Thursday, September 26, 2013

So Is A Smile!



Just as sweet as the flow’rs in bloom 
of spring array’d
So is a smile, such lovely portrait
of a semblance portray’d.
Just as the mountains beamed
to gape on spring
So is a smile, as light as feather
refreshment it brings.

Just as fresh dewdrops glisten
like glass beads pearly spray
So is a smile, a glimpse
of heaven’s matchless display!
Just as lovely blossoms beam like
the morning sunshine
So is a smile, momentary troubles
Compel to unwind.

Just as the nightingale seranades
her lullaby by sunfall
So is a smile, of a little child’s
who hears its mother’s call.
Just as the bees kissing the soft
velvety petals of a rose
So is a smile, inequities are forgiven
and silences the opposed.

An ORANGE day at the backyard.
Enjoy and watch a favourite song of mine. I love, love this video! Trust me, you’ll be left grinning the whole day! 




Blessings from Perth!

Friday, September 20, 2013

Shall be Opened!




A friend once asked me, “When is that “ideal”, prince-charming coming into my life, Jenny?”

I had no answer to that query simply because I do not know the answer. 

People desire so many things:  a husband, a wife, a house, a car, a child, a university degree.  But it stops there.  A desire.  It only sums up to a “desire”.

The Holy Scriptures say, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”  Matt. 7:7

Ask.  The main condition.  Is it God’s will?  Are you entrusting yourself to God’s loving authority, praying in line with God’s Word, and being led by His Spirit?  Do you surrender to His precepts and discerning to misleading choices and deception?  Is it God’s priority for you?

Seek.  Do you ask the Holy Spirit to lead your steps, to direct your ways, and to guide you with your decisions?  Do you go out of your way to find what God has in store for you?

Knock.  Are you "persistent and bold" enough to walk in faith (Luke 11:5-8), willing to wait and persevere?  Do you believe that God will provide what you desire and need?    He may not answer right away but He notices you!  Now, go and tag on His robe.

Our faith and prayer exposes our belief in our all-knowing, all answering God who gives good and perfect gifts to His children.  The key is knowing our Heavenly Father and knowing we are His, He will not withhold anything from us. 

In His perfect time….

It will be given you,
You shall find
It will be opened to you!

A beautiful weekend to one and all! 

This is an old door knocker from my aunt.  Thank you Tita Pynky! It’s now on our door!

Sunday, September 15, 2013

The Master Potter



These earthenware are called “burnay”. The industry that has grown from the making of burnay dates back to pre-colonial times when immigrants from China came to settle in Vigan, Ilocos Region, the Philippines. They practiced the craft of making earthenware using the grade A clay that was found in plenty in the Western area of Vigan. 



The making of burnay is done with just the use of the potter’s skillful hands and use of pottery wheel and kiln. Fine sand is used to temper the clay, which once fashioned into the desired shape is placed inside high-temperature ground kilns made from brick and clay. Compared to terracotta, people say that the burnay is hardier, and definitely sturdier.

 (the potter's hands skillfully forming a uniquely shaped vessel)

 (pots are now being air-dried before they are being baked in kilns)

 Burnay jars were first introduced to me by my mother-in-law, oh way back in the early 90’s.  Since then, I have always been fascinated by its unique shape and make.  So when my family visited the Philippines in July this year, it was such a privilege and interesting to witness how they were made: firstly, a slap a lump of clay placed firmly on the potter’s wheel followed by some human “kick power” to get the potter’s wheel turning at a pretty impressive speed whilst a pair of expert hands started to form a uniquely shaped vessel.  These pots are then air-dried before they are baked in traditional century old kilns fired up by wood. 


 (the end product product - heavy, sturdy, dark jars ready for the market)

I am so happy to be able to hand-carry a few miniature pots back to Perth, now my home.  These pots are about 3 inches in height and barely 2 inches in diameter. Yes, they are old, each weighing about 220-250 grams.

(the century old kiln fired up by chunks of wood)


Amazing how each of us were fashioned by the hands of God Himself.  We are uniquely crafted, and perfectly designed by our loving Father in Heaven.  The problem for people has always been sin.  Sin seeks to redesign our hearts and minds through lies, deception, and temptation.  In Christ, our sin is paid for, and we are offered the chisel of the Holy Spirit who resides in us!  

But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.”  Isa. 54:8

My prayer: “Holy Spirit, please lead us and change our hearts to be for God.  Lord God, re-shape us and make us new once more.  You are our master potter after all.  If we are broken in some way, You can most surely make it right!  Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

Color: Dark Clay

The pictures taken here are the traditional pottery making in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines.  July 2013