Standing the "test of time"?

Time has gone by extremely "fast" this year eventhough the fact is time is constant and never changing since the dawn of Creation.

However, the feeling of time "flying by" is directly related to events that are happening around you. Country, work, relationships with family, friends and colleagues, health ...etc are always in a "struggle" for your attention in addition to things we totally have no control over.

Things that means dearly to me seemed to be changes but it doesn't mean it has never been this way before. As a get older and older, I do pray and hope that I get wiser as well. I realize more and more that life is a "marathon" and not a "sprint".

Just like "blogging", everyone seemed to have lots of enthusiasm to blog about everything that happens around them and dear to them but as the years gone by, the enthusiasm dies down as well and it is even evident in my very own blogging patterns.

Perhaps, there was not enough "views or likes" on my blogs to feed my enthusiasm to blog more frequently but that's a the very nature of human beings - seeking attention always. Then I realize, perhaps one day after I am long gone, my thoughts would still be around on the Web and who knows someone else may be encouraged by some of the thoughts and words.

Nevertheless, many things that are dear to my heart remains there, only that they are sometimes and more frequently be buried by "worries", "material possession", "power/fame"...etc but we must give up in "spring cleaning" of our hearts and minds or we will be sucked into idleness, ignorance and one day our spirit and mind will not stand the test of time as like our physical body.

From the ancient past during the times of Egyption Pharoahs or Chinese Emperor, the idea of "standing the test of time" is synonymous to immortality and scientists are still looking for that "path of immortality" till today.

So, how do we really stand the "Test of Time?"

1. Building wealth? 

- (How many generations can it lasts?)

2. Building a statue? 

- (How to make sure it is not teared down after you are gone?)

3. Have many sons and daughters?

- (How do you know if your great-grandchildren can even remember your full-name?)

In fact everyone of us have a desire whether hidden or not to be able to "Stand the test of time" and majority of the youths today that would be a equivalent to "beauty, energy, smooth and fair appearance" and majority of senior citizens today it would means "health and energy" but these desires are pretty much just a delusion given the present logic and nature of life. This very "desire" alone reflects and in agreement with what C.S. Lewis has said that we were created with "desires" which "there are fulfillment" for those "desires".

“The Christian says, 'Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such a thing as water. Men feel sexual desire: well, there is such a thing as sex." ― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

This explains why humans are in constant pursuit of "anti-aging" (also known as "immortality" in ancient civilization). So if this desire cannot be fulfilled, C.S. Lewis said the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.

"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing. "― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

So, this desire of "anti-aging" or "immortality" whatever  you would like to call it can only be fulfilled in another "world".

"If that is so, I must take care, on the one hand, never to despise, or to be unthankful for, these earthly blessings, and on the other, never to mistake them for the something else of which they are only a kind of copy, or echo, or mirage. I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that country and to help others to do the same.” ― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Therefore, I would like to encourage all readers to pause for a moment and think about life and of our loved ones, are we really made for another "world"?  Or should just carry on with our lives with our endless pursuit of material possession, wealth, power, fame which can never ever satisfies our desires?

Do have a great week ahead.

May God's blessings be with all of you always.

Joshua

Part 2 - 10th Christmas of a Remarkable Journey

I would like to dedicate the song "The Heart of Christmas" to all my loved ones (You know who you are) and to all out there who are trying to find the meaning of life again, trying to discover hope again and trying to believe in love again.

The Heart of Christmas

"The Heart Of Christmas"

I’m gonna make a wish this Christmas
I’m gonna say a little prayer
I’m gonna stop here for a moment
Before the moment disappears

The world’s in a hurry this December
City streets and shopping malls
I wish we could slow down and remember
The meaning of it all

Wherever you are, no matter how far
Come back to the heart, the heart of Christmas
Live while you can, cherish the moment
The ones that you love, make sure they know it
Don’t miss it, the heart of Christmas

Let’s make it feel the way it used to
Let’s find that wonder of a child
You can see the magic all around you
Come on, and open up your eyes

You can find it in the warm embrace of your family
Or calling up a long lost friend
You can even find it in the eyes of stranger
When you reach out a helping hand

Wherever you are, no matter how far
Come back to the heart, the heart of Christmas
Live while you can, cherish the moment
The ones that you love, make sure they know it
Don’t miss it, the heart of Christmas

In the shadow of a steeple
In a star that lights the way
You will find Him in a manger
The heart of Christmas has a name

I’m gonna make a wish this Christmas
I’m gonna say a little prayer

Wherever you are, no matter how far
Come back to the heart, the heart of Christmas
Live while you can and cherish the moment
The ones that you love, make sure they know it

Wherever you are, no matter how far
Come back to the heart, the heart of Christmas
Live while you can, cherish the moment
The ones that you love, make sure they know it
Don’t miss it, the heart of Christmas

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Christmas is a time when all of us should be reminded on all things that truly matters in life.

