Recommend below are the secret recipes for healthy drinking...
1)* Carrot + Ginger + Apple
Boost and cleanse our system.
2)* Apple + Cucumber + Celery
Prevent cancer, reduce cholesterol, and improve stomach upset and headache.
3)* Tomato + Carrot + Apple
Improves skin complexion and bad breath
4)* Bitter gourd + Apple + Milk
Prevent bad-breath and reduce internal body heat.
5)* Orange + Ginger + Cucumber
Improves skin texture and moisture and reduce body heat.
6)* Pineapple + Apple + Watermelon
To dispel excess salts, nourishes the bladder and kidney
7)* Apple + Cucumber + Kiwi
To improve skin complexion.
8)* Pear & Banana
To regulate sugar content.
9)* Carrot + Apple + Pear + Mango
Clear body heat, counter! acts toxicity, decreased blood pressure and Fight oxidization!
10)* Honeydew + Grape + Watermelon + Milk
Rich in Vitamin C + Vitamin B2 that increases cell activity and Strengthen body immunity.
11)* Papaya + Pineapple + Milk
Rich in vitamin C, E, Iron. Improve skin complexion and>metabolism.
12)* Banana + Pineapple + Milk
Rich in Vitamin with nutritious and prevent constipation.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Two Kinds Of Givers
God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
There are two kinds of givers:
those who give what's left over,
and those who give off the top.
The first group isn't necessarily greedy; they just operate by different principles. They see themselves as being responsible for meeting their own needs, so whatever's leftover goes to God's work.
The problem with giving left overs is that your generosity can never exceed your ability to meet your own needs. The moment you face financial uncertainty, generosity takes a back seat. God says He wants you to be "a cheerful giver." But if your heart is occupied solely with meeting your own needs, how can you heed God's call to be generous.
On the other hand, those who give "off the top" understand that God owns and controls it all, so they feel free to invest in His interests first and their own second. Leftover givers always struggle to let go in this area. They've heard the sermons, read the verses and listened to the testimonies. But they've families to feed, retirements to fund and markets to second guess so they hold back, afraid they can't manage all their financial responsibilities and give to God's work too.
Fear has the power to make you act contrary to your beliefs. In essence,fear makes you irrational. Isn't it rational to trust God with your finances, since all of it belongs to Him? Isn't it rational to trust God with something that's beyond your control anyway? Isn't it irrational to trust God with your eternal destiny, yet reject His invitation to be your financial partner?
2 Corinthians 9:7
There are two kinds of givers:
those who give what's left over,
and those who give off the top.
The first group isn't necessarily greedy; they just operate by different principles. They see themselves as being responsible for meeting their own needs, so whatever's leftover goes to God's work.
The problem with giving left overs is that your generosity can never exceed your ability to meet your own needs. The moment you face financial uncertainty, generosity takes a back seat. God says He wants you to be "a cheerful giver." But if your heart is occupied solely with meeting your own needs, how can you heed God's call to be generous.
On the other hand, those who give "off the top" understand that God owns and controls it all, so they feel free to invest in His interests first and their own second. Leftover givers always struggle to let go in this area. They've heard the sermons, read the verses and listened to the testimonies. But they've families to feed, retirements to fund and markets to second guess so they hold back, afraid they can't manage all their financial responsibilities and give to God's work too.
Fear has the power to make you act contrary to your beliefs. In essence,fear makes you irrational. Isn't it rational to trust God with your finances, since all of it belongs to Him? Isn't it rational to trust God with something that's beyond your control anyway? Isn't it irrational to trust God with your eternal destiny, yet reject His invitation to be your financial partner?
Christ's Golden Rule (3)
Each of us can "slot" ourselves using one of the following statements:
(1) I am always ethical;
(2) I am mostly ethical;
(3) I am somewhatethical;
(4) I am seldom ethical;
(5) I am never ethical.
Which slot areyou in? The majority of us put ourselves in the second slot because of -personal convenience! Risking confrontation is inconvenient. Practicingdiscipline is inconvenient. Putting others first is inconvenient. Paying the price for success is inconvenient. Most of us think that being mostly ethical is fine - unless we are on the losing end of someone else's ethical lapse. If you're looking for a good honest standard of ethical behaviour to live by, you'll find it in Christ's golden rule. Here'swhy:
(a) His golden rule is easy to understand. You simply put yourself in the place of the other person. That's it! Even a small child can handle that. There are no complicated rules and no loop holes, right?
(b) His golden rule is a win-win philosophy. Have you ever met people who believe that in order for them to win, others must lose? No, if I treat you as well as I desire to be treated, you win. If you treat me likewise, I win. Where's the loser in that?
c) His golden rule produces peace and self-worth. At the end of the day, you have to be able to live with yourself! If the only way you can win is by cheating, you lose self-respect, live with the fear of being exposed, forfeit your confidence before God, and all your successes are hollow!
(1) I am always ethical;
(2) I am mostly ethical;
(3) I am somewhatethical;
(4) I am seldom ethical;
(5) I am never ethical.
Which slot areyou in? The majority of us put ourselves in the second slot because of -personal convenience! Risking confrontation is inconvenient. Practicingdiscipline is inconvenient. Putting others first is inconvenient. Paying the price for success is inconvenient. Most of us think that being mostly ethical is fine - unless we are on the losing end of someone else's ethical lapse. If you're looking for a good honest standard of ethical behaviour to live by, you'll find it in Christ's golden rule. Here'swhy:
(a) His golden rule is easy to understand. You simply put yourself in the place of the other person. That's it! Even a small child can handle that. There are no complicated rules and no loop holes, right?
(b) His golden rule is a win-win philosophy. Have you ever met people who believe that in order for them to win, others must lose? No, if I treat you as well as I desire to be treated, you win. If you treat me likewise, I win. Where's the loser in that?
c) His golden rule produces peace and self-worth. At the end of the day, you have to be able to live with yourself! If the only way you can win is by cheating, you lose self-respect, live with the fear of being exposed, forfeit your confidence before God, and all your successes are hollow!
Christ's Golden Rule (2)
Good marriages, good business relationships and good friendships are based on Christ's golden rule.
Bottom line - show people that you value them!
John Maxwell tells of a new pastor who shared the following rules with his congregation: "
(1) If you have a problem with me, come and seeme privately. I'll do the same for you.
(2) If someone else has aproblem with me and comes to you, send them to me. I'll do the same.
(3)If someone will not come to me, say, "Let's go see him together." I'll do the same.
(4) Be careful how you interpret me - I'd rather do that.
It's too easy to misinterpret intentions. I'll also be careful how I interpret you.
(5) If it's confidential, don't tell. If you or anyone else comes to me in confidence, I won't tell unless the person is going to harm themselves;
or harm someone else; or a child has been physically or sexually abused.
I expect the same from you.
(6) I don't read unsigned letters.
(7) I don't manipulate; I won't be manipulated; don't let others manipulate you. Don't let others try to manipulate me through you.
(8)When in doubt, just say so. If I can answer it without misrepresenting something or breaking a confidence, I will."
And one final thought: if people can still construe that you're taking advantage of them, even after you've had a chance to explain your motives, you need to re-think your idea.
Bottom line - show people that you value them!
John Maxwell tells of a new pastor who shared the following rules with his congregation: "
(1) If you have a problem with me, come and seeme privately. I'll do the same for you.
(2) If someone else has aproblem with me and comes to you, send them to me. I'll do the same.
(3)If someone will not come to me, say, "Let's go see him together." I'll do the same.
(4) Be careful how you interpret me - I'd rather do that.
It's too easy to misinterpret intentions. I'll also be careful how I interpret you.
(5) If it's confidential, don't tell. If you or anyone else comes to me in confidence, I won't tell unless the person is going to harm themselves;
or harm someone else; or a child has been physically or sexually abused.
I expect the same from you.
(6) I don't read unsigned letters.
(7) I don't manipulate; I won't be manipulated; don't let others manipulate you. Don't let others try to manipulate me through you.
(8)When in doubt, just say so. If I can answer it without misrepresenting something or breaking a confidence, I will."
And one final thought: if people can still construe that you're taking advantage of them, even after you've had a chance to explain your motives, you need to re-think your idea.
Christ's Golden Rule (1)
Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.
Matthew 7:12
What did Jesus mean when He said, "Whatever you want men to do for you,do also to them?" He was saying:
1) Value others. Seventy percent of people who leave their jobs do so because they don't feel valued. That's an indictment of how poorly some leaders treat their employees. There isn't a person in the world that doesn't want to be appreciated. Don't you?
(2) Thank them. Donald Laird said, "Always help people increase their self-esteem. There's no higher compliment you can pay someone than helping them to be useful, and to find satisfaction in their usefulness." How can you do that? By letting people know you appreciate their efforts. By making it a point to praise them in the presence ofthose closest to them. Billy Rose wisely observed, "It's hard for a fellow to keep a chip on his shoulder if you allow him to take a bow."
(3) Trust them. Without trust there can be no real relationship.Secretary of State Henry Stimson remarked, "The chief lesson I've learned in life is that the only way you can make a man trustworthy is by trusting him; and the surest way to make him untrustworthy is to distrust him."
Is that easy?
No, especially someone you don't know very well.
Yet that's Christ's golden rule.
As you strive to invest confidence in others just as you'd like it to be invested in you,remember these words,
"The person who trusts others will always loseless than the person who distrusts them."
Matthew 7:12
What did Jesus mean when He said, "Whatever you want men to do for you,do also to them?" He was saying:
1) Value others. Seventy percent of people who leave their jobs do so because they don't feel valued. That's an indictment of how poorly some leaders treat their employees. There isn't a person in the world that doesn't want to be appreciated. Don't you?
(2) Thank them. Donald Laird said, "Always help people increase their self-esteem. There's no higher compliment you can pay someone than helping them to be useful, and to find satisfaction in their usefulness." How can you do that? By letting people know you appreciate their efforts. By making it a point to praise them in the presence ofthose closest to them. Billy Rose wisely observed, "It's hard for a fellow to keep a chip on his shoulder if you allow him to take a bow."
(3) Trust them. Without trust there can be no real relationship.Secretary of State Henry Stimson remarked, "The chief lesson I've learned in life is that the only way you can make a man trustworthy is by trusting him; and the surest way to make him untrustworthy is to distrust him."
Is that easy?
No, especially someone you don't know very well.
Yet that's Christ's golden rule.
