My iPhone alarm did not activate and wake me up for the New Year. So I have missed a new year!
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Friday, December 31, 2010
My IPhone Failed Me!
My iPhone alarm did not activate and wake me up for the New Year. So I have missed a new year!
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Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Issues facing the Malaysian churches
The chairman of NECF, Rev. Eu Hong Seng, writing in the November-December 2010 issue of Berita NECF offers us this sobering message to end the year.
Something to think about as we end the year.
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I see the top five issues that plague the church of Jesus Christ in this nation today as the following:
Prayerlessness - just look at the attendance of prayer meetings in most churches, if they still hold them. Most believers would hardly spend more than 15 minutes in prayer daily. Where is the altar in our lives?
Migration - this is symptomatic of lack of trust in God who has placed us in this country for good and not for evil. Barring a sovereign word, every migration speaks of our unhappiness with our lot in life in the country God has placed us in. We worship our happiness rather than obey the will of God.
Materialism - we succumb more and more to the desire to acquire and enjoy. We are more holiday conscious. We have no qualms about spending thousands of ringgit on ourselves but gripe so vehemently about the few dollars we have to pay for Christian courses and seminars which we need to improve ourselves.
Content to be Christians, but not disciples - lukewarmness characterizes so many in our churches. We are prepared to "surrender" a few hours to our God on Sundays and no more. Many could be mistaken as "Christian atheists", as far as their lifestyle and faithlessness is concerned.
Reluctance to be sent - Jesus Christ's command to "Go…make disciples" wherever He sends us is but a good suggestion for a few to do. The church has become "immoveable" for the wrong reasons.
Something to think about as we end the year.
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Spiritual State of the World's Children : Malaysia
A recent survey by OneHope-Asia Pacific and NECF Malaysia titled strangely Spiritual State of the World's Children : Malaysia when it is actually "A Qualitative Study - English Speaking Youth Report" which deals mainly with youths. The survey reveals some interesting facts about the youth and youth pastors in Malaysia and worth the reading. I am fascinated by the weaknesses identified by the study:
Do you agree? Young people, what are your views?
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Weaknesses & Threats: Relative to Church and Youth Ministry
Youth today seem to make poor and hasty decisions due to lack of spiritual and parental guidance
Malaysian youth struggle with self-identity and look to their peers for affirmation and guidance when problems arise
Youth are so engrossed with the Internet and the virtual world, that they are having problems with interpersonal relationships
Youth are not interested with the current methods the church is using to reach out to them and they view the church as boring and irrelevant
Malaysian youth view the education system as weak and rigid which creates tension and frustration among students
Malaysian youth are often misunderstood by the older generation and this contributes to the growing gap between the two
The lack of fatherhood and mentors as role models are deterrents to finding new and emerging young leaders
The amount of time youth spend on tuition and extracurricular activities makes it difficult for the church to be involved in meaningful discipleship-making
Discipleship is seen as the responsibility of the church, when in fact parents should be more involved in the spiritual growth of their children
Church leaders recognize that the church is weak in responding to the challenges that exist among Malaysian youth
Church leaders acknowledge that the societal shift towards materialism will present potential future problems within the church
Do you agree? Young people, what are your views?
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Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Be Frugal, Be Happy, Save a Bundle!: Contact the Manufacturer for Coupons
Be Frugal, Be Happy, Save a Bundle!: Contact the Manufacturer for Coupons: "One way to get coupons is to offer feed back. I haven't been very diligent at doing this but have sent off a few e-mails and have..."
Thanks to Bargain Blessings and Save a Bundle for posting this list.
Bargain Blessings suggests this when contacting the manufacturer:
Thanks to Bargain Blessings and Save a Bundle for posting this list.
Bargain Blessings suggests this when contacting the manufacturer:
"Not sure what to say when you contact them? Most of the time I just let them know that I like their product, sometimes I’ll give them a suggestion on how they could potentially improve their product, and other times I’ll just ask if they are willing to send me a coupon so I can try/continue to use their product. It doesn’t have to be anything long or fancy. Just keep it simple!"
Want more bargains? Kid's vitamins, buy one get one for $1.00 .......HERE
Be sure to check-out the tool for getting a list in YOUR area of "kid's eat free".
Be Frugal, Be Happy, Save a Bundle!: Contact the Manufacturer for Coupons
Be Frugal, Be Happy, Save a Bundle!: Contact the Manufacturer for Coupons: "One way to get coupons is to offer feed back. I haven't been very diligent at doing this but have sent off a few e-mails and have..."
