Mother Mary???

10:20am - working infront of my office desk....i smell strong rose essense. did a quick check around my place, none spraying perfume....hmm...Mother Mary dropped by to say hello??

^_^

那一瞬间的感触

昨天我在神的面前祈祷时，泪流了。一直以来神都很爱我，大大小小的问题他都总是依我也为我解难题。唯一的心愿至今都还未让我实现。也许他在考验我的忍耐性，还是他有另外的打算呢？

我曾经质疑过，神啊！是你不存在或是我不够努力？有一度我放弃去教堂，放弃神与我眷属的对话空间。好傻吧？^_^ 完全望了是神把我带到这个世界的。

我是个外强中干的人，从来就不喜欢把自己的不快乐让人知道。每天都装着不在意和傻大姐的心态来让身边的人不担心我。常常把欢笑带给大家来掩饰自己的寂寞。还好我是个乐观主义者，通常都会傻傻躲着哭了五分钟后就收拾心情来面对事情。下移秒会更好不是吗？

天大地大都有神来帮我撑腰，我不该轻易放弃的。也许是该更努力的去证明自己的存在性，好让身边的人认为是值得的。神，谢谢您！泪流的那一刻，我感受道你的存在了。感激你从来都不抛弃迷茫得我。谢谢你把我带回你的家。阿门。

Satu Cupak

^_^ Funny Title isnt it?? Hardly hear anyone saying this word..it practically means 1Cupak = 675g.

(30 Years Old Book - Front cover...after repaired)

I loan both my aunts recipe books for a month before returning back to them this coming Lunar New Year. One of it has been with my aunt for more than 30years (all hand written). As I'm scanning & translating recipe by recipe to my cooking book, i found some of the wordings in kampung malay & mandarin appeared in her book..lovely!

(The Old & The New..All Handwritten)

This 30years old book is like a treasure map, it has always been seen during new year lying in the kitchen while my aunt busy baking cookies & cooking. It contains lots of good food that i had since young & lots of childhood memories in the wooden house where i used to stay during preschool days.

Now my aunt willingly loan this book to me, i'll get to learn up most of my favorite recipes. I'm really happy over it. Atleast i know, when they are older & no longer able to cook. There's someone at home inherited their recipe & cook for the family when festive season comes.

Who knows probably one day i may have a small cafe to serve these foods...Love that thought. ;p

Temptation

It has been contineously 4 mornings that there was this same worker slotting leaflet into the mailbox around my neighbourhood. One must be thinking, what so big deal about it..He might be hardworking to earn more...ha!

What makes me curious was that, these leaflets were from the same source promoting this fongsui/luck charm master claiming that he can turn you into million"aires" if you put a bet on the number he gives. Apart from that, he also have added service to arrange your house according to fongsui & makes you prosper for this year.

As for me, I just picked it up & put it to the pile of recycle papers thinking that is sort of unfriendly to the environment. But then, how many people will actually call & fix an appointment with him? Many may not fall for the 1st time, some will start to curious about it on the 2nd day & make calls..& so forth...

Is a business strategy as I noticed..haha...nowadays, fongsui master also not easy to earn money! Like Lilian Too & Joey Yap, they are the lucky ones. They get to go on stage & TV programs to promote themselves, thus many turn to them for advice. As for these small players, leaflet is the easiest way to promote. Some can be quite accurate, some might just "con" man. It's all depend how we look at things.

I see this as a temptation, especially now for those having hard time to earn a living. But in the end of the day, will we gain more or less from this? Is up to idividual to think about it. ;p

