0 Tip 261: Longevity is what you choose

Choose to believe that you can take charge of your health. Take action to correct any illness when you see the symptoms early. Dr Joseph Maroon in his book "Longevity Factor: How Resveratrol and Red Wine Activate Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life" said, "We still have not reached the limit of human longevity & that an average healthy lifespan may soon be 100-120 years for many people". We are living in a more toxic and polluted environment, yet we have been granted the grace to discover the science of longevity and should combat our illness and pollution with super antioxidants like Resveratrol.

When I first started work, I travelled quite a bit and developed some rashes but did not visit a dermatologist. After a few visits, I got discouraged with the long wait time and expensive consultation to get the prescription drug and was in constant short supply of the drug. I thought it will get better over time or I need not spend money and time for my health. I was proven wrong and my eczema or Pityriasis Lichenoide Chronica condition spread all over my body and I had to depend on higher dosages of a drug MTX which has side effects on the liver. I battled this for 10 years until I discovered the anti-oxidant Reserve which contains 150 bottles of red wine in 1 sachet or highly absorbable Resveratrol.

I had tried many other treatments such as PUVA, regular 3 times a week ultraviolet phototheraphy for 1 year, less harmful drugs like Dapsone but nothing worked which increased my anxiety and stress. Now I found a natural fruit gel RESERVE™ from Jeunesse that builds my immune system, activates the SirT1 (anti aging longevity gene) and SirT2 by up to 30%. It aids in natural cellular DNA repair caused by free radicals, protecting cells against the dangers caused by a polluted environment. I choose Longevity at the cost of merely SGD120 a month. Click on the link http://lifenewcreation.blogspot.sg/ to find out more. You deserve better.

(Photos show my daughter at one of my birthday dinners at home in Singapore)

Detail: Tip 261: Longevity is what you choose

0 Tip 260: Art stimulates creativity

A daddy's proud moment is the convenience of having a display of art that you did not purchase from an art gallery. After a long day at work, I lay at the sofa and admire the work of my daughter - priceless moments! It is better than possessing art by others worth millions, as you knew the full history of your kids' art.

I have seen how Haruka's concept of art progresses over time. In the beginning, I was a little impatient when I saw her colouring outside the boundaries of pictures. I held her hand to teach her the right way. Then I realized it is a natural tendency of learning. Time spent with her will be productive only to a certain extent till she establishes her own knowledge base of what is pleasing for her.

Someone once told me not to send a child to art classes as they would need to develop their own sense of art. I think this is an inconsequential decision since the decision lies with the child on what to absorb and what to explore. I realized Haruka later found her own path to enjoy exploring new ways of expressing herself in art. She began to creatively explore different methods of art, shades of colours, thick and light strokes, designs and ways to draw people portraits. She creates something new each time.

I notice Haruka having a deeper appreciation of different modes of art whenever we see different paintings or products of art workshops. She has interest to participate and watch others create different artistic works. I took her to a small art gallery in a shopping mall and she was observing the different displays. She then applies it as she judges what is pleasing to her eyes and tries to improvise. That is creativity in action.


It is always refreshing to learn about the learning process. Reflection on action, stimulates better action through learning. The more art the child produces, the child inculcates creativity if he/she truly enjoys the learning. Encouragement and time spent with the child can go a long way to keep the interest for creativity to develop.














(Photos show Japanese church camp at Johor, Malaysia Nov 2011).

Detail: Tip 260: Art stimulates creativity

0 Tip 259: Live to Worship God

I have returned to my joy and reason of living which is to worship God, my Creator. Not to worship myself, the people I love or the idea of making this world a better place and live for others. Not even to merely live for my family. There is a miracle of life when being in awe of God, trusting God and saying, "Yes, I will do whatever you want of me and acknowledge you as my God". It is never easy to say that. Abraham said that to God when God asked him to bring his son to be sacrificed. It must have felt so troubling and must be one of life's most challenging dilemma. Giving up all you have for God. I encountered that question when I was 16 years old and my answer pleased God. He could search my heart and knew that my love was sacrificial. And God remembered as He did Abraham's love. It served as an altar between me and God for both of us to remember.

