Looking through the eyes of Christ

25.09.2016. Saturday. Rev. Thomas concluded his sermon by quoting the meaning of religion, “I obey; therefore, I’m accepted.”. In another word, “Only when I obey God, then I’m accepted and love in order to get things from God”.

Contrary with the message of Gospel, “I’m accepted; therefore, I obey.” Means, I’m accepted and love by god even though I do not know him.”

How was it possible? I’m still accepted and love by God even though I’m a total stranger to him. 

In a slow pace the Holy Spirit gradually guided me to understood the meaning of Gospel that lead me to realize the essence of the word “God’s Grace”. It was signified through the redemptive act of Jesus Christ. 

In his long-suffering on the cross, when he poised to look at those below from the cross, his downtrodden eyes does not expressed defeat as many of us might think; Instead, a loving eyes of grace because he knew he had conquered death. HIS victory over death marked the victorious living for each of us over sin and the removal of all barrier so that we are able to come to the presence of HIS father in heaven. St. Paul in the book of Roman 8 : 31-32, say it well,

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"

26.09.2016. Monday. I was moved to watch the movie “Fireproof” directed by Alex Kendrick. I’d watch it twice. This would be the third. "What would I possibly learn if I watch it again?" I groaned. Moreover, it was quite late. Anyway, I sat through and the show stretch till 3am in the morning. After the show ended, I began to gain further insight on what was the Saturday sermon is all about.

A scene depicted Caleb confided his father caught my attention. Caleb angrily uttered, “How am I supposed to show love to somebody over and over and over.... who constantly rejects me?” when his effort to continue with “love dare 40 days guide” in order to save his marriage seem to give not fruitful result.

His father, calmly stood next to a cross and replied, “That’s a good question!”. 

The father lovingly consoled him, “You can't love her because you can't give her what you don't have.” He then confessed, “The cross was offensive to me until I came to it. That's when I truly began to love your mom.”

My journey to rekindle with my dear ones with God's love has reach rock bottom. The 'parasites'(impulsive behavior and uncontrolled temperament) within roam freely. After I diminished my desire towards material gains, my role as the head of the family was withdrawn and constantly in lackadaisical approach. Is there hope in all these? In human eyes, its a no-no. In the eyes of Christ, a big Yes. When and where the hope shines is solely in God's hand.

My mind lingered back to the year 2010. My Cell Group 11 had studied through a book entitled “Fireproof Your Life” written by Michael Catt, which uses references from the movie. The book began with sequoia tree. How the tree is able to withstand multiple fires outbreak because its bark is two feet thick. This is made possible as after each fire encounter, the tree can smolder for six to twelve months from the “pain and suffering” of the flames that lashed at the bark.

This book spur my spirit not to succumb to circumstances and always stand tall to face my challenges in Christ’s power. It is a painstaking journey for me to walk in a path to share God’s Love with others but I'm glad to live each day in gratitude. Being given a 2nd lease of life to pursue my passion is a gift that is beyond my comprehension.

Reliving my first love in Christ drawn me to attain peace and tranquility while at the same time declaring war against the 'parasites' within. It is my joy to constantly walk with Christ till the day HE bids me at the pearly gate. HIS generous strength and wisdom would be pour upon me whenever I seek them wholeheartedly. Sad to say, there are moments when the ups and downs of life cycle seems to cloud HIS generosity allowing doubt to sneak in. However, I had taken a firm stand before HIM that I will stay on course with HIS navigation in my life regardless any trials that comes my way.

To God Be the Glory, Amen.

Written on 30 September 2016, Friday
by Ling Chin Hing.

Once Save Forever Save (God’s Grace)

How much do we understand God’s Grace?

God’s Grace is free to us. But, not cheap to purchase. It was given to us through the redemptive price that Christ had paid on the cross.

On and off I came about with the issue whether a person who’d accepted Jesus Christ, then turn away from god, will still be save. I for instance, stood firm with my Christian believe, “Once Save Forever Save “.  Why is that so?

It is our ‘ First Love ’ towards God that changes our life destiny. When anyone uttered the ‘Sinner’s Prayer’ with repented heart, they received Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. From that moment, God’s grace flows in us and invoke the Holy Spirit that dwells in us. Our childlike faith in Christ becomes the bridge for us to commune with our God~Our Father in heaven. In another word, we are heirs of God and joint heir’s with Christ (Ro. 8:17).

