Thursday, January 31, 2019

Plans in place to revamp Orchard Road

Source Website: https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/plans-place-revamp-orchard-road
By Tiffany Fumiko Tay, The New Paper, 31 January 2019 at 06:00 am


Dhoby Ghaut will be a green zone with family-friendly attractions such as outdoor playgrounds.

Part of road may go car-free to link green areas

Travelling from one end of Orchard Road to the other will eventually be a different experience, as plans are afoot to transform the 2.4km stretch into a more lively street.

Part of the road may go car-free to connect green spaces at the Istana Park, Dhoby Ghaut Green and the open space at Plaza Singapura and turn it into a garden oasis.


Orchard Road to undergo major revamp to make it more than a retail destination. Orchard Road is set to become an urban green corridor.
PHOTO: Orchard Road to undergo major revamp to make it more than a retail destination. Orchard Road is set to become an urban green corridor.
SOURCE: Urban Redevelopment Authority
Picture posted by Staff Writer, Singapore Editorial Team, Yahoo News Singapore on 31 January 2019
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKY1G00gf3wylO5-1i3XYAw6JhqyOZZHHWqyHn7su0Y8eLagDo4c1Q9x9_8BKqOr0e6yMA1J7NGgJs46fAaU9vwpIi5XFUtes5WVZQ4ZfiLvB5EAO-5IKFcDsLqWlhpr-Oq4lmXwN59oA/s1600/9ab8e19a1b508ad86b4a7e9e1ea5ac8a.jpg
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https://sg.news.yahoo.com/orchard-road-undergo-major-revamp-make-retail-destination-022657738.html


These were among the proposed plans to rejuvenate Singapore's shopping belt unveiled yesterday, following a six-month study and consultations with stakeholders.

In a joint statement, the Singapore Tourism Board, Urban Redevelopment Authority and National Parks Board (NParks) said new retail concepts, attractions, entertainment and events will be introduced to the Tanglin, Somerset, Orchard and Dhoby Ghaut sub-precincts.


In a joint statement, the Singapore Tourism Board, Urban Redevelopment Authority and National Parks Board (NParks) said new retail concepts, attractions, entertainment and events will be introduced to the Tanglin, Somerset, Orchard and Dhoby Ghaut sub-precincts.
PHOTO: In a joint statement, the Singapore Tourism Board, Urban Redevelopment Authority and National Parks Board (NParks) said new retail concepts, attractions, entertainment and events will be introduced to the Tanglin, Somerset, Orchard and Dhoby Ghaut sub-precincts.
An artist’s impression of the Dhoby Ghaut event space.
SOURCE: National Parks Board
Picture posted by Staff Writer, Singapore Editorial Team, Yahoo News Singapore on 31 January 2019
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JVcvvBLkmjjzBhwyB4u9OSurkUW12Bn6dY_Qdl7FfqmUuFUBVGz6Rlk7N_gszNZy42csFtz3zUXrpQoifqYhDtjuukvJq_d2MjwLvPHOrMU1RdZsrDmobQI5a6O0us73Egl1BdzAReQ/s1600/7cc4be621e649c12eec044f9786b45e4.jpg
https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OPd_ZAO7XhXFy4CEJN_yDg--~A/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjtzbT0xO3c9MTI4MDtoPTk2MA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/7cc4be621e649c12eec044f9786b45e4
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/orchard-road-undergo-major-revamp-make-retail-destination-022657738.html


The heart of Orchard Road will remain the retail core, with more mixed-use developments to be built along Orchard Boulevard. Starting in April, the Orchard Road Business Association will begin a year-long trial to bring activities, such as retail and food and beverage pop-ups, to the pedestrian walkways.

Side streets such as Killiney Road and Orchard Turn will also be enhanced for better connectivity, while elevated link bridges may be built to make it easier for visitors to cross the junctions of Orchard and Paterson roads, the agencies said.


The heart of Orchard Road will remain the retail core, with more mixed-use developments to be built along Orchard Boulevard.
PHOTO: The heart of Orchard Road will remain the retail core, with more mixed-use developments to be built along Orchard Boulevard. Starting in April, the Orchard Road Business Association will begin a year-long trial to bring activities, such as retail and food and beverage pop-ups, to the pedestrian walkways.
Picture posted by Staff Writer, Singapore Editorial Team, Yahoo News Singapore on 31 January 2019
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7ICdbKglO_jFqxVU1ES98mIV_6Jhq-ug0DcyceKtufnumZVveaefkny3dft0mcRsYkfV6clPaU6cxPXhUXOIl6ewx-TP6pRfyQTNJZbs2XYemX9s4f2z0PC0xHbUauHnf1AGixk_ZpE/s1600/aebf4f31fafcf41b506abe4c34075c6c.jpg
https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Len4RdX87VT.eJkO6Foz4w--~A/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjtzbT0xO3c9MTI4MDtoPTk2MA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/aebf4f31fafcf41b506abe4c34075c6c
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/orchard-road-undergo-major-revamp-make-retail-destination-022657738.html


Dhoby Ghaut will be a green zone with family-friendly attractions such as outdoor playgrounds. Tanglin will be branded a mixed-use neighbourhood with arts and artisanal choices, with the conserved Tudor Court, for example, housing more arts and cultural offerings.


