I feel healthy!
Being at the end of the month, and poor isn't an awfully bad thing after all. For example, I get to cook more often and stay less at home, and more than that, to have more time by myself and do the things I like to do (I used to go out and give myself excuses).
And, so I cooked vege and ABC soup (which is a combination of chicken, tomato, potato and onion) and they taste great! (Just to make myself happy but you could test it the next time you meet me). But it's not just the food I take but my sleeping hours. Since the exams till few days ago, my waking hours were from 2 p.m. till 4 a.m. And this few days I have been adjusting it to 7.30 to about 12.
I guess as hard as I try to be less "holy" (as many people accused) above, it's time to share some of my insights, again. I guess what I've been trying to do was trying to put my life back in order, and also to reallign myself more to Jesus. As you might have already know, I've been encouraged by many to be more consistent in the spiritually disciplines (pause and read a few entries back if you don't). One of the things I did not mention was during Pastor Dave's sermon last week, he shared about the prophet Elijah, who arranged the altar in order before asking God to lightning-strike the ox into flames. In removing the "clogs" in our life, there is a need to identify the problem, put our lives into order, issue the solution and remove the roots etc. And this is what I am trying to do, in addition to praying more.
I have to admit my flesh is weak even though my spirit is willing and I do struggle a lot, especially when my alarm rang at 7 this morning. I actually struggled on the bed for half an hour! But I am happy still, not just because I didn't sleep back but rise at 7.30-something, but also because you would not accused me of being holy! I guess the message that I wanna get into my head and heart is that I am a hopeless sinner and I rely on His grace each day.
Wonder if I could remain consistent, hrmm.. one thing I know- His mercies are new every morning. Praise the Lord.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Thursday, November 23, 2006
The 90/10 Principle (by Stephen Covey)
10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react. What does this mean?
We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be arriving late, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%.
How? By your reaction. You cannot control a red light, but you can control your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react.
Let's use an example.
You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just what happened. What happens when the next will be determined by how you react.You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over.
She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately for work.
You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minute delay and throwing Rs. 200/- traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home, When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter.
Why? Because of how you reacted in the morning. Why did you have a bad day?
A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?
The answer is "D".
You had no control over what happened with the coffee.
How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day. Here is what could have and should have happened.
Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say, "It's ok honey, you just need, to be more careful next time". Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.
Notice the difference?
Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different.
Why? Because of how you REACTED.
You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction.
Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle.
If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You don't have to let the negative comment affect you! React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc.
How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic? Do you lose your temper? Pound on the steering wheel? A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off)
Do you curse? Does your blood pressure skyrocket? Do you try and bump them? WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the cars ruin your drive?
Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it.
You are told you lost your job. Why lose sleep and get irritated? It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job.The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day. Why take out your frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on. Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger.
Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse. Now you know the 90-10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results. You will lose nothing if you try it.
The 90-10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this principle.
The result? Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials, problems and heartache.
We all must understand and apply the 90/10 principle.
We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be arriving late, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%.
How? By your reaction. You cannot control a red light, but you can control your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react.
Let's use an example.
You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just what happened. What happens when the next will be determined by how you react.You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over.
She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately for work.
You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minute delay and throwing Rs. 200/- traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home, When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter.
Why? Because of how you reacted in the morning. Why did you have a bad day?
A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?
The answer is "D".
You had no control over what happened with the coffee.
How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day. Here is what could have and should have happened.
Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say, "It's ok honey, you just need, to be more careful next time". Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.
Notice the difference?
Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different.
Why? Because of how you REACTED.
You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction.
Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle.
If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You don't have to let the negative comment affect you! React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc.
How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic? Do you lose your temper? Pound on the steering wheel? A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off)
Do you curse? Does your blood pressure skyrocket? Do you try and bump them? WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the cars ruin your drive?
Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it.
You are told you lost your job. Why lose sleep and get irritated? It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job.The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day. Why take out your frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on. Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger.
Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse. Now you know the 90-10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results. You will lose nothing if you try it.
The 90-10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this principle.
The result? Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials, problems and heartache.
We all must understand and apply the 90/10 principle.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Dreams
Dreams. Not their biggest fan but I do it anyway once in a while. Usually they are not my daytime thoughts, but rather- they are quite random. There was once I dreamnt meeting this friend of mine, whom I've not met or thought of for a long time. Another time I dreamnt of fighting with the devil himself (sounds scary but it's true). But dream do play a big part of most of our life- that's my point. Most of us do dream, but not in our sleep, we dream that we will be able to do something. Not just a normal something, but SOMETHING BIG... and I believe, rightly so we are created for these something big!
Yet, sadly, many, many people never get to achieve their dreams. These wonderful, beautiful dreams just slipped away... Sometimes it's because we just take them for granted- thinking that there's always tomorrow, other times there's just so many thing getting in our way that we eventually give up. I certainly refuse to be in category (1) or category (2). I'm always telling myself I'm here for something BIG man! Yet many times I fail to keep on with my dream, sometimes I lose focus of my God.