How then, a person who’re swayed or denounced their faith is no longer save even though God’s grace still flows in them? It puzzles me when the issue been raise. Herewith is an outline of a simple analogy I form about the bond between God and fellow Christians.

When a child is born in a family, they carries their parent gene in their blood(grace). Thus, by default they intimately became part of the family. Then one day, the child decided to rebel and chose to walk a wayward life. The parent can easily disowned them physically. But, can they remove their gene from the child’s blood? Astounding  ‘No’. It can’t be done. The gene is part of the blood cell(life) and will always remain in the child for as long as he/she lives.

Therefore, the child infinitely belongs to the parent and the parent will always be the protector of the child no matter what the circumstances is, because the gene in their blood binds the relationship with or without anyone consent.

This scenario applies in our relationship with our Father in heaven. We are called the child of God. As Christian, we addresses God as ‘Abba Father’ because we are “adopted through the Holy Spirit”. (Ro. 8:15). God simply receives us as who we are; with or without blemish! We are encourage to live an obedience life through the process of sanctification as to imitate Christ likeness. We are encourage to serve in God’s ministry as to laid up treasures in heaven. Unfortunately, often, along the way when our joyful obedience turns dutiful(dead leader running), the uprising human nature within causes us to rebel and walk away from God. However, this rebellious action does not evict the Holy Spirit that resides in us. Instead, our action simply force the Holy Spirit to stay dormant until God’s Grace awake it again. When this happen, only God will decide whether the person is still being His child or not because He sees the heart, mind, and soul of a person; Not by their action, as we, being human always purview.

The keyword on this issue lies on, “the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, is the evidence that we are saved.” (Ro. 8:9). In another word, “the Holy Spirit is the deposit that guarantees our Salvation.” (Eph. 1:13-14).

Having said so, I stand firm that once a person is save by grace, they are forever save disregard whatever action he/she takes. However, the question on whether the person uttered the 'Sinner's Prayer' with repentant heart or not, is between them and God. Ultimately, we are in no position to judge their personal conviction.

Written on 11 March 2015, Wednesday
by Ling Chin Hing

A Glut in a pride

Draining further those barely meets their ends

A colorful tapestry could be seen from horizon marches towards a destination. A term 'offer them-self ' to serve the 'rakyat' deem the only catching phrase. 

Politicians! Are they Hypocrite or Convicted in their mission? Splinters of 'rakyat' shy away to practice their right. Multitude are lured; Remnant provoke. 

During heaty campaigning, friends becomes foe; Family bonding rife; Even spouses are not spared in the name of 'championing the people'. 

Then the showdown dawn. Where are the champion? Where are the brother's keeper once boasted they’ll be? 

The phrase 'After the heat is gone, the chills envelope'. Mundane return to its norm. 

The tapestry of democracy will return after 5 years. In the meantime, those wearing victor's crown blatantly shines in arrogant pride. The 'knight in shinning armor' once gave aspiring words are vividly fading. 

The destitute remain. The poor are left unattended. Surprisingly, the corrupts retain stronger footing. Those in power governs with atrocity and autocracy. Draining further those barely meets their ends. 

A billion dollar question, Will there ever be good governance in our lifetime? 

I one for sure don’t believe there will be any. ‘Cos, “The world is devil playground”. As my late grandma always has this word of wisdom, "if a fish is laid before a cat, will he/she turn away?" 

This lead to another question. How could a leader prove their integrity?

The Circle of our Life ~ Incarcerated in our own comfort zone

The mundane

“Wake-up son, time to work”. The voice of my father broke the silence of the room and awakens me. “It’s still early”, I hesitated. “If you do not work, then you do not need to eat”, he continued with stern tone. I was 10 years old then. I never understood why I need to work in order to have food to eat whereas, my cousin happily stayed at home. Grudgingly, I lifted my heavy feet’s and headed towards the bathroom for wash-up before tagging along with my dad to his workplace. I had to endure such tormented routine on every weekend at such a tender age when any other kids at my neighborhood were still at their dream. I am the fifth in the family of six siblings after my twin manage to sneak out 2 hours earlier than me from my mother womb. Mom always jested that the doctor said that I was reluctant to leave her womb as I was contemplated with where I was. We stayed in a room at my grandfather (father side) house. Imagine, a room with 8 persons living in it. It’s like a chicken den. The house has five rooms. So each room for one son (My grandfather have five sons). I never understand as to why my parent allowed such living condition in our growing up but one thing for sure, I told myself, “Once I am independent, I’m out of the house for good’.