Dhoby Ghaut will be a green zone with family-friendly attractions such as outdoor playgrounds.
PHOTO: Tanglin will be branded a mixed-use neighbourhood with arts and artisanal choices, with the conserved Tudor Court, for example, housing more arts and cultural offerings.
Picture posted by Yuni on 09 May 2014 - Representation picture (Picnic at Singapore Botanic Garden)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBp751CQaNH9IcdKnrCsgbC2w1oeOhEHT7_DLDZjFPz1uNRfZ9EuaU-AjXmsIlOVUbfSm_p_GQG68aE7IgersVEt2ea6VOk3GyAWOj-PQtIRxWcYlQB5I9xyYw1KPTahbgkWfAEjtjYE/s1600/DSC_0154.JPG
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_qAeC6kubwghSuY9uaX0cuM6kPyk2_ghT5DblDkj-FNX13TbevNreNe0K6Ozwhf_ecGnnnnlzDgTvLJOsAjowRtkPn0qNpesMRlTI3uwonTydisIs5uxsancDfRBzuf0Myuq7aV8ct0/s1600/DSC_0154.JPG
http://blog.myfatpocket.com/yuniqueyuni/2014/05/picnic-at-singapore-botanic-garden/


Somerset will strengthen its positioning as a youth hub with new lifestyle options and the possible transformation of the Grange Road open-air carpark into a dedicated events space, the agencies said.

To "bring back the Orchard", NParks is also looking to plant more trees and shrubs along Orchard Road, starting next year, with a different colour palette for each sub-precinct.


Somerset will strengthen its positioning as a youth hub with new lifestyle options and the possible transformation of the Grange Road open-air carpark into a dedicated events space, the agencies said.
PHOTO: Somerset will strengthen its positioning as a youth hub with new lifestyle options and the possible transformation of the Grange Road open-air carpark into a dedicated events space, the agencies said.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Picture posted by Zhaki Abdullah and Tiffany Fumiko Tay, The Straits TImes on 14 April 2017 at 5:00 am SGT - Great cities have great streets, and many of them are pedestrianised
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSBKunu4gLN0O_CibwgXriQCof8KBreYwIbFb-2VYKtpA0BRGxyqEkjJ7aR1OB1LUicPybK0mrFZwDSRLfUqaFzWGMgfQuAIdL34PVW8DvziiAwsgIOV-WR_946uGCwZrcogRd6XRx7E/s1600/st_20170414_vnorchard44_3077311.jpg
https://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/articles/2017/04/14/st_20170414_vnorchard44t_3077311.jpg
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/orchard-revamp-a-step-in-the-right-direction-say-experts


Experts said that the ideas are a good move, but the real transformation needs to happen inside the street's malls.

A public exhibition on the plans for Orchard Road is being held at Orchard Fountain Corner beside 313@Somerset until Feb 13 to gather feedback. Details will be available until May 31 at https://ura.sg/orchardrd


Orchard revamp a step in the right direction, say experts

To 'bring back the Orchard', NParks is also looking to plant more trees and shrubs along Orchard Road, starting next year, with a different colour palette for each sub-precinct.
To 'bring back the Orchard', NParks is also looking to plant more trees and shrubs along Orchard Road, starting next year, with a different colour palette for each sub-precinct.
PHOTO: To "bring back the Orchard", NParks is also looking to plant more trees and shrubs along Orchard Road, starting next year, with a different colour palette for each sub-precinct.
Picture posted by pixy.org - Representation picture (young-woman-in-yellow-dresses-on-the-daffodils-background)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcrdN9FC29JIZyyvB96YW7MqGFJhDoZ70XByqIPceQDbDGvOG6QfU0akhqlxG2BvvfvMqVRTBOMOKUn3X-s0DpLZBpaJe1CyhoGs2zoZRBnir1nKQHatFNm6i30YBp5d3qHVURdsin1k/s1600/young-woman-in-yellow-dresses-on-the-daffodils-background.jpg
https://pixy.org/src/484/thumbs350/4846286.jpg
https://pixy.org/4846286/

By Tiffany Fumiko Tay, The New Paper, 31 January 2019 at 06:00 am
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now



