At the threshold of adulthood, the Swallow was filled with hopes and dreams, forgetting sometimes the reason for her living, and the song sang by Chris Christian titled 'King of Dreams' was of special meaning to her when some hopes were dashed and some dreams were shattered. It brought her to remember that the Lord God was her real hope and the one who would fulfil her dreams in His perfect time.
KING OF DREAMS by Doug Howell (sang by Chris Christian)
Okay, have it Your way, it's only fair to warn You
I don't know how to live this way, but I'll be there to try
Cause I believe You'd rather die than hurt me
I gave You almost everything, but kept what really mattered to me
I need You, King of Dreams, since You've got it all
All I ask is that You show me how to live without them
Show me how to live with only You.
Somewhere deep in my heart, I'm saying yes to You
Please let that yes be multiplied cause that's all I can give
And You know I couldn't give You more, Jesus come and hold me tight
I'm so tired of holding phantoms in the night
I crown You, King of Dreams, now You've got it all
All I ask is that You show me how to live without them
Show me how to live with only You.
Am I really giving it now, will I ever give it all
Say You'll take it all, and tell me
Now You're King of Dreams, now you've got it all
All I ask is that You show me how to live without them
Show me how to live with only You.
Cause You are King of Dreams, now you've got it all
All I ask is that you show me how to live without them
Show me how to live with only You.
Monday 29 March 2010
Sunday 28 March 2010
Peacemakers
Recently, the Swallow's family concluded a series of devotion on the topic 'Peace', based on devotion guides from Walk Thru The Bible Ministries' Family Walk. The key verse they had to memorize was -
Roman 12 : 18 (NIV)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
It was an apt topic for the family to look into as the Swallow's young ones often get on each others' nerves, minded each others' business instead of their own, were quick to point out each others' faults, etc...
When the Swallow was younger, she had such a problem with her own siblings as well. Now that she is older, this issue of peace should not be difficult as her siblings are in different parts of the world. The Swallow's life should be peaceful (after taking the young ones' issues of peace out of the equation), right?
Not so!
Growing older peaceably, with friends and others around her, is still very much a challenge for the Swallow to meet. The Swallow realises that as men grow older, it does not necessarily mean that men grow wiser as well. Men that have absorbed and processed so much information may grow more opinionated and judgemental instead.
When others force their opinions on the Swallow, it is with much difficulty and even more humility to be able to maintain peace, to go to the extent of compromising for non-essential issues. The Swallow is glad that the Lord God is the One who supplies her with much needed grace and humility at such times. She will continue to hold on to this promise in His word -
Matthew 5 : 9 (NIV)
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
The Swallow will also need to continue looking to the Lord God for His help in growing old graciously so that she will not be one of those who are opinionated and judgemental!
Roman 12 : 18 (NIV)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
It was an apt topic for the family to look into as the Swallow's young ones often get on each others' nerves, minded each others' business instead of their own, were quick to point out each others' faults, etc...
When the Swallow was younger, she had such a problem with her own siblings as well. Now that she is older, this issue of peace should not be difficult as her siblings are in different parts of the world. The Swallow's life should be peaceful (after taking the young ones' issues of peace out of the equation), right?
Not so!
Growing older peaceably, with friends and others around her, is still very much a challenge for the Swallow to meet. The Swallow realises that as men grow older, it does not necessarily mean that men grow wiser as well. Men that have absorbed and processed so much information may grow more opinionated and judgemental instead.
When others force their opinions on the Swallow, it is with much difficulty and even more humility to be able to maintain peace, to go to the extent of compromising for non-essential issues. The Swallow is glad that the Lord God is the One who supplies her with much needed grace and humility at such times. She will continue to hold on to this promise in His word -
Matthew 5 : 9 (NIV)
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
The Swallow will also need to continue looking to the Lord God for His help in growing old graciously so that she will not be one of those who are opinionated and judgemental!
Fry!
In her post "Another Go At It" on 23 March 2010, the Swallow gave an account of her family's decision to rear guppies after the last of the tetras they were rearing died. She is happy to report that the decision was not in vain...
On Friday night, the Swallow was looking at how the guppies quickly gobbled up the food they were fed when she noticed what she at first thought was a piece of food going in a direction opposing the flow of water. Then she noted it was of a different colour. On a closer look, she realised it was a fry!
As the family was leaving the house to go and watch one of her young ones at his first-time-playing-at-a-concert, there was no time to see more. Upon their return, the family was quick to station themselves at the fish tank to have another look at the fry. When they saw more than one fry, the family members took turns trying to count the number of fry.
It was not an easy task as several of the fry hid in the gravel ie between the small pebbles, some hid among the leaves of the Java ferns and the strands of the Flame moss, others hid under the big piece of driftwood and the coconut shells, while the rest hid near the pump, but the family managed to count more than 10 fry!!
These few days have been exciting ones as the young ones vied in a game, to see who could spot more fry. Now, the family hopes that the fry will be given a chance to grow and not end up as fish food!
On Friday night, the Swallow was looking at how the guppies quickly gobbled up the food they were fed when she noticed what she at first thought was a piece of food going in a direction opposing the flow of water. Then she noted it was of a different colour. On a closer look, she realised it was a fry!
As the family was leaving the house to go and watch one of her young ones at his first-time-playing-at-a-concert, there was no time to see more. Upon their return, the family was quick to station themselves at the fish tank to have another look at the fry. When they saw more than one fry, the family members took turns trying to count the number of fry.
It was not an easy task as several of the fry hid in the gravel ie between the small pebbles, some hid among the leaves of the Java ferns and the strands of the Flame moss, others hid under the big piece of driftwood and the coconut shells, while the rest hid near the pump, but the family managed to count more than 10 fry!!
These few days have been exciting ones as the young ones vied in a game, to see who could spot more fry. Now, the family hopes that the fry will be given a chance to grow and not end up as fish food!
Saturday 27 March 2010
Friday 26 March 2010
Liquor
The Swallow does not subscribe to the drinking of liquor per se, but she does use it in cooking as some dishes taste better with a little of it.
Also, what better alternatively is there when the Swallow has so many bottles to clear (with compliments from well-wishers on her marriage, pregnancies, etc...)?
These are the ones that the Swallow commonly uses
Also, what better alternatively is there when the Swallow has so many bottles to clear (with compliments from well-wishers on her marriage, pregnancies, etc...)?
These are the ones that the Swallow commonly uses
- Brandy
- Chinese Wine - Shao Hsing Hua Tiao Jiu
- DOM
Potato & Beef Mix
Before her marriage, the Swallow's experience in the kitchen had been limited. When she got married, and took up cooking on a regular basis (the way to a man's heart....), there were a few disasters now and then, but this was one dish that came with a good comment from her mate the first time she made it.
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| Served with bow pasta |
POTATO & BEEF MIX (Serves 4)
Ingredients
- 500g beef mince
- 3 large potatoes, cubed
- 1 large carrot, cubed
- 1 can whole peeled tomatoes (about 400g), drained (keep the juice), and roughly chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp oil
- dash of black pepper
- 1 tsp Chinese wine (optional)
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tbsp tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 pcs chilli padi, cut and seeds removed / Tabasco sauce (optional)
- salt, to taste
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick deep pan over a medium fire. Add onion and stir-fry until onion has softened.