It does seem crazy to live your life for some One else. Why not live each day for yourself? Yet, as we trust the Almighty, we only seek to discover life's joy and pleasure. It is the thrill of knowing God and knowing He knows you. God's knowledge of you is beyond skin deep. It is trusting that all your needs are met and as you delight in God, even your desires are fulfilled as who better to know you than your Creator.

Throughout our spiritual journey with God, we may utter how important God is in our life. But at certain episodes in that journey, we may come to a crossroad where we are faced with the choice of just living for ourselves, or acknowledging that only God matters. Yet, God understands if we are not ready, but greater joy and blessing comes to those who say yes.

It is a paradox that when God seeks us to give, it is for Him to reveal our lack and to point us to His provision. God is not selfish but is Love. Abraham was stopped to sacrifice his son, as the lamb was provided. I was not short changed when I chose serving God over my studies. As Jesus asked the Samaritan woman to serve her water, it was Jesus who provided the living water. The water from the well that we can draw upon will not be what God has planned for our lives. Never guess the ways of God to bless us. The question is are we willing to live our lives to honor Him? Do we value God in our lives? Are we truly convinced that God is worth it? Do we have faith to go to the next level of our relationship with God? Are we ready for a paradigm shift that only God's purposes matter, not our efforts? It can be scary to give away the little we have. Yet, God's provision is immense to supply all our needs.


The lyrics by Wayne and Cathy Perrin sums it best.
When I look into your holiness, when I gaze into your loveliness,
When all things that surround become shadows in the light of you.
I worship you, the reason I live is to worship you.
When I've found the joy of reaching your heart, when my will becomes enthralled in your love,

To human is to err. It will be difficult to be faithful to God, no matter how bright and awesome His love for us. Pride seeps in when God blesses us with our heart's desires. Yet, at every opportunity when God reaches out to you, say yes and God remembers. He will not forsake you and will bring you back into the fold where you may never thirst again. You will again recognize the Shepherd's voice and feel safe in His leading.

(Photos show Sayaka at 4 and 7 months old and at 10 months old at a church camp in Johor in Oct 2011).

Detail: Tip 259: Live to Worship God

0 Tip 258: Letter to 4 years old Haruka

Dear my darling Haruka,

Daddy is proud of you on your first week of school in Singapore. It was on March 2011 and you were less than 4 years old compared to your classmates. As you were still defining your identity, your English speaking skills dropped, compared to when you were 2 years old and when you were constantly watching Barney DVDs in London. It was a brief 1 month trip in Okinawa in 2010 and suddenly upon your return to Singapore, you were speaking Japanese everyday. But daddy had faith in your language abilities, as I knew you understood when someone spoke to you in English. You adjusted very well and towards the last school term of 2011, you improved significantly in class both in speaking and in writing assignments for both English and Mandarin! Daddy is glad you have a flair for languages, a good memory and did not exert too much pressure in learning. I pray that you continue to enjoy it and may you one day be an international ambassador building good will with the global community.

I thank God that you have constantly watched over your sister as a responsible sister. I am confident you have leadership attributes and is amused when you observe for opportunities to exercise your authority even when playing with other kids. May you continue to find joy in this family to learn patience, kindness and compassion towards papa, mama and your siblings that will develop your leadership skills. May you enjoy playing with your siblings as all of you have very little age gap with each other. A united family who serves one another is a gift we ought to treasure next to our love to God. Papa is still learning the importance of serving others and may have failed in many ways. I am delighted that as a mature and intelligent elder sister, papa has a lot to learn from you too and may you be papa's conscience to lead the family with love, discipline and high ethics.

It is a virtue to be able to appreciate beauty any time, anywhere. I planted a seed of love in you by taking you to the playground to play with Singapore kids from different backgrounds and race. It is harder for daddy and mummy to fully integrate like you, as grown up adults have more fears and insecurities. I am also glad I planted the seed of the knowledge of Jesus death on the cross. I was so touched when you understood how your sins are forgiven by God. I pray that these seed will grow on fertile ground and constantly be protected from anything that would snatch it away. Daddy is always there to encourage you to taste and live life to its fullest and to learn love through the lens of God. May you take daddy's hand and trust daddy fully, In this picture of skating, it was your first time and only towards the end, you experienced the joy of accomplishment of finally standing in the middle of the rink with daddy.
Love, Papa
















(Photos show Haruka's 4 year old birthday celebration at her school and later at night at the DB-Bistro-Moderne at Marina Bay Sands, followed by her first stint at the skating rink with daddy).

