A happy life is a healthy life

There is a saying which carries a lot of truth and I think we should all be constantly reminded of it.

Simply put it is this: “If you don’t want to be ill, do not live life sad.”

Good humor, Laughter, Rest, and Happiness. Lest we forget, these are the very things that replenish health and bring about long life.

The happy person has the gift to improve the environment wherever he lives. Happiness is health by itself and a sure therapy for long life isn’t it?

The beautiful thing is that happiness can be contagious since it is an attitude, a frame of mind, a choice. Not only can you catch it, you can spread it too!

You know it has been said that when you smile the whole world smiles with you but when you cry, you will probably cry alone.

Haven’t you heard that good humor saves us from the hands of the doctor? Indeed, there is an old Irish proverb which says, “A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book” And isn’t that true?

So my friends if you don’t want to be ill live life happy!

However if sadness should come your way for one reason or another, don’t ever let it linger or fill you for too long. The advice is let it go and be done with it if you don’t want to be ill.

“Cheerfulness is what greases the axles of the world. Don't go through life creaking”. That’s what H.W. Byles advised a long time ago.

And Joseph Addison had said, “Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are (1) something to do, (2) something to love, and (3) something to hope for”.

If that’s going to make us happy, why... let’s get on with it. There’s nothing to stop us from doing all three. And even when everything else fails, there is always hope.

In closing let me quote Hazelmarie Elliott (Mattie) who wrote these delightful words:

“Every now and then,
when the world sits just right,
a gentle breath of heaven
fills my soul with delight...”

So let’s pray for that gentle “breath of heaven” to fill us as often as possible.

My wish for all of us is this: All the days of our lives, may we stay happy and healthy.

God bless.

Here's a beautiful song from Neil Diamond entitled "The Story of My Life". Thanks to Brando0307 for sharing it with us. Enjoy.

The Discernment of Abigail

Again it’s my turn to lead in Bible Study in my cell group and I have cooked up this message for delivery this Friday, 19th March 2010.
Lesson for tonight: The Discernment of Abigail (1 Samuel Chapter 25).

First a quick recap of what we did last week.

At last Friday’s home fellowship meeting, we learnt a little about what “character” is.

I think we can agree on this: Regardless who we are or where we come from, “a man or a woman of character” would truly stand out in our midst and command much respect.

There are many great men and women in the Bible as well as outside of it whose character really stood out.

To name a few: William Wilberforce, Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln, Gandhi, Mother Teresa and perhaps not forgetting Abraham, Moses, Ruth, Esther, Daniel and his 3 friends also. They stood tall in our history because they all had outstanding character.

How about one modern day contemporary nearer home?

Ralph Waldo Emerson had said, “Character is higher than intellect.” Indeed, I think it is.

And as we have heard, “Talent or intellect will get you to the top but its character which will help you stay there.” (Heard the Tiger Woods story?)

Often in public life we all wear a mask, but our real character is revealed in our private life, when none of our friends or business associates is there watching. Question therefore that we should ask often is this: Do we like what we see, the real you or the real me?

The good thing is that we can go from our failings to rebuild or re-shape our character if we truly want to. The choice is really ours to make, yours or mine.

Who says that we cannot change? We can but only if we truly want to. Remember, God allows U-turns.

I have a magnetic tag on my fridge that says, “The Will of God will never lead you...where the Grace of God cannot keep you.” That’s a comforting thought and I believe one that’s true.

As Christians we are repeatedly told to display “biblical character” in everything we say or do.

The challenge is don’t just be a nominal Christian, try to be a good, authentic Christian.

The Bible is certainly not short of role models which we could follow or emulate. Jesus is the perfect example.

Tonight we have the story of Abigail. It’s found in the Bible, the Book of 1 Samuel Chapter 25.

Let me start by telling you this story.

In the time when David (the man who would be king over all Israel) was a renegade and as you know he was on the run from King Saul who had wanted his head; living with his ragtag band of followers of about 600 fighting men in the wilderness of Paran, there lived not far off a woman called Abigail.

She was a beautiful woman and wise too but was married to a bad guy named Nabal, a wealthy farmer no doubt (he had a vast herd of sheep and many servants) but a man who had a character which was very much the opposite of his wife’s.

He was selfish, greedy, angry, stingy, not a kind man at all and not very smart too. Even his servants considered him to be evil and worthless.

So you can just imagine what kind of a life, his wife Abigail had with such a guy. Tough, isn’t it? Pretty much like Cinderella waiting for a prince to ride in and rescue her from a life of drudgery and unhappiness.

The story goes on like so...

Living on the run for their lives, David and his men began policing the area they settled in, protecting the farmers and their flock in the hopes of being able to scratch out a living.

At shearing time the farmers would gather the sheep to shave off their profits. The farmers would also share food and profits with the sort of volunteer police that David and his men were, to pay them for their services.

When the time came, Nabal being the selfish and greedy man he was, refused to pay.

