Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year has been a busy time for us. The first to visit us were our family – children, grandchildren plus their spouses, and great grandchild. Then nephews and nieces plus friends, including a number of off duty nurses came to pay their respects.

It is the custom for us to maintain open house during these days of celebration and no invitation is sent out to anyone.

Most of the visitors brought blessings as they talk on positive things. Sadly there are those who are negative and mar the visits with complaints.  Lunar New Year is a joyous occasion, let us keep it so.

Rejoice always,  pray continually,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 (NIV)

The New Year lasts for fifteen days so we can go on celebrating till Chap Go Mei which falls on Saturday 11th February 2017.  

Celebrating the New Year.

Sunday afternoon, we had reunion dinner with our daughter and family. We had “steam boat” at a Japanese Restaurant at Simei not far from where we live. Four generations met to celebrate, although our great grandson Elias was content to chew a biscuit and have his milk.

During the period overseas working in Hong Kong and Taiwan we celebrated Chinese New Year with our Hong Kong and Taiwan friends. In Hong Kong we would invite some expatriate officers to join us for the reunion dinner at our home as the local folk would be with their families.

The three years in the Philippines, we did not celebrate Chinese New Year in the same way. We had to be in office, but on the eve of Chinese New Year we would invite some of our officers to join us for reunion dinner. Now Chinese New Year is a public holiday in the Philippines. We were in the Philippines for three years July 1990- June 1993. On 1st July we took up our appointment at International Headquarters.

In November 2011, President Aquino declared Chinese New Year as a special non-working holiday. This then allowed Filipinos and Filipino-Chinese to celebrate the festival.  President Aquino's ancestors, the Cojuangcos -  his  matriarch's clan -  are Filipino-Chinese.

In England, Chinese New Year is a normal working day. So each year we invited some friends to join us for dinner. One year we had General Paul Rader and his wife Commissioner Kay Rader plus the ADC Lieut. Colonel Bartlett.

For the last 19 years we always have reunion dinner with our own family. It is good that in retirement days, we can enjoy our own children, grandchildren plus their wives (two grand daughters-in-law.) and a great grandson. God has showered us with abundant blessings.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! God is great, is good and gracious.

Xin Nian Pen An  (New year peace be  to you.)

Chinese New Year - 2017

 

Chinese and ethnic Chinese celebrate this special festival referred to as Chinese or Lunar New Year. In China is it called Spring Festival. The New Year's Eve dinner is called "reunion dinner", and is considered to be the most important meal of the year as we end the year of the monkey and begin the year of the rooster.

After 15 years working overseas in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines and United Kingdom, we came home in 1997 for retirement. The first few years we used to host the reunion dinner. As age catches up with us, our son and family have taken over this responsibility and we go to their home to celebrate this important event.

Our daughter with her family will celebrate the reunion dinner at her husband’s family home.

The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first lunar month and in the Chinese calendar it ends on the 15^th which is called Lantern Festival.

 On the first day, the oldest and most senior members are visited. The visits serve to strengthen family ties. Bài nián refers to both, pay a New Year's call as well as 'wishing somebody a Happy New Year'.

In Singapore and Malaysia, the custom is for the visitor to bring two mandarin oranges and offer them to the host or hostess, using both hands as a mark of respect. The host accepts the fruit and reciprocates with two mandarin oranges – in other words exchanging gifts of blessings.

Our home will be open to visitors, no appointment is needed, so don’t  be surprised you might be meeting many strangers!

You may stay as long as you like, at the same time, feel free to excuse yourselves as you may have other homes to visit.

All are welcome. A blessed Lunar New Year.

Chinese New Year - Yu sheng

Singaporeans love to have Yu sheng, a dish of strips of raw fish, usually salmon, mixed with shredded vegetables, a variety of spices and condiments among other ingredients. Yu sheng literally means raw fish symbolizing prosperity and abundance.

Family and friends sit at the round table. The celebration begins when all stand up to toss the yusheng saying appropriate words.

We had the first yusheng with a former cell member Vicky and her friend at a restaurant at Tampines. This was done before New Year when she came to visit us.

The second time was held at the appropriate time, New Year's Eve at our son's home with his family. Eight of us sat round the table to celebrate the usual reunion dinner.

The third time was at Peacehaven Nursing Home with the staff and invited guests including the Territorial Leaders - Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn Buckingham and Major Patti Niemand.

Today is the 11th Day of the Lunar New Year. Come 22nd, the 15th February, there will be more celebrations - Lantern Festival, Chinese Valentine's day and the closure of the New Year.