As you strive to invest confidence in others just as you'd like it to be invested in you,remember these words,
"The person who trusts others will always loseless than the person who distrusts them."
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Toxic Relationships!
When a blind man leads a blind man, they both end up in the ditch.
Matthew 15:14
Your development, and in some cases your healing, can only take place when you walk with the right people! Remember the story of the scorpion that asked a frog to carry him across the river because he couldn't swim?
"How do I know you won't sting me?" the frog asked.
"If I do,we'll both drown," he replied.
So the scorpion hopped on. Half way across the river the scorpion stung him. As they were drowning the frog said, "You promised you wouldn't. Why did you sting me?"
The scorpion replied, "I can't help it, it's my nature to sting."
Learn to recognise toxic relationships and walk away from them before they take you down with them. A toxic relationship is like a body part with gangrene; if you don't amputate, the infection will spread. Unless you've the courage to cut off what won't heal, you'll end up losing much more.
You can't partner successfully with someone who doesn't share your goals. When you feel passionately about something but they don't, it's like trying to dance the fox trot with someone who only wants to waltz.You picked the wrong dance partner. Don't get tied up with someone who doesn't share your God-given purpose. Some issues can be corrected through teaching and leadership, but you can't teach somebody to care.And if they don't care, they'll infect your environment, ruin your productivity, and break your rhythm with constant complaints.
So ask God, "Who belongs in my life?"
Matthew 15:14
Your development, and in some cases your healing, can only take place when you walk with the right people! Remember the story of the scorpion that asked a frog to carry him across the river because he couldn't swim?
"How do I know you won't sting me?" the frog asked.
"If I do,we'll both drown," he replied.
So the scorpion hopped on. Half way across the river the scorpion stung him. As they were drowning the frog said, "You promised you wouldn't. Why did you sting me?"
The scorpion replied, "I can't help it, it's my nature to sting."
Learn to recognise toxic relationships and walk away from them before they take you down with them. A toxic relationship is like a body part with gangrene; if you don't amputate, the infection will spread. Unless you've the courage to cut off what won't heal, you'll end up losing much more.
You can't partner successfully with someone who doesn't share your goals. When you feel passionately about something but they don't, it's like trying to dance the fox trot with someone who only wants to waltz.You picked the wrong dance partner. Don't get tied up with someone who doesn't share your God-given purpose. Some issues can be corrected through teaching and leadership, but you can't teach somebody to care.And if they don't care, they'll infect your environment, ruin your productivity, and break your rhythm with constant complaints.
So ask God, "Who belongs in my life?"
Monday, November 21, 2005
Who Tells You The Truth?
In the end people appreciate frankness more than flattery.
Proverbs 28:23
Having less information doesn't make you a lesser person. Life's aschool and every new acquaintance a teacher. Whatever others know, they haven't always known it. The greatest indictment against not knowing is not learning, so seize every opportunity. But make sure you pick the right people, those who've earned the right to come along side. When appropriate, they ask the hard questions, bring perspective and keep youon track. When God sends such people, here are four principles that will help you to treat them correctly:
(1) Show appreciation. An attitude of "I don't expect it so I don't give it" will hurt you and close doors to your future. Never take others for granted and never forget to say thank you.
(2) Carry your own weight. Don't be self-serving and opportunistic.Always look for ways to make your presence an asset, not a liability. Life owes you nothing except an opportunity to grow.
(3) Be open and direct about what you want. Rambling speeches and ulterior motives assume that the other person is somehow less intelligent than you. That can be fatal.
(4) Understand the boundaries. Because others know somebody well enough to call him or her by their first name doesn't mean you should. If somebody says, "Hello, my name is Charles," don't reply with "What's up Charlie!" Show respect. Don't try to change the protocol to suit the environment you're used to. Observe boundaries, respect others and you'll always have people in your life who can help get you to where you need to go.
Proverbs 28:23
Having less information doesn't make you a lesser person. Life's aschool and every new acquaintance a teacher. Whatever others know, they haven't always known it. The greatest indictment against not knowing is not learning, so seize every opportunity. But make sure you pick the right people, those who've earned the right to come along side. When appropriate, they ask the hard questions, bring perspective and keep youon track. When God sends such people, here are four principles that will help you to treat them correctly:
(1) Show appreciation. An attitude of "I don't expect it so I don't give it" will hurt you and close doors to your future. Never take others for granted and never forget to say thank you.
(2) Carry your own weight. Don't be self-serving and opportunistic.Always look for ways to make your presence an asset, not a liability. Life owes you nothing except an opportunity to grow.
(3) Be open and direct about what you want. Rambling speeches and ulterior motives assume that the other person is somehow less intelligent than you. That can be fatal.
(4) Understand the boundaries. Because others know somebody well enough to call him or her by their first name doesn't mean you should. If somebody says, "Hello, my name is Charles," don't reply with "What's up Charlie!" Show respect. Don't try to change the protocol to suit the environment you're used to. Observe boundaries, respect others and you'll always have people in your life who can help get you to where you need to go.
Working In A Difficult Environment
God...put him in the garden...to tend and keep it.
Genesis 2:15
Work well done is its own reward. It gives us a sense of value. Without purpose we tend to get depressed. Don't fall for the media hype that says successful people don't need to work. We were all created to fulfil a purpose regardless of how much money is in our bank account.
Perhaps you've heard it preached that work resulted from the fall. No! While it's true that work took on a different meaning, it's a mistake to believe that our first parents were without purpose prior to this. From the time Adam and Eve were created it's been clear that God intended usto be like our Creator - productive, fruitful and invested in tasks that contribute to His purposes. Adam and Eve were given reign over the garden and enjoyed a maximum level of fulfilment in their jobs before their selfish decision to disobey. Listen: "God took the man and put him in the Garden... to tend and keep it ... Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name" (Ge 2:15 & 19 ).
The first job description included naming and overseeing - the ultimate manager's position!
Similarly, Eve was created to share in these endeavours as Adam's helper. A man who isn't busy doesn't need a helper! So you need to look no further than your Bible to realise that productive work is God's plan for your life.
Genesis 2:15
Work well done is its own reward. It gives us a sense of value. Without purpose we tend to get depressed. Don't fall for the media hype that says successful people don't need to work. We were all created to fulfil a purpose regardless of how much money is in our bank account.
Perhaps you've heard it preached that work resulted from the fall. No! While it's true that work took on a different meaning, it's a mistake to believe that our first parents were without purpose prior to this. From the time Adam and Eve were created it's been clear that God intended usto be like our Creator - productive, fruitful and invested in tasks that contribute to His purposes. Adam and Eve were given reign over the garden and enjoyed a maximum level of fulfilment in their jobs before their selfish decision to disobey. Listen: "God took the man and put him in the Garden... to tend and keep it ... Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name" (Ge 2:15 & 19 ).
The first job description included naming and overseeing - the ultimate manager's position!
Similarly, Eve was created to share in these endeavours as Adam's helper. A man who isn't busy doesn't need a helper! So you need to look no further than your Bible to realise that productive work is God's plan for your life.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Treasure and Cherish your friends
Never take someone for granted
Hold every person close to your heart
because you might wake up one day
and realise that you've lost a diamond
while you were too busy collecting stones.......
Let it go
If you want something badly, let it go.
If it's comes back to you,
then it's going to be yours forever.
If it doesn't then it's never going to be yours..........
Thursday, November 17, 2005
RECOGNIZING A STROKE
Thank God for the sense to remember the "3" steps.
Read and Learn!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify.
Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
1. *Ask the individual to SMILE.
2. *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
3. *Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(i.e. It is sunny out today)
If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call the Ambulance immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
Read and Learn!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify.
Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
1. *Ask the individual to SMILE.
2. *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
3. *Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(i.e. It is sunny out today)
If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call the Ambulance immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
A Wise Donkey
One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well.
The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.
Finally he decided that is was not worth retrieving the donkey as the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway.
He invited his neighbours to come over and help him.
They each grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well.
At first, the donkey realised what was happening and cried horribly.
Then, to everyone's amazement, it quietened.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer looked down the well and was astonished at what he saw.
As every shovel of dirt hit his back, the donkey did something amazing. It would shake it off and take a step up.
As the farmer's neighbours continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, it would shake it off and take a step up.
Pretty soon, the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off to everyone's amazement!
Life is going to shovel dirt on you...all kinds of dirt.
The trick to getting out of a hole is to shake it off and take a step up.
Each of our troubles is a stepping stone.
We can get out of the deepest holes just by never giving up!
Shake it off and take a step up!
The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.
Finally he decided that is was not worth retrieving the donkey as the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway.
He invited his neighbours to come over and help him.
They each grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well.
At first, the donkey realised what was happening and cried horribly.
Then, to everyone's amazement, it quietened.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer looked down the well and was astonished at what he saw.
As every shovel of dirt hit his back, the donkey did something amazing. It would shake it off and take a step up.
As the farmer's neighbours continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, it would shake it off and take a step up.
Pretty soon, the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off to everyone's amazement!
Life is going to shovel dirt on you...all kinds of dirt.
The trick to getting out of a hole is to shake it off and take a step up.
Each of our troubles is a stepping stone.
We can get out of the deepest holes just by never giving up!
Shake it off and take a step up!
Reflection
Carpe Diem”: in Latin, this means, to live the day to the full.
How do you generally spend your time each day?
If you look back on the weeks, months and years, how much of your time and money was wasted on useless things and activities,
and how much was spent on Christ-centred activities?
How do you generally spend your time each day?
If you look back on the weeks, months and years, how much of your time and money was wasted on useless things and activities,
and how much was spent on Christ-centred activities?
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Count down.....
I am counting my day ... looking forward for longest holiday in my life..almost 25 days...including almost 36 hours in the air...
I can visualise it will be a lovely time, for almost 20 years, I have not travel with Sharon together (I mean only she and me), and we are going to touch snow together this time... The last time I touched snow was some 23 years ago without Sharon... and we are going to do alots of thing together.
Dear Lord God Our Father, bless our trip..
I can visualise it will be a lovely time, for almost 20 years, I have not travel with Sharon together (I mean only she and me), and we are going to touch snow together this time... The last time I touched snow was some 23 years ago without Sharon... and we are going to do alots of thing together.
Dear Lord God Our Father, bless our trip..
The Spirit-filled Life
Be filled with the Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18
God's indwelling Spirit does three wonderful things for each of us:
(1) He seals us!