Dad was not strict in our upbringing. He’s always a soft-hearted person and a responsible father. Mom does most of the disciplining. She often uproot small tree to whacked us in anger when we disobey her directive. We could only run helter-skelter as she goes ‘amuk’ on us. It’s true of a saying ‘boys are boys’. No matter how we’re beaten, we still repeat the same offense. Dad being the eldest in the family of eight siblings was given the task to support his younger siblings. At such, his siblings would grab any opportunity and took advantage of him. His trade cohere with mom. Dad was a plumber by profession and also a rubber tapper. Mom was a rubber tapper and helps Dad in the afternoon. Each day they woke at 4am and work through the day until 6pm or 7pm. By 9.30pm they were sound asleep. Such rigid and agonizing routine to many. Yet, most probably they have accepted that those were what their lives are all about. Both were made to serve grandmother (father side) for 12 years before being abruptly cut off without warning from any financial resources. It was then my grandmother (mother side) comes into picture as both of them doesn't have the mean to survive due to lack of money. Even with such hardship, they would just bite their tongue and swallowed all humiliations and life bitterness. Both are lack in literacy and easily fall prey to anyone who wanted to manipulate them. It is as if they accepted the fact that their life is fated to live at the mercy of another!

The wisdom

I visited my late Grandmother (mother side) regularly when she was alive. A woman of substance and determination. Single handed, she brought up eight children (4 girls 4 boys) as my grandfather was not a family man. Survive through as a rubber-tapper, each day she cycled her bicycle on a dusty red earth road at 3am from Kampung Selamat to Sungai Wangi (Approximate 5 kilometre one way). A metal barrel with the height of 4 Feet and a diameter of 2 feet was tied at the rear seat of the bicycle to store the latex which was collected in liquid form. The latex needed to be sent to a processing plant at the estate. Many a times she would commented as she recalled her rubber tapping days with a rubber estate company in Sg wangi, “The mandur(supervisor) was very strict on the thickness of the layer that we can cut at the rubber tree surface. We’ll be scolded like animal if the slice is thicker than stipulated ( I think each slice of layer cannot exceed 2mm). At time our daily wage i.e., RM3.50 would be deducted if the slice is too thick”. She explained that the rubber tree lifespan relies on the way they slice the layer thickness. The thicker you slice, the shorter the lifespan of a rubber tree. 

In the afternoon, she’ll collect rubber woods for cooking and the excess she will cycled around the village to sell it. She also bred livestock such as pigs, chicken and ducks at the backyard of her house just to earn an extra income. She grew vegetables for their own consumption. Even without any entrepreneur training, she used her rational mind to carry out the businesses and patiently planned through her finances. Her pride and joy was when she managed to purchased 2 pieces of rubber estate land. 

As I reflected on the day she was laid to rest, it was a heart wrenching memory. Though she has all the riches to live as a queen, yet she chosen to live as a pauper. Her death was excruciating as she was inflicted with bone cancer. She left a legacy which I will never forget, “Never hammer a nail in a decayed wood” ¾ we should never look down nor intimidate another person who is weak. Indeed she was driven by her legacy and proven it with flying color Even though she herself struggles in her own hands to mouth routine, she never failed to show her kindred heart by giving aid in our education (her grandchildren) and provided the necessary needs. She practically shared with us what she had and was proud with it by showing great pride in her action.

Without fail, she always gave aspiring words that I should not confine myself with timid and complacent peers. “Guard your talent and nurture them well”, she often reminded. One fine day, she caught hold of me and quoted, “Do you want people around you to draw a circle and make sure that you are inside the circle for the rest of your life?” At such tender age, I could not grasp the meaning behind those words of wisdom. She took the liberty to elaborate the sentence. “Many people around you expected you to follow your father’s footstep. Cocoon in one place and stayed in the so-called comfort zone.” In another word, I will take over my father occupation as a plumber, married and reside in my hometown. At that point of time, I can’t find anything wrong because my father is able to feed six of us (3 girls and 3 boys, including me) and I certainly do not mind continuing the occupation as my career. I was contented with that thought for many years until an incident changes me completely.

