Mangoes - How I peel them

A couple of blogs ago, I wrote about preparing breakfast for my family in 15 minutes. Many will wonder how I can cook a meal so quickly. Many commented that they can't even get the food stuff/preparation ready in 15 minutes. Well, over the years, I have always been doing things differently from the "tradition". I continue to evaluate with my own family members whether they can tell any differences in the way I cook. I will share them later... and you can decide for yourself. So, today, I am going to show you how I peel mangoes...

First, you must have a sharp knife. Next, if you do it the way I do, you may get your fingers sliced off. So read carefully and safety first!

Wa... yummy yummy mangoes. It is mango season now.
First, slice off the tip
Locate the orientation of the seed, hold the mango, fingers away from the path of the knife and ... (Note: Your fingers are of high risk here. You must always place against a chopping board for safety reason.)
slice along the curvature of the seed, and fingers away from the knife.
One side taken off now. See the slice along the seed.
Flip over and do the same for the other side. As before, always place it against the chopping board just in case your knife slip or whatever!

The other side taken off...
ok, take the sides off ...
Peel off the flesh on the sides.
Notice that my fingers have not touch the flesh of the mango so far!
Use a thin spoon, press it in and against the tough skin of the mango...

Move the spoon all around the mango until the flesh detach from the skin.
Easy? Note: the knife I use is not the normal knife. It is like a saw! However, a sharp and small normal knife is just as good. The spoon I use is thin. Otherwise you have a hard time trying to scoop the flesh off.
The major advantages of my method of preparation is that it is fast and if there are "worm", you see them immediately and can access the damage.

Earthquake in China - extraordinary concerted prayer this Sunday 18th May @5a.m.

12,000 lives lost, 10,000 lives are unaccounted for.
As you look at the pictures, pray for the people....Wenchuan county where the disaster happened...60,000 lives are still unknown! Our hearts are truly saddened and broken to see so many lives have gone without eternal hope!

As you look at the pictures, pray for the people....
地震救援圖片--家長指引
http://media.theaustralian.com.au/multimedia/2008/05/13-quake/index.html

Surely empty handed we come to this world, empty handed we will go....but our eternal hope and life is in His Hands.

Treasure each day with His joy and hope, as the Bible said, heaven and earth will pass away but God's word will remain true and is our firm foundation for our faith and hope in time of trouble!

神已震动我们:呼吁全国信徒恳切祷告和积极参与赈灾，这周日早上五点钟相约羔羊宝座前，异地同声同心赞美,感恩，悔改自己与国家的罪，祈求神医治破碎的家园，历代志下7:14 "这称为我名下的子民，若是自卑，祷告，寻求我的面，转离他们的恶行，我必从天上垂听，赦免他们的罪，医治他们的地。" 当日全天禁食。

(This is a called for prayer from HCs in CN….calling brothers and sisters in Christ to go to the throne of grace seeking His grace, together in praising and thanksgiving and repentance for self and the country. Pray that God will heal the brokenness of this country…… …Pray 2 Chronicles 7:14 ~ if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land ~ It is a full day fasting and praying)

As you know disaster after disaster have been happening to this country, coal mines explosions, snow storms, T & U people group riots, train accidents, diseases etc and now earthquake with millions are still lost in eternity without hope, pray for the government and those in authorities will soften their hearts towards His word and truth, and many will have the freedom and opportunity to hear the truth!

Just two years ago
Time really flies. Two years ago, these two were still at home. Now they were both at Leeds University, UK. May God bless and protect them.
Taken on 23rd August 2006 at Imperial Hotel Restaurant. At that time, the food was not very good. Now, I think they serve rather good food. Haven't been there for quite sometime.
Stephanie 9th Dec 2004. She is also at Leeds University, UK.

9th Dec 2004
hahaha... In UK, they have been spending time to feed themselves really well! Before they went over, I even show them the market, etc...

Storm and natural disaster
In the last one week, we saw a sever earthquake in China, cyclone in Myanmar, etc. All these natural disasters kill thousands. In Miri, I witnessed the strongest wind ever last night. Strong and big trees snapped like matchstick! All roads were literally blocked. I place a heavy ceramic cup by the window and it was blown some 50cm away! This morning, as we went out sending children to school, I realised the extent of the damage. Unfortunately I couldn’t take those more dramatic photos of fallen trees for safety reason.
Are all these happening the beginning of the end is coming? See what is written in the bible when Jesus was asked about the signs of the end of the age.
Fallen tree at Pujut 3C.
Tree snapped off like matchstick! This is just a small tree in our office car park.
This evening I came back via Piasau Camp. There were so many fallen pine tree! Look at this one...
As expected, the local mango (kuinin) would not be able to stand the force of the wind. So, this afternoon, I saw the ground was littered with the fruit...

It's All Part Of His Plan

In everything God works for the good of those who love Him... because that was His plan.

Romans 8:28 NCV

When you're in a situation where you've got more questions than answers, it takes faith to accept that "in everything God works for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28 NCV). What you consider wasted experiences can become confidence-builders and priceless sources of insight - when you decide to learn from them! If you don't, they'll keep happening till you do. The Israelites went in circles for 40 years before they finally wised up. Don't let that happen to you.

