Forge Ahead

I am of the school of thought to forge ahead if others are dragging their feet on anything. Take responsibility, especially if you are the one that will be answerable for the result at the end of the day.

Love People And Use Things

I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with.

Her last project of the term was called “Smile.” The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought, this would be a piece of cake, literally.

Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald’s one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch; an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.

As I turned around I smelled a horrible “dirty body” smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was smiling”. His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God’s Light as he searched for acceptance.

He said, “Good day” as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally deficient and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation. I held my tears as I stood there with

them.

The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, “Coffee is all Miss” because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).

Then I really felt it – the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.

That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action. I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman’s cold hand.

He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, “Thank you.” I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, “I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.” I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son.

When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, “That is why God gave you to me, honey. To give me hope.”

We held hands for a moment and at that time we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give. We are not churchgoers, but we are believers. That day showed me the pure Light of God’s sweet love.

I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in “my project” and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, “Can I share this?” I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class. She began to read and that is when I knew that we, as human beings and being part of God, share this need to heal people and be healed.

In my own way, I had touched the people at McDonald’s, my husband, son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.

I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn:

UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE. Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS – NOT, LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. – John 3:34

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Cat’s Tale

Cat was walking along one early evening, heading toward the village.

Cat was a friendly sort. In her lives, she wore many hats. Sometimes she was a companion, listener and even a watch cat. Suddenly, out of the shadows leapt a massive dog. To cat, it seemed as if a chunk of the sky had fallen into her path.

In the shadowy darkness, the animal towered over cat and bared its great, sharp, yellow teeth.

“Run away,” the dog snarled.

Startled nearly out of her wits, cat knew that if she were going to survive she must not panic. She imposed a steely calm on herself and looked up at the beast.

“I beg your pardon,” answered cat, far more calmly than she felt. “I have business here. Let me pass.”

The dog had not expected this reaction. He usually left his victims weak with fear by simply looking at them.

“Run,” he repeated. “I don’t like the way you drift about these parts cozying up to people and making them feel so secure. This is my place. Everyone here does as I tell them to.”

Now cat was nearly paralyzed with fear and running was absolutely out of the question. Cat knew that if she did run away she would never be able to see her friends in these parts again. She also realized that if she did not stand, she would always live in fear of dogs. Perhaps she would spend her life cringing at shadows as so many other cats did.

It wasn’t right. There was nothing wrong with cat helping people. The wrong was in the animal she was facing.

Cat breathed a silent prayer; “Oh help me find my way home safe.” A little spark kindled in cat’s heart. The light in her heart began to fill her and unfreeze her muscles and nerves. Suddenly, cat was no longer pretending – she really wasn’t afraid.

Cat realized at that moment, nothing mattered more to her than shining her light in this dark creature.

“I invite you to come with me and meet my friends,” cat purred. “I hate to think of you out here all alone.”

Slowly, cat managed to put one paw in front of another until she found herself gliding past the menacing creature.

“Stop,” snarled the dog. “Take one more step and I will destroy you. Don’t you dare cross me!”

It was too late. Cat had found her feet and was going at a fast pace toward the village where her friends waited for her.

She rushed into the home of the village’s guard dog and told her story.

“Did I do right?” cat asked.

“You did just fine,” he answered. “You aren’t finished. Now you must go out and tell your tale so that others who find themselves in fear might recall it and find their light.”

And so cat did.

by Lisa Suhay

Meditation: You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; – 2 Chronicles 20:17

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

How to Attain Expertise

How to Attain Expertise:

There is really nothing you cannot do if you devote time to learning it and apply yourself to practising it. Expertise is that simple. Nobody is born an expert.

Choose the Problem You Solve

None of us is meant to solve every problem. Learning to choose the problem to solve is the beginning of personal liberty.

What Is Christianity?

Christianity means having faith in Jesus as our Savior and Lord.

It means to trust in the Bible as God’s Holy Infallible Word.

It is realizing sin separates us from God who is righteous and just;

Knowing we can’t be reconciled on our own, so in Christ we trust.

