Today the Catholic church celebrate The Holy Family. The three reading are very meaningful:
1st Reading:
Sirach
Chapter 3
2
For the LORD sets a father in honor over his children; a mother's authority he confirms over her sons.
3
He who honors his father atones for sins;
4
he stores up riches who reveres his mother.
5
He who honors his father is gladdened by children, and when he prays he is heard.
6
He who reveres his father will live a long life; he obeys the LORD who brings comfort to his mother.
12
My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives.
13
Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him; revile him not in the fullness of your strength.
14
For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, it will serve as a sin offering--it will take lasting root.
2nd Reading:
Colossians
Chapter 3
12
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
13
bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
14
And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.
15
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.
16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
17
And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
18
8 Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord.
19
Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them.
20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.
21
Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.
Gospel Reading:
Matthew
Chapter 2
13
When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, 7 and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him."
14
Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt.
15
He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, "Out of Egypt I called my son."
19
When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt
20
and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." 10
21
He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel.
22
But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, 11 he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee.
23
12 He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazorean."
Monday, December 31, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
How to pray when you are worried
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything... His peace will guard your hearts and minds.
Philippians 4:6-7
Are you worried today? Have you lost your peace of mind? Begin to pray this prayer until it takes root in your heart and becomes your fixed attitude:
"Father, You told me not to be afraid because You are with me, You will uphold me, and those who come against me will not succeed. (Isaiah 41:10-11).
You said no evil would come upon me, nor any plague touch my home for You have ordered Your angels to protect me. (Psalm 91:10-11).
You said when I walk through rivers of difficulty (when I'm 'in over my head') You won't let me drown, and when I walk through fires of adversity (when 'the heat is on') You won't allow me to get burned for You are watching over me. (Isaiah 43:2-3).
You said no weapon formed against me shall prosper. (Isaiah 54:17).
I cannot keep the enemy's weapons from being formed, but I know You will keep them from prospering. You said if I ask anything according to Your will, You would grant my request. (1 John 5:14-15).
You said when I walk in obedience before You I will be blessed when I come in and blessed when I go out, blessed when I lie down and blessed when I get up. (Deuteronomy 28:6).
You told me to give all my troubles to You and You would take care of me. (1 Peter 5:7).
So here they are!
Today I'm standing on Your Word.
You said it!
I believe it!
That settles it!
Amen."
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Philippians 4:6-7
Are you worried today? Have you lost your peace of mind? Begin to pray this prayer until it takes root in your heart and becomes your fixed attitude:
"Father, You told me not to be afraid because You are with me, You will uphold me, and those who come against me will not succeed. (Isaiah 41:10-11).
You said no evil would come upon me, nor any plague touch my home for You have ordered Your angels to protect me. (Psalm 91:10-11).
You said when I walk through rivers of difficulty (when I'm 'in over my head') You won't let me drown, and when I walk through fires of adversity (when 'the heat is on') You won't allow me to get burned for You are watching over me. (Isaiah 43:2-3).
You said no weapon formed against me shall prosper. (Isaiah 54:17).
I cannot keep the enemy's weapons from being formed, but I know You will keep them from prospering. You said if I ask anything according to Your will, You would grant my request. (1 John 5:14-15).
You said when I walk in obedience before You I will be blessed when I come in and blessed when I go out, blessed when I lie down and blessed when I get up. (Deuteronomy 28:6).
You told me to give all my troubles to You and You would take care of me. (1 Peter 5:7).
So here they are!
Today I'm standing on Your Word.
You said it!
I believe it!
That settles it!
Amen."
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Understand the Lord's prayer
This... is how you should pray.
Matthew 6:9
When you pray "Our Father in Heaven" it establishes the basis of your relationship with God. He's not just your Creator He's your Father. You can create something and not be related to it, but if you father it - it will always be yours. Today you can come to God with the assurance that you're His. You can call Him Abba, a term of endearment which means Daddy (Romans 8:15).
"Hallowed be your name" means He's more than just your Father, He's your God. He's worthy of your love but He demands your respect. How should we approach God? With our complaints, our demands and our wish list? No: "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him" (Psalm 100:4 ). God delights in our praise every time!
"Your Kingdom come," the release of God's power. "Your will be done," the release of His purpose. "Give us today our daily bread," the release of His provisions. The things you lack and long for begin to flow into your life because now you've accessed His power, discovered His purpose for you and you're walking in it.
"Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." It's easier to forgive when you recall the things God has forgiven you for, and realise that your enemies can't stop Him from blessing you. Remembering God's goodness to you will give you the grace to forgive others, and even understand them!
"Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" means we enter each day prepared for battle, promised victory, and protected against all of Satan's attacks. And that's why Jesus said, "This… is how you should pray."
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Matthew 6:9
When you pray "Our Father in Heaven" it establishes the basis of your relationship with God. He's not just your Creator He's your Father. You can create something and not be related to it, but if you father it - it will always be yours. Today you can come to God with the assurance that you're His. You can call Him Abba, a term of endearment which means Daddy (Romans 8:15).
"Hallowed be your name" means He's more than just your Father, He's your God. He's worthy of your love but He demands your respect. How should we approach God? With our complaints, our demands and our wish list? No: "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him" (Psalm 100:4 ). God delights in our praise every time!
"Your Kingdom come," the release of God's power. "Your will be done," the release of His purpose. "Give us today our daily bread," the release of His provisions. The things you lack and long for begin to flow into your life because now you've accessed His power, discovered His purpose for you and you're walking in it.
"Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." It's easier to forgive when you recall the things God has forgiven you for, and realise that your enemies can't stop Him from blessing you. Remembering God's goodness to you will give you the grace to forgive others, and even understand them!
"Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" means we enter each day prepared for battle, promised victory, and protected against all of Satan's attacks. And that's why Jesus said, "This… is how you should pray."
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Mow your own garden-not someone's else
What is that to you?... follow Me!
John 21:22
Peter had strong opinions about others. Maybe you are like him.
One day he started meddling in John's business, saying, "Lord, what about him?"
Jesus answered,
"What is that to you?… follow Me!"
There's an important lesson here.
Learn to identify 'who owns what.'
If it's their garden let them mow it, or live with the weeds. If someone can only get what they want by playing the martyr or guilt tripping and manipulating others, that's their issue; don't make it yours!
If they're living with consequences, it's their consequences not yours! If they deny their problems or can't think clearly on a particular issue, the confusion is theirs.
It's your responsibility to love and pray for them, even offer help, but it's not your responsibility to fix or rescue them.
If they don't seem capable of showing appreciation or apologising when they're wrong, that's their problem. Only when they have an attitude of gratitude and the humility to acknowledge their mistakes, will they grow. In the meantime it's their garden, stop trying to mow it! If your hopes, your peace and your happiness are dependant on anyone other than God, learn to detach. You're a joint-heir with Christ, not a joint-tenant with Him (Romans 8:17).
Has it occurred to you that God could be waiting for you to get out of the way so that He can go to work in their situation?
The truth is, you are powerless over them, but God's not! He may let them stumble before He lifts them, but He'll do what's right and what's best.
So follow the Lord - and mow your own garden!
http://www.thevine.co.nz
John 21:22
Peter had strong opinions about others. Maybe you are like him.
One day he started meddling in John's business, saying, "Lord, what about him?"
Jesus answered,
"What is that to you?… follow Me!"
There's an important lesson here.
Learn to identify 'who owns what.'
If it's their garden let them mow it, or live with the weeds. If someone can only get what they want by playing the martyr or guilt tripping and manipulating others, that's their issue; don't make it yours!
If they're living with consequences, it's their consequences not yours! If they deny their problems or can't think clearly on a particular issue, the confusion is theirs.
It's your responsibility to love and pray for them, even offer help, but it's not your responsibility to fix or rescue them.
If they don't seem capable of showing appreciation or apologising when they're wrong, that's their problem. Only when they have an attitude of gratitude and the humility to acknowledge their mistakes, will they grow. In the meantime it's their garden, stop trying to mow it! If your hopes, your peace and your happiness are dependant on anyone other than God, learn to detach. You're a joint-heir with Christ, not a joint-tenant with Him (Romans 8:17).
