Sunday, April 08, 2007
Hi Again
Wow! I did not realise that it has been more than a month since I last blogged. March was a really busy month for me. Well... but busy is good... it means being able to provide more for my family.
If you did not know by now, I have changed job I have left MOE to join Adam Khoo Learning Tachnologies Groups. The decision was not easy and at the same time not that tough either. I just happen to come across too many teachers who are dissillutioned and at the same time dedicated. So much so that they are willing to spend the rest of their lives in the system.
As for myself, on the other hand, I decided otherwise. I don't want to look back 20 years from now, if I am alive till then, and tell myself what if... what if... I have chosen another path. I think it is better for me to venture out and find out for myself rather than be in the state I just mentioned.
Don't get me wrong. Students were great... being in a junior college... the system has already got rid of all the trouble makers in secondary school. It is just the rigidity of it all.. it just does not gel with my personality type.
More details another time. Happy Easter, one and all.
If you did not know by now, I have changed job I have left MOE to join Adam Khoo Learning Tachnologies Groups. The decision was not easy and at the same time not that tough either. I just happen to come across too many teachers who are dissillutioned and at the same time dedicated. So much so that they are willing to spend the rest of their lives in the system.
As for myself, on the other hand, I decided otherwise. I don't want to look back 20 years from now, if I am alive till then, and tell myself what if... what if... I have chosen another path. I think it is better for me to venture out and find out for myself rather than be in the state I just mentioned.
Don't get me wrong. Students were great... being in a junior college... the system has already got rid of all the trouble makers in secondary school. It is just the rigidity of it all.. it just does not gel with my personality type.
More details another time. Happy Easter, one and all.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Joy & Prayer
One day a novice in Rome came to me. She was crying. I asked her, "What is the matter?"
She had just come back from a family and said, "Mother, I have never seen such suffering. They had nothing in the house. There was this terrible sickness, the terrible cancer, and I could do nothing. Please allow me to do a little bit of extra penance. I want to share in that suffering."
She was a young sister, scarcely three years in our congregation, but it was painful for her to see the suffering of the others.
Joy is prayer, Joy is strength. Joy is love. Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. God loves a cheerful giver. He gives most who gives with joy. The best way to show our gratitude to God and the people is to accept everything with joy. A joyful heart is the normal result of a heart burning with love. Never let anything so fill you with sorrow as to make you forget the joy of Christ risen.
This I tell my sisters. This I tell you.
~ Mother Teresa
She had just come back from a family and said, "Mother, I have never seen such suffering. They had nothing in the house. There was this terrible sickness, the terrible cancer, and I could do nothing. Please allow me to do a little bit of extra penance. I want to share in that suffering."
She was a young sister, scarcely three years in our congregation, but it was painful for her to see the suffering of the others.
Joy is prayer, Joy is strength. Joy is love. Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. God loves a cheerful giver. He gives most who gives with joy. The best way to show our gratitude to God and the people is to accept everything with joy. A joyful heart is the normal result of a heart burning with love. Never let anything so fill you with sorrow as to make you forget the joy of Christ risen.
This I tell my sisters. This I tell you.
~ Mother Teresa
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Chinese New Year
Happy CNY to one and all. Hope your days will be filled with red packets. Hahaha.
It is a great time of the year once again, for family members and extended family members and friends to come together and to share love with one another. Have we ever wondered what is the best way to share love? Some of us share love by winning money from each other… well not everyone is going to feel loved especially the one who goes back with an empty pocket. Hahaha… I know, it has happened to me before. So what is the best way to share love?
Frankly, I am still on the road of discovery and look forward to find more insights to the question. As of now, I feel that one of the best ways to share love is to PRAISE. Yes, praise.
Go and say something good to someone. It would make a whole lot of difference to the person. In a society that is filled with negativism, you have an opportunity to make a positive change is a person’s life. No matter how blatantly the negative aspects of the person may be staring at your face, search out for the positive one and praise the person.
Praise will do marvels. Test it out for yourself and you will be amazed.
It is a great time of the year once again, for family members and extended family members and friends to come together and to share love with one another. Have we ever wondered what is the best way to share love? Some of us share love by winning money from each other… well not everyone is going to feel loved especially the one who goes back with an empty pocket. Hahaha… I know, it has happened to me before. So what is the best way to share love?
Frankly, I am still on the road of discovery and look forward to find more insights to the question. As of now, I feel that one of the best ways to share love is to PRAISE. Yes, praise.
Go and say something good to someone. It would make a whole lot of difference to the person. In a society that is filled with negativism, you have an opportunity to make a positive change is a person’s life. No matter how blatantly the negative aspects of the person may be staring at your face, search out for the positive one and praise the person.
Praise will do marvels. Test it out for yourself and you will be amazed.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Hearts On Fire
There is a first time for everything and yesterday we experienced the first rally organized by the NUS Catholic Students’ Society outside the confines of its campus.
In a bold step to reach out as many youth and young adults as possible, NUS CSS decided to bring an interesting twist to its annual Catholic Awareness Week. Catholic Awareness Week was never done on such a grand and large scale as it was this year. It is really heartening to see our NUS catholic students on fire with the love of God and the intense desire to share the love with others.
