Sleep

Sleep is an integral part of our lives. We need sleep. Sleep is necessary. It is a way of resting our bodies after a long day's work. Different people require different amount of sleep. Babies usually sleep longer, while older people require less sleep.

The Bible also talks about sleep. In Matthew 26, we find that Jesus told Peter to keep watch, but he fell asleep. Certain passages use the word ''sleep'' as being dead. This can be found in Acts 7:60, 1 Cor 15:6, etc. The ''sleep'' we will be discussing about will refer to the act of resting, and not the latter.

As important as sleep is, today we find people choosing not sleep. Not that they can't sleep, but rather, they prefer to stay awake than to enjoy that rest that God has provided. We find people working all the way till the wee hours of the morning. By ''wee hours'', I don't mean 2 or 3am, in which case it is bad enough, but I'm referring more to those who stay up just to get things done up until 4-5am!! Yes, surprised as you may be, it is true, and such is the growing trend today, catalyzed by the fast-paced world and the growing demands to race to the top and make every effort you can to stay there! I'm not saying we ought to abandon our responsibilities, but rather, we should plan our schedule well. Yes, there will be days in which we are forced to stay up, but in most cases, proper planning and time management will put such a phenomenon to rest.

The Psalmist in Ps 127:1-2 writes ''Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep.''

The Bible teaches us that to abandon sleep just to do such things is vain, and the reasons are given within the context - in verse 1, where it says, unless God is with us, whatever we do is in vain, and in the second, is that because God gives us, His beloved, sleep. Therefore, we ought to be thankful for such a wonderful gift God gives to us, that as much as God rested on the seventh day after the creation of the world, we too can rest at the end of a hard day's work

Lack of sleep brings unfruitfulness - when we are tired and sleepy, it renders us unproductive. We are not in the right minds to do things. It causes us to be less sober, as we can see that people who lack sleep are often very grumpy and easily agitated. As a result, they get angry easily and say things to hurt people - things that they wouldn't have otherwise said if they were alert and of sound mind. But we all know that the Bible teaches us to put away anger. Gal 5:20 classifies ''outbursts of wrath'' as a work of the flesh. Col 3:8 tells us also to put away these things. It says, ''But now you must also put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.''

Notice how ''anger'' and ''wrath'' are mentioned separately. This tells us that Paul, the writer of Colossians, makes a distinction between the two and tells us specifically that both should not even be in out lives.

Note also that Col 4:6 says that our speech should be ''with grace, seasoned with salt''. When we lack sleep, we are not in a right state of mind to think, what more say the right things?

Inasmuch as God gives us the gift of sleep, we also ought not to abuse it. We make mention of this because, there are many who love sleep. However, we need to be careful, for the Bible teaches us in Prov 20:13,''Do not love sleep, lest you come to proverty; open your eyes and you will be satisfied with bread.'' Solomon, the wisest man ever to walk this Earth, warned us against loving sleep. He tells us that if we sleep too much, we will come to poverty, and why is that? This is because, while we slumber, we are actually taking our precious time away from actually working to earn our living! Remember that we have been cursed from the day Adam sinned and took of the fruit to eat our bread in sweat(Gen 3:17-19). Then, Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote in 1 Tim 5:8, saying, ''But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is wore than an unbeliever'', and again in 2 Thes 3:10, where it says, ''For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.''

So we note that God, through His Word, has told us that He has given us the avenue of sleep as a means of recharging ourselves and regaining strength. Nevertheless, He also warns us of turing this blessing into a curse, which is always possible, in this context, if we start to become lazy and sluggish.

The Bible gives us a suggestion of a solution to some of us who feel we have become sluggish. In the book of Hebrews, the Hebrew writer wrote in Heb 6:10-12. ''For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.''

We are told to look toward our full assurance of hope, the hope of heaven when life on Earth is over, and looking toward this, we continue to work for God, which thus prevents us from being sluggish and lazy. Remember also that God remembers our work and labor of love.

May we glorify God by the way we sleep!

This article can be found on -Sean Lim(pfalcon)- K.C.O.C.