It is understanding we cannot earn God’s grace by virtues or good behavior.

It is acknowledging we’re sinners who need the atonement of our Savior.

It’s realizing that laws and religion do not have the power to save us.

It’s knowing and loving Jesus and accepting the gift that He gave us.

It is believing that Jesus took our sins at the cross for our debt to be paid.

It is assurance we have eternal salvation because of the sacrifice He made.

It’s asking for God’s forgiveness and to help us make a fresh start;

Asking Him to be with us always, and to fill us in mind and in heart.

It is having faith in God’s sovereignty for He knows what’s best;

Thanking Him for all He has done and for how we’ve been blessed.

This is the message of the Gospel; Good News to those who will hear it.

And when we accept and follow Jesus we receive the help of the Holy Spirit.

Being a Christian transforms us within and in every part of life;

It gives us hope and joy along with comfort in sorrow and strife.

We know we’re not perfect but we want to please God and obey.

We continually ask God to mend us and to show us the way.

We understand this is an ongoing process; not just an event.

We strive to reflect Christ’s love for it is Him we represent.

We believe God loves everyone and has a purpose for us all.

We know He does not want any of us to be lost or to fall.

We seek to know, to serve and to love God more and more;

As we find understanding and meaning we did not know before.

If your faith isn’t evident and doesn’t mean this to you,

Carefully reconsider and assess, is your faith really true?

If you have any doubts, seek His wisdom and pray.

Invite Him into your life; ask Him to show you the way.

Written by Arlene Spanos

Meditation: 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. – John 3:16-17

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Watch Your Attitude

A long time ago in China, a girl named Li-Li got married and went to live with her husband and mother-in-law. In a very short time, Li-Li found that she couldn’t get along with her mother-in-law at all. Their personalities were very different, and Li-Li was angered by many of her mother-in-law’s habits. In addition, she criticised Li-Li constantly.

Days passed, and weeks passed. Li-Li and her mother-in-law never stopped arguing and fighting. But what made the situation even worse was that, according to ancient Chinese tradition, Li-Li had to bow to her mother-in-law and obey her every wish. All the anger and unhappiness in the house was causing Li-Li’s poor husband great distress.

Finally, Li-Li could not stand her mother-in-law’s bad temper and dictatorship any longer, and she decided to do something about it! Li-Li went to see her father’s good friend, Mr Huang, who sold herbs. She told him the situation and asked if he would give her some poison so that she could solve the problem once and for all.

Mr Huang thought for a while, and finally said, ‘Li-Li, I will help you solve your problem, but you must listen to me and obey what I tell you.’

Li-Li said, ‘Yes, Mr Huang, I will do whatever you tell me to do. ‘Mr. Huang went into the back room and returned in a few minutes with a package of herbs. He told Li-Li, ‘You can’t use a quick-acting poison to get rid of your mother-in-law, because that would cause people to become suspicious. Therefore, I have given you a number of herbs that will slowly build up poison in her body. Every other day prepare some delicious meal and put a little of these herbs in her serving.

Now, in order to make sure that nobody suspects you when she dies, you must be very careful to act very friendly towards her. ‘Don’t argue with her, obey her every wish, and treat her like a queen.’

Li-Li was so happy. She thanked Mr Huang and hurried home to start her plot of murdering her mother-in-law. Weeks and months went by, and every other day, Li-Li served the specially treated food to her mother-in-law. She remembered what Mr Huang had said about avoiding suspicion, so she controlled her temper, obeyed her mother-in-law, and treated her like her own mother.

After six months had passed, the whole household had changed. Li-Li had practised controlling her temper so much that she found that she almost never got mad or upset. She hadn’t had an argument with her mother-in-law in six months because she now seemed much kinder and easier to get along with.

The mother-in-law’s attitude toward Li-Li changed, and she began to love Li-Li like her own daughter. She kept telling friends and relatives that Li-Li was the best daughter-in-law one could ever find. Li-Li and her mother-in-law were now treating each other like a real mother and daughter. Li-Li’s husband was very happy to see what was happening.

