Easter - Gift

On Sunday at 11.21pm, we rejoice in the birth of our second grandson, Nathanael! His birth on Easter Sunday is indeed a gift from GOD, just as his name means "gift of GOD". This name was selected many months earlier by M and A. Indeed we see GOD's grace even in the timing of the birth. M went into the hospital at 10pm and within one and half hour, Nathanael was borne. Not only was it a smooth and swift delivery, it was well timed to be on Easter Sunday, so that we can remember Nat as a gift from GOD, as Easter truly is a gift of GOD's love to mankind. He gave His Son to die for our sins. We praise GOD for His goodness and grace to our family. Let us take and see every good with gratitude and let us acknowledge and proclaim these goodness as from the LORD!
James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

A Drive along the farm roads

Kranji Reservior

Yesterday early morning Paul planned a car drive to the quiet farm roads of the north west. We met at KY's home. There were 3 cars, Paul handed out the printed map, KY provided the walkie-talkies. It was cool as we set off at 7.30am but soon the traffic along PIE and BKE started to build up. The turn towards Sungei Buloh by the Kranji Reservior was not pretty as it had to pass by the industrial estate and there were plenty of big vehicles along rather narrow roads. But after the Reservior it was quieter. There were quite a number of cyclists in their tight outfits, these are serious bikers!

We soon arrived at the destination - Poison Ivy Bollywood Veggies, but too early, they open at 9am. So we drove off and diverted to Max Fish Farm. It was a pleasant detour and a brief education in koi farming. There were ponds of huge koi, the usual reds and whites, here there are, blacks and yellows. The most interesting is the pond with arowpina? these are humongous wide-lips, human-length, blackish-grey monstrous looking fish. Apparently cannot be kept at home, I think they are carnivorous and can swallow small living creatures! I kept my distance! Though some of us took photos posing with outstretched hands.

We headed back to Poison Ivy, quite hungry for breakfast. We had lemon grass and fig drinks as a refresher. Roti prata with curries, eggs with toast. Most of the produce are straight from the farm. We started with lightly tossed morinaga leaves, apparently rich in calcium and tasted lovely. The friendly owner came by, sat and chatted with us and later took us for a walk round the farm - banana trees, yam, longan, fig etc. We didn't walk the whole farm, it was hot, noon day sun! (we, ladies whined and wilted). Time to go home.

What a lovely Saturday! It was enjoyable. We agreed to do more of such drives.

EASTER the 3 crosses 4 ironies

The message this Easter was simply and succinctly presented as the 3 crosses and the 4 ironies. There were 3 crosses with 3 persons sentenced to be crucified. Who were they? Why were they there? What was the purpose? How should it affect us?

The three crosses:
One died in sin - the unrepentant thief
One died to sin - the repentant thief
One died for sin - Jesus Christ

The four ironies:
1 The One who was mocked and rejected as king is truly King of kings.
2 The One who seemed so utterly powerless is transcendently powerful.
3 The One who did not save Himself  died to save mankind.
4 The One who felt so forsaken but chose to put His complete trust in GOD.

Easter is the Day that Death Died. 

a tree in bloom

I saw this beautiful tree in bloom at a small park in Opera Estate. Took a photo of it and thought I should share it with my blog readers. I don't know much about this tree. It just quite remarkable to see the copious blooms on the main trunk!

a cold

I have been out of action for 2 weeks now, having a little cold with low grade fever.  For a few days when I was on Revlimid, I was feeling quite lousy, low energy and sleepy, and stayed in bed most time and even refused to knit. But this week is my off-week from R, so I not feeling as bad. I have started on tamiflu and praying that it will help to reduce the symptoms. I have been so careful with wearing mask yet I must have caught this flu bug somewhere. But I am thankful it is not as severe and I think it could be that I had taken flu vaccine earlier this year.
I am also glad that my doc has taken me off dexa. Though he said it may take some time for the effects of dexa to wear off. I have feeling of denseness at the back of my head, like a hangover! It should get better over time.
A couple of good friends have been sms-ing me and encouraging me with their kind words and especially upholding me in prayers. This brings cheer to my heart.