Let's light a candle,

for peace we pray for every nation,

for joy we pray for every child

for faith we pray for every man

for hope we pray for the world

for love we pray for every heart

My Christmas Tree 2011

Lin's Christmas Tree 2011

Lin's Christmas Cake 2011

My window decoration Christmas 2013 (At night)

My home decoration (Christmas 2013)

Blessed Christmas to everyone and to all people that God loved so much that He gave His only Begotten Son Jesus Christ, that who so ever believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Come back to the Heart of Christmas which is Christ our saviour.

Joshua

Part 1 - 10th Anniversary of a Wonderful Journey

Hi everyone,

1st November 2013 is a significant milestone in my journey of life, as it marks the 10th Anniversary of the beginning of a remarkable chapter of my life.

I have Alopecia Areata since young and then it rapidly developed to Alopecia Universalis within a several months just before my 17th birthday in 2001. The hair on my scalp fell off significantly (>90%) followed by my eyebrows, eyelashes, arm hairs and the rest is history.

It was extremely tough to deal with the sudden massive hairloss psychologically and socially as I retreat myself in the comfort of my house and a baseball cap whenever there is a need for me to go outdoor. I never know why I loss my hair, never know that there were people out there who shared my condition for almost two full years until 1st November 2003.

1st November 2003 was the day when I first discovered and officially get in touch a wonderful group of people sharing my condition on a support website called "Alopecia Areata Support Community".

From the online community I've met a group of wonderful people where the seeds of friendship were planted into our hearts and lives.

From then, friendships have been blooming like spring. Many thousands of miles have been traveled to spend quality time together including special events like, group gathering, wedding, New Year's celebration and Christmas Day.

Sunflower is symbol of my friendships and it has been my favourite flower since. The Lord has been kind enough bless my life with so many people that has never fail to touch of my heart many times.

There is so much share on this milestone and days till Christmas 2013. A very special Christmas indeed as it marked the 10th Christmas together in spirits and thoughts with my friends from all around the world.

Joshua

My love for the flower began when one of dear friends Dotty sent me some sunflower seeds from the United States.

This teddy is named "Josh". It reminds me of a very dear couple of my life- Uncle Wilf & Aunty Kath. Aunty Kath has since gone home to be with the Lord in 2012.

The Holy Bible

Happy New Year 2013!

Happy New Year 2013 to everyone. Major cities across the world celebrate the arrival of 2013 with a big bang, extravagant party and fantastic fireworks display. The scale of celebration across major cities like Sydney, Taipei, Hong Kong, Dubai, Paris, London, New York, Rio are ever increasing with a hope of a better year. Hope is not measured by scale of New Year's celebrations but by the true meaning of life that each of us live daily for the next 365 days of 2013.

Perhaps to some of the earth's 7 Billion human population, the feel good factor kicks in at 00.00 1st January 2013, and to most, it is just another ordinary public holiday and ordinary day and to some, they continue struggle to meet ends need of food, shelther and a good night sleep, and some fighting off for their lives on bed.

Let all of us put greater hope and faith in 2013, that we are able to see more in ourselves the image of a loving God as we are all created in His Image. Just as the moon shines brightly reflecting the Sun's mighty light, may we also better reflect God's love in our lives.

Let all of us make a universal New Year resolution to love God better, love our neighbours better, love the poor and the needy better and love our loved ones better. Be lovers of peace, justice and truth and shun hatred, lust and greed.

As for my fellow Malaysian citizens, 2013 will be a year of hope, a hope to see a better country, a more secure future. A year to ensure that leaders that embrace justice, accountability, transparency, democratic values and corrupt-free practices to lead our nation to greater heights.

May God Almighty bless each of us a stronger will to love others better and bless each of our lives with love, compassion, faith, peace and hope (& some good doses of laugther every now and then ;)

Joshua

So, here's to the Birthday Boy Jesus who saved our lives

Christmas is about Christ,

and Christ was born to save you and me.