Reference
[1] Tiffany Fumiko Tay, The New Paper, Plans in place to revamp Orchard Road, posted on 31 January 2019 at 06:00 am, https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/plans-place-revamp-orchard-road


Links
at

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Aloysius Pang - Kind cabby offered Belinda Lee and Jayley Woo free rides

PHOTO: Uncle Ricky offered free rides to the crematorium to her and fellow actresses Jayley Woo, Hayley Woo and Julie Tan.
Photo from Instagram/ Leebelinda
Picture posted by Joey Lee, AsiaOne on 29 January 2019
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37hvKPzu5HG9U8_W6ovkY6pu0NW9fmpgBfps1FdDTfGcyXRLsvzLy8tbEXjoUkYqv85J5f4QjI_uJEtYFE53wba60hyphenhyphenBogCFNxSJsLgR9chTq-H9x_Svyw5EQ796u1WIjx-rXyOqIABk/s1600/290119ricky.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/700x500/public/original_images/Jan2019/290119ricky.jpg?itok=ngtps5Zi
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/kind-cabby-offered-belinda-lee-and-jayley-woo-free-rides-send-aloysius-pang


They say that a kind heart never goes unnoticed and a kind act is never forgotten.

One taxi driver's kind act during a time of mourning is now warming hearts on Instagram.

In an Instagram post on Tuesday (Jan 29), TV host-actress Belinda Lee shared her experience with Uncle Ricky, a compassionate 73-year-old cabby who ferried her and her friends to Mandai crematorium last Sunday to send off late actor Aloysius Pang.


The 28-year-old succumbed to grave injuries sustained in a military exercise in New Zealand on Jan 23.
PHOTO: The 28-year-old succumbed to grave injuries sustained in a military exercise in New Zealand on Jan 23. His memorial and funeral took place over the weekend.
Picture posted on aloypang's Instagram
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4moTTryNpB_xCsV-oQgTWQyQ8wAFXJUH_jrnkFFLoIMPQTz1bU7B55aTnttxCdvHqp5IbY8AjozO3YUTa_DO7xkiBABnvBX1dl8GB-0wo1AG1o3bOammK7VddK3addehqAF7OEqyYY8/s1600/362606_n_1.png
https://scontent-sin2-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/8082843d49567fa1088d1f0da2599239/5CF705B7/t51.2885-15/e35/50687818_2187278111292255_9071337123900362606_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-sin2-1.cdninstagram.com
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs-3dzxAd_i/?utm_source=ig_embed
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/01/actor-aloysius-pang-dies-after-saf.html

The 28-year-old succumbed to grave injuries sustained in a military exercise in New Zealand on Jan 23.

His memorial and funeral took place over the weekend.


There was so much love and kindness shown to @jiaqiwoo @hayleywoojiayi @julietan_cxq and myself by a 73 year old cab driver named Uncle Ricky.
PHOTO: "There was so much love and kindness shown to @jiaqiwoo @hayleywoojiayi @julietan_cxq and myself by a 73 year old cab driver named Uncle Ricky.☺️
Swipe Left ⬅️to see his endearing face.
He insisted on giving us free rides to and fro the crematorium so that we can send @aloypang off in peace and Uncle Ricky even said that it was a privilege to 为 @aloypang 做点事。❤️
It’s amazing how sometimes strangers are more willing to extend a helping hand during a difficult time like this than those whom you might have known for a long time but have chosen to deny you. Never allow unpleasant incidents to make you lose faith in humankind. 人间还是有爱的！❤️🥰🥰👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽"

@leebelinda he’s my dad❤️...so proud of him 🙌❤️ - tangleona (Leona Tang)

Photo: Instagram/ Leebelinda on 12 January 2017
Posted by leebelinda (Belinda Lee, 李心钰 Lǐ xīn yù), Instagram on 29 January 2019
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuM-ipScPRetcHOtP7EIPp0BBXsLVv2U9qDBOg9X-rsUFJ0UGgUr-722dMMx-HfqR5JZ9guFIT403juQ53plLb1WsGqYhHwC3sdTQkcKZAajw46y4WsCv94sVIpnJcElPF7eiOL3hCG8/s1600/Belinda_Lee.png
Belinda_Lee.png
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPKmBMnAk6y/


The first photo showed the cast of Tiger Mum, a 2015 Channel 8 drama series starring Huang Biren and Yao Wenlong. Belinda also acted in the drama, along with Jayley Woo and Aloysius Pang.

The second photo was a selfie she took with Uncle Ricky.