- Add carrots and stir-fry for about 1 minute.
- Add potatoes and stir-fry until potatoes have been slightly coated with the oil.
- Add 1 cup water and garlic, cover the pan, and cook for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Add beef mince and mix well, breaking up any lumps.
- Add tomatoes and mix well.
- Add tomato juice, black pepper, Chinese wine, 1 cup of water and basil. Bring to a boil, then simmer for another 10 minutes or until potatoes have softened.
- Season with tomato sauce and worchestershire sauce. Season, to taste, with salt. Add chilli padi or Tabasco sauce if required.
- Serve with cooked pasta (add cheese if required), or rice, or just enjoy it on its own.
- This dish tastes better when left sitting for some time. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Thursday 25 March 2010
Peach Agar-Agar
When the hot or dry days are here, the Swallow looks for ways and means to cool down the temperature; whether it is by using the fan or air-conditioner, bathing more frequently (like her young ones do...), or just bringing out her arsenal of recipes that assists in bringing down the internal body heat.
A popular choice of food that helps to cool down the body is the Agar-agar, the Malay word for jelly. In particular, the Swallow's family loves the Peach Agar-Agar. They can polish the whole tray in a single seating if given the chance!
PEACH AGAR-AGAR (Serves 4 - 6)
Ingredients
A popular choice of food that helps to cool down the body is the Agar-agar, the Malay word for jelly. In particular, the Swallow's family loves the Peach Agar-Agar. They can polish the whole tray in a single seating if given the chance!
PEACH AGAR-AGAR (Serves 4 - 6)
Ingredients
- 1 pkt (12g) agar-agar powder (white)
- water
- 100g sugar
- 1 can (825g) peach halves in syrup
- a few drops of food colouring, if desired
- Drain the syrup from the peaches.
- Mix the syrup with enough water to make a total of 1 litre of liquid.
- Cut up the peach halves into small cubes, and lay them in a square cake tray. Then place this tray into the refrigerator.
- Dissolve the packet of agar-agar powder in the syrup mixture.
- Add the sugar, stir and bring to a boil over low heat.
- Turn off the heat; and add the food colouring, if desired.
- Remove the cake tray from the refrigerator; pour the mixture over the cut peach halves, stirring all the time.
- Allow the mixture to cool for about 15 minutes, stirring it occasionally.
- Place the cake tray back into the refrigerator for the agar-agar to set.
- Serve cold.
Tangy Hot & Sweet Ribs
When the Swallow had a bottle of apple cider vinegar with an expiry date that was drawing close, she found the trailing recipe helpful. This dish has become a new favourite of the family. The Swallow had thought that she would stop buying this vinegar, but now she does not need to think twice about buying it.
TANGY HOT & SWEET RIBS (Serves 4)
Ingredients
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup white rice vinegar
2 cups brown sugar (don't pack it in unless you have a sweet tooth)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 chilli padi, minced (use red chillies for a milder taste)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 kg spare ribs
TANGY HOT & SWEET RIBS (Serves 4)
Ingredients
1 cup white rice vinegar
2 cups brown sugar (don't pack it in unless you have a sweet tooth)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 chilli padi, minced (use red chillies for a milder taste)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 kg spare ribs
- Mix together all the ingredients, except the spare ribs, in a large pot.
- Simmer over medium heat for at least 15 minutes.
- Add the ribs and simmer for another hour, or until the ribs are tender.
- Enjoy!
Wednesday 24 March 2010
Ceylon Spinach
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| Ceylon Spinach shoots |
The Ceylon Spinach consists of 2 parts - the tough stem; and the soft shoot.
The shoots are usually stir-fried, or cooked in soups with meat or other vegetables. When cooked, it has a slightly slimy texture which is similar to that of the lady fingers (okra). The hardier stems may or may not be eaten, depending on how hardy it is and personal inclination.
When the stems are too hardy to be eaten, the Swallow will experiment with them in her balcony-garden. Click here to read about growing Ceylon Spinach from stem cuttings.
Growing Ceylon Spinach
Ceylon Spinach is popularly known as 'di huang miao' in Mandarin or 'wong dai miew' in Cantonese. When cooked, it has a slightly slimy texture which is similar to that of the lady fingers (okra).
Ceylon Spinach can be grown from stem either in water or soil, and this was what the Swallow did with the leftover stems after cooking the top part of the vegetable. She had deemed it such a waste to throw the stems away, so she was happy to find out that it was possible to grow the vegetable from its stem.
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| Growing Ceylon Spinach from stem cuttings |
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| Ceylon Spinach shoots |
Tuesday 23 March 2010
Another Go At It
Then one day in year 2007, one of the Swallow's young ones came home with a bag of fish which was his prize in a 'fishing' game at his school's fun fair.
As fish met each of the criterion for the keeping of pets, as laid down by the Swallow and her mate, the young one was allowed to keep the fishes. And that was the start of the journey of discovery into the world of fish...
A big glass bowl (recycled from a damaged turbo broiler, now being used as the Swallow's terrarium) was used to house the fishes. However, due to lack of food and oxygen, and maybe too much moving around, several of the fishes died.
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| The Planted Tank |
Since then, the Swallow's young ones (as expected...) have lost interest in the pets, but the Swallow and her mate's interest grew. They invested some time in exploring the world of fishes and aquatic plants, and brought to fruit their decision to have a planted tank.
The Swallow and her mate experimented with
- various plants like dracaenas, aponogeton, cabomba and cryptocoryne among many others
- other fishes such as tetras and sucker fish
- different growing mediums eg soil, soilless, gravel
- lighting and its effect
- CO2 and its effect
- fertilizer and its effect
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| Java Ferns |
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| Flame Moss |
A renewed interest from the young ones brought about the buying of guppies. Although they are not as hardy as the tetra (especially the x-ray tetras), the guppies they had bought in the past had given birth to fry, and the young ones were hopeful to repeat this.
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| Guppies |
Friday 19 March 2010
Be Like a Tree
It was reported in the newspapers yesterday that hundreds of people have begun evacuating resort islands off Australia's east coast in preparation for a powerful cyclone heading its way with winds of up to 168 kilometres an hour.
The Swallow cannot imagine the magnitude of this cyclone as Singapore has never been hit by one before. Singapore is situated in a part of the world that is relatively unaffected by natural disasters. In her years after moving to Singapore, the Swallow has only felt tremors when nearby Indonesian islands were hit by earthquakes.
However, the Swallow had a glimpse of what strong winds can do. Yesterday, there were several minutes when strong winds blew. The Swallow heard several of her neighbours' doors slamming shut, her own windows rattling in their casings, and the howl of the winds as they blew in through narrow passageways. The Swallow is grateful that those who planted a huge tree outside her home did a good job as the tree, which was almost eight storeys high, stayed rooted and strong. The only thing it did was sway with the wind, left and right, and left and right...