One day, Li-Li came to see Mr Huang and asked for his help again She said, ‘Dear Mr Huang, please help me to keep the poison from killing my mother-in-law. She has changed into such a nice woman, and I love her like my own mother. I do not want her to die because of the poison I gave her.’

Mr Huang smiled and nodded his head. ‘Li-Li, there’s nothing to worry about. I never gave you any poison. The herbs I gave you were vitamins to improve her health. The only poison was in your mind and your attitude toward her, but that has been all washed away by the love which you gave to her.’

Have you realized that how you treat others is exactly how they will treat you? There is a wise Chinese saying: ‘The person who loves others will also be loved in return.’ God might be trying to work in another person’s life through you. A candle loses nothing if it is used to light another one.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. – 1 Peter 3:3-4

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

The Purpose Dilemma

The reason many do not identify their purpose or get frustrated by the search is because they are looking for functions before essence. Who you are [your essence or meaning] comes before what you are meant to do [purpose, assignments].

A Wrong Notion

We have allowed this wrong notion to go on for too long.

That idea that the children of the rich will later be poor because they are not well trained in domestic chores while the children of the poor who are well trained in domestic chores, who walked to school and could not afford the comforts of life, will later be rich. It is a lie!

Check around you and tell me the ratio of the children of poor people who went on to be rich as well as children of rich people who became poor.

Open the Rose

A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned preacher in the garden one day and feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do. he was inquiring of the older preacher. The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals.

The young preacher looked at the older preacher in disbelief, trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the will of God for his life and his ministry. Because of his high respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to try to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact…It wasn’t long before he realized how it was impossible to do so.

Noticing the younger preacher’s inability to unfold the rosebud while keeping it intact, the older preacher began to tell the following poem…

It is only a tiny rosebud,

A flower of God’s design;

But I cannot unfold the petals

With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers

Is not known to such as I.

God opens this flower so sweetly,

When in my hands they fade and die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud,

This flower of God’s design,

Then how can I think I have wisdom

To unfold this life of mine?

So I’ll trust in Him for His leading

Each moment of every day.

I will look to Him for His guidance

Each step of the pilgrim way.

The pathway that lies before me,

Only my heavenly Father knows.

I’ll trust Him to unfold the moments,

Just as He unfolds the rose.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. – Jeremiah 10:23

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Asking God Why

 Arthur Ashe, the legendary Wimbledon player was dying of AIDS, which he got due to infected blood he received during heart surgery in 1983.

He received sympathetic letters from his fans, one of which conveyed:

“Why did God have to select you for such a bad disease?”

To this, Arthur Ashe replied:

50 Million children started playing tennis…

5 Million learnt to play tennis…

500,000 learnt professional tennis…

50,000 made it to the Circuit…

5,000 reached grand-slam…

50 got to Wimbledon…

4 crossed to the semi-finals…

Only 2 scaled through to the finals…

And when I was holding the Cup in my hand, I never asked God, “Why me?” So now that I’m in pain, how can I ask God “Why me?”

Happiness keeps you sweet.

Trials keep you strong.

Sorrows keep you human.

Failure keeps you humble.

Success keeps you glowing.

But only Faith keeps you going.

Sometimes you are unsatisfied with your life, while many people in the world are dreaming of living your life.

Live simply.

Walk humbly.

Love genuinely and

Trust God fully.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

Top Performers Produce More Stuff and Make Less Noise

When you see someone who is on top of his/her game, you will know it, if you know what to look out for. Top performers produce more stuff and make less noise. Unlike the other group of individuals who say all the right things and are seen in all the places things are happening, but with little or nothing to show for it in their own personal corner. I dread their coming around because they encroach into the valuable time I could have spent to tidy up my own corner or study the secrets of proof-producers.

When and If

When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts…

God knows how hard you have tried.

When you’ve cried so long and your heart is in anguish…

God has seen your tears.

If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by…

God is waiting with you.

