A Cuppa Christmas Blessing with a spoonful of joy* and a dollop of peace*!

and wisdom comes quietly ...

Remembering a beautiful season of sharing and giving enfolds from the gift

of the month of December!

As I looked up the skyline from the garden ... and there, I gazed upon the multitude of stars sparkling from the crown high above, the amazing handiwork from 'The Painter of the sky'! The * was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise. Matthew 2 : 1 ~ 10.

Let us continue to hear the a soft twinkling sound of the bells knowing that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it will ring mankind to the fold. The bell carries the meaning of guidance and return to a safe resting place under God's shelter.             

Matthew 18 : 12 ~ 14.

There is no better time than now, it is now, this very CHRISTmas Season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to change from within for the better! Let it be a time that lights the eyes of all those around us and puts joy in their hearts. Let it be a time for lifting the lives of those who are in need. Let it be a time for calling our families and our communities together, for feeling of peace to those who are near to us and peace also to those who are absent. Let it be a time for forgiving and letting go.

Let it be a time of prayers for faith, for the preservation of unity, and for the blessings of those who are far from us. Let it be a time of forgetting self and finding time for others. Let it be a time for discarding the meaningless and for embracing the true values of life. Let it be a time of peace because we have found peace in His presence.

Most of all, let it be a time to remember the birth of our Beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men!

As you enjoy your cuppa this Christmas season, may the spirit of love which comes at Christmas time fill your homes and your lives and linger there long after this season is over and may it continue on as Christmas can be felt everyday if we open the Door of Faith to the gift of life!

  

Christmas Cheers!

  

AFTER THE RAIN!

... and wisdom comes quietly ...

C'est la vie! Yes ... it's time to catch up and guess what? ... the wind direction is showing the right altitude for a cuppa! Scuzi, as I was hoping to meet at the garden a little sooner but it's been raining over here ... so I decided to look out from my window and continue to embrace the beauty from a far in as many ways as possible ... amazingly it looked and felt as magnificent! I took these moments to thank God for the showers of rain as it brought freshness and newness of life to nature and filled the ground with showers of blessings! It was poignantly timely and it solidified this idea for me.

    "If you want to experience the rainbow, you have to embrace the rain".

Rain is grace; rain is the sky decending to the earth; without rain, there will be no life.

John Updike



Tea. Garden. Tea.

Does a good morning need anything else? As the dawn mets the sunrise, I made my way to a resting place of sentiments carrying along my faithful pen knowing that my garden of flowers is also my garden of thoughts! 

  These words from the Book of Life* came to mind, " What is the Kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? Imagine a person who has taken a mustard seed and planted it in the garden. The seed has grown and become like a small tree, so that the birds of the air shelter in it's branches." Luke 13 : 18-19. To know His enduring presence in every raindrop was comforting! So here I'm back again ... after the rain.

Watching the beauty of every raindrop resting on the flower petals and leaves soon after the rainfall was amazing! The ray of sunlight radiated a tinge of sparkle on every drop of rain leaving behind the spectrum of rainbow colour reflections from the surroundings!   

Enjoying Haven on Earth* in the coolness of the dawn and a carpet filled flower petals on the ground left behind after the gentle blowing winds. Need I ask for more! 

 The Wheel of Life is always turning. I began to understand  the idea that although we may have rough times and while the climb may seem challenging to reach, it is during those moments we are at the bottom of the wheel. As the wheel is constantly turning, it does mean that we will inevitably be in one particular spot but in just a matter of time, we will be back up at the top of the wheel again, experiencing fulfillment and wholesomeness in our lives. The rainbow will follow the rain of hope!

There is just so many things to talk about and since I've been on and on and on about a cuppa, I was wondering if it would be nice to talk about  ... Tea Truths!


TEA TRUTHS!

~ tea leaves. tea loves. loves tea. lives tea. leaves tea? never. ~

Tea types
While all tea leaves come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, they are processed differently to obtain distinct types of teas. Once plucked, tea leaves wilt and darken by a process that is known as oxidation. Depending on the amount of oxidation tea leaves undergo, four main categories of teas are obtained: black, green, oolong, and white.

