Being Happy - by Pope Francis

"You may have defects, be anxious and sometimes live irritated, but do not forget that your life is the greatest enterprise in the world. Only you can prevent it from going into decadence. There are many that need you, admire you and love you.

I would like to remind you that being happy is not having a sky without storms, or roads without accidents, or work without fatigue, or relationships without disappointments.

Being happy is finding strength in forgiveness, hope in one’s battles, security at the stage of fear, love in disagreements.

Being happy is not only to treasure the smile, but that you also reflect on the sadness.

It is not just commemorating the event, but also learning lessons in failures.

It is not just having joy with the applause, but also having joy in anonymity.

Being happy is to recognize that it is worthwhile to live, despite all the challenges, misunderstandings and times of crises.

Being happy is not inevitable fate, but a victory for those who can travel towards it with your own being.

Being happy is to stop being a victim of problems but become an actor in history itself.

It is not only to cross the deserts outside of ourselves, but still more, to be able to find an oasis in the recesses of our soul.

It is to thank God every morning for the miracle of life.

Being happy is not being afraid of one's feelings. It is to know how to talk about ourselves. It is to bear with courage when hearing a "no".

It is to have the security to receive criticism, even if is unfair.

It is to kiss the children, pamper the parents, have poetic moments with friends, even if they have hurt us.

Being happy means allowing the free, happy and simple child inside each of us to live; having the maturity to say, "I was wrong"; having the audacity to say, "forgive me".

It is to have sensitivity in expressing, "I need you"; to have the ability of saying, "I love you."

So that your life becomes a garden full of opportunities for being happy...

In your spring-time, may you become a lover of joy. In your winter, may you become a friend of wisdom.

And when you go wrong along the way, you start all over again. Thus you will be more passionate about life.

And you will find that happiness is not about having a perfect life but about using tears to water tolerance, losses to refine patience, failures to carve serenity, pain to lapidate pleasure, obstacles to open the windows of intelligence.

Never give up .... Never give up on the people you love. Never give up from being happy because life is an incredible show.

And you are a special human being!"

- Pope Francis -

Be Patient in Time of Test

Accept all that happens to you, be patient when you are humbled, for as gold is tested in the fire, so those acceptable to God are tested in the crucible of humiliation.
(Sirach 2: 4-5)

Good Friday, 6th April 2012

He has reminded me of LOVE... and amidst all my weaknesses, has given me the strength to FORGIVE and freed me from anger.

The sacrifice of Christ reflects His greatest love for us regardless of our sinfulness.

Cast All Our Cares on Him

I do not know about tomorrow...
If I were to ponder on the uncertainties, I would have been  consumed by worries.
Peace comes from casting our care on Him and trusting that He always has the best plan for us.

"Place all your worries on him since he takes care of you." (1 Peter 5:7)


-20th July 2012

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Joy

While love is the reason to continue the offerings, joy would be the strength to pull through hard times.

We can experience all kinds of pain and torments, but the joy that comes form God keep us persevere.


-10th October 2012

I Have Fought the Good Fight

The reading from 2 Timothy 4: 6-8 has been a consolation to the faithful ones who are dying.

'As for me, I am already poured out as a libation, and the moment of my departure has come, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there's laid up for me th crown of righteousness with which the Lord, the just judges, will reward me on that day; and not only me, but all those who have longed for his glorious coming.'

May this always reminds us to serve God and follow His way throughout our earthly life so that we, too may feel the same joy like St. Paul upon our graduation day!

-27th October 2013

Serenity of Surrender

'Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 4: 6-7)

'God understands us to the core because He created us. He feels what we feel, but His vision reaches those places we cannot see.'

-Adapted from Limitless, Chapter 4, Serenity of Surrender by Nick Vujicic
3rd November 2013

Rejoice. Pray. Give Thanks

'Rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks to God at every moment.
This is the will of God, your vocation as Christians.'
(1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18)

Blessed 3rd Sunday of Advent
14th December 2014

Leave the Rooms of Gossips

We could choose to walk out from the room of gossips and go to a beautiful place which offers us peace of mind to accommodate joy and growth.