Listen: "You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise" ( Ephesians 1:13 ). To protect a letter you seal theenvelope. To keep air out of the jar you seal its mouth with a rubber-ringed lid. To seal a deal, you not arise the contract. A seal declares importance, value and ownership. Are you getting the idea?
2) He protects us!
Peter says we are "shielded by God's power" ( 1Peter 1:5 ). Do you have any idea how many times God has steppedbetween you and the enemy, protecting you from harm? Deep within each of us God's Spirit whispers, "You are mine, and what I own I protect and are for."
(3) He makes sure our prayers are heard!
Listen: "The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness. We do not even know how we ought to pray, but through our in articulate groans the Spirit himself is pleading for us,and God who searches our inmost being knows what the Spirit means,because He pleads for God's own people, in God's own way" ( Romans8:26-27 ). Notice: "the Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness."Weak bodies, weak wills, weak faith. How good to know that it's not upto us.
"The Spirit Himself is pleading for us."
None of us pray as much as we should - but we all pray more than we think - because the Holy Spirit turns our very sighs into petitions and makes sure that we getheard.
Sealed!
Protected!
Heard!
Spirit-filled living - refuse to settle for less.
Ephesians 5:18
God's indwelling Spirit does three wonderful things for each of us:
(1) He seals us!
Listen: "You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise" ( Ephesians 1:13 ). To protect a letter you seal theenvelope. To keep air out of the jar you seal its mouth with a rubber-ringed lid. To seal a deal, you not arise the contract. A seal declares importance, value and ownership. Are you getting the idea?
2) He protects us!
Peter says we are "shielded by God's power" ( 1Peter 1:5 ). Do you have any idea how many times God has steppedbetween you and the enemy, protecting you from harm? Deep within each of us God's Spirit whispers, "You are mine, and what I own I protect and are for."
(3) He makes sure our prayers are heard!
Listen: "The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness. We do not even know how we ought to pray, but through our in articulate groans the Spirit himself is pleading for us,and God who searches our inmost being knows what the Spirit means,because He pleads for God's own people, in God's own way" ( Romans8:26-27 ). Notice: "the Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness."Weak bodies, weak wills, weak faith. How good to know that it's not upto us.
"The Spirit Himself is pleading for us."
None of us pray as much as we should - but we all pray more than we think - because the Holy Spirit turns our very sighs into petitions and makes sure that we getheard.
Sealed!
Protected!
Heard!
Spirit-filled living - refuse to settle for less.
Talking to God with a Deck of Cards
A young soldier was alone in his bunk house one Sunday morning over in Afghanistan. It was quiet that day, the guns and the mortars, and land mines for some reason hadn't made a noise.
He knew it was Sunday, the holiest day of the week. As he sat there, he got out an old deck of cards and laid them out across his bunk.
Just then an army sergeant came in and said, "Why aren't you with the rest of the platoon?"
The soldier replied, "I thought I would stay behind and spend some time with the Lord."
The sergeant said, "Looks like you're going to play cards."
The soldier said, "No sir, you see, since we are not allowed to have Bibles or other spiritual books in this country, I've decided to talk to the Lord by studying this deck of cards."
The sergeant asked in disbelief, "How will you do that?"
"You see the Ace, sergeant, it reminds that there is only one God.
The Two represents the two parts of the Bible, Old and New Testaments.
The Three represents the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
The Four stands for the Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The Five is for the five virgins, there were ten, but only five of them were glorified.
The Six is for the six days it took God to create the Heavens and Earth.
The Seven is for the day God rested after working the six days.
The Eight is for the family of Noah, his wife, their three sons and their wives. God saved these eight people from the flood that destroyed the earth for the first time.
The Nine is for the lepers that Jesus cleansed of leprosy. He cleansed ten, but nine never thanked Him.
The Ten represents the Ten Commandments that God handed down to Moses on tablets made of stone.
The Jack is a reminder of Satan. One of God's first angels, but he got kicked out of heaven for his sly and wicked ways and is now the joker of eternal lake of fire.
The Queen stands for the bride of Christ, which is called His church, or body of believers that wait for his return.
The King stands for Jesus, for he is the King of all kings.
When I count the dots on all the cards, I come up with 365 total, one for every day of the year [???].
There are a total of 52 cards in a deck; each is a week, 52 weeks in a year.
The four suits represent the four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter.
Each suit has thirteen cards; there are exactly thirteen weeks in a quarter.
So when I want to talk to God and thank Him, I just pull out this old deck of cards and they remind me of all that I have to be thankful for."
The sergeant just stood there and after a minute, with tears in his eyes and pain in his heart, he said, "Soldier, can I borrow that deck of cards?"
"If My people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
II Chronicles 7:14
He knew it was Sunday, the holiest day of the week. As he sat there, he got out an old deck of cards and laid them out across his bunk.
Just then an army sergeant came in and said, "Why aren't you with the rest of the platoon?"
The soldier replied, "I thought I would stay behind and spend some time with the Lord."
The sergeant said, "Looks like you're going to play cards."
The soldier said, "No sir, you see, since we are not allowed to have Bibles or other spiritual books in this country, I've decided to talk to the Lord by studying this deck of cards."
The sergeant asked in disbelief, "How will you do that?"
"You see the Ace, sergeant, it reminds that there is only one God.
The Two represents the two parts of the Bible, Old and New Testaments.
The Three represents the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
The Four stands for the Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The Five is for the five virgins, there were ten, but only five of them were glorified.
The Six is for the six days it took God to create the Heavens and Earth.
The Seven is for the day God rested after working the six days.
The Eight is for the family of Noah, his wife, their three sons and their wives. God saved these eight people from the flood that destroyed the earth for the first time.
The Nine is for the lepers that Jesus cleansed of leprosy. He cleansed ten, but nine never thanked Him.
The Ten represents the Ten Commandments that God handed down to Moses on tablets made of stone.
The Jack is a reminder of Satan. One of God's first angels, but he got kicked out of heaven for his sly and wicked ways and is now the joker of eternal lake of fire.
The Queen stands for the bride of Christ, which is called His church, or body of believers that wait for his return.
The King stands for Jesus, for he is the King of all kings.
When I count the dots on all the cards, I come up with 365 total, one for every day of the year [???].
There are a total of 52 cards in a deck; each is a week, 52 weeks in a year.
The four suits represent the four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter.
Each suit has thirteen cards; there are exactly thirteen weeks in a quarter.
So when I want to talk to God and thank Him, I just pull out this old deck of cards and they remind me of all that I have to be thankful for."
The sergeant just stood there and after a minute, with tears in his eyes and pain in his heart, he said, "Soldier, can I borrow that deck of cards?"
"If My people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
II Chronicles 7:14
Monday, November 07, 2005
For Worrywarts!
His peace will guard your hearts and minds.
Philippians 4:7
Jesus said, "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
Of course not" ( Matthew 6:27 ).
Worry doesn't change anything.
When's the last time you solved a problem by worrying about it?
Imagine somebody saying, "I got behind on my bills so I decided to worry my wayout of debt. And you know, it worked! A few sleepless nights and a day of hand wringing; I yelled at the children and took some pills, and -glory to worry - money appeared in my account." You don't add one day to your life or one bit of life to your day by worrying; but you can age prematurely and die quickly.
Listen to these two Scriptures: "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever" ( Psalm 125:1);
and "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,because he trusts in You" ( Isaiah 26:3 ).
We don't intentionally doubt God, yet when we worry we do. Can you imagine a child asking Michelangelo, "Are you sure you know what to do with that chunk of rock?" Paul writes, "His peace will guard your hearts and minds." Paul employs a military metaphor here. The Philippians lived under Roman occupation and were accustomed to the Centurions guarding their town.What security! Before an enemy could get to them they first had to get past the guards.
And you know what?
God gives you the same guarantee! Nothing can get to you without first coming through Him.
When you know that, His peace fills your heart.
Philippians 4:7
Jesus said, "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
Of course not" ( Matthew 6:27 ).
Worry doesn't change anything.
When's the last time you solved a problem by worrying about it?
Imagine somebody saying, "I got behind on my bills so I decided to worry my wayout of debt. And you know, it worked! A few sleepless nights and a day of hand wringing; I yelled at the children and took some pills, and -glory to worry - money appeared in my account." You don't add one day to your life or one bit of life to your day by worrying; but you can age prematurely and die quickly.
Listen to these two Scriptures: "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever" ( Psalm 125:1);
and "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,because he trusts in You" ( Isaiah 26:3 ).
We don't intentionally doubt God, yet when we worry we do. Can you imagine a child asking Michelangelo, "Are you sure you know what to do with that chunk of rock?" Paul writes, "His peace will guard your hearts and minds." Paul employs a military metaphor here. The Philippians lived under Roman occupation and were accustomed to the Centurions guarding their town.What security! Before an enemy could get to them they first had to get past the guards.
And you know what?
God gives you the same guarantee! Nothing can get to you without first coming through Him.
When you know that, His peace fills your heart.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Loking Forward for 3 weeks Holiday
Everyday is a Gift from God, I must live everyday as though it is my last... meaning I must do all the neccessary thing, no procrastination...
But again, I have to plan for our (sharon & I) holiday from 16th Dec 05 till 9th Jan 06...hahaha...our trip last for two years, from 2005 to 2006..wonderful...
Before going for holiday, I have to fulfill my production quota, which I have only about 35 days left and need to get about 3 k commision, and I believed that God Our Father will not abandon me, He will send Angel around to help me , Good Lord, I need your help....
Everything is possible for him who believes. Mark 9:23
So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead. James 2:17
Faith becomes effective when it becomes actives.Take it out of the talking and thinking stage and put it to work practically,quickly and prayerfully.
Action! Action! Action!
But again, I have to plan for our (sharon & I) holiday from 16th Dec 05 till 9th Jan 06...hahaha...our trip last for two years, from 2005 to 2006..wonderful...
Before going for holiday, I have to fulfill my production quota, which I have only about 35 days left and need to get about 3 k commision, and I believed that God Our Father will not abandon me, He will send Angel around to help me , Good Lord, I need your help....
Everything is possible for him who believes. Mark 9:23
So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead. James 2:17
Faith becomes effective when it becomes actives.Take it out of the talking and thinking stage and put it to work practically,quickly and prayerfully.
Action! Action! Action!
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Thought of the Day
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit,
nor can a bad tree
bear good fruit.