The climax of the Catholic Awareness Week was the rally ‘Hearts on Fire’ held at Catholic Junior College Arts Centre. As early as 6 p.m. a huge crowd was already gathered at the centre waiting for the doors of the auditorium to open. By the time the doors opened already three quarters of the auditorium was filled and by the time the rally started the auditorium was filled to its maximum capacity.
More than 800 excited and enthusiastic youth and young adults spent an awesome time of praise and worship with the worship team from SACCRE Youth. They were led from the gates to the courts and into the holy of holies where they encountered the immense love of the Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit. Their hearts were set ablaze on fire with the Love of God, a love that goes beyond our comprehension.
After the praise and worship, we had the privilege to hear the testimony of Theresa and Jeremy. Therese shared on how she experienced the love of God in a recent mission trip and how it has transformed her relationship with her family members, friends and herself. Jeremy shared on how despite having a medical condition, the love of God drives him on regardless of the setbacks he faces in life.
Rev. Fr. Simon Pereira, CSsR, was the preacher for the night. His immense interaction with the youth was immediately evident from the moment he started. He understands the challenges that the youth today face and was able to relate to them. At the same time, the importance of the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of each and everyone of us was strongly put across. ‘Our hearts need to be on fire for Christ,’ he said.
This was followed by a time of Eucharistic adoration followed by healing. The Power of God moved strongly in the hearts of us all. Praise be the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you NUS CSS for going out of your comfort zone and making it possible for us to experience God in a powerful way.
In a bold step to reach out as many youth and young adults as possible, NUS CSS decided to bring an interesting twist to its annual Catholic Awareness Week. Catholic Awareness Week was never done on such a grand and large scale as it was this year. It is really heartening to see our NUS catholic students on fire with the love of God and the intense desire to share the love with others.
The climax of the Catholic Awareness Week was the rally ‘Hearts on Fire’ held at Catholic Junior College Arts Centre. As early as 6 p.m. a huge crowd was already gathered at the centre waiting for the doors of the auditorium to open. By the time the doors opened already three quarters of the auditorium was filled and by the time the rally started the auditorium was filled to its maximum capacity.
More than 800 excited and enthusiastic youth and young adults spent an awesome time of praise and worship with the worship team from SACCRE Youth. They were led from the gates to the courts and into the holy of holies where they encountered the immense love of the Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit. Their hearts were set ablaze on fire with the Love of God, a love that goes beyond our comprehension.
After the praise and worship, we had the privilege to hear the testimony of Theresa and Jeremy. Therese shared on how she experienced the love of God in a recent mission trip and how it has transformed her relationship with her family members, friends and herself. Jeremy shared on how despite having a medical condition, the love of God drives him on regardless of the setbacks he faces in life.
Rev. Fr. Simon Pereira, CSsR, was the preacher for the night. His immense interaction with the youth was immediately evident from the moment he started. He understands the challenges that the youth today face and was able to relate to them. At the same time, the importance of the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of each and everyone of us was strongly put across. ‘Our hearts need to be on fire for Christ,’ he said.
This was followed by a time of Eucharistic adoration followed by healing. The Power of God moved strongly in the hearts of us all. Praise be the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you NUS CSS for going out of your comfort zone and making it possible for us to experience God in a powerful way.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Ultimate Power
We are given the ultimate power in life. Yes, it’s free will. With this free will, if we were to just sit down for a while and reflect, we would realize that free will ultimately gives us the power of choice.
Everyday we make choices. Each morning when we wake up we have two choices. We can choose to be in a good mood or we can choose to be in a bad mood. What choices have we been making every morning when we wake up? Or do we not even realize that we have a choice and just go through the routine of daily life and let the events of the day influence our mood?
Each time something bad happens, we can choose to be a victim or we can choose to learn from it. How did we respond to the events of today? Did we choose to learn from it? Every time someone comes to us complaining, we can choose to accept their complaining or we can point out the positive side of life. What did we choose to do? I choose the positive side of life.
Is it easy? Yes, it is. Life is all about choices. When we go into the core of the situation we are in, every situation presents us with a choice. We choose how we react to situations. We choose how people will affect our mood. We choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. At the end of the day, it’s our choice how we live life.
So what choices are we making today?
Everyday we make choices. Each morning when we wake up we have two choices. We can choose to be in a good mood or we can choose to be in a bad mood. What choices have we been making every morning when we wake up? Or do we not even realize that we have a choice and just go through the routine of daily life and let the events of the day influence our mood?
Each time something bad happens, we can choose to be a victim or we can choose to learn from it. How did we respond to the events of today? Did we choose to learn from it? Every time someone comes to us complaining, we can choose to accept their complaining or we can point out the positive side of life. What did we choose to do? I choose the positive side of life.
Is it easy? Yes, it is. Life is all about choices. When we go into the core of the situation we are in, every situation presents us with a choice. We choose how we react to situations. We choose how people will affect our mood. We choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. At the end of the day, it’s our choice how we live life.
So what choices are we making today?
Words of Wisdom
"What we need is to love without getting tired. How does a lamp burn? Through the continuous input of small drops of oil. What are these drops of oil in our lamps? They are the small things of daily life: faithfulness, small words of kindness, a thought for others, our way of being silent, of looking, of speaking, and of acting. Do not look for Jesus away from yourselves. He is not there; He is in you. Keep your lamp burning and you will recognize Him."
