~A story to remember~

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all of their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died. The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?" The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time. This story teaches two lessons:

1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.

2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them. Be careful of what you say.

Speak life to those who cross your path. The power of words....it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times.
Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another.
Be special to others.

~My Family~

The picture above was taken on 7th January 2006, the day when my brother enlisted for Ns. For as long as I can remember, that was the last family photo taken. At times, I'll ask myself this question, " Is it so difficulty to buy one day of their (my parents) time?" Lost in a sea of confusing emotions, sometimes I'll burst into tears, wondering when the next family outing will be. I did try asking them but most of the time I'll get the same reply, " No time ". That is the only answer they can give me, I guessed. I did all I could, but still i get the same respond. Perhaps I only have myself to blame, not being a filial son at times. Year 2006 will soon be coming to an end, with Year 2007 on the verge of approaching. In 2007, all I hope for is to have regular outings and interactions with my family. Perhaps, all these will never come to pass, who knows.