I’ve had to deal with my mother’s mood swings for the past 16 years since she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and prior to that, with her depressive episodes since my father passed away in my teens. Often, to preserve my own sanity and protect my children from the toxicity and negativity, I’ve chosen to keep a distance as each visit leaves me emotionally drained. I continue to care for her and maintain constant contact via text. But I am often made to feel guilty by well-meaning friends who feel I should spend more time with her. Where do I draw the line between honouring my mother, and caring for myself and my family?
My husband’s gaming addiction is affecting our family
For more than 20 years of marriage, my husband has struggled with addictions of different kinds. Currently (and for the most prolonged period), he is addicted to a mobile game that results in him having a device in front of him, at work, during meals or family game time. Even though he claims that the game is just “running in the background”, I feel it makes him less “present” and is affecting his ability to keep up with conversations in the household. It makes the children and me feel less valued. How can I help him to break this addiction without being a nag?
Healing beyond the physical
At TRAC Healing Ministry and Cairnhill Methodist Church, we have seen God heal all kinds of sickness, ranging from cancer, pain, gastrointestinal issues to deafness. At the most recent TRAC Healing Service in Aldersgate Methodist Church on 23 August 2023, we saw God heal arthritis, claw toe and knee pain; two persons on wheelchairs even started to walk!
Ablaze 兴起发光 – WFCMC 10th Youth Leaders’ Conference
Hosted by Sabah Annual Conference, the World Federation of the Chinese Methodist Churches (WFCMC) 10th Youth Leaders’ Conference (YLC) was held in Sabah, Malaysia from 6 to 10 July 2023. More than 150 Chinese Methodist youth leaders from West Malaysia, Sarawak, Sabah, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australia participated.
Image and faithfulness
Our world is saturated with images. Visuals are ubiquitous. They grace magazine covers and populate brochures and billboards.
Images push and shove their way into our line of sight. From logos on T-shirts to tattoos and graffiti, from graphic novels to flickering images on our computer screens, everywhere we look we are inundated by photos, icons, and graphics.
We are forever one
In August 1888, a woman missionary, Miss Sophia Blackmore, started a class for eight Nonya girls in a little rented Peranakan house at Cross Street, which became known as Telok Ayer Girls’ School. Through the years, it expanded and in 1912, under the leadership of Miss Mary Olson, it moved to Neil Road where it was renamed Fairfield Girls’ School in honour of a generous benefactor, Mr James Fairfield, who donated the largest sum of US$5,000 for the new school building.
I can’t seem to end my affair
I have surprised myself by having a relationship with someone outside my marriage. I have tried to stop it but somehow it keeps continuing and sometimes I even feel that I have stopped loving my spouse. But my children are very dear to me, and I don’t know how they can manage all of these.
A more hands-on husband in the home please
I wish my husband was more hands- on in the home. We both work outside the home, but meal planning and household chores always fall on me. I’m not sure how it came to be like this, but I suppose I had always taken on this responsibility before the kids arrived. I have voiced my frustration, but his efforts are never consistent or sustained. What should I do?
How can I honour my mother who is trying to end my relationship with my fiancé?
My partner and I are in our mid-20s. We have been together for five years and are certain of our commitment to marry. My mom has made the wedding planning process a nightmare and eventually got us to cancel the wedding. Our relationship took a huge hit but we are working on it. My mom has overstepped her boundaries and undermined our decisions multiple times, even going to extreme ways like physically hurting herself. How do I draw the boundaries with my non-Christian mom and go ahead with our decision to get married?
Studying the Word changed my life
I accepted Christ in my teenage years through the Girls’ Brigade and have been a Kampong Kapor Methodist Church member since 2019. To me, being a Methodist means being connected to a broader group of churches committed to making disciples of Christ: disciples who, being saved through God’s grace, bear testimony through pursuing holiness in all areas of their life. After all, as Wesley wrote, a Methodist is “one who lives according to the method laid down in the Bible”.
Should I blow the whistle on a colleague who trusts me?
My colleague was unhappy that I reported an error which occurred to my bosses. As per protocol, this involved listing the names of all of the personnel involved in the incident. He later confessed to me over text that he had not been reporting such incidents to my bosses due to fear of negative repercussions. I feel that this is not the right thing to do. Should I blow the whistle on this colleague to my supervisor?
A timeless purpose, her lasting legacy
Over two decades ago, Winnie Tan’s mentors shared this Bible verse with her when she first embarked on her journey as a teaching assistant at Charis Student Care Centre, now known as MWS Christalite Student Care Centre. Little did she know that this verse would become the beacon for her 23-year journey.
Gentle parenting and corporal punishment
I’m a mother of a 2-year-old and have been reading about parenting and discipline as my child goes through the “terrible twos”. There has been growing popularity in positive or gentle discipline, where parents are advised not to carry out corporal (or physical) punishment. Some even advise not to say “no” to bad behaviour (such as hitting) but instead, ignore the bad behaviour or re-direct a child’s attention. Some also advise against telling our child to share their toys, fearing that it will result in a person who is unable to say “no” to others. What are your views on gentle parenting and corporal punishment? Can you advise on tried and tested ways to discipline a child in the way he should go?
Tips to teach preschoolers the Word
Experienced educators at Methodist Preschools share tips on teaching Bible stories and Bible- based values to preschoolers. If you are a parent or caregiver to preschool-aged children, you can adapt some of these useful tips at home to nurture your preschooler during their formative years.