-- Mother Teresa
-- Mother Teresa
Say A Prayer
There may be times when we wake up in the morning and things aren't the way we had wished they would be. Say a prayer and we will know that things will get better.
There may be times when people dissappoint us or maybe even we dissappoint ourselves. Say a prayer and keep life focused on believing in ourselves.
There will be challenges to face and changes to make in our lives. Because the challenges and changes will only help us to move closer towards our goals and to tap into the great potential within us.
Always remember it is not the event that determines the outcome, it's our response to the event that ultimately determines it.
Say a prayer and let the spirit guide us.
There may be times when people dissappoint us or maybe even we dissappoint ourselves. Say a prayer and keep life focused on believing in ourselves.
There will be challenges to face and changes to make in our lives. Because the challenges and changes will only help us to move closer towards our goals and to tap into the great potential within us.
Always remember it is not the event that determines the outcome, it's our response to the event that ultimately determines it.
Say a prayer and let the spirit guide us.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Lessons From Failure
Lord, are you trying to tell me something?For...
Failure does not mean I'm a failure;It does mean I have not yet succeeded.
Failure does not mean I have accomplished nothing;It does mean I have learned something.
Failure does not mean I have been a fool;It does mean I had enough faith to experiment.
Failure does not mean I have disgraced;It does mean I have dared to try.
Failure does not mean I don't have it;It does mean I have something to do in a different way.
Failure does not mean I am inferior;It does mean I am not perfect.
Failure does not mean I have wasted my life;It does mean that I have an excuse to start over.
Failure does not mean that I should give up;It does mean that I should try harder.
Failure does not mean that I will never make it;It does mean that I need more practice.
Failure does not mean that you have abandoned me;It does mean that you must have a better idea.
Failure does not mean I'm a failure;It does mean I have not yet succeeded.
Failure does not mean I have accomplished nothing;It does mean I have learned something.
Failure does not mean I have been a fool;It does mean I had enough faith to experiment.
Failure does not mean I have disgraced;It does mean I have dared to try.
Failure does not mean I don't have it;It does mean I have something to do in a different way.
Failure does not mean I am inferior;It does mean I am not perfect.
Failure does not mean I have wasted my life;It does mean that I have an excuse to start over.
Failure does not mean that I should give up;It does mean that I should try harder.
Failure does not mean that I will never make it;It does mean that I need more practice.
Failure does not mean that you have abandoned me;It does mean that you must have a better idea.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Mary Magdalene
For most of her days and nights, Mary Magdalene's life had been a mess!
If she was alive today, she might be a resident of a mental institution. The reason I think that is because the Gospels record she was inhabited by seven demons. Mary Magdalene could also have been deeply depressed and suicidal as well.
Mary had no hope for a bright future and was probably deeply ashamed of the way she was living. Trapped in a sinister lifestyle, she couldn't rise above what she had become -- a deeply troubled woman rejected by most people. But then everything changed instantly!
She met Jesus one day and He did not reject her like almost everyone else did! In fact, He welcomed her and gave her the best gift of all -- the gift of a brand-new life. She found -- to her great joy -- that she had peace of mind instead of tormenting thoughts! The degrading passions that drove her unmercifully were replaced by a deep self-sacrificing love for other people and especially for Jesus! What a transformation! When Jesus gave her a brand-new life, He probably gave her a number of true friends as well -- including some other loving women.
They along with Mary Magdalene ministered to Jesus and His friends. Soon personal tragedy overwhelmed her! Jesus -- her Savior and Leader -- was arrested, convicted and nailed to a Roman cross beside two criminals.
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two wealthy and highly respected Jewish leaders, exposed themselves to public ridicule by giving Jesus an honorable burial in Joseph's own new tomb. Crucified criminals were often thrown into a common burial pit. These two men tenderly took Jesus down from the cross and carried His body to the cave tomb. They wrapped His corpse around and around with yards of expensive linen material saturated with ointments and sweet-smelling spices. The ointment acted as a kind of glue which transformed the long cloth into a cocoon. Then they laid Him in the tomb and rolled a large stone over the entrance.
Mary Magdalene and her friends went home and rested when the sun went down that day in order to kept the Sabbath that began at sundown, so they didn't have time to anoint Jesus's body themselves. However, early the next morning while the sun was just rising, Mary Magdalene and her friends brought sweet spices to add their spices to Jesus's burial wrappings. While they journeyed to the cave, they questioned among themselves who would roll the stone away since it was too heavy for them. Imagine how astonished they were when they arrived at the cave to discover the huge stone had already been moved!
Deeply disturbed, she discovered the body of her Lord was gone. Mary Magdalene quickly found Simon Peter, who had betrayed the Lord, and John. She broken-heartedly announced, that they have taken away the Lord out of the sepulcher and they don't know where they have taken Him!
Immediately Peter and John rushed to the tomb to see what had happened while Mary followed at a distance. Since John was younger, he outran Peter and arrived at the tomb first. John didn't go into the tomb, but Peter did. A wondrous sight awaited their gaze! The linen wrappings wound so tightly around Jesus's body were still on the shelf where His body had been, but the long burial cloth had collapsed without being unwound.
