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."
Sunday, November 25, 2007
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
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