Paul captured the same idea in the universal law of sowing and reaping. He said, " Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." [Galatians 6 : 7]
Our choices often have a reach and impact that we could never imagine. Thus the apostle's words remind us to choose wisely. The choices we make today produce the consequences we reap tomorrow. Its far better to avoid sin in the first place than to struggle to overcome its consequences.
God's prophet Hosea preached this principle to the people of Israel. They had sown seeds of wickedness and trusted in their own way instead of God's. Now they were eating the bitter fruit of lies, especially the lie that their safety and success came from their own military strength Hosea 10 : 13. Hosea pleaded with Israel to go God's way - to break up the sin hardened soil of their hearts and to seek the Lord (Hosea 10 : 12) if they would sow seeds of righteous, they would reap the Lord's mercy and He would rain blessing on them.
We can't expect to experience the fruit of God's blessing if we don't recognize the important of doing our part.
My son when through a time of disappointment and was spiritually down. We, as parents tried to counsel him and encouraged him to share his heart out but he was not able to. As days passed, he became more closed up and was not able to eat or sleep well. He began to have negative thoughts. We tried to talk to him and counsel him, but was not able. We were so loss, despite counselling many non believers and friends, we as parents are not able to counsel our own son. We prayed and surrendered him to the Lord.
After two days, God sent a couple to talk and counsel him. We were so relieved and blessed as God once again reminded us that He Cared and Loved each and eveyone of His children. Even though, he is not back to his normal self yet, we trust and believed that my son will be stronger and wiser after this trials and the Lord will used him more for His Glory in the future.
Thank God for sending the brother and sister in time of need to counsel and share a listening ears. Even as we sow our time for others in their needs, others will also sow their time for us in time of our needs.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
DADDY, YOU ARE MY HERO
Father, You're The Best, My Delight
Father, You're Sweet
Sweeter Than Honey On The Rocks
Father, You're The Light In The Night
Father, You're My Strength, And My Forever Friend
Abba Father, You're My Hero
You're There When I Need You
You Sent The Greatest Gift Of Love
Into My Life
Father, You're The Best, And You're Mine
Father, You're So Sweet
Sweeter Than Anyone I've Met
Daddy, You're The Song In The Night
Father, You're My Strength, And My Forever Friend
Daddy, Daddy, You're My Hero
You're There, When I Need You
You're The Greatest Gift
I've Received In My Life
[a song written & sung by Pas. KB Chan]
Fathers play a vital role in the family. They are often viewed as the cornerstone of the family. They are not only the breadwinner but also the nurturer who has significant influence on his children's growth and development. A hands-on father is also a productive worker who sets a positive example for his family.
It is found that parents with high self-esteem tend to show more love and acceptance of their children. When children are encouraged rather than criticised or punished, they will be more successful in their learning.
Dr Thomas Lickona in his book, Raising Good Children, pointed out that it is important for a child to develop a sense of identity within his family. He said that teenagers continue to need adults in their lives and the family plays an important role in keeping them morally rooted and knowing who they are.
Fathers are often viewed as the cornerstone of the family. So to all fathers out there : You are essential to your child's life. You are the beacon that guides them as they journey on.
[Partly extracted from 'Childwise' StarTwo dated 17 June 2009]
HAPPY FATHER 'S DAY !
Ephesians 6 : 4 - Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Father, You're Sweet
Sweeter Than Honey On The Rocks
Father, You're The Light In The Night
Father, You're My Strength, And My Forever Friend
Abba Father, You're My Hero
You're There When I Need You
You Sent The Greatest Gift Of Love
Into My Life
Father, You're The Best, And You're Mine
Father, You're So Sweet
Sweeter Than Anyone I've Met
Daddy, You're The Song In The Night
Father, You're My Strength, And My Forever Friend
Daddy, Daddy, You're My Hero
You're There, When I Need You
You're The Greatest Gift
I've Received In My Life
[a song written & sung by Pas. KB Chan]
Fathers play a vital role in the family. They are often viewed as the cornerstone of the family. They are not only the breadwinner but also the nurturer who has significant influence on his children's growth and development. A hands-on father is also a productive worker who sets a positive example for his family.