When you get too comfortable God stirs things up. The mother eagle teaches her little ones to fly by making their nest so uncomfortable that they're forced out of it. Next they are pushed off a cliff edge. Can you imagine their thoughts: 'It's my mother doing this?' Who and where you are at this moment in time has been divinely appointed. God in His wisdom knows that you need the challenge of certain situations to mature and stretch you. The job you dread going to every day is developing your skills, endurance and sense of responsibility. Those people who rub you the wrong way are actually making you more like Jesus!

Paul says God "understands… and knows what is best for us at all times" (Ephesians 1:8 TLB). So instead of asking Him to change things, thank Him for the experience and the lessons you're learning. And if you can't figure out what those lessons are, ask Him. James says, "If… you need wisdom… ask God" (James 1:5 CEV). When you do, you'll discover - it's all part of His plan!

The above is taken from The Vine daily devotion.

Parents' Day Celebration at our Church

Gift for every parent!
One of our children gave away a token of gift at the entrance
The Sunday School children gave a presentation
These were for those >60
The youth did a dance...

Pasar Malam (Night market) in Miri. (more pic added 14 May 2008)
Yesterday evening, I went to our pasar malam. So I decided to bring my camera alone. Some people I met asked me "What is there to take in pasar malam?". Well, through the lens, there are much to be captured. Ok, here are the pictures. Hope you enjoy them.
Street peddler. That thing in his hand look alive! But it is mechanical.
All type of kuih kuih (cake)
Noodle...
Guess what is this... BBQ bishop nose!
Apam Balek ... batter, sugar, grounded peanut ... cooked over a thick brass pan
And this is the result... folded it and apply margarine. Taste good but cannot eat too much. They put in about one heaped tablespoon of sugar!
Ready meal... I believe all it is needed is hot soup/gravy
BBQ chicken wing. Chicken wing is now very expensive. About RM12/KG fresh and RM10/KG for frozen chicken wing. I have stopped buying them.
Pangang Fish. Fish cooked over banana leave on a hot plate. A thick layer of sambal (prawn paste) is then applied. Can be hot but very nice.
Local favorite... satay chicken.
More chicken wing. This one is more yellow. Perhaps less colouring.
Children love this lot...
Raw fish, prawn. Local favorite.
Sugarcane juicing machine.
Salted fish. Another local favorite. I have not bought salted fish for at least 35 years!
Smoked fish. Looks delicious but have never tried.
This is glutinous rice wrapped in banana leave and then BBQ. Some of them have sambal filling, or something else. Very nice... I like them. Local call this panggang.
Finally, lots of colourful drink. I have never taken them before. So don't know whether they are nice.

Breakfast
Cooking breakfast for the family has been going on for so long that I couldn't even remember when it started. Proper cooking started when Esther started going to school. At the beginning, it was fried noodle, instant noodle, egg, bread, fried rice, porridge, etc. It took me about 15-20 minutes to cook a breakfast. For morning tea, the children would pack bread or biscuit. I remembered that the style of cooking didn't vary too much. However, for the past few years, fried rice seems to be the norm until the three boys started to boycott eating... lol. They were so fed up with that! Ok, I finally sat them down and asked them how I should cook them... they wanted fresh and soft rice cooked in the morning! ok, only 15 minutes to cook, ... a solution has to be found. Thanks to technology, I would wash the rice and set the timer on to 5:00AM where the cooking would start automatically. Ha ha … at last freshly steamed rice in the morning. I would just cook two simple dishes in 15 minutes from the varieties .... minced meat, egg, fish, chicken, sausages, vegie, etc. Wa... how lucky they are! I know the sisters would miss home now!

This morning, I cooked fried noodle.... And some fruit for everyone... I was told by my friend that I should use salt to wash the fresh fruit to prevent oxidation. It works wonder. I use semi processed salt and sometimes there are big lump. This morning, I held one such lump between my fingers to dissolve a little into the fruit. But some how, don't ask me, this lump dropped into the box of fruit! Mummy being trusty to what ever was in the box and threw this lump into her mouth! You knew the reaction. ok, now is your turn to tell me which piece amongst the fruit is the salt!


May you have a blessed day after reading this blog.

Marina Sea Food Restaurant
There is not much choice for the Western food at Marina Sea Food Restaurant, Miri. For Western, we went downstairs to find a seat and you could also order Chinese meals there.
The biggest problem with downstairs is that it is very warm and very uncomfortable. I wish there is some kind of dehumidifier. Most of us couldn’t stand it any longer half way into the meal!
I also wish that they have more set meals menu to be chosen from. Otherwise, after two trips, I am beginning to get fed up with the same food each time.

By the way, for every pot of tea ordered, you only have one (1) extra refill. Perhaps they wanted to ensure that tea still taste like tea.

Pasta meal… looks good. Cost RM20+. Can’t remember exactly how much.

New Ala-Mak Beriani Gam Restaurant, Miri
Yesterday, the new Ala-Mak restaurant was opened for business. We are the fortunate ones who were invited invited to sample the food.


