A Quiet Encounter in the Sunflower Fields

 

Over the past few weeks, I stepped away from the usual rhythm of life. Not feeling well, I missed Sunday services and quietly withdrew to rest. Yet even in my stillness, God was gently at work.

He led me, unexpectedly, to the sunflower gardens of Thailand. There, surrounded by endless rows of golden blooms lifting their faces to the sun, I found peace. I saw His hand in everything—the warmth of the light, the silent strength of the distant mountains, the gentle shifting of the sky.

Each sunflower, turning toward the light, reminded me of our call to lift our hearts toward God. In that moment, I felt the Lord’s nearness not in noise or activity, but in the hush of creation. My spirit was renewed.

The hymn How Great Thou Art came to mind, its lyrics echoing the joy in my heart:

"Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,

How great Thou art!"

Indeed, my soul sang. Even in quiet seasons, God’s greatness surrounds us, comforts us, and gently restores us.

“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.” — Psalm 145:3

Sunflower Garden, Thailand.

The Best Medicine - A Dose of Your Kindness

 

A Dose of Your Kindness 

A few weeks back — yes, both in March and this very moon — I was pretty much a soggy tissue slumped on the couch. Or, to put it another way, a sick potato wrapped in blankets, binge-reading comical life stories just to soothe my weary soul.

And then — bam! — your “get well soon” messages dropped in like shots of love-powered espresso straight into my sluggish system. Talk about the best kind of immune booster! ☕💥

The doctor said (with that serious face): “Make sure you finish the entire course of medicine…”
Lilian, with her wise heart, added, “Medicine alone won’t help — you need good rest and buckets of water too.”
And then came Wendy Claire and Dorothy with their practical advice: “No more fruits or salad!” (Who knew salad could be so suspicious?) But hey, I’m coughing a lot less now, so hats off to you all!

Thank you, dear friends, for your sunshine-filled messages, warm thoughts, and practical wisdom. You’ve been the sweetest part of my recovery — the real prescription I needed. 💛🌤️

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” — Proverbs 17:22

Your kindness reminded me again how gratitude multiplies joy. In life’s aches and coughs — sometimes, it’s not just the pills or the rest, but the love of friends that helps us heal. 

- 26 June 2025

Plitvice Lakes National Park 

The Power of Daily Gratitude

Gratitude is a transformative practice that enriches our lives by shifting our focus from what we lack to the abundance we already possess. By embracing gratitude daily, we nurture a positive mindset, strengthen relationships, and find joy in life’s simple moments. Oprah Winfrey once said, “Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade

Practicing gratitude helps us see life’s challenges as opportunities for growth, fostering resilience and contentment. As William Arthur Ward wisely remarked, “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” Let us cultivate the habit of gratitude, not just for the extraordinary, but for every moment that makes life beautiful.