tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015356586197376702024-03-14T00:09:57.600+07:00ContentmentChronicling the reaffirmation of contentment in my own life and the desire to share it with others. The Harbour of Contentment is a great place to return after venturing into many a rough swell or balmy sea. There's no place like it.Nathaniel Henghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09132218211113924670noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101535658619737670.post-73157824219009228442007-09-16T22:52:00.000+07:002007-09-16T23:46:14.354+07:00Contentment is life without limbs?Contentment is being satisfied with life as it is. Discontentment is being dissatisfied with the status quo. What if you had no arms or legs? What kind of life would someone like that have?<br /><br />Are we content with what we have? More or less? Check this video out... and consider again!<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cxKOMW3h0BM"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cxKOMW3h0BM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Nathaniel Henghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09132218211113924670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101535658619737670.post-82789070549542732282007-03-31T10:31:00.000+07:002007-03-31T10:32:36.643+07:00'Reading Newspaper Advertisements, I come face to face with what I don't need"It’s nice to be able to sit down quietly for a change. My sons are watching a Winnie the Pooh movie. My daughter is napping in the other room. Wifey is away with sister buying a much needed pair of shoes. <br /><br />Finally, I’m able to sit down and read the Singapore English Newspaper, something I want to do but am not able to, geographically speaking. <br /><br />I come face to face with ‘oodles’ of things promising convenience, prestige and acceptance. I really never thought I’d feel or think this way. Living in a foreign culture and helping others [1st group] with much less than I have AND THEN in turn helping others [2nd group] who have far less than [1st group] they have, I come face to face with how much do I really need.<br /><br />Being back in Singapore, I can’t help but notice the number of shoes people have. They are no means comparable to the infamous Imelda Marcos, but the question is “how many pairs of feet does a person have?” <br /><br />I remember the time when mould used to grow on my shoes because they never saw the ‘light of day.’<br /><br />....We actually need far less than we have.Nathaniel Henghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09132218211113924670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101535658619737670.post-38306574271067641442007-01-31T23:00:00.000+07:002007-02-03T12:43:26.546+07:00Racing to win or just to beat the other guy.<span style="font-size:180%;">"I'm 24," Abrahams says. "And I've never known contentment"<br /><br /></span>In the movie "Chariots of Fire", Harold Abrahams was beaten by Eric Liddle, the Scottish Flyer in the 100 meter dash. Upset at being beaten, Abrahams obsessed himself with another shot at beating Liddle. When Eric pulled out of the 100 meter Olympic heats due to his religious beliefs, Abrahams won the race but still didn't find satisfaction at winning because Liddle hadn't competed.Nathaniel Henghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09132218211113924670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101535658619737670.post-32144156990578420262006-12-27T22:50:00.000+07:002006-12-27T23:11:49.637+07:00False ContentmentI wasn't sure what to expect, after all it had been a long day and we'd been traveling in a van for the last 4 hours.<br /><br />A very professional and well-done history and exhibition on the history of opium. The effects, the carnage, the lives that were destroyed, exploited, subjugated and ultimately thrown away because of chasing an illusive contentment that would never be satisfied in a puff or however many puffs.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.goldentrianglepark.org">Check it out.</a>Nathaniel Henghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09132218211113924670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101535658619737670.post-67826306635871132712006-12-18T22:28:00.000+07:002006-12-19T22:30:54.922+07:00The "Me Church" VideoDissatisfied with your current church.<br /><br />Looking for "Greener pastures"<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cGEmlPjgjVI"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cGEmlPjgjVI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Nathaniel Henghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09132218211113924670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101535658619737670.post-85426082553215522962006-12-08T22:02:00.000+07:002006-12-08T22:15:08.643+07:00Mega Christmas Party vs contentmentToday is Christmas at Payap University. We spent the day going from department to department carolling. It was extremely tiring going between 2 campuses as I had to play the keyboard. At 4pm, we had an all-university worship service followed by loads of free food. <br /><br />Normally, the whole family would be here to celebrate but John's sick.<br /><br />It was an entirely different feeling. I couldn't wait to get home to be home with my family. So much for the party and all the food. :-(Nathaniel Henghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09132218211113924670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101535658619737670.post-23090028717234996272006-12-07T01:06:00.000+07:002006-12-07T01:15:45.047+07:00Pure Joy, Pure Elation, John & Geoff<a style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.contentment.ws/uploaded_images/IMGP1146-748211.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.contentment.ws/uploaded_images/IMGP1146-742188.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>It's great to be a kid! Pure joy frozen in time. I'm glad I captured this moment.<br /><br />Great contentment can be found in the laughter of children. <br /><br />Great memories.Nathaniel Henghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09132218211113924670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101535658619737670.post-39508158976205725812006-12-07T00:55:00.000+07:002006-12-07T01:00:02.403+07:00Carbonara ContentmentOne of the small blessings we have is this Italian restaurant named "Pasta Cafe" which serves this excellent spaghetti carbonara. I think it's the best in Chiangmai. Too much too fast and it becomes too rich for you. In small bites with the right amount of sauce and bacon and the taste is heavenly.<br /><br />Perfect! <br /><br />simple pleasures.Nathaniel Henghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09132218211113924670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101535658619737670.post-78691617830794395962006-12-05T11:55:00.000+07:002006-12-05T12:04:29.110+07:00Public Holiday ContentmentContentment is having a nice public holiday to relax amidst what's becoming the most hectic season of the year. It's the King's 79th Birthday today. We walked out with our friend to have breakfast at a "kopitiam" [coffeeshop] at the mouth of our soi. The proprietor is a Malaysian and his Thai wife.