by Soo-Inn Tan | Jan 11, 2018 | 2017, 2018, Articles, Gratitude, Happiness, Life Issues
I popped into a Happy Mart convenience store (a Malaysian version of 7-Eleven) to buy some parking coupons. The staff on duty was a young Malay girl wearing a headscarf. I had to wait for a while because she was exchanging messages with someone on her smartphone. When...
by Soo-Inn Tan | Jan 4, 2018 | 2017, 2018, Articles, Christian Living, Obedience & Faithfulness
Are you a sprinter or a long-distance runner? I am more of a sprinter. I want the quick kill. I want to give it my all in one decisive event. But to faithfully put one foot in front of another with no immediate emotional gratification, with no quick sense of closure —...
by Soo-Inn Tan | Dec 28, 2017 | 2017, Articles, Books, Jesus, Jesus' Death, Life Issues, Meaning & Purpose
At a recent camp, I took along a novel to read as my evening leisure pursuit. The campsite was rustic, with just the bare amenities and no entertainment except the surrounding forest which was gorgeous. The novel was Blue Light Yokohama by Nicolas Obregon (UK: Penguin...
by Soo-Inn Tan | Dec 21, 2017 | 2017, Articles, Death & Grief, Life Issues
I am writing this in the quiet of my room in El Sanctuary, a quaint retreat centre near Alor Gajah, Malacca, Malaysia. I am here to speak to a group of bright young adults from Orchard Road Presbyterian Church. I am enjoying my interaction with them. But I came to...
by Soo-Inn Tan | Dec 14, 2017 | 2017, Articles, Christian Living
Mum has lost most of her short-term memory as she journeys down the path of Alzheimer’s dementia. When I drop by to visit, she will smile and yell my pet name, “Ah Chye”. I will go upstairs to put away my stuff and, when I come down again, she will...
by Soo-Inn Tan | Dec 7, 2017 | 2017, Articles, Church, Corporate Worship
You noticed her because she was different. She sometimes sang off key. She sang certain words louder, for emphasis. But her raising of her hands, her body language, were all appropriate. She was really worshipping her God in song. She inspired my own worship. I...
