Dear Daughter...(Letter 3)

Dear Lu Meng, May 27 1992

Received your May 18 letter two days ago. Glad you passed your clinical at Mt. Royal Hospital. How many more hurdles do you still have? You should be back from your holiday by the time this letter reaches you. How was it? Full of fun as usual? Incidentally are you financially ok? Has that tooth of yours gradually fallen into line with the others? Your wisdom tooth is still bothering you? We are uneasy about it if you are not.

I have got your Subang membership card and golf tag (just in case you want to try this game and get yourself bitten by the golf bug). Grandma had her eye checked, verdict a successful operation. I was informed lately that cataract can be removed by laser (probably painless). Can you find out at your end before my turn to have mine removed...

As regards yourself, I strongly advocate that you practice your profession for, say, 3-4 years so as to be an occupational therapist in every sense. In order to equip yourself paper-wise and open for yourself other fields of opportunity, I reiterate that while working MBA should be pursued thru either part-time or correspondence course, if available. You know that MBA is not that difficult and you can get it if you want. If you want, you can bend your interest towards it, channel your energy to it, and make time for acquiring it.

As regards going into business, I know you are not at all serious about it. Nonetheless for your mental exercise I put these few questions for you to think about:
- What capital is needed?
- What are the risks?
- What is the current volume and future potential? (i.e. matured, saturated market or growth market)
- Competition: How competitive in the market place? What edge you have got over others or what edge others got over you?
- What support do you have? (what credit lines you expect to get)

Before Mum takes over in her 'gossip column' in the ensuing paragraphs, we close with advice:
- Maintain good health, both physical and mental
- Work hard (always)
- Play hard (when in appropriate occasions/circumstances)
- Tolerance: Do exercise tolerance
- Conflict/Differences: Resolve quickly and amicably
- Thinking/Planning: Think ahead/Plan ahead
- Additional item (Food for your thought): Quality of life in Australia vis-a-vis Malaysia's on a dollar-for-dollar earning basis

Well, looks like I have given you enough home news as well as so non-sense. So, bye Dad.

Dear Daughters...(Letter 1 & 2)

We went back to KL on Boxing Day and I had to clear some of my stuff from the old house.. stacks of letters, cards and photos.. kept from more than 20 years ago! Initially, I thought of just chucking them out without the hassle of glancing through the contents.. but thankfully, I didn't cos I found AUD$500 and S$150 (old currency) inside 2 envelopes! We suspect Mum probably hid the money a long time ago and forgot all about it? Anyway, I also found letters from my dad to my sister and my while we were studying in Melbourne.. brought tears to my eyes as I re-read the handwritten words of wisdom which seemed to speak volumes now as compared to the yester years..

Dear Alison/Jaclyn,

How are both of you? Do write to us about your daily routine, living conditions etc. instead of letting our foggy ideas do the imagination. We are in a position financially to see both of you thru university education. We would like you two to have basic amenity and comfort in your sojourn in Australia. Please have regular nourished meals to maintain your good health. From Alison's earlier letter we presume you two are not at the same campus. Do we presume right?

Probably you two would like to have a TV. If you do, go ahead and buy one. If it is costly, let us know, wait until we send you the money as you two must take care of your living expenses first. We suggest a TV set of 16" or 18" of there about. As regards to the brand, 'Sony' which gives the best colour, is preferred. Next is 'National'. Avoid other brands if possible. When you two have your own TV one thing you two must not do is to become TV bug gluing yourselves to TV and neglecting your books.

Slight diversion but of no less importance is command of English. If one speaks and writes well good and powerful English, one can command admiration and respect. In your working life in later years, such English will be a valuable asset. To improve your English, read magazines, journals, newspapers (of national circulation), books. By such readings, you get facts, ideas, inspirations and what goes on in Australia and around the world. Try to read one newspaper, you will be surprised to find out what you don't know and therefore, how much you can learn...
- Do live together amicably like sisters
- Do tolerate each others' faults and shortcomings
- Don't quarrel
- Don't call each other names
- Work out a list of what you two want us send by post
One can always work hard, study hard and have fun (if one enjoys such) at the appropriate time and occasion. Do try to endeavour to do to that end. Bye.