However, this will not be the end, I know. These few days have been a total banging of that amazing grace and power of my Lord in me- First, through the song "The Time has Come" really spoke to me (which you will know why when you see the lyrics below). Secondly, through an inspiring flash from Amy Krouse Rosenthal (you really must have a look at this!) on dreams.
Thirdly, through the scripture, I observe the urgency and the importance and priority that God has caused His people to have in the rebuidling of the temple in the book of Ezra. All these and more keeps coming back, giving me enough evidence to believe that it is really NOW or NEVER to stand up for my God. NOW or NEVER to be passionate about my Jesus (Yes, mine, as many people has told me).
If Adidas can say "Impossible is nothing", then God people should say "We can do all things... through Him who strengthen us". AMEN.
Oh, and as promise, the link for the Amy Rosenthal flash: here and the Hillsong United song lyrics:
Yet, sadly, many, many people never get to achieve their dreams. These wonderful, beautiful dreams just slipped away... Sometimes it's because we just take them for granted- thinking that there's always tomorrow, other times there's just so many thing getting in our way that we eventually give up. I certainly refuse to be in category (1) or category (2). I'm always telling myself I'm here for something BIG man! Yet many times I fail to keep on with my dream, sometimes I lose focus of my God.
However, this will not be the end, I know. These few days have been a total banging of that amazing grace and power of my Lord in me- First, through the song "The Time has Come" really spoke to me (which you will know why when you see the lyrics below). Secondly, through an inspiring flash from Amy Krouse Rosenthal (you really must have a look at this!) on dreams.
Thirdly, through the scripture, I observe the urgency and the importance and priority that God has caused His people to have in the rebuidling of the temple in the book of Ezra. All these and more keeps coming back, giving me enough evidence to believe that it is really NOW or NEVER to stand up for my God. NOW or NEVER to be passionate about my Jesus (Yes, mine, as many people has told me).
If Adidas can say "Impossible is nothing", then God people should say "We can do all things... through Him who strengthen us". AMEN.
Oh, and as promise, the link for the Amy Rosenthal flash: here and the Hillsong United song lyrics:
The Time Has Come
Found love beyond all reason
You gave Your life Your all for me
And called me Yours forever
Caught in the mercy fallout
I found hope found life
Found all I need
You're all I need
The time has come
To stand for all we believe in
So I for one am gonna
Give my praise to You
Today today it's all or nothing
All they way
The praise goes out to You
Yeah all the praise goes out to You
Today today I live for one thing
To give You praise
In everything I do
Yeah all the praise goes out to You
All we are is Yours
And all we're living for
Is all You are
Is all that You are Lord
Monday, November 20, 2006
Predestined
One of the entries in the blog was entitled "Our Destinies to be Heroes" . In that entry, I expressed my view on discovering our destinies. Indeed our Father above, has in each of us, poured out what is necessary to bring out the best in us for making a difference. But more importantly, as I found out as I revisit Paul's letter to the Ephesians, He has poured out "every spiritual blessing in Christ". God has so abundantly and "over-the-boundarily" blessed us (the word here should be "lavish"), He blessed us physically as well as spiritually. This means that He has plans not just our present life, but plans for our life to come. He has predestined us to be sons and daughters of His. He has predestined us to be redeemed from our sins and transgressions. And (as if) almost to our surprise, He has predestined us to be unified and glorified with Christ.
It is a wonder how the Creator has not just created us and kept us, but saved us and actively seeks to have fellowship with us. And this He had done, of course, through our One and Only Saviour and Lord Christ Jesus. Thank You for Your love, my dear Jesus.
And there is more, Paul as he explains in his letter, tells us that he himself not just preach, but pratices what he preaches. He prays for the young disciples in Ephesus- that they might have the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation, and that the eyes of ther hearts might be enlightened, in order that they may "know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparabily great power for us who believe". Rich indeed! How rich indeed we are in Christ Jesus! Of course sometimes, through our "blurness" or "blindness" we don't see this "glorious hope" that Paul talks about. Only through continuous seeking and studying and worshipping. (Leading me back to my previous entry.
And before I leave you pondering, the precise meaning of 'predestined' is "
Established or prearranged unalterably."
Happy discovering His spiritual blessings!
It is a wonder how the Creator has not just created us and kept us, but saved us and actively seeks to have fellowship with us. And this He had done, of course, through our One and Only Saviour and Lord Christ Jesus. Thank You for Your love, my dear Jesus.