Most amazing of all, Jesus's body was no longer in the mummy cocoon. No one had unwrapped the glued together layers of cloth! The resurrected body of Jesus had simply passed right on through the burial shroud! When John observed the collapsed mummy cocoon, he believed Jesus had risen from the dead from the evidence right before his eyes!
Peter and John left the cave, but Mary Magdalene stayed behind. She was deeply grieved since she still thought Jesus's body had been taken away. However, her grief soon turn to ecstatic joy when not long afterwards she was visited by Jesus Himself!
This is how she met the risen Lord face to face. First -- as she turned to go home, she noticed a man standing in the garden near the empty tomb who she assumed was the gardener. Put yourself in her place and imagine the glorious thrill that came to her heart when Jesus gently called her by her own name -- "Mary!" It was then that she recognized her risen Lord!
Jesus gave to Mary the awesome commission of telling His disciples this earth-shaking news -- He is alive forever! And Mary Magdalene became an evangelist to the apostles.
If she was alive today, she might be a resident of a mental institution. The reason I think that is because the Gospels record she was inhabited by seven demons. Mary Magdalene could also have been deeply depressed and suicidal as well.
Mary had no hope for a bright future and was probably deeply ashamed of the way she was living. Trapped in a sinister lifestyle, she couldn't rise above what she had become -- a deeply troubled woman rejected by most people. But then everything changed instantly!
She met Jesus one day and He did not reject her like almost everyone else did! In fact, He welcomed her and gave her the best gift of all -- the gift of a brand-new life. She found -- to her great joy -- that she had peace of mind instead of tormenting thoughts! The degrading passions that drove her unmercifully were replaced by a deep self-sacrificing love for other people and especially for Jesus! What a transformation! When Jesus gave her a brand-new life, He probably gave her a number of true friends as well -- including some other loving women.
They along with Mary Magdalene ministered to Jesus and His friends. Soon personal tragedy overwhelmed her! Jesus -- her Savior and Leader -- was arrested, convicted and nailed to a Roman cross beside two criminals.
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two wealthy and highly respected Jewish leaders, exposed themselves to public ridicule by giving Jesus an honorable burial in Joseph's own new tomb. Crucified criminals were often thrown into a common burial pit. These two men tenderly took Jesus down from the cross and carried His body to the cave tomb. They wrapped His corpse around and around with yards of expensive linen material saturated with ointments and sweet-smelling spices. The ointment acted as a kind of glue which transformed the long cloth into a cocoon. Then they laid Him in the tomb and rolled a large stone over the entrance.
Mary Magdalene and her friends went home and rested when the sun went down that day in order to kept the Sabbath that began at sundown, so they didn't have time to anoint Jesus's body themselves. However, early the next morning while the sun was just rising, Mary Magdalene and her friends brought sweet spices to add their spices to Jesus's burial wrappings. While they journeyed to the cave, they questioned among themselves who would roll the stone away since it was too heavy for them. Imagine how astonished they were when they arrived at the cave to discover the huge stone had already been moved!
Deeply disturbed, she discovered the body of her Lord was gone. Mary Magdalene quickly found Simon Peter, who had betrayed the Lord, and John. She broken-heartedly announced, that they have taken away the Lord out of the sepulcher and they don't know where they have taken Him!
Immediately Peter and John rushed to the tomb to see what had happened while Mary followed at a distance. Since John was younger, he outran Peter and arrived at the tomb first. John didn't go into the tomb, but Peter did. A wondrous sight awaited their gaze! The linen wrappings wound so tightly around Jesus's body were still on the shelf where His body had been, but the long burial cloth had collapsed without being unwound.
Most amazing of all, Jesus's body was no longer in the mummy cocoon. No one had unwrapped the glued together layers of cloth! The resurrected body of Jesus had simply passed right on through the burial shroud! When John observed the collapsed mummy cocoon, he believed Jesus had risen from the dead from the evidence right before his eyes!
Peter and John left the cave, but Mary Magdalene stayed behind. She was deeply grieved since she still thought Jesus's body had been taken away. However, her grief soon turn to ecstatic joy when not long afterwards she was visited by Jesus Himself!
This is how she met the risen Lord face to face. First -- as she turned to go home, she noticed a man standing in the garden near the empty tomb who she assumed was the gardener. Put yourself in her place and imagine the glorious thrill that came to her heart when Jesus gently called her by her own name -- "Mary!" It was then that she recognized her risen Lord!
Jesus gave to Mary the awesome commission of telling His disciples this earth-shaking news -- He is alive forever! And Mary Magdalene became an evangelist to the apostles.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Jessica Again
Sori... can't help it
she can swim... yes!
her play pan... yes I know it's rather big. Mummy likes big size.... u know why she got me... hahahah
Monday, November 20, 2006
Learning From David
The story of David's victory over Goliath has inspired millions of people to believe that, even though the odds were against them, they could win. It is the story of a young shepherd boy who no one had ever heard of, but who defeated a giant with a single stone from his sling, and who rocketed to fame, fortune, and success.
We might think that David was simply lucky. Maybe he just happened to be at the right place at the right time. But are there things we can we learn from David that will help us do what he did? Can we learn from David's victory over Goliath how we can slay our own giants and become overnight successes?