Black tea
Black tea is made from leaves that are fully oxidised. It has a stronger flavour and has higher caffeine content than the other types of teas, which undergo less oxidation. Unlike other teas, black tea stores well and retains its flavour over many years. Black tea is the most popular tea in the West and in India.

Green Tea

Green tea considered 'true' tea, is made from leaves that have undergone the least amount of oxidation. The brew is light yellow and has a subtle astringent flavour. It is believed to be healthier than black tea because of its high anti-oxidant content. Medical research suggests that green tea plays a role in preventing heart disease and certain cancers. It is most popular in China and certain other Asian countries, where it is drunk without milk or sugar. Green tea is gaining popularity in the West due to its health benefits.

Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is made from partially oxidised leaves, which places it somewhere between black and green tea. It has a floral or fruity flavour that is less robust than that of black tea, but less grassy than that of green tea. In China, it is traditionally brewed strong and served with meals. Connoisseurs drink it without adding milk, sugar or lemon to retain its delicate flavour!

White Tea
White tea is produced from the buds and new leaves that appear on the tea plant in spring. These are processed using very low heat, without rolling. White tea is often the most expensive type of tea, the more prized varieties being made exclusively from buds. White tea has lower fluoride content, which makes it healthier. Medical research indicates that it has higher antiviral and antibacterial properties than green tea.

*   After water, tea is the most largely consumed beverage in the world!

*   Tea bags were invented in America in the early 1800's and were initially used to hold samples of tea brought from India. Today 96% of all cups of tea served around the world were made using tea bags.

*   Tea is perfect when sipped steaming hot, tea is also one of the most thirst quenching sunny drinks when drunk cold especially with ice and possibly with some lemon, lime or mint leaves to add flavours! 

*   Tea is a natural antioxidant and rich in vitamins.

Keep enjoying every cuppa in whichever altitude you are in ... it's all in how you make it!
Until we meet again, see you soon!
 ~  la veda presto! ~

                       Meet Me At The Garden

... and wisdom comes quietly ...

Book * cuppa tea * hammock * terrace ... You are at the right altitude!

     ... as you take a stroll and enjoy a cuppa tea ~ tazza di te` ~.

~ Welcome to the Garden of Life ~
Benvenuti al Giardino Della Vita

Going down memory lane, I have so much to be thankful for, as I was blessed to spend most my early childhood days at a picturesque and beautifully nestled hilltop ~ Cameron Highlands ~ a true depiction of 'Haven on Earth'. I guess this must be the place that sowed the seeds for my passion in timeless beauty amidst nature. Clad with my sweaters, tube socks and shoes, I recall spending most of my time outdoors, venturing little slopes of green grass and running around the garden of 'Eternal Spring', chasing butterflies and looking out for colourful singing birds amongst the flower garden and shady lush trees! Then came the highlight for the evenings, enjoying my lovely cuppa tea with my favourite home baked vanilla cupcakes and scones with strawberry jam topped with a dollop of cream!

As dusk enfolded, it used to get colder by the hours and I recall spending most of the evenings by the fireplace admiring all the fresh roses picked for the day which was arranged beautifully into vases ... waiting to greet a brand new dawn! The magical scent of the roses filled the air each morning, the aroma left behind spring scents of hundreds of rose petals confetti all around the home!  My evening drives were memorable as most times I used to enjoy the amazing rolling hills of the tea plantations! I recall popping out my head from the car window just to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking view of the verdant valley of the plantation mist covered green slopes of tea bushes! It was an unforgettable and exhilarating experience ... priceless. Each day radiated a personification of a hand painting on a canvas ~ new sunrise, new raindrops, new colours of nature, new smile, new song from the birds in the garden, new dusk and the newness goes on. This amazing hilltop has retained it's magical charm of an Olde' matured and rustic resting place for me until today. My love for the gift of nature and enjoying every moment in the garden has been and will always be a part of me. Thanks to my beloved mum ... a garden lover!

Brand New Dawn!

At the beginning of a brand new dawn, I marvel as nature comes together in perfect harmony!

Serenity in the Garden ~ it gives back more than it receives ~ and so I sat down and started to pen down my thoughts and embraced the fusion between peace and relaxation, the first sense of tranquillity in the stillness of a brand new dawn. If ever I heard the voice of God it would be in a garden at the magnificence of the day!

