The tree man.

read about Dede here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1895809/'Tree-man'-regains-use-of-hands-New-pictures.html

I watched a documentary about the tree man yesterday and my immediate reaction was one of fear and disgust.. because the roots looking warts on his hands and extensive tumours all over his body send creeps down my spine!! I cringe, and could not bear to look at times. Then when marcus said that his reaction was of ' so poor thing', i was shamed immediately. Where was my heart for the man, or in the eyes of God, for this child of His?

But i was desensitised after some time and didnt cringe as much towards the end of the show. Multiple thoughts and feelings ran through my mind throughout the show. The documentary also featured Dede's friends who have growths on their bodies and together, they perform for the circus in the city. What was heart-wrenching was a scene where Dede had to pull a vehicle using his hair until his scalp was red. Such was the exploitation of Dede, which his 'circus manager' claims was all in a bid to provide help for Dede. Yet there was no complaints from Dede, his face was one of resignation because that was his only means to earn a living.

Once in a while, we need to take our eyes off our own lives and look around. Then we will realise how often we take things for granted.

Tame that tongue.

A few incidents led me to be really convicted that when one is consumed by anger, or even hatrd, he can hardly control his tongue. Wicked and deceitful words are often then spoken and they harm, they hurt. Just take a couple who quarrels for example, it's has become rather common for them to say hurtful things like ' i regret marrying you', ' i hate u', ' let's divorce'... Such are things satan places in our minds when we are angry. Hahs, never underestimate the repercussions of such careless remarks. I am sure when such remarks are said, it subconsciously seeps into our minds and slowly we are deceived into believing them. Worse remarks will then be thrown at each other in subsequent quarrels.. and tadah, it opens the floodgates to future hurtful comments.

For us to make sure we dont use words that are wicked or seductive or deceitful, we must ask God to give us restraint-- to help us say only what is positive and heloful. The Holy Spirit can guide us to be even tempered.

water and joy.

As i was swimming towards the end of the pool, i saw this familiar tall, toned physique standing by the pool, looking for a strategic lane to swim in.

It was.. MR YONG.

YES, Mr yong. As usual, he came from canoeing training at macritchie for his swim. I never understood where his boundless source of energy comes from. I called out to him and we chatted. But after that, i started to wonder whether he really recognised me or talked to me as an ex-canoeist. First becuz i was wearing a swim cap and goggle, secondly cuz i graduated 3 years ago. How possible is it that he remembers a jasmin whom he taught 3 years ago? Nevertheless, he told me that he was training for a 3000 laps swim in 2 years time. I was shocked, 3000 laps?!??!?! I dont think i have ever clocked that distance in my lifetime.

He swam breaststroke throughout and i had to swim freestyle to match up with his after-canoeing-breaststroke speed for the last few lap. I just felt so invigorated seeing a familiar face and that motivated me to swim a lil faster than my usual snail pace. At the end of my swim, my face was a lil warm and that was the feeling i always get after morning runs in jc. I have never felt that way for ages cuz i have been slacking! hahahas. It sure felt god to have swim beyond my comfort..or rather super-slack zone for that few laps!

yet another week of blessings.

Almost a week has passed and i thoroughly enjoy my hols :) Went shopping @ ikea with sis on sat and we had smoked salmon and meat balls! :) We smuggled ice cream up the bus from ikea to church as well using the unfolded box that we bought as a shield. tsk! Had team gathering on sunday to celebrate chiteng's birthday and we had delicious seasoned meat.. prepared by US :):) But of cuz, nothing beats the great company!

I shifted workdesk twice during work this week and face a constant technical problem with my com and the settings at the workplace... they do not have a com for me currently and i hafta bring my own laptop. Face frustration at times but i know God is always teaching me sth. I still count my blessings for the great supervisors, lunch kahkis , evening swims, delicious dinner cooked by mum, meeting/ talking to dear, etc. These lil small things really make my week :)