The first photo showed the cast of Tiger Mum, a 2015 Channel 8 drama series starring Huang Biren and Yao Wenlong. Belinda also acted in the drama, along with Jayley Woo and Aloysius Pang.
PHOTO: The first photo showed the cast of Tiger Mum, a 2015 Channel 8 drama series starring Huang Biren and Yao Wenlong. Belinda also acted in the drama, along with Jayley Woo and Aloysius Pang.
Photo: Instagram/ Leebelinda
Posted by leebelinda (Belinda Lee), Instagram on 29 January 2019
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJek5KQSPAaWx9MUDZMdO9pDC05EksqpdkMHuv_K7mezSg8QAMm_2cbje-FcKjr6nAt5ge02_65tDH-W_AcYZ5ZCiZTRPZHZLBojTvJq6TqQ_v4vEfrVZ2puv-gaA8PxaHOo-J2SLEIzM/s1600/50032360_101706240900416_7809386988508762053_n-1.jpg
https://scontent-sin2-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/aeda4c615a18ff80e636fb589c2a33f2/5CF9EFB7/t51.2885-15/e35/s1080x1080/50032360_101706240900416_7809386988508762053_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-sin2-1.cdninstagram.com
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtLyggFAgPy/?utm_source=ig_embed


According to Belinda, Uncle Ricky insisted on giving her and fellow actresses Jayley Woo, Hayley Woo, and Julie Tan free rides to and back from the crematorium.

"Uncle Ricky even said that it was a privilege to be able to do something for Aloysius," she wrote.

Other celebrities such as Joanna Dong and Huang Biren have also commented on Belinda's post.
PHOTO: Other celebrities such as Joanna Dong and Huang Biren have also commented on Belinda's post.
Picture posted by Joey Lee, AsiaOne on 29 January 2019
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWxAIIHmEsTk47PG-mggjPmiwG405PpsH_41J3o-XLgtLY2LvfGHMGBXQqekXWXoedmSbqoF0scCumVIHf8OVy1_Vi8Nbg91MIofrHTOwREL43uE_lMZ0wNDN9VXMfWpy0pM603hnFmU/s1600/19081_1548732835.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline/images/19081_1548732835.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/kind-cabby-offered-belinda-lee-and-jayley-woo-free-rides-send-aloysius-pang


"It's amazing how sometimes strangers are more willing to extend a helping hand during a difficult time like this than those whom you might have known for a long time but have chosen to deny you."

"Never allow unpleasant incidents to make you lose faith in humankind. There is still love in this world."

Other celebrities such as Joanna Dong and Huang Biren have also commented on Belinda's post.


It's amazing how sometimes strangers are more willing to extend a helping hand during a difficult time like this than those whom you might have known for a long time but have chosen to deny you.
PHOTO: "It's amazing how sometimes strangers are more willing to extend a helping hand during a difficult time like this than those whom you might have known for a long time but have chosen to deny you."
"Never allow unpleasant incidents to make you lose faith in humankind. There is still love in this world."
 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16).
Picture posted by May Seah in Today on Wednesday, 30 January 2019 - My awkward moment: Yao Wen Long (Yao Wen Long with Belinda Lee in Soup Of Life)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD22KJWyyLJeHUB0pJzGBedD-V0TxXeAIqEfQ5fvXG1IPKNUGxZw_g4gzS9jHT6E8ws2Z5-hl4d1a_uZHer8JXb4LUhYdbzNau6KtgEpYadHIntJ_5aJDAUdWuCSzPohGyNRhaZjklW-4/s1600/17796414.JPG
https://www.todayonline.com/sites/default/files/styles/new_app_article_detail/public/17796414.JPG?itok=uNiyPHT5
https://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/television/my-awkward-moment-yao-wen-long

By Joey Lee, AsiaOne, 29 January 2019





More on Aloysius Pang

Actor Aloysius Pang dies after SAF accident in NZ: Injuries sustained when Howitzer gun barrel was lowered, posted on Thursday, 24 January 2019
Actor Aloysius Pang dies after SAF accident in NZ: Injuries sustained when Howitzer gun barrel was lowered, posted on Thursday, 24 January 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/01/actor-aloysius-pang-dies-after-saf.html


Jayley Woo pens heartbreaking note to late boyfriend Aloysius Pang, posted on Friday, 25 January 2019
Jayley Woo pens heartbreaking note to late boyfriend Aloysius Pang, posted on Friday, 25 January 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/01/jayley-woo-pens-heartbreaking-note-to.html


Aloysius Pang's NS mate remembers actor's kindness and competence, posted on Saturday, 26 January  2019
Aloysius Pang's NS mate remembers actor's kindness and competence, posted on Saturday, 26 January  2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/01/aloysius-pangs-ns-mate-remembers-actors.html


Aloysius Pang - Singapore funeral director pens moving tribute, posted on Sunday, 27 January 2019
Aloysius Pang - Singapore funeral director pens moving tribute, posted on Sunday, 27 January 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/01/aloysius-pang-singapore-funeral.html