Chinese New Year 5th Day

New Year's Eve, we were at our son's home for reunion dinner. Eight of us sat round the table to enjoy 'steam boat.' It was a lovely time for the family.

The first two days we received many visitors - our relatives and friends who came to visit us to pay their respects. They brought mandarin oranges to wish us happiness and prosperity. As is the custom we reciprocated using appropriate words to convey God's blessings.

The third day, I had a hospital appointment, so the afternoon was spent at Changi General Hospital, In the evening we had two visitors.

The superstitious believe it is unlucky to visit on the third day as it might lead to quarrels. Of course  as Christians we do not share this view. However, I can see the wisdom of resting on the third day. It has been hectic for many making preparations for the New Year, and after two days of visiting it is wise to stop and take a rest. In any case, it is not a public holiday in Singapore. People have to back to work and at the end of a working day take a rest.

The seventh day of the Lunar New Year is dedicated to man and is therefore every one's birthday! Some may make it a time to invite friends and business colleagues to special dinner. Another excuse to celebrate in Singapore!

Chinese New Year in fact lasts for a period of 15 days. Of course, no one today spend all the 15 days in celebration. This 15th day is also known as Chinese Valentine's Day. In ancient China it was the only day of the year when young ladies could leave their homes with mothers to the temples where they would steal shy glances at young handsome male worshippers. There is no need for our young girls to wait to do this. Today's world, young men and women are free to find their own boy friends or girl friends any time. Plenty of freedom!!

Day before Lunar New Year Eve

To day Saturday is a quiet day for us at home. However it is busy time for the young and middle age who are preparing for Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, or  Spring Festival.

This year Lunar New Year begins on Monday - first day of the first moon (month). According to the Gregorian calendar, this is anytime between 21st January and 19th February.

The years from 1990 - 1997 the period we were in the Philippines and London, we did not celebrate Lunar New Year. No public holiday in these countries and we had to be in office. But privately we arranged for dinner in the form of 'steam boat' and invited some of our friends to our home on New Year's Eve.

Since we returned to Singapore we always have reunion dinner with our family. We had one last Thursday with our daughter and family. Tomorrow on the eve of New Year they will be with our son-in-law's family for the reunion dinner. We, of course will celebrate the reunion dinner at our son's home with his family.

Tradition has it that it is a time of settling all debts. Tradition has it that all debts must be paid before New Year's Day. The superstitious believe that if debts are not cleared before the New Year the debtor will be debt ridden for the rest of the year.

Today's world, the majority still have to pay their mortgage for the HDB flat, perhaps for the next 20 or thirty years! And the bank loan you took for the son's education you still need to pay.

Its also the time for reconciliation, to start life afresh. One of our grandchildren will come for us to-morrow to take us to their home for the reunion dinner. We are indeed very blessed. We have no debts to pay, nothing to worry just trust in the Lord who provides for all our needs. The pension from The Salvation Army is sufficient for our needs. Take heed of our Lord's promise to His children who trust Him - Matthew 6:25-34

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Family gathering for Chinese New Year

The Aws and the Lims - First day of Chinese New Year at our Changi home.

Chinese New Year Party with staff of Peacehaven

Chinese New Year celebrations

We spent the first two days at home to welcome and entertain visitors. Thirty people visited us to pay their respects. The first were our own children and grandchildren. What a joy to have the two families together with us at the same time.

The second day was just as busy. On the third day, Sunday, we joined in worship at the William Booth Corps. After the meeting, a group of us met in the home of Francis and Jessie Zhan for a meeting and blessing of their new home at Pandan Gardens.

We then came home and entertained more visitors.

Today the position was reversed. We went to visit two elderly ladies, one 95 at Bedok, the other 83 at Yishun. We got home and had lunch with some friends at Rail Mall. They then came to spend some time with us in fellowship and prayer.

God has blessed us with many good friends. "There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship." Thomas Aquinas

Albert Schweitzer

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_friendship.html#JVOGbLJoXyugUIqK.99

Thoughts on Chinese New Year Eve

In a short while we shall be at the home of our son and family to have the reunion dinner. In 1997 we came home to Singapore to retire. We held the reunion dinner at our place and our son's family came to us. We did that for the first several years. but in recent years this traditional dinner is held at their home, about six kilometres from where we live.

Last night we had reunion dinner with our daughter and family. This was held at Jurong Point. It was also to celebrate the birthday of our son-in-law.Tonight they will be at the home of Kum Pui's parents at Toa Payoh - the Aw family reunion.