Has it occurred to you that God could be waiting for you to get out of the way so that He can go to work in their situation?
The truth is, you are powerless over them, but God's not! He may let them stumble before He lifts them, but He'll do what's right and what's best.
So follow the Lord - and mow your own garden!
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Remove the contamination
Those whose hearts are pure... will see God.
Matthew 5:8
If your heart is pure you'll see God where others can't, hear Him when they don't, and communicate with Him in a way they'll long to emulate. This word pure could be translated as "without contamination." It's the difference between a clear stream and a polluted one. It means your carnal thinking must be abandoned, and self-interest crucified daily.
The difference between forgiveness and cleansing is like the difference between cutting off a weed at the ground and pulling it up by the roots.
Forgiveness deals with the result of sin; that's easy to identify.
Cleansing deals with the cause of sin; that's not so easy because it deals with your natural traits and character flaws.
Forgiveness comes by confession, cleansing comes by walking in the light: "If we walk in the light, as He is in the light… the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1:7 ).
Do you keep asking God to forgive the same sins over and over?
That's because you need to experience true cleansing. The cause has got to be dealt with!
The Bible says that our hearts must be circumcised (Romans 2:29).
Spiritually understood, that means cutting off anything that tends to promote and produce more flesh.
Getting the idea?
Some things may not be wrong in themselves, but if they take God's time and place in your life they've got to go! God told His people, "The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts… so that you may love Him" (Deuteronomy 30:6 ).
Do you want to see God, hear God and communicate with Him more clearly?
Remove the contamination from your life!
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Matthew 5:8
If your heart is pure you'll see God where others can't, hear Him when they don't, and communicate with Him in a way they'll long to emulate. This word pure could be translated as "without contamination." It's the difference between a clear stream and a polluted one. It means your carnal thinking must be abandoned, and self-interest crucified daily.
The difference between forgiveness and cleansing is like the difference between cutting off a weed at the ground and pulling it up by the roots.
Forgiveness deals with the result of sin; that's easy to identify.
Cleansing deals with the cause of sin; that's not so easy because it deals with your natural traits and character flaws.
Forgiveness comes by confession, cleansing comes by walking in the light: "If we walk in the light, as He is in the light… the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1:7 ).
Do you keep asking God to forgive the same sins over and over?
That's because you need to experience true cleansing. The cause has got to be dealt with!
The Bible says that our hearts must be circumcised (Romans 2:29).
Spiritually understood, that means cutting off anything that tends to promote and produce more flesh.
Getting the idea?
Some things may not be wrong in themselves, but if they take God's time and place in your life they've got to go! God told His people, "The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts… so that you may love Him" (Deuteronomy 30:6 ).
Do you want to see God, hear God and communicate with Him more clearly?
Remove the contamination from your life!
http://www.thevine.co.nz
God will bring you through
A tempestuous head wind arose... Euroclydon.
Acts 27:14
Euroclydon! It's the only storm named in Scripture. It means "typhoon," and Paul had to sail through it to reach his destiny. Observe:
(1) To reach your goal you'll have to go through storms. "When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved" (Acts 27:20 ). There will be days when you'll wonder how you're going to make it. But by God's grace you will!
(2) Storms reveal how well you know God. "Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul,'" (Acts 27:23-24 ). It's the tough times that reveal the strength of your God-connection.
(3) God can make a success out of a shipwreck.
Notice some important things in this story:
(a) Sometimes you'll have to throw stuff overboard (Acts 27:18).
(b) In spite of your best efforts you'll occasionally run aground (Acts 27:26).
(c) You must remember what God told you and stand on it (Acts 27:25).
(4) Often the worst thing that could have happened turns out for the best. God used this shipwreck to reach Malta with the Gospel. And notice what happened to Paul and his travelling companions as they left that island: "They honoured us… and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed" (Acts 28:10 ).
Stop worrying, God will provide what you need in ways that amaze you.
If you're His child you're not the victim of circumstances.
Your future is not in the hands of people, it's in the hands of God.
And what He owns, He takes care of!
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Acts 27:14
Euroclydon! It's the only storm named in Scripture. It means "typhoon," and Paul had to sail through it to reach his destiny. Observe:
(1) To reach your goal you'll have to go through storms. "When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved" (Acts 27:20 ). There will be days when you'll wonder how you're going to make it. But by God's grace you will!
(2) Storms reveal how well you know God. "Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul,'" (Acts 27:23-24 ). It's the tough times that reveal the strength of your God-connection.
(3) God can make a success out of a shipwreck.
Notice some important things in this story:
(a) Sometimes you'll have to throw stuff overboard (Acts 27:18).
(b) In spite of your best efforts you'll occasionally run aground (Acts 27:26).
(c) You must remember what God told you and stand on it (Acts 27:25).
(4) Often the worst thing that could have happened turns out for the best. God used this shipwreck to reach Malta with the Gospel. And notice what happened to Paul and his travelling companions as they left that island: "They honoured us… and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed" (Acts 28:10 ).
Stop worrying, God will provide what you need in ways that amaze you.
If you're His child you're not the victim of circumstances.
Your future is not in the hands of people, it's in the hands of God.
And what He owns, He takes care of!
http://www.thevine.co.nz
When trouble comes
In the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion.
Psalm 27:5
When trouble comes, do these three things:
(1) Get alone with God!
The Psalmist writes, "In the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion." The secret place in a king's palace was called a "pavilion." There you were protected from the enemy. All hell could break loose around you but it didn't matter; in the secret place there was peace. Are you allowing things to overwhelm you that really don't make a difference? Are you upset over things that should be dismissed as trivialities? Get alone with God!
(2) Refuse to live beyond help because you have an image to uphold. The Bible says those of us who are strong ought to bear the burdens of the weak. There are times when we need to do the lifting; and times when we ourselves need to be lifted. Jesus healed a woman who had been bowed down for 18 years and "Could in no way raise herself up" (Luke 13:11). Sometimes you need help because you can't help yourself. David understood this so he turned to the men of Issachar because they "had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do" (1 Chronicles 12:32). God has provided help, reach for it!
(3) Be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit for He will constantly remind you of God's plan, and show you how to carry it out. Jesus said, "The Holy Spirit… will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you" (John 14:26). What has the Lord said to you? Have you done it? Obedience is your doorway out of trouble. (Psalm 143:10 ).
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
The old meaning of Christmas
Teach the children the old meaning of Christmas.
The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten.
"Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. "Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven."
He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR.
"Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."
He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE.
"Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness."
Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree.
"Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection."
He then pulled from his bag an ORNAMENT of himself.
"Teach the children that I, Santa Claus, symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December."
He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF.
"Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood shed by Him.
Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said,
"Teach the children that God so loved the world that he gave his begotten son." Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree.
"Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper."
He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL.
"Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men."
Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL,.
"Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.
Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes.
He said, "Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship him, our LORD, our GOD."
The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten.
"Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. "Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven."
He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR.
"Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."
He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE.
"Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness."
Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree.
"Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection."
He then pulled from his bag an ORNAMENT of himself.
"Teach the children that I, Santa Claus, symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December."
He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF.
"Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood shed by Him.
Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said,
"Teach the children that God so loved the world that he gave his begotten son." Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree.
"Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper."
He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL.
"Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men."
Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL,.
"Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.
Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes.
He said, "Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship him, our LORD, our GOD."
Friday, November 23, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
LAW OF THE GARBAGE TRUCK
LAW OF THE GARBAGE TRUCK - Let the garbage go by.
By David J. Pollay
How often do you let other people's nonsense change your mood?
Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you're the Terminator, for an instant you're probably set back on your heels.
However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly she can getback her focus on what's important.
Sixteen years ago I learned this lesson. I learned it in the back of a New York City taxi cab. Here's what happened.
I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central Station. We weredriving in the right lane when all of a sudden, and I mean without warning, a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded and missed the other car's back end by just inches.Here's what happened next. The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and he started yelling bad words at us. How do I know?
Ask any New Yorker, some words in New York come with a special face. Now, here's what blew me away. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was friendly.
So, I said, "Why did you just do that?