- 22nd November 2014

Sharing from 'Landscape Crossing' Retreat 2014

Each symbol tells a story in one's life, of shadow or anguish, of light or hope.

We offered them up to God as our prayers.

I decided to share this craft-work given to me by a ovarian cancer survivor who has gone through multiple storms in life.

The green olive plant symbolise peace while the fruits (olives) symbolise joy and love. She created this craft-work to express her wish to bring peace, joy and love to everyone around her.

I was impressed by her saying, 'I am grateful for all the blessings that were given to me and for the many experiences that I have gone through in life. My house is in place. I am ready to go now.'

In her, I see a peaceful and humble spirit who has been holding on to strong faith amidst all storms and a soul who brings hope, love and joy to everyone.


- 8th November 2014

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Have a lovely morning!

'The Lord's acts of mercy are not exhausted.
His compassion is not spent;
They are renewed each morning -- great is your faithfulness.'
(Lamentations 3: 22-23)

-25th October 2014

Be Grateful, 16th October 2014

Whether it has been a good day or a tough day today, let us give thanks to God for all the grace seen or unseen.

Be grateful for the grace to go through the challenges of the day and be thankful that by God's grace, we have made a little improvement each day though we might not have realised it.

God Will Take Care

'Place all your worries on God since He takes care of you.' (1 Peter 5:7)

A Samaritan friend has just reminded me that I have met so many angels when facing obstacles. As I recall the many moments when blessings were received in times of need, I know that the God who care for us has been listening to our daily prayers.

I thank God for the grace to go through challenging days.

- written on 7th October 2014

Learning the Humility of Christ

From the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians 2: 3-4

'Do nothing through rivalry or vain conceit. On the contrary let each of you gently consider the others as more important than yourselves. Do not seek your own interest, but rather that of others.'

May we continue to learn from the humility of Jesus.

A Prayer for Peace

I came across this prayer...

Grant me peace today Lord.

Quiet my heart and spirit.

Let my words be calm and my disposition tranquil.

In times of accord and in times of distress, may I experience peace that passes all understanding, so that I may become a channel of Your peace to others. Amen.

Cherish Good Times

Rococo Garden, Painswick

It's rather easy to go through one of these good times. It's without any struggle, but I just have to simply enjoy this wonderful time!

I believe that we do need some happy moments to stay positive amidst all challenges in life. It's always good to have some good memories to recall during tough times and keep it as a reminder that there is always something good that we could look forward to.

I'm touched that God remember to bless me with happy moments like this.

- written on 24th May 2014

Saying Goodbye and Welcoming Hello

Saying 'goodbye' and welcoming 'hello' are both transitional process in life. I have to admit that it has been a challenging experience to encounter both these concurrently at this juncture.
I find that acknowledging emotions towards loss and allocating some "time-off" to mourn for the goodbye has actually helpful for me to be more readily to cope with new challenges in life while keeping an open mind to say 'hello' to a new life experience has helped me to accept the goodbye and move forwards in life.


- written on 12th June 2014

Dual process model of coping with loss 

Creative Suffering

Suffering can be beneficial when it leads to some kind of "resurrection" in us, when a strength or a sleeping energy in us is aroused, when talents heretofore unknown are recognised, when a clarity about life's purpose and direction becomes keener for us, when a stronger sense of compassion for others deepens in us. There is so much within us that needs to come to life.

Moments of suffering, times of goodbye, can cause us to peer inside our own tombs of unfinishedness or incompleteness and we can discover vast storehouses of resiliency, vitality, fidelity, love and endurance.

- Creative Suffering, Adapted from 'Praying Our Goodbyes' by Joyce Rupp
15th June 2014

Owning Both Happiness & Sadness As Our Masterpiece

I had a wonderful inspiration this morning as I woke up feeling refreshed and found comfort amidst my grief:

We may also consider owning both our happiness and sadness as like owning a unique masterpiece, not expecting others to take it away from us.

After all, having the potential to feel a wide range of emotions is just human nature. There is no right or wrong but how we manage them matters.