It is found that parents with high self-esteem tend to show more love and acceptance of their children. When children are encouraged rather than criticised or punished, they will be more successful in their learning.
Dr Thomas Lickona in his book, Raising Good Children, pointed out that it is important for a child to develop a sense of identity within his family. He said that teenagers continue to need adults in their lives and the family plays an important role in keeping them morally rooted and knowing who they are.
Fathers are often viewed as the cornerstone of the family. So to all fathers out there : You are essential to your child's life. You are the beacon that guides them as they journey on.
[Partly extracted from 'Childwise' StarTwo dated 17 June 2009]
HAPPY FATHER 'S DAY !
Ephesians 6 : 4 - Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Sleep is not optional
'Sleep is not optional - it is absolutely critical to people's health,' said Dr David White, the chief medical officer at Philips Home Healthcare Solutions. The consequences of not sleeping enough are well documented.
He does not mince his words when he says that people simply need to take sleep much more seriously.
'People lose sleep either because they cannot sleep (insomnia) or because they are not setting aside enough time for sleep - both of which can happen because of work-related stress in the current economic environment."
People who do not get enough sleep can gain weight, are prone to diabetes, high blood pressure and even heart attacks. We are facing a serious healthcare problem if we do not take sleep more seriously."
Dr Milton Lum, a member of the board of Medical Defence Malaysia' recorded that studies of individuals deprived of sleep for more than 24 hours have shown that there is a decrease in the brain's metabolic activity by up to 6% for the whole brain and 11% for specific areas in the brain.
Short term sleep deprivation has been reported to contribute to obesity and poor control of type II diabetes. Long term sleep deprivation decreases the quality of life and leads to increased morbidity and mortality.
When we talk about healthy sleep, it means getting an adequate amount of quality sleep. This means going through a complete process of sleep cycles throughout the night.
Rest is to prepare our body for the day ahead. If you think that way, you will be less stressed out
The Philips study, however, is focused on the workplace. Conducted in five countries around the globe, it showed that 40% of those questioned blamed the state of the world economy as the major reason for their lack of sleep. The survey was undertaken in March and covered 2,500 managers - equally split across Britian, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands and the United States - using an online poll. The Americans worry the most and the Dutch the least.
Matthews 6 : 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ?
So.. "Do you rest for the day's work or do you rest after a hard day's work ?
Psalm 4 : 8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Extracted from Monday Starters dated 25May2009 - Star Biz.
He does not mince his words when he says that people simply need to take sleep much more seriously.
'People lose sleep either because they cannot sleep (insomnia) or because they are not setting aside enough time for sleep - both of which can happen because of work-related stress in the current economic environment."
People who do not get enough sleep can gain weight, are prone to diabetes, high blood pressure and even heart attacks. We are facing a serious healthcare problem if we do not take sleep more seriously."
Dr Milton Lum, a member of the board of Medical Defence Malaysia' recorded that studies of individuals deprived of sleep for more than 24 hours have shown that there is a decrease in the brain's metabolic activity by up to 6% for the whole brain and 11% for specific areas in the brain.
Short term sleep deprivation has been reported to contribute to obesity and poor control of type II diabetes. Long term sleep deprivation decreases the quality of life and leads to increased morbidity and mortality.
When we talk about healthy sleep, it means getting an adequate amount of quality sleep. This means going through a complete process of sleep cycles throughout the night.
Rest is to prepare our body for the day ahead. If you think that way, you will be less stressed out
The Philips study, however, is focused on the workplace. Conducted in five countries around the globe, it showed that 40% of those questioned blamed the state of the world economy as the major reason for their lack of sleep. The survey was undertaken in March and covered 2,500 managers - equally split across Britian, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands and the United States - using an online poll. The Americans worry the most and the Dutch the least.
Matthews 6 : 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ?
So.. "Do you rest for the day's work or do you rest after a hard day's work ?
Psalm 4 : 8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Extracted from Monday Starters dated 25May2009 - Star Biz.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Live-in love
It is not uncommon for young couples to co-habit before marriage, especially in big cities where people are less likely to frown upon them or pass judgment. However, muslim couples who live together risk being hauled up by the religious authorities if they are found out.