Thanks to Bargain Blessings and Save a Bundle for posting this list.
Bargain Blessings suggests this when contacting the manufacturer:
Thanks to Bargain Blessings and Save a Bundle for posting this list.
Bargain Blessings suggests this when contacting the manufacturer:
"Not sure what to say when you contact them? Most of the time I just let them know that I like their product, sometimes I’ll give them a suggestion on how they could potentially improve their product, and other times I’ll just ask if they are willing to send me a coupon so I can try/continue to use their product. It doesn’t have to be anything long or fancy. Just keep it simple!"
Want more bargains? Kid's vitamins, buy one get one for $1.00 .......HERE
Be sure to check-out the tool for getting a list in YOUR area of "kid's eat free".
Monday, December 27, 2010
Reading Batman during Christmas
My Christmas reading of the complex and interconnected stories of Batman by Grant Morrison. Starting with Batman and Son, The Black Glove and Batman R.I.P which leads to the final chapter of Final Crisis where Batman/Bruce Wayne was presumed killed by Darkseid. However it turns out that Bruce Wayne was not dead but was sent back in time by Darkseid's Omega Sanction
This 6 issues miniseries of how Bruce Wayne made his way through time to the present was quite a disappointment compared to the efforts used to set up Dick Grayson as the new Batman of Gotham City.
Nevertheless it is a good read of the adaptability and strong will of Bruce Wayne.
Batman: The Return is about Bruce Wayne revealing himself as the Batman but allowing for Dick Grayson to remain as the Batman of Gotham City.
This is an interesting variant cover of Batman: The Return where instead of the dark Gothic features, the artist uses a lot of Christian symbolism in the cover. Bruce's ordeal in the past is liken to Jesus' forty days in the desert.
The return of Bruce Wayne herald in a new direction in the Batman mythos. His journey from the past to the future have given him much time to think. Wayne has decided to set up "Batman Incorporated" which is a form of franchise system where he, Bruce Wayne/Batman will train up 'Batman' in various major cities in the world to fight crime. Looks like he has finally picked up some ideas from his father-in-law, Ra' A Ghul.
This variant cover shows the Batman we are familiar with and not a corporate symbol. Considering the amount of trouble he have had with his training of and trusting his Robins, Batwoman, Batgirls, the Huntress and numerous others that seen to be collected by him, it will be interesting to see how Bruce Wayne/Batman the untrusting control freak will run his franchise. Harvard Business Review please take note.
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This 6 issues miniseries of how Bruce Wayne made his way through time to the present was quite a disappointment compared to the efforts used to set up Dick Grayson as the new Batman of Gotham City.
Nevertheless it is a good read of the adaptability and strong will of Bruce Wayne.
.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Children
As a paediatrician in practice, I often have to deal with children who are given complementary and/or alternative medicine (CAM) in addition to the medications and treatment modules prescribed by me. CAM includes traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathic, cupping, joss-stick burns, special diets or dietary restrictions, and many other modalities. I have often cautioned parents who are too enthusiatic about CAM.
A recent study from Melbourne has this sobering results.
Adverse events associated with the use of complementary and alternative medicine in children
Arch Dis Child doi:10.1136/adc.2010.183152
Alissa Lim, Noel Cranswick, Michael South ,
Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia,
The University of Melbourne, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
There were 39 reports of adverse events associated with CAM use, including four reported deaths. Reports highlighted several areas of concern, including the risks associated with failure to use conventional medicine, the risks related to medication changes made by CAM practitioners and the significant dangers of dietary restriction. The reported deaths were associated with a failure to use conventional medicine in favour of a CAM therapy.
read more
picture source.
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Wednesday, December 22, 2010
A Single Breath
There is a Zen story about how a single breath can free us from the confines of our intellectualizing and unite us with all creation. Tokusan was a brilliant scripture scholar who went to study with Zen Master Ryutan. One night as Tokusan was leaving to go home to bed after a long evening of discussion, he noticed that it was pitch black outside. Zen master Ryutan lit a lantern and handed it to Tokusan. Just as Tokusan reached for the lantern, Ryutan blew it out. In that moment, Tokusan experienced enlightenment and bowed in gratitude. Tokusan realized that he was not dependent upon words and teachings to light the way for him. Even in times of darkness, he could experience his essential nature directly and be a lamp unto himself.
