Of Journeys We Take

I attended the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Bible College of Malaysia last night. The guest speaker for the evening touched on the theme of the dinner, 'Remarkable Journey, Promising Future' when talking about the journey of the school since its inception to what it is now today. He described some of the challenges that one might face in the journey and this depended on the type of journey he was in. The challenges in the journey by land for example would involve obstacles like mountains, and valleys and having to cross streams. A journey by sea would have to contend with storms and 20 foot waves that threaten to scuttle the ship and where we face the possibility of shipwreck. The journey by air would encounter the risk of air turbulence and thunderstorms and the inherent dangers of crashing.

It reminded me of the fact that the loss of a loved one is something like a setback in one's journey that can often throw one off course from his journey and from reaching his destination. Life's train just got derailed. This is indeed true for me personally and I'm sure it holds true for others in such a similar situation.

I'm reminded of what Jesus said, that in this world we shall have many tribulations (storms, turbulence), (a rather sobering thought) but he has overcome them all. It just reminds us that life is but a constant struggle. We are constantly facing headwinds, contrary winds and there is usually never a smooth sailing. God didn't promise one either.

The apostle Paul was no stranger to sufferings and shipwrecks (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). He talks about being beaten up, shipwrecked thrice, facing perilous journeys and encountering physical deprivation. Paul's life stands out as a shining example of how to overcome (or rather 'manage') setbacks in life while maintaining the course of pressing toward the prize of the high calling of God at the end of his journey.

I wish it would be that simple. The truth of the matter is the journey through grief is never easy. It is not even a straight journey to begin with. Sometimes you off the well beaten track and other times you can go around in circles. I feel as though I'm still at an early part of the journey. Sometimes it feels like driving an old rickety car that moves forward in spurts and then stalls while the engine gets overheated. You just never seem to get ahead and move on in life. Sometimes you know you can't move too fast, and other times you don't want to. But I guess little by little, we should make some progress, eventually.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Dearest Mom,

Firstly, I would like to thank God for such a wonderful mom like Y-O-U. Indeed you alone are such a blessing not only to me, but to everyone around you. Know that you are loved ma, loved very very much.

Mom, you are such an inspiration, despite all that you've been through, you are still strong in the Lord, and I admire you for that. You are my role model, always patient, always kind, always ever so loving.

On this special day, I speak abundant blessings upon you. May God grant you healing and many many more days and years to come! May God continue to work and speak to you. May He be the bestest friend you could ever have. I love you

Pam

19 November 2009

(Pam is our second daughter and is currently studying very hard for her SPM)

From Lilian Jansen

Dearest Kat,

As you celebrate your birthday, I think that you should know...

... in my heart - I truly feel
that each day of your life
is equally worthy of celebration;
that the joy you bring
into this world
is ever-unfolding;
that your presence in my life
is a rare and fine
and wondrous gift
And today and always
I wish you the happiness
that - each day -
you have given to me

(poem by Robert Sexton)

Lots of love, GBU, hugs,

Lilian Jansen

19 November 2009

(Lilian is a neighbourhood friend that has been very supportive of Kathryn during the recent years we've known her)

From May Lee

Dearest Boon Kee,

Friends always remember the good times.

Happy Birthday.

Luv and Kisses,

May Lee

19 November 2009

(ex-Assuntarian with Kathryn)

From Ai Kuan,

Dearest Boon Kee,

May this birthday be just the beginning of a great year filled with happy memories,
wonderful moments and shining dreams.....


With love from

Ai Kuan

19 November 2009

(Ai Kuan is an ex-Assuntarian with Kathryn during her secondary school years)

From Pam Hendroff

Dearest Boon,

Some of us met up last night & we talked about you - it was your birthday yesterday & we remembered you with fondness & love

Pam

20 November 2010

From Elita

Boon Kee dearest,

Magic dreams and sweet wishes come true,
Hope your birthday is as special as you!
God bless

Stay as sweet as you are.

Luv, Elita

19 November 2009

(Elita is one of the Assuntarians together with Kathryn)

The Prayer of St Francis of Assisi

My Dearest Boon Kee,

I hope you're enjoying this birthday party of yours and especially having all your friends with you, some whom you haven't seen in years.

You're going through a tough time right now and I have no words that could take away the pain or to help you heal, but I know that the good Lord has His mighty hand in this. And there's nothing that you cannot handle without His help.

Do you remember this prayer, which we used to pray when we were in school? It is one of my favorite prayers. I would like to share this with you..

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon,
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant me that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

You are a strong woman, Boon Kee, and I admire you for that.
Happy Birthday will all my love and prayers, I wish you wonderful blessings always.