This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!" And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now call, " The Law of the Garbage Truck."
Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage,full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they'll dump it on you.
When someone wants to dump on you, don't take it personally. You just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You'll be happy you did.
I guarantee it.
So this was it: The "Law of the Garbage Truck."
I started thinking, how often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? And how often do I take their garbage and spread it to other people: at work, at home, on the streets?
It was that day I said, "I'm not going to do it anymore."
Well now "I see Garbage Trucks." I see the load they're carrying. I see them coming to drop it off.
And like my Taxi Driver, I don't make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on.
Good leaders know they have to be ready for their next meeting.
Good parents know that they have to welcome their children home from school with hugs and kisses.
Leaders and parents know that they have to be fully present, and attheir best for the people they care about.
The bottom line is that successful people do not let Garbage Trucks take over their day.
What about you? What would happen in your life, starting today, if you let more garbage trucks pass you by?
By David J. Pollay
How often do you let other people's nonsense change your mood?
Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you're the Terminator, for an instant you're probably set back on your heels.
However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly she can getback her focus on what's important.
Sixteen years ago I learned this lesson. I learned it in the back of a New York City taxi cab. Here's what happened.
I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central Station. We weredriving in the right lane when all of a sudden, and I mean without warning, a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded and missed the other car's back end by just inches.Here's what happened next. The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and he started yelling bad words at us. How do I know?
Ask any New Yorker, some words in New York come with a special face. Now, here's what blew me away. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was friendly.
So, I said, "Why did you just do that?
This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!" And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now call, " The Law of the Garbage Truck."
Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage,full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they'll dump it on you.
When someone wants to dump on you, don't take it personally. You just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You'll be happy you did.
I guarantee it.
So this was it: The "Law of the Garbage Truck."
I started thinking, how often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? And how often do I take their garbage and spread it to other people: at work, at home, on the streets?
It was that day I said, "I'm not going to do it anymore."
Well now "I see Garbage Trucks." I see the load they're carrying. I see them coming to drop it off.
And like my Taxi Driver, I don't make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on.
Good leaders know they have to be ready for their next meeting.
Good parents know that they have to welcome their children home from school with hugs and kisses.
Leaders and parents know that they have to be fully present, and attheir best for the people they care about.
The bottom line is that successful people do not let Garbage Trucks take over their day.
What about you? What would happen in your life, starting today, if you let more garbage trucks pass you by?
Scriptural Fortifiers
He is able to help us when we are being tested.
Hebrews 2:18
If you're facing temptation today, here are seven Scriptural fortifiers - use them!
(1) "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure" (1 Corinthians 10:13 ).
(2) "I have given you authority… over all the power of the enemy… and nothing will injure you" (Luke 10:19 ).
(3) "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet… the grace [strength and enablement] of our Lord Jesus be with you" (Romans 16:20 ).
(4) "Put on every piece of God's armour so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm" (Ephesians 6:13 ).
(5) "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand" (Isaiah 41:10 ).
(6) "This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it" (Hebrews 4:15-16 ).
(7) "The Lord knows how to rescue Godly people from their trials" (2 Peter 2:9 ).
Even sheep are wise enough to know that when the wolf comes they have to move closer to the shepherd. The same goes for you!
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Hebrews 2:18
If you're facing temptation today, here are seven Scriptural fortifiers - use them!
(1) "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure" (1 Corinthians 10:13 ).
(2) "I have given you authority… over all the power of the enemy… and nothing will injure you" (Luke 10:19 ).
(3) "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet… the grace [strength and enablement] of our Lord Jesus be with you" (Romans 16:20 ).
(4) "Put on every piece of God's armour so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm" (Ephesians 6:13 ).
(5) "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand" (Isaiah 41:10 ).
(6) "This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it" (Hebrews 4:15-16 ).
(7) "The Lord knows how to rescue Godly people from their trials" (2 Peter 2:9 ).
Even sheep are wise enough to know that when the wolf comes they have to move closer to the shepherd. The same goes for you!
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Envy
Envy can eat you up.
Proverbs 14:30
Without exception, the most miserable people in life are filled with envy. It eats away their soul and steals their joy. They think of nothing except the thing somebody else has that they want, and that in turn leads to resentment and strife. Think there's no way this could describe you? Answer the following questions.
Is it hard for me to compliment others?
Am I always defensive?
When somebody's name comes up in conversation do I find myself feeling good because something bad has happened to them? Come on, be honest!
When you hear something complimentary about someone do you feel the need to say "yes, but… then point out their negative traits?
Are you suspicious of those who've achieved more than you?
Are you always comparing yourself?
Are you preoccupied with what other people are doing, buying, wearing, and who they get to mix and mingle with?
Do you trust the people you love, or are you always checking up on them?
Solomon says: "Envy can eat you up."
So if you're envious and you want to change:
(a) drop the mask and admit you've got a problem;
(b) repent and ask for God's help;
(c) pray for the person you envy.
At first it'll feel awkward, but as you keep doing it God will change your heart and replace envy with love. Begin to celebrate other people's successes with them and make a point of complimenting them.
Remember, nobody's as good at being you as you, so you've no competition. When you're secure in who you are before God, you don't have to be envious of anybody. You'll start to appreciate your uniqueness and the role He's given you to fill in His Kingdom.
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Proverbs 14:30
Without exception, the most miserable people in life are filled with envy. It eats away their soul and steals their joy. They think of nothing except the thing somebody else has that they want, and that in turn leads to resentment and strife. Think there's no way this could describe you? Answer the following questions.
Is it hard for me to compliment others?
Am I always defensive?
When somebody's name comes up in conversation do I find myself feeling good because something bad has happened to them? Come on, be honest!
When you hear something complimentary about someone do you feel the need to say "yes, but… then point out their negative traits?
Are you suspicious of those who've achieved more than you?
Are you always comparing yourself?
Are you preoccupied with what other people are doing, buying, wearing, and who they get to mix and mingle with?
Do you trust the people you love, or are you always checking up on them?
Solomon says: "Envy can eat you up."
So if you're envious and you want to change:
(a) drop the mask and admit you've got a problem;
(b) repent and ask for God's help;
(c) pray for the person you envy.
At first it'll feel awkward, but as you keep doing it God will change your heart and replace envy with love. Begin to celebrate other people's successes with them and make a point of complimenting them.
Remember, nobody's as good at being you as you, so you've no competition. When you're secure in who you are before God, you don't have to be envious of anybody. You'll start to appreciate your uniqueness and the role He's given you to fill in His Kingdom.
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Learn to really listen
The wise listen to others.
Proverbs 12:15
We live in the era of 'the talking head,' with reality TV, 24-hour news programmes and talk radio. And while that's not all bad, we've learned to 'broadcast' when we should be 'tuning in.' Solomon says, "Don't talk so much… Be sensible and turn off the flow" (Proverbs 10:19 ).
In other words, when you've nothing to say - say nothing!
Why?
Because the more you talk at that point, the less people remember (or respect you).
It's been said that God designed your ears to stay open and your mouth to close because listening rarely gets you into trouble!
Solomon writes: "The man of few words… is wise… even a fool is thought… wise when he is silent" (Proverbs 17:27-28 ).
So when you can't improve on silence - be quiet!
Proverbs 1:22-23 mentions people who are foolish and simple.
The original term means, "thick… dull… sluggish."
It describes those who are insensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others. We've all been at the mercy of the doctor who treated us with cold detachment, the teacher who put us to sleep with his lecture, and the sales person that focused only on his commission.
William C. Tacey writes, "Poor listeners range from the impatient type, (That's nothing! Wait'll you hear what I've done), to the person who's so absorbed in his own thoughts that they're not even aware somebody's spoken.
Learning to listen actively and constructively is as important as learning to speak, if your communication's to be effective."
Remember, a gossip talks about others, a bore talks about himself, but a wise man talks to you, about you - then listens to what you have to say!
When you're a good listener not only will people seek you out, you'll grow wiser - and win friends too!
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Proverbs 12:15
We live in the era of 'the talking head,' with reality TV, 24-hour news programmes and talk radio. And while that's not all bad, we've learned to 'broadcast' when we should be 'tuning in.' Solomon says, "Don't talk so much… Be sensible and turn off the flow" (Proverbs 10:19 ).