Whether you are a Christian or not,

God loves us all and joy to the world;

 and peace on earth and good will to mankind.

 



This year's Christmas will be different from last year's of 2011 but I am still thankful for all that God has blessed me with. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a blessed Christmas and each heart to be filled with hope, peace and joy.

Remember that Christ was born unto us to save us from the death due to sin. As so, let's us celebrate His birth  by sharing His love to our loved ones.

Have a cheerful and peaceful Christmas to everyone and cherish on things that truly matters in life.

God bless us all.

Joshua

Lynas' plant waste out of Malaysia OR Lynas Corporation out of Malaysia

December 10, 2012. Four Malaysian Cabinet Ministers responsible directly for the Lynas Rare Earth Refinery Plant:

1) Minister of International Trade and Industry, DS Mustapa Mohamed

2) Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, DSP Dr. Maximus Ongkili

3) Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, DS Douglas Embas

4) Minister of Health, DS Liow Tiong Lai

issues a joint-ministerial statement today instructing Lynas to comply that all residue and by products from the rare earth refinery plant in Kuantan are to be removed out of the country and a failure meet that requirement will result in the revoking of its operating licence.

Therefore, Lynas has no choice but to ship its waste out of Malaysia! All Lynas has to do now is to comply with that condition and provide evidence and a transparent process with independant observers of its waste and by-product removal out of the country.

Any further delay in Lynas' commitment and compliance should warrant an immediate revocation of its operating licence issued by Atomic Energy Licensing  Board (AELB) of Malaysia and an immediate ceasure of its operation.

If AELB fails to take action against Lynas' failure to comply, then I support Democratic Action Party's (DAP) call for an immediate resignation of the four responsible cabinet ministers. In addition to that, Prime Minister must also bear responsibility for appointing four incompetant cabinet ministers.

So, I thank the Government of Malaysia for issuing this "ULTIMATUM" to clear the air once and for all.

So, I am expecting Lynas Plant's waste out of Malaysia OR Lynas out of Malaysia  within a very short period of time and this will convince me and the public of the Barisan Nasional's Goverment's "PROMISE FULFILLED" / "JANJI DITEPATI" campaign.

As for now, it seemed that Lynas Corporation has fail to do enough "homework and study" about investing and setting up the controversial plant in Malaysia. In short, Executive Chairman of Lynas Corporation Nic Curtis should resign for this poor corporate decision that cost the company dearly. Another person that should resign is Lynas Malaysia Managing Director Mashal Ahmad which is reportedly said that residues from Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP) will not be exported as to abide with International Convention that prohibit the export to toxic waste to overseas countries. It shouldn't be any problem of exporting the waste if it is NOT TOXIC as claimed by many citing certain "Independant Scientific Evidences".

The conclusion should be either

The resignation of four Malaysian Cabinet Ministers

@

The resignation of Nic Curtis and Mashal Ahmad

May God's will de done in truth and justice as it is in heaven

Joshua

Save Malaysia, Stop Lynas.

The Lynas Rare Earth Refinaery Plant has been operating since early December 2012 with the Temporary Operating License by the Malaysian Governing agency/ government despite huge public awareness and opposition.

Please watch the exclusive programme "The Stream" above by Al Jazeera and the views between Nic Curtis- Chairman of Lynas Australia and  Tan Bun Teet - Spokeperson for Save Malaysia Stop Lynas Movement in Malaysia. So, this is a fair evaluation and judgement by hearing both sides of the stories straight from the horse' mouth without unnecessary inteference and intepretation from the media.

From the show, we can draw conclusion that Nic-Curtis-Lynas has failed to address to these fundamental issues:

1) The site of the toxic watse produced by the plant in Gebeng, Kuantan- Malaysia? Where will be the final resting place? In Malaysia? in Australia? which country?

2) Why Australia refuses to accept the toxic watse and Malaysia could, if every expert said it is safe?

3) Saying that Malaysia has one of the most stringent enviromental laws and regulations while the actual fact that Malaysia as a developing nation does not take enough significant steps to prevent or mitigate environmental damages in many projects in Malaysia? -A very misleading statement

Therefore, the Malaysian government should not leave any rock or stone unturn in this matter. Government leaders have said that watse from the refinery will be shipped out of Malaysia/ back to Australia/ away from residential area in Malaysia...etc but right until now Lynas makes no accountability and concrete answers to  address that. There are simply too much smoke and fog over this project and the outrages 12 years of Tax Exemption!