— Ellen Birx in Healing Zen
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— Ellen Birx in Healing Zen
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Top Ten Articles from Medscape Paediatrics
What are some of the top articles paediatricians have been reading this year? Here are ten of them.
Here are the highlights from the Medscape Top 10 for Pediatrics in 2010:
Here are the highlights from the Medscape Top 10 for Pediatrics in 2010:
- Brain Tumour Risk in Relation to Mobile Telephone Use
Is it safe to take that call? The results of a much-awaited report from the largest international study to date on mobile phone use and brain tumors with particular importance for children who will use these devices for many decades. - Immunization Resource Center
In aggregate, articles about Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) immunization recommendations produce the highest interest among our pediatric members. Although not part of the top 10, this reference center summarizes the recommendations published throughout the year. - AAP Issues New Guidelines for Management of Iron Deficiency
New recommendations for breastfed infants recommend more broad use of iron. - Eradicating Head Lice With a Pill
What works best in persons who do not respond to head lice treatment? - Best Children's Hospitals Ranked
US News & World Report has released its annual list of best children's hospitals. - Mupirocin Nasal Ointment Plus Bleach Baths Achieve Long-Term S aureus Decolonization of Skin
What works best in previously infected children, including those with methicillin-resistant Staphycoccus aureus? - Whooping Cough Epidemic Hits California
Infant deaths have been reported in California, and South Carolina also sees an increase in cases. - Universal Predischarge Bilirubin Screening
Should universal predischarge bilirubin screening of newborns be mandatory? - Trashed on the Internet: What Should You Do?
If patients give bad reviews to physicians on Internet rating sites, does a doctor have any recourse? This article discusses strategies for dealing with the situation and protecting your reputation. - Bring Breech Babies Back at 6 Months for Hip Dysplasia Check
Screening infants for developmental dysplasia at the hip doesn't stop with ultrasound screening at 6 weeks.
Advent word - O Emmanuel
O Emmanuel
O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, hope of the nations and their saviour: come and save us, O Lord our God.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
O Emmanuel,
Rex et legifer noster,
expectatio gentium,
et Salvator earum:
veni ad salvandum nos,
Domine, Deus noster.
Isaiah 7:14; 8:8; Matthew 1:23; Haggai 2:7
O come, o come, Emmanuel!
Redeem thy captive Israel,
that into exile drear is gone
far from the face of God's dear Son.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, o come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
*****
"Veni, veni Emmanuel" ("Come, O come Emmanuel")
The text to this Advent song is 9th c.; the music is 15th c. French.
English Version: O Come, Emmanuel
Veni, veni, Emmanuel
captivum solve Israel,
qui gemit in exsilio,
privatus Dei Filio.
Gaude, gaude, Emmanuel
Nascetur pro te, Israel.
Veni, O Sapientia,
quae hic disponis omnia,
veni, viam prudentiae
ut doceas et gloriae.
Gaude, gaude, Emmanuel
Nascetur pro te, Israel.
Veni, veni, Adonai,
qui populo in Sinai
legem dedisti vertice
in maiestate gloriae.
Gaude, gaude Emmanuel
Nascetur pro te, Israel.
Veni, O Iesse virgula,
ex hostis tuos ungula,
de spectu tuos tartari
educ et antro barathri.
Gaude, gaude Emmanuel
Nascetur pro te, Israel.
Veni, Clavis Davidica,
regna reclude caelica,
fac iter tutum superum,
et claude vias inferum.
Gaude, gaude Emmanuel
Nascetur pro te Israel.
Veni, veni O Oriens,
solare nos adveniens,
noctis depelle nebulas,
dirasque mortis tenebras.
Gaude, gaude Emmanuel
Nascetur pro te Israel.
Veni, veni, Rex Gentium,
veni, Redemptor omnium,
ut salvas tuos famulos
peccati sibi conscios.