The Awakening

One fateful day, when I was 14 years old, my mom requested me to accompany her to the bank. She told me to instruct the cashier counter to deposit the money as Fix Deposit. Feeling confident, I obliged with her instruction. Walking towards the cashier, I said with confident in Malay, “Saya ingin menyimpan wang ini sebagai simpanan tetap.” Which translated as, “I would like to deposit this money as Fix Deposit”. The transaction seems to be going well until the cashier revert with a query, “Wang Pokok ini, bila sudah matang, apa awak nak buat dengan bunga?” which translated as, “When your principle amount is mature what do you want to do with the interest?” I was puzzled. Not knowing what to reply. Taken aback, I dug deep into my intellect mind to figure out what is ‘Pokok’ and ‘Bunga’ in banking term? Literary, ‘Pokok’ means ‘Tree’, and ‘Bunga’ means ‘flower’. What it got to do with the Fix Deposit? I was self-assured that I had learned many vocabularies in school but now being dumbfounded and caught red-handed by my incompetency. While my mind was still wondering on how to reply, a Good Samaritan who stood beside me seem to know my predicament, offered an explanation to me on what the cashier queried. I told the Good Samaritan that I would like to add the interest to the principle when it is mature. The Good Samaritan taught me how to convey the message. My confident was recharge as I face the cashier. After giving further instruction to the cashier, I managed to complete the transaction as per my mother directive.

After the incident, I asked myself, “Will I be illiterate like my mother and father? Is the career as a plumber really what I want? As my mind was lingering with doubts, only then I recalled what my grandmother said earlier, ‘Do you want people around you to draw a circle and make sure that you are inside the circle for the rest of your life?’ My eyes and my mind were opened as I begun to understand the meaning of the quote, that is, “DO NOT LET PEOPLE AROUND YOU DETERMINE WHAT YOU CAN DO OR CANNOT DO”.

The Challenge

I decided to chart my own path. To step out of the circle, I need on-going education as the milestone to change. Education is a double-edge sword. The edge can cuts through any obstacle or it can be left idle. Together with our mind, education in turn becomes knowledge and it is a dynamic tools that never stops evolving. When it stopped, we’re either in vegetative form or six-feet under. As long as we put our mind to it, we can succeed in any endeavor Therefore, complacency must not gain any grassroots in our mind. With new-found determination, I continued to complete my secondary education. Sad to say, I hit a hurdle when my SPM result was frozen due to unfortunate scandal that involved my teacher. When the result was release two month later, I persisted to continue my lower six although being told to continue on the following year because I only had 3 months to catch up with all the Lower six syllabus. A quarrel ensued between my father and I when I was insistence to continued my studies. He uttered “See whether your stomach could be fed with education”. The next two days, I abstained from any solid food and would only drank water when I’m hungry as to prove to my father how determine I was. Indeed, a great deal of lesson was learn after the stint. No matter how distinct a person may excel in life, food is always necessity to survive. My perseverance paid off as I managed to complete my STPM the same as my twin brother with quite a good results. I further on with the tertiary education in IT and chosen my career path without ever turning back.

Epilogue

 Today, I had achieved once I thought is impossible. The best part is, it does not stop at my career. I still venture into the unknown as I strongly believe that being well-literate does gives me freedom to go beyond without anything to hold me back. I’m certain that a person life will only stop evolving when they stop their pursuance to achieve greater height. I realize I’d taken my grandmother (mother side) legacy and planted it deep inside me and is hopeful to pass down the legacy to my children i.e., “Nurture our talent well”. The key to carry out such legacy are determination, perseverance, patient and purpose driven. Without the combination of such virtues, we’re like pouring salt into the sea¾means our endeavor will lead us nowhere. Therefore, each person should put aside any hindrances that comes their way and hold steadfast to their talent as to allow them to move beyond their life frontier. 

