"Devastated" - the widely used word at this moment.
Financial Crisis hit. Share market dropped. Banks struggles to lend loans, consumers afraid of depositing loans. Consumer confidence plunge. Industries affected due to decreasing opportunities. Sustainability of industries being threatened. Nation faces rising unemployment. Depression rate increases. Government who is already facing a deficit, will plunge further into the deficit position. There is just so much the government can do.
Then, heat wave struck. Nations' health being threatened, the old and young suffer. Overwhelming in flows to hospitals. High consumption of electricity in keeping building cools create a toil on electricity transformers. Overworked transformers break down, causing blackouts. Offices and households faced millions of losses. Production cut. Projects went into a standstill. Agricultural products are burnt, livelihood of farmers threatened. Nation's main depended river drying up, water supply lessen. What can the people do.
One day, we could have a job, a house, family and friends. A bush fire, swept across the land at 100 km/h from North. Nothing was left. What we used to hold on dearly, which we built our lives upon, was swept within seconds. They are gone.
This natural disaster has no mercy. It strikes the rich and poor, young and old, male and female. It strip us from all pride, and expose our vulnerability. Regardless of how wealthy, famous, influential one could be, when a disaster hit, he is nothing but a human fighting for his own live to survive.
It reveals how temporary worldly things are. Things could fail us. But the Word of God stands forever.
For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever."
1 Peter 1:24-15
The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:17
Be strong and Courageous. God's promises and faithfulness never fails.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
More than just One
A general trend does not dictate a rule. The general trend would seem more appreciated by others and attractive due to it's popularity. However, it does not assume that a general trend is the best and most efficient way. There are more Flexible ways out there than one Hard and Fast rule. It boils down to what suits you best.
Indicipline Justified
In a relaxing, peaceful environment, a combination of a hot coffee, music and ideas, not being conscious about time and matter or responsibilities. I'm in that state now.
Sometimes, it's great to be pampered with things we enjoy. Sometimes, we think we may not afford to do so, because time does not permit or due to other commitments, but how much can it hurt if it only happens once in a while?
I might be justifying my indiscipline action. However, it is true that we need time to draw away from things to Reflect, Give Thanks, Praise God. After all, no matter how much we toil, how far can we go without God on our side. Even if we did ended up far enough, what is the purpose of that achievement? Achievement for ourselves is never going to satisfy us. But, for God, it's worth it.
At the same time, we should also not fall into the trap to claim to be doing something to glorify God, when the ugly truth is that it's because we do for personal interests.
We need to constantly look into our heart and truthfully evaluate our motives.
God understands. He loves, He gives us what He thinks is best. His interest in us is specially catered for each individuals. His ways are greater than our ways.
Sometimes, it's great to be pampered with things we enjoy. Sometimes, we think we may not afford to do so, because time does not permit or due to other commitments, but how much can it hurt if it only happens once in a while?
I might be justifying my indiscipline action. However, it is true that we need time to draw away from things to Reflect, Give Thanks, Praise God. After all, no matter how much we toil, how far can we go without God on our side. Even if we did ended up far enough, what is the purpose of that achievement? Achievement for ourselves is never going to satisfy us. But, for God, it's worth it.
At the same time, we should also not fall into the trap to claim to be doing something to glorify God, when the ugly truth is that it's because we do for personal interests.
We need to constantly look into our heart and truthfully evaluate our motives.
God understands. He loves, He gives us what He thinks is best. His interest in us is specially catered for each individuals. His ways are greater than our ways.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Celebrity wins Substance. Beauty wins Brainpower.
This is a comment in The Australian Weekender, suggesting that this is the case of the youths in Australia.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Professionalism
Professionalism does not need to relate with being clinical, cold and distant. However it deals with the background and ability of the person. Professionalism involves the ability to be control over emotion.
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Thinking skills and knowledge could not be taken away from a person. Searching for knowledge is essential, and could never be undermined.
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Precious are new and novel ideas, ideas which are not tempered and not influenced, but freshly formed in one's mind. In which we can temper on the innocent fresh minds of the graduates.
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Thinking skills and knowledge could not be taken away from a person. Searching for knowledge is essential, and could never be undermined.
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Precious are new and novel ideas, ideas which are not tempered and not influenced, but freshly formed in one's mind. In which we can temper on the innocent fresh minds of the graduates.
Risk taking and complacency
Risk taking. If there is no risk taker, there will not be extraordinary results. Slow improvement, stunted growth are the end results.
Stepping out of comfort zone and embracing changes requires discipline and perseverance. Regardless of its difficulties, having faith and aiming to bring glory to God, plus love of challenges and satisfaction from achievement are means of motivation.
It is easy to fall into the trap of being complacent, and not seeking for improvement. It's easy to compare and feel miserable, and feeling depressed that others are have the abilities and tendencies to attract good opportunities. But, do we realize that more often than not, opportunities are created, they are not gifts sent to our doors.