Luca Pacioli(Father of Accounting)

Luca Pacioli was one of the greatest men of the Renaissance. He is also one of the least well known. This is surprising, for Luca Pacioli's manuscripts and ideas changed the way the world worked then, and continue to affect modern daily life.

Luca Pacioli was born in Sansepulcro, in Tuscany. He was probably born during 1445. His family was poor, and Pacioli's future seemed very unpromising. Pacioli joined a Franciscan monastery in Sansepulcro and became an apprentice to a local businessman. The young Pacioli had always loved mathematics though, and he soon abandoned his apprenticeship to work as a mathematics scholar.

Pacioli befriended the artist Piero della Francesca, one of the first and greatest writers and artists of perspective. Francesca and Pacioli journeyed over the Appenines, where Francesca gave Pacioli access to the library of Frederico, the Count of Urbino. The collection of four thousand books allowed Pacioli to further his knowledge of mathematics.

Francesca also introduced Pacioli to Leon Baptist Alberti, who would become Pacioli's new mentor. Alberti brought Pacioli to Venice and arranged for him to tutor the three sons of the rich merchant Antonio de Reimpose. During this time, in the year 1470, Pacioli wrote his first manuscript at the age of twenty-five. The book was about algebra and was dedicated to the Reimpose boys.

Alberti also introduced Pacioli to Pope Paul II. Paul encouraged Pacioli to become a monk and dedicate his life to God. After Alberti died in 1472, Pacioli took the pope's suggestion, and took the vows of Franciscan Minor.

In 1475, Pacioli became a teacher at the University of Perugia, where he stayed for six years. He was the first lecturer to hold a chair in math at the University. In his lectures, Pacioli stressed the importance of putting theory to practical use. This emphasis on application of theory made him unique among his peers. While at the University of Perugia, Pacioli wrote his second manuscript, dedicated to the "Youth of Perugia."

After 1481, Pacioli wandered throughout Italy, and in some areas outside it, until he was called back to the University of Perugia by the Franciscans in 1486. By this time, Pacioli was beginning to call himself "Magister," meaning master, the equivalent of a full professorship in modern time.

The year 1494 is the only date during Pacioli's life that is absolutely certain. It was during this year that the forty-nine-year-old Pacioli published his famous book Summa de arithmetica, geometria, proportioni et proportionalita (The Collected Knowledge of Arithmetic, Geometry, Proportion and Proportionality). Pacioli wrote the Summa in an attempt to redress the poor state of mathematics teaching in his time. One section in the book made Pacioli famous. The section was Particularis de Computis et Scripturis, a treatise on accounting. De Scripturis was later described by some as "a catalyst that launched the past into the future."(Luca Pacioli: Unsung Hero of the Renaissance) Pacioli was the first person to describe double-entry accounting, also known as the Venetian method. This new system was state-of- the-art, and revolutionized economy and business. The Summa made Pacioli a celebrity and insured him a place in history, as "The Father of Accounting." The Summa was the most widely read mathematical work in all of Italy, and became one of the first books published on the Gutenberg press.

Pacioli's important manuscript made him instantly famous, and he was invited to Milan to teach mathematics at the Court of Duke Lodovico Maria Sforzo in Milan. One of his pupils would be Leonardo da Vinci. During the seven years Pacioli and da Vinci spent together, the two would help each other create two masterpieces that would withstand the test of time. Da Vinci illustrated Pacioli's next and second most important manuscript De Divina Proportione ("Of Divine Proportions"). Pacioli taught da Vinci perspective and proportionality. This knowledge allowed da Vinci to create one of his greatest masterpieces, a mural on the north wall of the Santa Maria de Gracia Dominican cloister. This mural is the most famous painting of the fifteenth century, known as "The Last Supper." The geometry Pacioli taught to da Vinci would occur in many of da Vinci's later works. Da Vinci mentions Pacioli many times in his notes.

In the years that followed Pacioli's relationship with da Vinci, he continued to teach and write. In 1509, De Divina Proportione and a work on Euclid were published in Venice. In the same year, Pacioli gave an important lecture on "Proportion and Proportionality," a lecture that emphasized the relationship of proportion to religion, medicine, law, architecture, grammar, printing, sculpture, music and all the liberal arts.