Reference
[1] Joey Lee, AsiaOne, Kind cabby offered Belinda Lee and Jayley Woo free rides to send off Aloysius Pang, posted on 29 January 2019, https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/kind-cabby-offered-belinda-lee-and-jayley-woo-free-rides-send-aloysius-pang


New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

John 3:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16&version=NIV
at

Monday, January 28, 2019

Reflection - Jonah Prays, God Delivers - Life of Prayer

Source (book): "God in Pursuit", Chapter 4, Question 1, Page 61.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


Why do people pray seriously only when they are in trouble?
PHOTO: Why do people pray seriously only when they are in trouble?
How typical of us, to pray only when in real trouble! When everything is going well, our thoughts are likely to stray far from God. When we have more than enough to eat, when our health is good, and when everything is going our way, it is so easy to forget about God, or to forget the need to pray to Him. This may be partly due to the fact that for many Christians, prayer is little more than a way of asking God for help or for things that we want. Many of us treat prayer like an ATM machine, to which we go only when we need money - we go to God only when we need something from Him.

But this is a distorted concept of prayer. It reduces prayer to a self-centred, self-preserving, self-serving way of using God for our own purposes. Imagine a child who speaks to his father only when he needs something, but does not even acknowledge his father's presence when he is busy playing with his toys and video games. How hurt his father would feel!


Assess your own prayer life and determine how you can develop a life of prayer that is always thriving.
My prayer life is similar to that of many Christians. Prayer is little more than a way of asking God for help or for things that we want. I have to acknowledge that this is not the correct way of prayer. Because it reduces prayer to a self-centred, self-preserving, self-serving way of using God for our own purposes. Although I have been trying to pray continually, there is still a lot of room for improvement. I still seriously pray when there is fear of trouble, or in the middle of difficulties. I still treat prayer like an ATM machine, to which we go only when we need money - we go to God only when we need something from Him.

I should not only pray when in real trouble. In order to develop a life of prayer that is always thriving, I should also let God knows that we appreciate His efforts, even when everything is going well. When the weather is good during our morning walk, I should not just enjoy the fine and cooling environment without telling God about it. When we have more than enough to eat, when our health is good, and when everything is going our way, we should not forget that He is the one making it possible. In such circumstances, our thoughts may stray, and we forget the need to pray to Him. When we have successful reunion dinners during the Lunar New Years, our heartfelt happiness should also be felt by Him, through our prayers. Our life of prayer is to be in the direction of having a healthy relationship with God.


What lessons can we learn from the Lord Jesus' example?
Anyone holding a mistaken notion of prayer must turn to Jesus and learn about true prayer. Yes, Jesus prayed when He was troubled, for example, before He went to the cross (Matthew 26:36-46). But that kind of praying resulted from a lifetime of prayer. Jesus saw the need to pray regularly and frequently: He often went to quiet places to spend time alone with His heavenly Father. The Son of God demonstrated that prayer lies at the heart of a relationship with God.
Picture posted by Nawas International Travel - Passion Play of Oberammergau (the Passionsspiele)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58aeEwZkyCQFXLEDDn0g0edfCRLmAXOVJyoj5WugZNxsZUVQe13L793vfRedlj6Ed7ntEF1DIUZsc3lUbpN3Gk73nqn_oTHklH1Tu_whtpgpq4Y0DRgA1tvBuv2W3eT9q2JKdSNBhK80/s1600/jesus-mount-of-olives.jpg
https://www.nawas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/jesus-mount-of-olives.jpg
https://www.nawas.com/passion-play-oberammergau-2020-tours/


Why do people pray seriously only when they are in trouble? Assess your own prayer life and determine how you can develop a life of prayer that is always thriving. What lessons can we learn from the Lord Jesus' example?

Why do people pray seriously only when they are in trouble? [1]
In Jonah 2, we find the fleeing prophet having a surreal experience - inside the belly of a big fish that God had sent to swallow him whole. We can imagine what he was feeling at the time. Lying in the dark, damp, and smelly stomach, he might have been gasping for air as he tried to unwind some seaweed wrapped around his head. He faced the prospect of suffocating or dissolving in the acidic contents of its stomach. It was a horrible way to die. In that near-death experience, the prophet finally raised an SOS prayer to God. "In my distress I called to the Lord . . . From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help" (Jonah 2:2).