In other words, when you've nothing to say - say nothing!
Why?
Because the more you talk at that point, the less people remember (or respect you).
It's been said that God designed your ears to stay open and your mouth to close because listening rarely gets you into trouble!
Solomon writes: "The man of few words… is wise… even a fool is thought… wise when he is silent" (Proverbs 17:27-28 ).
So when you can't improve on silence - be quiet!
Proverbs 1:22-23 mentions people who are foolish and simple.
The original term means, "thick… dull… sluggish."
It describes those who are insensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others. We've all been at the mercy of the doctor who treated us with cold detachment, the teacher who put us to sleep with his lecture, and the sales person that focused only on his commission.
William C. Tacey writes, "Poor listeners range from the impatient type, (That's nothing! Wait'll you hear what I've done), to the person who's so absorbed in his own thoughts that they're not even aware somebody's spoken.
Learning to listen actively and constructively is as important as learning to speak, if your communication's to be effective."
Remember, a gossip talks about others, a bore talks about himself, but a wise man talks to you, about you - then listens to what you have to say!
When you're a good listener not only will people seek you out, you'll grow wiser - and win friends too!
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Focus on your strengths
God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well.
Romans 12:6
Work where you're strongest 80% of the time.
Work where you're learning 15% of the time.
Work where you're weakest 5% of the time.
Is that wise?
Absolutely!
"God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well."
What happens to a team when its members play 'out of position?'
First, morale weakens because the team isn't playing up to its capacity.
Those working in an area of weakness resent that their skills are untapped.
Soon they become unwilling to work as a team, everyone's confidence erodes and the situation gets worse.
Then the competition takes advantage of their weaknesses, and they never win. When people aren't doing what they're supposed to do, things don't run well.
Do you know what your greatest strengths are?
If not, follow these guidelines:
(1) Be secure: If you allow your insecurities to get the better of you, you'll become inflexible and resistant to change. And if you don't change you won't grow!
(2) Get to know yourself: Spend time exploring your gifts.
Ask for feedback. Acknowledge your blind spots.
(3) Trust your leader:
If you can't, look for one you can trust, or get on another team.
(4) See the big picture:
Your place on any team only makes sense in the context of the big picture. If your only reason for finding your niche is personal gain, your wrong motives will rob you of the very joy, fulfilment and success you desire.
(5) Rely on your experience:
There's only one way to know you've discovered your niche.
Try things.
Take risks.
Learn from your failures and your successes.
Discover what God made you for!
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Romans 12:6
Work where you're strongest 80% of the time.
Work where you're learning 15% of the time.
Work where you're weakest 5% of the time.
Is that wise?
Absolutely!
"God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well."
What happens to a team when its members play 'out of position?'
First, morale weakens because the team isn't playing up to its capacity.
Those working in an area of weakness resent that their skills are untapped.
Soon they become unwilling to work as a team, everyone's confidence erodes and the situation gets worse.
Then the competition takes advantage of their weaknesses, and they never win. When people aren't doing what they're supposed to do, things don't run well.
Do you know what your greatest strengths are?
If not, follow these guidelines:
(1) Be secure: If you allow your insecurities to get the better of you, you'll become inflexible and resistant to change. And if you don't change you won't grow!
(2) Get to know yourself: Spend time exploring your gifts.
Ask for feedback. Acknowledge your blind spots.
(3) Trust your leader:
If you can't, look for one you can trust, or get on another team.
(4) See the big picture:
Your place on any team only makes sense in the context of the big picture. If your only reason for finding your niche is personal gain, your wrong motives will rob you of the very joy, fulfilment and success you desire.
(5) Rely on your experience:
There's only one way to know you've discovered your niche.
Try things.
Take risks.
Learn from your failures and your successes.
Discover what God made you for!
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Life is what you make it
Always full of the joy of the Lord, and always thankful.
Colossians 1:11-12
Once there was an old and very wise man. Every day he and his granddaughter would sit outside a petrol station in his rocking chair, waiting to greet tourists as they passed through his small town.
One day a tall man, who surely had to be a tourist, began looking around as if he were checking out the area for a place to live.
"So what kind of town is this?" he asked.
The old man replied, "Well, what kind of town are you from?"
The tourist said, "One where everyone is very critical of each other. It's a real negative place to live."
The old man said "You know, that's just how this town is."
Later, a family passing through also stopped for petrol.
The father stepped out and asked the old man, "Is this town a good place to live?"
"Well, what about the town you're from? The father said, "In the town I'm from everyone is very close and always willing to lend a helping hand. I really hate to leave it."
The old man smiled and said, "You know, that's a lot like this small town."
After the family had left the granddaughter looked up and asked,
"Grandpa, how come when the first man came you told him this was a terrible place to live, yet when that family came you told them it was a wonderful place to live?"
The old man looked down into his granddaughter's wondering blue eyes and said,
"No matter where you go, you take your attitude with you. And that's what makes it terrible or wonderful."
Yes, life is what you make it!
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Colossians 1:11-12
Once there was an old and very wise man. Every day he and his granddaughter would sit outside a petrol station in his rocking chair, waiting to greet tourists as they passed through his small town.
One day a tall man, who surely had to be a tourist, began looking around as if he were checking out the area for a place to live.
"So what kind of town is this?" he asked.
The old man replied, "Well, what kind of town are you from?"
The tourist said, "One where everyone is very critical of each other. It's a real negative place to live."
The old man said "You know, that's just how this town is."
Later, a family passing through also stopped for petrol.
The father stepped out and asked the old man, "Is this town a good place to live?"
"Well, what about the town you're from? The father said, "In the town I'm from everyone is very close and always willing to lend a helping hand. I really hate to leave it."
The old man smiled and said, "You know, that's a lot like this small town."
After the family had left the granddaughter looked up and asked,
"Grandpa, how come when the first man came you told him this was a terrible place to live, yet when that family came you told them it was a wonderful place to live?"
The old man looked down into his granddaughter's wondering blue eyes and said,
"No matter where you go, you take your attitude with you. And that's what makes it terrible or wonderful."
Yes, life is what you make it!
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Ask God For what You want
The reason you don't have what you want is... you don't ask God.
James 4:2
Imagine walking into a restaurant on a whim and asking if your order is ready. "When did you call it in?" the server asks. "Oh I didn't," you reply, "I just thought perhaps you'd have something with my name on it." Sound ridiculous? No more so than expecting God to answer requests you haven't made - or made in faith believing.
James says, "The reason you don't have what you want is… you don't ask God."
Does that mean He'll automatically give you everything you ask for?
No. James adds, "Even when you do ask you don't get it because… you want only what will give you pleasure" (James 4:3 ).
Your motives need to be in tune with what God knows is best for you.
John says, "This is the confidence… we have in Him… if we ask anything… according to His will… He… hears" (1 John 5:14 ).
Lamentations 3:25 says, "The Lord is good to those who wait… expectantly for Him" . Expectant prayer demonstrates confidence in God's goodness.
Instead of fretting and taking matters into your own hands, when you say, "Lord, I'm going to trust You with this, regardless of the outcome," He'll honour your faith.
Paul says, "Pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks" (Philippians 4:6 ).
Do you need a job?
Help overcoming a problem?
Salvation for your loved ones?
A deeper walk with God? Physical or emotional healing?
Jesus said, "It gives your Father great happiness to give you the [benefits of His] Kingdom" (Luke 12:32).
God wants to be good to you, so tell Him the "desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4 ).
And thank Him that the answer will come - in His time!
http://www.thevine.co.nz
James 4:2
Imagine walking into a restaurant on a whim and asking if your order is ready. "When did you call it in?" the server asks. "Oh I didn't," you reply, "I just thought perhaps you'd have something with my name on it." Sound ridiculous? No more so than expecting God to answer requests you haven't made - or made in faith believing.
James says, "The reason you don't have what you want is… you don't ask God."
Does that mean He'll automatically give you everything you ask for?
No. James adds, "Even when you do ask you don't get it because… you want only what will give you pleasure" (James 4:3 ).