In 1510, Pacioli was appointed director of the Franciscan monastery in Sansepulcro, much to the dismay of his fellow monks. In 1514, Pope Leo III called Pacioli to the papacy in Rome to become a teacher there. Scholars are unsure about what happened to Pacioli afterwards, but they are fairly certain that he never made it to Rome. Pacioli probably died on June 19, 1517 in the monastery in Sansepulcro.

What Keeps The Apostle Paul Going?

In 2 Cor 11:23-29, the apostle Paul chronicled the many challenges that he had faced in his life and yet he was able to keep going on: ''in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prison more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of water, in perils of robbers, in perils in the city, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness... besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.''

In 2 Cor 12:9-10, the apostle Paul gave us his answer as to why he was able to keep on keeping on in spite of the many challenges in his life: ''And He said to me, '' My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.'' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.''

The apostle Paul's staying power as a tireless worker in the face of almost incredible amount of challenges was not in his own wisdom or personal will power or persistence; rather it was because he had learned to rely on God for His sustaining and enabling power when faced with the challenges of this life: '' for when I am weak then I am strong!'' because God's power rests upon me. That's why in writing to the brethren in Ephesus, he urged them in Eph 6:10 to '' be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.''

Paul assures us in Heb 2:18 thus: ''For in that He himself has suffered, being tempted, He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted'' and in Heb 4:16, he said '' Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.''

We need to learn to find grace from God to help in time of our need. We should not rely on our own strength. We need to learn to rely on the Lord so that we can say with Paul in Phil 4:13, '' I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'' Are we struggling with some pressing problems in our lives and they seem too big for us to handle? Reach out to Jesus: He's reaching out to you. God's promises are sure. His love for us is unwavering and all-conquering:'' What then shall we say to there things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him up for us all. how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? ... Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.''(Romans 8:31-32,37)

The apostle also understood what Jesus has accomplished for us all: ''who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel''(2 Tim 1:10). Hence, for this reason he said: '' I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.''(2 Tim 1:12). We should not lose our focus on Jesus(Heb 12:1-2). Let us look unto Jesus at all times for deliverance. It is time for us to exercise our faith and not walk by sight(2 Cor 5:7).

By -Uncle Steven- K.C.O.C.

Twelve Golden Rules Of Dog Ownership

Dogs are attentive, loyal and understanding friends to their owners. But owning a dog means taking responsibility for him. So read carefully to ensure that you and your dog stay out of trouble. Society establishes certain laws in regard to caring for dogs and these differ depending on where you live. But there are some general rules that are worth bearing in mind: Dogs must be walked only on a collar and leash. If your dog bites someone, the responsibility rests with you. The same applies when a dog damages property.

The Twelve Golden Rules:
1. Love, admire and respect your dog as your companion and as an individual. Your dog is a wonderful, beautiful and intelligent member of the canine species. Be patient with him. Don't hurt, abandon or ignore him. Get help before you give up on him.

2. Consult your veterinarian about spaying or neutering your dog if you know you will not breed him. Neutering helps to control the severe pet population problem, and also has health benefits for male and female dogs.

3. Provide regular veterinary care for your dog. Annual vaccinations, checkups and dental exams are essential to good health.

4. Get a license, and place identification on your dog. In addition, you should identify your dog with a name tag, or computer chip on case he gets lost.

5. Feed your dog a balanced diet and provide fresh water at all times.

6. Train your dog to have good manners.

7. Keep your dog clean and groomed. Regular grooming keeps your dog looking hist best and helps to detect and control skin parasites that could be spread to human/mankind.

8. Play with your dog at least 20-30 minutes a day. Avoid chase games, tug of war, and wrestling.

9. Exercise your dog at least 30 minutes daily.

10. Provide your dog with a chance to socialize with people and other dogs. Do not leave him cooped up in the house or yard - it leads to barking and aggressive behavior.

11. Understand and obey local leash laws.

12. Always clean up after your dog in public places.

Sleeping Beauty?