Build Your Confidence - Face The Daily Challenges
When the king told David that he would not be able to defeat Goliath, David answered, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." (1 Samuel 17:34-37)
David's confidence that he could defeat Goliath came from having overcome similar challenges while simply working for his father. Because David had learned to trust God in his day-to-day life, just doing his job, he had developed the faith to overcome any challange. Becoming an overnight success requires that we have confidence when our big opportunity comes. That confidence is built over time as we learn to trust God and overcome our daily challenges.
Face The Criticism
In 1 Samuel 17:28 it says, "When Eliab, David's oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, 'Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.'
When we realize that Eliab had just spent forty days being afraid of Goliath, it's easy to understand why he got so upset when his little brother said, "I'll kill him." Eliab was embarrassed that David had more faith and courage than he did, and it was Eliab's doubt and fear that made him so angry with David. In order for us to become overnight successes, we will have to learn how to face criticism. And even if the people closest to us are the harshest critics, we need to understand that the fears that have kept them from pursuing their dreams can cause them to be hard on us.
'A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her.'
Use Your Creativity - Face The Giant
When David first announced that he would kill Goliath, he probably didn't know how he was going to do it. As we read the story we see that he tried to wear the king's armor, but realized that it would not work (1 Samuel 17:38-39). But something that we learn from David through this incident is that it's ok to make mistakes, as long as we don't go too far. Once we realize something isn't working, we need to change what we're doing. We don't have to give up on our dream; we just need to change how we have been trying to reach it.
We will need to be creative and use our strengths if we want to become overnight successes. The king's armor would have been fine for the king, but not for David. Instead, David looked at his experience and skills, trusted in God, and found a solution to his gigantic challenge by using his sling.
Prepare For The Long Haul - Face The Facts
There was an interview with a famous rock musician who had catapulted to success after releasing a live album. The interviewer asked, "What was it like to become an overnight success?" The rock musician replied, "For me it was carrying my equipment in and out of dingy, smoke-filled bars, night after night for fifteen years, until we released that album."
David's goal was to become the king of Israel. His victory over Goliath played a major role in helping him accomplish that goal. But defeating Goliath was not all that he had to do. Many people have big dreams for their lives, but few of them see those dreams become a reality. The time and effort that it takes to overcome the obstacles that every successful person must face, the Goliaths that they have to defeat, seem to be too great.
Everyone who wants to be successful will have to build their confidence, stand firm in the face of criticism, find ways to use their strengths, and commit to reaching their dreams no matter how long it takes. Because the simple truth is, it takes time to become an overnight success because success is the natural reward of taking time to do anything well.
We might think that David was simply lucky. Maybe he just happened to be at the right place at the right time. But are there things we can we learn from David that will help us do what he did? Can we learn from David's victory over Goliath how we can slay our own giants and become overnight successes?
Build Your Confidence - Face The Daily Challenges
When the king told David that he would not be able to defeat Goliath, David answered, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." (1 Samuel 17:34-37)
David's confidence that he could defeat Goliath came from having overcome similar challenges while simply working for his father. Because David had learned to trust God in his day-to-day life, just doing his job, he had developed the faith to overcome any challange. Becoming an overnight success requires that we have confidence when our big opportunity comes. That confidence is built over time as we learn to trust God and overcome our daily challenges.
Face The Criticism
In 1 Samuel 17:28 it says, "When Eliab, David's oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, 'Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.'
When we realize that Eliab had just spent forty days being afraid of Goliath, it's easy to understand why he got so upset when his little brother said, "I'll kill him." Eliab was embarrassed that David had more faith and courage than he did, and it was Eliab's doubt and fear that made him so angry with David. In order for us to become overnight successes, we will have to learn how to face criticism. And even if the people closest to us are the harshest critics, we need to understand that the fears that have kept them from pursuing their dreams can cause them to be hard on us.
'A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her.'
David Brinkley
Use Your Creativity - Face The Giant
When David first announced that he would kill Goliath, he probably didn't know how he was going to do it. As we read the story we see that he tried to wear the king's armor, but realized that it would not work (1 Samuel 17:38-39). But something that we learn from David through this incident is that it's ok to make mistakes, as long as we don't go too far. Once we realize something isn't working, we need to change what we're doing. We don't have to give up on our dream; we just need to change how we have been trying to reach it.
We will need to be creative and use our strengths if we want to become overnight successes. The king's armor would have been fine for the king, but not for David. Instead, David looked at his experience and skills, trusted in God, and found a solution to his gigantic challenge by using his sling.
Prepare For The Long Haul - Face The Facts
There was an interview with a famous rock musician who had catapulted to success after releasing a live album. The interviewer asked, "What was it like to become an overnight success?" The rock musician replied, "For me it was carrying my equipment in and out of dingy, smoke-filled bars, night after night for fifteen years, until we released that album."
David's goal was to become the king of Israel. His victory over Goliath played a major role in helping him accomplish that goal. But defeating Goliath was not all that he had to do. Many people have big dreams for their lives, but few of them see those dreams become a reality. The time and effort that it takes to overcome the obstacles that every successful person must face, the Goliaths that they have to defeat, seem to be too great.
Everyone who wants to be successful will have to build their confidence, stand firm in the face of criticism, find ways to use their strengths, and commit to reaching their dreams no matter how long it takes. Because the simple truth is, it takes time to become an overnight success because success is the natural reward of taking time to do anything well.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Loving Yourself
The best way to rebuild self worth and in the process your self esteem is to love yourself and become your own best friend.