During the period overseas working in Hong Kong and Taiwan we celebrated Chinese New Year with our Hong Kong and Taiwan friends. In Hong Kong we would invite some expatriate officers to join us for the reunion dinner as the local folk would be with their families.

The three years in the Philippines, we did not celebrate Chinese New Year in the same way. We had to be in office, but on the eve of Chinese New Year we would invite some of our officers to join us for reunion dinner. Now Chinese New Year is a public holiday in the Philippines. We were in the Philippines for three years July 1990-  June 1993. On 1st July we took up our appointment at International Headquarters.

In November 2011,  President Aquino declared Chinese New Year as a special non-working holiday.This then allowed Filipinos and Filipino-Chinese to celebrate the festival.  President Aquino's ancestors, the Cojuangcos -  his  matriarch's clan -  are Filipino-Chinese.

In England, Chinese New Year is a normal working day. So each year we invited some friends to join us for dinner. One year we had General Paul Rader and his wife Commissioner Kay Rader plus the ADC Lieut. Colonel Bartlett.

So for the last 16 years we always have reunion dinner with our own biological family. It is good that in retirement days, we can enjoy our own children and grandchildren and by next year to add two grand daughters-in-law. God has showered us with abundant blessings.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! God is great, is good and gracious.

Preparation for Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year will be here soon - yes, 31st January this year! I was at Fair Price Supermarket this morning and wow, the crowds! Long queues waiting to pay the cashiers.

We've been spring cleaning! It took me a whole afternoon just do clean the wall fans. The older you get the slower you work. This is something we have to learn to accept. There is a lot of pollution around here and the blades of the fans are coated with dust of the months.

We've already bought or given some cookies, sweets, nuts and packet drinks.

I went to the bank nearby to exchange old notes for new. It is the custom to give 'hong baos' (red packets) using new notes.

We are in the year of the snake. It will slither out and on Friday morning the horse will gallop in.

Being a Christian does not mean we abandon our own culture and traditions as long as they do not conflict with the teachings of Scripture.

Chap Goh Meh

Today is the 15th Day of Lunar New Year and marks the end of New Year Celebrations. We can now put away the decorations, New Year Greeting cards, and the goodies on our table - like pineapple tarts, love letters, sweets and all kinds of Kueh will be given away.

Thank God for the Lunar New Year. For us ethnic Chinese we celebrate two New Years. What a privilege!

Good to meet many friends, a number of whom we see only once a year!

Blessed by testimonies of the Lord's leadings

Lunar New Year lasts fifteen days so today, we continued with visiting the elderly folk. In the morning I went across the road to visit Mr. Goh Seow Khiang an elderly salvationist 94 years old - still strong and fit and mentally alert. He came from China before the war, became a Christian in Penang in the late 1930's. Now attends our church at Bishan. I was blessed as he told his testimony.
Not a word of complaint, but rejoicing in the Lord.

Hary came to visit us, then we went to ART Restaurant for our lunch. From there we visited Bill and Mary Lutz our fellow church members. Again it was a delight to hear the testimony of our comrades.

It did out souls good to hear such wonderful stories of the Lord's dealings. Here's a wonderful song of testimony by Rufus H McDaniel to end the day

1. What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought
   Since Jesus came into my heart;
   I have light in my soul for which long I have sought,
   Since Jesus came into my heart.
   • Refrain:
     Since Jesus came into my heart,
     Since Jesus came into my heart;
     Floods of joy o’er my soul like the sea billows roll,
     Since Jesus came into my heart.
2. I have ceased from my wand’ring and going astray,
   Since Jesus came into my heart;
   And my sins which were many are all washed away,
   Since Jesus came into my heart.
3. I’m possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure,
   Since Jesus came into my heart; And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure,
   Since Jesus came into my heart.
4. There’s a light in the valley of death now for me,
   Since Jesus came into my heart;
   And the gates of the City beyond I can see,
   Since Jesus came into my heart.
5. I shall go there to dwell in that City I know,
   Since Jesus came into my heart;
   And I’m happy, so happy as onward I go,
   Since Jesus came into my heart.

 

Mrs. Esther Foo - a faithful Salvationist

We've known Esther Foo for many years. Now 94 years old, she is somewhat frail but mentally alert and remembers so many people. She lives alone, her own choice,  refuses to have a maid, but her family take turns to visit her. At the moment her eldest daughter from Perth is here and she will leave in March.
A grand daughter from England is also here staying with her and keeping Grandma company.

