers always said.... And yes, there were times that, those mothers would still need to expressed their feelings of uncertainties, in between....😟😓.

Therefore, I think, it happened because everyone had their own feelings of fears, anxieties, and doubts. And because, we were all human beings and, we had feelings. And yes, those mothers had feelings too!

But, then again, when it comes to those people who believe in the Lord, we know that only He can faithfully provides and protects, and knows our needs in every single day of our lives. Well yes, you can still have worries, but you should not have to allow these feelings of uncertainties to take control over you in most of the times.

I think, it should be about something that we acknowledge and learn every time. And then, to understand and, eventually believe and reassure that "God knows." Or, "He knows better than I know." Or, "He knows best about myself."...🙏.

So, as to the young mothers who worked far away from their families.... I would like to let you know that God knows us more than anyone does. In the same way, He knows our loved ones intimately. He is their Creator. So, He understands their needs. He knows what will happen each day of their lives, and He is with them and will never leave them.

And, I know it can be also about your parents, your brothers and sisters, your grandparents, your nieces and nephews, your uncles and aunties.... And, when you're anxious for them and, although you can't always be with those you love, entrust them to God loving care, for He knows them the best and loves them the most!

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7

"He knows" - Jeremy Camp 🎧

Spend Time Together

It's just me, standing.., and at the same time, thinking.., what am I going to do next? 😳..

I usually go to the morning market or tamu with my mom. Well, this tamu thing is actually a term used by the local people here to refer a place like the morning market or wet market!

I think, tamu is a very unique and special place to visit and, I truly love to go to a tamu together with my mom to find and buy local vegetables, fruits and sometimes local fish! It's a place where local people will come a long way from their villages to bring a variety of their goods and will sell them at the tamu early in the morning. And of course, it's certainly is the most favourite spot for all mothers to go to, and buy local greens and groceries, as well as local foods.

This tamu thing offers mostly are local vegetables, fruits and other items that you seldom see and find in a supermarket, or in a cold storage or grocery section in a mall or city mall. And, the good thing is, those items or goods that have brought in at the tamu are brand new and fresh from the village. And also, the unique thing is, they're those local greens and fruits that you only can find in that particular local places or villages only, that I believe only moms will know..😅.

To be honest, there are those vegetables that I don't really know about 😅. Or, I don't even really know what their names are.. :) But, if I do know the names, I probably won't know their names in English! 😆. I think, they only have their names in the local languages 😬. Sometimes, the name sounds weird and funny, but that's how the people used to call them.. And again, like I said, "only moms will know!" 😂.

So, after all the shopping things at the tamu are done, they're actually the special items or "ingredients" that mom needs for her cooking!

Well yes, these are all home foods or homemade foods cooked only by mothers 😍. And, I believe that mom's cooking is always the best! You may think it looks simple, but I always know that mom's cooking is the most delicious!

And, it's probably because I seldom go back to my hometown, and I can say that I spend time with my mom only once in a blue moon..,😅, so whenever I can have the time to eat and taste home foods after a long time at home.., to me, it's truly a wonderful experience. Thus, at the end, it's one of the things that I truly miss the most!

So now yes, there is a lot of food! 😋. Actually, we have much food when there are many people around. It's usually when there are these people gather together, and then eventually eating together! It happens when my brothers and sister, uncles and aunties, and grandparents come to visit us at home.

Thus, it's the time that we all can have fun time being together and enjoying the food altogether too!

However, there this a special time in a day where me and my mom simply enjoy eating cendol especially during hot weather. Well, it's actually an iced sweet dessert that is served in a cold mixture of coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and shaved ice, with a pile of ingredients that add to its colour and texture, such as the green rice flour jelly, sago pearls or seeds, and kidney beans. Or, the ABC special that has a mountain of toppings, such as the cendol jelly, red beans, cincau, peanuts, longan and sweetcorn 😋.

And then, there's this rojak dish which my mom likes to eat together with her cendol. This rojak thing is a salad dish that is composed of a mixture of sliced fruit and vegetables (or sometimes, sliced cuttlefish, sengkuang or turnip) and peanuts served with palm sugar dressing.

So yes, it's just something that me and mom simply enjoy eating whenever we have the time to go outside, such as like at the coffee shop.

Well, they do have plenty of different types of cendol desserts. So, you even can actually choose your cendol according to your own preferences and likes!

I remember about the last time that I flew to my hometown was nearly 2 years ago. And, that was the time that, as soon as I arrived back here in the city from my hometown, immediately it announced that all air travels were prohibited. And, many air flights were cancelled. Well, I guess, you probably have known what it means... :) Well yes, that was the time that the pandemic had started... And then, with this, the lockdown things came in....

Well, I do really miss travelling back to the hometown by flight, and do all those things again which me and my mom always did together whenever I'm back home.

Anyway, I'm looking forward into it recently, as for now, the restrictions have been slowly lifted. Hence, it's going to be a good start for me, or other people as well, to be coming back and have the experience of travelling by air again, or to be able to get that flight tickets again after a long time.

Thus, I'm thinking to fly again soon...😅. So, to be able to fly up high into the blue sky and, just forget about all the things below for a while... :)