Your motives need to be in tune with what God knows is best for you.
John says, "This is the confidence… we have in Him… if we ask anything… according to His will… He… hears" (1 John 5:14 ).
Lamentations 3:25 says, "The Lord is good to those who wait… expectantly for Him" . Expectant prayer demonstrates confidence in God's goodness.
Instead of fretting and taking matters into your own hands, when you say, "Lord, I'm going to trust You with this, regardless of the outcome," He'll honour your faith.
Paul says, "Pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks" (Philippians 4:6 ).
Do you need a job?
Help overcoming a problem?
Salvation for your loved ones?
A deeper walk with God? Physical or emotional healing?
Jesus said, "It gives your Father great happiness to give you the [benefits of His] Kingdom" (Luke 12:32).
God wants to be good to you, so tell Him the "desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4 ).
And thank Him that the answer will come - in His time!
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Practice Self-Discipline
For a servant... discipline is needed.
Proverbs 29:19
Solomon said, "It is better to have self-control than to conquer a city" (Proverbs 16:32 NLT). So, how are you doing when it comes to self-control? Here are some nuts-and-bolts things you can start doing to make it more of a reality in your life.
a) Begin your day by doing the hard things first.
If you get side tracked, make yourself go back and complete them. For example, make your bed, pick up your clothes and wash the dishes; don't make extra work for others: "Work hard at whatever you do" (Ecclesiastes 9:10 ). And don't start several projects at once; do one thing at a time.
(b) Discipline yourself to be punctual.
Tardiness is a hard habit to break. To conquer it you must be willing to call it what it is - inconsiderate, selfish behaviour.
(c) Plan ahead.
Everything takes longer than you think, so don't wait until the last minute then rush around like a chicken with its head cut off. Living under the gun can give you ulcers, whereas allowing yourself extra time is good for your health and brings peace.
(d) Accept correction from those who care about you without sulking or retaliating.
The Bible says, "Wisdom is found in those who take advice" (Proverbs 13:10 ). If you're wise you'll welcome feedback and seek counsel.
Gandhi once said, "There's always a limit to self-indulgence, but none to self-restraint." So ask God to help you control your unruly thoughts, feelings, desires and behaviour. Identify unmanageable areas in your life, ditch the excuses, face the truth even when it hurts, refuse to feel sorry for yourself, and set a few attainable goals. In other words, "Learn to sense what is vital… and of real value" (Philippians 1:10 ).
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Proverbs 29:19
Solomon said, "It is better to have self-control than to conquer a city" (Proverbs 16:32 NLT). So, how are you doing when it comes to self-control? Here are some nuts-and-bolts things you can start doing to make it more of a reality in your life.
a) Begin your day by doing the hard things first.
If you get side tracked, make yourself go back and complete them. For example, make your bed, pick up your clothes and wash the dishes; don't make extra work for others: "Work hard at whatever you do" (Ecclesiastes 9:10 ). And don't start several projects at once; do one thing at a time.
(b) Discipline yourself to be punctual.
Tardiness is a hard habit to break. To conquer it you must be willing to call it what it is - inconsiderate, selfish behaviour.
(c) Plan ahead.
Everything takes longer than you think, so don't wait until the last minute then rush around like a chicken with its head cut off. Living under the gun can give you ulcers, whereas allowing yourself extra time is good for your health and brings peace.
(d) Accept correction from those who care about you without sulking or retaliating.
The Bible says, "Wisdom is found in those who take advice" (Proverbs 13:10 ). If you're wise you'll welcome feedback and seek counsel.
Gandhi once said, "There's always a limit to self-indulgence, but none to self-restraint." So ask God to help you control your unruly thoughts, feelings, desires and behaviour. Identify unmanageable areas in your life, ditch the excuses, face the truth even when it hurts, refuse to feel sorry for yourself, and set a few attainable goals. In other words, "Learn to sense what is vital… and of real value" (Philippians 1:10 ).
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Time for a spiritual check-up
I am praying... your body is as healthy as... your soul.
3 John 2
We all know how important physical health is; here's a plan for keeping your soul in shape:
a) Don't question your faith, question your doubts.
We spend too much time dwelling on our misgivings, experiencing faith as an occasional flash-in-the-pan. God's promises are for 'believers.'
(b) Don't be a 'lone ranger.'
It's no accident that the Old Testament contains the story of God's people, and that the Epistles were written to congregations. We grow as we relate - not isolate!
(c) Guard your thought life.
If your "thinking is controlled by the sinful self, there is death. But if [it's] controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace" (Romans 8:6 ). Practice mind management!
(d) Fall asleep and wake up immersed in gratitude.
It'll transform your day. "In every thing give thanks!" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
(e) Ditch anything that distracts you from God.
Toss the junk reading material, and if you've got the guts, throw in the ungodly television shows!
(f) Always err on the side of mercy.
Philip Yancey writes: "I marvel at the humility of a God who descends to live inside… His 'flawed' creatures… Do I show that same attitude towards people of whom I disapprove?"
(g) Be specific and don't revert to generalities when discussing your faith.
Paul wasn't "ashamed of the Gospel" (Romans 1:16); neither should you be.
(h) Be gracious to the people who irk you.
God chose them too! Sometimes it's easier to be gracious to non-believers than to uptight, moralistic Christians. But that just makes you a different kind of judgmental.
(i) Forgive those who've hurt you.
Harbouring hatred hinders healing, so bring your hurts to God.
http://www.thevine.co.nz
3 John 2
We all know how important physical health is; here's a plan for keeping your soul in shape:
a) Don't question your faith, question your doubts.
We spend too much time dwelling on our misgivings, experiencing faith as an occasional flash-in-the-pan. God's promises are for 'believers.'
(b) Don't be a 'lone ranger.'
It's no accident that the Old Testament contains the story of God's people, and that the Epistles were written to congregations. We grow as we relate - not isolate!
(c) Guard your thought life.
If your "thinking is controlled by the sinful self, there is death. But if [it's] controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace" (Romans 8:6 ). Practice mind management!
(d) Fall asleep and wake up immersed in gratitude.
It'll transform your day. "In every thing give thanks!" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
(e) Ditch anything that distracts you from God.
Toss the junk reading material, and if you've got the guts, throw in the ungodly television shows!
(f) Always err on the side of mercy.
Philip Yancey writes: "I marvel at the humility of a God who descends to live inside… His 'flawed' creatures… Do I show that same attitude towards people of whom I disapprove?"
(g) Be specific and don't revert to generalities when discussing your faith.
Paul wasn't "ashamed of the Gospel" (Romans 1:16); neither should you be.
(h) Be gracious to the people who irk you.
God chose them too! Sometimes it's easier to be gracious to non-believers than to uptight, moralistic Christians. But that just makes you a different kind of judgmental.
(i) Forgive those who've hurt you.
Harbouring hatred hinders healing, so bring your hurts to God.
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Friday, November 16, 2007
My Papa 14
Papa is doing well all these days.
He is a very tough man, he has very strong will too, and he is very firm...
Last night,Yong and I talked to him about his condition.. actully, he knew it from the beginning, and he is very brave to take it, he has gone through all the treatments recommended by the doctors. He is undergoing one more course of radiotheraphy for the head, this round has to go thru 17 times, so far he has done 2 times already, although Dr Jay Lu told him the side effect, such as drop of hair and giddiness, he wants to go thru, at his age of 81, he is good.
Yesterday went for kidney ultrasound , today went to see Dr Daniel Chan to review the result, praise the Lord, his kidney is alright, no blockage. Doctor order another blood test today to check his kidney function, with all these, papa endure all the test. And he eats well, his weight increases about 2 kg. God it is your will, I leave him in Your hand.
He taught me to be honest, do good deeds, patience, work smart, respect the elders, frugal...
God Bless my papa!
He is a very tough man, he has very strong will too, and he is very firm...
Last night,Yong and I talked to him about his condition.. actully, he knew it from the beginning, and he is very brave to take it, he has gone through all the treatments recommended by the doctors. He is undergoing one more course of radiotheraphy for the head, this round has to go thru 17 times, so far he has done 2 times already, although Dr Jay Lu told him the side effect, such as drop of hair and giddiness, he wants to go thru, at his age of 81, he is good.