Amber

Cutie

Kok Yiew

Ern Shern

Daryl Kirk
Who is the sleeping beauty? Vote it.

World's 10 Least Intelligent Dogs

1. Afghan Hound: Many insist that the Afghan hound is the king of the dogs. Its tendency to freeze and look into the distance is interpreted by some as the dog recalling ancient memories when it sat among kings and pharaohs. This aristocratic and elegant breed was, believe it or not, once used to hunt snow leopards! Its quarries also included jackals, wolves, foxes and marmots.2. Basenji: A rather sad-looking, short dog from Africa, the Basenji hunts by sight and sound. It doesn't bark through it is not mute. Independent, affectionate and alert, the Basenji boasts a lineage all the way to the pharaohs. It ability tp remain silent when hunting made it a great asset and its nickname is Barkless Dog.3. Bulldog: This famaous breed looks ferocious and nasty with lolling tongue and rolling eyes, but is, in fact, equable, resolute and dignigfied. The ''bull'' in its name was due to it being used as a bull bait, as the original dog was courageous and almost insensitive to pain. It was also used for dog fights. Its adorable wrinkles and fondness of children makes it a great family pet.
4. Chow Chow: A masterpiece of exotic beauty this Chinese breed is famous for thick fur that gives it a lion-like appearancce, scowling expression, stilted gait and blue tongue. The Blue Chow even has a matching blue nose! This all-purpose dog was used for herding, hunting and home protection though now it is a permanent fixture in dog shows for its grand appearance. It has limited peripheral vision, so it is the best approached from the front.
5. Borzoi: Another majestic and classy creature, the Borzoi is synonymous with imperial Russia. Originally used by the Tsars to chase game on open plains, the Borzoi's flowing lines make it look fast even when standing still.
6. Bloodhound: A hunting dog that uses scents, the bloodhund works best in large groups. It is known for sagging folds around the head and neck. Powerful, affectionate and somewhat shy, it responds well to kindness or correction by its master. An ancient breed, it was kept before Christ was born and reached its pinnacle of fame in the United States when used in law enforcement.
7. Pekinese: The most famous of all lapdogs, the pekinese was long loved in Chinese courts and fawned over by empresses, concubines and eunuchs. Though small, its spectacular fur and markings are show-off's dream come true - for both dog and owner! Its independence, individuality and natural snoothiness can be very appealing. Suprisingly heavy(14Ibs), it is regal, demanding and opinionated, as befits a breed that has been amazingly kept pure since the 8th century. Breeding bitches back then were displayed in their sleeping quarters to induce a likeness.
8. Mastiff and Beagle: Resembling an overgrown Bulldog, the Mastiff is massive and bulky, and more known for being dignified than playful. Caesar was moved by them during his invasion of Britain in 55BC when the Mastiffs fought and died alongside their masters. The Mastiff was later matched against human gladiators as well as bears, bulls, lions and tigers. Meanwhile, Snoopy from the Peanuts comic strip will never recover from this ranking, for beagles are happy-go-lucky and merry, and enjoy the company of humans and other dogs. Curious and comic, they follow their noses and often end up in mischief and hilarious situations.
9. Basset Hound: Resembling a cross between the Dachshund or sausage dog and the beagle, the Basset Hound so short-legged and long-eared, giving it a clumsy appearance. However, it is remarkably agile in the field and has great endurance. Of French origin, they were bred for hunting hares, rabbits and deer.
10. Shih Tzu: With its long, floor-sweeping double coat and royal bearing, the Shih Tzu was another imperial court favourite. It was cross-bred from the Lhasp Apso(or Tibetan Moutain dog) and the Pekinese. Shih Tzu means ''lion'', and the little dog is reputed to possesses the heart of a lion. Though small, playful and mischievous, it is not afraid to stand up for itself and defend its master. Like most toy dogs, Shih Tzus are high maintenance creatures.