Sadness is painful to be embraced but that is the only way through it that we can be set free.

May we be blessed with the grace to endure and the grace to celebrate happiness.

- written on 12th May 2015

Journeying with the Dying

A reflection of the day after joining palliative round today. We were discussing about loneliness faced by many terminally ill patients and their care-givers.

'One of the most dreadful sufferings in life is finding no support available amidst distress. Loneliness adds more pain in the journey...'

We wonder how we should help these friends/family of ours amidst the toughest time. Our fear includes not knowing what to say, not having answer to difficult questions and fear of revealing our heartfelt sadness. We worry that we might say something not so thoughtful that will hurt them.

I recalled the same anxiety when I was about to pay last visit to my family doctor who suffered from relapsed acute leukemia.

Having gone through some of the distressed moments in grief myself, I realised that being listened to and being remembered in prayers has helped to sustain me in the challenging journey. I always found this heart-warming message whenever I met a Good Samaritan who has lent me a listening ear :'I care. I am here for you. Here is some strength of mine to go on; here is some love to energise you now when you need it so much.' We know that another fellow human friend of ours might not be able to lift away our distressed feelings, but knowing that we are cared for and respected could give us the courage and strength to walk on.

As I reflected on the experience of my last visit to my family doctor, I realised that it was of trust that he has shared with me his struggles and emotions. I appreciate that I was treasured as one of his trusted good friends in his living days. As for now, I will always remind myself: 'Be grateful to be able to share a friend's sorrow as we have been trusted and respected as friend indeed'.

May God give us the grace and strength to support those in need and may He bless all angels that we meet in life. 

-Written on 27th October 2014

Letting Go

I did some readings and reflection about the wisdom to let go lately..

I recalled a wonderful sightseeing experience on a bus ride from Kota Kinabalu town to Keningau for a retreat in year 2010. We were greeted with beautiful mountain views along the journey, but there were also times when we saw only mist and rains. At some times, we were traveling on the narrow winding road... But, regardless of any condition we were in, we did move on in our journey towards the destination.

The reflection has enlightened me on how I should let go of some negative feelings and memories when they come to conscious mind. I could, instead of dwelling on them, appreciate and acknowledge them as just a view that I have encountered in the journey and choose to move on.

Joyce Rupp in her book "Praying Our Goodbyes" wrote, 'To let go does not mean that we give up or that we do not care. Rather, it means that we choose to use our energies in another way, giving them another direction. To let go is to allow something or someone to be left behind in such a way that we are free to continue toward new country that is awaiting to be revealed to us. It is to gain the freedom to proceed or to continue, to put behind us whatever has the power over us to negatively influence our feelings, ideas, actions.'

Each time when we could let go of an unpleasant feeling or memory, we will be more peaceful.

May God grant us the grace and courage to let go of our negativity.

- Written on 31st October 2013

Reassurance of God's Work

A word of encouragement amidst struggles...

'Since God began such a good work in you, I am certain that He will complete it in the day of Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 1:6)

Solace Amidst Burdens

'Come to me, all you who work hard and who carry heavy burdens and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest. For my yoke is good and my burden is light.' (Matthew 11: 28-30)

This verse gives me comfort amidst the many disappointing encounters and the grace to cope with the irresponsible and untrustworthy.

In Him, we find rest, learning to forgive and let not hatred and anger burden our heart.


- 26th November 2013

Our Efforts Are Not in Vain

I came across an inspiring verse this evening that reassures us that even our unrecognised efforts or works are not in vain...

'Therefore, my beloved brothers, be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.' (1 Corinthians 15:58)


- 18th November 2013

Journeying amidst Rainy Days

In journeying amidst tough days and rainy days, take courage and remember these:

'I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.' (Romans 8:18)

'We know that all things work for good for those who love God; who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)


-1st November 2013

Jesus, Remember Me When You Come into Your Kingdom

The conversation between the suffering repentant sinner and the suffering Christ on the cross has been touching. It has been the source of solace for all suffering souls. Luke 23:42-43

And he (the sinner) said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
Jesus replied, "Truly, you will be with me today in the paradise."