In Jonah 2, we find the fleeing prophet having a surreal experience - inside the belly of a big fish that God had sent to swallow him whole.
PHOTO: In Jonah 2, we find the fleeing prophet having a surreal experience - inside the belly of a big fish that God had sent to swallow him whole. Lying in the dark, damp, and smelly stomach, he might have been gasping for air as he tried to unwind some seaweed wrapped around his head. In that near-death experience, the prophet finally raised an SOS prayer to God.
Picture posted by Keyword Suggest Encyclopedia
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDiNqb8AtUPDgKFdruThGU3YuNjIMCAz7c0rnbo5CHxc_JosfbKVStTe5wPU3Y-1V5nyuybivALJ83x3UrkruaroMRH6uoQ_CNKnKytYNqwYmExi-mA6cnm2mfYFWgRL2MmDfnwxDMpI/s1600/IMG_0305.jpg
http://thebiblespeakstoyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/IMG_0305.jpg
http://keywordsuggest.org/gallery/107954.html


It was a strange venue to pray. It was also the first time that Jonah prayed to the Lord. In Chapter 1, we do not see him praying at any time. Not after receiving the difficult assignment from God. Not when he went down to Joppa to buy a ticket to Tarshish. Not when he realised that God was pursuing him in the storm. Not when he was questioned by the sailors. Not even when he was about to be thrown overboard. It was only when Jonah found himself inside a fish and realised that he would die in it that he prayed to the Lord his God. Only when he was in deep trouble did he turn to God in desperation.


It was a strange venue to pray.
PHOTO: It was a strange venue to pray. It was also the first time that Jonah prayed to the Lord. Not when he was in Gath-hepher, Joppa, in the storm, questioned by the sailors, and about to be thrown overboard. It was only when Jonah found himself inside a fish and realised that he would die in it that he prayed to the Lord his God. Only when he was in deep trouble did he turn to God in desperation.
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How typical of us, to pray only when in real trouble! When everything is going well, our thoughts are likely to stray far from God. When we have more than enough to eat, when our health is good, and when everything is going our way, it is so easy to forget about God, or to forget the need to pray to Him. This may be partly due to the fact that for many Christians, prayer is little more than a way of asking God for help or for things that we want. Many of us treat prayer like an ATM machine, to which we go only when we need money - we go to God only when we need something from Him.


It typical of us, to pray only when in real trouble.
PHOTO: It typical of us, to pray only when in real trouble. When everything is going well, our thoughts are likely to stray far from God. When we have more than enough to eat, when our health is good, and when everything is going our way, it is so easy to forget about God, or to forget the need to pray to Him.  Many of us treat prayer like an ATM machine, to which we go only when we need money - we go to God only when we need something from Him.
Picture posted by JW.org - Hannah praying when deeply troubled by her barrenness
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But this is a distorted concept of prayer. It reduces prayer to a self-centred, self-preserving, self-serving way of using God for our own purposes. Imagine a child who speaks to his father only when he needs something, but does not even acknowledge his father's presence when he is busy playing with his toys and video games. How hurt his father would feel!


Prayer reduced to a self-centred, self-preserving, self-serving way of using God for our own purposes.
PHOTO: Prayer reduced to a self-centred, self-preserving, self-serving way of using God for our own purposes. It is like a child who speaks to his father only when in need of something, but does not even acknowledge his father's presence.
Picture posted by POLITYKA.PL on 01 September 2016
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Assess your own prayer life and determine how you can develop a life of prayer that is always thriving.
It is natural to pray when we are in trouble and need help. But we need to pray at other times too; we need to be careful of becoming prayer-less when everything is going well for us. God knows the human heart and warns of the danger of forgetfulness when we enjoy prosperity. He warn us:

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. (Deuteronomy 8:10-14, emphasis added).
It is natural to pray when we are in trouble and need help.
PHOTO: It is natural to pray when we are in trouble and need help. But we need to pray at other times too; we need to be careful of becoming prayer-less when everything is going well for us. God knows the human heart and warns of the danger of forgetfulness when we enjoy prosperity.
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That was probably why Agur, the writer of Proverbs 30, prayed to the Lord, "Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonour the name of my God" (Proverbs 30:8-9).


Agur, the writer of Proverbs 30, prayed to the Lord
PHOTO: Agur, the writer of Proverbs 30, prayed to the Lord, "Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonour the name of my God" (Proverbs 30:8-9).
Picture posted by Michel GUERRE on 05 October 2016
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The way to deal with this danger is to pay heed to the advice of the apostle Paul: "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We cannot do this if we confine prayer to specific times set aside for communicating with God. If we see prayer as relationship maintained by an ongoing conversation with God, however, then we can understand what Paul meant.