One of the Swallow's young ones couldn't make up his mind today about some matters that needed his decision. One moment, he decided on one thing. The next moment, he changed his mind. Then he changed his mind again, and again...the Swallow thinks that if he could, the young one would want everything at the same time...sometimes the Swallow does that too...a chip off the old block!
Life is like that, isn't it? Men want everything they can get their hands on. They follow their heart, or mind, or whatever it is, without stopping to think of the consequences of their actions. They move as if with the wind, going whichever way the wind blows.
The Swallow is learning (still...) to be like a tree that stays rooted and strong in the right foundation with flexibility in her branches and leaves, so that even when there are strong winds (or cyclones!), she will not be broken down. Instead, she will be able to withstand the forces that come at her with a steadfast spirit, trusting in her Lord to see her through the disasters. She will be able to go with the flow, yet not blown away like chaff driven by the wind.
Psalm 1 : 1 - 3 (NKJV)
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither,
And whatever he does shall prosper.
BE LIKE A TREE by Paul & Denise Smith
I'm gonna be like a tree
Planted by the waters
Trusting in the Father
To keep me strong
I'm gonna be like a tree
Planted by the waters
Trusting in the name
Of the Lord
I'm gonna be like a tree
Planted by the waters
Trusting in the Father
To help me grow
I'm gonna be like a tree
Planted by the waters
Trusting in the name
Of the Lord.
The deeper the roots go
The better the fruits grow
The blessings bloom out
For all to see
The deeper the roots go
The more will my life show
That Jesus is the Lord of me!
The Swallow cannot imagine the magnitude of this cyclone as Singapore has never been hit by one before. Singapore is situated in a part of the world that is relatively unaffected by natural disasters. In her years after moving to Singapore, the Swallow has only felt tremors when nearby Indonesian islands were hit by earthquakes.
However, the Swallow had a glimpse of what strong winds can do. Yesterday, there were several minutes when strong winds blew. The Swallow heard several of her neighbours' doors slamming shut, her own windows rattling in their casings, and the howl of the winds as they blew in through narrow passageways. The Swallow is grateful that those who planted a huge tree outside her home did a good job as the tree, which was almost eight storeys high, stayed rooted and strong. The only thing it did was sway with the wind, left and right, and left and right...
One of the Swallow's young ones couldn't make up his mind today about some matters that needed his decision. One moment, he decided on one thing. The next moment, he changed his mind. Then he changed his mind again, and again...the Swallow thinks that if he could, the young one would want everything at the same time...sometimes the Swallow does that too...a chip off the old block!
Life is like that, isn't it? Men want everything they can get their hands on. They follow their heart, or mind, or whatever it is, without stopping to think of the consequences of their actions. They move as if with the wind, going whichever way the wind blows.
The Swallow is learning (still...) to be like a tree that stays rooted and strong in the right foundation with flexibility in her branches and leaves, so that even when there are strong winds (or cyclones!), she will not be broken down. Instead, she will be able to withstand the forces that come at her with a steadfast spirit, trusting in her Lord to see her through the disasters. She will be able to go with the flow, yet not blown away like chaff driven by the wind.
Psalm 1 : 1 - 3 (NKJV)
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither,
And whatever he does shall prosper.
BE LIKE A TREE by Paul & Denise Smith
I'm gonna be like a tree
Planted by the waters
Trusting in the Father
To keep me strong
I'm gonna be like a tree
Planted by the waters
Trusting in the name
Of the Lord
I'm gonna be like a tree
Planted by the waters
Trusting in the Father
To help me grow
I'm gonna be like a tree
Planted by the waters
Trusting in the name
Of the Lord.
The deeper the roots go
The better the fruits grow
The blessings bloom out
For all to see
The deeper the roots go
The more will my life show
That Jesus is the Lord of me!
Thursday 18 March 2010
Life is Like a Landscape
The Swallow sees life as a landscape...
Sometimes it is not so calm...
More often than not, there are mountains to climb and valleys to explore...
Sometimes it is filled with colour...and yet there are shadows too...
But the Lord God is watching over the Swallow through it all...
MY FATHER WATCHES OVER ME (W C Martin)
I trust in God wherever I may be,
Upon the land or on the rolling sea,
For come what may, from day to day,
My heavenly Father watches over me.
I trust in God, I know He cares for me,
On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;
Though billows roll, He keeps my soul,
My heavenly Father watches over me.
Sometimes it is calm like the beach on a balmy day...
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| Calm before the storm |
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| Churning waters |
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| Lofty mountains |
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| Sunset |
MY FATHER WATCHES OVER ME (W C Martin)
I trust in God wherever I may be,
Upon the land or on the rolling sea,
For come what may, from day to day,
My heavenly Father watches over me.
I trust in God, I know He cares for me,
On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;
Though billows roll, He keeps my soul,
My heavenly Father watches over me.
Wednesday 17 March 2010
He Will Carry You
Two days back, while travelling along the highway in a bus with her family, the Swallow went past a school. She noticed some plants planted on the edge in the school grounds, and it brought to her mind a school project in her younger days when she was in Malaysia.
Students had to 'adopt' a pot of plant each. All they needed to do was water the plant. This project would ease the task of the plant-caretakers as due to the very hot weather at that time, many plants were wilting or dying from lack of water.
The Swallow remembers that she was given a pot right next to a toilet on the ground floor. Her first thought, vocalised by some of her classmates, was 'The toilet? Eeww!'. Toilets in those days were dark, dank, smelly and abounding in ghost stories! Maybe it is the same today?
In those days, the Swallow had heard about God and was in her early years of learning to trust in Him. She had wondered how this situation would work out for her. Over the days of her project, the Swallow came to realised that although the location of the plant was not desirable, it was near a water source. The Swallow saved much time and effort getting water for the plant. Some of her classmates had to move a distance to look for water, and after some time did not bother to water the plants in their care at all. The outcome was the Swallow's plant thrived while most of her classmates' plants wilted.
Recently, there was a special event in the local assembly which the Swallow attended. In the last leg, a wrench was thrown in the gears of preparations. The Swallow's first thought, vocalised by others in the same committee, was to complain, 'Why now? So much time had been given to finalize issues...'
Since those days of her school project, the Lord God had proven His faithfulness time and time again to the Swallow. She knew if she committed the problem to Him, He would see her through. So she did, and He did!
The Lord is faithful! Praise be to His name! He gave the Swallow an idea to overcome the problem, and the event proceeded without more major problems. Yes, there were still some hiccups here and there during the event, but again the Lord was in control. He has never promised that knowing Him will mean a problem-free life, but...
Hebrew 13 : 5b - 6 (NKJV)
For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
HE WILL CARRY YOU by Scott Wesley Brown
There is no problem too big, God cannot solve it,
There is no mountain too tall, He cannot move it,
There is no storm too dark, God cannot calm it,
There is no sorrow too deep, He cannot soothe it.
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders,
I know, my brother, that He will carry you!
He said, "Come unto Me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest."
The Swallow's life is what she makes out of it. She can complain, she can whine, she can be sorrowful; or she can seek the Lord's help, she can give thanks to the Lord, she can rejoice in the Lord always!