God Says

YOU SAY	GOD SAYS	BIBLE VERSES
You say: 'It's impossible'	God says: All things are possible	(Luke 18:27)
You say: 'I'm too tired'	God says: I will give you rest	(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: 'Nobody really loves me'	God says: I love you	(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: 'I can't go on'	God says: My grace is sufficient	(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: 'I can't figure things out'	God says: I will direct your steps	(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: 'I can't do it'	God says: You can do all things	(Philippians 4:13)
You say: 'I'm not able'	God says: I am able	(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: 'It's not worth it'	God says: It will be worth it	(Roman 8:28 )
You say: 'I can't forgive myself'	God says: I Forgive you	(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: 'I can't manage'	God says: I will supply all your needs	(Philippians 4:19)
You say: 'I'm afraid'	God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear	(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'	God says: Cast all your cares on ME	(I Peter 5:7)
You say: 'I'm not smart enough'	God says: I give you wisdom	(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: 'I feel all alone'	God says: I will never leave you or forsake you	(Hebrews 13:5)

Eric & Chin Chin's Engagement

Finally a year after the proposal infront of us at Mulu Camp5, they engaged on this Chinese Auspicious day 08-08-09. Few of us managed to be there; again to witness their happy moment. Wishing them with more happy days to come. ^_^

Prayer

' When life is tough & doesnt goes your way, pray....'
' When life is good, you pray even more & thank God for what He has given...'

Stairway to Heaven

I had a dream last night which I was traveling with few others and lost them half way through, later i found myself reached this mountain place. According to the local, it is a very popular tourist attraction. I was panic at that time trying to locate where my friends were & didnt really pay much attention what that uncle was saying after that.

As soon as I've done making out call, i raised my head & saw this beautiful mountain with wide spiral stairway going all the way up. It was surrounded by shining blue ray with clouds; there's no ending of the stairway. There were huge crowd of people going up & down. I stood there for some time trying to figure out where will the stairway leads to but I was afraid to walk up. I managed to take a pic of it & left.

When I found my friends & was about to show them the photo, I woke up from the dream...I googled it & found the nearest picture to what I saw in dream yet there's no direct interpretation of this phenomena. can anyone tell me what's the meaning of this??? I'm keen to know.

Doubt, Cynicism & Faith

Fr Simon sermons have always been my favorite on many occasions apart from Fr OC Lim that always has his care for political issues & justice. It is simply because Fr Simon has good sense of humour and simplicity in words to make me understand what's God teaching is all about.

This morning, again he gave a very nice sermon about doubt, cynicism & Faith. He took slightly longer time than his usual, but I was ok because it was an interesting topic to ponder on.

This is what he had said: “Doubt is when we have uncertainty. But don’t quote me wrong, it doesn’t mean is a bad thing; simply because it is through serious doubt that will lead us to Faith.” (Paused) Then he continued: “It is through doubt that we tend to search for an answer.” Fr Simon took the example from today’s gospel about Thomas doesn’t believe it was Jesus until he saw the nail marks in His hand. It was because Thomas doubt and seek, he found Faith.

Fr Simon continued: “But then again, there are people who are paranoid in thoughts. This is what known as cynicism. It is cynicism that says there’s nothing great to seek for an answer and when this happened, we will never find Faith.”

“Have anyone of you watch Youtube & followed the show called British Got Talent???” (Cool heh?? Fr Simon’s really update on what’s on entertainment TV & internet…haha) He continued: “If you could remember, it was the latest episode where there was a contestant – Susan Boyle. When she told the judges & the audience that she wanted to be a professional singer, she was being judged badly before she could open her mouth to sing.” “After Susan sang, she totally blew everyone away with her amazing voice.”

And then again, Fr explained: “I’m not trying to tell how good Susan voice is, but rather showing an example about being a cynicism/ a paranoid of putting the first impression in mind judging & conclude something before seeking.”

I can’t remember how Fr Simon ended the sermon but these few sentences really carved deeply in my head that kept me pondering until now. It was a good one; at least it was to me. I nearly ask for a copy of his sermon for today…haha.

PS: I didn’t exactly follow British Got Talent but I later search for the part with Susan Boyle. Oh my! She really gifted with her beautiful voice. (Don’t judge the book by the cover! It has proven true & through!!!)

God's Love

I fall for this photo when it first appeared. I see the unconditional love of God through this guy that given water to the koala. He was not only trying to do his job but reaching out to any life in the fire without setting priority just for human being. How great isnt it??