-Matthew 7:18
Monday, October 17, 2005
Web of Life
Beautiful strong
Endless connecting
Winding from one to another
Colorful web
changing and growing
Holding us fast in life.
We are one with the trees
One with the earth
The sky and the seas
We are branches of God
Rooted deep in life.
Endless connecting
Winding from one to another
Colorful web
changing and growing
Holding us fast in life.
We are one with the trees
One with the earth
The sky and the seas
We are branches of God
Rooted deep in life.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Positive Words
The Power of Words
*Words have power, some examples:
#problem# change to *challenge*
#difficult# change to *interesting*
#I'll try# change to *I'll do my best*
#scolded# change to *sent a message*
#I have to do# change to *I must do*
#stressed# change to *overwhelmed, in demand*
#I am angry# change to *I am extremely disenchanted*
#I am so nervous# change to *I am so energized*
A mental worrior is someone willing to change first and be responsible !
Madness
The most insane thing is to keep doing the same thing again and again and expecting to achieve different results!
Being committed is not the same as interested, it is responsibility!
Whatever happens................ Whose responsibility?
Answer: myself !
*Words have power, some examples:
#problem# change to *challenge*
#difficult# change to *interesting*
#I'll try# change to *I'll do my best*
#scolded# change to *sent a message*
#I have to do# change to *I must do*
#stressed# change to *overwhelmed, in demand*
#I am angry# change to *I am extremely disenchanted*
#I am so nervous# change to *I am so energized*
A mental worrior is someone willing to change first and be responsible !
Madness
The most insane thing is to keep doing the same thing again and again and expecting to achieve different results!
Being committed is not the same as interested, it is responsibility!
Whatever happens................ Whose responsibility?
Answer: myself !
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Follow Your Dream
Once upon a time, there was a large mountain side, where an eagle's nest rested. The eagle's nest contained four large eagle eggs. One day an earthquake rocked the mountain causing one of the eggs to roll down the mountain, to a chicken farm, located in the valley below. The chickens knew that they must protect and care for the eagle's egg, so an old hen volunteered to nurture and raise the large egg.
One day, the egg hatched and a beautiful eagle was born.
Sadly, however, the eagle was raised to be a chicken.
Soon, the eagle believed he was nothing more than a chicken. The eagle loved his home and family, but his spirit cried out for more.
While playing a game on the farm one day, the eagle looked to the skies above and noticed a group of mighty eagles soaring in the skies.
"Oh," the eagle cried,
"I wish I could soar like those birds."
The chickens roared with laughter,
"You cannot soar with those birds. You are a chicken and chickens do not soar." The eagle continued staring at his real family up above, dreaming that he could be with them. Each time the eagle would let his dreams be known, he was told it couldn't be done. That is what the eagle learned to believe. The eagle, in time, stopped dreaming and continued to live his life like a chicken.
Finally, after a long life as a chicken, the poor eagle passed away.
The moral of the story: You become what you believe you are.
So if you ever dream to become an eagle follow your dreams, not the words of a chicken.
One day, the egg hatched and a beautiful eagle was born.
Sadly, however, the eagle was raised to be a chicken.
Soon, the eagle believed he was nothing more than a chicken. The eagle loved his home and family, but his spirit cried out for more.
While playing a game on the farm one day, the eagle looked to the skies above and noticed a group of mighty eagles soaring in the skies.
"Oh," the eagle cried,
"I wish I could soar like those birds."
The chickens roared with laughter,
"You cannot soar with those birds. You are a chicken and chickens do not soar." The eagle continued staring at his real family up above, dreaming that he could be with them. Each time the eagle would let his dreams be known, he was told it couldn't be done. That is what the eagle learned to believe. The eagle, in time, stopped dreaming and continued to live his life like a chicken.
Finally, after a long life as a chicken, the poor eagle passed away.
The moral of the story: You become what you believe you are.
So if you ever dream to become an eagle follow your dreams, not the words of a chicken.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Wounded In The Church (2)
When Jesus...knew how long he had been there, He said, 'Do you want toget well?'
John 5:6
When you've been hurt in church you can choose to remain a victim by dwelling on how things should have been, or use the experience to grow wiser and more discerning.
The paralysed man at the pool had been there for 38 years. When Jesus discovered how long he'd been there He asked,
"Do you want to get well?"
It was time for him to stop seeing his handicap as part of his identity. Because he'd been incapacitated for so long he thought like a victim.
Listen:
"I don't have anybody to put me in the pool" (v.7 ).
Translation?
"Nobody really cares."
When Jesus commanded him to get up, He knew it would take real courage to overcome his feelings of hopelessness and self-pity. But when the man obeyed, he was healed on the spot. God never forces healing on you, even if you'rehurting. No, you must want to get well and make a conscious decision to believe you can. Getting hurt is inevitable; living like a victim is a choice.
The church will always have people who speak without thinking and hurt others.
But listen: "You're part of the body of Christ" (Colossians3:15 ).
Apart from it, you've no function, no spiritual food supply and no fulfilment, so you die spiritually. Understand this: it takes the same energy to choose healing as it does bitterness - but the results are very different! One leaves you paralysed by the past, the other gives you hope for the future. So, which will you choose
John 5:6
When you've been hurt in church you can choose to remain a victim by dwelling on how things should have been, or use the experience to grow wiser and more discerning.
The paralysed man at the pool had been there for 38 years. When Jesus discovered how long he'd been there He asked,
"Do you want to get well?"
It was time for him to stop seeing his handicap as part of his identity. Because he'd been incapacitated for so long he thought like a victim.
Listen:
"I don't have anybody to put me in the pool" (v.7 ).
Translation?
"Nobody really cares."
When Jesus commanded him to get up, He knew it would take real courage to overcome his feelings of hopelessness and self-pity. But when the man obeyed, he was healed on the spot. God never forces healing on you, even if you'rehurting. No, you must want to get well and make a conscious decision to believe you can. Getting hurt is inevitable; living like a victim is a choice.
The church will always have people who speak without thinking and hurt others.
But listen: "You're part of the body of Christ" (Colossians3:15 ).
Apart from it, you've no function, no spiritual food supply and no fulfilment, so you die spiritually. Understand this: it takes the same energy to choose healing as it does bitterness - but the results are very different! One leaves you paralysed by the past, the other gives you hope for the future. So, which will you choose
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Wounded In The Church (1)
'My grace is...all you need.'
2 Corinthians 12:9
Are you upset over the treatment you received at the hands of church people who chose to condemn instead of helping you?
Or who neglected you when they should have sought you out, restored you spiritually and returned you to the flock?
Most people who've been wounded in the church could easily convince a jury it should never have happened. And it shouldn't!
But it did - and reliving it won't change it.
Think: if you were mugged and taken to the hospital, you wouldn't spend all your time obsessing about the mugger who beat you up, would you?
No, your main concern would be recovering as fast as possible! Ironically, with physical wounds we seek help immediately, but with emotional ones we'reinclined to focus on the problem instead of the solution.
General Robert E. Lee once visited a house in Kentucky where a very bitter woman showed him the remains of a magnificent tree the Unionartillery had destroyed. She expected Lee to sympathise with her and condemn the Yankees. But instead he quietly replied, "Cut it down, dear lady, and forget it.
" No amount of bitterness could change that tree, but it could certainly change her, and not for the better. Paul says he begged God to take away his pain until, "He told me,
'My grace is...all you need'...Once I heard that...I quit focusing on the handicap" ( 2Corinthians 12:9 ).
Quit focusing on your hurt; turn it over to God!
2 Corinthians 12:9
Are you upset over the treatment you received at the hands of church people who chose to condemn instead of helping you?
Or who neglected you when they should have sought you out, restored you spiritually and returned you to the flock?
Most people who've been wounded in the church could easily convince a jury it should never have happened. And it shouldn't!
But it did - and reliving it won't change it.
Think: if you were mugged and taken to the hospital, you wouldn't spend all your time obsessing about the mugger who beat you up, would you?
No, your main concern would be recovering as fast as possible! Ironically, with physical wounds we seek help immediately, but with emotional ones we'reinclined to focus on the problem instead of the solution.
General Robert E. Lee once visited a house in Kentucky where a very bitter woman showed him the remains of a magnificent tree the Unionartillery had destroyed. She expected Lee to sympathise with her and condemn the Yankees. But instead he quietly replied, "Cut it down, dear lady, and forget it.
" No amount of bitterness could change that tree, but it could certainly change her, and not for the better. Paul says he begged God to take away his pain until, "He told me,
'My grace is...all you need'...Once I heard that...I quit focusing on the handicap" ( 2Corinthians 12:9 ).
Quit focusing on your hurt; turn it over to God!
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Rosary
Our Lady of Rosary
Hail Mary, full of Grace
The Lord is with you
Blessed are you among women
and Blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
Pray for us sinner
now and at the hour of our death
Amen!
Friday, October 07, 2005
St Francis of Assisi
God spoke to Saint Francis, "Go, Francis, and restore my Church."
Francis heard the words coming from the crucifix - which right away tells us something.
Francis was in a church and he was praying!
If we want God to speak to us than we also must spend that time in prayer.
Another word for prayer is "relationship" - we speak to God and God speaks to us.
As readily as we want God to listen to us - so we must give that same readiness to listening to God.
If we want God to answer our prayers - we must be ready as Saint Francis, to respond to God in the same manner.
Francis heard the words coming from the crucifix - which right away tells us something.
Francis was in a church and he was praying!
If we want God to speak to us than we also must spend that time in prayer.
Another word for prayer is "relationship" - we speak to God and God speaks to us.
As readily as we want God to listen to us - so we must give that same readiness to listening to God.
If we want God to answer our prayers - we must be ready as Saint Francis, to respond to God in the same manner.
Glorify God in your body!
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you,
which you have from God?
You are not your own;
you were bought with a price.
So glorify God in your body.
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you,
which you have from God?
You are not your own;
you were bought with a price.
So glorify God in your body.
Lord Prayer
OUR FATHER - Daddy, Father of us all, You love all your children, even those who don't know You.
WHO IS IN HEAVEN - You are Lord over all. Eventually, we will all come face-to-face with Your infinite love and realize how little we have loved. Help us all to discover Your love here on earth and convert to it before it's too late.
HOLY IS YOUR NAME - Help us all to revere You and to recognize Your great mercy. Help those who, because of their involvement in evil, are most in need of Your mercy. Help us all to turn away from everything that is not of You.