<br /><br />We are in the midst of preparing for the Birthday of the King of Kings.Nathaniel Henghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09132218211113924670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101535658619737670.post-48687188529870934382006-11-30T08:53:00.000+07:002006-11-30T09:03:07.228+07:00The Lord is able to give thee much more than this.As I work on going fully online in a big way. I was just reminded by God's Word in 2 Chronicles 25:9. <span lang="en-us"><span style="font-size: 150%; text-transform: capitalize;"></span></span><span lang="en-us">And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army</span><sup><span lang="en-us"><a style="" href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title="">b</a></span></sup><span lang="en-us"> of Israel? And the man of God answered, <span style="font-weight: bold;">The LORD is able to give thee much more than this.<br /><br /></span>On one hand, I am looking to provide a means of self-support for the ministry here in Chiangmai, God's Promise is two-fold.<br /><br /></span><ol style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><li><span lang="en-us">He is able to provide in spite of what I do, even with my best efforts.</span></li><li><a style="" href="#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span style="vertical-align: super;"><span style=""></span></span></a>He can provide more than I can give.</li></ol>Nathaniel Henghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09132218211113924670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101535658619737670.post-17899248821892720182006-11-24T23:26:00.000+07:002006-12-19T22:36:44.359+07:00Christy and Contentment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.contentment.ws/uploaded_images/IMGP1288-780263.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.contentment.ws/uploaded_images/IMGP1288-774481.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />When Christy gets cranky and crabby, like this evening. I started singing:<br />My God is so BIG, so STRONG and so MIGHTY.<br />There's NOTHING my God CANNOT Do.<br />The mountains are His, the rivers are His, the stars are his handiwork too.<br />My God is so BIG, so STRONG and so MIGHTY.<br />There's NOTHING my God CANNOT Do.<br /><br />Immediately she'll allow me to stretch out her arms and then flex them to the song.<br /><br />Haa Haa.Nathaniel Henghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09132218211113924670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101535658619737670.post-78008420722777677542006-11-24T21:33:00.000+07:002006-12-14T23:09:29.894+07:00Discontmentment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.contentment.ws/uploaded_images/greener-703552.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.contentment.ws/uploaded_images/greener-797283.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Got this from gleaningsfromtheword.com.<br />We always wish for something more, don't we?<br /><br />"The grass on the other side is always greener."Nathaniel Henghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09132218211113924670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101535658619737670.post-67919085654048541612006-11-19T22:50:00.000+07:002006-11-20T22:26:54.560+07:00"The Reason Why" makes its debut.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://contentment.gen12.com/uploaded_images/file-764963.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://contentment.gen12.com/uploaded_images/file-763607.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Finally, our site for The Reason Why is up. This is the second tract we have translated & published from English into Thai. Check it out.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.adminder.com/c.cgi?vcrs&why">www.why.gen12.com</a><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.adminder.com/c.cgi?vcrs&why"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:-1;"><a target="_new" onmouseover="window.status='Launch this link in a new browser window'; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''"></a></span></a>Nathaniel Henghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09132218211113924670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101535658619737670.post-67249803233880568932006-11-19T22:47:00.000+07:002006-11-20T00:29:14.659+07:00Contentment in the midst of UncertaintyIt's Official. I'm terminated as of 31 Dec 2006. Well, I'm still teaching at Payap University, Chiangmai, Thailand. My family and I are now released into the Hands of the Lord. On one hand, it's a great relief. On the other hand, uncharted waters lay ahead.<br /><br />I am reminded of the Apostle Paul's words:<br /><br />“Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” Philippians 4:11, 12, NASB.<br /><br />www.contentment.biz will be undergoing a facelift to more properly reflect what I believe. Nothing philosophically wrong with the marketing technique. It's just that some of the products shown do not reflect what I hold dear. I was a business graduate 17 years ago. The names and philosophies haven't changed that much. But when God called me to serve Him full-time in 1994, somehow all those business strategies, marketing techniques and other self-help philosophies lost their meaning.<br /><br />When I knew I was going to be released from church employment to that of a purely tentmaking role [i.e. no longer gainfully employed but given a token support], I just wanted to be sure that the Scriptures that God had used to call me into His Service still held the same Promise.<br /><br />“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:24-34, KJV.<br /><br />They still do. I cannot see myself "selling" anything I do not believe in save the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Also only something that I actually use would I feel free to represent. My conscience would not allow me otherwise.Nathaniel Henghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09132218211113924670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101535658619737670.post-51096990229926633042006-11-19T01:11:00.000+07:002006-11-19T01:43:42.818+07:00A New Path along the OldThe link above is to a website recently started. By the end of this year 2006, I will be officially "unemployed." I will be officially free to determine the course of my actions. In keeping with my vow to God not to leave my post, never to resign unless God moves me; the time is approaching where I have to seek alternate sources of income. <br /><a href="http://www.contentment.biz">www.contentment.biz</a> was one such attempt to meet that need. Depending on what you see, you'll know at what stage I am in modifying the website.Nathaniel Henghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09132218211113924670noreply@blogger.com0