Caring from Lu Sean, Mum and Dad 27/2/89

P.S. Coming back to English again, by mixing with educated Aussies, you two should improve your spoken English (Good proper English with no rojak).

Kamza Hamida! (Seoul-Day 7 & 8)

10 December 2009: The hotel was located near Seolleung, the tomb of King Seongjong , King Jeongneung and Queen Jeonghyeon. It was rather strange having to walk past a king's tomb each time we headed for the subway right smack in the middle of busy city?! We spent most of the day walking around Lotte World and shopping for Korean tea and local delicacies. During lunch at a food court, we were amused by the ingenious electronic Q-number device which beeps andvibrates when your order is ready for collection at the counter! Initially, we were 'sua-kus' and had no idea what it was for.. but thankfully, one of the waiters managed to explain to us in comprehensible English.. or we would be waiting a long time and left wondering.. PHEW!!!


Unfortunately, there wasn't much space left in our bags for clothes.. so we had to reluctantly by-passed some pretty good bargains on winter-wear. But we still managed to purchase a down-jacket, fleece sweater and warm tights.. which meant we HAVE to visit cold countries again next year to make the money spent worthwhile! Hmmm... I'm thinking maybe Italy or London or Paris? Switzerland? Beijing or Shanghai?

11 December 2009: We spent out final hours at the Coex Mall in Seoul before catching the bus to the airport. Although we arrived 4 hours before the flight.. we were allocated seats in the last row.. and ALMOST had to leave the Vulcan behind.. which had Justin in tears.. a rather unpleasant ending to an otherwise enjoyable and fun-filled holiday...

IMPORTANT lesson learnt: NEVER try to bring any toys resembling guns, swords or sharp weapons on board a plane! That would save you a whole lot of trouble!

Lotte World (Seoul-Day 6)

9 December 2009: We wanted to try out the Toboggan or sleigh (as the Koreans call it) but after purchasing the tickets.. we were given huge round tyres instead! Then we hoisted the tubes up this specially ploughed slope via a travel belt.. jumped into the crevice.. held on tight to the reins.. and pushed off... WEEEEeeeee! The boys spent almost 2 hours going down the giant winding slide without tiring! Finally, after wolfing down some cheesy hot dogs, churos (Spanish donut), typical Korean 'fish sticks' and kimchi rice cakes for lunch, we checked out and caught the 1:00pm bus headed for Seoul.

We stayed at Ramada Hotel for the next 2 nights.. a far cry from the earlier spacious service apartment which had 3 bedrooms with separate kitchen and laundry areas. After settling our luggage, we took the train down to Lotte World (the Korean version of Disneyland). A group of Singaporeans (or Malaysians) approached Jimmy and asked him for directions in broken English?!! Maybe he does look Korean? Hmmm.. single eye lid.. broad face.. fair skin..

Justin enjoyed the adventurous water rafting and hot air balloon ride.. Jared went on the flying merry-go-round twice.. we all got on the horse carousel (yup, the same one as depicted in the drama Stairway to Heaven.. see the painting behind me?). But we missed the opening hours of The Folk Museum which was such a shame since we already paid for the entrance fee! Later on, we found ourselves indulging in some local pumpkin sweet, large round rice crackers, Krispe Kreme donuts, Face Shop products (which were apparently cheaper in Korea especially the facial and eye masks) and a HUGE Nerf gun (Vulcan).. which resulted in even BIGGER problems the next day at the airport!!!