Amidst our sufferings, do not abandon our Lord but take courage to learn from Christ who has humbled Himself to take up the cross.
When we could share in His sufferings, we too, could say "Lord, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom."

Surely, the risen Lord would grant us the strength to bear our cross and remember us in His Kingdom. Do not be dismayed! One day, we will join Him in the Paradise!


- Written on 24th November 2013

Christmas Day, 25th December 2013

Pope Francis: Christmas is something more. It is an encounter with the Lord: to allow ourself to encounter the Lord and most important of all, to allow the Lord to encounter us.

Homily, Palm Sunday 2013 (Summary from NEW BEGINNING, NEW HOPE)

The first word that I wish to say to you: Joy!

Do not be men and women of sadness: A Christian can never be sad! Never give way to discouragement! Ours is not a joy born of having many possessions, but from having encountered a Person: Jesus, in our midst; it is born from knowing that with him we are never alone, even at difficult moments, even when our life's journey comes up against problems and obstacles that seem insurmountable.

Let us follow Jesus! We accompany, we follow Jesus, but above all we know that he accompanies us and carries us on his shoulders. This is our joy, this is the hope that we must bring to this world. Please do not let yourselves be robbed of hope! Do not let hope be stolen! The hope that Jesus gives us.

The second word is: Cross!

Jesus does not enter the Holy City to receive the honors reserved to earthly kings, to the powerful, to rulers; he enters to be scourged, insulted, and abused, as Isaiah foretold in the First Reading (Is 50:6). He enters to receive a crown of thorns, a staff, a purple robe: his kingship becomes an object of derision. He enters to climb Calvary, carrying his burden of wood. 

This is the good that Jesus does for us on the throne of the Cross. Christ's Cross embraced with love never leads to sadness, but to joy, to the joy of having been saved and of doing a little of what he did on the day of his death.

The third word: Young People!

We must live the faith with a young heart, always: a young heart, even at the age of seventy or eighty.

Dear young people! With Christ, the heart never grows old! Yet all of us - all of you - know very well that the King whom we follow and who accompanies us is very special: he is a King who loves even to the Cross and who teaches us to serve and to love. And you are not ashamed of his Cross! On the contrary, you embrace it, because you have understood that it is in giving ourselves, in emerging from ourselves, that we have true joy and that, with his love, God conquered evil.

Young people must say to the world: to follow Christ is good; to go with Christ is good; the message of Christ is good; emerging from ourselves, to the ends of the earth and of existence, to take Jesus there, is good!

Goodbye My Dearest Mom, On Christmas' Eve, 24th December 2013

Praying our goodbyes...

We grieve and feel sad

Because we have shared too much good memories and good moments.

But for us who know Christ, our grief is not of hopeless.

We have hope in the resurrection of the Lord and look forward to the coming of eternal life.

Christmas is coming...

May we received Jesus in our heart.

On earth, He live in us. 

When we depart, we live in Him.

God bless.

All Souls' Day, 2nd November 2013

In memory of late grandma:

Everyone must has been sad when learning that you were diagnosed of leukaemia. I remember joining the adults to visit you in GH Melaka. The medical ward back in 1994 was old, stuffy and loaded with patients. I whispered to God in my little prayer that I didn't like that old ward, but I had drawn the experience of visiting the sick as an inspiration to complete my composition "My Ambition", of which the only recognised composition of mine throughout schooldays.

I was so touched when you appeared in my dream in 2005 when I was struggling in my studies. I dreamt of myself doing clinical posting in a old hospital where I visited you and took your blood pressure at the bedside. I complaint to you about the stress in studies, but you just smiled and said, "You are such a foolish child."

I woke up with tears, remembering that my struggles are nothing as compared to the sufferings of patients. 

I have learnt a great lesson from you, grandma!

May you enjoy the eternal joy in Heaven.

A New Milestone, 15th January 2013

Thanks for His grace that lead me to another milestone.

Many wishes have been granted and blessings received.

He is the faithful God who keeps His promise.

As I discover His ever presence in our daily life, I learn the spiritual dimension of life. 

