The Good Life

Beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. — Luke 12:15

Driving down the highway in Houston, I passed a billboard with large letters that announced "THE GOOD LIFE!" I couldn't wait to get closer to read the small print, which explained that the "good life" was about buying a lakefront home starting at $300,000. Which made me wonder if some unhappy families might live in those homes, with kids who never see their parents or couples who, though living on the lake, wish they weren't even living together.

Luke 12 came to mind as I remembered the story of the man who asked Jesus to tell his brother to divide the inheritance with him. That was the wrong thing to ask Jesus! He replied with a warning, "Beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (v. 15). He then went on to tell the story of an extremely rich man who, from God's point of view, was a fool — not because he was successfully wealthy but because he was not rich toward God.

The sooner we get over the illusion that more stuff means more peace, happiness, and self-fulfillment, the better off we will be. And then the more able we will be to find the longed-for peace and happiness — the true "good life" — that only Jesus can provide. — Joe Stowell

O Lord, help us to be content,

Whatever we possess;

Protect us from the foolish lie

That "more" brings happiness. — Sper

The STRESS Factor

Stress, its all around us. It's common to say that because society is so much more complex today, we are all under a lot more stress than people were fifty years ago.

What is stress? When you put weight on a cable, you place it under stress. Too much stress will cause the cable to snap. That's how it is with you and me. Too much pressure, and we snap. The nerves are shattered. There can be a nervous breakdown. 

Listen to the warning given by Jesus, "Be on your guard, that your hearts not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life" (Luke 21:34). The human heart involves the mind and emotions as well as the physical life. Jesus is saying that too great a burden may be placed upon our minds and emotions. Getting drunk is one way such a burden can be placed on your mind. You know that drunkenness clouds your mind and alters your emotions. The result is that you cannot relate to others properly. Drunkenness so alters our moods that some people become dangerous. They sometimes beat their wives and kill people while driving. Drunkenness is a terrible sin.

But Jesus says worry is just as bad as drunkenness when it comes to putting stress on ourselves. Listen again, "Be on your guard, that your hearts not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and
the worries of life." Worry clouds your thinking. Worry alters your emotions. You become touchy and sharp with others. Too much worry can shatter your nerves and bring you to the breaking point! This is why Jesus warns us to watch out.

Contributed by Dr. Dennis J. Prutow

Standing Firm

Standing Firm

You see it all the time. People achieve success, and then their personal lives seem to fall apart. As someone once said, success has made failures of many men. But does that have to happen?

The September 1996 issue of Standing Firm magazine contains a great story about Bobby Bowden. Bowden is head football coach for Florida State University. His team's winning record places him near the top in wins among active coaches at the Division I level. Bowden's record of successes in bowl games is the highest winning percentage in NCAA history. So he is successful in his chosen career. Whether you are a fan of F.S.U. or not, you have to admit that Bowden is a successful coach.

But there is more to Bowden than the statistics you read in the sports pages. He is a man of faith, and makes no apologies for that. During hi steam's Friday evening meetings before their Saturday games, Bowden uses valuable time for team devotionals, which he leads. As for his ongoing leadership of the team's staff, each day he meets with his staff for devotions and prayer prior to their regular staff meetings.

Each year, Bowden takes his entire team to a predominantly black church for worship. The following Sunday, he takes the team to a predominantly white church. There is no deception involved--he writes a letter to each
athlete's parents or guardian to tell them about the church visits and obtain their approval. "I'm trying to show these kids that they are accepted in church whether they are white or black," Bowden said.

So what is the point of this and the many other ways Bowden walks his walk of faith? Bowden says, "I want to show these kids that you can be a Christian, you can be a God-fearing man, you can abide by the rules, and
you can still be successful."

How Does This Apply to Our Lives?

A number of social commentators have asked the questions, "Where are our heroes?" and "Where are the role models for today's youth?" That is because we constantly read about people who were considered heroes, but turned out to be villains who compromised their values and broke the rules. Is it necessary to compromise your values to make it in life? Bowden's story shows that it is not. No, Bowden is not perfect. But there is a core to his life. Bowden stands firm in his beliefs--and is successful. What is the difference between the Bobby Bowden's of the world, and others? Simply put, some people are like onions. They have no core, just layers. And when you peel away all the layers, nothing is left. Don't glorify the "onions" of the world. Instead, lift up people like Bowden--men and women with a core to their lives, who exhibit integrity and faith. Help them touch others. Encourage them. Pray for them. Finally, build and strengthen your own core. Start by placing your trust and confidence totally in God. Trusting in God does not guarantee you worldly success or great riches, but the Bible teaches that something far more important will result, blessings from God.