Living together before marriage works for some couples who see it as a way to gauging their compatibility and testing their relationship. For some, it is another step in the courtship ritual after the 'dating' stage of a relationship, a stepping stone to marriage.
Although living together helped prepare couples for marriage, not all live-in relationships end up in tying the knot.
Living together out of wedlock is not all that acceptable in our society. Whether it's because of religious convictions, or the notion that a girl is compromised once she has 'lived in sin' with a man, co-habitating before marriage is generally frowned upon here.
People with strong faith will make the decision to get married before moving in, therefore making the marriage stronger. Most online articles on the subject cite research findings indicating that couples who live together are more likely to break up, and that their marriage will more likely end in divorce.
[Stories from StarTwo - Youth dated 3 June 2009. ]
Marriage is the union of a man and a woman. It is a special relationship belonging to each other for life. We are to be a good couple and NOT a perfect couple.
The four essential qualities needed are LOVE, TIME, SELF-TRUST and COMMUNICATION.
Learning to adjust and compromise is an art of happy living because almost every moment we are faced with situations that require a give and take approach. It is not a question of whether we like it or not but such conditions are bound to occur due to the complex and fast lifestyle most of us are involved with daily.
Adjusting and compromising is NOT a sign of weakness but it reflects on the individual's WISDOM, MATURITY and UNDERSTANDING of being able to see what other's can't.
Removing ego and showing respect for each other is another crucial aspect to the success of a relationship. Effective and frequent two-way communication whether verbal or written allows each other brings spark to a relationship and bonding.
Investing quality time regularly in a relationship is imperative as this exercise allows each other to discover themselves deeper. For a better relationship TRUST must be allow to bridge each other future.
Lastly let laughter be the invisible glue in a relationship.
Ephesians 4 : 25 - 32 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin." Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Living together before marriage works for some couples who see it as a way to gauging their compatibility and testing their relationship. For some, it is another step in the courtship ritual after the 'dating' stage of a relationship, a stepping stone to marriage.
Although living together helped prepare couples for marriage, not all live-in relationships end up in tying the knot.
Living together out of wedlock is not all that acceptable in our society. Whether it's because of religious convictions, or the notion that a girl is compromised once she has 'lived in sin' with a man, co-habitating before marriage is generally frowned upon here.
People with strong faith will make the decision to get married before moving in, therefore making the marriage stronger. Most online articles on the subject cite research findings indicating that couples who live together are more likely to break up, and that their marriage will more likely end in divorce.
[Stories from StarTwo - Youth dated 3 June 2009. ]
Marriage is the union of a man and a woman. It is a special relationship belonging to each other for life. We are to be a good couple and NOT a perfect couple.
The four essential qualities needed are LOVE, TIME, SELF-TRUST and COMMUNICATION.
Learning to adjust and compromise is an art of happy living because almost every moment we are faced with situations that require a give and take approach. It is not a question of whether we like it or not but such conditions are bound to occur due to the complex and fast lifestyle most of us are involved with daily.
Adjusting and compromising is NOT a sign of weakness but it reflects on the individual's WISDOM, MATURITY and UNDERSTANDING of being able to see what other's can't.
Removing ego and showing respect for each other is another crucial aspect to the success of a relationship. Effective and frequent two-way communication whether verbal or written allows each other brings spark to a relationship and bonding.
Investing quality time regularly in a relationship is imperative as this exercise allows each other to discover themselves deeper. For a better relationship TRUST must be allow to bridge each other future.
Lastly let laughter be the invisible glue in a relationship.
Ephesians 4 : 25 - 32 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin." Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
PSALM book saved a pastor
An Argentine evangelical pastor was born again when a psalm book he was holding deflected a bullet fired at close range, officials in the western province of Mendoza, Buenos Aires, Argentina said on Thursday.
Mauricio Zanes Condori, 38 was trying to talk two thieves out of robbing his church, located in the town of Rodeo del Medio, some 1,000 km west of Buenos Aires. One of the thieves aimed his handgun at Zanes Condori's chest and fired from a distance of 2m away from the pastor. The bullet however hit the psalm book that Zanes Condori was holding to his chest and caused little damage. A medic who arrived at the scene said that the book slowed down the bullet and deflected its trajectory, only scratching Zanes Condori's chest.