Dragon Valley (Yongpyong-Day 5)

8 December 2009: We woke up rather late despite sleeping on the hard floor. After a healthful breakfast of sausages and eggs fried with water, bread, milk for the boys and for coffee Jimmy and me, we made our way up to Dragon Peak via cable car. The view was picturesque and breathtakingly beautiful.. and now I understand why mountains are usually depicted like this in Chinese paintings.. Although Jared and Justin are not particularly fond of heights...

We had a second attempt at making a snowman but unfortunately, it didn't turn out any taller than the little one we made yesterday. So we had a snow fight instead.. which turned out to be great fun and exercise for the whole family!

After lunching on bulgogi and chicken burgers, cheese sticks, shrimp croquettes and deep fried calamari rings at Lotteria (the Korean equivalent of McDonald's or Burger King).. we decided to have a go at skiing. We took FOREVER to get correct-sized rental boots and skis.. strap them on.. and get on the slopes. If my memory serves me correctly, this was only very slightly better than the last time I skied at Lake Mountain in Australia.. with fewer falls??! Then again, maybe I didn't move all that much either.. ha ha ha! But Justin and Jared did rather well as first-time skiers and certainly had fun! Jared even said he was ready for the 'advance' slope the next time around?!! He is really pushing the limits...


And check out Justin's finally flattened hair! Ha ha.. we call it the 'beanie' look. We took a pleasant stroll around the resort in the evening and took in the surreal sight of snow-covered grass, trees and roof tops, before heading back for dinner and some ZZZzzzz...

Winter Sonata (Yong Pyong-Day 4)

7 December 2009: Another FRREEEEZZZING morning.. bbrrrrrrr!!! We woke up at 6:00am, checked-out by 7:00am and took a cab to Jamsil Station (just outside Lotte Mart) to catch the 9:00am bus to Yongpyong Ski Resort. We reached BEFORE 8:00am (we had anticipated rush-hour traffic) and had to wait in the cold with all our luggage. Thankfully, we found a few minutes of warm respite with pre-heated instant coffee (not found in Singapore) inside a nearby 7-eleven store.. which seemed like the only one opened that early in the morning?! The bus finally arrived and we were on our way to the Winter Wonderland that was made famous by Bae Yong Jun and Choi Ji Woo.

As we journeyed away from the city, the scenery gradually changed.. dreary grey buildings gave way to the evergreen and bare trees that stood prominently against the stark white snow. We checked into the Tower Condo before venturing out with Justin and Jared for their first real snow experience. It was really picturesque and peaceful up in the mountain.. the meandering brooke with snowy stone banks and quaint bridge.. the Tudor roofs.. the slopes dotted with skiiers casting darting shadows on an enormous blank sheet of white...

We found some clean soft snow and tried our hand at building a snowman which wasn't easy. After about 40 mins, we only managed to produce a foot-high cutesy midget snowman.. which we proceeded to adorn with a beanie, red scarf and gloves.. and VOILA!.. presenting 'Mr. Dwarf Frostie'!!!

Then we chanced upon The First Cafe which housed some iconic props from the Winter Sonata drama series.. the piano.. the black and white uniforms.. the dining table.. and the jigsaw puzzle with one missing piece of course! So romantic lor.. true K-drama fans will understand what I'm talking about.. *sigh*

Later that evening, I tried to replicate the recipe of ramen with dumplings, sausages and SPAM.. and served dinner with pre-packed kimchi of course! But unfortunately, I couldn't add in too much spice cos the boys were not accustomed to it. Jimmy and I had our first swig of soju too.. almost pure alcohol.. aarrgghhh!!! The Koreans probably acquired a taste for soju since it kept them warm on the inside during winter.. but how does that account for drinking in summer? Then we made our beds by pulling out the mattresses and laying them on the heated floor. Hmmm.. it was rather uncomfortable I must say.. not quite the image portrayed on TV...