Written By Ling Chin Huat, Daniel
21/02/2013 for Toastmaster Club competition international on March 2013
further illustration made by Ling Chin Hing(His Twin brother).

Portrait of Ling Leong Song’s Family

The day is 11th of  November 2012, Sunday, 6pm. The anticipated day’s has finally arrived. It was a great day indeed. At Restaurant Bei King Banquet Hall(Kg Selamat, Sitiawan), all great and small from all walk of life comprises of siblings, relatives, and friends comes together to share this joyous occasion on the Marriage of my Cousin brother(Youngest Uncle Only Son).

The Groom and Bridegroom family

The uniqueness of this occasion was the gathering of Ling Leong Song’s children, who have in years never come together in unison due to various conflicts, bickerings, iniquities, and circumstances; thus, giving them the excuses to distant themselves from each other.

Portrait of Ling Leong Song’s family

Standing from the left

Youngest Uncle(Sitiawan), 3rd Uncle(Sitiawan), 4th Uncle(Sitiawan), Youngest Auntie(Klang), Eldest Auntie(Sitiawan), 2nd Auntie(Singapore)

Seating from the Left
2nd Uncle(Sitiawan), My Father (Sitiawan, The eldest).

It is true of a saying, “Families comes together when there’s marriage or funeral”. One is Joyous another is mourning. But, it is still a rare opportunity, such portrait, though merely holds a moment, boasted of my grandfather family's as an united family could be captured. Each has undergone the ups and downs which torn apart the bonding of the family. Grudges, quarrels, disappointments and hatred are the most common attributes that disintegrated the family.

I know what I’m saying because I had gone through the ordeal with all these uncles and aunties who instead of being supportive, practically tries to condemn each other or outdo themselves in which being niece or nephew were affected in the process.

Yet, the impossibility was made possible through an unceasing effort by my youngest auntie (i.e., my youngest uncle wife). She is able to convince everyone to lay aside all differences to come together and share the joyous occasion together with her, i.e., her only son, king for a day experience. She spent sleepless nights contacting, affirming their attendance, and planned the occasion with great details as to ensure all participants would reap the fruit with gladness and laughter.

Therefore, I put my hand together to give my applause and credit to my youngest auntie. Without her relentless effort, the portrait would never be ‘painted’ with such grandeur. Here I would like to say, “Job well done, mui ring~translated youngest auntie.”

Take Note! The pictures are blurry because I forgot to change back the document snapshot feature to portrait snapshot feature. :P.
Anyway, the bridegroom had uploaded all the photos in her FB. Click below link to view the captured moments of the occasion. :-).
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.513205418703661.118833.100000426217574&type=3#!/photo.php?fbid=513208768703326&set=a.513205418703661.118833.100000426217574&type=3&theater

Written on 14 November 2012, Wednesday
by Ling Chin Hing
Last updated on 19-11-2012

TNT Novelty House – The passion of a remarkable Lady

25/09/2012, Tuesday(Day 1)

It’s been months since Madam Tan Her Chu, the owner of TnT Novelty House extended her sincere invitation to me for a visit to her humble establishment. I was in the notion that it is just any other home-stay kind of environment and doesn't really look forward to take up the invitation. However, I make her a promise that I’ll definitely drop by when time permit.

That was nearly 3 months ago. Finally, I manage to adjust my work schedule and sounded to her that I’m ready to redeem her invitation. She and her husband drove from Teluk Intan to Ipoh for some errands and thereafter came to fetch me at my house. Our journey was smooth with ongoing conversation to catch up with the happening. We stop halfway for dinner and reach the premise at around 9pm. My first impression was, “well it’s just a double storey Semi-D house, I suppose”, staring at the entrance gate through the car window while Mr. Teh(Madam Tan Husband) alighted from his car and opened the entrance gate. He return to his car and drove to park at the car porch.

TnT Novelty House Signate

Overview

Car Porch

As I step out from the car, I was greeted with glowing amber light from the crystal stones. Though I sense the place is spacious, it was dimmed so I unable to make any out of it. Then Madam Tan instructed her staff to switch on all the lighting. I froze for a while as my heart sank with great amazement and admiration. The ambience of the ‘olden days’ and serenity enveloped me. Getting excited, I scrutinized every bit of the wall, decorations, benches, tables, elevated platform, aquarium, fountain, so on and so forth and swiftly move my steps to roam the interior of the premise. Even beach benches easily available for pure relaxing at secluded spot with ongoing water fountain splashes. “Truly astounding”, I said to myself. Tranquility naturally flows here!