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Job 17:9
Contributed by Rich McLawhorn email:REM@mail01.scdps.state.sc.us

Bad Luck, Good Luck?

Bad Luck, Good Luck 

An ancient Chinese story: A farmer had one old horse that he used for tilling his fields. One day the horse escaped into the hills and when all the farmer's neighbors heard about it, they sympathized with the old man over his bad luck. "Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?" said the farmer. A week later, the horse returned with a herd of wild horses from the hills and this time the neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good luck. "Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?" said the farmer. 

Then, when the farmer's son was attempting to tame one of the wild horses, he fell off its back and broke his leg. Everyone agreed that this was very bad luck. Not the farmer, who replied, "Bad Luck? Good luck? Who knows?" 

Some weeks later, the army marched into the village and forced every able-bodied young man to go fight in a bloody war. When they saw that the farmer's son had a broken leg, they let him stay. Everyone was very happy at the farmer's good luck. "Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?" 

Life is a lot like that. Sometimes it seems like things are going well, and at other times, things seem to be going badly. And we let those things dictate our feelings and our outlook on life. When things are going well, we're happy and we think God is with us. If they are going badly, we get discouraged and think that God must have abandoned us. We end up being tossed around by our circumstances. 

But the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4 that he had learned to be content, even happy, in all circumstances. He was happy when things were bad (he was in jail at the time), and he was happy when things were going good as well. That's the great thing about being part of God's family. We really don't have to worry in our circumstances, because no matter what, we have hope in Christ. "We know that in everything, God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). 

Anonymous

The Bitter "Why?"

The Bitter "Why"

Us: "God, why did you do that to me? Why did you take the one I most love? Why did you permit such illness to conquer my life? Why am I sterile while others have children? Why? Why?"

STEVEN: Before blaming God, let me tell you my story. Many years ago, I thought richness to meant the ownership of the most precious diamond. So, I kept petitioning God to make me rich by granting me this diamond. One day, God let me stumble upon a very precious diamond on my way to work.

Delighted, I scooped it up and swiftly tried to hide it in my suit. At that moment, an angel blocked my way, fiercely took the diamond and threw it far away.

Shocked, I kept yelling and screaming at God, "Why did you do that to me? Why? Why?" A few minutes later, I found the King's soldiers approaching me. They started searching me thoroughly. When they finished, I angrily asked reason for their act. To my astonishment, they told me that the King has lost his dearest diamond and ordered them to search for it and instantly kill whomever they found with it. Alleluia. God did that to save my life and help me enlarge my vision scope to other means of richness like good health and happy family.

GOD: my dearest son and daughter, I'd love you all to be always satisfied.
But, I select the kind of satisfaction I see suiting my purpose in each one of you.
I grant some good health, others wealth, others children. I sometimes
permit the loss of beloved ones or certain illnesses to enrich your souls and
draw you closer to my heart. My dear children, your "whys" are bitter to my
soul. They reflect your lack of love, trust and submission to me. Why do not
you just lean your heads on my shoulder and trust my love and care for you?
Remember, it was written, "For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth,
and his hands make whole." (Job 5:18). "Yet I will not forget thee.
Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands." (Isaiah 49:15-16).

Us: Dear God, I am sorry for any complaint we have raised against you.
Let it be Your Will in my life. Please help me feel your healing hands during
my toughest times. Thank you. Amen.

Contributed by Maria Hanna.

How Do You Perceive Sunsets?

Sunsets could tell us or remind us of a few things:

- That even if the day has ended, we don't have to likewise end things on our side. It could serve as our rest or break before we continue battling over our trials when the sun rises again. That is, battle trials with strength and gratefulness - grateful that these trials make us stronger, probably without us realizing it yet.

- That we evaluate and reflect how our day has transpired and try our best to count the graces of God, and maybe this way, we will go to bed hugging our loved ones, instead of stress. After all, life is balanced by pain and struggle so fretting about them is just a waste of time, energy, and most of all, happiness that we could not gain back when time has already passed.

- That no matter how frustrating, stressful, sad, and disappointing things could be, the sun reminds us that life goes on and we can flush these emotions that badly affect our decisions down along with the sun so we can always start anew.

- That since we cannot control its setting everyday, there are also things in our lives that we do not have control over. And even if we pour all our efforts to disagree, argue, or rage over uncontrollable things, nothing good will come out of it if the change won't be coming from the source. Thus, we go back to the second point above, waste of time. Since God has control over all things, the one thing we have control over is pray.