If the Malaysian goverment continue to refuse to listen to its own citizens (as it is still), then every Malaysian should exercise their constitutional and democratic rights to change a government that loves the environment of this great Motherland of Malaysia and a government that listen to its people and to safeguard the future of its generation.

Vote for Mother Nature, Save Malaysia, Stop Lynas!

Therefore, fellow Malaysians, we should rise and defend our motherland from being a dumpsite of toxic waste which Australia and other nations refuse. Protect our land which our forefathers had fought with blood and sweat for our generation today.

Rise up, Speak Up, Stand Up, and Vote for MALAYSIA, Vote for PAKATAN RAKYAT. 

Joshua

p/s: I am not trying to politicse the issue or hijack it for the solidarity of the Opposition parties of PKR, PAS or DAP of Malaysia, but we need a government which is committed to protect our Motherland- Malaysia from being a dumpsite of toxic waste which the Australian government and people refused. We simply cannot afford to sacrifice and betray our land and the future generation for the sake of creating 500 jobs and whatever the economical benefits that Malaysia can get out of the 12 Years Tax Free for Lynas. No matter how safe or acceptable the waste can be, if the Australian people do not want it, neither do the Malaysian people.

In Loving Memory of Kath Ashton



Words can never described how much Aunty Kath had touched my heart within these 7 years of friendship. When words of her passing into heavenly realms at 10.15am, 28th September 2012, my life has darkened, dark black as in a cave, but soon enough a light of hope shines into that "cave" just as the ressurection of Lord Jesus on the 3rd Day after His cruxcificion, beaming a powerful hope that Aunty Kath is in heaven and enjoying the wonderful presence of the Lord and the saints now. Her words and encouragement never fails to move my heart to tears. I miss you really much Aunty Kath, till we meet again in heaven.

Thoughts and prayers are with her beloved husband Uncle Wilf and family and friends. (((HUGS))) to all of you.

Joshua

Public execution of a woman in Afghanistan

News and video of a woman being publicly executed for alleged adultery in Afghanistan went viral for the past few days. Leaders, activists and the public all cried outrage towards the appaling act of violence. No one has the right to condemn, especially outside the court of law, what more the right to execute. Whether or not if the woman did commit adultery or not is not for debate here, but the way she was treated, executed demands conscience and mercy of all right-thinking people who all us are created in the image of God to condemn this violent act!

Justification for the execution?

Whether Islamic or the Law of Moses found in the Bible, both faiths have strict laws against adultery. Adultery is a sin, no more or less than the sin of deceit/ lies, greed...etc. The Law of Moses which both Islam and Christian faiths subscribe to requires the accused woman's partner in crime to appear and to be punished as well. What the executors done certainly weren't following the Law of Moses, so the execution has no justification at all as it is definitely un-islamic and un-christian! It is barbaric, inhumane, unmerciful!

Christian approach?

There is no better example and explaination than the Lord Jesus himself to deal with the issue of adultery. The Gospel of John in the Bible (NIV Version), Chapter 8:

" But went Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn, he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery. In the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground  with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "if any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."  Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?''. "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin".

~ Chapter 8, Gospel of John, Holy Bible

Therefore to all right-thinking people, it is not right to commit adultery (I'm not even sure if the poor woman who was executed was guilty of adultery or not), but whether she was guilty or not, we must all have a merciful heart like Jesus, what more we are all sinners and fall short the Glory of God. If Jesus did not condemn the adulterous woman in the Bible, what more are we as sinners to condemn others at present time?

Shame on those executors! May God have mercy on the woman's soul and may God have mercy on all us, who we should forgive and love each other just as Christ forgave and loves us dearly.

"Lord, teach us to be humble, teach us to merciful like you are and teach us to love one and another as you commanded us to. In the most precious, loving and almighty name Jesus, we pray. Amen"

Joshua

We shall overcome

— Jacob Sinnathamby


The Malaysian Insider
Jul 07, 2012

JULY 7 — How often have you heard this statement? Those who do evil and wicked things in Malaysia seem to prosper but the good-intentioned are jailed, demonised and subject to continuous harassment by the mainstream media and authorities.

Or this line? It is so unfair that the crooked politicians can get away with anything.

These statements are often then followed with a burst of anger and frustration, and a despairing rant about how little we can do to bring the wicked to justice and bring about change in Malaysia.

