I thought it only happened in the movie. Perhaps not just movie, they are real. I read about them in the news. Hear of them in distant manner. The brutality of humankind towards another human - children. Child abuse. For a long time the society is fighting against this amongst other rights. Children - these little people...they have rights. They have the rights to live - to breathe like any other, to love and be loved. To know life is beautiful. To know the beauty of being known by his Creator. To know his destiny.

Oh, today my heart aches and cries out for mercy. Other times I did too. That's why reading the news is traumatic to me. But today - this happened in my family...to a relative. News reached my ears. A typical stepfather beating up the helpless child.

He sat on the road, curled up.
Shaking in pain and bruises all over.
Worn out.

Today this child lies in the hospital.
Case taken up by authority.

The wounds on his body is treated by the medical staff. The pain will be eased by some analgesics. I wonder how his heart is. There will be no medicine to help. No one at this moment to whisper love. I closed my eyes and prayed as my tears dropped. I see angels flapping their wings and guarding his bed. Surely the Father of all creation sees and knows. He still cares. He still loves. Jesus said, "It is finished."

I prayed this little boy will know Jesus settled for him on the Cross.
I prayed tonight he feels a touch from heaven.
Tomorrow is a brand new day. I prayed though the wounds may not be healed instantly but a hope will arise within his heart and spirit. I prayed he will forgive. He may not truly know how but may God erase this agonizing dark moment of his life in his spirit and let him learn to love.

In a little while, I will bring him the good news if he understands. Otherwise may my gestures bring a touch of love in some ways. Pray with me as we love every child, for Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me."

Everyday is a gift...
Celebrate this week...

22 April is World Earth Day!
23 April is World Book Day!
24 April is World Health Day!
29 April is World Dance Day!

All of these so close to our hearts because they are God's gifts to us.

Come, celebrate the Penang World Dance Day today at Pelenggang Cahaya & Katasila, Pengajian Seni, USM from 10am-5.30pm (free workshops) and 6.30pm-7.30pm evening performance followed by a Improvisation Jam session at 8.00-9.00pm.

While some are busy throwing oranges and drums into the sea, we are busy having a great time throwing delicious food into our mouths in the midst of godly company and some new friends, after a sweet heavenly manna - "First, love your God"...love the Lord your God with your all. (Matthew 22:34-40)

The lunar new year was wrapped up with his sweet love.

Chap Goh Meh 2010 in Gateway City Church.

We've giggled much even after many rounds of reading "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie" - one of the many funny children's book in our collection. Now here's a version for mums which just fits the bill so well.

If You Give A Mom A Muffin - Original Author Unknown

If you give a mom a muffin,
She'll want a cup of coffee to go with it...
She'll pour herself some.
Her three-year-old will spill the coffee.
She'll wipe it up.
Wiping the floor, she'll find dirty socks.
She'll remember she has to do laundry.
When she puts the laundry in the washer,
She'll trip over boots and bump into the freezer.
Bumping into the freezer will remind her she has to plan for supper.
She will get out a pound of hamburger.
She'll look for her cookbook ("101 Things To Do With a Pound of Hamburger").
The cookbook is sitting under a pile of mail.
She will see the phone bill, which is due tomorrow.
She will look for her checkbook.
The check book is in her purse that is being dumped out by her two-year-old.
She'll smell something funny.
She'll change the two year old's diaper.
While she is changing the diaper, the phone will ring.
Her five-year-old will answer and hang up.
She'll remember she wants to phone a friend for coffee.
Thinking of coffee will remind her that she was going to have a cup.
And chances are...

If she has a cup of coffee, her kids will have eaten the muffin that went with it.

I had a good break laughing although I didn't have my coffee and the muffin to go with it :)
All my girls laughed in agreement.

So to all who aspire to be a mother, hmm...now you get a glimpse of this messy world called motherhood. Messy? Yes. But a beautiful mess.

A glimpse of Ashton's first meaningful CNY...last year he was a baby being lugged around without knowing anything...and chewed on the red packets...

Kids don't need expensive toys...all they need is creativity...a piece of shawl, time and space for exploration. Here's their version of lion dance...echoing Ashton's music..."ah tong, ah tong..." A joyful noise and a merry sight.

GONG XI GONG XI!!

...and here's his representative...Ed Jr...with the uncles.

A glimpse of our homefront for the new year...

It takes some constant reminders and adjustment to ease into our daily routine. Lessons are never confined on the desk and books as usual, but this is one usual morning scene for 4 days in the week. A big chunk of our days are spent doing a lot of other stuff...and figuring out life (and our surroundings) and living :) That's education.

Nat wants her share too. Ashton is like a sponge absorbing the math concepts while learning some eye-hand co-ordination through beading.

Ashlynn surely is another great teacher although no nice pics to post up at this point. What a blessed boy to be surrounded by loving teachers! The best education begins with love - love for the person, love to impart knowledge and love itself. That would mean it bounds back to God being Love.

It is here again.

A new year. A new start. A full calendar.

I am still easing into the new year but time waits for no man...nor woman :)
Every day moves on so fast, I wish I can slow it down. As much as I like to make sure everything is in order, listed and charted, I just couldn't make it this season. I've learned to just do it - and do it quick, spontaneous and enjoy the moment. Hmm...and still learning...some list and charts still give me a sense of peace and security. A handle I can hang on but I know as long as I bring God with me everywhere and all the time, I will be good. So in the midst of all the busyness, active moves and running into the new year, I thought I will be in a panic state...but surely I can give thanks for the joy of the Lord.

WISHING YOU THE SAME TOO, MY DEAR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!