Students had to 'adopt' a pot of plant each. All they needed to do was water the plant. This project would ease the task of the plant-caretakers as due to the very hot weather at that time, many plants were wilting or dying from lack of water.
The Swallow remembers that she was given a pot right next to a toilet on the ground floor. Her first thought, vocalised by some of her classmates, was 'The toilet? Eeww!'. Toilets in those days were dark, dank, smelly and abounding in ghost stories! Maybe it is the same today?
In those days, the Swallow had heard about God and was in her early years of learning to trust in Him. She had wondered how this situation would work out for her. Over the days of her project, the Swallow came to realised that although the location of the plant was not desirable, it was near a water source. The Swallow saved much time and effort getting water for the plant. Some of her classmates had to move a distance to look for water, and after some time did not bother to water the plants in their care at all. The outcome was the Swallow's plant thrived while most of her classmates' plants wilted.
Recently, there was a special event in the local assembly which the Swallow attended. In the last leg, a wrench was thrown in the gears of preparations. The Swallow's first thought, vocalised by others in the same committee, was to complain, 'Why now? So much time had been given to finalize issues...'
Since those days of her school project, the Lord God had proven His faithfulness time and time again to the Swallow. She knew if she committed the problem to Him, He would see her through. So she did, and He did!
The Lord is faithful! Praise be to His name! He gave the Swallow an idea to overcome the problem, and the event proceeded without more major problems. Yes, there were still some hiccups here and there during the event, but again the Lord was in control. He has never promised that knowing Him will mean a problem-free life, but...
Hebrew 13 : 5b - 6 (NKJV)
For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
HE WILL CARRY YOU by Scott Wesley Brown
There is no problem too big, God cannot solve it,
There is no mountain too tall, He cannot move it,
There is no storm too dark, God cannot calm it,
There is no sorrow too deep, He cannot soothe it.
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders,
I know, my brother, that He will carry you!
He said, "Come unto Me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest."
The Swallow's life is what she makes out of it. She can complain, she can whine, she can be sorrowful; or she can seek the Lord's help, she can give thanks to the Lord, she can rejoice in the Lord always!
Friday 12 March 2010
Image Conscious
Lately, one of the Swallow's young ones has been very conscious of his image. The hair must be combed a certain way. The teeth must be shining white. The clothes he wears must be 'cool'. When those around him comment that he has 'put on' a bit, he would be seen eating less at the next meal (this only applies when his favourite dishes are not on the table!).
Gone are the days when he had the 'can't-be-bothered' attitude. It is a good sign. He is growing up. The Swallow and her mate are looking forward to the days when he is conscious not only of his outward appearance but also of the condition of his heart.
Do you ever face this situation...you stand before a mirror, note your outward appearance, then walk away and forget what you look like? The Swallow does, everyday, then gets a shock or a surprise (depending on what she was doing before that) at her appearance when she catches a sight of her reflection in the mirror or glass.
If there is such a thing as a mirror or glass that can see the condition of a man's heart, what would be revealed when the Swallow looks at her heart?
Psalm 51 : 10 (NKJV)
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Proverbs 27 : 19 (NKJV)
As in water face reflects face, so a man's heart reveals the man.
The Swallow is grateful that her heart, though it may be bruised, though it may be hurt, though it may not last, but because of the finished and perfect work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary, it will always be clean...the Swallow just needs to confess daily the sins that still pop up now and then...
1 John 1 : 9 (NKJV)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Psalm 32 : 5 (NKJV)
I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.
In the words of a song the Swallow loves to sing...
IN THE IMAGE OF GOD (author unknown)
In the image of God we were made long ago
With a purpose divine, here His glory to show;
But we failed Him one day,
And like sheep, went astray
Thinking not of the cost
We His likeness had lost,
But from eternity God had in mind
The cross of Calvary - the lost to find;
From His heaven so broad,
Christ came down earth to trod
So that men might live again in the image of God!
Now that I have believed and the Saviour received,
Now that I from the guilt of my sin am relieved
I will live for my Lord, not for gain nor reward
But for love thinking of what His grace has restored!
I'll never comprehend redemption's plan -
How Christ could condescend to die for man?
Such a Saviour I'll praise
To the end of my days
As I upward, onward trod in the image of God!
Gone are the days when he had the 'can't-be-bothered' attitude. It is a good sign. He is growing up. The Swallow and her mate are looking forward to the days when he is conscious not only of his outward appearance but also of the condition of his heart.
Do you ever face this situation...you stand before a mirror, note your outward appearance, then walk away and forget what you look like? The Swallow does, everyday, then gets a shock or a surprise (depending on what she was doing before that) at her appearance when she catches a sight of her reflection in the mirror or glass.
If there is such a thing as a mirror or glass that can see the condition of a man's heart, what would be revealed when the Swallow looks at her heart?
Psalm 51 : 10 (NKJV)
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Proverbs 27 : 19 (NKJV)
As in water face reflects face, so a man's heart reveals the man.
The Swallow is grateful that her heart, though it may be bruised, though it may be hurt, though it may not last, but because of the finished and perfect work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary, it will always be clean...the Swallow just needs to confess daily the sins that still pop up now and then...
1 John 1 : 9 (NKJV)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Psalm 32 : 5 (NKJV)
I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.
In the words of a song the Swallow loves to sing...
IN THE IMAGE OF GOD (author unknown)
In the image of God we were made long ago
With a purpose divine, here His glory to show;
But we failed Him one day,
And like sheep, went astray
Thinking not of the cost
We His likeness had lost,
But from eternity God had in mind
The cross of Calvary - the lost to find;
From His heaven so broad,
Christ came down earth to trod
So that men might live again in the image of God!
Now that I have believed and the Saviour received,
Now that I from the guilt of my sin am relieved
I will live for my Lord, not for gain nor reward
But for love thinking of what His grace has restored!
I'll never comprehend redemption's plan -
How Christ could condescend to die for man?
Such a Saviour I'll praise
To the end of my days
As I upward, onward trod in the image of God!
Training-in-Progress
One of the Swallow's young one will be running in some events for her school's annual Athletics Meet. When the young one was getting her stuff ready for the day's programme, she was undecided whether to wear her school shoes, or to wear her running shoes. So she checked with her mother, the Swallow, for advice.
The conversation went like this...
Young One (YO) : Mama, which pair of shoes should I wear for the Athletics Meet?
The Swallow (TS) : The pair you have been practicing your running with.
YO : But I have not been practicing my running.
TS : Then what have you been doing everytime you had your (sports) house practice?
Many times the Swallow has lost patience with her young ones, and has also been frustrated because she did not know what to do. It is a good thing that she can rely on the One who is ever ready to sustain her. After confessing her impatience to her Lord God, and asking His forgiveness, she is all ready to try again...and again...and again...
Like the Swallow's young one who started off the practice of running with just some rounds around the school field, then more rounds again around the school field; maybe followed by some mini-races with her schoolmates, some short-distanced, some long-distanced; then back again to more round-the-school-field running...
There were times when the young one came home to say that she couldn't understand why they were doing all that running...until the selection process was made, and the young one was chosen to run in the actual events.