Jimmy had wanted to go night skiing initially but thank God the slopes closed at 10:00pm cos the rest of us didn't feel as brave or enthusiastic under minus 9C weather! So we enjoyed the night scene instead.. the snow machine (I'm not sure if people were allowed go near to cry their hearts out.. as depicted in Winter Sonata?).. the Christmas lights.. and the boys liked watching the rising vapour from their mouths and nostils with each breath.. they call it smoke.. ha ha ha!

Kimchi-Land (Seoul-Day 3)

6 December 2009: Cultural day! We arrived at Gyeongbokgung just on time to spectate the change of palace guards ceremony at the main gate. The guards were dressed in colourful robes, carried large flags and accompanied by an orchestral fanfare of drums, percussions, trumpets and even conch shells. Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung (also commonly referred to as the 'Northern Palace') served as the main palace during the Joseon Dynasty. Similarly, the premises were destroyed by fire at the time of the Japan's occupation of Korea from 1592~1598. However, all of the palace's 7,700 rooms were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun in the years of King Gojong (1852~1919). We could only see the symbolic blue tiles of curved roof of The Presidential Blue House (Cheongwadae) from the palace ground.. in beautiful harmony against the back drop of the majestic Mount Bukhansan.



Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonghoe-ru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond are still relatively intact. Gyeongbokgung remains the most beautiful and grandest of all the five palaces. Justin and Jared had more fun throwing stones and pine cones on to the frozen pond than exploring the palace grounds.. I guess hundreds of years of history have fallen on deaf ears and gone unappreciated???




The National Folk Museum is located east within Hyangwonjeong and displayed the lifestyle of ancient Koreans from the pre-historic times to the Joseon Period (1392~1910).. ranging from the development of pottery, printing, tools for farming, hunting, fishing, clothes and houses. It also featured handicrafts, accessories, dishes, kimchi, jangdokdae and presented the life of an ancient Korean from birth to marriage to death.


The Jejudo Island sculptures such as Dolharubang, windmills, treadmills and sheds were displayed outdoors. The 'hanbok' is an ABSOLUTELY PERFECT duo-design for the more generously proportioned women like me which can also double-up as maternity wear if required! Hey, why spend money unnecessarily? Ha ha ha...

The National Palace Museum of Korea is a national museum of South Korea located in Gyeongbokgung. The museum first began as the 'Korean Imperial Museum', which was established in 1908 and was originally located in Changgyeonggung. It was moved to the Seokjojeon (Stone Hall) of Deoksugung in 1991 and the museum was finally relocated to the current modern building inside Gyeongbokgung in 2005. It houses over 40,000 artifacts from the palaces of the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire. We also sampled some Royal Court cousine at the Museum restaurant which comprised of steamed dumplings and seafood with sweet pumpkin.

We had reached the subway (as the Koreans call it) when Jared quipped that he had a tummy ache.. talk about great timing! So I walked ALL the way back to the Museum toilet with him only to discover later that the subway had toilets too.. DUH! Then we learnt (the hard way) that the Dongdaemun wholesale toy market apparently closed early during winter.. much to Justin and Jared's disappointment...

An Nyung Ha Sei Yo! (Seoul-Day 1 & 2)

4 December 2009: We were greeted by Korea's bitter winter cold as we stepped through the automated doors of Incheon Airport around 5:00pm. Although family and friends had fore-warned us, it was still quite a rude shock to the system.. plunging from sunny Singapore's 30C to a freezing temperature of 0C! It was already dusk when we finally boarded the bus headed for Seoul. We alighted after journeying about 1.5 hours and dragged our luggage up the road leading to the Vabien Service Apartment (which certainly felt longer than the 10 mins with the chilly wind blowing against our faces). My sentiments??? Bless the soul who invented the coat.. hat.. gloves.. scarf.. boots.. AND thermal underwear!!!