Crystal Stone Light

Entrance Walk

Side Walk

Without much delay, Madam Tan took me around to view all the rooms. A Single Queen Size Bed Room(RM50), Two Single Bed Room(RM55), Family room(RM60), Dormitory Room(accommodate up to 25 pax at RM300) and a room that could accommodate 8 pax that has Jacuzzi (RM250). All have attached bathroom. Only during CNY the first three types of the rooms are fixed at RM60 per night. On other days, the rates remain unchanged. The various leisure hall comprise of games, laze ourselves or  merely chat at those halls are flawless and suitable for any age. As for me, I took the single Queen Size Room for the night.

 

Single Queen Size Bed Room with attached Bathroom ~ RM50.00 per night.

Then Madam Tan started describing her passion toward the design and layout of the interior. The wall and ceiling were plastered with her own hands. The Cengal woods benches and tables are her creation and manufactured In-house. Those interested could also purchase them from her. The decoration, the aquarium, the elevated platform and so on are all her design. I was stunned with her detail description on each of the items as if they are all a separate story being told.

We adjourned to her office and continued with our conversation. A passionate and willful lady is what I conclude about Madam Tan Her Chu. Often clad with T-Shirt, Jean, a pair of slipper and a sling bag over her shoulder, reflect her simplicity even though her  background speak otherwise. Before I came to the premise, I was in the mind that she is just another businesswoman who wanted to squeeze something out of nothing in order to earn extra bucks. How wrong is my perception about her? When I asked, why the name TnT was chosen. Immediately she replied, “you are referring to the bomb, is it”. I sheepishly admitted.

She explained TnT stood for Tan and Teh (She and her husband family name). Even the company logo derived from it but shape like a house. The establishment has been in operation for 11 years. She said it was her personal doctor that suggested the name Novelty House as to reflect her story telling in the likeness of a novel for each of her unique design. There are eight virtues that sustain the establishment. To name some, passionate, respect, persistency, interest and believes. Every furniture, semi-circle walls plastering that form a fanlike pattern, tiles flooring, elevated platform, compartments, bookstand, wall holder(she called it aeroplane), halls, decoration, aquarium, fountain and interior garden has its own story to tell as they are specifically improvised, crafted and designed by her personal touch.

"Keep it simple. In due time people will appreciate it". That's her motto to create a simple interior design as her signature and simply by her own style in which she hopes any guest would feel the homelike atmosphere and experience the harmonious aura. Speaking from experience, she believes that every mistake has a lesson in it to allow a person to compose an idea to create something new and transform it into a unique story.

I commented that the surprise element from Cengal woods design and placement definitely astound any first time guest as it emulates the ‘olden days’ ambience. The walk on the wooden platform and mesmerized crystal stone glow could easily melt any stress or tension. Madam Tan pointed out that there are 83 crystals stone light being strategically place throughout the premise; which, I find it soothing to the eyes of anyone who appreciate its presence. As for the Cengal wood benches and tables, they are painted with coated paint which is not mixed with any type of thinner to ensure higher water resilience and lasting appearance. That’s why even though the furniture are 11 years of age, it still looks brand new. She humbly continues to say that, “the 1Malaysia concept is still her ultimate goal for the homestay” as the premise is still undergoing continuous improvement to bring forth the ‘olden days’ ambience to greater height to reflect Malaysia multicultural race.

As it was quite late, we call it a day and she said she will take me around to visit all her 4 nurseries and some of her clients premise that bought  her furniture and homestay design.

26/09/2012, Wednesday(Day 2) ~ Outdoor visit to Nursery and Clients

After breakfast, we went to Nursery A where the furniture is manufactured. I was taken by surprise when she said the flower pots are her handmade. I pause and gaze at her with great surprise. She is a small size person yet able to create such gigantic pots. Then after gaining my posture, I jokingly said to her, “These need molding skill and strength and patience. You sure they are yours”. With boldness she replied, "Yes. It is my hand that moulded them with passion. Just to let you know, all my nurseries flowers pots are made by me". I am out of word on her reply. She further explained that all the nurseries landscape plants are improvised by her in according to her view. She will plant hundreds of plants and flowers. Then with patience nurtures them with great passion. Every plant is unique to her and has a story behind each of them. One of her favorite is the Passion fruit plant as it represent who she is. At the material time of my visit, only at Nursery C, the plant bear fruit.