Well, the Swallow knows why she is running this race of life that the Lord God has given to her. She also understands the training that is involved. She knows it will be difficult, exhausting, and challenging. There will be tears, sweat and dirt. However, she also knows that when she has reached the finishing line, there will be joy when she hears her Lord say "Well done, good and faithful servant".
The Swallow's mate once told her (not sure if it is his very own advice or gleaned from another wise person) that when one fails to learn his 'lesson', the same lesson will come again. However, when one succeeds in learning his 'lesson', the lesson may come again although on another level.
This then is the Swallow's training-in-progress...the Swallow will press on...she will not quit...she will not give up!
The young one wore her school shoes to the Athletics Meet...
The conversation went like this...
Young One (YO) : Mama, which pair of shoes should I wear for the Athletics Meet?
The Swallow (TS) : The pair you have been practicing your running with.
YO : But I have not been practicing my running.
TS : Then what have you been doing everytime you had your (sports) house practice?
Many times the Swallow has lost patience with her young ones, and has also been frustrated because she did not know what to do. It is a good thing that she can rely on the One who is ever ready to sustain her. After confessing her impatience to her Lord God, and asking His forgiveness, she is all ready to try again...and again...and again...
Like the Swallow's young one who started off the practice of running with just some rounds around the school field, then more rounds again around the school field; maybe followed by some mini-races with her schoolmates, some short-distanced, some long-distanced; then back again to more round-the-school-field running...
There were times when the young one came home to say that she couldn't understand why they were doing all that running...until the selection process was made, and the young one was chosen to run in the actual events.
Well, the Swallow knows why she is running this race of life that the Lord God has given to her. She also understands the training that is involved. She knows it will be difficult, exhausting, and challenging. There will be tears, sweat and dirt. However, she also knows that when she has reached the finishing line, there will be joy when she hears her Lord say "Well done, good and faithful servant".
The Swallow's mate once told her (not sure if it is his very own advice or gleaned from another wise person) that when one fails to learn his 'lesson', the same lesson will come again. However, when one succeeds in learning his 'lesson', the lesson may come again although on another level.
This then is the Swallow's training-in-progress...the Swallow will press on...she will not quit...she will not give up!
The young one wore her school shoes to the Athletics Meet...
Wednesday 10 March 2010
Anna and the Rehearsal
Anna loved to sing, and she was given many opportunities to sing, be it alone in the bathroom or before a crowd.
One such opportunity came when there was a 3-day celebration to honour the King. There would be a song item on each night. Anna signed up to sing for two nights of the celebration.
Anna and her friends were delighted to sing for the King, so they put in many practices to train their voices and looked forward to the day of the celebration.
A few days before the celebration, there was a rehearsal. Anna realised that all the song items would be given on the same night of rehearsal. Anna was anxious. "This is a rehearsal. I must perform as if I am singing on the actual night. I must wear the correct attire." she thought.
After the first song item, Anna quickly left the room and changed into the appropriate attire. Alas, when Anna went back to the room, the second song item had begun and there was no way for her to join in.
"Where were you, Anna?" her friends asked her when the rehearsal was over. "We thought we had seen you in the first song item. Why were you not in the other song item as well?"
Anna was ashamed to admit that she had allowed vanity to come before her desire to honour the King with her voice.
From that day on, Anna strived to place importance on the things that truly mattered.
Read more of Anna's adventures
One such opportunity came when there was a 3-day celebration to honour the King. There would be a song item on each night. Anna signed up to sing for two nights of the celebration.
Anna and her friends were delighted to sing for the King, so they put in many practices to train their voices and looked forward to the day of the celebration.
A few days before the celebration, there was a rehearsal. Anna realised that all the song items would be given on the same night of rehearsal. Anna was anxious. "This is a rehearsal. I must perform as if I am singing on the actual night. I must wear the correct attire." she thought.
After the first song item, Anna quickly left the room and changed into the appropriate attire. Alas, when Anna went back to the room, the second song item had begun and there was no way for her to join in.
"Where were you, Anna?" her friends asked her when the rehearsal was over. "We thought we had seen you in the first song item. Why were you not in the other song item as well?"
Anna was ashamed to admit that she had allowed vanity to come before her desire to honour the King with her voice.
From that day on, Anna strived to place importance on the things that truly mattered.
Read more of Anna's adventures
The Rain Has Come
Several days ago, the Swallow had mentioned that the temperature has been rising in Singapore. She was hoping that cooler days were coming. Well, the Swallow's wish has been granted!
These past two days, it has been raining in the afternoons and when she woke up this morning, it was raining. At this point in the Swallow's journal, it is still raining, and it looks like it will rain a while more. Breathe in, breathe out, and in again. Aah! The Swallow can now smell the freshness of the air...not so in the days before the rains came as there was a smell of smoke in the air, most likely caused by bush fires.
After bringing one of her young ones to school, the Swallow was returning home and was grateful to use the shelters which lined part of the way back to her home, when she was almost drenched!
Not from of a gush of water from a passing vehicle...not from a sudden shower of raindrops from the leaves of surrounding trees because she was not using an umbrella...not because she was walking in the drizzle and there was a sudden downpour...but while she was under the shelter! The shelter was leaking, and it must have several holes because the water was not coming down as an occasional drip, but a continuous and steady drip. Makes the Swallow wonder why it is called a shelter...isn't a shelter suppose to shelter you from the elements, discharge from birds, etc, etc?!
It brought to the Swallow's mind that sometimes too, men place their hopes in shelters that does not the work of shelters.
Men place their dreams on their spouses, waiting for them to make their dreams come true and when these loved ones do not do that, they are disillusioned and want to quit the marriage.
Men place their hopes on their children, thinking that the children will take care of them when they are old but when the children forget all that has been done for them in the past, they complain that no one loves them anymore.
Men place their hard-earned cash into stocks and shares, hoping to grow their nest egg but then comes the news of a stock-market crash.
Why do men place their dreams, their hopes or their earthly possessions on 'shelters' that do not work (not on a rest-of-your-life basis anyway)? Why do they not look for a shelter that works, not only when the sun is shining, but also when it rains? Why do they not look for a shelter that can also protect them from the 'discharges' that may come from any direction?
It is a timely reminder to the Swallow -
Psalm 91 : 1 - 2 (NIV)
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
These past two days, it has been raining in the afternoons and when she woke up this morning, it was raining. At this point in the Swallow's journal, it is still raining, and it looks like it will rain a while more. Breathe in, breathe out, and in again. Aah! The Swallow can now smell the freshness of the air...not so in the days before the rains came as there was a smell of smoke in the air, most likely caused by bush fires.
After bringing one of her young ones to school, the Swallow was returning home and was grateful to use the shelters which lined part of the way back to her home, when she was almost drenched!
Not from of a gush of water from a passing vehicle...not from a sudden shower of raindrops from the leaves of surrounding trees because she was not using an umbrella...not because she was walking in the drizzle and there was a sudden downpour...but while she was under the shelter! The shelter was leaking, and it must have several holes because the water was not coming down as an occasional drip, but a continuous and steady drip. Makes the Swallow wonder why it is called a shelter...isn't a shelter suppose to shelter you from the elements, discharge from birds, etc, etc?!