Pam

19 November 2009

(Pam Hendroff is a fellow Assuntarian with Kathryn in the secondary school years)

From Amy Cheong

For a dear friend,

There is a magnet in your heart
That will attract true friends
That magnet is unselfishness,
Thinking of others first
When you learn to live for others
They will live for you.

My dearest, dearest friend... Boon,

This is so very true of you. You are a true gem of a friend and I love you.
I remember the time when you and Mark came and comforted me when my Mum was ill. You took the time and I truly appreciate it - have not thanked you enough.
Going on and on and forgot to wish you...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear friend

.... and the Lord's richest blessings be upon you always. You have been a blessing to me and and if I can be a fraction of what you are, I know I will be blessed. Love you my friend.

Wanted to write in many, many colours cos you add colours in our lives but all my coloured pens ran out of ink!

'No road is long with good company'

I will go on any long journey with you anytime! So my dear, just want you to know that you are a very very special friend to me (though I don't mention it enough). You take good care of yourself and remember that God loves YOU a whole lot.

Love you my friend!

Amy Cheong
2009

From the Assuntarians

Dearest Boon,

Happy Birthday to a special person and a favorite friend. May everything bright and beautiful be yours, today and every day.

A birthday wish first.... present in the "making"-> next change

Amy (PL), Ai Kuan, Celme, Gerry, Elita, Judy, Kuldip, Nora, Pam, Siew Bee, Yasmin, Amy

19 November 2009

My Favourite Cheesecake

Dear Aunty Kath,

Happy 51st Birthday

It has been a blessing to know you ever since I was born. You were there while I was growing up and everytime it was my birthday.. you would bake me my favourite cake, CHEESE CAKE!!

I am sorry I can't return the favour the same way, because this month I would be travelling a lot. I will get you something from Langkawi.

HAPPY 51ST BIRTHDAY.

Truly yours,

Daniel Raj

November 2009

(Daniel is the youngest son of Alex and Margaret Raj who are both close family friends of Mark and Kathryn for a long time. Kathryn's cheesecake remains one of their family favourites.)

A Courageous Woman of God

Dear Kathryn,

I love you and I think you are the most mature and courageous woman of God I know.

Though you have walked this road for the last 7 years, both alone and with others, this one thing I am confident: it's that you will continue to walk it well with your usual calm and outstanding faith! And that's because you know who is holding your hand. Psalm 91.. victory is planned.

I'm trusting God and praying with you. HAVE A BLESSED BIRTHDAY (51 yrs)

Love you so much,

Margaret Raj

November 2009

(Margaret is a close family friend and member of Glad Tidings Assembly, Klang)

From Irvin Rutherford

Kathryn,

Listen to these healing verses day after day to build healing faith. You are in our thoughts and prayer.

Irvin and Linda Rutherford

November 2009

(Reverend Irvin has on many occasions visited Kathryn when she was not well and encouraged her with scriptures and personal words of exhortation. We are blessed to be ministered by him)

You are My Inspiration

Dearest Boon Kee,

Just in the last week, I met two persons who 'talked' about you... one day after another!! They both don't know each other but know you very well and are inspired by you.

I just had to be in contact with you... you are a God-given gift to so many people including me. Heard about your ill-health...it saddens me but yet knowing you, I know you don't wanna be that.

Boon Kee, as I always fondly know you... you are an amazing lady. As a young working adult when I first met you, I wanted to 'grow-up' like you.

The first person I met, said you introduced Christ to him and saved his marriage is Tan Take Huat. The 2nd person is your niece Li May (my church member).

You are in my thoughts and prayer, Boon Kee. You are my inspiration.You are indeed a salt and light.

Love,

Eng2

20 November 2009

For a Lady Who Inspires

I was looking through some of the birthday cards and notes sent by some those who know Kathryn and I found some words of encouragement that I thought would be good to share with all of you. Among them was this poem:

Poems for a Lady who Inspires

Your fight against cancer
Has created in you
A woman of great faith
To take refuge under His wings
To believe and trust God
To face all the odds

Your fight against cancer
Has created in you
A woman of great courage
To face the big 'C' head on
With strength, poise and confidence
Against all the odds

Your fight against cancer
Has created in you
A woman of great strength
Who doesn't falter
In the midst of fear and confusion
To overcome the odds

Your fight against cancer
Has created in you
A woman of great wisdom
To steadfastly clinging on to God
Without a second thought
Under the pressure of the odds

Your fight against cancer
Has created in you
A woman of great grace
Even though in pain
Never ever complain
Never succumb to the odds

Your fight against cancer
Has created in you
A woman of great compassion
Reaching out to the women
In the same situation
Helping them fight the odds

To sum it all
Your fight against cancer
Has created in you
A woman of godly substance
A shining testimony
A blessed encouragement
And most of all
A mighty conqueror
At the onslaught of the odds.