Gaude, gaude Emmanuel
Nascetur pro te Israel
*****
Come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that morns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Wisdom, from on high,
and order all things far and nigh;
to us the path of knowledge show,
and teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, o come, Thou Lord of might,
who to thy tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times did give the law,
in cloud, and majesty, and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse's stem,
form ev'ry foe deliver them
that trust Thy mighty power to save,
and give them vict'ry o'er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
and open wide our heav'nly home,
make safe the way that leads on high,
that we no more have cause to sigh.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Dayspring from on high,
and cheer us by thy drawing nigh;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night
and death's dark shadow put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Desire of the nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind;
bid every strife and quarrel cease
and fill the world with heaven's peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
source
O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, hope of the nations and their saviour: come and save us, O Lord our God.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
O Emmanuel,
Rex et legifer noster,
expectatio gentium,
et Salvator earum:
veni ad salvandum nos,
Domine, Deus noster.
Isaiah 7:14; 8:8; Matthew 1:23; Haggai 2:7
O come, o come, Emmanuel!
Redeem thy captive Israel,
that into exile drear is gone
far from the face of God's dear Son.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, o come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
*****
"Veni, veni Emmanuel" ("Come, O come Emmanuel")
The text to this Advent song is 9th c.; the music is 15th c. French.
English Version: O Come, Emmanuel
Veni, veni, Emmanuel
captivum solve Israel,
qui gemit in exsilio,
privatus Dei Filio.
Gaude, gaude, Emmanuel
Nascetur pro te, Israel.
Veni, O Sapientia,
quae hic disponis omnia,
veni, viam prudentiae
ut doceas et gloriae.
Gaude, gaude, Emmanuel
Nascetur pro te, Israel.
Veni, veni, Adonai,
qui populo in Sinai
legem dedisti vertice
in maiestate gloriae.
Gaude, gaude Emmanuel
Nascetur pro te, Israel.
Veni, O Iesse virgula,
ex hostis tuos ungula,
de spectu tuos tartari
educ et antro barathri.
Gaude, gaude Emmanuel
Nascetur pro te, Israel.
Veni, Clavis Davidica,
regna reclude caelica,
fac iter tutum superum,
et claude vias inferum.
Gaude, gaude Emmanuel
Nascetur pro te Israel.
Veni, veni O Oriens,
solare nos adveniens,
noctis depelle nebulas,
dirasque mortis tenebras.
Gaude, gaude Emmanuel
Nascetur pro te Israel.
Veni, veni, Rex Gentium,
veni, Redemptor omnium,
ut salvas tuos famulos
peccati sibi conscios.
Gaude, gaude Emmanuel
Nascetur pro te Israel
*****
Come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that morns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Wisdom, from on high,
and order all things far and nigh;
to us the path of knowledge show,
and teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, o come, Thou Lord of might,
who to thy tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times did give the law,
in cloud, and majesty, and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse's stem,
form ev'ry foe deliver them
that trust Thy mighty power to save,
and give them vict'ry o'er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
and open wide our heav'nly home,
make safe the way that leads on high,
that we no more have cause to sigh.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Dayspring from on high,
and cheer us by thy drawing nigh;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night
and death's dark shadow put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Desire of the nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind;
bid every strife and quarrel cease
and fill the world with heaven's peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
source
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Advent word- O Rex Gentium
O Antiphons
From at least the eighth century the antiphon before and after the Magnificat at Vespers (Evening Prayer), for the seven days leading up to Christmas Eve, has greeted Christ with a title starting with "O". These became the basis of the popular carol "O come, O come, Emmanuel". The initials, when read backwards, form the Latin "Ero Cras" which means "Tomorrow I come."
They are now also used , in shorted form, in the Alleluia verses before the days' Gospel readings.
Each day an O Antiphon could be used for prayer and reflection. These could form the basis of an Advent service with readings, music, and singing. Or of art, banners, or other ways of enhancing the worship environment symbolically. The carol "O come, O come, Emmanuel" and the Magnificat could form significant features in this.
O Rex Gentium
O king of the nations, you alone can fulfil their desires: cornerstone, binding all together: come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust of the earth.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
O Rex Gentium,
et desideratus earum,
lapisque angularis,
qui facis utraque unum:
veni, et salva hominem,
quem de limo formasti.
Jeremiah 30.7-11a; Revelation 15:3; Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; Ephesians 2:20; I Peter 2:6
O come, desire of nations! Show
thy kingly reign on earth below;
thou cornerstone, uniting all, restore the ruin of our fall.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
source
Monday, December 20, 2010
Advent word - O Oriens
O Oriens - O Dawn
O morning star, splendour of the light eternal and bright sun of righteousness: come and bring light to those who dwell in darkness and walk in the shadow of death.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
O Oriens,
splendor lucis aeternae,
et sol justitiae:
veni, et illumina
sedentes in tenebris,
et umbra mortis.