There shall be no longer hopelessness in dealing with death and dying, but rather, a hidden joy in celebration of eternal life.

May He grant us the wisdom to discern what are the things that are of spiritual importance so that we are prepared for the coming of eternity.

Desert Experience

It's yet another desert experience

When scorching sun blaze unmercifully

While old wounds may rise up to hurt us

Tribulations hit us unthoughtfully

I learnt of my brokenness as I observed

Each small piece of stained glass in the cathedral

They spoke to me the painful experience 

Of being crushed and broken.

My heart is pierced and wounded

And my world is now fallen apart.

Goodbyes cut deep....

The ache of emptiness prevails 

Sorrows and sadness fill my heart

As requiem is still resonating in mind.

The Angelus bell rang

And the sound reverberated through the church,

Resonating into my heart.

It's an awakening call for me to keep my faith

While journeying through desert experience.

Virtues

May gratitude be with us on beautiful days
While the sun shines onto us His grace
Fruits of treasures born in peace
Wisdom brings abundance in life.
Endure the pain yet walk in joy.
May our deeds be born of love.
Let us fly freely with wings of humility
Across vast sea of knowledge
Across the mountains,
Across the desert --
Rest ourself in the still of God
Plants, we water, fruits, He bless.


- Written in June 2015

'The fruits of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.' (Galatians 5:22-23)

Night and Memory

One sleepless night of imperturbable serenity

I took a stroll in the garden.

As I watched the pale moon and glittering stars lit up the darkness

Many memories of life flashed through my mind.

On the pond, the shimmering moonlight reflection

Evoked the memories of glorious moments

While the little wavelets on the water

Revealed teardrops on rainy days.

Out of the misery and pain of life,

We have cherished some beautiful moments.

The laughter of yesterday came fresh through mind

As though you were still with us here.

We have flied over the vast sea

Climbing up the hills of verdant green

Rafting through rushing stream

And trekking through jungle and caves.

On the sandy beach, you have walked with me

Through days of childhood into adulthood.

On both rainy days and sunny days,

Moments of joy interspersed with moments of tears.

As the dusk drew near, we came by the rocky shore

Where the raging waves lapping unceasingly.

You reminded me to hold on to strong faith --

Like a solid rock, unshaken in any circumstances.

I remember your gentle whispers in the mornings.

It's like a soothing breeze that blows in lovely dawn.

Your words of comfort are the morning dew amidst my wilderness

And your words of wisdom has been my guide.

I shall not forget our afternoon tea

From where I have learnt to cherish simple joy.

Nor shall I forget the banquets in many joyous occasions,

When we have shared more than scrumptious food and luscious wine.

Everything has resolved in memory 

Amidst this night of serenity.

The moon has reminded me of God's eternal glory.

May you find joy living in Him.

Goodbye, my dearest mom

Till we meet again in Heaven.

- Written in April 2014, In memory of my late mother

A Lovely Summer

A windy day with lovely sun

A picturesque scene across the view.

A fresh new dawn an auspicious day

A whole new landscape refreshes the will.

Flower fairies share her abundance 

Mr Oak tree listens passionately --

From afar laid hills of verdant green.

The cathedral bell chimes amidst serenity.

Rows of yew trees stood on the meadow

While the daisies strewn over the pasture.

Where for centuries the cathedral stood

The yew trees witness passing of souls. 

I saw myriad colours of stained glass windows,

Of ruby red, emerald green, topaz yellow.

Each piece bears brokenness and sorrows

But the precious picture charmingly whole. 

Vivaldi's concerto reverberated the abbey

The song of Spring time resonated in my hollow.

Requiems once heard no longer dwell

May the songs of triumphant joy sing forevermore.

There is a season for joys and sorrows

As written in Ecclesiastes thousand years ago

Summer joy and autumn ache all have its times

Tears and laughter patiently endured.

Blossoms and greenery bring cheers to earth

Each bring blessings of peace, joy and love.

We are to go through desert someday

But the heavenly summer be our solace.

- Written in June 2015, Summer in Cotswolds