Yesterday went for kidney ultrasound , today went to see Dr Daniel Chan to review the result, praise the Lord, his kidney is alright, no blockage. Doctor order another blood test today to check his kidney function, with all these, papa endure all the test. And he eats well, his weight increases about 2 kg. God it is your will, I leave him in Your hand.
He taught me to be honest, do good deeds, patience, work smart, respect the elders, frugal...
God Bless my papa!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Friday, November 02, 2007
Amazing Grace
Elvis Presley - Amazing Grace
Lyrics:
Amazing grace,
Oh, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost,
But now I'm found
Was blind,
But now I see
When we've been there
Ten thousand years,
Bright shinning as the sun
We've no less days
To sing God's praise
Then when, when we first begun
Through many dangers
Toils and snares
I have already come
T'was grace that brought me
Safe thus far
And grace will lead me home
Amazing grace,
Oh, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost,
But now I'm found
Was blind,
But now I see
Was blind,
But now I see
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Important Things in Life
The most destructive habit is WORRY.
The greatest joy is GIVING.
The greatest loss is loss of SELF RESPECT.
The most satisfying work is HELPING OTHERS.
The ugliest personality trait is SELFISHNESS.
The most endangered specis is DEDICATED LEADERS.
Our greatest natural resource is your YOUTH.
The greatest"shot in the arm"is ENCOURAGEMENT.
The greatest problem to overcome is FEAR.
The most effective sleeping pill is PEACE OF MIND.
The most crippling failure disease is EXCUSE.
The most powerful force in life is LOVE.
The most dangerous person is a GOSSIPPER.
The world's most incredible computer is the BRAIN.
The worst thing to be without is HOPE.
The deadliest weapon is the TONGUE.
The two most power-filled word are I CAN.
The greatest asset is FAITH.
The most worthless emotion is SELF-PITY.
The most beautiful attire is SMILE.
The most prized possession is INTERGRITY.
The most powerful channel of communication is
PRAYER.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
God wants you to succeed
He sought his God and worked wholeheartedly... so he prospered.
2 Chronicles 31:21
God wants you to succeed! But you've got to do certain things.
(1) Set an achievable goal. Then work toward it, one priority at a time. Most things fail for one reason - broken focus. So avoid distractions: "A double minded man is unstable" (James 1:8).
(2) Write down your plan and establish deadlines. Most people don't plan to fail, they just fail to plan. Make a detailed list of activities and set checkpoints. Above all, guard and prioritise your time. "Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get" (Ephesians 5:16 ).
(3) Visualise yourself attaining your goal. Talk and think in success pictures. Moses did. He made it to the Promised Land because "He had his eye on the One no eye can see, and kept right on going" (Hebrews 11:26 ).
(4) Stay informed. "A wise man will hear and increase in learning" (Proverbs 1:5 ). If you'll pay for a good meal but not a good book, you value your stomach more than your mind. Observe, read, and grow!
(5) Create a climate of confidence around you. You won't experience victory while you're talking defeat. Don't rehearse your mistakes, that only reinforces your doubt. Remind yourself that your "sufficiency is of God" (2 Corinthians 3:5). With Him as your partner your success is guaranteed.
(6) Help others become successful. "knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord" (Ephesians 6:8). That means conquering self-centredness!
(7) Put God first. You are His child, He wants you to succeed. What father wouldn't? So deepen your relationship with Him: "Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; Thereby good will come to you." (Job 22:21).
http://www.thevine.co.nz
2 Chronicles 31:21
God wants you to succeed! But you've got to do certain things.
(1) Set an achievable goal. Then work toward it, one priority at a time. Most things fail for one reason - broken focus. So avoid distractions: "A double minded man is unstable" (James 1:8).
(2) Write down your plan and establish deadlines. Most people don't plan to fail, they just fail to plan. Make a detailed list of activities and set checkpoints. Above all, guard and prioritise your time. "Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get" (Ephesians 5:16 ).
(3) Visualise yourself attaining your goal. Talk and think in success pictures. Moses did. He made it to the Promised Land because "He had his eye on the One no eye can see, and kept right on going" (Hebrews 11:26 ).
(4) Stay informed. "A wise man will hear and increase in learning" (Proverbs 1:5 ). If you'll pay for a good meal but not a good book, you value your stomach more than your mind. Observe, read, and grow!
(5) Create a climate of confidence around you. You won't experience victory while you're talking defeat. Don't rehearse your mistakes, that only reinforces your doubt. Remind yourself that your "sufficiency is of God" (2 Corinthians 3:5). With Him as your partner your success is guaranteed.
(6) Help others become successful. "knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord" (Ephesians 6:8). That means conquering self-centredness!
(7) Put God first. You are His child, He wants you to succeed. What father wouldn't? So deepen your relationship with Him: "Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; Thereby good will come to you." (Job 22:21).
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Be happy on the job
The Lord will command the blessing on... all to which you set your hand.
Deuteronomy 28:8
Happiness involves feeling good about yourself. It's based on your relationships and achievements. When your gifts and abilities are fully developed and utilised through your life's work, you grow in confidence and strength.
Here are seven keys to being happy on the job:
(1) See work as God's gift, not punishment. "When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work - this is a gift of God" (Ecclesiastes 5:19 ).
(2) Recognise God as your true employer. "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does" (Ephesians 6:7-8 ).
(3) Pursue work compatible with your gifts. "If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised" (1 Peter 4:11 ).
(4) Learn everything possible about your job. "Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance" (Proverbs 1:5 ).
(5) Use criticism to your advantage. In fact, make it work for you; ask for suggestions and correction: "Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction: but he who regards reproof will be honoured" (Proverbs 13:18).
(6) Do more than is expected of you. "And whosoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two" (Matthew 5:41). Be an extra-miler!
(7) Make Jesus your work partner. Stay Christ-conscious throughout the day as you perform your duties faithfully: "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You: because he trusts in You" (Isaiah 26:3).
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Meaningful sunday
Today woke up 6 am, it was drizzling, closed all the window and go back to bed and lie down for a while, but I fell asleep again, got up at 7.30 am. Wash up, prepared breakfast and get ready go to church by 10 am.
It is a special day because one of my god-daughter Rebacca confirmation day. May she received the gift of the Holy Spirit: Peace, Love, Joy, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self control....
The celebrant of the mass is Archbishop Nicholas Chia, mass ended at bout noon... after mass went to IMM meet my sisters and parents for lunch, we had Japanese food, we enjoy our food and the gathering.. After lunch Lucy fetch papa and mama to factory, the rest of us go shopping at Giant...
After shopping went to Grace's place, I enjoy my spa at her house..
At about 630pm, we had steam boat for dinner... come home about 8pm
As in Isaiah 43:4
You are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you.
It is a special day because one of my god-daughter Rebacca confirmation day. May she received the gift of the Holy Spirit: Peace, Love, Joy, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self control....
The celebrant of the mass is Archbishop Nicholas Chia, mass ended at bout noon... after mass went to IMM meet my sisters and parents for lunch, we had Japanese food, we enjoy our food and the gathering.. After lunch Lucy fetch papa and mama to factory, the rest of us go shopping at Giant...
After shopping went to Grace's place, I enjoy my spa at her house..
At about 630pm, we had steam boat for dinner... come home about 8pm
As in Isaiah 43:4
You are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Pepper Licence
After applying for his licence, waited almost two months, finally AVA approved his licence, it cost $20.50
Friday, October 12, 2007
Petittion and Prayer
I have another challenging day today....P called me late morning and tell me a sarcastic story, it goes like this:
Babu singh married the daughter of Kapa singh, Kapa singh fall sick, Babu singh allowed his wife to take care of Kapa singh who is quite sick and need a lots of care....But Babu singh thinks that his wife is over board taking care of her father, and now Babu singh bcome kepala pusing and wants to resolve to legal settlement...
He is talking about me, he is sick in his mind, he wants attention, he has depression and he is jealous... I took him to his eye doctor in September, his kidney doctor this week, his diabetic doctor coming week and make all the payment, what else do you wnats from me???? P has not been working for 10 years....haiz...