The Beriani rice is claimed to be authentic. I have to say that the taste is wonderful. Highly recommended for you to try it.
The interior deco is spacious and very comfortable.

Where: It is next to Sea Horse Restaurant or SMART Tuition Center. Opposite the Shell Petrol Station in Krokop.
Price: Very reasonable and affordable.

Hair Cutting & memories from the good old days

It has become a tradition in my household that the father would cut the hair for everyone.
I remembered that my father would cut all my sibling's hair.
In the good old days (60's), one hair cut would cost 30-50 cents (600 gm of sugar cost 10-15 cents). My father being a farmer had to save every single cents. That reminded me the day when my father saved RM1000 - all in RM10 notes and it was a big stack of money. We were all so excited. I think he used the money to buy a piece of land! Everyday, he would sell his produce in the wet market for some RM20-40.
Just to give an idea on the cost of vegie at that time in Sarikei: Long bean - 15 cents, Cucumber - 10 cents, leafy vegie - 15-30 cents per kati, ie, 600 gram. During peak period of vegie production, ie, after pepper harvest, there will be so much vegie that the farmers simply cannot sell them. Not even 1 cent per kati for long bean and cucumber!! They were simply dumped!

How do I know all these? I was in primary two and I had to bring vegie to town by bus and pass them to my brother to sell in the wet market. Then I could go to school! I need to do shopping after school, ie, buy meat and fish if necessary. oh, 1 kati of pork cost 80 cents. It will be about 2:00PM when I reached home. Breakfast was at 5:30AM and lunch at 2:00PM. There was usually no food between. I would save the 20 cents pocket money everyday.

Fish costs around 40 cents to RM1.80 per kati.

So talking about cutting hair, I am following the foot step of my father. I am cutting hair for everyone in my household! That would save me quite a bit every year! I know the grown up girls do not want my cutting anymore.... no style! haha. Anyway, they are not at home anymore. We miss them!
This is Jonathan! Don't move or the super sharp scissor would cut his ear or make a big hold in his thick hair!

Saturday morning fellowship
This morning we met at the same place again, ie, same "coffee shop" next to brother's James Viva in Pujut 2. Michael just came back from Kuching after seeing his mother who is having a minor blood clog. Thanks God that everything is ok. Also there was William Law, who is the designer of our 40DOP logo.
This morning discussion touches on the host-home-leader arrangement. We have more Host than Leader. So more work is required.
We also found that many people like our 40DOP template. This is designed by our brother James. The picture of the tree was taken by me... somewhere along the way to Kuala Baram.

Our brother Michael brought back goodies from Kuching! Wa.... wonderful brother. Thanks for remembering us. Sau Pau (Roasted dumpling), Curry puff, etc.

James said this is the best one in Kuching! Amazing and wonderfully tasty sau pau.

Very tasty curry puff... wonderful filling. Better than any I have taken so far!

CG Discussion - Bringing up Children
Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Tonight, my cell group discussed on issues related to children upbringing and touches on a real case:
Imagine that your phone bill over 3 months comes to RM1500 and you just found out that your young teenage daughter made all the calls. What would you do?
What the mum did was calling up the young girl and told her to be ready for slapping across the face so that all her friends will know that she has been "lectured". The questions for discussion here are:
1. Is this the correct way to discipline and will you do the same?
2. Whose fault is this?
My view is this:
1. The parents have failed to monitor the things the children are doing
2. Pay no attention to children hanging onto the phone
3. Failed to monitor household expenditure
4. Failed to teach the children about cost and expenditure
5. Punishment is wrong here. It is the failure of the parents. They have failed to teach and inform the children first. I am not saying that punishment should not be carried out. It should be done only when the child knowingly repeat the mistake.

What is/are your view(s)?
------------------------
As usual, James cooked his favourite "Tom Yam Bee Hoon".

Learn To Work With Others (1)

The burden is too heavy for me.

Numbers 11:14 NIV

You can only 'do it all yourself' until you reach a certain size, then you need others. That's a decisive moment; it's also a test many of us fail, so we stop growing. Listen to Moses: "The burden is too heavy for me." So God says, "Bring Me seventy… who are known to you as leaders… and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden" (Numbers 11:16-17 NIV). It takes maturity to enlist the help of people who can do certain things better than you, to allow them to excel and get the credit while you rejoice in the knowledge that the job got done well. Bottom line, you have to be clear in your objectives and secure in your own identity to succeed - and keep on succeeding.

In his book Good to Great, Jim Collins points out that the leaders of the best organisations have a tendency to avoid the spotlight. Ray Gilmartin of Merck: "If I were to put someone on the front cover of Business Week it would be… our team." Lou Gerstner of IBM: "I haven't created the company's turn-around. It's been 280,000 people who have done it. We took a change in focus, and a talented group of people… and changed the company." Dan Tully of Merrill Lynch: "It's amazing what you can do when you don't seek all the credit. I find nothing is really one person's idea."

Here's the score: If you'd rather be a big fish in a little pond, that's your choice. But if you want to be blessed and live in the ocean - learn to work with others!

---------------- The above is from The Vine ---------------------