The next most important thing after check-in was FOOD of course! We ended at a nearby restaurant which served the all time favourite Korean dish (which also happened to be my boys' favourite).. pan-fried sausages, SPAM (or luncheon meat) and ramen.. all done on a hot stove right in front of us! We were also introduced to the fascinating array of kimchi.. made with radish.. lotus.. tofu.. taugeh.. green seaweed.. besides the usual cabbage kimchi we were accustomed to. Back at the apartment, we discovered that heated flooring not only kept our feet warm instead of being icy cold.. it was also handy in drying up damp clothes (especially socks).. and not to mention great fun for the boys to strip.. lie down flat on their backs.. and enjoy their 'sauna' experience.. ha ha ha!

5 December 2009: We stopped by a road-side stall to savour the 'famous' fish-shaped red bean pancake before embarking on our first tour at Changdeokgung Palace which was built as a secondary palace in 1405 under King Taejong's reign. It was apparently destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasion in 1592 and was only restored in 1610. However, I was distracted by Justin's constant whining and found it rather difficult to marvel at the detailed and delicate 600 year old architecture in the midst of his tirade.. WHY did we come to Korea? It's freezing cold here! I want to go home! I can't breathe properly! My thighs are very itchy.. scratch-scratch-scratch.. which only made the hives worse.. *SIGH*

We made our way to the Dongdaemun market and the boys caught their first glimpse of snow.. but somehow I appeared more excited than them? We wandered around aimlessly in a building which only sold textiles.. before finally ending up at the clothing and accessories stores we were looking for. This is definitely NOT the place for non-gung-ho-hate-to-bargain folks to shop.. you HAVE to literally slash the price by HALF! I think some 'chokios' deserved an Oscar for their performance.. they put on a great show of shaking their head with shock, horror, disappointment.. then artfully showering you and your family (especially the kids) with praises (which I'm sure were rehearsed and perfected by many years of practice).. to soften you up so that you will relent! A pair of fleece boots went from 58000 Won -> 53000W after a so-called discount -> 25000W when we turned to walk away -> 20000W if we bought 2 pairs. Hmmm.. we got a good deal right? WRONG! We discovered the exact boots being sold by the roadside for only 7000W! I think I'll stick to the departmental stores from now on...

We were nearly late for the Nanta Cooking Show.. which included a skillful demonstration of rhythmic vegetable-chopping using sharp knives (onions, cucumbers, carrots and cabbages), juggling and catching flying plates and a hilarious display of martial arts with mops and broomsticks. The head chef had the most comical expression during his side-splitting 'Pan..' routine with audience participation! Later, we had a scrumptious Bulgogi (beef) dinner which everyone enjoyed except for Justin.. so what's new?

This Is it! Michael Jackson's Legacy

There were superb singers.. there were excellent dancers.. and then there was Michael Jackson.. the king of pop.. creator of the famous moonwalk.. the one man who embodied the true meaning of artistry as performer. With no apologies for being a perfectionist, MJ had the 'feel' for music and dance and was attentive to even the smallest detail.. each note.. each pause.. that split second made all the difference.. Let it sizzle more, I don't feel it enough (bass guitar).. Let it simmer, Bathe in the moonlight, Don't change so soon (keyboard).. Hit that high note, Hold it (electric guitar).. Watch me, I need to cue that, I will feel it (referring to the Smooth Operator video clip playing behind him!)..

It was nothing but the best for MJ that it almost appeared that cost wasn't a concern.. the new Thriller video was absolutely 'thrilling' with more realistic-looking zombies and ghouls.. we see MJ emerging from a gigantic mechanical spider, being elevated on to a ramp and disappearing into the night.. that running fire as a backdrop.. and not to mention the spectacular view of the bulldozer on stage with its jaws suspended open behind MJ for Earth Song!

A man who was encouraging.. It's all for love, God bless you, It's your time to shine.. A man who was gentle and controlled.. even when he was obviously bothered by the aviom feedback, he didn't blow his top. So, despite his idiosyncrachies, I do admire the man for his passion and love for music and all things beautiful.. As the movie credits rolled, I couldn't help but wonder if we would have had the privilege of catching a glimpse of these behind-the-scene footages if MJ were still alive.. and walked out of the cinema with a tinge a sadness...