In order to do this, it very helpful if you first truly forgive. Once you have truly forgiven everyone in your life, including yourself, you are free to truly move forward and create a new destiny for yourself.
Remember, the world in which we live reflects back to us how much we value ourselves. You can be the best artist, the best writer, the best engineer, the best mother--you can be absolute great at something, and yet receive no appreciation from anyone. Because the world will not honor you, until you first honor yourself. Many of us have been taught not to honor ourselves.
Whoever you are, you would probably hear statements like these in your life: “You’re not good enough. You’re not smart enough. You’re too smart for your own good. You’re too ugly…or too pretty. You’re too fat…you’re too thin…You’re lazy…you try too hard.”
So depending on your environment and how often this happens to you, among other factors, most of us grow up not valuing ourselves. Even those who put on a good show, and act confident are often putting on a front to gain approval. They usually listen to others first, and themselves last.
This is one reason many people never accomplish their dreams. Of course, there are varying degrees of these feelings of worthlessness. Some people still manage to have a descent life, although many feel as though they are “imposters.” Some, who have been destroyed, just can’t wait to die. No matter where you are in your life, it is possible to change this.
So…where do we start? One of the best places to start is to value who you are, right now, by loving yourself. God already loves you, do you?
Blood Covenants @ Christ The King Church
About 60 participants attended the 'Blood Covenant' series over the the last 4 Fridays at Christ The King Church. Over the four sessions they learnt that 'Life is in the Blood', 'The Hebrew Covenant Ritual', 'God's Covenant with Man' and 'The Passover & the New Covenant'.
The sessions were an eye openner to many of the participants. While some of them found it heavy going at certain points they realised the need to start consuming solid food and move away from the liquid spiritual diet they have been having. And were they glad they faithfully attended the sessions.
Here's a testimony...
Hi Freddy,
My shallow mind told me that your final talk was to be a summation of it all and probably it is all I already know. But what a tremendous surprise it was for me last Friday.
You showed the connections very well especially when you talked about "drinking the fourth cup" and Jesus' passion from the agaony right up till the cruxfixion itself - the consummation (it is finished) - how Jesus' back was torn and exposed, the nine cat -tails, etc. I think I lost concentration a little as I was affected by those torturous moments that Christ went thru. (I have been meditating on that in my private Divine Mercy devotion, but your message came on quite strongly).
I also like the part where you linked with with marriage and talked about sexual activities outside marriage, marriage as a consummation of covenant.
It is a pity that my wife missed your final session as she is away in Germany. I would be sharing all that I can with her.
I would like to invite you for a talk for our yearly retreat of the lectors ministry. I hope we can work something out for the good of my fellow lectors.
Thanks in advance
God bless us all.
Andrew Tok
The sessions were an eye openner to many of the participants. While some of them found it heavy going at certain points they realised the need to start consuming solid food and move away from the liquid spiritual diet they have been having. And were they glad they faithfully attended the sessions.
Here's a testimony...
Hi Freddy,
My shallow mind told me that your final talk was to be a summation of it all and probably it is all I already know. But what a tremendous surprise it was for me last Friday.
You showed the connections very well especially when you talked about "drinking the fourth cup" and Jesus' passion from the agaony right up till the cruxfixion itself - the consummation (it is finished) - how Jesus' back was torn and exposed, the nine cat -tails, etc. I think I lost concentration a little as I was affected by those torturous moments that Christ went thru. (I have been meditating on that in my private Divine Mercy devotion, but your message came on quite strongly).
I also like the part where you linked with with marriage and talked about sexual activities outside marriage, marriage as a consummation of covenant.
It is a pity that my wife missed your final session as she is away in Germany. I would be sharing all that I can with her.
I would like to invite you for a talk for our yearly retreat of the lectors ministry. I hope we can work something out for the good of my fellow lectors.
Thanks in advance
God bless us all.
Andrew Tok
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Go Forth
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most.
We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?'
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us.
And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
- Used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech
- Written by Maryanne Williamson
Monday, October 16, 2006
Sunday, October 15, 2006
For Things To Change, I Have To...
Many people think that we have to accept everthing life throws at us. They believe that it is their fate and it cannot be changed. They claim that they have done everything to improve it. So what's the lifestyle of such people?
They wake up in the morning, goes to work, comes back home, relaxes, chats with people, watches TV, then goes to sleep. Next day, the routine is the same. So is the next week & months to come. Is this what they call doing everything to improve it? They believe they have tried their best and just accepts it in their heart that this is the life that God has intended for them to live; that their luck can only change if God wills it.
Of course God wants us to be happy and live our life to the fullest, but we have to do our share of exerting the effort to live the life of our dreams. For things to change, we have to change. We know we don't have to suffer needlessly because our destiny depends on us and not on any other external factors.
We reap what we sow. We just don't sit around and wait for a million dollars to fall from the sky. We have to get off the couch, get our eyes off the TV screen, get our hands off the phone with those useless gossips and get our mind and body to work!
If our life is not going the way we want it to be, don't just say: "Our time will come." or "Things will get better some day." Don't expect our situation to change, unless you do something about it.
If something goes wrong, don't just regard it as a temporary setback; but use it as feedback. Learn our lessons, make the most of the situation, and do something to resolve the challenge.