But there is no reason to despair. I am a Catholic and I also sometimes find myself wallowing in the cycle of “nothing can be done”.

But every time I read Psalm 37 I am brought back to the realisation that the corrupt, wicked, evil will face their day of reckoning.

I put down a few verses which points out that God will reverse things, rewarding the good and punishing the wicked here on earth.

“Do not be provoked by evildoers;

Do not envy those who do wrong.

Like grass they wither quickly

Like green plants they wilt away.

“Be still before the Lord;

Wait for God.

Do not be provoked by the prosperous nor by malicious schemers.”

“The wicked plot against the just;

And grind their teeth at them

But the Lord laughs at them

Knowing their day is coming.

“Those whose steps are guided by the Lord;

Whose way God approves,

May stumble, but will never fall,

For the Lord holds their hand.”

I am sharing some of these verses because there is a danger that sometimes we get too despondent surveying the political landscape and the wanton actions of those in power. We seem helpless to act against the power of incumbency and the use of the institutions of the state.

In those times, we must remember to trust in God’s promise: “I have seen ruthless scoundrels, strong as flourishing cedars. When I passed by again, they were gone.”

Quench your real "thirst"

It's been a while since I last posted something. Work has been keeping me occupied most of the time, but being working over-time or stressed about it does not help in finding true satisfaction and fulfilment in life. At the end of the day, a healthy relationship with God is all that matters in addition to healthy relationships with people around us.

I'll spare the audience of this blog  from Malaysia and its political situation at the moment, and share with all of you an article will touch each of our hearts and search for a true meaning in life.

Joshua

Celebrating the 10th Year of "Hairlessness" Part 2

In my Part 1 "Celebrating the 10th Year of Hairlessness" blog, I briefly talked about my alopecia and also re-tell and re-explain what Alopecia Areata is. However in the blog posting, I would like to talk more about my journey with Alopecia Areata (AA), not my entire life journey but more or less the summary direct to my alopecia journey.

As again I have AA since young but it remained only small patches of hair loss which could be "hide" by keeping longer hair. However, AA takes a turn to its most severe form "Alopecia Universalis" or AU on November 2001 when I was a month away from my 17th Birthday. So at my 17th birthday, my hair loss no longer happened only to the scalp as it progress to other parts of the body, from legs to arms, to eyebrows...etc. and the last to go was my eye lashes.

Now at 27, I am still having AU but there are a few strands of hair scattered here and there, so technically speaking, I am not 100% hairless...hahaha.

2001/2002 at 17. Being an alopecian (a person with alopecia) at the end of my high school years was tough, many of my friends were lost and do not know what to say. While I remained in a state of shock waking up every morning seeing clumps of hair on the pillow, losings clumps during shower and seeing the progressive baldness in the mirror, I stayed determine to complete my high school examination. While I displayed a strong personality at school about my ever "growing bald spots", I have not only invited stares and talks, nicknames like "baldy, baldness, monk" also surfaced. At the age of 17, one is not only concern about his/her studies, arguing with parents but also discovering the wonders of the "birds and bees", obviously the exploration of the wonders of the "birds and bees" has to be stopped abruptly at the dawn of AU (and it was really automatic). There were happenings at school and school assemblies (when I started wearing a baseball cap to cover my baldness) that remains "dark histories" in my life that I myself would not want to revisit at this point.

After I graduated high school and while waiting for a place in college, I just kept my feelings, disappointments and bitterness while I find comfort and strength in poetries, computer games and of course my pet dog, I could walk my dog for hours in the dark before going home.

Also at that point, my journey in faith has begun to take "root", it has been all "growing on the surface" when I first accepted Christ at the age of 11 or 12. "Almost" daily personal Bible reading and prayer has also started to happen, but guess what? Eventhough I want my hair back, I hardly pray for hair and I do not really know why I did not. Other areas of life had taken a turn for the worst, and so my journey with alopecia universalis began with God and my pets (animals). You'll be suprised that I trained my dog to wait till I say grace to thank God for the dog food!...hahaha.

I no longer spend time with my usual highschool friends, I don't go out without a baseball cap, my social life completely broken down until I gained entry into university to study a pre-veterinary science course which I "had to" social with my classmates. Except for occasional thoughts and covering my baldness (with a few patches of long hair here and there) with a baseball cap in class, or in the public, I turn "numb" towards my alopecia and "enjoyed" my time in university (which the environment has been less hostile to me compared to my final months in highschool)....until October 2003.

wait for my third blog posting...:) on what happened in October 2003 that changed my life forever...