It brought to the Swallow's mind that sometimes too, men place their hopes in shelters that does not the work of shelters.
Men place their dreams on their spouses, waiting for them to make their dreams come true and when these loved ones do not do that, they are disillusioned and want to quit the marriage.
Men place their hopes on their children, thinking that the children will take care of them when they are old but when the children forget all that has been done for them in the past, they complain that no one loves them anymore.
Men place their hard-earned cash into stocks and shares, hoping to grow their nest egg but then comes the news of a stock-market crash.
Why do men place their dreams, their hopes or their earthly possessions on 'shelters' that do not work (not on a rest-of-your-life basis anyway)? Why do they not look for a shelter that works, not only when the sun is shining, but also when it rains? Why do they not look for a shelter that can also protect them from the 'discharges' that may come from any direction?
It is a timely reminder to the Swallow -
Psalm 91 : 1 - 2 (NIV)
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Tuesday 9 March 2010
Baking Powder & Baking Soda
As the Swallow loves to bake cakes and cookies, baking powder and baking soda (aka bicarbonate of soda or sodium bicarbonate) are two important ingredients that are must-haves in the Swallow's inventory.
Recently, the Swallow decided to bake a cake for her family's breakfast. The butter had been laid out and was at room temperature, the flour had been measured and ready to be sifted with the salt and the baking soda....Oops! That was when she realised that she had forgotten to replenish her baking soda which had run out some months back. What was she going to do?
A quick search in her recipe books gave her no clues, but a check in Google drew three options
Recently, the Swallow decided to bake a cake for her family's breakfast. The butter had been laid out and was at room temperature, the flour had been measured and ready to be sifted with the salt and the baking soda....Oops! That was when she realised that she had forgotten to replenish her baking soda which had run out some months back. What was she going to do?
A quick search in her recipe books gave her no clues, but a check in Google drew three options
- if one does not have baking powder, baking soda can be used instead, but there is nothing to be done if baking soda is not available (the Swallow ditched this - no help at all!)
- use cream of tartar instead (this option also came with some scientific explanation about how it works but the Swallow had a hard time understanding (!), also the Swallow did not have any cream of tartar so she ditched this too)
- use 1 tsp of baking powder instead (those who gave these answers said it would work)
Monday 8 March 2010
Jade Plant
The Swallow has sent another plant to its eternal rest...sigh...
The Jade Plant was bought on 18 November last year, about the same time as the Aloe Vera and the Pearl Plant. It looked cramped in its original pot and the Swallow thought to give it more room, so she transplanted it into a nice-looking ceramic pot with some 'Oriental' designs on it, thinking that the designs would complement the Jade Plant.
Some time after that, the leaves started to turn yellow. After some research, she found out that the plant, as a succulent, has some characteristics similar to the cacti i.e. they do not need a lot of watering, and they need a well-drained soil. Well, the Swallow has the tendency to be over-zealous in watering her plants...also, the 'Oriental' pot did not have any drainage holes...
So out came the Jade Plant from the 'Oriental' pot and when the Swallow checked the roots, sure enough, they were starting to rot...
 |
| Jade Plant |
The Swallow then decided to divide it into three plants (they are usually propagated through division) and to repot them into individual plastic pots that have several drainage holes.
Little did she realise the harm she had already inflicted onto the plant...not only did they have to bear with rotting roots, they had to bear with the many repottings...and they could not take the shocks...one by one, the root rot spread to the stem...and they had to be 'let go'...sigh sigh sigh.
Oh well, at least the Swallow has learnt her lesson (she hopes!) from this experience. She is now more cautious in the watering of her plants as she checks the soil first to make sure that it is dry.
Sunday 7 March 2010
The Joy of the Lord
The Swallow, who was involved in the children's ministry, was asked this question today, "What is your motivation in the ministry?" For a while, the Swallow was stumped and unable to answer the person who asked her this question.
Why was the Swallow stumped? Because the Swallow had never spent time asking herself this question. From the time she first tasted of the Lord's goodness, and claimed Him as her personal Lord and Saviour, it was as if the gun at the start of a race had gone off, and she just ran...
There is nothing the Swallow needs to do to earn her salvation - Jesus has done it all! Whatever she was doing, was out of a heart of gratitude for the One who has done so much for her.
However, there is a question that the Swallow asks herself time and time again, "What keeps her going?" And the answer is 'The Joy of the Lord'.
Even though in the race of life, sometimes she is running alone, the Lord is with her; sometimes she is running with others, and they run faster, leaving her behind while shouting words of encouragement to her, the Lord is with her; sometimes she is running with others, but these shout words of discouragement to her instead, the Lord is still with her.
The Swallow can take courage that knowing the Lord God who is faithful, who will never fail her, who loves her in spite of who she is and what she does, she can have this joy that keeps her going, day and night, day in day out; that keeps her smiling at the storms of her life.
Nehemiah 8 : 10 (NKJV)
...Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
WITH CHRIST IN THE VESSEL (author unknown)
With Christ in the vessel,
We can smile at the storm,
Smile at the storm,
Smile at the storm,
With Christ in the vessel,
We can smile at the storm,
As we go sailing home,
Sailing, sailing home,
Sailing, sailing home,
With Christ in the vessel,
We can smile at the storm,
As we go sailing home!
Why was the Swallow stumped? Because the Swallow had never spent time asking herself this question. From the time she first tasted of the Lord's goodness, and claimed Him as her personal Lord and Saviour, it was as if the gun at the start of a race had gone off, and she just ran...
There is nothing the Swallow needs to do to earn her salvation - Jesus has done it all! Whatever she was doing, was out of a heart of gratitude for the One who has done so much for her.
However, there is a question that the Swallow asks herself time and time again, "What keeps her going?" And the answer is 'The Joy of the Lord'.
Even though in the race of life, sometimes she is running alone, the Lord is with her; sometimes she is running with others, and they run faster, leaving her behind while shouting words of encouragement to her, the Lord is with her; sometimes she is running with others, but these shout words of discouragement to her instead, the Lord is still with her.
The Swallow can take courage that knowing the Lord God who is faithful, who will never fail her, who loves her in spite of who she is and what she does, she can have this joy that keeps her going, day and night, day in day out; that keeps her smiling at the storms of her life.
Nehemiah 8 : 10 (NKJV)
...Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
WITH CHRIST IN THE VESSEL (author unknown)
With Christ in the vessel,
We can smile at the storm,
Smile at the storm,
Smile at the storm,
With Christ in the vessel,
We can smile at the storm,
As we go sailing home,
Sailing, sailing home,
Sailing, sailing home,
With Christ in the vessel,
We can smile at the storm,
As we go sailing home!
Friday 5 March 2010
One Chicken, Two Recipes!
 |
| Hakka Salted Chicken |
Temperature's Rising
Many years back, the Swallow's young ones were watching a children's documentary about the desert. The programme started with a song...It's hot, hot, a melting pot, temperature's rising, it's hot, hot, hot!