Numbers 24.15b-17; Luke 1:78, 79; Malachi 4:2
O come, O come, thou dayspring bright!
Pour on our souls thy healing light;
dispel the long night's lingering gloom,
and pierce the shadows of the tomb.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer,
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
source
O morning star, splendour of the light eternal and bright sun of righteousness: come and bring light to those who dwell in darkness and walk in the shadow of death.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
O Oriens,
splendor lucis aeternae,
et sol justitiae:
veni, et illumina
sedentes in tenebris,
et umbra mortis.
Numbers 24.15b-17; Luke 1:78, 79; Malachi 4:2
O come, O come, thou dayspring bright!
Pour on our souls thy healing light;
dispel the long night's lingering gloom,
and pierce the shadows of the tomb.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer,
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
source
PhD Research Scholarship in Glouchester
RESEARCH STUDENTSHIP IN THE BIBLE AND SPIRITUALITY
Dept of Humanities
University of Gloucestershire
The Department proposes to offer a studentship for a PhD in the area
of the Bible and Spirituality. The studentship will be held within a
three-year project sponsored by the Department’s Research Centre for
the Bible and Spirituality in conjunction with the Bible Society. Its
aim is to explore forms of spirituality that find expression in the
Bible, and the relation of these to other contemporary concepts of
spirituality.
The studentship, which is designed to cover a substantial part of the
student’s costs, may be awarded to a suitably qualified candidate who
proposes to work in any area of biblical spirituality, Old Testament
or New Testament, within the terms of the project. The studentship
will begin in February or September 2011, and is renewable annually.
Further details are available on request from:
Mrs Patricia Downes
Humanities Courses Administrator
University of Gloucestershire
Francis Close Hall
Swindon Road
Cheltenham
GL50 4AZ
Tel: 01242 714570
pdownes@glos.ac.uk
Dept of Humanities
University of Gloucestershire
The Department proposes to offer a studentship for a PhD in the area
of the Bible and Spirituality. The studentship will be held within a
three-year project sponsored by the Department’s Research Centre for
the Bible and Spirituality in conjunction with the Bible Society. Its
aim is to explore forms of spirituality that find expression in the
Bible, and the relation of these to other contemporary concepts of
spirituality.
The studentship, which is designed to cover a substantial part of the
student’s costs, may be awarded to a suitably qualified candidate who
proposes to work in any area of biblical spirituality, Old Testament
or New Testament, within the terms of the project. The studentship
will begin in February or September 2011, and is renewable annually.
Further details are available on request from:
Mrs Patricia Downes
Humanities Courses Administrator
University of Gloucestershire
Francis Close Hall
Swindon Road
Cheltenham
GL50 4AZ
Tel: 01242 714570
pdownes@glos.ac.uk
Why are Christmas Trees associated with Christmas?
Ever wondered about Christmas trees?
STORY BEHIND
Why Do We Have Christmas Trees?
read more
STORY BEHIND
Why Do We Have Christmas Trees?
The history behind evergreens, ornaments, and holiday gift giving.
Edwin and Jennifer Woodruff Tait (Thursday, December 11, 2008}
Not until the Renaissance are there clear records of trees being used as a symbol of Christmas—beginning in Latvia in 1510 and Strasbourg in 1521. Legend credits the Protestant reformer Martin Luther with inventing the Christmas tree, but the story has little historical basis.
The most likely theory is that Christmas trees started with medieval plays. Dramas depicting biblical themes began as part of the church's worship, but by the late Middle Ages, they had become rowdy, imaginative performances dominated by laypeople and taking place in the open air. The plays celebrating the Nativity were linked to the story of creation—in part because Christmas Eve was also considered the feast day of Adam and Eve. Thus, as part of the play for that day, the Garden of Eden was symbolized by a "paradise tree" hung with fruit.
These plays were banned in many places in the 16th century, and people perhaps began to set up "paradise trees" in their homes to compensate for the public celebration they could no longer enjoy. The earliest Christmas trees (or evergreen branches) used in homes were referred to as "paradises." They were often hung with round pastry wafers symbolizing the Eucharist, which developed into the cookie ornaments decorating German Christmas trees today.