I was praying very hard before I pick him up in the evening, in fact I went to church talk to Jesus, asked HIM to cover me with HIS precious blood and protect me from harm. Thanks Jesus, when I saw him, he was calm.... Lord, I need you every moment of my life. Amen...
Prayer
Dear Lord, I thank You for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning.
I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God.
You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me.
Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you.
I ask now for Your forgiveness.
Please keep me safe from all danger and harm.
Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude.
Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.
Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things.
Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over.
And It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits.
I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart.
Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others.
Keep me strong that I may help the weak ...
Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others.
I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way.
I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood.
I pray for those who don't know You intimately.
I pray for those that don't believe.
But I thank you that I believe.
I believe that God changes people and God changes things.
I pray for all my sisters and brothers.
For each and every family member in their households.
I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.
I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God.
Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.
I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it.
GodI love you and
I need you, come into my heart, please. Amen.
Babu singh married the daughter of Kapa singh, Kapa singh fall sick, Babu singh allowed his wife to take care of Kapa singh who is quite sick and need a lots of care....But Babu singh thinks that his wife is over board taking care of her father, and now Babu singh bcome kepala pusing and wants to resolve to legal settlement...
He is talking about me, he is sick in his mind, he wants attention, he has depression and he is jealous... I took him to his eye doctor in September, his kidney doctor this week, his diabetic doctor coming week and make all the payment, what else do you wnats from me???? P has not been working for 10 years....haiz...
I was praying very hard before I pick him up in the evening, in fact I went to church talk to Jesus, asked HIM to cover me with HIS precious blood and protect me from harm. Thanks Jesus, when I saw him, he was calm.... Lord, I need you every moment of my life. Amen...
Prayer
Dear Lord, I thank You for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning.
I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God.
You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me.
Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you.
I ask now for Your forgiveness.
Please keep me safe from all danger and harm.
Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude.
Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.
Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things.
Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over.
And It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits.
I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart.
Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others.
Keep me strong that I may help the weak ...
Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others.
I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way.
I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood.
I pray for those who don't know You intimately.
I pray for those that don't believe.
But I thank you that I believe.
I believe that God changes people and God changes things.
I pray for all my sisters and brothers.
For each and every family member in their households.
I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.
I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God.
Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.
I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it.
GodI love you and
I need you, come into my heart, please. Amen.
A Mother's Prayer
"Lord, help me to give my children the best - not of things, but of myself, cherishing them on good days and bad, theirs and mine.
Teach me to accept them for who they are, not just for what they do; to listen to what they say, if only so they'll listen to me; to encourage their goals, not mine.
Let me give them a home where respect and integrity are the cornerstones, and there's enough happiness to raise the roof.
May I give them the courage to be true to themselves; the independence to take care of themselves, and the faith to believe in You.
May I discipline them without demeaning them, demand good manners without forgetting my own, and let them know they have limitless love no matter what they do.
Let me feed them properly, clothe them adequately, and have enough to give them small allowances - not for the work they do, but the pleasure they bring.
Let me be moderate in all these things, so that the joy of getting will help them discover the joy of giving.
See that their responsibilities are real but not burdensome, that my expectations are high but not overwhelming, and that my praise is thoughtful and given when it's due.
Help me to teach them that excellence is work's real reward. And when it comes - let me revel in each honour, however small, without once pretending that it's mine - my children are glories enough.
Above all, let me ground them so well in Your truth that I can let them go.
In Jesus' name,
Amen!"
http://www.thevine.co.nz
Teach me to accept them for who they are, not just for what they do; to listen to what they say, if only so they'll listen to me; to encourage their goals, not mine.
Let me give them a home where respect and integrity are the cornerstones, and there's enough happiness to raise the roof.
May I give them the courage to be true to themselves; the independence to take care of themselves, and the faith to believe in You.
May I discipline them without demeaning them, demand good manners without forgetting my own, and let them know they have limitless love no matter what they do.
Let me feed them properly, clothe them adequately, and have enough to give them small allowances - not for the work they do, but the pleasure they bring.
Let me be moderate in all these things, so that the joy of getting will help them discover the joy of giving.
See that their responsibilities are real but not burdensome, that my expectations are high but not overwhelming, and that my praise is thoughtful and given when it's due.
Help me to teach them that excellence is work's real reward. And when it comes - let me revel in each honour, however small, without once pretending that it's mine - my children are glories enough.
Above all, let me ground them so well in Your truth that I can let them go.
In Jesus' name,
Amen!"
http://www.thevine.co.nz
TWENTY THINGS TO REMEMBER
1. Faith is the ability to not panic.
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is kinda like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh every day - it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in your home are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional. (Preach it!)
13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. Come on in.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
16. We do not remember days but moments. Life moves too fast so enjoy your precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise it's just hearsay.
18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.
19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.
20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting. Leave gentle fingerprints on the soul of another for the angels to read. I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.
http://www.mountainwings.com
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is kinda like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh every day - it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in your home are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional. (Preach it!)
13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. Come on in.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
16. We do not remember days but moments. Life moves too fast so enjoy your precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise it's just hearsay.
18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.
19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.
20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting. Leave gentle fingerprints on the soul of another for the angels to read. I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.
http://www.mountainwings.com
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL
Inside every seed is a tree. What you see is not all there is. That is potential.
God created everything with potential, including you.
Potentialis dormant ability, reserved power, untapped strength, unused success,hidden talents, capped capability.
Potential is all you can be but have not yet become; all you can do but have not yet done.
The keys to releasing your potential:
You must know (be related to) your source.
To understand the potency ofyour potential it is essential that you know God.You must understand how God designed you to function. God designed you tofunction like He does by faith and love. Your potential cannot be released without a combination of faith and love.
You must know your purpose.
Whatever purpose God created you for, He also gave you the potential to fulfill it. Your potential is equal to the assignment.
You must understand your resources.
God provides abundant material andphysical resources to sustain and maintain your life. Resources were created to live on and with, but never for. We are never to worship the resources, nor be controlled by them.
You must have the right environment.
God designed man to function in thegarden, in relationship with Him, free from sin, and in daily communionwith His spirit. The Fall of Man contaminated this environment. The key torealizing your potential is the restoration of God's original environment. Jesus came to restore us to the Father, and sent the Holy Spirit to restoreour internal environment.
You must work out your potential.
Work is a major key to releasing your potential. Potential must be exercised and demands made on it, otherwiseit will remain “potential”. Good ideas do not bring success. Good hardwork does. To release your true potential, you must be willing to work.
You must cultivate your potential.
Potential is like a seed. It is buriedability, and hidden power that needs to be cultivated. You must feed your potential the fertilizer of positive company, give it the environment of encouragement, pour out the water of the Word of God, and bathe it in the sunshine of personal prayer.
You must guard your potential.
It is sad when what could have been becomes what should have been. God called your potential your treasure, somethingto be valued and guarded from sin, discouragement, procrastination, distractions, and compromises.
You must share your potential.
True potential in life is not what is accomplished, but who benefits from it. Your deposit was given to enrichand inspire the lives of others.
Author Unknown
http://Godswork.org
God created everything with potential, including you.
Potentialis dormant ability, reserved power, untapped strength, unused success,hidden talents, capped capability.
Potential is all you can be but have not yet become; all you can do but have not yet done.
The keys to releasing your potential:
You must know (be related to) your source.
To understand the potency ofyour potential it is essential that you know God.You must understand how God designed you to function. God designed you tofunction like He does by faith and love. Your potential cannot be released without a combination of faith and love.
You must know your purpose.
Whatever purpose God created you for, He also gave you the potential to fulfill it. Your potential is equal to the assignment.
You must understand your resources.
God provides abundant material andphysical resources to sustain and maintain your life. Resources were created to live on and with, but never for. We are never to worship the resources, nor be controlled by them.
You must have the right environment.
God designed man to function in thegarden, in relationship with Him, free from sin, and in daily communionwith His spirit. The Fall of Man contaminated this environment. The key torealizing your potential is the restoration of God's original environment. Jesus came to restore us to the Father, and sent the Holy Spirit to restoreour internal environment.