Undeniably, being aware of what needs to be done, and actually putting thoughts into actions take more effort than it seem. Not having encouragement and support from others do not help.
But, consider, is the thrill of getting extraordinary results worth the effort.
Yes, it is thrilling to gain high achievements, to be confident, to gain approval, to be useful, and gain satisfaction in life. Humans work hard to get job promotion, learn value adding skills, persevere in many ways, denying their own laziness to push themselves beyond their comfort zone, and be the best that they can be. it's a great joy to exceed what we think we could do, it's even better when God's in the picture.
No, the thrill is not worth the effort and time. Gaining high achievement relates to giving up some other things in life. What about spending time nurturing spirituality, hobbies, friendships, relationships. Is life all about obtaining what the world perceives as high achievements? What if some others perceive other aspects as high achievements, which is the nurturing the inner self. We could not limit the scope of achievements to only what could be seen, but also that which could not be seen.
The bottom line, yes stepping out of comfort zone is great, being extreme is bad.
Master the key of reaching the equilibrium.
Stepping out of comfort zone and embracing changes requires discipline and perseverance. Regardless of its difficulties, having faith and aiming to bring glory to God, plus love of challenges and satisfaction from achievement are means of motivation.
It is easy to fall into the trap of being complacent, and not seeking for improvement. It's easy to compare and feel miserable, and feeling depressed that others are have the abilities and tendencies to attract good opportunities. But, do we realize that more often than not, opportunities are created, they are not gifts sent to our doors.
Undeniably, being aware of what needs to be done, and actually putting thoughts into actions take more effort than it seem. Not having encouragement and support from others do not help.
But, consider, is the thrill of getting extraordinary results worth the effort.
Yes, it is thrilling to gain high achievements, to be confident, to gain approval, to be useful, and gain satisfaction in life. Humans work hard to get job promotion, learn value adding skills, persevere in many ways, denying their own laziness to push themselves beyond their comfort zone, and be the best that they can be. it's a great joy to exceed what we think we could do, it's even better when God's in the picture.
No, the thrill is not worth the effort and time. Gaining high achievement relates to giving up some other things in life. What about spending time nurturing spirituality, hobbies, friendships, relationships. Is life all about obtaining what the world perceives as high achievements? What if some others perceive other aspects as high achievements, which is the nurturing the inner self. We could not limit the scope of achievements to only what could be seen, but also that which could not be seen.
The bottom line, yes stepping out of comfort zone is great, being extreme is bad.
Master the key of reaching the equilibrium.
NDE
Near Death experiences (NDE) are so comon, so vivid and so life-transforming- survivors frequently become more compassionate, religious and serene as a result of what they experience.
- Bryan Appleyard
Why do we need to go through that, why do we need to feel that we almost lost our lives that humans change to open their eyes to realize many things which were not noticed before. To be simpler, gentler, nicer, and more appreciative.
It is difficult to be appreciative when everything is going smoothly. That's the fact.
- Bryan Appleyard
Why do we need to go through that, why do we need to feel that we almost lost our lives that humans change to open their eyes to realize many things which were not noticed before. To be simpler, gentler, nicer, and more appreciative.
It is difficult to be appreciative when everything is going smoothly. That's the fact.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
God is so good
God is so Good,
God is so Good,
God is so Good,
He's so Good to me.
Intermission from being a student to a working lady, I find myself having more time, especially in the evenings. I could now watch the news, watch movies, read books, go to the library, hang out with friends at nights and weekends.
On weekends, I could get some exercise, shop and run errands on Saturdays. Happily start of another beautiful week with spending the Lord's Day at church, visitation, and simply hanging out with friends.
Christmas is coming! Christmas shopping! Reuniting with parents and brother, a trip to Gold Coast, and a wonderful and relaxing time in Adelaide. What more can I ask?!
Carols by the Creek is on this Sunday night, I'm indeed looking forward for this exciting month because of the coziness, family gatherings, gifts exchanging, carols, dinners, countdowns, the closing of a year.
How great is God, He has blessed us abundantly throughout the year.
God is so Good,
God is so Good,
He's so Good to me.
Intermission from being a student to a working lady, I find myself having more time, especially in the evenings. I could now watch the news, watch movies, read books, go to the library, hang out with friends at nights and weekends.
On weekends, I could get some exercise, shop and run errands on Saturdays. Happily start of another beautiful week with spending the Lord's Day at church, visitation, and simply hanging out with friends.
Christmas is coming! Christmas shopping! Reuniting with parents and brother, a trip to Gold Coast, and a wonderful and relaxing time in Adelaide. What more can I ask?!