YOUR KINGDOM COME - Whatever is fighting against Your kingdom, Jesus has already defeated through the cross and resurrection. May his Precious Blood cover every evil-doer to break Satan's strongholds and heal their minds and souls.
YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN - Help us all to know Your will, clearly and accurately, and fill us with a zeal for doing what You ask of us. Give us special graces to hear and grasp Your will more profoundly.
GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD - You know what we need for understanding and doing Your will. Help us all to receive it and be nourished by it. Evil-doers are starving for You; use the circumstances of their day to help them find You.
FORGIVE US OUR SINS - Forgive us for succumbing to temptation and allowing ourselves to be confused about what is right and what is wrong. Forgive us for contributing to evil in our world, as we are all guilty to some extent.
AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SIN AGAINST US - Lord, I do forgive. I ask You, merciful Father, to forgive those who have passed onto us their legacy of evil. Break the chains of hatred and violence that hold so many people in Satan's grip.
DO NOT SUBJECT US TO THE TRIAL - Do not let anyone for whom I'm praying die before they have recognized and accepted Your love. Help us all to become like Jesus, who is the human embodiment of Perfect Love.
DELIVER US FROM EVIL - Deliver me and the whole world from all tactics of the devil. Rescue evil-doers from lives as Satan's instruments; set them free to see enjoy Jesus Christ here on earth and eternally in heaven.
AMEN!
WHO IS IN HEAVEN - You are Lord over all. Eventually, we will all come face-to-face with Your infinite love and realize how little we have loved. Help us all to discover Your love here on earth and convert to it before it's too late.
HOLY IS YOUR NAME - Help us all to revere You and to recognize Your great mercy. Help those who, because of their involvement in evil, are most in need of Your mercy. Help us all to turn away from everything that is not of You.
YOUR KINGDOM COME - Whatever is fighting against Your kingdom, Jesus has already defeated through the cross and resurrection. May his Precious Blood cover every evil-doer to break Satan's strongholds and heal their minds and souls.
YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN - Help us all to know Your will, clearly and accurately, and fill us with a zeal for doing what You ask of us. Give us special graces to hear and grasp Your will more profoundly.
GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD - You know what we need for understanding and doing Your will. Help us all to receive it and be nourished by it. Evil-doers are starving for You; use the circumstances of their day to help them find You.
FORGIVE US OUR SINS - Forgive us for succumbing to temptation and allowing ourselves to be confused about what is right and what is wrong. Forgive us for contributing to evil in our world, as we are all guilty to some extent.
AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SIN AGAINST US - Lord, I do forgive. I ask You, merciful Father, to forgive those who have passed onto us their legacy of evil. Break the chains of hatred and violence that hold so many people in Satan's grip.
DO NOT SUBJECT US TO THE TRIAL - Do not let anyone for whom I'm praying die before they have recognized and accepted Your love. Help us all to become like Jesus, who is the human embodiment of Perfect Love.
DELIVER US FROM EVIL - Deliver me and the whole world from all tactics of the devil. Rescue evil-doers from lives as Satan's instruments; set them free to see enjoy Jesus Christ here on earth and eternally in heaven.
AMEN!
Learn To Let Go
Stop allowing yourselves to be...unsettled.
John 14:27
Some children at summer holiday camp were discussing creation. One asked,
"If everything has a purpose, how come God made poison ivy?"
Another replied, "Because He knows there are some things we should keep our hands off!"
Keeping your hands off certain things isn't easy,especially when you're insecure or controlling by nature. "But sometimes my partner drives me crazy."
Maybe you drive them crazy too! No two people are a hundred percent compatible.
God says, "A man [shall] leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one" ( Genesis 2:24).
"Leaving" is easy, but "becoming one"takes a life time of sacrifice and hard work!
Jesus said, "Stop allowing yourselves to be...unsettled" ( John 14:27).
You're doing it to yourself! Learn to "let go" and work on developing the fruits of the Spirit. That'll keep you busy! Letting go doesn't mean you don't care, it just means allowing others to learn from their consequences. It calls for focusing on Jesus rather than obsessing over the other person.
Isaiah 26:3 says, "You...keep in...peace all those whose thoughts are fixed on You."
Letting go means caring about instead of care-taking. It means stepping out of the middle and not trying to influence the outcome - like fixing, judging, nagging, scolding, arguing, criticising and regulating.
It's about facing each day with God's help and cherishing every minute. It's about realising that the only person you can change - is you!
It's about fearing less and trusting more.
It's about accepting that "amid all these things weare more than conquerors...through Him" ( Romans 8:37 ).
John 14:27
Some children at summer holiday camp were discussing creation. One asked,
"If everything has a purpose, how come God made poison ivy?"
Another replied, "Because He knows there are some things we should keep our hands off!"
Keeping your hands off certain things isn't easy,especially when you're insecure or controlling by nature. "But sometimes my partner drives me crazy."
Maybe you drive them crazy too! No two people are a hundred percent compatible.
God says, "A man [shall] leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one" ( Genesis 2:24).
"Leaving" is easy, but "becoming one"takes a life time of sacrifice and hard work!
Jesus said, "Stop allowing yourselves to be...unsettled" ( John 14:27).
You're doing it to yourself! Learn to "let go" and work on developing the fruits of the Spirit. That'll keep you busy! Letting go doesn't mean you don't care, it just means allowing others to learn from their consequences. It calls for focusing on Jesus rather than obsessing over the other person.
Isaiah 26:3 says, "You...keep in...peace all those whose thoughts are fixed on You."
Letting go means caring about instead of care-taking. It means stepping out of the middle and not trying to influence the outcome - like fixing, judging, nagging, scolding, arguing, criticising and regulating.
It's about facing each day with God's help and cherishing every minute. It's about realising that the only person you can change - is you!
It's about fearing less and trusting more.
It's about accepting that "amid all these things weare more than conquerors...through Him" ( Romans 8:37 ).
Change How You Think
If anything is excellent or praise worthy - think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
You don't have more problems than other people - you just think about them more often! Stop: go back and reread that sentence.
Take a moment and consider what it means. It's what you think about that produces how you feel.
If you don't believe that, try getting angry without first having angry thoughts, or getting sad without first having sad thoughts.
You can't do it, can you?
To experience a feeling you must first have the thought that produces it. That's life-changing information; it's knowledge the devil doesn't want you to have.
If you change how you think you'll change how you feel!
Nothing can hold your negative feelings in place other than your own thinking. The truth is, it's your thinking that's negative not your life! Once you understand that you can get back on the path to happiness again.
But change takes time.
You didn't become negative overnight and you won't become positive over night.
But you can start.
How?
By doing 2 things:
First, by treating your negative thoughts in the same way you treat flies at a picnic - shoo them away and replace them with thoughts that are "excellent and praise worthy." You have that choice!
Second, by thinking about God's goodness. David did: "Bless the Lord, O my soul,and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from destruction; Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies" ( Psalm 103:2-4).
So if you're serious about changing your life, start changing howy ou think!
Philippians 4:8
You don't have more problems than other people - you just think about them more often! Stop: go back and reread that sentence.
Take a moment and consider what it means. It's what you think about that produces how you feel.
If you don't believe that, try getting angry without first having angry thoughts, or getting sad without first having sad thoughts.
You can't do it, can you?
To experience a feeling you must first have the thought that produces it. That's life-changing information; it's knowledge the devil doesn't want you to have.
If you change how you think you'll change how you feel!
Nothing can hold your negative feelings in place other than your own thinking. The truth is, it's your thinking that's negative not your life! Once you understand that you can get back on the path to happiness again.
But change takes time.
You didn't become negative overnight and you won't become positive over night.
But you can start.
How?
By doing 2 things:
First, by treating your negative thoughts in the same way you treat flies at a picnic - shoo them away and replace them with thoughts that are "excellent and praise worthy." You have that choice!
Second, by thinking about God's goodness. David did: "Bless the Lord, O my soul,and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from destruction; Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies" ( Psalm 103:2-4).
So if you're serious about changing your life, start changing howy ou think!
Stop Getting Upset!
Don't worry about anything.
Philippians 4:6
Forty percent of what we worry about never happens.
Thirty percent has already happened.
Twelve percent focuses on opinions or situations wec an't change.
Ten percent is about our health, which only worsens it.
Eight percent concerns real problems we can influence.
Think: ninety-two percent of our worries are needless!
Worry comes from a Greek word meaning, "to divide the mind."
Anxiety splits us right down the middle. Rather than take away tomorrow's trouble, it robs us of today's strength. And who can afford to lose strength? "But how can I stop worrying?"
Paul offers a two-pronged answer: God's part and our part.
Our part includes prayer and gratitude:"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done" ( Philippians 4:6).
Do you want to worry less?
Pray more! And express your gratitude.
God wants to be thanked before He gets invoiced!
And what's God's part?
Listen:
"If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus" ( Philippians 4:7).
Believing prayer ushers in God's peace.
Imagine having God's peaceful state of mind!
Do you think He battles anxiety?
Wrings His hands or asks the angels for antacids?
Your problem is less to Him than a twig to an elephant.
God enjoys perfect peace because He enjoys perfect power - and He offers His peace to you. Just do your part
Philippians 4:6
Forty percent of what we worry about never happens.
Thirty percent has already happened.
Twelve percent focuses on opinions or situations wec an't change.
Ten percent is about our health, which only worsens it.
Eight percent concerns real problems we can influence.
Think: ninety-two percent of our worries are needless!
Worry comes from a Greek word meaning, "to divide the mind."
Anxiety splits us right down the middle. Rather than take away tomorrow's trouble, it robs us of today's strength. And who can afford to lose strength? "But how can I stop worrying?"
Paul offers a two-pronged answer: God's part and our part.
Our part includes prayer and gratitude:"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done" ( Philippians 4:6).
Do you want to worry less?
Pray more! And express your gratitude.
God wants to be thanked before He gets invoiced!
And what's God's part?
Listen:
"If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus" ( Philippians 4:7).
Believing prayer ushers in God's peace.
Imagine having God's peaceful state of mind!
Do you think He battles anxiety?
Wrings His hands or asks the angels for antacids?
Your problem is less to Him than a twig to an elephant.
God enjoys perfect peace because He enjoys perfect power - and He offers His peace to you. Just do your part
Stay Focused
I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing.
Philippians 3:13
The poorest man in the world is not the one without money, he's the one without a vision for his life.
But vision requires focus.
When you'respread too thin you become mediocre at everything and excellent at nothing.