Psalm 23 : 4 said Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 91 : 9 - 10 If you make the Most High your dwelling — even the LORD, who is my refuge - then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
Extract from The Star newspaper dated 30 May 2009.
Monday, March 23, 2009
PRAYER & FASTING
The church started it 21-Day Fast today 23 March 2009. Once again we [together with my wife] will be observing the 'Daniel fast' for this period.
Fasting is the voluntary denial of our meals with the purpose of seeking God. The fast helps us to focus on the Lord Jesus, instead of on our daily demands that grab our attention.
Fasting is a spiritual discipline, taught both in the Old and New Testatament. Jesus said in Matthew 6 : 16 "when you fast" and not " If you fast ", teaches us that fasting is part of our spiritual devotion. Jesus Himself fasted (Luke 4 : 1-2)
3 reasons why we fast and pray :
a) It brings a greater intimacy with Jesus and a deeper enthusiasm to live for Him.
b) It reveals our true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance and a transformed
life.
c) It helps us to discipline our human cravings and desires in life.
4 benefits of prayer and fasting :
a) It sensitizes our spiritual faculties to obey what God is doing in our life.
b) It increases our faith as the Holy Spirit quickens God's Word in our heart.
c) It delivers us from every form of bondages and transforms us to be more like Chriist.
d) It empowers us to serve Him as we humble ourselves to be use for His glory.
You are free to fast however the Holy Spirit leads you, and as your heart so desires for Him.
Total Fast
A fast of three days without food and water. It must be done not more than three consecutive days and with the advice of your doctor.
Partial Fast
Abstinence from food but with water. The time frame is of individual's commitment before the Lord. It can be 12 hours, from 7 am to 7 pm or a shorter period from 8 am to 6 pm, breaking for dinner. The number of days is also up to the individual's desires before the Lord.
Selective Fast
Abstinence from meat and other delicacies, and take only a small portion of vegetables and fruits. Some take various kinds of fluids, such as soya bean, broth or fruit juices for long extended fast, like Daniel.
One Meal Fast
It is a sacrifice of one full meal a day like lunch or dinner.
Besides fasting from food, fast from things that distract such as TV, movies, Internet, computer games; including careless words.
According to ELMER L. TOWNS in his book FASTING FOR SPIRITUAL BREAK THROUGH there are at least nine types of fast in the bible.
1. The Disciple's Fast
Purpose : "To loose the bands of wickedness" (Isa. 58:6) - freeing ourselves and others from addictions to sin.
2. The Ezra Fast
Purpose : To "undo the heavy burdens" (Isa. 58:6) - to solve problems, inviting the Holy Spirit's aid in lifting loads and overcoming barriers that keep ourselves and our loved ones from walking joyfully with the Lord.
3. The Samuel Fast
Purpose : "To let the oppressed (physically and spiritually) go free" (Isa. 58:6) - for revival and soul winning, to identify with people everywhere enslaved literally or by sin and to pray to be used of God to bring people out of the kingdom of darkness and into God's marvelous light.
4. The Elijah Fast
Purpose : "To break every yoke" (Isa. 58:6) - conquering the mental and emotional problems that would control our lives, and returning the control to the Lord.
5. The Widow's Fast
Purpose : "To share [our] bread with the hungry" and to care for the poor (Isa. 58:7) - to meet the humanitarian needs of others.
6. The Saint Paul Fast
Purpose : To allow God's "light [to] break forth like the morning" (Isa. 58:8) bringing clearer perspective and insight as we make crucial decisions.
7. The Daniel Fast
Purpose : So "thine health shall spring forth" (Isa. 58:8) - to gain a healthier life or for healing.
8. The John the Baptist Fast
Purpose : That "your righteousness shall go before you" (Isa.58:8) - that our testimonies and influence for Jesus will be enhanced before others.
9. The Esther Fast
Purpose : That "the glory of the Lord" will protect us from the evil one (Isa. 58:8)
HAPPY FASTING AND DO NOT FORGET TO PRAY WHENEVER YOU HAVE THE FREE TIME WHILE FASTING.