The custom gained popularity throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, against the protests of some clergy. Lutheran minister Johann von Dannhauer, for instance, complained (like Tertullian) that the symbol distracted people from the true evergreen tree, Jesus Christ. But this did not stop many churches from setting up Christmas trees inside the sanctuary. Alongside the tree often stood wooden "pyramids"—stacks of shelves bearing candles, sometimes one for each family member. Eventually these pyramids of candles were placed on the tree, the ancestors of our modern Christmas tree lights and ornaments.
read more
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Advent word - O Clavis David
O Clavis David - O Key of David
O key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel; you open and none can shut; you shut and none can open: come and free the captives from prison, and break down the walls of death.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
[...come, and lead the prisoner
from jail.
seated in darkness
and in the shadow of death.]
O Clavis David,
et sceptrum domus Israël,
qui aperis, et nemo claudit,
claudis, et nemo aperuit:
veni, et educ vinctum
de domo carceris,
sedentem in tenebris,
et umbra mortis.
Isaiah 22:22; Revelation 3:7
O come, thou Lord of David's key!
The royal door fling wide and free;
safeguard for us the heavenward road,
and bar the way to death's abode.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
source
O key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel; you open and none can shut; you shut and none can open: come and free the captives from prison, and break down the walls of death.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
[...come, and lead the prisoner
from jail.
seated in darkness
and in the shadow of death.]
O Clavis David,
et sceptrum domus Israël,
qui aperis, et nemo claudit,
claudis, et nemo aperuit:
veni, et educ vinctum
de domo carceris,
sedentem in tenebris,
et umbra mortis.
Isaiah 22:22; Revelation 3:7
O come, thou Lord of David's key!
The royal door fling wide and free;
safeguard for us the heavenward road,
and bar the way to death's abode.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
source
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Advent word - O Radix Jesse
O Radix Jesse - O Root of Jesse
O root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the nations; kings will keep silence before you for whom the nations long; come and save us and delay no longer.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
O Radix Jesse,
qui stas in signum populorum,
super quem continebunt reges os suum,
quem gentes deprecabuntur:
veni ad liberandum nos,
jam noli tardare
O root of Jesse, that stands for an ensign of the people, before whom the kings keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: come, to deliver us, and tarry not.
Isaiah 11.1-4a,10; Romans 15:12; Revelation 5:5
O come, thou root of Jesse! Draw
the quarry from the lion's claw;
from those dread caverns of the grave,
from nether hell thy people save.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, O Rod of Jesse free,
Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory o'er the grave
source
O root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the nations; kings will keep silence before you for whom the nations long; come and save us and delay no longer.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
O Radix Jesse,
qui stas in signum populorum,
super quem continebunt reges os suum,
quem gentes deprecabuntur:
veni ad liberandum nos,
jam noli tardare
O root of Jesse, that stands for an ensign of the people, before whom the kings keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: come, to deliver us, and tarry not.
Isaiah 11.1-4a,10; Romans 15:12; Revelation 5:5
O come, thou root of Jesse! Draw
the quarry from the lion's claw;
from those dread caverns of the grave,
from nether hell thy people save.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, O Rod of Jesse free,
Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory o'er the grave
source
Friday, December 17, 2010
Advent word - O Adonai
O Adonai - O Lord of might
O Lord of Lords, and ruler of the House of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush, and gave him the law on Sinai: come with your outstretched arm and ransom us.
Amen. Come Lord Jesus.
O Adonai,
et dux domus Israël,
qui Moyse in igne flammae rubi apparuisti,
et ei in Sina legem dedisti:
veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento.
Exodus 3.1-6; Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6
O come, O come, Adonai,
who in thy glorious majesty
from Sinai's mountain, clothed in awe,
gavest thy folk the ancient law.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, O come, thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height
In ancient times didst give the law
In cloud and majesty, and awe.
source
O Lord of Lords, and ruler of the House of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush, and gave him the law on Sinai: come with your outstretched arm and ransom us.
Amen. Come Lord Jesus.
O Adonai,
et dux domus Israël,
qui Moyse in igne flammae rubi apparuisti,
et ei in Sina legem dedisti:
veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento.