The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses ~ Hanna Rion.  

As you step into a garden you feel a sort of healing and a first sense of peace and tranquility as you leave behind the hustle and bustle of the worldly events that we share all through the day. The sense of entering the doorway of thoughts begin, peace like a feather floating in mid-air!






I look down and marvel as the butterflies rests on the flower buds, watching the bees pollinating the magical wild flowers and squirrels hopping from one branch to another and finally keeps an eye on me whilst cracking open a nut. I see patches of fresh green moss with it's first morning dew resting on a uniquely shaped rock. The aroma of all the flowers fills the air like a spray of scented perfume. I hear the rustling of leaves once in awhile from the Trees of Life ... especially when the wind passes by occasionally.

The distinct aroma of the hot and freshly brewed vanilla tea latte made me pause for a moment ... took a sip and continued on writing with my favourite old fountain pen. Just a thought, tea sounds like one of the beverages that uses all the senses ... sight of the leaf, aroma of the infused liquer and the sound of the kettle whistle! Amazing ... I was there once to experience the beauty of these plantations and the enduring hands that used to endlessly hand pick the tea leaves in the midst of the misty terrain each passing day! And recalling the moments I treasure most, the view that I captured as far as the eyes can see ... and today this cuppa tea means much more than it ever did!

See you soon! ~ la veda presto! ~ whenever you are at the same altitude again, meet me at the garden. Anytime, is a good time for a   ...

 Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day!  



KEEP LOOKING AHEAD ……… TOWARDS THE BRIDGE OF FAITH!

 

 “Men are building too many walls and not enough bridges”.

 

…. and wisdom comes quietly ….

I had this image of a bridge, how beautiful and majestic it can get! Yes, certainly it is true that God is faithful and that plank by plank He has built many good reasons for me to forego situations that create walls around me, and yet many times I land up becoming my own ‘building contractor’ by running to tomorrow’s concerns.  And here I go again! …. Bend out of shape over the nick of the wood I just crossed yesterday!  It’s never too late to look back and see the bridge for what it was …. a path for me to recognize and change. Remember, God is faithful and is still waiting.

Sharing thoughts about walls and bridges ….. in a glimpse of the eye, it is obvious that we cannot see far beyond when a wall stands right in front of us and on the contrary a bridge allows us to capture a connection far beyond our imagination. Indeed, walls are usually built to separate two or more entities physically, mentally, or even spiritually and to create obstacles. They are built because they represent the idea of defense, protection, or separation. Some walls have acquired fame because of that nature: the walls of Jerusalem, the Great Wall of China, the Wall of Berlin. Walls, as a symbol, are also used in our common vocabulary to reflect this idea of separation, as in “a wall of incomprehension,” “a wall of intolerance“ or “it is like talking to a brick wall!”

Bridges are the opposite of walls. Bridges are built to bring together, to join two or more entities, and to create unity. They are built to overcome obstacles. Some bridges have also become famous, like the Bridge of Sighs, the Allenby Bridge, and so many others. The term is also used in our language to express the idea of reunion or unity, as in “to bridge a gap” or “to bridge differences.”

How do we build such a bridge of faith?

There was a young man living in a city called Namur in Belgium, there flow a large river separating it from an adjacent city on the other side of the river. At that time, only one bridge connected the two cities. It had been built and rebuilt over the remnants of a bridge built centuries before by the Roman conquerors. It had become too narrow for the traffic, and there were too many small arches to allow the passage of large boats and barges. A new bridge was necessary, wider and with only one arch. The work to establish the foundations soon started on both sides of the river. Rapidly, two huge metallic arms began to stretch from each side with the aim to meet together in the middle of the river. He was fascinated by the engineering and rode his bicycle almost every day to watch the progress of the work. Finally the day came when the centerpiece, a cornerstone made of steel, was going to link the two arms together. Crowds were now watching with him the delicate operation, the final step that would join the two arms together and permit crossing the bridge for the first time. When it took place, people applauded, workers embraced; the obstacle of the river had been conquered and overcome.