Her youngest daughter from Canada will take over in March. Her two sons and their families live nearby and visit her regularly. Her son from England now retired, often visits her, usually for three months at a time. What a lovely supportive family, scattered in different countries yet remain filial.

Mrs. Foo has that independent spirit. She has all through the years provided for her family and now the Lord has rewarded her by giving her six filial sons and daughters and their families - grandchildren and great grand children and they rise to call her blessed.  Her husband went to be with the Lord in 1997.

They were Salvation Army officers, but left the work but remained as salvationists through the years. Mr. Foo worked with the Social Welfare Department in Singapore for many years till he retired.

Two families live in Australia, one in England, one in Canada, and two in Singapore. All love and serve the Lord.

What a privilege to spend time with a saintly old lady. We sang her favourite song  "God will take care of you" and then prayed for her and the family. Her daughter Marjory recorded this on iPad and will share it with the rest of the family.

We thank God for the privilege of sharing God's blessings with others. This is our calling. There is no retirement from ministry in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we seek to bless others, we are truly blessed indeed.Sharing blessings is what makes life worth living.

We were caught in a thunderstorm on our way home by bus. It rained cats and dogs, but thank God we arrived home safely.

Visiting the elderly and handicapped

Fifth day of Lunar New Year. We began the day early. Woke up at 4.30 a.m. and did our morning walk in the compound. It was lovely and cool to do our exercise at that hour of the day and at the same time - prayer walk, communing with the Lord who love and serve.

Then back home we had our prayers and devotions, breakfast and at 7.00 a.m. we left with our friends to attend the usual Prayer meeting at Territorial Headquarters. What a great time we had praising and thanking God, interceding for others and asking the Lord to bless the Army, the Church and our nation. The hour passed very quickly.

"O the pure delight of a single hour, that before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer and with Thee my God, I commune as friend with friend." (Frances Crosby)

After the prayer meeting we then went to visit two elderly folk - a 93 year old and her daughter Joy of 70 plus. What a delight to meet again their nephew Raymond from Malacca. He used to be in Singapore, in fact studied in Singapore. As the day went on Esther an old friend came and joined us. We had a delightful morning of fellowship with old friends. What memories as we recalled the past. Except for Raymond, we have known these folk for more than half a century!

From there we took bus 74 to Dover Crescent to visit two handicapped ladies and spent the afternoon with them. Again it was an afternoon of beautiful fellowship, sharing the word and prayer.

It was pouring with rain and we knew it would be hard to get a taxi at that time. To my pleasant surprise, when I went downstairs, a taxi turned up to drop a passenger. I believe the Lord arranged for the taxi to come to the estate at the moment we needed it. The Lord watches over His own all the time. We shared this truth with the taxi driver who agreed with us.

A wet but not miserable day. It was a glorious day that God made. God is great, is good and gracious. Rain or shine, when we have the Lord with us, the day is a glorious day.

Visiting old friends -4th Day of New Year.

Wednesday, while my wife was at Home League at Bukit Panjang celebrating the Lunar New Year with the ladies, I spent my time doing the laundry, cleaned the house and mopped the floor etc. Then after a quick lunch, I made my way to Bukit Panjang, and together we went to Yishun by bus to visit an elderly lady who is house-bound. Grace belongs to Central Corps (church) and her husband goes to the Chinese Corps (church) That took up practically the whole day.

She was very active in ministry during her younger days particularly in women's work. Although confined to a wheelchair, she displays a lovely spirit and is a blessing to all who visit her. We were blessed as we spent time with her in fellowship and prayer.

The Corps Secretary Terence and his wife Sze Hian had planned to visit us in the evening but Terence could not get away from his work. In the end only Sze Hian came. Life for the average working person is hectic asnd presurised, especially after the long weekend plus Monday and Tuesday being public holidays. We fully understand his position and took the thought for the deed.

Our Singapore known as 'the little red dot'  punches above its weight and to continue doing so makes heavy demands on all its citizens and people who reside here. Well no harm in being busy as long as we do not leave God out of our lives. We cannot live without Him who gives us strength. Yes, we need the Lord at all times.

"Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; as thy days so shall thy strength shall be" Deuteronomy 33: 25 (KJV)

We end the day thanking God for daily strength to do His will in reaching out to others. In ministering to others we have been mightily blessed. Thank You Lord.

Tuesday - third day Chinese New Year

Yesterday although still a public holiday, we had no visitors till that evening when Janet Ong came to see us. So it was a quiet day for us. I did blogging, reading, resting, surfing the net, eating, including a little nap and some housework.