It is natural to pray when we are in trouble and need help.
PHOTO: It is natural to pray when we are in trouble and need help. The way to deal with this danger is to pay heed to the advice of the apostle Paul: "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We cannot do this if we confine prayer to specific times set aside for communicating with God. We need to see prayer as relationship maintained by an ongoing conversation with God.
Picture posted by András Liszkai on 08 August 2018 - 1 Thessalonians 5:17
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Why was Jonah not praying in Chapter 1? His disobedience had turned him into a prayer-less man, even though he was supposed to be a prophet of God. It is difficult to maintain a relationship with God when we are running away from Him; it is difficult to pray when we keep on disobeying Him. Why? Because our consciences sleep most deeply when we are sinning.
 
It is difficult to maintain a relationship with God when we are running away from Him; it is difficult to pray when we keep on disobeying Him.
PHOTO:  It is difficult to maintain a relationship with God when we are running away from Him; it is difficult to pray when we keep on disobeying Him. Why? Because our consciences sleep most deeply when we are sinning.
Picture posted by St. Sophia Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church
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On the other hand, suffering and prayer can open our eyes to our spiritual condition and help us to see our sin.
Suffering and prayer can open our eyes to our spiritual condition and help us to see our sin.
PHOTO: Suffering and prayer can open our eyes to our spiritual condition and help us to see our sin.
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In his book, Where Is God When It Hurts, Christian writer Philip Yancey tells the story of how 17th-century poet and preacher John Donne suffered after he married the daughter of a disapproving lord. [16] Fired from his job as assistant to the Lord Chancellor, he was separated from his wife and thrown in prison, where he wrote the famously succinct (briefly and clearly expressed) line, "John Donne/Anne Donne/Undone". Later, he endured a long illness that sapped his strength and took him almost to the point of death. During this time, Donne wrote a series of devotions on suffering which rank among the most poignant of meditations on the subject. In one of these, he made this observation: the sickness that had kept him in bed had forced him to think about his spiritual condition.


In his book, Where Is God When It Hurts, Christian writer Philip Yancey tells the story of how 17th-century poet and preacher John Donne suffered after he married the daughter of a disapproving lord.
PHOTO: In his book, Where Is God When It Hurts, Christian writer Philip Yancey tells the story of how 17th-century poet and preacher John Donne suffered after he married the daughter of a disapproving lord. Donne endured a long illness that sapped his strength and took him almost to the point of death. During this time, Donne wrote a series of devotions on suffering which rank among the most poignant of meditations on the subject. He made this observation: the sickness that had kept him in bed had forced him to think about his spiritual condition.
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Suffering gets our attentions, forcing us to look to God when we would otherwise ignore Him. As famous Christian writer C. S. Lewis reminds us in his book, The Problem of Pains, "Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world." [17]


Suffering gets our attentions, forcing us to look to God when we would otherwise ignore Him.
PHOTO: Suffering gets our attentions, forcing us to look to God when we would otherwise ignore Him.
"Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world." - C. S. Lewis.
Picture posted by Jason Schroeder, slide 60 of 125
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Perhaps it was the same for Jonah. Only when he turned to God as he lay in the belly of the big fish, did he acknowledge that he was suffering the consequence of his own disobedience. He knew that God had hurled him into the depths, and that his survival depended on God. Only then did he lean on God and pray for His mercy. And as he did, he prayed a most beautiful prayer.


Only when Jonah turned to God as he lay in the belly of the big fish, did he acknowledge that he was suffering the consequence of his own disobedience.
PHOTO: Only when Jonah turned to God as he lay in the belly of the big fish, did he acknowledge that he was suffering the consequence of his own disobedience. He knew that God had hurled him into the depths, and that his survival depended on God. Only then did he lean on God and pray for His mercy. Suffering gets our attentions, forcing us to look to God when we would otherwise ignore Him.
Picture posted by iStockphoto LP (Getty Images)
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My prayer life is similar to that of many Christians. Prayer is little more than a way of asking God for help or for things that we want. I have to acknowledge that this is not the correct way of prayer. Because it reduces prayer to a self-centred, self-preserving, self-serving way of using God for our own purposes. Although I have been trying to pray continually, there is still a lot of room for improvement. I still seriously pray when there is fear of trouble, or in the middle of difficulties. I still treat prayer like an ATM machine, to which we go only when we need money - we go to God only when we need something from Him.


We may have been treating prayer like an ATM machine, to which we go only when we need money - we go to God only when we need something from Him.
PHOTO: We may have been treating prayer like an ATM machine, to which we go only when we need money - we go to God only when we need something from Him. This will reduces prayer to a self-centred, self-preserving, self-serving way of using God for our own purposes.
Painting by B.Nicole Klassen, American Still Life Artist
Picture posted by Hayang modol on Thursday, 14 June 2012
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I should not only pray when in real trouble. In order to develop a life of prayer that is always thriving, I should also let God knows that we appreciate His efforts, even when everything is going well. When the weather is good during our morning walk, I should not just enjoy the fine and cooling environment without telling God about it. When we have more than enough to eat, when our health is good, and when everything is going our way, we should not forget that He is the one making it possible. In such circumstances, our thoughts may stray, and we forget the need to pray to Him. When we have successful reunion dinners during the Lunar New Years, our heartfelt happiness should also be felt by Him, through our prayers. Our life of prayer is to be in the direction of having a healthy relationship with God.


