long road home

Put Insomnia to Bed - Sleep Hygiene

2011-12-23T11:11:00.004+11:00

I got this leaflet from my GP - I think this short and good article will be beneficial to help yourself or your loved ones who are having sleeping problems, including difficulty in getting to sleep or staying asleep and not feeling refreshed in the morning -or known as insomnia.

Hope it will be beneficial for you.

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Put Insomnia to Bed

Sleeping problems are common and can be caused by a variety of different factors. The medical term for sleep disturbances is insomnia and includes difficulty in getting to sleep, difficulty in staying asleep and not feeling refreshed in the morning. There are some simple things that you can do which may help - this is called sleep hygiene.

Sleep Hygiene

For people with insomnia, the first step in improving sleep is putting into practice some simple sleep hygiene measures, or lifestyle and environmental changes that may help you sleep. Some examples are:

Improve your sleep environment, for example by ensuring that the bed is comfortable and the bedroom warm, quiet, and dark.
Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even after a poor night's sleep.
Do not stay in bed if you are awake for more than 20 minutes; go to another room and do something relaxing.
Be as active as possible during the day and spend time outdoors if possible.
Avoid taking naps during the day, otherwise if you do nap, keep it to 20 minutes before 3pm.
Try to wind down before attempting to go to sleep, e.g. reading a book or magazine. Avoid playing computer games or working immediately before going to bed.
Do not discuss or analyse problems in bed.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, especially in the evening.
Try to lose weight if you are overweight.
Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day (but at least three hours before bedtime).
Reduce caffeine intake during the day and avoid caffeine-containing drinks such as tea, coffee, cola and energy drinks after midday.
Avoid heavy meals or strenuous exercise in the evening.

If these interventions don't work, there are a range of psychological treatments and medications which effectively treat insomnia.

New medications improve sleep quantity and quality

It's the quality of your sleep, not just the quantity that is important. Good quality sleep helps you feel refreshed in the morning and improves how you feel during the day. The newest insomnia medications not only help people fall asleep, but also improve the quality of sleep and next day performance. Melatonin is a natural human hormone that controls the circadian rhythm (your built-in 24-hour clock), including the time when you go to sleep.

Natural melatonin levels usually rise as it gets dark causing you to feel sleepy. The melatonin contained in prolonged release insomnia medicines is released in a pattern that mimics the body's natural circadian rhythm - so melatonin is slowly released during the night when you are normally sleeping.

Reproduced by leaflets written by Sigma Pharmaceuticals (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Nothing Else Matters

2010-01-10T22:17:00.002+11:00

I fall in love with this song when I first heard it at church today. A beautiful song. A great reminder of what matters in this life and a great hope that Christians are waiting for.

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Nothing Else Matters

1. There is a world where love is true
A world where no-one lies
Where hate and anger are unknown
And friends don't say goodbye
A world with Jesus on his throne
And I’ll be there, with him, his own
Nothing else matters at all.

2. There is a world with shadows gone
A world with no more night
The sun will shine through every day
And wrongs will be made right
All sin and darkness cast away
Forgiven, free, with him we’ll stay
Nothing else matters at all.

A hundred years is worth the wait
A thousand years will seem a day
A flash of time compared with what's to come
We'll touch, we'll hear, we'll taste, we'll see
The wonders of eternity
Creation new, we’ll finally be at home

3. Our houses, money, dreams and plans
Are mist and nothing more
Like grass without the summer rain
They'll pass away for sure
But Christ forever is the same
And when I hear him call my name
Nothing else matters at all.

Music: © 2009 Philip Percival
Lyrics: © 2009 Simone Richardson

Vocal: Rob Smith & Lara Goudie
Backing vocals: Rob Smith
Drums & Bass: Michael Carpenter
Piano: Philip Percival
Guitars: Rob Smith
Keyboards: Philip Percival & Rob Smith

Available on the album 'God Unlimited'.

A Warning Against Idleness

2009-08-11T14:14:00.005+10:00

"Now we command you, brothers,in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living."

I need a 'push' or motivation to continue to look for a full time job at the moment. So, I think the verses above from 2 Thessalonians 3 is the one that I need to hear.

A warning against idleness that I should use my day off from work to do meaningful things not do nothing or something useless, and most importantly to look for a full time job. It's also a good reminder for myself that indeed the motivation and the reason why I'm working is because God commands us to work in order to eat so that I will not become a burden to others. Work in order to live and eat, not for any other reasons such as finding satisfaction, self-actualization, status, etc.