Failure always results from saying yes to too many things.
Because something is good doesn't mean it's right for you.
When your plate is full from doing what God has given you to do, learn to say no to everything else.
"No" sets you free from other people's expectations and the need for their approval.
"No" doesn't mean never, it just means"not now."
If you try to fight on every front you'll wear yourself out and fail to win where it counts. Fighting a battle without spoils is like pouring water on a burning shack. Unless somebody's life's in danger it's probably not worth fighting for. Conserve your energy for when it's your home, or something really important is at stake.
You always lose when you:
(a) fight the wrong battle;
(b) fight at the wrong time;
(c) fight when you shouldn't be involved;
(d) fight because you need to win in order to feel good about yourself;
(e) fight though the battle has been lost but your pride won't let you swallow it.
Stay focused on your goals.
Keep your eyes on the prize that God has set before you.
If the enemy can't defeat you, he'll distract you with side issues or disqualify you by getting you to make bad decisions.
Either way, he wins and you lose!
Philippians 3:13
The poorest man in the world is not the one without money, he's the one without a vision for his life.
But vision requires focus.
When you'respread too thin you become mediocre at everything and excellent at nothing.
Failure always results from saying yes to too many things.
Because something is good doesn't mean it's right for you.
When your plate is full from doing what God has given you to do, learn to say no to everything else.
"No" sets you free from other people's expectations and the need for their approval.
"No" doesn't mean never, it just means"not now."
If you try to fight on every front you'll wear yourself out and fail to win where it counts. Fighting a battle without spoils is like pouring water on a burning shack. Unless somebody's life's in danger it's probably not worth fighting for. Conserve your energy for when it's your home, or something really important is at stake.
You always lose when you:
(a) fight the wrong battle;
(b) fight at the wrong time;
(c) fight when you shouldn't be involved;
(d) fight because you need to win in order to feel good about yourself;
(e) fight though the battle has been lost but your pride won't let you swallow it.
Stay focused on your goals.
Keep your eyes on the prize that God has set before you.
If the enemy can't defeat you, he'll distract you with side issues or disqualify you by getting you to make bad decisions.
Either way, he wins and you lose!
The Rebekah Principle (2)
Before we leave her, let's learn 3 more important lessons from Rebekah:
(1) When you give generously, you get back more than you ever thought possible. Jesus said, "With the measure you use, it will be measured back to you" ( Matthew 7:2 ). We set the standard of what we receive, by what we give. Rebekah gave more than was asked, and received back more than she ever expected to get. She became the great-greatgreat-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandmotherof the Messiah! Give what you can; you'll be amazed what God will giveyou in return.
(2) When you give generously, your loved ones will be blessed too. When Abraham's servant revealed who he was, he brought out gold articles and rich garments and gave them to Rebekah. But he also gave precious things to her mother and brother. The rewards of your generosity will always overflow and touch the lives of those closest to you.
(3) When you give, the impact of your generosity will often out live you.In the moment of giving you cannot imagine how your actions might impact the lives of others in the future.
Imagine what the world would be like if Michelangelo had said, "I don't do ceilings,"
if Noah had said, "I don't do boats,"
if David had said, "I don't do Goliaths,"
if Mary hadsaid, " I don't do virgin births,"
if Paul had said, "I don't do letters,"
and if Jesus had said, "I don't do crosses."
A life style of generous giving will out live you and bless those who follow you.
(1) When you give generously, you get back more than you ever thought possible. Jesus said, "With the measure you use, it will be measured back to you" ( Matthew 7:2 ). We set the standard of what we receive, by what we give. Rebekah gave more than was asked, and received back more than she ever expected to get. She became the great-greatgreat-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandmotherof the Messiah! Give what you can; you'll be amazed what God will giveyou in return.
(2) When you give generously, your loved ones will be blessed too. When Abraham's servant revealed who he was, he brought out gold articles and rich garments and gave them to Rebekah. But he also gave precious things to her mother and brother. The rewards of your generosity will always overflow and touch the lives of those closest to you.
(3) When you give, the impact of your generosity will often out live you.In the moment of giving you cannot imagine how your actions might impact the lives of others in the future.
Imagine what the world would be like if Michelangelo had said, "I don't do ceilings,"
if Noah had said, "I don't do boats,"
if David had said, "I don't do Goliaths,"
if Mary hadsaid, " I don't do virgin births,"
if Paul had said, "I don't do letters,"
and if Jesus had said, "I don't do crosses."
A life style of generous giving will out live you and bless those who follow you.
The Rebekah Principle (1)
You have shown kindness.
Genesis 24:14
One day as Rebekah was standing by the well, an elderly man approached and asked her for a drink. Without hesitation she said yes. Then she offered to water his camels. That was no small offer. One camel can drink 20 gallons of water. Do the maths: 10 camels at 20 gallons each equals 200 gallons. 200 gallons drawn with a 5-gallon jar equals 40 trips to the well. 40 trips at 3 minutes each equals 2 hours. What Rebekah didn't realise was that her simple act of generosity would change her life forever. Little did she know that her actions were the answer to a servant's prayer and the plan of a sovereign God. All she did was do what she felt she should, but in so doing she became the bride of Isaac, the inheritor of Abraham's fortune, and a predecessor of our blessed Lord Jesus.
Rebekah went the extra mile. Her generosity stands in stark contrast tothe prevailing attitudes of our day. She said, "I'll not just do what you ask of me, I'll do more." In contrast many of us say, "I'm going to do the least that's expected of me and try and get the most out of it."Sadly this spirit has also crept into the lives of God's people. Few individuals desire to do more than they must. Everywhere you look yousee an attitude of minimum effort for maximum payment. The Rebekah principle teaches us that when you go through life looking for small opportunities to be generous, it pays big dividends.
Genesis 24:14
One day as Rebekah was standing by the well, an elderly man approached and asked her for a drink. Without hesitation she said yes. Then she offered to water his camels. That was no small offer. One camel can drink 20 gallons of water. Do the maths: 10 camels at 20 gallons each equals 200 gallons. 200 gallons drawn with a 5-gallon jar equals 40 trips to the well. 40 trips at 3 minutes each equals 2 hours. What Rebekah didn't realise was that her simple act of generosity would change her life forever. Little did she know that her actions were the answer to a servant's prayer and the plan of a sovereign God. All she did was do what she felt she should, but in so doing she became the bride of Isaac, the inheritor of Abraham's fortune, and a predecessor of our blessed Lord Jesus.
Rebekah went the extra mile. Her generosity stands in stark contrast tothe prevailing attitudes of our day. She said, "I'll not just do what you ask of me, I'll do more." In contrast many of us say, "I'm going to do the least that's expected of me and try and get the most out of it."Sadly this spirit has also crept into the lives of God's people. Few individuals desire to do more than they must. Everywhere you look yousee an attitude of minimum effort for maximum payment. The Rebekah principle teaches us that when you go through life looking for small opportunities to be generous, it pays big dividends.
Lessons From Noah
By faith Noah...
Hebrews 11:7
You can make a difference in your family! Listen: "By faith Noah...built an ark to save his family." Noah's obedience to God didn't benefit just him, it also saved his family. It took him 100 years but he did it: andby God's grace you can win your family too.
You can make a difference at any age! Stop putting restrictions on yourself because of age. Noah was 500 years old when he started preaching and building the ark. It's not over until God says it's over!
You can make a difference for future generations! When Noah stepped out of the ark God used him to start the world all over again. Wow! Listen:"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him" ( 2Chronicles 16:9 ).
God is still looking for people to partner with so that He can fulfil His purposes. But to qualify you must:
(a) dare tostand out in the crowd. Noah believed in his vision when nobody else did.Difference-makers are different. Don't let that bother you;
(b) dare todo things for the first time. Don't let the words "it's never been done before" keep you from doing what God asks. Folks said, "It's never rained before, who needs a boat?" But they were wrong and it cost them dearly;
(c) endure the rain to see the rainbow. So take your stand andbelieve God, for what He's promised you - He'll perform!
Hebrews 11:7
You can make a difference in your family! Listen: "By faith Noah...built an ark to save his family." Noah's obedience to God didn't benefit just him, it also saved his family. It took him 100 years but he did it: andby God's grace you can win your family too.
You can make a difference at any age! Stop putting restrictions on yourself because of age. Noah was 500 years old when he started preaching and building the ark. It's not over until God says it's over!
You can make a difference for future generations! When Noah stepped out of the ark God used him to start the world all over again. Wow! Listen:"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him" ( 2Chronicles 16:9 ).
God is still looking for people to partner with so that He can fulfil His purposes. But to qualify you must:
(a) dare tostand out in the crowd. Noah believed in his vision when nobody else did.Difference-makers are different. Don't let that bother you;
(b) dare todo things for the first time. Don't let the words "it's never been done before" keep you from doing what God asks. Folks said, "It's never rained before, who needs a boat?" But they were wrong and it cost them dearly;
(c) endure the rain to see the rainbow. So take your stand andbelieve God, for what He's promised you - He'll perform!
Water-walking (3)
Then those who were in the boat worshipped Him.
Matthew 14:33
The story of Peter walking on the water ends with the words: "Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped Him." There's an important principle here: God reveals Himself. You reflect on what He's done and respond in worship. Your love for Him grows. This may happen to you in adramatic way such as a walk on the water. But usually it happens in ways that are easily missed, such as a still small voice within that whispers, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" ( Hebrews 13:5).
John Ortberg writes: "You need to worship God not because His ego needs it, but because without worship your experience and enjoyment of Him are not complete. You need to worship, because without worship you can forget you have a big God and end up living in fear. You need to worship,because without it you can forget His calling and begin to live in a spirit of self-preoccupation. You need to worship, because without it you can lose your sense of wonder and gratitude and plod through life with the blinders on. You need to worship, because your natural tendency is toward self-reliance and stubborn independence."In Mark's version of the water-walking story he records that the disciples were amazed "because their hearts were hardened." Each time you pause to remember what God has brought you through, your heart will become tender and your lips declare: "I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth" ( Psalm 34:1).
Matthew 14:33
The story of Peter walking on the water ends with the words: "Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped Him." There's an important principle here: God reveals Himself. You reflect on what He's done and respond in worship. Your love for Him grows. This may happen to you in adramatic way such as a walk on the water. But usually it happens in ways that are easily missed, such as a still small voice within that whispers, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" ( Hebrews 13:5).