Exodus 3.1-6; Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6
O come, O come, Adonai,
who in thy glorious majesty
from Sinai's mountain, clothed in awe,
gavest thy folk the ancient law.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, O come, thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height
In ancient times didst give the law
In cloud and majesty, and awe.
source
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Presidential Report on Synthetic Biology
From the blog.bioethics.net
read more
Paul Root Wolpe Discusses PCSBI Report on Syn Bio
The President's Commission on Bioethical Issues released the Executive Summary of its Report on the Ethics of Synthetic Biology and Emerging Technologies. (To read the full report, click here.)The Report suggests five ethical principles that should inform our ethical evaluation and oversight of emerging technologies, and then makes 18 recommendations for public policy around synthetic biology. While The Report specifies synthetic biology, it is clear that the recommendations could, and are meant to, apply to many other emerging biotechnologies as well.
The Report first rightly points out that, despite some of the media hype around the creation of an "artificial cell" by the Venter Institute last May, the cell did not "amount to creating life either as a scientific or a moral matter." The creation of a synthetic genome is a fine technological achievement, but it does not immediately require any change on our basic ethical oversight of biotechnology.
The five ethical principles articulated by The Report include (1) public beneficence, (2) responsible stewardship, (3) intellectual freedom and responsibility, (4) democratic deliberation, and (5) justice and fairness. These principles are used as categorical rubrics under which the 18 recommendations are described.
read more
Advent word - O Sapientia
O Antiphons
From at least the eighth century the antiphon before and after the Magnificat at Vespers (Evening Prayer), for the seven days leading up to Christmas Eve, has greeted Christ with a title starting with "O". These became the basis of the popular carol "O come, O come, Emmanuel". The initials, when read backwards, form the Latin "Ero Cras" which means "Tomorrow I come."
They are now also used , in shorted form, in the Alleluia verses before the days' Gospel readings.
Each day an O Antiphon could be used for prayer and reflection. These could form the basis of an Advent service with readings, music, and singing. Or of art, banners, or other ways of enhancing the worship environment symbolically. The carol "O come, O come, Emmanuel" and the Magnificat could form significant features in this.
17 December - O Sapientia - O Wisdom
O wisdom, coming forth from the Most High, filling all creation and reigning to the ends of the earth; come and teach us the way of truth.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
O Sapientia,
quae ex ore Altissimi prodiisti,
attingens a fine usque ad finem fortiter,
suaviterque disponens omnia:
veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae.
Ecclesiasticus 24.3-9 Proverbs 1:20; 8; 9 and 1 Corinthians 1:30
O come, thou wisdom from on high
Who madest all in earth and sky,
Creating us from dust and clay:
To us reveal salvation's way.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
source
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Spiritual Formation Institute Conference 2005
I was going through my files and came across this beautiful poster.
BPMC Camp 2010 musings
One of the joys of being a camp speaker is that you start the camp with a group of strangers and end it with lots of friends.
I meet a wonderful sister-in-Christ with her three delightful children. This is what she shared on her blog I Can Do It!
read more
I meet a wonderful sister-in-Christ with her three delightful children. This is what she shared on her blog I Can Do It!
*Dr Alex Tang was our speaker. Soft-spoken yet firm, he was excellent in his focus on the Bible, relating stories and personal anecdotes and the use of multimedia to share on the theme – ‘Lights That Cannot Be Hidden’ – how do we let our lights shine amidst the darkness in our society? Lessons were drawn from the book of Jeremiah (Chp 1, 12, 35). Dr Tang first gave us the background of the book. Then he shared about God’s response to Jeremiah when Jeremiah brought his concerns before Him. In Jeremiah 12.5, God said“If you have raced with men on footand they have worn you out,how can you compete with horses?If you stumble in safe country,how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?Immediately, I understood that God wanted my family and I to run with the horses – it started at the camp (yes, God worked fast) when I had to handle the children by myself, relying only on God’s strength. And God gave me assurance that we will win, because He will empower us. Although we will run in the face of wild and windy challenges, God impressed upon my heart that it will be a time of receiving. Huh? I couldn’t understand how that’s possible but I will take God’s word by faith. I’m really excited and am eagerly awaiting another adventure with the Lord – God knows how the adrenaline rush motivates me. “HOLD your horses!! Remember this…” God gave me a timely reminder. I see the familiar image of a huge guy holding the hands of a little girl in ponytails – that’s my Abba Father and me
read more
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
The Scriptural Bible and the Academic Bible
Let this be said: what approach we use in reading the Bible determines not only what we see in the Bible or get from the Bible but also who we become. In other words, if we bracket faith and bracket theology and bracket orthodoxy, we will eventually learn to read the Bible without faith and theology and orthodoxy, and that leads — often enough — to the lack of faith, the lack of theology, and the lack of theology. What is permitted it is what comes out.
read more
Monday, December 13, 2010
Stem Cells and Beauty Therapy
Finally, someone is speaking out on the fraudulent use of stem cells.