The weather in Singapore, although it is nothing like the deserts', has lately been hotter than usual (to the Swallow anyway!). The Swallow's plants needed more waterings, her young ones bathe more often, even Singapore's newspapers have reports of bush fires sprouting up in the eastern side of Singapore. No wonder then that the words of the song from the children's documentary have been popping into the Swallow's head these past few days!
The Swallow hopes that cooler days will come again soon.
The weather in Singapore, although it is nothing like the deserts', has lately been hotter than usual (to the Swallow anyway!). The Swallow's plants needed more waterings, her young ones bathe more often, even Singapore's newspapers have reports of bush fires sprouting up in the eastern side of Singapore. No wonder then that the words of the song from the children's documentary have been popping into the Swallow's head these past few days!
The Swallow hopes that cooler days will come again soon.
Hakka Salted Chicken
What does the Swallow do with leftover cooked chicken when eating chicken rice? She uses it for another dish!
For a twist to the chicken served for chicken rice...
HAKKA SALTED CHICKEN (leftover version)
Ingredients
HAKKA SALTED CHICKEN (fresh version) (serves 4)
Ingredients
For a twist to the chicken served for chicken rice...
HAKKA SALTED CHICKEN (leftover version)
 |
| Hakka Salted Chicken |
Ingredients
- Leftover cooked chicken from Hainanese Chicken Rice
- a little salt
- a little brandy
- dash of pepper
- Add the salt and brandy to the chicken.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Take out and serve. It may be eaten hot (steam back until heated through) or cold (the Swallow's mate loves the jelly-like parts).
HAKKA SALTED CHICKEN (fresh version) (serves 4)
Ingredients
- 1 chicken
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp brandy
- 1 thumb-size piece of ginger
- Dash of pepper
- Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Rub it, inside out, with a pinch of salt.
- Cut the chicken into 2 halves and place it on a steaming plate.
- Cut the ginger into slices and place them under the chicken halves.
- Steam the chicken for 20 minutes on high heat, or until cooked.
- Cool the chicken.
- Add the balance salt and brandy.
- Follow Steps 2 and 3 of the Leftover version of the recipe.
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Previously, the Swallow shared the recipe for 'Garlic Chilli Sauce'. The Swallow mentioned that the chilli sauce can also be used as a dipping sauce whenever Steamboat is served. But that is only a secondary usage. So what is the first?
For chicken rice of course!
There will always be a time when the whole family craves for Chicken Rice, and when this happens, the Swallow will cook Hainanese Chicken Rice.
Although it is called Hainanese Chicken Rice, apparently it did not originate there. Anyway, the recipe used here consists of 3 parts:
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| Hainanese Chicken Rice Set |
- the Chicken
- the Rice
- the Chilli sauce
HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE (serves 4 - 6)
The Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 chicken, about 1.5kg
- 6 cloves garlic
- 2 pieces ginger
- boiling water
- 2 tsp salt
- sesame oil
- 1 Japanese cucumber
- Coriander & parsley, if desired
Method
- Clean the chicken. Place the garlic and the ginger inside the chicken.
- Pour enough boiling water into a pot to cover the chicken. Bring the water to a boil again at high heat, lower the fire to medium heat and simmer the chicken on for about 20 minutes. DO NOT COVER THE POT as the chicken may be tough. Turn the chicken over occasionally.
- Meanwhile, halve the cucumber and slice it diagonally.
- After 20 minutes, turn off the heat but leave the chicken in the boiling water for another 5 minutes. Then remove the chicken and season it with salt and sesame oil (just enough to make the chicken glisten). Use the remaining stock to cook the rice.
- Cut the chicken into pieces and arrange it on the bed of cucumber slices. Garnish with the coriander and parsley, if desired.
The Rice
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp onion, chopped
- 3 cups rice
- 2 tsp salt
- 6 pandan leaves, tied into a knot
- 1/2 chicken stock cube, if desired
- chicken stock from cooking the chicken
Method
- Wash and drain the rice.
- Heat the sesame oil in a non-stick frying pan. Fry the chopped onions until light golden brown.
- Add the rice and stir-fry for about 1 minute.
- Put the rice in the rice pot. Add the salt, the knotted screwpine leaves, chicken stock cube (if desired), and stir well.
- Add enough chicken stock to cover it, and set the rice pot to cook.
- When the rice is ready, remove the screwpine leaves and fluff the rice.
- Serve hot with the cut chicken and chilli sauce.
Notes
- If the chicken is not fully consumed, the Swallow uses the remaining cooked chicken for another dish 'Hakka Salted Chicken'.
Thursday 4 March 2010
Wok-Stewed Chicken
When the Swallow was younger, chicken was a delicacy served only on special occasions. The Swallow remembers times when almost everyone (the Swallow did anyway!) would look at the juicy and succulent drumsticks, wondering who would be the special two to get them.
Nowadays, chicken is a common dish on the dining table, and chicken parts can be easily found in the fresh in the markets, or both fresh and frozen section of the supermarkets.
If you love chicken drumsticks....
WOK-STEWED CHICKEN (serves 4)
Ingredients
Nowadays, chicken is a common dish on the dining table, and chicken parts can be easily found in the fresh in the markets, or both fresh and frozen section of the supermarkets.
If you love chicken drumsticks....
 |
| Wok-Stewed Chicken |
WOK-STEWED CHICKEN (serves 4)
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken drumsticks
- 3 tbsp light soya sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soya sauce
- 1 tsp cornflour
- dash of white pepper
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 piece cinnamon stick, about 2 inches long
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large onion, sliced into rings, divide into 2 portions
- 1 tsp sugar
- Rinse chicken drumsticks and pat dry with kitchen towels.
- Marinate with light soya sauce, dark soya sauce, cornflour and pepper for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil on medium heat in a wok. Add cinnamon stick and 1 portion of onion slices, and fry them until fragrant.
- Remove the chicken drumsticks from the marinade and slide them into the onion mixture. Set marinade aside for later use. Keep frying for about 5 minutes.
- Add water to the marinade. Mix well and pour this diluted marinade onto the chicken to make a sauce.. Bring the sauce to a boil, then lower the heat and leave to simmer over a slow fire for about 20 minutes. Turn chicken drumsticks occasionally. When cooked, remove the chicken drumsticks and plate them.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and remaining onion slices to the sauce mixture, and bring it back to a boil. Cook until the onion slices are transparent.
- Season with sugar.
- Dish out the onion and sauce over the chicken drumsticks. Serve hot.
Wednesday 3 March 2010
With Wings Like Eagles
Have you ever seen an eagle fly?
The Swallow had such an opportunity a few days ago, and not just one eagle! Her mate had pointed out a pair of eagles he had spotted flying in the sky.
It was a magnificent sight! Their wings were out-stretched and you could imagine the wind beneath their wings, bearing them up higher and higher in the sky.
Just last week, the Swallow shared in 'The Art of Listening' about a game she had played with her young ones. A verse she had highlighted, from Isaiah 40 : 31, was given in her devotion material today. As the Swallow believes there is a reason for anything that happens, there must be a lesson for the Swallow to learn...