Fasting is the voluntary denial of our meals with the purpose of seeking God. The fast helps us to focus on the Lord Jesus, instead of on our daily demands that grab our attention.
Fasting is a spiritual discipline, taught both in the Old and New Testatament. Jesus said in Matthew 6 : 16 "when you fast" and not " If you fast ", teaches us that fasting is part of our spiritual devotion. Jesus Himself fasted (Luke 4 : 1-2)
3 reasons why we fast and pray :
a) It brings a greater intimacy with Jesus and a deeper enthusiasm to live for Him.
b) It reveals our true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance and a transformed
life.
c) It helps us to discipline our human cravings and desires in life.
4 benefits of prayer and fasting :
a) It sensitizes our spiritual faculties to obey what God is doing in our life.
b) It increases our faith as the Holy Spirit quickens God's Word in our heart.
c) It delivers us from every form of bondages and transforms us to be more like Chriist.
d) It empowers us to serve Him as we humble ourselves to be use for His glory.
You are free to fast however the Holy Spirit leads you, and as your heart so desires for Him.
Total Fast
A fast of three days without food and water. It must be done not more than three consecutive days and with the advice of your doctor.
Partial Fast
Abstinence from food but with water. The time frame is of individual's commitment before the Lord. It can be 12 hours, from 7 am to 7 pm or a shorter period from 8 am to 6 pm, breaking for dinner. The number of days is also up to the individual's desires before the Lord.
Selective Fast
Abstinence from meat and other delicacies, and take only a small portion of vegetables and fruits. Some take various kinds of fluids, such as soya bean, broth or fruit juices for long extended fast, like Daniel.
One Meal Fast
It is a sacrifice of one full meal a day like lunch or dinner.
Besides fasting from food, fast from things that distract such as TV, movies, Internet, computer games; including careless words.
According to ELMER L. TOWNS in his book FASTING FOR SPIRITUAL BREAK THROUGH there are at least nine types of fast in the bible.
1. The Disciple's Fast
Purpose : "To loose the bands of wickedness" (Isa. 58:6) - freeing ourselves and others from addictions to sin.
2. The Ezra Fast
Purpose : To "undo the heavy burdens" (Isa. 58:6) - to solve problems, inviting the Holy Spirit's aid in lifting loads and overcoming barriers that keep ourselves and our loved ones from walking joyfully with the Lord.
3. The Samuel Fast
Purpose : "To let the oppressed (physically and spiritually) go free" (Isa. 58:6) - for revival and soul winning, to identify with people everywhere enslaved literally or by sin and to pray to be used of God to bring people out of the kingdom of darkness and into God's marvelous light.
4. The Elijah Fast
Purpose : "To break every yoke" (Isa. 58:6) - conquering the mental and emotional problems that would control our lives, and returning the control to the Lord.
5. The Widow's Fast
Purpose : "To share [our] bread with the hungry" and to care for the poor (Isa. 58:7) - to meet the humanitarian needs of others.
6. The Saint Paul Fast
Purpose : To allow God's "light [to] break forth like the morning" (Isa. 58:8) bringing clearer perspective and insight as we make crucial decisions.
7. The Daniel Fast
Purpose : So "thine health shall spring forth" (Isa. 58:8) - to gain a healthier life or for healing.
8. The John the Baptist Fast
Purpose : That "your righteousness shall go before you" (Isa.58:8) - that our testimonies and influence for Jesus will be enhanced before others.
9. The Esther Fast
Purpose : That "the glory of the Lord" will protect us from the evil one (Isa. 58:8)
HAPPY FASTING AND DO NOT FORGET TO PRAY WHENEVER YOU HAVE THE FREE TIME WHILE FASTING.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Into another stage of life
Last few days were anxious moments for most students after studying and preparing for their examinations like SPM and STPM.
The STPM and SPM results came out on the 10th and 12th of March respectively. Some scored straights A's while others were not so 'lucky'. Some shout for joy while others shout in exasperation. Some cried tears of joy, some cried tears of disappointment.
Well my daughter also went to collect her result after many months of preparation and studying. When we reached the school at 10-00 am, there were already a group of students crowding in front of the alloted classroom. A few teachers approached us and started congratulating us for the good results that my daughter obtained. When my daughter collected her results slip, she was very happy as the Lord had granted the desire of her heart - straight As for all the 10 subjects. ALL GLORY TO THE LORD !