God's teaching has always been surrounded by Love..Love yourself, Love your family, Friends, neighbours, those around you & even your enemy. The biggest Love among all is to Love unconditionally, how many of us in today's world can actually stand up confidently & says "I can do that!" ??

Often, there are thoughts behind the Love one offers to another..expecting they respond back to us maybe? obligation maybe? publicity maybe? hmm...scary negative thoughts ya.

Anyway, today is Valentine's Day. Go out & show your Love sincerely not only to your partners but to everyone around you. Hug the person if he/she needed comfort (ehemm...before you do that, please make sure where you are coz some countries consider an offend of hugging a person in public! hahaha), send a text message to ppl that came into your thought & says "How are you?"..Valentine's is not about gift of Chocolate & flowers...but is the thought & Love that count.

To my dear friends & family...you know who you are & where you are...A Happy & Blessed Valentine's to You all.

When Faith is Tested

Fr Simon was not his usual self today during the mass. He didnt say his homily..When he told us that he cant do his homily because he felt insincere & exhausted, there were so many question mark faces within the congregation. I guess Fr needed a rest after long celebration started long before Christmas.

It was my first time experiencing this after so many years I attended Masses. In fact it was the 1st time to Fr Simon himself for not able to give sermon. (To be honest, Fr Simon sermons are one my favourites...hehe.. i know i shouldnt be saying that!)

The reason I wrote this post is not because I was disappointed with him...but rather through what happened to Fr Simon today, it renew my faith towards God. I always thought that Priests are ever ready to stand infront of congregation...It makes me realised no matter how faithful a person is, there will be some point that we may think that we loose it. It just can happened to anyone, including the priest (bcoz we are sinners & not perfect)...But it is when u think that u are lost & suffer, that's time u nearest to God. (Only is that...dont lost forever! Get down on ur knees & pray)

I hope Fr Simon will be ok next week...haha, he was telling us that he need to go for confession over what happened today...Me too, have to get down on my knees to ask God forgiveness for I felt terrible this whole week over a serious damage i've done a few days back which i'm trying hard to patch things back. (The Idiot part that i wrote earlier).

Today's mass really a good one i must say..God touches everyone through Fr Simon's suffering. Amen.

Elmo

My colleague's daughter Celine (we normally call her Yan Yan) is barely 4...very cute little girl. I get to see her everyday coz i carpool with her mum. Once she get to know you, she will start asking lotsa questions. I was once stucked without an answer...her question was simple : "What's sleeping beauty name?" i was lost...I know Ariel the mermaid, I know bout Snow White, I know princess Jasmine..but oh oh...not the sleeping beauty. I owe her an answer until later...ended up googling to find the answer to it. haha

Few days ago i was wearing my Elmo T-shirt to work, from far she spotted it & shouted : "Why there's a big Elmo infront of Irene Cheh Cheh (sister) T-shirt? Is she bringing Elmo to work? Why mummy why? "

Haha...both her mum & i exchange look..v started laughing...she's so cute, really brightened our day.

Sometimes kids can bring joy to us when we are sad or stressed over daily life...their smiles, thoughts are so genuine & pure like little angels. I love kids...I did think about becoming a teacher long time ago, particularly a pre-school teacher...but on 2nd thought, i dont have the character that can set as a good example for little kids, so better not contaminate their little brains...hahahaha.

Anyway, next week is little Yan Yan's birthday....just hope she continue to be bubbly happy girl.

April 23rd....Auspicious??? Special??? Lucky??

Do u have an Auspicious day? or a lucky or a special day that u remember?? Today is a special day for me as it marked a great journey of my life started back in 2001 when God sent His angel. It was a turning point for me that i later found Christ, learned i can do better & treasure more in life.

^_^ Thank you...April 23rd 2001!! A day i'll always remember.

Dear Teacher

Here's a salute to all you teachers .... past and present ...

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, 'What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?'

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: 'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.'

To stress his point he said to another guest; 'You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?'

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, 'You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)

'Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make?' (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)'

'I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America.Finally,

I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.'(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

'Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE . What do you make Mr. CEO?'