It's not enough to think positive; we also have to act positive. If someone's life is in trouble, do we just hope and pray that things will turn out fine? Of course not! We have to go out of the way, get our feets wet & hands dirty to save the person.
So it is with our own life. It is not enough to hope for the best, but we have to do our best.
So lets set our goal. Work out our strategy & get into action.
They wake up in the morning, goes to work, comes back home, relaxes, chats with people, watches TV, then goes to sleep. Next day, the routine is the same. So is the next week & months to come. Is this what they call doing everything to improve it? They believe they have tried their best and just accepts it in their heart that this is the life that God has intended for them to live; that their luck can only change if God wills it.
Of course God wants us to be happy and live our life to the fullest, but we have to do our share of exerting the effort to live the life of our dreams. For things to change, we have to change. We know we don't have to suffer needlessly because our destiny depends on us and not on any other external factors.
We reap what we sow. We just don't sit around and wait for a million dollars to fall from the sky. We have to get off the couch, get our eyes off the TV screen, get our hands off the phone with those useless gossips and get our mind and body to work!
If our life is not going the way we want it to be, don't just say: "Our time will come." or "Things will get better some day." Don't expect our situation to change, unless you do something about it.
If something goes wrong, don't just regard it as a temporary setback; but use it as feedback. Learn our lessons, make the most of the situation, and do something to resolve the challenge.
It's not enough to think positive; we also have to act positive. If someone's life is in trouble, do we just hope and pray that things will turn out fine? Of course not! We have to go out of the way, get our feets wet & hands dirty to save the person.
So it is with our own life. It is not enough to hope for the best, but we have to do our best.
So lets set our goal. Work out our strategy & get into action.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Monday, October 09, 2006
Discovering Your Purpose
It seems clear that some people are born into life with their purposes clear: a Michelangelo, a Mother Theresa, a Dr. Edward Bach. These are the people whose burning torches cast a light which brightens all of humanity.
Most of us, however, feel that we've arrived with a pack of wet matches. We want our lives to have purpose and power; we want to travel our paths with joy and confidence, but we can't seem to find a direction. We may use up physical, emotional, and psychic energy following paths of duty which our hearts cannot embrace. We may stand at a crossroads, so desperately afraid of making a mistake that we go nowhere. We may scatter our energy by trying to travel several paths at once.
The beginning of a new year is a traditional time for making new resolutions about one's life. But today will do too! One of the most important resolutions we can make is to begin a journey of self-discovery. In order to do this we need to understand how we got detoured in the first place.
From Soul to You. The soul is that aspect of our being which has never forgotten its purpose. It attempts to give travel directions to the personality, that aspect of ourselves which functions in physical reality--but the personality doesn't always receive the message. We may have learned not to believe in the soul, and also learned either to tune out its messages or to interpret them as a sign of lunacy. Thus, the first and most important step on a journey of self-discovery is to believe that there is a self to be discovered, that the map of possibilities we need is within ourselves, and accessible. It isn't enough to plant this belief; it must be nurtured as well, because in the beginning we need to trust in our souls without having any actual evidence of their existence. Faith, however, goes hand in hand with good works, and there is much we can do to help restore the interrupted lines of communication.
Paths and Patterns. Often when we play detective and investigate our own lives we find valuable clues. When you were a child what activities made you happiest? With whom did you have your most rewarding relationships? (These questions may also be asked about your present life.) By looking for patterns you can discover both the shape of possibilities in your life and the ways in which you've blocked them. For example, someone might discover that all her life people had told her that she would make a wonderful therapist, and that she, from lack of self-esteem, had never believed them. She might remember opportunities for doing counseling which she had refused. Someone else might remember a place he had always longed to visit, and how its name always seemed to come up--in conversation or in the books he reads.
In your search you will find your dreams valuable. Dreams are an important vehicle through which the soul communicates with the personality. In the dream state we're free to experiment with various possibilities for our lives, finally choosing the ones most suitable for physical manifestation. Our dream images express our deepest feelings and wishes as well as the beliefs which may prevent their expression. Pay close attention to your dreams, recording them, and re-reading them to discover messages and patterns. Receptivity to your dreams will enhance your ability to be receptive during your waking hours.
Be alert as well for the clues which may come up in day-to-day life. You may be intrigued by someone's description of a Polynesian dance class; you may have a sudden urge to learn to play the oboe. Playing the oboe or dancing the hula may not be your life's purpose, but following the impulse which pulls you most strongly can only lead you in the appropriate direction.
Getting Specific. You can also clarify your possibilities by asking these questions: If I didn't have to work for a living what would I love to do? If I were given $1 million, tax-free, what would be the first thing I'd do with it?
In doing this exercise be careful not to censor yourself. Don't worry if an idea which comes into your mind just seems to ridiculous or too impossible. These are the reactions which helped us to get off-course in the first place. What you write down isn't your final life plan, but--as in the case of your impulses--various attractive possibilities. Next, look at each possibility you've written down and ask yourself what value you will get from it. Do you want that boat because you love sailing and the sea? If so, what feeling does that give you? Do you want to sail around the world because you'd like to learn about other cultures? Why does that interest you? Keep adding to the list. As you study it, in combination with the information you've received from dreams, etc., you will find that you're clarifying both the nature of your gifts and interests, and the commitment you feel to contribute to others.