Just as the Psalmist David says, "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart" Psalm 37 : 4
The STPM and SPM results came out on the 10th and 12th of March respectively. Some scored straights A's while others were not so 'lucky'. Some shout for joy while others shout in exasperation. Some cried tears of joy, some cried tears of disappointment.
Well my daughter also went to collect her result after many months of preparation and studying. When we reached the school at 10-00 am, there were already a group of students crowding in front of the alloted classroom. A few teachers approached us and started congratulating us for the good results that my daughter obtained. When my daughter collected her results slip, she was very happy as the Lord had granted the desire of her heart - straight As for all the 10 subjects. ALL GLORY TO THE LORD !
Just as the Psalmist David says, "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart" Psalm 37 : 4
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Everyone receives but not everyone gives
There is good in this world - indeed, there is good. And there is kindness, wisdom and generosity to go with it. When you lump all these God-given virtues together, you get philanthropy - in a nutshell.
Last year, investment guru Warren Buffet pledged more than US$30 billion [RM111 billion] to five foundation starting in the year 2009. The exact percentage of what he will give away is 85% of his Berkshire Hathaway stocks. Whilst the amount is unprecedented in the history of philanthropy anywhere in the world, it is his philosophy about giving that is admirable. Nothing to do with money being a root of all evil but everything to do with it being the route to do good.
Buffet echoes the legendary Andrew Carnegie (1835 - 1919), the late steel magnate who was also a famous philanthropist, that money which comes from society should be returned to society. This brings to mind a quote from J. Herman Blake : Philanthropy is not a matter of the rich helping a non-rich; it's the community extending itself out to the community.
Thus we are talking beyond building orphanages, shelters and food aid for the poor. It's sharing one's wealth with the masses.
Sharing as opposed to hoarding - something we all can and should unlearn in today's materialistic world. It is really up to us to prioritise that which we want to share and the extent of it. It could be money, time or our knowledge and skills with people who need them. Again not necessarily only with the poor.
Luke Chapter 6 verse 38 -- Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
This articles is taken from "Teatime Reflections" by Lauren Lim
Last year, investment guru Warren Buffet pledged more than US$30 billion [RM111 billion] to five foundation starting in the year 2009. The exact percentage of what he will give away is 85% of his Berkshire Hathaway stocks. Whilst the amount is unprecedented in the history of philanthropy anywhere in the world, it is his philosophy about giving that is admirable. Nothing to do with money being a root of all evil but everything to do with it being the route to do good.
Buffet echoes the legendary Andrew Carnegie (1835 - 1919), the late steel magnate who was also a famous philanthropist, that money which comes from society should be returned to society. This brings to mind a quote from J. Herman Blake : Philanthropy is not a matter of the rich helping a non-rich; it's the community extending itself out to the community.
Thus we are talking beyond building orphanages, shelters and food aid for the poor. It's sharing one's wealth with the masses.
Sharing as opposed to hoarding - something we all can and should unlearn in today's materialistic world. It is really up to us to prioritise that which we want to share and the extent of it. It could be money, time or our knowledge and skills with people who need them. Again not necessarily only with the poor.
Luke Chapter 6 verse 38 -- Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
This articles is taken from "Teatime Reflections" by Lauren Lim
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Love is in the air
Love is in the air, but Valentine's Day should not be the only time to express love for your partner or loved ones, rather it should serve as a reminder to devote time and energy to your relationship everyday.
A song made famous in 1975 by the Wynners group express love as ...
L-O-V-E, love...
La La La ... love...
I will not give you riches
Riches are not my wishes
I'll give you the vow of my life
L-O-V-E Love La...
L is for life and living
O is the oath of giving
V and E, vow of eternity
L-O-V-E Love La...
Though the word may be simple
Yet the feeling is true and deep
Here's a pledge for you to keep
My true love L-O-V-E
I'll make your life worth living
I'll take and I'll be giving
Please take my vow of eternity
L-O-V-E Love
BUT the greatest Love is found in the Book of John Chapter 3 verses 16 & 17 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
In 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 - Love is described as ... patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres.