A 7-Day General Motors Diet...

Day 1: Fruits and Water
I decided to embark on this weird diet plan after witnessing the success of others at work. I must admit that today was really quite agonizing cos Singapore is definitely a dieter's WORST NIGHTMARE!!! Scrumptious food at every corner and even if you don't see it, the aroma is tempting enough. I totally agree with Garfield.. diet is indeed a DIE with a T.. certainly a test of will-power or rather.. won't-power and using the mind over matter (in this case.. mind over body)! Imagine having roast beef while munching on watermelon.. maybe that honeydew resembles lemon chicken.. is that guava or tiger prawn??!! But NO tomatoes or bananas on the 1st day.. although they are both fruits.. and don't forget to drink at least 8 glasses of water for these 7 days...

Day 2: 1 Measly Potato, Vegetables and Water
Arrrgghhh!!! Felt a bit sick after a BIG 'breakfast'.. of boiled potato, spinach, lettuce, cabbage and cauliflower. Think my body was protesting vehemently against the sudden onslaught of barely familiar food.. and most certainly NEVER at breakfast??! Plus the fact I was a liittle over enthusiastic in adding salt and pepper.. hoping in vain to spice up the food. I toyed with the idea of chili or crushed peppers (from Pizza Hut) but I reckoned it probably won't sit too well in my already tormented stomach. I definitely preferred yester-month's menu.. bring on the Sausage McMuffin.. nasi lemak.. wan ton mee.. chee cheong fun.. laksa with egg and all.. ha ha ha! No surprises why I won't be watching Gournet Food Channels for the rest of the week...

Day 3: Fruits, Vegetables and Water
More rabbit food (as mum aptly describes it).. but surprisingly it wasn't half as bad today! Perhaps my body is accepting the detox process.. at least I hope so? I had turnip, chai sim, watermelon and honeydew.. quite yummy actually since they are my favourite food. So 3 down and 4 more days to go.. jia you!!!

Day 4: 8 Bananas and 3 Glasses of Milk (and Vegetable Soup)
This is the strangest part of the diet.. I was tempted to make my own banana smoothie but it's too much trouble for just 1 glass? Apparently the desire for sweets and sugar should be somewhat curbed after today. Great to be able to resist those macadamia chocolates.. I suppose?!!

Day 5: Rice and 6 Tomatoes
I decided to stick with the vegetarian version of this diet.. the non-vegetarian includes small portions of lean meat or cottage cheese with the 6 tomatoes. But what is a small portion? I may just end up over-zealously digging into the chicken or beef after 4 days on rodent food! You're advised to drink an extra 4 glasses of water to flush out the accumulated uric acid. Hmmm.. my stomach felt quite empty at night.. but maybe we're meant to sleep early while on this diet??!!

Day 6: Rice and Vegetables
It's back to vegetables again.. however, the non-vegetarian version allows you to eat meat to your heart's content! Maybe I will do that next time (if I EVER get around to it).. then, I can compare and see which plan suits me better.. ha ha ha! But I have to admit I did cheat a little today.. had a tiny morsel of chocolate cream cake (which was absolutely delicious) and 5 small sticks of french fries (almost heavenly)...

Day 7: Rice, Vegetables and Fruit Juice
So I made it! I am so looking forward to going back to the 'normal' diet again tomorrow.. but I will try to stay with the healthful food as much as possible so that all the effort of losing these 4 kgs won't go to waste! Fish soup and Yong Tau Foo.. here I come!!! Ha ha ha...

Nerf Guns And No Roses...