Another way to get to the latter is to ask yourself a third question, "How would I like to be remembered when I'm gone? Do I want people to say I was brilliant, considerate, generous?" How you would like to be remembered is really how you would like to be right now. Translate this feeling of commitment into a statement of purpose. Remember that no one is grading it; there's no deadline, and you can rewrite and refine it as many times as you want to. You'll know when it's right for you; you'll have a feeling of resonance and attunement. The next step is to align your life so that it's an appropriate vehicle for your purpose.
When Michelangelo was asked how he sculpted his works of art he said that he simply cut away everything which wasn't the statue. This is good advice, but let's go easy on the drastic, sweeping changes. Call on Turtle medicine and remember that slow and steady wins the race. The more surely you integrate your purpose into your being the easier change will be. Remember too, that as you begin to nurture your purpose you will find it growing. You'll discover that it's not the end, but the beginning, not a traveling away from yourself, but your journey home.
Most of us, however, feel that we've arrived with a pack of wet matches. We want our lives to have purpose and power; we want to travel our paths with joy and confidence, but we can't seem to find a direction. We may use up physical, emotional, and psychic energy following paths of duty which our hearts cannot embrace. We may stand at a crossroads, so desperately afraid of making a mistake that we go nowhere. We may scatter our energy by trying to travel several paths at once.
The beginning of a new year is a traditional time for making new resolutions about one's life. But today will do too! One of the most important resolutions we can make is to begin a journey of self-discovery. In order to do this we need to understand how we got detoured in the first place.
From Soul to You. The soul is that aspect of our being which has never forgotten its purpose. It attempts to give travel directions to the personality, that aspect of ourselves which functions in physical reality--but the personality doesn't always receive the message. We may have learned not to believe in the soul, and also learned either to tune out its messages or to interpret them as a sign of lunacy. Thus, the first and most important step on a journey of self-discovery is to believe that there is a self to be discovered, that the map of possibilities we need is within ourselves, and accessible. It isn't enough to plant this belief; it must be nurtured as well, because in the beginning we need to trust in our souls without having any actual evidence of their existence. Faith, however, goes hand in hand with good works, and there is much we can do to help restore the interrupted lines of communication.
Paths and Patterns. Often when we play detective and investigate our own lives we find valuable clues. When you were a child what activities made you happiest? With whom did you have your most rewarding relationships? (These questions may also be asked about your present life.) By looking for patterns you can discover both the shape of possibilities in your life and the ways in which you've blocked them. For example, someone might discover that all her life people had told her that she would make a wonderful therapist, and that she, from lack of self-esteem, had never believed them. She might remember opportunities for doing counseling which she had refused. Someone else might remember a place he had always longed to visit, and how its name always seemed to come up--in conversation or in the books he reads.
In your search you will find your dreams valuable. Dreams are an important vehicle through which the soul communicates with the personality. In the dream state we're free to experiment with various possibilities for our lives, finally choosing the ones most suitable for physical manifestation. Our dream images express our deepest feelings and wishes as well as the beliefs which may prevent their expression. Pay close attention to your dreams, recording them, and re-reading them to discover messages and patterns. Receptivity to your dreams will enhance your ability to be receptive during your waking hours.
Be alert as well for the clues which may come up in day-to-day life. You may be intrigued by someone's description of a Polynesian dance class; you may have a sudden urge to learn to play the oboe. Playing the oboe or dancing the hula may not be your life's purpose, but following the impulse which pulls you most strongly can only lead you in the appropriate direction.
Getting Specific. You can also clarify your possibilities by asking these questions: If I didn't have to work for a living what would I love to do? If I were given $1 million, tax-free, what would be the first thing I'd do with it?
In doing this exercise be careful not to censor yourself. Don't worry if an idea which comes into your mind just seems to ridiculous or too impossible. These are the reactions which helped us to get off-course in the first place. What you write down isn't your final life plan, but--as in the case of your impulses--various attractive possibilities. Next, look at each possibility you've written down and ask yourself what value you will get from it. Do you want that boat because you love sailing and the sea? If so, what feeling does that give you? Do you want to sail around the world because you'd like to learn about other cultures? Why does that interest you? Keep adding to the list. As you study it, in combination with the information you've received from dreams, etc., you will find that you're clarifying both the nature of your gifts and interests, and the commitment you feel to contribute to others.
Another way to get to the latter is to ask yourself a third question, "How would I like to be remembered when I'm gone? Do I want people to say I was brilliant, considerate, generous?" How you would like to be remembered is really how you would like to be right now. Translate this feeling of commitment into a statement of purpose. Remember that no one is grading it; there's no deadline, and you can rewrite and refine it as many times as you want to. You'll know when it's right for you; you'll have a feeling of resonance and attunement. The next step is to align your life so that it's an appropriate vehicle for your purpose.
When Michelangelo was asked how he sculpted his works of art he said that he simply cut away everything which wasn't the statue. This is good advice, but let's go easy on the drastic, sweeping changes. Call on Turtle medicine and remember that slow and steady wins the race. The more surely you integrate your purpose into your being the easier change will be. Remember too, that as you begin to nurture your purpose you will find it growing. You'll discover that it's not the end, but the beginning, not a traveling away from yourself, but your journey home.
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