His jaw dropped, he went silent.

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I like this email...thought sharing with u all...is so true bout how great are those teachers to everyone's life. Without them, i wouldn't know how to read..neither do i know that the world is sphere or how much is 1 + 1 & etc...hope this passage will humble every each of us & not becoming the Mr. CEO who was trying to disgrace the teacher.

As the Teacher's Day approaching...Happy Teacher's Day & salute to all the teachers!

Bond that will never break...

I had a great reunion with my closest cousins during the weekend. The arrangement was last minutes as one of my eldest cousin brother came back from Macau and it happened to be a school holiday as well.

It has been along time that all six of us together, due to work & study all of us are separated in some way. It was emotional moment for me as we are still as closed like when we were in our childhood time. Time flies, I still r'ber when we living under one same roof. I'm the eldest among six, those days I was the tallest , influential between us...but today, haha...i'm one of the shortest & happy to see them making their ways in life & sharing what every story they encountered..especially the one working in foreign land now.

Thank you God, thank you for the blessing u gave to six of us. Every each of us may not be the brightest in school or best in what we do...but I'm glad that we have what we need most...the closest bond & love within us...something will never break no matter what...

PS : Photos taken during trip up to Genting. 3 cars with 12 of us..Sigh! the part that spoiled the fun was that i cant spend a nite with them in Genting as i need to work the next morning....no choice but to followed my uncle's car back to KL...more photos to come.

Another Great Story from my thoughful friend

I'm supposed to do some write up on the run i did yesterday in S'pore...still finding time to do so...coz i'm still in "zzzzzz" mood now...tired!! But i'm delighted to see this email when i open my mailbox this morning...thought sharing this story with u all before i get my fingers & brain ready to type something out later...hahaha ;p spare some time to read this & see how we find love from God's miracles.

******************
A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet. She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes. Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.

She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!

'And what do you want?' the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages,' he said without waiting for a reply to his question.
'Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,' Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. 'He's really, really sick..and I want to buy a miracle.
''I beg your pardon?' said the pharmacist.
'His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?'
'We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you,' the pharmacist said, softening a little
'Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs.'

The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, 'What kind of a miracle does your brother need?'
' I don't know,' Tess replied with her eyes welling up. I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money.''
How much do you have?' asked the man from Chicago
'One dollar and eleven cents,' Tess answered barely audibly.'And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.'
'Well, what a coincidence,' smiled the man. 'A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a miracle for little brothers. '
He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said 'Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need.'

That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.

'That surgery,' her Mom whispered. 'was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?' Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost...one dollar and eleven cents....plus the faith of a little child.

In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need.A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law. I know you'll keep the ball moving! Here it goes. Throw it back to someone who means something to you! A ball is a circle, no beginning, no end. It keeps us together like our Circle of Friends. But the treasure inside for you to see is the treasure of friendship you've granted to me.

MY OATH TO YOU...When you are sad.....I will dry your tears.When you are scared.....I will comfort your fears. When you are worried.....I will give you hope. When you are confused.....I will help you cope.And when you are lost....And can't see the light, I shall be your beacon.....Shining ever so bright. This is my oath.....I pledge till the end.Why you may ask?.....Because you're my friend.Signed: GOD

A Wonderful Dog Story....Email sent by a thoughtful friend

A wonderful dog story . . . Anyone who has pets will really like this. You'll like it even if you don't and may decide you need one. Mary and her husband Jim had a dog, Lucky. Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing. Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease, she was just sure it was fatal. She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders.The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.

Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed. When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned!

While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love.Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every night.

It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free.Lucky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.

Live everyday to the fullest. Remember it is a blessing from God.The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards... They're the ones who care. "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

"Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God....and May the Lord Bless You Always."

An Evergreen Song - Amazing Grace

I was angry with God during my short prayer this morning...i've no idea why the anger came in, but i know the prayer was sort of throwing angry words on God rather than thanking him... I didnt think much after that & continue my day to office.