Nursery A 

Many times she couldn’t withheld the  tears that swelled at her eyelids and flow down her cheeks whenever she spoke of the hurts and ill-intend by those who misinterpret her good intention. She asked my opinion. “Is it wrong to fully use up my own land?” “Why the neighboring residences at my nurseries abuse my land by using it as dumping ground or trespass them?” "Why am I being deprived from developing my land with nice landscape and structure?". I have no absolute answer to her predicament except to say that these are merely handful of people that doesn’t know how to appreciate her effort in beautifying a place. In my opinion there are not much 'green' in Teluk Intan anymore due to extensive development. She is actually creating a clean air for the surrounding residences with the landscape. Therefore, I encourage her that she need to put her best to nurture the nurseries and create a landscape that goes along with her passion.

Nursery B

Nursery C

( The building that trespass her land. Even debris of stones fell down from the five storey building which threathen the safety while tending the landscape.)

Nursery D

(Hundreds of  trees (left) will be planted in due time.)

There was once while touring Nursery A, she just bend down and start pulling out the tiny grass shot and count them one by one. After the count of fifty, she stood up and exclaimed, “This is the money I had earned today”. Her action through my perspective is, “So much passion and love she showered over these plants so that they can flourist in healthy way and thereafter give return to her". That's what I called being compassionate towards the plant and her handiwork before return are yield! One thing for sure, she is very particular with tidyness and cleanliness of her homestay and nurseries.

After the nurseries visit, we proceed to her client place that bought the benches, chairs, tables and plant. Though it was more than 5 years, the furniture still looks new. Then we went to another client of her. This time it was renovation project that was completed. From the look of the design, lighting and appearance, it does emulate her homestay interior signature. I said to myself, “this Madam Tan has gain a great achievement here. She puts her passion in action by creating her own identity and signature outside her comfort zone.”

Passion Fruit

(Left-passion plant, Right-passion fruit)

During lunch, she share her experience on the planning, design and her plastering work on the wall for the renovation which were very challenging. How she stood firm that the owner need to follow her design once the contract has been given to her even though disagreement arise. When the renovation was completed, the owner began to appreciate her good intention and boldness to stick to her design and details when their customers gave good commendation toward the renovation.

We’re back to the homestay after lunch. Madam Tan was very kind to take some snapshot of me at places where I like most in the premise. She told me she also does that for her client if time permited. Though she persuaded me to extend my stay, I apologically decline her sincerity due to my appointment. However, this time I told her that if I come back to her homestay, it will definitely be more than two days as I wanted to savour the ambience of this unique place at my own pace and leisure.

The snapshop transpose into canvas like sketch

Two days spent with Madam Tan Her Chu opens my eyes about life perspective at another angle. She willingly adjusted her own tight schedule to give me a tour to learn and understand about her passion and how it evolve into a business. She gave a fresh perspective that anything created by God has its story to tell. Only by comprehending the story, a person is able to allow their passion to inspired them to create new things.  She also told me, on various occasions(as long as it is within her means and ability), she uses flower therapy to assist disunited family  to regain their bond, those with physical ailment were encouraged and healed, and many more.

To me, this is the best place where serenity and peace exist that only this lady creates through her passion. A place of retreat where we can clear off our mind from the hustle and bustle of the city life. A place like a resort style though with simple setting yet enchanting, but with affordable rate. I give my respect and admiration to this remarkable lady who has proven that with passionate mind, a person is able to succeed in business and on the other hand not losing their creativity.

There will be more photos in my Facebook of my trip to her homestay and nurseries. To know more of this unique place and nurseries, you may reach Madam Tan Her Chu at :-

A simple lady yet has unconfine passion in her heart 

Review about TnT Novelty House Sdn Bhd

and Madam Tan Her Chu

on 01 October 2012, Monday

by Ling Chin Hing

May it give another life perspective about our passion at work.