Detail: Tip 258: Letter to 4 years old Haruka

0 Tip 257: Letter to 3 years old Haruka

Dear my darling Haruka,

You were 2 years 1 month old when you first set foot in Singapore. It is a joy to see you grow up and adjust to a new country. You have built the foundation earlier living in Tokyo, London and Hong Kong and have got used to interacting with foreign children, as well as adults who smiled at you and said how cute you were. You picked up English early when you watched Barney and played with foreign children at the church Sunday school at Canary Wharf, London. It is at this age and entering a new land with new cultures similar to daddies (Singapore) that you begin to explore your identity. After a 1 month visit to Okinawa, I was very surprised at how you could quickly switch to speaking more Japanese and not speak English at all. Daddy has since learnt to be patient as your sponge absorbs in various directions.

In Singapore, daddy wanted to give you new experiences you did not have previously. You had the opportunity to learn swimming in Singapore, as it was too cold in London or Tokyo. Daddy was also proud that you and mummy begin to find a Japanese church in Singapore that both of you enjoyed attending every week. You begin to learn bible stories every Sunday besides the children's bible daddy reads to you at night. Daddy was successful in inculcating in you the joy of learning and stirring your curiousity. The Singapore zoo is probably your favorite venue especially when daddy got a zoo visit card. You also were closer to Malaysia now and was able to participate in some Chinese traditions and had the precious opportunity to get to know your great grandmother in 2009, before she passed away in 2011.

In Singapore, you had more space to play compared to Tokyo. Daddy was glad you enjoyed the many toys we brought back from Tokyo since daddy was able to engage transportation of items from Japan. It is your blessing that Daddy was able to spend much time with you before your other siblings were born. May you cherish these moments and be a loving sister to your siblings always. When Sayaka was in mummy's tummy, you told both mummy and daddy that you will be a loving sister who will be kind and play well with your sister. You demonstrate much maturity in thought, speech and behavior and we can only praise God that He is constantly working in your life to guide you each and every day. Sometimes, you pray in your room with daddy in Japanese language. I am so touched by your prayers.

Daddy loves you and is glad for your ability to be the bridge between your Japanese grand parents and still adapt well in Singapore. I pray you will continue to be a blessing to many in the future. Love, Papa

(Photos of Haruka aged 3 years and her birthday celebrated in Ishigaki, Okinawa)

Detail: Tip 257: Letter to 3 years old Haruka

0 Tip 254: Letter to 1 year old Sayaka

Dear my darling Sayaka,

It is daddy's life great moments to witness your one year of innocent joyful embrace of life as a baby. You were always brimming with zest right from the start. You enjoyed daddy's early exercises with you as an infant. You looked forward to the burst of energy jumping or springing yourself to new forms of action. Yet, you had always given daddy and mummy the assurance that you knew what you were doing. You never outstretched yourself to unreasonable danger. You would consciously reduce your energy levels at the right time and rest when you had to. Yet, whenever possible, you never failed to leave a cheerful smile. Your generosity to cheer others was an encouragement to daddy. It is your natural instinct to want to display the light that God has put in you. Please never ever hide it as that is the special light of joy.

Daddy was blessed each day to hear your shouts of joy each time daddy was back from a long day's of work. As you begin to learn to crawl and walk, you would even spring towards the door to greet daddy. You express yourself through a natural spring of unquenchable joy.

Oh how, I pray that this reservoir has unlimited capacity and be maintained for the many years to come and not be polluted by life's stress and pain. You give daddy so many generous unreserved hugs that daddy cherish so much. When daddy is busy working, you would come to daddy with your cheerful shout and give a hug to me. I will keep these fond memories forever.

 

Daddy began to notice your keen interest to want daddy to read a book to you. You would make the effort to bring a book to daddy. If you want something, you would not hesitate to point it out to daddy when you have learnt the art of pointing and nodding as daddy first showed you. You felt satisfied when you got to express yourself and someone dear to you understood you.