Margaret Fulton's Lemon Delicious Pudding

2009-07-30T20:36:00.003+10:00

I made this with some friends last week. Love it! It was really delicious and lemony. I recommend you to try this recipe out! Happy baking :)

(serves 6)

60g butter
grated rind and juice of 1 lemon
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs, separated
4 tablespoons self-raising flour, sifted
1 1/4 cups milk

Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF). Using an electric mixer, cream the butter with the lemon rind and sugar. When it is creamy and light, beat in the egg yolks. Stir in the sifted floured alternately with the milk.

Beat the egg whites until stiff and fold into the mixture with the lemon juice, lightly yet thoroughly. Pour into a buttered casserole or pie dish and bake for about 45 minutes.

Individual lemon delicious puddings
If you want something that looks a little fancier but tastes just as good, give these a try.

Divide the mixture into 6 individual buttered ramekins and bake in a preheated 180ºC (350ºF)oven for 20 minutes. Have ready metal skewers that have been heated to red-hot over a naked flame or the stove element. As soon as the puddings come out of the oven, dust the tops with sifted icing sugar. Holding the skewers with an oven mitt, scorch the tops of the puddings quickly with skewers. Do this one skewer at a time, leaving the other skewers on the heat as you work, to form a crosshatch pattern on the top of each pudding. Serve with thick cream.

notes from Margaret

Generations of readers have written in praising this lemon delicious recipe, sometimes called lemon surprise pudding because underneath the sponge topping is a creamy lemon sauce.

However, the surprise will only be there if the pudding is cooked the right amount. Too much and the sauce will be lost, too little and there won't be enough sponge topping. If there doesn't seem to be enough sponge, return to the oven for a little longer.

SOURCE: MARGARET FULTON'S KITCHEN

A Reflection: the CROSS

2009-07-30T20:17:00.004+10:00

Some of you might know that I went away for Mid Year Conference (MYC). I want to share a bit with you what I learn in those 5 days. We study together from the Bible and look at why the CROSS is at the heart of Christianity. This is what I wrote down at the end of fifth day when each one of us was being asked to write a letter for ourselves. This is what I wrote down.

Our sins are one of the reasons why Jesus was died on the CROSS.

You and me are responsible.

The CROSS..
..is where Jesus bore his Father's anger
..is where Jesus dealt with sin's penalty: death. once and for all
..is where satan's power was crushed
..is where our relationship with God was being restored
..is victorious
..is the power of God for those whom He chose

If you trust Jesus and what he did at the CROSS, you..
..are no longer enslaved by sins
..can say 'no' to satan's lies
..live to take up your cross daily and to glorify Him

It is not easy.

It leads to sufferings as what our Lord Jesus has experienced.

But, we have the Holy Spirit and each other to support us.

Until the day when we will receive the final glory.

Always look at the CROSS.

And be thankful for it.

Sydney: Photography exhibitions

2009-04-02T23:29:00.004+11:00

One thing that I love about Sydney is the free-of-charge public photo exhibitions. They are really good ones! Some of them are the work of Sydney based photographers.

Here are some exhibitions that I plan to visit in next months:

#Life on Top of Hyde Park
(26 March - 1 May; The Residence, Hyde Park)
This is a work by Pete Longworth, a Sydney based photographers. I looked at the preview, it looks really beautiful and capture the life around Hyde Park in B&W. I can't wait to see the photos at the exhibition. It must be far better than the online one! :)

# Moran Prize
(7 March - 3 May, State Library of NSW)
I went to this exhibition last year. This is dedicated for both portrait paintings and photos. The State Library of NSW presents 121 photographic and 30 portrait finalists from a total of over 130 000 entries.

# World Press Photo 09
(9-31 May, State Library of NSW)
This is the photojournalism exhibition. Personally, I don't like to look at some of these photos, but we need to see them because those photos reflect the reality of life. They captured a glimpse of this sinful world where we live in.

Want to see some more? Paddington is the place to go. There are few art/photo galleries that hold different exhibitions from time to time. So make sure to regularly check what's on at each of them.

#Australian Centre for Photography (ACP)
257 Oxford Street

#Blender Gallery
16 Elizabeth Street

#Stills Gallery
36 Gosbell Street

#Global Gallery
5 Comber Street

Peanut Butter Chicken

2009-04-02T22:52:00.005+11:00

I firstly got the inspiration to cook this dish from the peanut butter's label. It is easy to cook and taste nice :)

Peanut Butter Chicken

400gr Chicken fillet (anything: breast, thigh, drumstick), cut small
1 small onion, chopped
1 capsicum, chopped
1 tablespoon peanut butter (i prefer the smooth instead of crunchy peanut butter, but anything will do)
Kecap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce)
Salt and pepper
hot water
oil