John Ortberg writes: "You need to worship God not because His ego needs it, but because without worship your experience and enjoyment of Him are not complete. You need to worship, because without worship you can forget you have a big God and end up living in fear. You need to worship,because without it you can forget His calling and begin to live in a spirit of self-preoccupation. You need to worship, because without it you can lose your sense of wonder and gratitude and plod through life with the blinders on. You need to worship, because your natural tendency is toward self-reliance and stubborn independence."In Mark's version of the water-walking story he records that the disciples were amazed "because their hearts were hardened." Each time you pause to remember what God has brought you through, your heart will become tender and your lips declare: "I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth" ( Psalm 34:1).
Water-walking (2)
When he saw the wind...he was afraid.
Matthew 14:30
The truth about water-walking is: the fear never goes away! If you want to grow, you must go into new territory, and each time you do you'll experience fear. Give up trying to make fear go away! Fear and growth go together; it's a package deal. The decision to grow means choosing between risk and comfort. Each time you get out of the boat you become alittle more able to get out the next time. It's not that the fear goes away, you just get used to living with it. You realise that it doesn't have the power to destroy you. On the other hand, every time you choose to stay in the boat rather than heed the call of Christ to "Come," the voice inside you gets a little quieter, until finally you don't hear it at all.
Did Peter fail? No. Besides Jesus, he's the only man who ever walked on water. Failure isn't an event, it's just an opinion. It's not what happens to us, but how we think about it. Only Peter knew the joy of being empowered by God to do what couldn't humanly be done. Walking on water changes you forever. And only Peter knew the grace of being liftedby Jesus in a moment of desperate need. He understood in a way the others couldn't that when you take baby steps of faith, the Lord will never let you drown. He had an experience with Christ the others didn't have. So,failure isn't sinking in the waves, it's never getting out of the boat!
Matthew 14:30
The truth about water-walking is: the fear never goes away! If you want to grow, you must go into new territory, and each time you do you'll experience fear. Give up trying to make fear go away! Fear and growth go together; it's a package deal. The decision to grow means choosing between risk and comfort. Each time you get out of the boat you become alittle more able to get out the next time. It's not that the fear goes away, you just get used to living with it. You realise that it doesn't have the power to destroy you. On the other hand, every time you choose to stay in the boat rather than heed the call of Christ to "Come," the voice inside you gets a little quieter, until finally you don't hear it at all.
Did Peter fail? No. Besides Jesus, he's the only man who ever walked on water. Failure isn't an event, it's just an opinion. It's not what happens to us, but how we think about it. Only Peter knew the joy of being empowered by God to do what couldn't humanly be done. Walking on water changes you forever. And only Peter knew the grace of being liftedby Jesus in a moment of desperate need. He understood in a way the others couldn't that when you take baby steps of faith, the Lord will never let you drown. He had an experience with Christ the others didn't have. So,failure isn't sinking in the waves, it's never getting out of the boat!
Water-walking (1)
Peter...walked on the water.
Matthew 14:29
Here are some things you need to know about water-walking:
(1) Everybody has a boat. Your boat is whatever gives you your greatest
sense of significance and security. It's what you're tempted to put your
trust in, especially when life gets stormy. Want to know what your boat is? Your fear will tell you. Ask yourself, "What is it that most produces fear in me - especially when I think of leaving it behind and stepping out in faith?"
(2) You must keep your eyes on the Saviour, not the storm. When did Peter sink? When he "saw the wind." We all know what it's like to see the wind, don't we? You begin a new adventure full of hope. Maybe it's a job or a new relationship. Maybe you're trying to succeed in a new venture. At the beginning you're full of faith; it's blue skies; then reality sets in. Set backs. Opposition. Financial challenges. Life's fullof surprises so we should expect it, but somehow trouble still has the power to blind side us. Because of the wind some of us never leave the boat. But the truth is, there's no guarantee that life in the boat will be any safer. Everything's risky! Baseball's greatest hitters fail 2 times out of 3. But if you don't step up to the plate you'll never know the joy of hitting a home run. Understand this: if you live in the boat you'll eventually die in the boat, and you'll end up wondering what your life might have been if only you'd been willing to step over the side.
Matthew 14:29
Here are some things you need to know about water-walking:
(1) Everybody has a boat. Your boat is whatever gives you your greatest
sense of significance and security. It's what you're tempted to put your
trust in, especially when life gets stormy. Want to know what your boat is? Your fear will tell you. Ask yourself, "What is it that most produces fear in me - especially when I think of leaving it behind and stepping out in faith?"
(2) You must keep your eyes on the Saviour, not the storm. When did Peter sink? When he "saw the wind." We all know what it's like to see the wind, don't we? You begin a new adventure full of hope. Maybe it's a job or a new relationship. Maybe you're trying to succeed in a new venture. At the beginning you're full of faith; it's blue skies; then reality sets in. Set backs. Opposition. Financial challenges. Life's fullof surprises so we should expect it, but somehow trouble still has the power to blind side us. Because of the wind some of us never leave the boat. But the truth is, there's no guarantee that life in the boat will be any safer. Everything's risky! Baseball's greatest hitters fail 2 times out of 3. But if you don't step up to the plate you'll never know the joy of hitting a home run. Understand this: if you live in the boat you'll eventually die in the boat, and you'll end up wondering what your life might have been if only you'd been willing to step over the side.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
The Most Important Body Part
My mother used to ask me what the most important part of the body is. Through the years I would take a guess at what I thought was the correct answer. When I was younger, I thought sound was very important to us as humans, so I said, "My ears, Mommy." She said, "No. Many people are deaf.
But you keep thinking about it and I will ask you again soon."
Several years passed before she asked me again. Since making my first attempt, I had contemplated the correct answer. So this time I told her, "Mommy, sight is very important to everybody, so it must be "Our eyes." She looked at me and told me, "You are learning fast, but the answer is not correct because there are many people who are blind."
Stumped again, I continued my quest for knowledge and over the years, Mother asked me a couple more times and always her answer was, "No. But you are getting smarter every year, my child."
Then one year, my grandfather died. Everybody was hurt. Everybody was crying. Even my father cried. I remember that especially because it was only the second time I saw him cry. My Mom looked at me when it was our turn to say our final good-bye to my Grandfather. She asked me, "Do you know the most important body part yet, my dear?"
"This question is very important. It shows that you have really lived in your life.
For every body part you gave me in the past, I have told you you were wrong and I have given you an example why. But today is the day you need to learn this important lesson."
She looked down at me as only a mother can. I saw her eyes well up with tears. She said, "My dear, the most important body part is your shoulder." I asked, "Is it because it holds up my head?" She replied, "No, it is because it can hold the head of a friend or a loved one when they cry. Everybody needs a shoulder to cry on sometime in life, my dear. I only hope that you have enough love and friends and that you will always have a shoulder to cry on when you need it."
Then and there I knew the most important body part is not a selfish one. It is sympathetic to the pain of others. People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will NEVER forget how you made them feel. Good friends are like stars...You don t always see them, but you always know they are there.
But you keep thinking about it and I will ask you again soon."
Several years passed before she asked me again. Since making my first attempt, I had contemplated the correct answer. So this time I told her, "Mommy, sight is very important to everybody, so it must be "Our eyes." She looked at me and told me, "You are learning fast, but the answer is not correct because there are many people who are blind."
Stumped again, I continued my quest for knowledge and over the years, Mother asked me a couple more times and always her answer was, "No. But you are getting smarter every year, my child."
Then one year, my grandfather died. Everybody was hurt. Everybody was crying. Even my father cried. I remember that especially because it was only the second time I saw him cry. My Mom looked at me when it was our turn to say our final good-bye to my Grandfather. She asked me, "Do you know the most important body part yet, my dear?"
"This question is very important. It shows that you have really lived in your life.
For every body part you gave me in the past, I have told you you were wrong and I have given you an example why. But today is the day you need to learn this important lesson."
She looked down at me as only a mother can. I saw her eyes well up with tears. She said, "My dear, the most important body part is your shoulder." I asked, "Is it because it holds up my head?" She replied, "No, it is because it can hold the head of a friend or a loved one when they cry. Everybody needs a shoulder to cry on sometime in life, my dear. I only hope that you have enough love and friends and that you will always have a shoulder to cry on when you need it."
Then and there I knew the most important body part is not a selfish one. It is sympathetic to the pain of others. People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will NEVER forget how you made them feel. Good friends are like stars...You don t always see them, but you always know they are there.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Thought of the Day
A gem cannot be polished
without friction,
nor a man perfected
without adversity.
without friction,
nor a man perfected
without adversity.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Try To Be More Balanced!
I, wisdom dwell together with prudence.
Proverbs 8:12
When you push yourself beyond the boundaries of wisdom, you suffer the same results as those who burn out in any other endeavour. Here are afew insights to help you:
(1) If you grew up in a stress-filled environment, you may not know how to handle life any other way. Nothing will change until you acknowledge that stress is like emotional adrenaline to you; it's why you keep creating it.
(2) When you're sitting in a chair and you hear the legs crack, wisdom says, "Take your weight off it before you end up on the floor. " Heed the telltale signs of stress before your health breaks and you're no good to God or anybody else.
(3) Learn to be prudent. Prudence just means careful management. To become a better manager of your time,your energy and your gifts, start writing down the habits you need to work on. Don't announce, "Starting today, everybody around here is going to change!
" No, work on yourself first, and only work on one or two things at a time.
(4) Recognise your stressors. Learn to adapt, instead of always allowing things to upset you. Life has a middle name, it'scalled - change!
Guess what? You're supposed to get tired!
Fatigue is a God-given boundary that prevents you from pushing yourself over the edge. What is it that gives you acid in your stomach, knots in your neck, and makes you less than a joy to be around?
The answer to that question reveals what you need to work on!
Proverbs 8:12
When you push yourself beyond the boundaries of wisdom, you suffer the same results as those who burn out in any other endeavour. Here are afew insights to help you:
(1) If you grew up in a stress-filled environment, you may not know how to handle life any other way. Nothing will change until you acknowledge that stress is like emotional adrenaline to you; it's why you keep creating it.
(2) When you're sitting in a chair and you hear the legs crack, wisdom says, "Take your weight off it before you end up on the floor. " Heed the telltale signs of stress before your health breaks and you're no good to God or anybody else.
(3) Learn to be prudent. Prudence just means careful management. To become a better manager of your time,your energy and your gifts, start writing down the habits you need to work on. Don't announce, "Starting today, everybody around here is going to change!