There is a time for everything - a time to entertain visitors and a time to rest and enjoy one's solitude.

For solitude sometimes is best society,
And short retirement urges sweet return - John Milton

"Ang pows" or red packets

Let me say something about "Ang pows" or "hong baos" (literally meaning "red packets") When we were kids that was what we looked forward to receiving on Chinese New Year. I had no hesitation to offer our guests drinks and New Year cookies for good reason! In Hong Kong these red packets are referred to as "lai se."

When we were kids, we would be given "ang pows." Because our family was very poor, we would receive them and when the visitors were gone we had to hand them over to Mother. New Year over she would then decide how much we would be given! You see, she had to give out 'ang pows'!

Today's children keep the 'ang pows' themselves and spend on themselves! It's a different world! Times have changed.

Normally we give 'ang pows' to children who are not married. But we feel unmarried people who are gainfully employed should not expect to receive them! Anyway for us we merely give token sum to children. And they are to receive with two hands and of course say, "Thank you". Recipients do not open their 'ang pows' in front of anyone, especially the givers. It is very rude to do so.

Of course when it comes to your own family, the amount is more. We give to our grandchildren more of course! We cannot afford to gave the same amount to all and sundry.

Now that we belong to the "elderly" category or referred to as the elders, our children give us 'ang pows!' Some relatives, a niece and nephew, and close friends do that too (Please I am not soliciting from anyone. I am merely stating facts, not giving out hints!) This year we were pleasantly surprised to receive even from our two grandchildren who are now gainfully employed.  We thank God for thoughtful children and grandchildren,  who still observe Chinese traditions. Daily we thank God for our three children and six grandchildren. Two have served their national service and one will be entering national service on Valentine's Day - February 14!  We cannot be accused of contributing to the decline in Singapore population!

Chinese New Year - 3rd day

Normally we are given two public holidays for the Lunar New Year, but this year First day of the New Year falls on Sunday, so Tuesday is a holiday. So here am I at home waiting for guests instead of being at Peacehaven Nursing Home conducting chapel service and visiting the residents.

Yesterday, we had about 20 visitors - friends and relatives. What a joy to have them in our home to celebrate the New Year. So to date we have entertained 66 visitors not counting those who came before the New Year with gifts as they were going overseas, or too busy to come during the New Year;

One of the Chinese customs in Singapore and Malaysia is the exchange mandarin oranges. The guests bring two or four oranges (must be even number)  to greet the hosts and these are handed with two hands. The hosts then reciprocate in the same way and we wish each other God's blessings. The oranges represent gold - in other words, we offer our best to each other.

To the worldly gold represents wealth, but to us it represents the richest of God's blessings. The wise men brought gold to give to Jesus.

As Christians we do nor normally use the prosperity greeting, of  Xin Nian Fa Cai in Mandarin ( or Sin Ni Huat Chye in Hokkien.Teochew or Sun Neen Fatt Choy in Cantonese) We use greetings like

Xin nian meng en, meaning "God's grace or favour be with you"
Xin nian ping an meaning "God's peace be with you" or  "Shalom"
Xin Nian Kuai le meaning "God's joy be with you"  The joy of the Lord is our strength.
Xin Nian Jiang Kang meaning "God grant you good health"

Xin nian Fa Cai or Huat Chye or  Fatt Choy means wealthy, rich, prosperous materially. Christians should refrain from such materialistic thinking.  "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6: 33. We've proven this to be true! Put God first and let Him supply all our needs.

"Two things I ask of you, O LORD ; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD ?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God” (Proverbs 30:7-9 NIV)

So I pray this prayer for you "I pray that God will give you enough" The Lord is my Shepherd and Provider - that's Enough!

First day - Chinese New Year

Sunday 10th February - First day of Chinese New Year. Our church service was changed to 9.00 a.m and it lasted just one hour. Yes, it ended at 10.00 a.m.! (that's a record - short meeting)

Some folk came upstairs soon after the benediction to visit us. Glad not all decided to do this as we just do not have room to accommodate them all at one time. Soon they were joined by others and by the time the last visitors - Lieut. Colonels Bob and Wendy Lee left it was after 10.00 pm!  We counted the total number of guests for the first day - it numbered 46. Forty six visitors in one day - that's a record. They came to pay their respects and we appreciate their thoughtfulnes in obeserving our Chinese culture and traditions.

We enjoyed the fellowship - the fun and laughter and we valued the prayers and the sharing of testimonies.

While waiting for visitors to come, I'm putting a few thoughts on to the blog.