Tony's stash of textual information

I hope you find something beneficial here

Storms and waves on every side But Jesus says, “no need to hide” only in a still, small voice can we hear the whispers of Christ

Oh! clang and noise of war! and our wounds so sore! “where is God?” we cry helplessly but Jesus says, “I'm in the boat, with thee”

“do you believe – wind and sea obey me – or, do you crave – even more faith – ?”

as wise elders say: the greatest thing you can learn is to love and be loved in return

credits

  1. Picture by Rembrandt, (1633). Christ in the storm on the lake of Galilee.
  2. Lyrics popularised by Nat King Cole, in the song, titled “Nature Boy” (1948): The greatest thing you'll ever learn / is just to love / and be loved in return.

#poems

The titular quote is from the Book of Proverbs in the Holy Bible: Chapter 3, Verse 14.

In truth, more desirable than rubies, silver and fine gold is wisdom.

But who can have enough faith to receive such wisdom? (which God most generously provides to all who ask, without reproach).

I have identified an Internet-user who goes by the moniker of Hanie Unagi. Ms. Unagi writes thus:

Today, I found myself reflecting on addiction—specifically, how I overcame mine. Though I choose not to disclose what I was addicted to, I can say this: I feel an incredible sense of freedom now that I have let it go.

In therapy, my counselor and I explored the roots of addiction. One profound cause stood out to me, not in her own words, but expressed so poignantly in Pia Mellody's Facing Codependence: “Addiction grows out of the absence of healthy love.” This resonated deeply. It felt like my addiction was a symptom of an unmet need for radical, unconditional love—a concept both abstract and profound, yet one I’ve come to understand through my own journey.

For the longest time, I was an agnostic. It wasn’t because I rejected religion, but because I didn’t know which path was mine to take. Eventually, I found my way to Islam, and it transformed everything. Unlocking the spirituality within Islam led me to experience the radical, unconditional love of the Divine. This love empowered me to detach from my addiction, freeing me in ways I never thought possible.

I’ve come to believe that everyone has their own medium of healing. For some, it’s religion or spirituality; for others, it may be hypnotherapy, rehabilitation, or something entirely different. There is no single path, but I am certain there is something out there for everyone. I send my deepest hope that those in pain will find their way to healing.

I used to cry out of pain and despair. Now, I cry because of the overwhelming love and healing I have received. It took years of struggle, introspection, and surrender to get here, but I am finally free. Addiction no longer defines or confines me. My heart overflows with gratitude, and I wish this freedom and peace for everyone walking a similar path. Healing is possible. Freedom is possible. And there is hope for us all.

  • 21 November 2024, 9 PM

Hey Google. What is the proper way to handle a stray dog? Especially in areas where there is no Internet-connection to ask Google.

I first encountered stray dogs in the southern end of the Taiwanese mainland, after hearing a rumour that fires spout from the ground there (see Wikipedia.)

(That was in the year 2013 A.D.)

It was late at night. The inn-keeper told me, “Don't go there, so late at night. There will be ghosts,” he said. Which was the best encouragement for an adventurous young thrill-seeker – like my young foolish self – to rush there, right away.

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under Chatham House Rules, the goings-on may be revealed, but not the identity of individuals, nor their respective affliations.

This morning was such a hustle-and-bustle. I thought I was going to be late. The train had taken longer than usual to arrive – it was normal for this part of the woods, but I had forgotten. (I realise now: how blessed I am, to live in a more efficient, and more timely, region.)

Every conference has an important facility that one must hunt down: the toilet, which one is obliged, by social contract, to rush desperately towards

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For my mother, and her long-term supporter, who happens to be my father.

I first started volunteering with Homeless Hearts of Singapore (HHOS, for short), in late 2022. I had read an article in Channel NewsAsia, about this organisation. I looked up their website, and filled in a registration form, and then received a call from Derek shortly.

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A few months ago, I met a few pianists at public pianos. Then, I saw that the National Library Board was offering a free-of-charge venue to stage a music performance.

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It occurred to me – what if a city has a existence of its own – what was the person you were before you encountered a city – have you ever known a life without a city -

First, we have to define what a city is.

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Yesterday the wind came And pushed some trees over Humans – hairless apes, really - Pointed and stared

The next day

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Deaconess Lian Suan recently shared in her sermon that she used to bemoan the fact that there were no mentor-figures in her life. (According to her definition, mentor-figures have to be of the same gender as the mentee). But then she realised that she did have one older female as her mentor – and then, the rest of her experience as a mentee was in a group setting, not one-to-one.

That got me wondering – have I really developed a sense of appreciation for the mentor-figures in my life?

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I've always loved magazines. I grew up reading CHIP, and Tips And Tricks. One of my favourite childhood memories is visiting Kinokuniya in Ngee Ann City, and seeing a new issue of Tips And Tricks on the shelves.

What do I love about magazines?

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