" No, work on yourself first, and only work on one or two things at a time.
(4) Recognise your stressors. Learn to adapt, instead of always allowing things to upset you. Life has a middle name, it'scalled - change!
Guess what? You're supposed to get tired!
Fatigue is a God-given boundary that prevents you from pushing yourself over the edge. What is it that gives you acid in your stomach, knots in your neck, and makes you less than a joy to be around?
The answer to that question reveals what you need to work on!
Friday, September 16, 2005
God's Call
Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work.
Jeremiah 1:5
There's a consistent pattern in Scripture of what happens in a life that God wants to use and improve:
(1) There's always a call. God asks common people to engage in uncommon acts of trust, like getting out of the boat and walking on water.
(2)There's always fear. God has a habit of asking people to do things that scare them: like Moses who told God, "I'm not a good enough speaker, use somebody else."
(3) There's always reassurance. Listen: "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you." That's what God told Joshua, the new leader who'd just taken over.
(4) There's always a decision. Sometimes,like with Gideon, we say yes to God's call. Sometimes, like the rich young ruler who spoke to Jesus, we say no, but always we must decide.
(5) There's always a changed life. Those who say yes to God's call don't walk perfectly, not by a long shot. But because they say yes they learn and grow, even from their failures, and become part of His actions to redeem a lost world. Those who say no to God are changed too; they become a little harder, a little more resistant to His calling, a little more likely to say no next time.
Is God calling you?
Maybe it has to do with your work, your relationships, your money, or facing your deepest fear.
God's call will go to the core of who you are and what you do.
If you say yes to Him,you'll never regret it!
Jeremiah 1:5
There's a consistent pattern in Scripture of what happens in a life that God wants to use and improve:
(1) There's always a call. God asks common people to engage in uncommon acts of trust, like getting out of the boat and walking on water.
(2)There's always fear. God has a habit of asking people to do things that scare them: like Moses who told God, "I'm not a good enough speaker, use somebody else."
(3) There's always reassurance. Listen: "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you." That's what God told Joshua, the new leader who'd just taken over.
(4) There's always a decision. Sometimes,like with Gideon, we say yes to God's call. Sometimes, like the rich young ruler who spoke to Jesus, we say no, but always we must decide.
(5) There's always a changed life. Those who say yes to God's call don't walk perfectly, not by a long shot. But because they say yes they learn and grow, even from their failures, and become part of His actions to redeem a lost world. Those who say no to God are changed too; they become a little harder, a little more resistant to His calling, a little more likely to say no next time.
Is God calling you?
Maybe it has to do with your work, your relationships, your money, or facing your deepest fear.
God's call will go to the core of who you are and what you do.
If you say yes to Him,you'll never regret it!
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Faith...
For it is the Gift of GOD... Ephesians 2:8
How do we receive this 'Gift of Faith'?
First of all, do you know the difference between a 'Gift' and a 'Present'?
A 'Gift' is given freely and has no strings attached.
A 'Present' has a string or strings attached.
The 'Gift of Faith' comes directly from GOD and He gives it freely......
If we ask for it.
Recipe---Tauhu Goreng
Ingredients:
Tofu 4 pieces
Rainbow Satay Powder 200g
Bean sprouts 200g
Cucumber 1 piece
Coconut milk 200ml
Water 100ml
Method:
Scalded bean sprouts
Shredded cucumber
Deep-fry bean curd till golden brown. Drian.
Cut bean curd into 4 to 6 pieces then arrange on serving dish. Top with cucumber and bean sprouts.
To make gravy, boiled water, add in coconut milk, add in Satay Powder bring to boil.
Pour gravy over bean curd. Serve hot.
Tofu 4 pieces
Rainbow Satay Powder 200g
Bean sprouts 200g
Cucumber 1 piece
Coconut milk 200ml
Water 100ml
Method:
Scalded bean sprouts
Shredded cucumber
Deep-fry bean curd till golden brown. Drian.
Cut bean curd into 4 to 6 pieces then arrange on serving dish. Top with cucumber and bean sprouts.
To make gravy, boiled water, add in coconut milk, add in Satay Powder bring to boil.
Pour gravy over bean curd. Serve hot.
Recipe---Satay Bee Hoon
Ingredients:
Rainbow Satay Powder 200g
Rice Vermicelli (Bee Hoon) 1 pkt 400g
Cuttlefish (cut into strips)
Bean Curd puffs (cut into pieces)
Kang Kong (Optional)
Cockles(Optional)
Lean Meat
Bean Sports
Coconut Milk 3 cups
Prawn
Method:
1) heat oil in wok, stir fry satay powder and add in coconut milk, bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer till sauce is thickened, stir in hot water if sauce is too tick, set aside.
2) Soak rice vermicelli (bee hoon) in water till softened. Drain. Blanch rice vermicelli (bee hoon), cuttlefish, meat, prawn, bean sprout, bean curd puffs and kang kong in boiling water. Remove and drain.
3) Transfer rice vermicelli (bee hoon) to serving dish. Pour hot Satay sauce over rice vermicelli (bee hoon). Garnish with cuttlefish, bean sprout, bean curd puffs, meat, prawn, kang kong, cockles and serve.
Rainbow Satay Powder 200g
Rice Vermicelli (Bee Hoon) 1 pkt 400g
Cuttlefish (cut into strips)
Bean Curd puffs (cut into pieces)
Kang Kong (Optional)
Cockles(Optional)
Lean Meat
Bean Sports
Coconut Milk 3 cups
Prawn
Method:
1) heat oil in wok, stir fry satay powder and add in coconut milk, bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer till sauce is thickened, stir in hot water if sauce is too tick, set aside.
2) Soak rice vermicelli (bee hoon) in water till softened. Drain. Blanch rice vermicelli (bee hoon), cuttlefish, meat, prawn, bean sprout, bean curd puffs and kang kong in boiling water. Remove and drain.
3) Transfer rice vermicelli (bee hoon) to serving dish. Pour hot Satay sauce over rice vermicelli (bee hoon). Garnish with cuttlefish, bean sprout, bean curd puffs, meat, prawn, kang kong, cockles and serve.
Best Prayer.
We do not have to talk very much in order to pray well.
We know that God is there in His holy tabernacle;
let us open our hearts to Him;
let us rejoice in His Presence:
This is the best prayer.
- St. John Vianney
Monday, September 12, 2005
Sunday, September 11, 2005
God Loves You, Extremely!
Psalm 103:11-12
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Love
~1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient;
love is kind;
love is not envious or boastful
or arrogant or rude.
It does not insist on its own way;
it is not irritable or resentful;
it does not rejoice in wrongdoing,
but rejoices in the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends.
Love is patient;
love is kind;
love is not envious or boastful
or arrogant or rude.
It does not insist on its own way;
it is not irritable or resentful;
it does not rejoice in wrongdoing,
but rejoices in the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends.
Friday, September 09, 2005
The Gift Of Living
Thank You, God, for giving
Me the gift of living
In this curious, strange
World where all things
change
And where I can grow to be
My best and utmost me.
Thank You that I desire
Always to mount up higher
And be something more
Than I have been before,
And thank You for my mind
That always seeks to find
The beautiful and true
And be one with You.
Birth of Mary
Father of mercy,
give our people help
and strength from heaven.
The birth of the
Virgin Mary's Son
was the dawn
was the dawn
of our salvation.
May this celebration
of her birthday
May this celebration
of her birthday
bring us closer
to lasting peace.
Grant this through
our Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son,
who lives and reigns
with you and the
Holy Spirit
one God,
for ever and ever.
one God,
for ever and ever.
Amen
Mother Mary
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Patience
Take time to laugh, for it is the music of the soul.Patience is the ability to idle your motor when you feel like stripping your gears.
Happiness
Happiness is enhanced by others but does not depend upon others. For every minute you are angry with someone, you lose 60 seconds of happiness that you can never get back.
Choice
Man looks at outward appearance but the Lord looks within.The choice you make today will usually affect tomorrow.
Love
Love is strengthened by working through conflicts together.Harsh words break no bones but they do break hearts.
Love is the only thing that can be divided without being diminished.
Trust God
Thank God for what you have, TRUST GOD for what you need. If you fill your heart with regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow, you have no today to be thankful for.
Language
All people smile in the same language.Everyone needs to be loved... especially when they do not deserve it.
Love
Love...and you shall be loved.God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.
Face the truth!
You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
John 8:32
We fear the truth.
That's why people who suspect they are sick don't like to go to the doctor.
They don't want to hear the gruesome facts.
That's why people lie.
They fear that revealing the truth about themselves will only end up in being crushed.
Indeed, the basic fear about truth for many people is that truth is a sort of prison.
If we are faced with the facts, then lots of bad things will happen, we fear. Everybody will hate us if they find out the truth about us.
If God sees the truth about us, we fear, even he will give up on us.
And so we hide, like Adam and Eve in the Garden and God goes calling for us: "Adam, where are you?" But the stunning reality is that truth is nothing to fear.
It may hurt us a bit, this is true. But it will not harm us. It will set us free. For though we have much to want to hide, the astonishing and liberating message of Christ is that he already knows what we've done and he loves us full throttle anyway. There's no truth about ourselves or the world, no matter how embarrassing or difficult, he had not already had all eternity to consider before he willingly went to the Cross for us.
And there is nothing in heaven or earth that is greater than the truth of his love for us.
John 8:32
We fear the truth.
That's why people who suspect they are sick don't like to go to the doctor.
They don't want to hear the gruesome facts.
That's why people lie.
They fear that revealing the truth about themselves will only end up in being crushed.
Indeed, the basic fear about truth for many people is that truth is a sort of prison.
If we are faced with the facts, then lots of bad things will happen, we fear. Everybody will hate us if they find out the truth about us.
If God sees the truth about us, we fear, even he will give up on us.
And so we hide, like Adam and Eve in the Garden and God goes calling for us: "Adam, where are you?" But the stunning reality is that truth is nothing to fear.
It may hurt us a bit, this is true. But it will not harm us. It will set us free. For though we have much to want to hide, the astonishing and liberating message of Christ is that he already knows what we've done and he loves us full throttle anyway. There's no truth about ourselves or the world, no matter how embarrassing or difficult, he had not already had all eternity to consider before he willingly went to the Cross for us.
And there is nothing in heaven or earth that is greater than the truth of his love for us.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
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