1. Heat pan and add a bit of oil. Add onion. Stir-fry until onions are tender but not overcooked.
2. Add chicken. Stir-fry for few minutes until they are all cooked (the color is changed).
3. Add capsicum. Stir-fry briefly.
4. Add the seasonings: peanut butter, salt, pepper, kecap manis. Then, add a bit of hot water to dissolve the peanut butter and to create a bit of sauce. Wait until another or two minutes until the sauce is thicken.
5. Serve hot with rice :)

job hunting vs. career hunting

2009-03-12T20:22:00.007+11:00

it's been awhile since my last post. if any of you (ever) wondered what am i doing? why am i not updating my blog? you will find a bit of clue in a moment :)

i've ended my official holiday since few weeks ago. now, i'm still doing a daunting process of job hunting. a new area that i've never explored before in my life! i'm a complete newbie. i've looked at many job ads by now, which lead to mixed responses, from feeling discourage of unqualified positions to a hilarious job application question of 'if you are a car, which one do you want to be and why?'

even though i've heard the theoritical and right biblical understanding of work, but in reality as any other aspects in my life, i won't know how to response rightly or even really thinking about that issue until i'm in it. ok, here is the thing about job hunting. there are many tempting options and suggestions of: which kind of job, or to be exact, what kind of career that you should look for! there is one incident that i want to apply for an associate position in a management consulting firm after attending an employer info session. it is always tempting to get a job where you can have many different experiences in different industries, fast track of career advancement, opportunity for overseas placement or travel, scholarship at top business school, and many more! i still want to try to apply to that job (even though i know the chance of getting first round interview is really small) until i stumble across a sentence in their website that said 'this is not a nine to five job' that wakes me up and gets me thinking. will this kind of job hinder my Christian growth? do i want to put my life in this meaningless career path when i know that as a Christian what you need is a job not a career? this has taught me to be more careful in selecting job.

i'm also currently reading a book called 'Beyond Greed' by Brian Rosner which triggers me more to think about work, greed, generosity, and contentment. i'll save my thoughts on this for future post.

i think i should stop writing for now, and let you share your insights on this matter :)

lastly, i also want to give thanks to God for His continuous provisions of material and spiritual supports through many people that He has put around me while i'm still looking for job. i'm really grateful for my brothers and sisters in Christ who has and continue praying for me, rebuking and reminding me to whom am i living for and how i should make every single decisions according to God's Word.

Every Day

2009-01-18T03:06:00.003+11:00

I listen to this song over and over again, really like the lyric of this song since I first heard it..

Do we really give thanks to God in every situation, not only when things go well but when trials and problems come?

Listen the full version here :)

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"Every Day"
(As recorded on Come Weary Saints)

By Joel Sczebel and Todd Twining

Lyrics

In Your grace, You know where I walk
You know when I fall
You know all my ways
In Your love, I know You allow
What I cannot grasp
To bring You praise

Thank You for the trials
For the fire, for the pain
Thank You for the strength
Knowing You have ordained
Every day

Your great power is shown when I’m weak
You help me to see
Your love in this place
Perfect peace is filling my mind
And drawing my heart
To praise You again

In my uncertainty, Your Word is all I need
To know You’re with me every day (repeat)

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)/Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)

Why 'long road home'?

2009-01-18T02:30:00.005+11:00

If you are wondering why this blog is called 'long road home', read on this post.

I'm not normally listen to the rap song but this 'free' sample catch my attention few months ago. This song tells a life story of a man (read: every Christian), a sinner who experienced the grace of God and struggle to live a godly life in this present sinful world. This is not our home but heaven is in Christ Jesus, so keep on persevering. A great encouragement and reminder indeed. Thus, the name of this blog :)

Listen the sample here.

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The Long Road Home

By Curt Allen
As recorded on The Process of the Pardon

Lyrics

Verse 1

I walk the long road in the days of my life, trying to figure what it means to be
Worthy of grace I received from His death on the cross
And the blood that was shed for me. I cannot explain why God
Would choose a wicked man to experience a love so great
And how could a God so holy who needs nothing hold me
Until I see His face? He prepared a place for the new birth
A new earth will follow, one city stretching from DC to Colorado
Perfect, no sin, no addictions. I repeat, no sin, with Him’s how we living
It’s heaven. Until we get in, we persevere, until the day that we say that we out of here
I can only image the throne. Worthy is the Lamb of this journey on the long road home

Hook

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I will not fear ’cause You are here, I am near Your throne
And the path is clear though it’s a long road home
(repeat)

Verse 2

This world is filled with struggles and strife that affect us all because of the fall
The indictment is clear: Every man born is morally torn and will suffer in this atmosphere
There are days I’m worn down, I want to give up
’Cause I’m tired of this fight that I gotta pursue
But then I think of the place, oh, the place that You prepared
For those who believe in You. May my soul be spared
My flesh renewed, my heart revived standing next to You
When my eyes will see, when there’s no faith and I can’t wait until I see Your face
So help me be strong, and help me move on until I’m dead and gone, and in Your grace
That’ll be the day, but until that day I’m in a zone
Faithfully trying to keep walking the long road home