Therapy in session: Platelet-rich plasma being injected into the elbow.
Star online Monday, December 13, 2010
Therapy in session: Platelet-rich plasma being injected into the elbow. Star online Monday, December 13, 2010
Credibility of stem cell therapy offered by cosmetic products
Many are falling prey to unscrupulous marketing tactics touting stem cell therapy as the new-age antidote for ageing.From where it all stems
THE term “stem cell” was first proposed for scientific use by Russian histologist Alexander Maksimov in 1908.Guidelines for stem cell treatment
Guidelines for stem cell research and therapy in Malaysia don’t apply to the beauty industry.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Training of Doctors in Malaysia
Some sobering reports about medical education in Malaysia
Sunday December 12, 2010
By RICHARD LIM and LOH FOON FONG
read more
Another perspective
Sunday December 12, 2010
read more
read more
Sunday December 12, 2010
Cleaning house
By RICHARD LIM and LOH FOON FONG
educate@thestar.com.my
Concerns persist regarding the quality of medical graduates and the Government is preparing a number of initiatives to finetune the system.
HOW hard is it to tell the difference between a sleeping patient and a cyanosed one who is on course to meet his maker?
Observing the simple rise and fall of one’s chest would be a good start. Checking for a pulse would be another and observing that the patient has turned blue is an absolute must.However, the obvious did not happen in the case of one Pak Abu, who was deemed to be sleeping by house officers.
Fortunately, an observant doctor on his last rounds came into the picture and Pak Abu was resuscitated.
The three house officers in charge, who graduated from Russian and Ukrainian universities, were reprimanded for negligence, and things went from bad to worse when it was discovered that they did not know the basics of resuscitation or what an oxygen face mask was.
read more
Another perspective
Sunday December 12, 2010
We should not be faulted, say housemen
KIM*, a doctor in Pahang saw the early stages of the glut towards the tail end of his (then one-year) housemanship two years ago, while Rozaid* and Mok*, who completed their two-year housemanship last week, were part of the glut.
Turning back the clock, Kim said that he initially thought that the increased number of housemen would be a blessing.
“There were only a few of us (housemen) in Terengganu back in the day and I initially welcomed the increasing numbers as we were overworked,” he said.“Although the number of patients became more manageable for us, the influx of housemen became alarming and even the policy makers were not prepared for it.With the influx of housemen, senior doctors have sounded the alarm that an overemphasis on numbers could come at the expense of quality.
read more
Sunday December 12, 2010
The parent trap
ALTHOUGH there is a tendency to blame various parties in the housemen quagmire, parents should take a good look in the mirror and ask whether they contributed to the problem.
The adage goes that the road to hell is paved with good intentions and Physicians for Social Responsibility vice president Datuk Dr Abdul Hamid Abdul Kadir said that parental pressure is partly to blame for the quality of our housemen.
“Students who are pressured into medical school won’t make very good doctors as they lack interest in the first place ,” he told The Star.
“Parents should not ‘coax’ their children to learn something if they don’t have any interest in it.”
He added that misconceptions about the medical practice made things worse.
“Many think that the medical practice is lucrative but in reality, it is all a case of demand and supply,” he added.
“There were fewer doctors in the past so it was definitely better then, but things are becoming more competitive.”
read more
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Kid's Vitamins SPECIAL SAVINGS!
Kids don’t always eat right, but now you can have peace of mind knowing their nutrient gaps can be filled with every TriVita Kids Multi-Vitamin Chew they bite into.
Providing all the essential vitamins and minerals their growing bodies need..
BUY ONE Get one for $1.00
#Singamajigs
Kid's Vitamins SPECIAL SAVINGS!
Kids don’t always eat right, but now you can have peace of mind knowing their nutrient gaps can be filled with every TriVita Kids Multi-Vitamin Chew they bite into.
Providing all the essential vitamins and minerals their growing bodies need..
BUY ONE Get one for $1.00
#Singamajigs
BPMC Camp 2010 Day Two
They have a wonderful room set up with prayer stations for people to pray in before the morning and evening sessions.
Some prayers are shared on a prayer wall
group discussions
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