Bridging the gap is one of the greatest blessings to life. It builds bridges instead of walls. It finds ways to healing instead of hurt. It seeks ways to build instead of tear down. It looks for ways to encourage instead of disappoint. Bridging the gap reaches out to rise above. It mellows hardness, bends stiffness, warms coldness and smoothens roughness. It is simply, by using this metaphor, to help us build a bridge of faith in our life for crossing and overcoming the walls of unbelief, indifference, fear and other strongholds.

In today’s world, it is so easy to isolate ourselves by erecting temporal, spiritual, and even family or religious walls. Let us instead build more bridges of faith, of reconciliation, and live by the peace that is given “not as the world gives” (John 14:27), but by God. He is the bridge of faith unto eternity.

“Let us all walk uprightly before God” and cross the bridge and no turning back!

THE LIGHT OF MY LIFE ………

my astonishing ray of light was born on the 3^rd of August 1996 for which I am thankful to our Beloved Abba Father beyond words. It was a day enfolding from darkness to light where in reality Malaysia had a nation wide power outage just after 5.oo in the evening. And God said … 'Let there be LIGHT and there was light' ~ Genesis 1 : 3 ~ the birth of my beloved and adorable  baby boy!

Whilst the entire nation was going through massive chaos which brought about a standstill, here I was embracing the arrival of my most precious bundle of JOY ……. Li’l Jerome Noah!

My precious son, LOVE is not easy to put into words especially a Mother’s love, the depth of which is unfathomable. There could never be a better day than today being  ….your BIRTH*day, to share and express my deepest thoughts of all that you are and for all that you have been to me! Your growing years were the most memorable and irreplaceable experience of my life. Tiny toes and li’l fingers enough to clasp with my hands and as my voice speaking to you that “I am here with you and always will”. When I look at you now, I don’t just see you a 16 year old teenager, I see you in all of your life’s stages before my eyes. I see you as a newborn, resting in my arms, I see you in your ‘Bananas in Pyjamas’ playing hide and seek just before you get ready to snuggle in bed, I see you lying horizontally with your favourite Winnie the Pooh & Friends and Peter the Rabbit story books, reading with your marble eyes, legs crossed! It’s funny because you would already finish reading the next page even before I flipped it! Then comes the collections of your favourite toys …. cars, cars, cars and cars, the toy that caught your attention almost instantly. You could spend hours gazing and talking to the WHEELS! I also see you during the “Mum, not fair, not fair!” stage, I see you in the bargaining stage when you would ask “Mum, what would you give me if I'd listen!”, I also see you during the times you stood in a corner when you had to think about the naughty things you had done!
Most specially your laughter and joyful spirit was magical! Your inquisitive self left you awestruck at almost everything that you looked at and soon after that ... there came your ‘holy curiosity of inquiry’! I see you in your navy blue shorts and pressed white shirt of your primary school and I see you in your football jersey and boots running in the field with all your might to score that mighty goal of your life!

As much as a mother nurtures her children, her children are the epitome to magnify that precious gift of motherhood. My dear son, you have taught me many things and through you I have learnt to grow in strength and to embrace the blessings of a single mother. Son, you are stronger than you can imagine.

Jerome, as you continue your journey into adulthood always hold on to the gift of divine courage and wisdom ~ wisdom comes quietly. With this gift you will 'soar' and navigate all kinds of changes with acceptance. Embrace the ability to accept life as it enfolds. This is a gift that will guide you well like a compass direction in the years to come, because life is about growing amidst the change. Always know that in life there are chapters but not destinations. And if you are able to visualize each stage as having a beginning*, middle* and end* it will be easier to recognize God’s plans for you in His time. Always know, if you are surprised or sidelined unexpectedly, hold on to your faith! That’s when you will appreciate your shining abilities to navigate change.

My dearest son, as you embrace each chapter of your life, understand that God has a specific lesson in His knowing wisdom sees that you must learn. Chapters of trials and tribulations draw us near to Him and joyful chapters illuminate the glory and wonders of life. Jerome, both are important. A faith journey is a daily one. It is important for you to see your moral choices both grave and not. Your choices will lead you close to God or further from Him. Always choose wisely, as lasting happiness is not always derived from worldly attractions. It is a reflection of living your values, even when it is difficult, even when choosing to stand for what is right and that would mean, that you will lose friends or at times something that you treasure most.