I know things are easier said than done but reminding us of great things definitely lightens up the mood, don't you think?

So how about you, how do you perceive sunsets?

Find People Worthy of Your LOVE

BUSINESS MATTERS (Beyond the bottom line) By Francis J. Kong

A teacher asked her third grader to write about their personal heroes.

One little girl brought the essay home and showed it to her parents. Her father was flattered that her daughter had chosen him.

"Why did you pick me?" he asked expectantly. And the sweet little girl replied: "Because I couldn't spell Schwarzennegger."

Who are the people you admire? Who are your heroes and role models in life?

Who would make it to your personal "5 Most Successful People list?"

To many business people I know, the five names on their Successful People list would most likely be found in the world's richest people list.

But what about yours?

Who would make it to your list? Michael Josephson takes it a step farther. He says: "Think of the five most successful people you know. Now think of the five happiest. How many made both lists?" Amazing isn't it?

The five most successful people in the world for you may not exactly turn out to be the five happiest people in the world too. Here is the reason why.

My heroes in life are certainly not the names you find in business magazines.

They are heroes because they have positively impacted my life and inspired me to become better.

In real life, the greatest heroes are often found among the most ordinary people.

Josephson says: "Most people think of success in terms of possessions and achievements, while happiness is a state of mind. It's common to think success will bring happiness, but that's often not the case." Think about what the people on your happy list have in common. I'll bet they have better-than-average relationships, especially with their spouses and children. Of course, other factors besides good relationships also tend to produce happiness – like good health, enjoying one's work, and having fun. And people driven by spiritual and ethical values usually are more content than those who measure success in terms of prosperity, pleasure, and peer approval.

Why are many successful people unhappy?

I guess one of the reasons is that in their quest to succeed, the journey getting there has been littered with a lot of relationship casualties along the way while those who are happy have very healthy relationships. And if I were to choose the one thing most essential to happiness, it would be good relationships. Many leaders fail to understand this.
They would sacrifice relationships just to achieve their own versions of "success" and then one day looked at themselves in the mirror and say: "It's lonely at the top." If that is the case, then there is something wrong.

Real successful people are those who do not only have healthy accomplishments they have healthy relationships along the way and they share the joy with other people at the top.

Think about it. The happiness quotient of people who live high-flying lives of the rich and famous or the swinging lives of the young and beautiful is surprisingly low. Yes, these people experience plenty of moments of soaring satisfaction, but they become harder to duplicate and sustain. Often such people are left with an "Is that all there is?" feeling that can lead to depression and boredom.

No matter how rich, sexy, or famous one is, happiness is almost impossible for people who have hurtful and unsatisfying relationships. Yet people surrounded by the affection, love, and respect of others can find their way to happiness in spite of economic hardship, hard work, and even ill health. That's good news. We can't all be rich, famous, or beautiful, but we can all find people worthy of our love.

And when you have it you are successful aren't you?

I don't know about you but as long as I know that there is a God who loves me and I live my life for Him, I am both successful and happy and you should be, too.

ABC: An Update

I have written a previous blog about my ABC and this is just an update to that.

Well, B is still an on-going financial responsibility, yep. And hope to taste it come January.

At last, A has stopped holding on. It is now within my reach. Just so happy to have it. =)

The next thing with A would be categorized as a sub of A, i.e., A-1, etc. The materialization period of a sub is yet to be seen because as always, it would depend on financial factors, again.

That's just about it.

And again, happy with A.

Taggity Taggity Tapopo

As tagged by my kumare Lian...

Bloggers that are tagged need to write on their own blog about their 10 things and post these rules. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling they're tagged, and to read your blog.

Here are 10 facts about me:

10. Show-offs repel me.

9. Blue is my fave color.

8. I love listening to other people's stories.

7. I almost always wear my hair long. I once sported a very short one-length do back in high school but never tried it again.

6. The Notebook is my number 1 romantic movie.

5. If given the chance, I'd like to try to do a voice-over for an animation or a cartoon show maybe.

4. I love to travel, my dream is to see Greece!

3. I am empathetic.

2. I love pasta and cheese even if cheese causes my migraine.

1. Great photographs amaze me.

Now I'm tagging:

Aiee
Ann
Arra
Cathy V
Sir E!
Cordz
Evic
Fifi
Jasi
Isco
Jenny
JB
Joy
Louj
Lady
Marj
Najah
Orlando
Peejay
Ping
Princess
Roslyn
Sheng
Tine
Valerie
Vanessa