Carols by the Creek is on this Sunday night, I'm indeed looking forward for this exciting month because of the coziness, family gatherings, gifts exchanging, carols, dinners, countdowns, the closing of a year.
How great is God, He has blessed us abundantly throughout the year.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Professions
As we grow up, more of our acquaintances are stepping into their respective fields. Those adults whom we looked up to, who seemed like those working professionals, God willingly, our turn has come.
Friends whom we once teased,joked and played stupid tricks on, are no longer the playful young children.
Those who are interested in Fashion and Beauty turns themselves into all year round best-dressed.
Those in Architecture, are holding their high tech camera, capturing beautiful, uniquely designed structures, dreaming to be admired of their creativity one day.
Those in Engineering, went through their work experience and have a taste of real working life of building and making things work using particles and forces.
Those in Linguistic are intoxicated by the joy of exploring different methods and usage of languages.
Those in Anthropology applies their knowledge about social science and unraveling the mysterious ways of humans nature.
Those in Dietitian apply their knowledge in their daily life while giving free advice to people around.
Those in Mathematics, spoil themselves with formulas by cracking their brains to look for solutions, hoping that they strike a precious discovery.
Those in Medicine deals with health issues and understand the true meaning of human vulnerability.
Those in Trades see the practicality of fixing things which many thought being too troublesome.
And many more professions.
Those in the financial sector, would realize that The Australian Business News, The Australian Financial Review, The The Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, The Forbes has gradually become their new good friends. Every rise and fall of the commodities, foreign exchange currencies, and performance of various industries became a daily topic over breakfast.
Financial Analysts are making intelligent guesses over their investments decisions. The assumptions made are unrealistic and some impractical. The financial models created could be feasible, could be not. The wild estimate could be right, could be wrong. Just one leak of new information into the market, the model could be thrown upside down.
Yet, it is amazing to see professionals who are deeply engrossed in their fields, searching for answers with undying enthusiasm, and that itself instills the excitement in students.
Friends whom we once teased,joked and played stupid tricks on, are no longer the playful young children.
Those who are interested in Fashion and Beauty turns themselves into all year round best-dressed.
Those in Architecture, are holding their high tech camera, capturing beautiful, uniquely designed structures, dreaming to be admired of their creativity one day.
Those in Engineering, went through their work experience and have a taste of real working life of building and making things work using particles and forces.
Those in Linguistic are intoxicated by the joy of exploring different methods and usage of languages.
Those in Anthropology applies their knowledge about social science and unraveling the mysterious ways of humans nature.
Those in Dietitian apply their knowledge in their daily life while giving free advice to people around.
Those in Mathematics, spoil themselves with formulas by cracking their brains to look for solutions, hoping that they strike a precious discovery.
Those in Medicine deals with health issues and understand the true meaning of human vulnerability.
Those in Trades see the practicality of fixing things which many thought being too troublesome.
And many more professions.
Those in the financial sector, would realize that The Australian Business News, The Australian Financial Review, The The Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, The Forbes has gradually become their new good friends. Every rise and fall of the commodities, foreign exchange currencies, and performance of various industries became a daily topic over breakfast.
Financial Analysts are making intelligent guesses over their investments decisions. The assumptions made are unrealistic and some impractical. The financial models created could be feasible, could be not. The wild estimate could be right, could be wrong. Just one leak of new information into the market, the model could be thrown upside down.
Yet, it is amazing to see professionals who are deeply engrossed in their fields, searching for answers with undying enthusiasm, and that itself instills the excitement in students.
Monday, September 08, 2008
A teenager's view of heaven
I got this from an email sent to me. Touching, mind boggling and full of truths.
A TEENAGER'S VIEW OF HEAVEN
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was 'What Heaven was like. ' I wowed 'em,' he later told his father, Bruce. 'It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote..' It also was the last.
Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.
The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. 'I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it,' Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. 'I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.'
Brian's Essay: The Room...
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have betrayed.' The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird 'Books I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed at .' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've yelled at my brothers.' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.
I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!' In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it.. The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With.' The handle was brighter than those around it,seemed newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.
He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'-Phil. 4:13 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.' If you feel the same way forward it so the love of Jesus will touch their lives also my 'People I shared the gospel with' file just got bigger, how about yours?
A TEENAGER'S VIEW OF HEAVEN
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was 'What Heaven was like. ' I wowed 'em,' he later told his father, Bruce. 'It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote..' It also was the last.
Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.
The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. 'I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it,' Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. 'I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.'
Brian's Essay: The Room...
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have betrayed.' The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird 'Books I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed at .' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've yelled at my brothers.' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.
I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!' In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it.. The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With.' The handle was brighter than those around it,seemed newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.
He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'-Phil. 4:13 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.' If you feel the same way forward it so the love of Jesus will touch their lives also my 'People I shared the gospel with' file just got bigger, how about yours?
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