So remember to put your trust in Jesus, for God's love is a fabric that never fades, no matter how often it is washed in the water of adversity.
A song made famous in 1975 by the Wynners group express love as ...
L-O-V-E, love...
La La La ... love...
I will not give you riches
Riches are not my wishes
I'll give you the vow of my life
L-O-V-E Love La...
L is for life and living
O is the oath of giving
V and E, vow of eternity
L-O-V-E Love La...
Though the word may be simple
Yet the feeling is true and deep
Here's a pledge for you to keep
My true love L-O-V-E
I'll make your life worth living
I'll take and I'll be giving
Please take my vow of eternity
L-O-V-E Love
BUT the greatest Love is found in the Book of John Chapter 3 verses 16 & 17 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
In 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 - Love is described as ... patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres.
So remember to put your trust in Jesus, for God's love is a fabric that never fades, no matter how often it is washed in the water of adversity.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Teens to adulthood
As the parent of a teenager, we have many decisions to make every day, ranging from approving their clothes and hairstyles to boyfriends and girlfriends. If your child wants a part-time job, however, the decision is easy - let him/her take it.
Part-time jobs are great for teenagers as they teach them responsibility, the value of hard work, and money management skills that they will learn nowhere else but the real world.
My son came back from his semester break last November. From past experienced, I encouraged him to start looking for a part-time job rather that wasting time in front of the TV or computer. I strongly believed that by exposing teenagers to the working world slowly and when they are ready, it will enable us parent, to step out of the way and letting the adult world teach him/her these skills.
Whether it's mowing grass or washing cars for the neighbours, selling merchandises or clearing plates and cutleries in a restaurant, a job is where your teen learns a variety of real life lessons. Learning these lessons will be an experience to them now and when they grow up - learning to handle people of various back grounds and emotional needs.
The important element of doing well at a job is showing up. If your teenager can manage that, consistently and on time, they are ahead of the game. They'll also practise this skill as they works on the tasks required by the job - to do them consistently and accurately. Most part-time jobs also require repetitive tasks or manual labour - neither of which is a lot of fun.
On the job, teenager also learn about money, saving, credit and other financial subjects. They will need this information as they grows into adulthood, and it's wise to use their own money to help them learn.
While it can be difficult at first to let our child work, remember that part of our job as a parent is to let go when necessary.
A part time job is a great way to practise sending our young adult out into the world, while we're still around to help them work through their mistake.
I thank God that my son learns to give a small token of his wages to his grandparents when he came back with his earnings. Eventhough the sum may be small, I believed the spirit of generority is activated, as the book of Galatians teaches us to be generous.
Part-time jobs are great for teenagers as they teach them responsibility, the value of hard work, and money management skills that they will learn nowhere else but the real world.
My son came back from his semester break last November. From past experienced, I encouraged him to start looking for a part-time job rather that wasting time in front of the TV or computer. I strongly believed that by exposing teenagers to the working world slowly and when they are ready, it will enable us parent, to step out of the way and letting the adult world teach him/her these skills.
Whether it's mowing grass or washing cars for the neighbours, selling merchandises or clearing plates and cutleries in a restaurant, a job is where your teen learns a variety of real life lessons. Learning these lessons will be an experience to them now and when they grow up - learning to handle people of various back grounds and emotional needs.
The important element of doing well at a job is showing up. If your teenager can manage that, consistently and on time, they are ahead of the game. They'll also practise this skill as they works on the tasks required by the job - to do them consistently and accurately. Most part-time jobs also require repetitive tasks or manual labour - neither of which is a lot of fun.
On the job, teenager also learn about money, saving, credit and other financial subjects. They will need this information as they grows into adulthood, and it's wise to use their own money to help them learn.
While it can be difficult at first to let our child work, remember that part of our job as a parent is to let go when necessary.
A part time job is a great way to practise sending our young adult out into the world, while we're still around to help them work through their mistake.
I thank God that my son learns to give a small token of his wages to his grandparents when he came back with his earnings. Eventhough the sum may be small, I believed the spirit of generority is activated, as the book of Galatians teaches us to be generous.
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