Hook

Verse 3

If it was up to me, I’d make life a little easier, but in that I see the disguise
It’s “You’re not wise,” it’s “You’re not sovereign,” my heart is filled with many wicked lies
But despite all that, You intercede on my behalf
And will reward me for things I shouldn't have
I will be more than glad in Your presence for eternity
Where forever with You I will learn and see
Many things that were strange theologically
I’d love to know why You allow psychology
To be a hindrance to Christ saying “Follow me”
And having more clones on this journey on the long road home

Hook

© 2008 Curt “Voice” Allen

the tasty HAKAU..

2009-01-18T01:44:00.001+11:00

this was my very first time of making or lets say cooking dim sum.. and it was HAKAU..!!

it was not very hard to make hakau, you just need to follow the step-by-step on the recipe.. the hard part is to make the ’skin’ or ‘hakau wrappers’ that is really soft and transparent that makes hakau looks more tastier hehe…

recipe in bahasa indonesia..

HAKAU UDANG ISTIMEWA

source: NCC (Fatmah Bahalwan)

Bahan A
300gr udang kupas
1 sdm tepung sagu
1 sdm minyak wijen
1/2 sdt vetsin / chicken powder
1 sdt garam
1/4 sdt lada
1/2 sdt gula

Bahan B
150gr tepung Tang Mien
50gr tepung sagu
2 sdm minyak sayur
250ml air mendidih

Cara membuat:

1. Aduk semua bahan A hingga rata.

2. Bahan B semua diaduk rata, lalu diseduh dengan air mendidih (tips: bukan air hangat), dinginkan, uleni hingga kalis.

3. Tipiskan adonan tepung, cetak bentuk lingkaran. Beri dengan 1 sdm bahan isi, kemudian bentuk mirip pastel tapi beda, lho? :-)

nb. this is a re-post my previous blog

If I were God, I’d make myself clearer

2009-01-17T21:25:00.000+11:00

I finished reading this book few days ago, the complete title of this book is "If I were God, I’d make myself clearer" and with the subtitle of "Searching For Clarity in a World Full of Claims", written by John Dickson. This book offers a quick overview and really helpful for knowing the different views which are offered by many different religions in this world. It deals with different questions that people usually have in their head such as: can one of the religion be considered true? how do i know? if God is exist, will he leave us with any signpost?

These book is a good ‘appetizer’ and a brief explanation if you want to know more about religions’ claims, especially Christianity. It is very easy to read and follow. Highly recommended for anyone who want to get a brief picture of Christianity and the other major religions claims only by reading 75 pages!

nb. this is a re-post from my previous blog.

If I were God, I’d end all the pain

2009-01-17T21:18:00.000+11:00

This is another short book with only 70 pages by John Dickson. This book has a subtitle of ‘Struggling with Evil, Suffering, and Faith’. You can find another book by John Dickson that has been reviewed by me.
Have you ever wondered, if there is a loving and powerful God, why don’t he stop all of the pains in this world. Is he not that powerful? Is he not a loving God? Or.. Do all of our pains and sufferings disprove God?
Besides explanations of sufferings from Christian’s point of view or to say from the Bible itself, there will be some alternatives view of sufferings offered in this book, such as from the point of view of Islam, Hindu, Buddhist, atheist.
My overall opinion, if you expect this book to give an ‘exact’ answer to your problem of sufferings, you will be disappointed. This book is more to stimulate you to investigate further and giving you the basic ideas of some of point of views that this world offers. For myself, I found that I learnt something new from this book. Our view of heaven as a ‘fairy-airy, fourth dimensional existence with clouds, halos, bright lights and the ever-present harp music’ (p.57) is shaped by Hollywood, but as a Christian we should expect for the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1-5). Another thing is Psalm 22 foreshadows the scene of Jesus crucifixion in Mark 15.

This book together with another book, ‘If I were God, I’d make myself clearer’ are highly recommended books for its easy to read and brief explanations.

nb. this is a re-post from my previous blog.

nath start blogging?

2009-01-17T21:09:00.001+11:00

here it goes, my very first post...

i've been thinking (and forgetting) to seriously maintain a blog. i even dream about making a food blog. however, let's forget about making a food blog (for now), a hope to maintain a blog, and start doing a small step.

i hope this blog can share some stories where i can encourage and being encouraged by you. i'm thinking to share some recipes that i have as well and you should try it! :)

the first few posts will be recycled from my previous blog and notes in FB because i think it's worthed to re-post them.

looking forward to share with you and hear your comments!

luv,
nath