You must work out your potential.
Work is a major key to releasing your potential. Potential must be exercised and demands made on it, otherwiseit will remain “potential”. Good ideas do not bring success. Good hardwork does. To release your true potential, you must be willing to work.
You must cultivate your potential.
Potential is like a seed. It is buriedability, and hidden power that needs to be cultivated. You must feed your potential the fertilizer of positive company, give it the environment of encouragement, pour out the water of the Word of God, and bathe it in the sunshine of personal prayer.
You must guard your potential.
It is sad when what could have been becomes what should have been. God called your potential your treasure, somethingto be valued and guarded from sin, discouragement, procrastination, distractions, and compromises.
You must share your potential.
True potential in life is not what is accomplished, but who benefits from it. Your deposit was given to enrichand inspire the lives of others.
Author Unknown
http://Godswork.org
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Friday, October 05, 2007
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Evangelizing as lambs, not wolves
Today's Memorial: Saint Francis of Assisi
Jesus wants us all to be workers in the Lord's harvest. In today's Gospel passage, he's commissioning 72 disciples and sending them forth on evangelization missions. Notice that he's not limiting this important work to just the Top Twelve Disciples. He sent forth a large contingent of followers, and then he went on to say that there weren't enough of them.
Today he's still doing this at the end of every Mass. When the priest gives us the final blessing to send us forth, it's not really him doing it — it's Jesus himself. And is he still saying that there aren't enough of us working this harvest?
Saint Francis of Assisi is famous for teaching that all Christians should preach the Gospel at all times, "and sometimes use words." Our lives — how we respond to crises, how we treat others, how we rely on faith when there are reasons to doubt, how we deal with suffering, how much we care about social justice and what we do about injustices within and outside our churches — are the harvesting tools that evangelize. We are all commissioned for this mission by virtue of our baptisms. Our everyday lives either witness or fail to witness about God's true nature.
Jesus went on to emphasize that we should evangelize as lambs among wolves. What is a lamb? We know what it meant for Jesus to be THE Lamb, and yes, sometimes we do have to make difficult sacrifices in order to convey God's love. But not all of the time. Jesus was the Lamb of God before he went to the cross. He was the Lamb throughout his ministry, and he is STILL the Lamb.
Being a lamb means being like Jesus in every moment of every day in ordinary ways. The opposite is to be a wolf, one who devours the weak. We become wolves if we attack others for their weak or non-existent faith. We are wolves disguised as lambs if we try to guilt people into going to Mass or force them to obey Church laws or beat the love of God into them by nagging and harping on what is wrong about them.
Wolves tear others down. Lambs inspire faith, and faith, in turn, is what inspires the straying sheep to return to Mass, to obey Church laws, and to accept God's love. Faith is a gift from the Holy Spirit. We cannot expect people to understand the truth that we offer them if God has not yet delivered to them this gift.
Jesus also explained that when we reach out to others, we should evangelize them without carrying our personal baggage into the encounter. The baggage that we might be tempted to bring into a conversation about faith includes low self esteem ("God cannot use me, I can't make a difference") and feelings of superiority ("They're bigger sinners than I am"). Before going out into the world, we need to ask: "What do I tend to bring to others that is not Christ-like?" Pray that Jesus will help you unload this baggage at the door.
credit to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Jesus wants us all to be workers in the Lord's harvest. In today's Gospel passage, he's commissioning 72 disciples and sending them forth on evangelization missions. Notice that he's not limiting this important work to just the Top Twelve Disciples. He sent forth a large contingent of followers, and then he went on to say that there weren't enough of them.
Today he's still doing this at the end of every Mass. When the priest gives us the final blessing to send us forth, it's not really him doing it — it's Jesus himself. And is he still saying that there aren't enough of us working this harvest?
Saint Francis of Assisi is famous for teaching that all Christians should preach the Gospel at all times, "and sometimes use words." Our lives — how we respond to crises, how we treat others, how we rely on faith when there are reasons to doubt, how we deal with suffering, how much we care about social justice and what we do about injustices within and outside our churches — are the harvesting tools that evangelize. We are all commissioned for this mission by virtue of our baptisms. Our everyday lives either witness or fail to witness about God's true nature.
Jesus went on to emphasize that we should evangelize as lambs among wolves. What is a lamb? We know what it meant for Jesus to be THE Lamb, and yes, sometimes we do have to make difficult sacrifices in order to convey God's love. But not all of the time. Jesus was the Lamb of God before he went to the cross. He was the Lamb throughout his ministry, and he is STILL the Lamb.
Being a lamb means being like Jesus in every moment of every day in ordinary ways. The opposite is to be a wolf, one who devours the weak. We become wolves if we attack others for their weak or non-existent faith. We are wolves disguised as lambs if we try to guilt people into going to Mass or force them to obey Church laws or beat the love of God into them by nagging and harping on what is wrong about them.
Wolves tear others down. Lambs inspire faith, and faith, in turn, is what inspires the straying sheep to return to Mass, to obey Church laws, and to accept God's love. Faith is a gift from the Holy Spirit. We cannot expect people to understand the truth that we offer them if God has not yet delivered to them this gift.
Jesus also explained that when we reach out to others, we should evangelize them without carrying our personal baggage into the encounter. The baggage that we might be tempted to bring into a conversation about faith includes low self esteem ("God cannot use me, I can't make a difference") and feelings of superiority ("They're bigger sinners than I am"). Before going out into the world, we need to ask: "What do I tend to bring to others that is not Christ-like?" Pray that Jesus will help you unload this baggage at the door.
credit to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES!
Figure it out for yourself, my lad,
You've all that the greatest of men have had;
Two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes,
And a brain to use if you would be wise,
With this equipment they all began---
So start from the top and say, “I can.”
Look them over, the wise and the great,
They take their food from a common plate,
And similar knives and forks they use,
With similar laces they tie their shoes;
The world considers them brave and smart,
But you've all they had when they made their start.
You can triumph and come to skill,
You can be great if you only will;
You're well equipped for what fight you choose,
You have arms and legs and a brain to use;
And the man who has risen great deeds to do,
Began his life with no more than you.
You are the handicap you must face,
You are the one who must choose your place.
You must say where you want to go,
How much you will study the truth to know;
God has equipped you for life,
but HeLets you decide what you want to be.
Courage must come from the soul within
The man must furnish the will to win.
So figure it out for yourself, my lad,
You were born with all that the great have had;
With your equipment they all began,
Get hold of yourself and say, “I can.”
Author Unknown
credit to: http://www.Godswork.org
You've all that the greatest of men have had;
Two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes,
And a brain to use if you would be wise,
With this equipment they all began---
So start from the top and say, “I can.”
Look them over, the wise and the great,
They take their food from a common plate,
And similar knives and forks they use,
With similar laces they tie their shoes;
The world considers them brave and smart,
But you've all they had when they made their start.
You can triumph and come to skill,
You can be great if you only will;
You're well equipped for what fight you choose,
You have arms and legs and a brain to use;
And the man who has risen great deeds to do,
Began his life with no more than you.
You are the handicap you must face,
You are the one who must choose your place.
You must say where you want to go,
How much you will study the truth to know;
God has equipped you for life,
but HeLets you decide what you want to be.
Courage must come from the soul within
The man must furnish the will to win.
So figure it out for yourself, my lad,
You were born with all that the great have had;
With your equipment they all began,
Get hold of yourself and say, “I can.”
Author Unknown
credit to: http://www.Godswork.org
Monday, October 01, 2007
Curry Fish
Ingredients:
150g Rainbow curry powder
4 slice of fish (Batang)
6 lady finger
2 Binjal (eggplant)
2 tomato
1 cup tamarind juice
1 onion
Method:
1) mix curry powder to form paste
2) heat 2 tablespoon oil till hot, add in onion, stir fry, add in curry paste, fried till fragrant.
3) add binjal and lady finger, and tamarind juice, cook till curry gravy slightly thickened
4) add in fish and tomato
5) when fish is cook,season with salt to taste.
6) serve hot with rice.
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