And there is more, Paul as he explains in his letter, tells us that he himself not just preach, but pratices what he preaches. He prays for the young disciples in Ephesus- that they might have the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation, and that the eyes of ther hearts might be enlightened, in order that they may "know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparabily great power for us who believe". Rich indeed! How rich indeed we are in Christ Jesus! Of course sometimes, through our "blurness" or "blindness" we don't see this "glorious hope" that Paul talks about. Only through continuous seeking and studying and worshipping. (Leading me back to my previous entry.
And before I leave you pondering, the precise meaning of 'predestined' is "
Established or prearranged unalterably."
Happy discovering His spiritual blessings!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Somethings that people have recommended
- Read 'The Message' Bible (by Eugene Peterson). Quite radical but contemporary and relevant
- Highlight the Bible as I read
- Find the verse "16 Confess your trespasses[a] to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (It's in James 5:16!)
- Implement item 3.
- Do Item 1,2 & 4 everyday!
- Grow in God and fit into His Will and plan.
Regarding Prayer and Bible Reading
I know, I know. Sorry for the slow updating. Even though I have not updated my blog for 42 days (exactly 6 weeks, that is), I should be forgiven- after all it was exam period, right?
No. It's just me being lazy and giving a zillion reasons to log on to blogger.com. It's been that season in my life where I have been extremely slack-ish and taking things for granted. But the good news is I'm up and about, and I'm blogging again, yay (I'm taking the cheesy approach of things).
So as usual, some updates on my spiritual life- actually nothing much, I have to admit, till about a week or so ago. To cut the long story short (and to save some embarassments) God has been lavishly pouring His grace to send people again and again to encourage me to take up the spiritual disciplines seriously. And rightly so, it's just not my "nature" that I'm disciplined reader, more so not a frequent-prayer (No "frequent-flyer" points, hah). But of course, these are just habits that everyone can possess if they are serious in their walk with Christ. Not that I'm not serious, but most of the time, the "flesh is weak".
Undoubtedly, God is faithful to send His faithful servants to come encourage me, nag me, woo me to pray hard, to study the BOOK hard. I remember several months back I also mentioned the alleged lack of motivation that I am suffering, and I do think God does try His best to remind me constantly- but I need to remind myself everyday, that He has a new thing in my life everyday, a new revelation everyday, a new blessing everyday, new mercies every morning.
As I heard from Ps Dave's sermon this morning, God's blessing is like a flowing river, continuously flowing, constantly transforming (you see, God does speak precisely to me).
For the day that is ahead of me, that is ahead of you- I don't know what it will bring, but indeed His love is abundantly available and He will not give up, He will not stand back, He will, as the Hillsong praise goes "Come to our rescue". Not to say that we should be taking for granted His grace and mercy, but God teaches like a patient father.
So it goes that in my struggle to discipline myself in "feasting" spiritually (reading the Word) and breathing spiritually (prayer), I ask that you would pray for me that, indeed, as Paul wrote, that God would give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation- that I may know Him more. Thanks again for His servants Jono and Melissa, and George whom I just met but still proved so encouraging. All your concerns touches me...
(Alright back to prayer and reading!)
No. It's just me being lazy and giving a zillion reasons to log on to blogger.com. It's been that season in my life where I have been extremely slack-ish and taking things for granted. But the good news is I'm up and about, and I'm blogging again, yay (I'm taking the cheesy approach of things).
So as usual, some updates on my spiritual life- actually nothing much, I have to admit, till about a week or so ago. To cut the long story short (and to save some embarassments) God has been lavishly pouring His grace to send people again and again to encourage me to take up the spiritual disciplines seriously. And rightly so, it's just not my "nature" that I'm disciplined reader, more so not a frequent-prayer (No "frequent-flyer" points, hah). But of course, these are just habits that everyone can possess if they are serious in their walk with Christ. Not that I'm not serious, but most of the time, the "flesh is weak".
Undoubtedly, God is faithful to send His faithful servants to come encourage me, nag me, woo me to pray hard, to study the BOOK hard. I remember several months back I also mentioned the alleged lack of motivation that I am suffering, and I do think God does try His best to remind me constantly- but I need to remind myself everyday, that He has a new thing in my life everyday, a new revelation everyday, a new blessing everyday, new mercies every morning.
As I heard from Ps Dave's sermon this morning, God's blessing is like a flowing river, continuously flowing, constantly transforming (you see, God does speak precisely to me).
For the day that is ahead of me, that is ahead of you- I don't know what it will bring, but indeed His love is abundantly available and He will not give up, He will not stand back, He will, as the Hillsong praise goes "Come to our rescue". Not to say that we should be taking for granted His grace and mercy, but God teaches like a patient father.
So it goes that in my struggle to discipline myself in "feasting" spiritually (reading the Word) and breathing spiritually (prayer), I ask that you would pray for me that, indeed, as Paul wrote, that God would give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation- that I may know Him more. Thanks again for His servants Jono and Melissa, and George whom I just met but still proved so encouraging. All your concerns touches me...
(Alright back to prayer and reading!)
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