My daily prayer is that you will be filled with the gift of clear sightedness as you begin to take your steps towards adulthood! My precious son Jerome, today I celebrate your 16 years of life with pride and joy. You have brought so much meaning into my life. Our Beloved Father has amazingly blessed and entrusted me not just by taking the role as a mum and friend but for gracing me to experience the true essence of walking this journey with you.

‘Jerome’ as you carry the meaning of ‘holy one’ and ‘Noah’ which means ‘life-giving’ & ‘comforter,’ may you continue to magnify these significant meanings each time your name is called from all those around you!

Jerome Noah! as you begin your Birthday celebration, I couldn’t have dedicated a more amazing song for you today, nothing more but from your most passionate and favourite team and theme ….. LIVERPOOL ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’! Yes, my precious son, You have never walked alone and you’ll never walk alone. Your Ever Loving Father in heaven will never for a moment leave your sight.

When you walk through a storm

Hold your head up high, and don’t be afraid of the dark

At the end of the storm
There’s a golden sky

And the sweet silver song of a lark

Walk on through the wind

Walk on through the rain

Though your dreams be tossed and blown

Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart

And you’ll never walk alone

You’ll never walk alone.

You’ll never walk alone as I will always be there for you, right there behind you as you move forward to fulfill all your dreams! I’ll be your loudest cheer leader and proudest mum. You’ll never walk alone as you embrace the love, joy, comfort and strength from your loving family, your loved ones and friends! You’ll never walk alone because many are yet to come into your life and you’ll find them each passing day! WALK ON WITH HOPE IN YOUR HEART!

BLESSED 16^TH BIRTHDAY MY DARLING JEROME NOAH!

With all my love and hugs as always,

Your loving Mum.

I always have a great passion for intricate handiwork, because I am an ardent admirer of the arts ~ I believe in anything that we do, it is significant that one places one’s heart in it.

Hence, Tapestry of Life! …. a journey to carve my love for the beautiful wonders of ….. nature in the splendour of flora and fauna, landscapes, oceans far beyond reaching the horizons with silver linings, oil painting, stained glass art, floral art, mosaic art, all that relates to the brilliant colours and weaving of  ~ Tapestry~!

Recalling the events of life, I managed to capture the high altitude far reaching view of my own life … and amazingly I saw the beauty of my journey and how much I have to be thankful for. In so many different ways I have had a rich and meaningful journey and I am truly grateful for these experiences. Still learning, I must say and yes!!! indeed … each day continues to be  a learning experience.

Walking through lives journey and having to turn the pages of pain, mistakes, bad decisions, words and actions, I know that there is this gift for ‘change’. With peace in my heart by the Grace of God, I have walked this journey of life thus far and by the Grace of God I will continue on ...  .

Life is magnified just like a tapestry. It reveals the beauty of the tapestry as it enfolds in real time. Before the beauty is revealed, the back view of a tapestry to the eye is nothing more than a jumble of thread, tangled, occasionally knotted, frayed and seemingly random! Just like life ... with so many unexpected turns and trials.

It’s only when you turn a tapestry over that you see the miraculous beauty, the rich colours, the fine threadwork, texture and the finished patterns that magnifies the astonishing beauty of Tapestry. 

Likewise, God gives us a glimpse of His purpose as He weaves into the fabric of our lives. The gracious peak of glory from nothingness gives us the courage to soldier on knowing that nothing happens by coincidence. No single thread of experience ~ good or bad ~ happy or sad ~ is ever wasted.  Our Beloved Father is weaving each of our life, knowing precisely what He is doing. We need to embrace a glimpse of God’s side of the ‘Tapestry’ in allowing God to finish the finer details of His amazing beautiful work of human art with the palm of His loving hands.

If we could only take a moment to see the Tapestry of Life of which our lives are interwoven our eyes will be opened to the miracles and joy of life. Let It Be! Let God's wisdom flow.

Seek not so soon to disapprove this work nor yet assign with each darker thread, there twines a thread of gold. Spin cheerfully, not fearfully. He knows the way you plod. Spin carefully, spin prayfully. But leave the thread with God.

               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Let us for a moment journey back in time to the Flower Power Era as we hold on to the  good old days! Here's to each of you, one of the Best from Beatles!