Have a good day everyone

God bless us alll

Joshua

Good Friday, Easter Sunday

I hope everyone had a meaningful Good Friday where we reflect on the love of Christ till the extent of extreme suffering, shame and even to a horrible death on the cross. There is no greater Love than the Love of Christ.

I also hope everyone had a joyful and hopeful Easter Sunday, where we celebrate the resurrection of Christ. As a quote from Aslan from the Chornicles of Narnia : The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe "... if a righteous is willing to die in the place of a condemned, even Death itself will be reversed..."

It's always a right time to remember our dear Lord's love for us...

Palm Sunday- The Triumphal Entry



Mark 11: 7-10 (NIV)

"When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

"Hosanna!"

"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"

"Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!"

"Hosanna in the highest"

Threat of Christianisation in Malaysia?

Interfaith group wants heads to roll over ‘inflammatory’ seminar

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal

March 29, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 — The government must explain why it is allowing a “highly inflammatory” seminar on the “threat of Christianisation” to be held this weekend, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) has said.

Religious teachers from national schools in Johor will attend an officially-sanctioned seminar this Saturday focusing on the “threat of Christianisation”. The seminar has sparked outrage among Christians.

The seminar, organised by the Johor Education Department and the Johor Mufti Department, is themed “Pemantapan Aqidah, Bahaya Liberalisme dan Pluralism Serta Ancaman Kristianisasi Terhadap Umat Islam. Apa Peranan Guru?” (Strengthening the Faith, the Dangers of Liberalism and Pluralism and the Threat of Christianity towards Muslims. What is the Role of Teachers?).

Two religious teachers from each of the 55 national schools across Johor are required to attend.

“How can the government agree to something which will affect different sensitivities?

“Is this the policy of the Education Ministry? Who has sanctioned this? Highly inflammatory, uncalled for, someone must be held responsible,” MCCBCHST honorary deputy treasurer-general Reverend Dr Hermen Shastri (picture) told The Malaysian Insider.

He said the council will hold a meeting tomorrow to discuss the matter, and will come up with a more thorough response then.

“On behalf of the Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) as well, we are extremely disappointed with the government for allowing this to happen,” said Shastri, who is also CCM secretary-general.

“What if we said Islam was a threat towards Malaysians, we can also ask... what happens then?” said the reverend.

A copy of a letter about the seminar from the Johor Education Department to national schools appears on its website.

Hasimah Abdul Hamid, supervisor for the Islamic Education Unit of the Johor Baru Education Office, declined to comment on the programme’s stance towards the apparent threat of Christianity against Muslims.

“The purpose of this programme is of course to strengthen the faith of Muslims,” she told The Malaysian Insider.

“But I can’t say anything about the title, because it was provided by the organisers.”

But the Malaysian Ulama Association (PUM) said yesterday the Johor government should not be apologetic for organising a seminar on the “threat of Christianisation” as it is an “Islamic” administration and has a duty to do so.

“We need to have these kind of seminars,” PUM president Datuk Sheikh Abdul Halim Abdul Kadir told The Malaysian Insider.

“I do not accept the excuse that Christians will be upset or hurt because of this seminar... the problem of Christianisation has been around for a long while, it is real.

“Therefore, any authority or government which is Islamic has a right to do this. You need to educate teachers, especially the young ones who are unaware of this problem.”

Christians form 9.2 per cent of Malaysia’s 28.3 million population.

In recent years, the Christian and Muslim religious communities have been engaged in a tug of war over the word “Allah”, with Muslims arguing that its use should be exclusive to them on the grounds that Islam is monotheistic and the word “Allah” denotes the Muslim God.

Christians have argued that “Allah” is an Arabic word that has been used by those of other religious beliefs, including the Jews, in reference to God in many other parts of the world, notably in Arab nations and Indonesia.

A number of conservative Muslim groups have also accused Christians of attempting to convert Malays, resulting in heightened tension between followers of the two religions.

Adapted from The Malaysian Insider (http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/)

Animals and moral of the society



A recent talkshow in Singapore about animal welfare has recaptured my attention on the issue. One of the talkshow guests has mentioned about how the moral of the society can be seen in its treatment of the animals around. This statement resembled closely of what I remembered that the great Mahatma Gandhi of India once said "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which animals are treated"  it followed by "I hold that the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man."