So she did some research and found out that eagles were described as large birds of prey with the following characteristics
Well, the Swallow can take heart that when she waits on her Lord, He will give her strength.
Psalm 27 : 14 (NKJV)
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Not only that, her strength is renewed each time she waits on Him! Thus, like the eagle with its long and broad wings, the Swallow will be able to fly in a direct and faster manner.
So amidst the hustle and bustle of her busy schedule, the Swallow will strive to wait on the Lord, cause 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' Philippians 4 : 13 (NKJV).
The Swallow had such an opportunity a few days ago, and not just one eagle! Her mate had pointed out a pair of eagles he had spotted flying in the sky.
It was a magnificent sight! Their wings were out-stretched and you could imagine the wind beneath their wings, bearing them up higher and higher in the sky.
Just last week, the Swallow shared in 'The Art of Listening' about a game she had played with her young ones. A verse she had highlighted, from Isaiah 40 : 31, was given in her devotion material today. As the Swallow believes there is a reason for anything that happens, there must be a lesson for the Swallow to learn...
So she did some research and found out that eagles were described as large birds of prey with the following characteristics
- a powerful build
- a large size
- a heavy head
- keen eyesight – to spot potential prey from a very long distance
- a hooked beak – used for tearing flesh from their prey
- long & broad wings – for direct & faster flight
- strong muscular legs
- powerful talons
Well, the Swallow can take heart that when she waits on her Lord, He will give her strength.
Psalm 27 : 14 (NKJV)
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Not only that, her strength is renewed each time she waits on Him! Thus, like the eagle with its long and broad wings, the Swallow will be able to fly in a direct and faster manner.
So amidst the hustle and bustle of her busy schedule, the Swallow will strive to wait on the Lord, cause 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' Philippians 4 : 13 (NKJV).
Tuesday 2 March 2010
Apple Cider Vinegar
The Swallow was introduced to apple cider vinegar several years back when someone mentioned that taking a little bit of it with some lemon juice on a regular basis will help reduce one's weight. In the name of science and discovery, the Swallow and her mate tried it out.
The Swallow is sorry to say that they were unable to prove that as a fact as they didn't drink it regularly. The only thing they could prove was drinking the vinegar will cause you to pucker up your face, not to mention when smelling it!
Anyway, what will the Swallow do with the balance vinegar? Cook it!
The Swallow has found that she can quickly use up apple cider vinegar in a recipe called 'Tangy Hot & Sweet Ribs'.
The Swallow is sorry to say that they were unable to prove that as a fact as they didn't drink it regularly. The only thing they could prove was drinking the vinegar will cause you to pucker up your face, not to mention when smelling it!
Anyway, what will the Swallow do with the balance vinegar? Cook it!
The Swallow has found that she can quickly use up apple cider vinegar in a recipe called 'Tangy Hot & Sweet Ribs'.
24/7 Process
Taking care of children is a 24/7 process. The Swallow and her mate testify that although it is a challenging task, yet it is rewarding too when they see their young ones grow well physically, mentally, socially and (most important of all to them) spiritually. Any tears or sorrow along the way of training will be quickly forgotten, when they focus on the hope that their young ones will also acknowledge the Lord God as their own Saviour, Lord and King.
Our goal:
Deuteronomy 6 : 5 - 7 (NKJV)
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Our hope:
Proverbs 22 : 6 (NKJV)
Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Our goal:
Deuteronomy 6 : 5 - 7 (NKJV)
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Our hope:
Proverbs 22 : 6 (NKJV)
Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Monday 1 March 2010
The Creator & His Creation
When the Swallow was young, she had many opportunities to be near the coasts of Malaysia.
In the day, she would get up before the sun rose, and make her way to the beach. She would listen to the waves hitting themselves against the sand. She would feel the gentle breeze on her face. She would watch the sun rise and show its face in the horizon. She would smell the salt in the air.
In the night, she would cast her eyes onto the night sky, and behold the glories of the heavens (when it was not cloudy!). She would try to count the stars. She would try to spot constellations known to her.
All in all, she would marvel at how the Lord God, who made the heavens and the earth, should choose to love her!
BECAUSE OF WHO YOU ARE by Bob Farrell & Billy Smiley
You spoke the words, and all the worlds came into order,
You waved Your hand, and planets filled celestial skies,
You placed the woman and the man inside the garden,
And though they fell, they found compassion in Your eyes,
O Lord, I stand in awe of the wonder of Your deeds,
Yet a greater wonder brings me to my knees...
Lord, I praise You because of who You are,
Not because of all the mighty things You've done,
Lord, I worship You because of who You are,
You're all the reason that I need to voice my praise,
Because of who You are.
One holy night You brought Your Promise from a virgin,
And Promise grew as He revealed to us Your heart,
Enduring love displayed throughout His crucifixion,
And in the dark You tore the grave and death apart,
O Lord, I stand in awe of the wonder of Your deeds,
Yet a greater wonder brings me to my knees...
Lord, I praise You because of who You are,
Not because of all the mighty things You've done,
Lord, I worship You because of who You are,
You're all the reason that I need to voice my praise,
Because of who You are.
In the day, she would get up before the sun rose, and make her way to the beach. She would listen to the waves hitting themselves against the sand. She would feel the gentle breeze on her face. She would watch the sun rise and show its face in the horizon. She would smell the salt in the air.
In the night, she would cast her eyes onto the night sky, and behold the glories of the heavens (when it was not cloudy!). She would try to count the stars. She would try to spot constellations known to her.
All in all, she would marvel at how the Lord God, who made the heavens and the earth, should choose to love her!
BECAUSE OF WHO YOU ARE by Bob Farrell & Billy Smiley
You spoke the words, and all the worlds came into order,
You waved Your hand, and planets filled celestial skies,
You placed the woman and the man inside the garden,
And though they fell, they found compassion in Your eyes,
O Lord, I stand in awe of the wonder of Your deeds,
Yet a greater wonder brings me to my knees...
Lord, I praise You because of who You are,
Not because of all the mighty things You've done,
Lord, I worship You because of who You are,
You're all the reason that I need to voice my praise,
Because of who You are.
One holy night You brought Your Promise from a virgin,
And Promise grew as He revealed to us Your heart,
Enduring love displayed throughout His crucifixion,
And in the dark You tore the grave and death apart,
O Lord, I stand in awe of the wonder of Your deeds,
Yet a greater wonder brings me to my knees...
Lord, I praise You because of who You are,
Not because of all the mighty things You've done,
Lord, I worship You because of who You are,
You're all the reason that I need to voice my praise,
Because of who You are.
Are the Eggs Fresh?
Before you cook an egg to eat, have you ever wondered if the egg is fresh? To test the freshness of an egg, place it in a bowl of water. If it sinks and lays flat, it is fresh.
Place the eggs in the egg tray with the pointed ends downward. Apparently, the air cell at the rounded end acts as a buffer to help keep the eggs fresh for a longer period of time.
Place the eggs in the egg tray with the pointed ends downward. Apparently, the air cell at the rounded end acts as a buffer to help keep the eggs fresh for a longer period of time.
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