When you’re lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call…

God is by your side.

When you think you’ve tried everything and don’t know where to turn…

God has a solution.

When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated…

God has the answer.

If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope…

God has whispered to you.

When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for…

God has blessed you.

When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe…

God has smiled upon you.

When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow…

God has opened your eyes and called you by name.

Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are facing…

GOD KNOWS!

— Author Unknown

Meditation: Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:6-7

Why Dreams Fail

 

One of the reasons dreams, businesses and projects fail is because the initiators plan so big, expect so much and get very little response. Many never recover from the resulting disappointment.

The Frog

 

A group of frogs was travelling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit.

When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the unfortunate frogs they would never get out.

The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead.

Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and simply gave up. He fell down and died.

The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could.

Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and suffering and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out.

When he got out, the other frogs asked him, “Why did you continue jumping? Didn’t you hear us?” The frog motioned to them that he was deaf. He only thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

———— ——— ——–

This story teaches two lessons:

1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.

2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them. Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path.

The power of words…it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times.

Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another. May your words be a blessing to someone today.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; from the produce of his lips he shall be filled. – Proverbs 18:20

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

How to Make Your Dream Work

It takes more than talent, skill and passion to make a dream come true. If those were enough, everyone possessing them would have been high flyers. But talented failures, frustrated experts and passionate poor abound all over the place. You must work to make yoir dream work.

No Such Thing As An Unimportant Day

After many years of service, retirement day has come. There was a formal ceremony. A large crowd of employees gathered around to bear witness. And the following conversation took place between the president of the company and the retiring employee:

The president said: “As a symbol of our gratitude, we have created this special gold watch to serve as a reminder of your many years with the company. It needs a lot of winding up, is always a little late, and every day at quarter to five, it stops working.”

What a way to go.

I started Monday of a particular week with giving a talk to a full-packed auditorium of students in a very well known university. And then this was followed by four continuous whole day leadership training seminars. Then excitedly faced the crowd of 6,000 teachers, gave a short talk designed to pay them tribute and inspire them to stick to their mission, meaning and purpose; and then rush out of the convention center immediately after the talk, got on a car, went out of town, did a training on the next morning, got back in the same car and rushed home on the same day. This is the story of my life.

People close to me tell me, “Francis, you don’t have to work so hard!”

You see they don’t understand. How could I tell them I am not working? While I may be physically tired I am most certainly inwardly fulfilled.

Inspired myself and energized by the smiles on the faces of the students, the senior executives of powerful business organizations and of course, my favorite audience the teachers; how in Heaven’s name could anyone ever thought about me working?

This is why I am absolutely convinced that there is no such thing as an unimportant day.

I would like to share with you this poem from an unknown source. (If you happen to discover who the author is, please do let me know so we can give proper credit.)

Don’t ever forget

Your presence is a gift to the world,

You’re unique and one of a kind.

Your life can be what you want it to be –

Take it one day at a time.

Count your blessings, not your troubles,

And you’ll make it through what comes along.

Within you are so many answers,

Understand, have courage, be strong.

Don’t put limits on yourself,

Your dreams are waiting to be realized.

Don’t leave your important decisions to chance –

Reach for your peak, your goal, and your prize.

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying –

The longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets.

Don’t take things too seriously –

Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

Remember that a little love goes a long way –

Remember that a lot goes forever.

Remember that friendship is a wise investment,

Life’s treasures are people… together.

Have health and hope and happiness,

Take the time to wish on a star.

And don’t ever forget for even a day…

How very special YOU are!

God has created you for a purpose.

You did not come from apes.

You are wonderfully and beautifully made.

Make sure you make a difference where you are and you do it today.

By Francis J. Kong

Meditation: One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple. – Psalm 27:4

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Dreams Are Great

Dreams are great because many great things started from a dream. But too much dreaming can intoxicate one to the point that the dreamer becomes bigger than his/her realities and begins to behave and speak like a drunk – drunken not with alcohol, but puffed imaginations.

Also read about visions here.