Right from birth, your eyes twinkled and you waved a sign of peace. I am thankful that you are a gift from God as you were easy to take care of. You had no trouble sleeping or eating. You received whatever given to you with open hands. If you continue this trait of being content and being joyful always, you will be able to seize life with all its glory and explore the beauties that God has in store for you. Please do not give up. Please do not get discouraged. I am very confident you will one day learn to master it at any age and truly be a master of the life God has intended for you.

Love, Papa.

(Photos show Sayaka at her 1 year old photo taking session and birthday at Mozza Pizzeria, Marina Bay Sands).

Detail: Tip 254: Letter to 1 year old Sayaka

0 Tip 253: Thinking about Investing

I previously blogged about investing by coining 2 different acronyms: R.I.C.H. (relates to the general principles in making successful decisions)

and I.N.V.E.S.T (relates to the investment concepts we should be aware when deciding on various options)

.The above covers both a guiding compass and a technical manual which is sufficient for me to start investing. But each of us are different and maybe many others do not jump into investing as easily as me (which can be good sometimes).

A friend on Facebook asked me about my thoughts on investing and how I go about deciding on investments. Yes, there is a gap between where you are at now, and when you finally hold a compass and use a manual in your treks at the investment jungle.

Yet, it is not very different from a decision to start a fitness exercise plan for example, or even the decision to look for a job rather than stay at home to watch TV. It seems hard when we have little information, or feel less confident since we assume a difficult hurdle lies ahead of

us, or assume it takes too much time getting involved and decided to have the easy way out, of not doing anything.

Like keeping fit, investments are necessary. I want to urge you to think deeper about the value of your savings in the next 15 years. Investment does not entail taking huge risks. It merely requires investing time in thinking about your future. As you have asked that question and wondered if you have done enough in investing, the next step is to sit down one weekend or one quiet evening to draw up a fitness plan for your money and earnings.

Ask yourself if you are saving enough? Are you

you diversifying some of that savings into more risky yet higher returns? Would you want to start building up savings to purchase a property and how much percentage of your investment portfolio ought to be in property?

Do you need money for the next 5-15 years and if that savings can be put aside for more risky investment plans that invest in equity?

You are the master of your own future. Even if you are married, you need to set aside an individual plan that TAKES CARE OF YOU. It is best you gather some thoughts even before meeting a financial planner, so you can be sure of what suits you best. Be sure not to be

lured into making large investments that are not diversified.

You may want to consider both a rabbit hunt and an elephant hunt. A rabbit hunt is a regular, daily, weekly or monthly affair where you bring food to the table. This can be interest gained from local or foreign deposits, rent, dividends from stable equities or short term trading profit. You get investment returns regularly to know your money is working for you. Even if your other investments fail, you have a steady plan that would not make you rich, but sufficient for the next few years.

An elephant hunt is a once a year or once every 5-15 years occasion where you celebrate in a feast for the successful sale of a property, a business, a long term regular savings plan or equities you bought at very cheap prices as you know their hidden potential in reaping a large gain such as holding on to Apple stocks at USD12 for 20 years till it holds an exorbitant value of USD490. You should plan for both a tactical short term fitness regime for your savings, as well as a long term strategic plan.

Next, reflect and keep a diary. Do not make impulsive decisions. Make investing a beautiful experience like any other activity that you pursue. By attributing more meaning and thoughts to each action, you appreciate the activity more. When you enjoy learning and participating in your investment decisions, you begin to get better at it. Write down what you purchased, why you purchased it or even take a photo of your initial investment plan or equity purchased. Make it a personal and meaningful activity rather than a click of a mouse of an investment transaction. Like all things, when you give it some thought, you put your heart, soul and mind into it, you gain fruits from the toil of your labor.

This may seem common sense principles, but the first step is to think and then act. Then, you begin to get more experience and begin appreciating the use of your own compass and manuals that you begin to discover along the way. Happy investing! Happy dragon year 2012 to all my friends and loyal blog readers!

(Photos show me being the top 5 participants in a ballroom of more than 1000 Singaporeans who won an autographed book from New Yorker Dr. Alexander Elder in his investment seminar. Also photos of my daughters in Tokyo, at their previous favorite playgroup at Kagurazaka and at Shinjuku Isetan and a Japanese bookstore. Also Sayaka's 1 year old birthday at Pizzeria Mozza. Also a video featuring Sayaka's joy in learning to enter a block.).

Detail: Tip 253: Thinking about Investing