I believe that a moral status and progress of a society can truly be evaluated by its treatment of the animals, and so does how the society treats its senior citizens and the elderly.

Eventhough I don't go as far as everyone must be vegetarians but I do strongly believe that all animals must be treated well and taken good care of whilst they are living under our care and responsibility.

While pet animal welfare is by far getting the most attention and greatest awareness, farm animal welfare and laboratory animal welfare still have a long to go for some developing nations and societies.

I think I have posted an article in my blog somewhere sometime ago about the correlation of statistics between the numbers of domestic violence and animal abuse. The higher the numbers of animal abuse correlated positively with the number of domestic violence.

Anyway, thats all for now. As human created in the image of God, we shouldn't take for granted and abuse all creatures of God whether big or small.

God bless us and all the He has created :)

Joshua

Celebrating the 10th Year of "Hairlessness" Part 1

...10th...

November 2001 was the time when my hair was falling rapidly, within months I lost about 80% of the hair on my scalp, then it progressed to my eyebrows, arm and leg hairs, eyelashes and the rest of the body and this condition is termed as ''Alopecia Universalis"- a severe form of Alopecia Areata.

It's been 10 years and I still love to tell others about alopecia areata. So, what is alopecia areata (AA)? In short and lay-man explaination: The white blood cells in my body attacks my hair roots and there is no cure yet. And I cannot die from having Alopecia Areata. It is widely believed and accepted by both scientist and dermatologist it is one to the Autoimmune diseases.

Now, in the 10th year of living with alopecia universalis (AU), instead of sobbing about my "still hairlessness" and still being a "weirdo" to some people in the society, I want to celebrate it. Without alopecia, I will never be the person I am today.

Being AU also marked the beginning of a blessed life.

Before I speak furthermore on how AU has affected my life, to all who is new to AA or AU, you are most welcome to learn about it through my previous blog postings (clicking on the topic will link you to the post):

1. Explaining Alopecia Areata and Auto-immune disease
2. Understanding the role of T-Cytotoxic & T-Helper Lymphocytes
3. Alopecia Areata as an Auto-immune disease
4. Should Alopecia Areata patients strengthen their immune systems?
5. Wouldn't the T-Lymphocytes around the hair follicle of an AA patients die?

There is no cure yet eventhough there are various form of treatments available, from the immunosuppresants to acupuncture to ayuverdic. The success of these treatments are not consistent for every patient with AA, I have personally know people living with AA have spontaneous regrowth and complete recovery with any form of treatment at all.

So, thats the end of Part 1 of a series of blog postings in Celebration of my 10th Year of "Hairlessness". This post explain what Alopecia Areata is. Future blogs will talk about living with alopecia.

God bless everyone.

Joshua

A Proud Alopecian :)

p/s: You can post me a comment if you would like to talk to me in private or visit http://www.alopeciaworld.com/ for more advice or support on alopecia areata.

Whitney Houston passes away...

Today, the world mourns its lost of another person blessed with a gift of powerful and angelic voice, Whitney Houston. We do not know how or why she dies yet, but one can only hope that it is not substance/ drug abuse related or it will be a very very very sad ending. It doesn't really matter how she dies now, but what is more important that we must not lose faith, continue to believe in hope in the world despite despair, knowing that God Almighty still loves you and me dearly.

While radio stations and news pay tribute to Whitney Houston by her famous song "I'll always love you". I personally pay tribute to her through another song which it "When You Believe" featuring Mariah Carey as well.

The song sung by two gifted beautiful person reminds us of a miracle of epic proportion, when God led Israelites out of the land of slavery, Egypt (>2000 B.C) in the movie "THE PRINCE OF EGYPT". Remember, the God today is the SAME God that led the Israelites out of Egypt, so my friends, BELIEVE.

Rest in Peace, Whitney.

God bless us all.

Joshua

Happy Blessed New Year 2012.

Happy Blessed New Year 2012!

May the New Year bring us all back to things that truly matters in life which are God, family, friends, and love for others.

Live our present lives as if our last day, because the present is a gift, a gift to spend quality time and make memories with our loved ones.

Plan our lives as if we're going to live for the next 1000 years so that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. Of all:

Thank God for His grace and blessings in the past

Praise God that you're alive today to love and be loved

Trust God that you're future is secured and bright when He's in your heart.