Last Saturday Justin and Jared had a real blast at a Nerf gun war game which organised by their church friends for a post-exam de-stressing exercise. For the uninitiated, Nerf guns are fanciful-looking dart guns equipped with styrofoam bullets. They come in various designs.. hand-held.. pistol (6 bullets).. cartridge loading.. long-range shooter etc. The boys (obviously the girls were not very interested in such violence?) turned the table over on to their sides and used them as shields since they weren't allowed to dig trenches on the premises. So, if you get 'shot'.. you're supposed to be 'dead' and therefore can't operate a gun anymore. You may only assist your team mates to load bullets. The game ends only when a team gets all the members of the opposite team.. unless of course they decide to commit Kamikaze by running over to the enemy's camp. Jared got hit near his eye and made a smart move by using a pair of swimming goggles for protection.. he looked really cute popping up and down behind the table with these black rings around his eyes (not unlike a goldfish)! Needless to say. this was the precise reason I banned my boys from playing Nerf guns at home.. point proven.. signed.. sealed.. delivered!!!

God's Not Fair...

You never see able-bodied basketballers play against those in wheelchairs and in sports like golf, there is something called the 'handicap' in order to level out the playing field. But if you really think about it, is it really 'fair'? I mean who is to judge whether this guy was actually putting in his best effort or not? He could have gotten on the wrong side of the bed or maybe the wind was blowing the opposite direction? Communism tried and failed to bring about equality in society simply because 'a man's heart is deceitful about all things'.. and greed ultimately prevails despite the best humanistic effort to change that!

But God is JUST. So what's the difference between the two? Huge indeed! God holds us accountable for the things we already HAVE and not we DON'T have. If you don't have hands, He doesn't expect you to clap but you can jump for joy.. if you don't have a voice, He doesn't expect you to sing but rather be still and know that He is God.. If you don't have eyes, He still wants you to hear His words and obey them.. Basically God calls us to worship Him with ALL our heart, soul, strength and mind.. the 4 elements we need in order to live and survive.. no matter how much or little of each there may be...

Wealth:
The Bible has many comparisons between the rich and the poor.. Jesus Himself was born into a poor family at the stables.. a carpenter by trade and an itinerant preacher. His initial disciples were mostly poor and uneducated, with the exception of Matthew the tax collector and Paul perhaps? He said, 'The poor you will always have with you' (Matt26:11).. which meant there would always be a discrepancy in the distribution of wealth in the world. Jesus praised the poor widow who gave all she had albeit it was only 2 copper coins (Mrk12:41-44), while the rich folks gave out of their abundance (we're talking about percentages here.. 100% vs 1%?). In the end, the tables were turned in the case of Lazarus and the rich man (Lk16:19-31).. the former suffered briefly on earth but was comforted for eternity in heaven. The rich young ruler couldn't do Jesus asked of him (Lk18:18-30).. therefore, always REMEMBER that 'it's HARD for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven'...

Talents:
Does the Parable of the Talents (Matt25:14-30) mean that those who have more will be blessed with even more? 10 become 20, 5 become 10 but the 1 measly 'talent' becomes zero? If you think about it carefully, the ONE talent had the potential of becoming 2.. 4.. 8.. 16.. 32.. 64.. in due time IF it had been used instead of buried in the first place??? Ultimately, we will have to answer for every ability and every bit of wisdom and time God has given us..

Health:
This is probably the most difficult one cos it hits where it hurts.. literally. I wonder if I could remain strong like Job when his body was ravaged by disease, all his children died and he lost everything he had. Would I have faith like that of blind Bartimaeus (Mrk10:46-52) or the paralysed man's friends (Mrk2:1-12) and expect healing from God? I guess there are some things which will take a life time and beyond to understand? So if we ever were to ask God the question 'Why me?'.. be prepared to stand speechless before the Almighty when He answers us out of the storm.. 'Where were you when I laid the earth's foundations? Who marked off its dimensions? Have you ever given orders to the morning? Have you ever seen the gates of the shadow if death? Do you send the lightning bolts on their way?' (Job38-41). I pray my response will be.. 'My ears have heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes' (Job42:1-6)...