By Kam Siew Kin, a friend from Glad Tidings Klang.

In the days ahead I shall be posting some more of these words of encouragement by others who stood by Kathryn in her greatest hour of need.

Happy Birthday

It's Kathryn's birthday today. We were wondering whether we should do anything to remember the occasion. We had just lost another member of our family to cancer this week - my brother in law. He was an active lay leader in the Klang Methodist Church.

I decided to make a visit to the Fairy Park Memorial Park in Klang. It was raining when I reached there and I had to wait for about half an hour in the car as the rain gradually petered out. During that time I took out my iPhone to play some of Kathryn's favourite worship songs by Terry Macalmon as I imagined how she must have liked to hear.

It was a solitary moment after the rain as I stepped out later to place the flowers that I had brought along with me at her site. There was no one else around apart from a gardener that I saw making his rounds. The rains like the last visit we made had cooled down the place quite a bit after the blistering hot afternoon.

It is a quiet birthday celebration without her. I spent some quiet moments reflecting on the good times we had and told her how much I missed her. The pain and the tears were still there. I left the Park still listening to some of the worship songs as I made my way to office.

Later in the evening, the children and I had a quiet Japanese dinner in Sunway to remember their mother's birthday. We talked and reflected. We laughed. Kathryn was very much with us in our hearts. Yati our domestic help for the last ten years was with us. She was feeling much like a member of the family.

This is the first birthday celebration for Kathryn that we have had without her. I'm glad we did something to remember her. I'm sure there is also a celebration in heaven for her.

Happy Birthday, my dearest.

When It Doesn't Make Sense

Melissa, my daughter came up to me and asked me about the passage in Hebrews chapter 4 where it talks about the children of Israel in the Old Testament not entering into rest of God because of their unbelief and disobedience. She needed a clarification on the meaning of the passage.

I explained that the 'rest' in that passage referred to the rest from their journeying in the wilderness when they entered into the promised Canaan land. They did not believe that God could get them through the wilderness. They were always striving and murmuring. As a result they could not enter the Promised Land.

I further explained that often times the stories in the Bible have application to our daily living. When we have faith and are obedient to God's ways, we will constantly be in the rest of God. We will not be perturbed by the storms around us. For those that are striving, the source of rest is in Jesus who said, 'Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest'.

A further application was that we are pilgrims on this earth and through faith and obedience, we will enter into the eternal rest of God from our labours on earth when our life is over.

Melissa said that the explanation I gave on the passage made a lot of sense to her. I told her that I can make sense of what the Bible says but at a time like this, I can't make sense of whatever was happening around us right now. How does one make any sense out of the death of someone he loves dearly. It doesn't make sense to me why bad things happen to good people. It doesn't make sense to me why there is so much injustice in the world we see today. All these generic 'why' questions are always having a personal relevance to it. I'm having difficulty trying to connect all the dots to see the bigger picture.

In a time when everything around us doesn't make any sense, I guess the only thing sensible thing that we can do is to cling on tenaciously to the thing that does make some sense and that is the Word of God. We wait for the rest of the things to fall in line. 'That makes sense', she said.

During our conversation, the thought occurred to me that Kathryn is now enjoying the eternal rest of God after having completed all that she could have done. She has been obedient and has held steady her faith unto the end. She has earned her rest from all her labours on earth because she has completed whatever God had purposed for her life. Maybe, that might make some sense out of this situation, in a sense. At least it might help to connect some of the dots.

11 November 2010

The Sound of Silence

THE SOUND OF SILENCE

Every night I lie awake
Staring into the darkness
When lights are out, my heart would ache
What I hear is the sound of silence

In my mind I call to you
'Where are you, my dearest?
Why the haste to bid adieu?'
All I hear is the sound of silence

The room once filled with laughter's tones
Reflecting the happier times we spent
The music's gone, I'm all alone
It's now filled with the sound of silence

The heart dismayed, emotions frayed
Voicing questions that perplex my mind
I strain my ears, an answer for which I prayed
Echoing back is the sound of silence

When I awake in night's deep dreer
Just the thought of you would bring a tear
For your voice I cannot now hear
Looking to break the sound of silence

The sound of music we've once had
Pictures of happiness and gaiety
'Twas nothing but music to make one glad
But with me now is the sound of silence

Heaven resounds with sweet refrains
Your voice amongst its hosts
Earth responds with majestic strains
But what reaches me is the sound of silence

A wandering ship, ill at ease
Looking for a peaceful haven
Should I choose the raging seas
Or return to the sound of silence?


Mark Teh
1 November 2010