Praying should not be done only when in real trouble.
PHOTO: Praying should not be done only when in real trouble. In order to develop a life of prayer that is always thriving, we should also show Him that we appreciate His efforts. We should realise that when everything is going well, He is the one making it possible. And He would like to share our feelings of  happiness and misery, because we are His first-loved. Our life of prayer is to be in the direction of having a healthy relationship with God.
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What lessons can we learn from the Lord Jesus' example?
Anyone holding a mistaken notion of prayer must turn to Jesus and learn about true prayer. Yes, Jesus prayed when He was troubled, for example, before He went to the cross (Matthew 26:36-46). But that kind of praying resulted from a lifetime of prayer. Jesus saw the need to pray regularly and frequently: He often went to quiet places to spend time alone with His heavenly Father. The Son of God demonstrated that prayer lies at the heart of a relationship with God.


Jesus prayed when He was troubled, for example, before He went to the cross (Matthew 26:36-46).
PHOTO: Jesus prayed when He was troubled, for example, before He went to the cross (Matthew 26:36-46). But that kind of praying resulted from a lifetime of prayer. Jesus saw the need to pray regularly and frequently: prayer lies at the heart of a relationship with God.
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Dear Lord,  Please help us not to take prayer as a little more than a way of asking you for help or for things that we want. Many of us treat prayer like an ATM machine, to which we go only when we need money - we go to you only when we need something from you.<br>We learn that this is a distorted concept of prayer. It reduces prayer to a self-centred, self-preserving, self-serving way of using you for our own purposes.<br>My prayer life is similar to that of many Christians. Prayer is little more than a way of asking you for help or for things that we want. I have to acknowledge that this is not the correct way of prayer. Because it reduces prayer to a self-centred, self-preserving, self-serving way of using you for our own purposes. Although I have been trying to pray continually, there is still a lot of room for improvement. I still seriously pray when there is fear of trouble, or in the middle of difficulties. I still treat prayer like an ATM machine, to which we go only when we need money - we go to you only when we need something from you.<br>Help us not to pray only when in real trouble. In order to develop a life of prayer that is always thriving, we should also let you know that we appreciate your efforts, even when everything is going well. When we have more than enough to eat, when our health is good, and when everything is going our way, help us not to forget that God is the one making it possible. Please stop our thoughts from straying, and forget the need to pray to you. Our heartfelt feelings should also be felt by you, through our prayers. Please help our life of prayer to be in the direction of having a healthy relationship with you.<br>Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!
PHOTO: "Dear Lord,  Please help us not to take prayer as a little more than a way of asking you for help or for things that we want. Many of us treat prayer like an ATM machine, to which we go only when we need money - we go to you only when we need something from you.

We learn that this is a distorted concept of prayer. It reduces prayer to a self-centred, self-preserving, self-serving way of using you for our own purposes.

My prayer life is similar to that of many Christians. Prayer is little more than a way of asking you for help or for things that we want. I have to acknowledge that this is not the correct way of prayer. Because it reduces prayer to a self-centred, self-preserving, self-serving way of using you for our own purposes. Although I have been trying to pray continually, there is still a lot of room for improvement. I still seriously pray when there is fear of trouble, or in the middle of difficulties. I still treat prayer like an ATM machine, to which we go only when we need money - we go to you only when we need something from you.

Help us not to pray only when in real trouble. In order to develop a life of prayer that is always thriving, we should also let you know that we appreciate your efforts, even when everything is going well. When we have more than enough to eat, when our health is good, and when everything is going our way, help us not to forget that God is the one making it possible. Please stop our thoughts from straying, and forget the need to pray to you. Our heartfelt feelings should also be felt by you, through our prayers. Please help our life of prayer to be in the direction of having a healthy relationship with you.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Fairy Painting by Corey Ford - Fairy And White Unicorn
Picture posted by Pixels.com on 16 August 2016
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Reflection - Jonah Prays, God Delivers - Life of Prayer
Question from source (book): "God in Pursuit", Chapter 4, Question 1, Page 61.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012





Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html



Reference
[1] From "God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, Copyright © 2017 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-801-6, Part II: Jonah 2:1-10, Chapter 4 "Jonah Prays, God Delivers", Page 47-51.

[16] Philip Yancey, Where Is God When It Hurts? (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1977), 58.

[17] C. S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain (New York: HarperCollins, 1940/1996), 91.


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