World's 10 Smartest Dogs

1. Border Collie: If a dog can actually look intelligent, this is it! Its keen, sharp, alert expression says it all. The Border Collie came from the borders between England and Scotland, where shepherds bred this dog over centuries. It unique features are its increadible ability to work out of sight of its master, to reason on its own, and its unique style of gathering the ability to control them with an intense gaze called the ''eye'' while using stalking movements. Its agility, strength, good looks, nice temperament and brain power make it the world's top dog.2. Poodle: The uninformed may shriek and protest because poodles have been portrayed as the dumb blondes of the doggies world. But did you know that poodles were originally hunting dogs bred by the pragmatic German, and not the fashion-conscious French? Smart, alert and receptive to obdeince training, poodles are often seen in circus doing tricks. The infamous '' Poodle Clip'' hairdo was designed by hunters, not make-up stylists, to enable poodles to move through water more quickly as they were bred as water retrievers! The patches of fur were meant to protect the vital organs susceptible to cold.3. German Shepherd: German Shepherds are the world's most dependable working dog and ideally suited for war zones, difficult working conditions, and areas of natural disaster. Loving and intelligent, it makes a great family companion, herder and show competitor as its majestic stance and military-like posture make for a showy appearance. This dog is fond of children and is a great protector. It is kind of dog that willingly sacrifices its life to save its master and his family.4. Golden Retriever: It is one of the world's most popular breeds because of its good looks, friendly temperament, high degree of tolerance and an eager-to-please attitude. It is a great hunting dog, an excellent guide, and a world-class search-and-rescue dog.It has a distinctly attractive personality and is said to have a ''kind expression''.5. Doberman Pinscher: Their reputation as attack dogs that go straight for jugular is true only if they have been trained do this. The doberman is muscular, powerful, fast and obedient. It looks like a warrior with sharp, pointed ears and erect carriage. Energetic, watchful, and fearless, it is very loyal to its master. This dog's 42 teeth allow it the famous scissor bite with upright lower incisors touching the inside of the upper incisors.6. Shetland Sheepdog: It looks like a miniature Alsatian or German Shepherd but it is only 13 to 16 at the shoulder. Related to the Border Collie, this breed shrank in size when it was first transported to the Shetland Islands and cross-bred with small, smart, long-haired breeds. It is intensely faithful, loving and responsive - but only to its owner.
7. Labrador Retriever: Family-friendly, intelligent and gentle, the Labrador loves children and will allow its ears and tail to be pulled and be bullied. Its natural inclination to please and assist humans makes it an ideal guide for the blind. It is invaluable in search-and-rescue teams and narcotics detection squads. Originally used by Newfoundland fisherman to drag in nets and nab escaping fish, the original dog was crossed with setters, spaniels and other retrievers before finally becoming the beloved Labrador Retriever. It is an efficient retriever of birds and animals shot by its master8. Papillon: It looks like an automated, battery-operated toy but this living, breathing creature is happy, alert, friendly, quick and graceful. The word papillon means '' butterfly'' in French, and the association was due to the dog's beautiful ears which resemble the lovely wings of a butterfly. As befits its name and size(8-11 inches), this dog is elegant, fine-structured, light and dainty. Like the poodle, it appears to tip-toe on its legs.9. Rottweiler: Its dark, menacing looks makes it a favourite of horror movies where its arrival herald some malfeasnace, usually towards your body parts. The Rottweiler's solid, hulky mass of muscles makes it a powerful guard and attack dog. Despite its appearance, it is surprisingly agile and fleet-footed. Its inbuilt desire to porctect family, home and hearth makes it a godsend as companion, guardian and all purpose dog.10. Australian Cattle Dog: This strong, compact cattle dog relishes rough, harsh environments, and Australia has plenty of these. Its potent combination of muscle, strenght and penchant for hard work corraling cattle in open and confined areas is unrivalled. So is tis intelligence, courage and devotion to duty. Its protective instincts make it the self-appointed guardian to the stockman, his herd and property.

Who Is More Cute?

My last event before school reopen. We had a farewell dinner for my brother, because he leaving Klang to Kampar for study. This two picture will let me know about the last event I had before school reopen.(Desmond left, Issac right) Come and vote who is more cute.