While working on my report, it seems like there a voice from the back of my mind asked me to listen to "Amazing Grace". To my relieve, I felt a sudden peace in me after listening to it... Is God trying to tell me how amazing his Grace is through the song & had listen to what i've said this morning? Is HE assuring HE's always there for me?? Yes Lord, I never doubt on you...Thanks for the peace u gave & please forgive me.

These are a few versions of "Amazing Grace" i found in youtube :
1) Sang by Judy Collins & the boys Choirs. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG3Xd7ENuyk) , the ending sound so powerful.

2) Leann Rimes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT88jBAoVIM&mode=related&search==)

3) Charlotte Church (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLxSJIyZYuE)

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And this last link not related to the above, this little girl sang like an angel..even simon cowell love her voice...must watch!

4) 6yrs old Connie in Britain's Talent Audtion (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cnRXmMn2Ag&mode=related&search==)

The Missionary of God..

I sat, with two friends, in the picture window of a quaint restaurant just off the corner of the town-square. The food and the company were both especially good that day.As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street. There, walking into town was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly goods on his back. He was carrying a well-worn sign that read, "I will work for food." My heart sank.

I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief. We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and went our separate ways. I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call for some response.

I drove through town and saw nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store and got back in my car. Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: "Don't go back to the office until you've at least driven once more around the square."Then, with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As turned the square's third corner, I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the store front church, going through his sack. I stopped and looked, feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on. The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an invitation to park. I pulled in, got out and approached the town's newest visitor."Looking for the pastor?" I asked."Not really," he replied, "just resting.""Have you eaten today?""Oh, I ate something early this morning.""Would you like to have lunch with me?""Do you have some work I could do for you?""No work," I replied. "I commute here to work from thecity, but I would like to take you to lunch.""Sure," he replied with a smile.As he began to gather his things, I asked some surface questions.“Where you headed?"" St. Louis.""Where you from?"
"Oh, all over; mostly Florida .""How long have you been walking?""Fourteen years," came the reply.

I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the same restaurant I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark, yet clear, and he spoke with an eloquence and articulation that was startling.He removed his jacket to reveal a bright red T-shirt that said, "Jesus is The Never Ending Story."Then Daniel's story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in life. He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences.

Fourteen years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on the beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought. He was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival services, and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over to God "Nothing's been the same since," he said, "I felt the Lord telling me to keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now.""Ever think of stopping?" I asked."Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me. But God has given me this calling. I give out Bibles. That's what's in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out when His Spirit leads." I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He wason a mission and lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then I asked: "What's it like?""What?""To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your sign?"
"Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments. Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts of other folks like me."

My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Just outside the door, he paused. He turned to me and said, "Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you. For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger and you took me in."I felt as if we were on holy ground. "Could you use another Bible?" I asked.He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too heavy. It was also his personal favorite.
"I've read through it 14 times," he said."I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and see." I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed very grateful.
"Where are you headed from here?" I asked.
"Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon.""Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?""No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star right there needs a Bible, so that's where I'm going next."He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission.

I drove him back to the town square where we'd met two hours earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parkedand unloaded his things."Would you sign my autograph book?" he asked. "I like to keep messages from folks I meet."I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life. I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture from Jeremiah, "I know the plans I havefor you, declared the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you; Plans to give you a future and a hope.""Thanks, man," he said. "I know we just met and we're really just strangers, but I love you.""I know," I said, "I love you, too." "The Lord is good!""Yes, He is.""How long has it been since someone hugged you?" I asked."A long time," he replied.

And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new and I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed. He put his things on his back, smiled his winning smile, and said, "See you in the New Jerusalem.""I'll be there!" was my reply.He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bedroll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned, and said, "When you see something that makes you think of me, willyou pray for me?""You bet," I shouted back, "God bless.""God bless." And that was the last I saw of him.

Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake,I saw them... a pair of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of the handle. I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm that night without them. Then I remembered his words: "If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?"

Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office. They help me to see the world and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those two hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry. "See you in the New Jerusalem," he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will...