Nabal’s stubborn refusal hit David’s short fuse of frustration (remember here he was dirty, hungry, tired and definitely not living the kingly life he imagined he would when Samuel appointed him king over Israel).

David felt like being snubbed terribly and Nabal’s throwing of insults at his men was too much for him to take.

Revenge was on David’s mind so he rode out with his men with a burning desire to kill Nabal and all his males. In those days when you took revenge by yourself that was the norm to take.

Have you ever felt like that in your life, when you did well (or do good) to somebody but were paid back with evil?

Now Abigail, the good wife had heard from a loyal servant about Nabal’s foolish action and the impending disaster.

Without hesitation (it was said in verse 18, Abigail lost no time) she made plans to defuse the situation. It was a decision that altered the course of history.

She had to confront David and to intercede on behalf of her husband before the situation got out of hand. With courage and faith she rode out to meet David. You can read about all this in Verses 20-31.

She got what she wanted, didn’t she? Indeed, here’s a brave woman and a successful mission accomplished; and because of what she did, a near massacre was averted; innocent lives were spared.

David’s anger was appeased and there was no bloodshed on that day. Praise the Lord.

David said to Abigail in verse 33, “May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands.”

The rest of the story well I guess you know how it ended, much like a fairy tale!

Abigail’s story is a story about “discernment”. Not just about discernment but I think to some extent of courage, faith and of the grace of God as well. One could say she was a peace-maker, and a successful one at that.

Because of the faith, courage and the timely discernment of this woman, David (who was in his early kingship) was saved from making a huge and terrible mistake.

By the grace of God, the bad guy Nabal (Abigail’s husband at the time) was dealt with severely. It was said that when he heard what his wife had done, his heart failed him. Why do you think his heart failed him?

Probably the cost of what his wife gave to David and his men in the form of 200 loaves of bread, 2 skins of wine, 5 dressed sheep, 5 seahs of roasted grain, 100 cakes of raisins and 200 cakes of pressed figs were too much for him to take!

As we were told, the confrontation between David and Nabal never took place. Aren’t David and Abigail glad that vengeance was the Lord’s and not theirs to take? So it should be.

When you are angry or mad with someone I think it’s good to remember, “Vengeance is mine, said the Lord” and not yours to take.

The story is quite romantic too; Abigail was widowed soon after her action in preventing a clash between David and her wicked husband.

In a twist of fate, call it God’s grace if you will; the story ends with Abigail becoming David’s wife!

And did you know that Abigail bore David a son (Kileab, 2 Sam 3:2) and she lived happily ever after presumably with David in Hebron.

There’s no word recorded about mother and son after this unfortunately.

Now what’s so special of Abigail?

Other than being born pretty, Abigail had a discerning heart; one could say a good heart or a heart of gold. She showed qualities of diplomacy, tact, courage and her faith in God was extremely strong.

That’s why I am not surprised that she literally occupied a whole chapter in the Bible (more than 42 verses, 1 Sam 25 where she is remembered). It was enough, relatively speaking.

Now in contrast, how many great women of the Bible can you think of? Not many; names like Rahab, Ruth and Esther come to mind and some don’t even have names to go by.

Interestingly, only 4 women were included and mentioned by Matthew in the genealogy of Jesus (Matt 1:2-17), can you name them?

It has been said that Abigail may be one of Scripture’s lesser light but without her actions one of Scripture’s greater light, David may be dimmed forever.

Now what lessons can be gleaned from the story of Abigail?

Abigail is best remembered by the character trait called “discernment”.

It will make better sense if we understand what its real meaning is.

So if you will, can anyone define “discernment”?

To me, “discernment” is a combination of many things in a person such as (1) intuition, (2) gut feeling and (3) a sense of urgency to put things right.

“Nip the problem in the bud” is a common expression and often I think a wise decision to take. What is your opinion?

In simplest terms, discernment is the ability to read people and situations and then to act according to what’s best.

In short it is an ability to show good judgment. A close synonym would be “wisdom”.

Although people (men & women) who achieved greatness seem to a lot of people to be lucky, the achievers tell us it was not luck.

It is creating your own "luck" as a result of discernment. Mostly they tell us it’s 10 % inspiration, 90 % perspiration! How lucky can one get without working hard for it, whatever that maybe?

The lessons that could be gleaned from Abigail’s story are these:

1. Discernment can avert a disaster.

2. The advice is to “Nip the problem in the bud”. Don’t allow it to build up steam.

3. Revenge is not always as sweet as the world thinks.

4. Leave vengeance to the Lord.

5. In confrontations or difficult relationships, resist the use of force.

6. A soft (diplomatic) approach is always better.
Often a soft approach (a tactful one) can move mountains.

7. A soft approach will definitely soothe pent-up anger.
Remember, nothing good can spin off from human anger.

8. Faith and trust in God will bring relief /blessings from above.

Let’s pray. May God bless you all.

The Will and Grace of God

I have a magnetic tag stuck on my fridge which has these words on it:

“The will of God will never lead you…where the grace of God cannot keep you.”

The words are comforting and I would run to it in times of trouble to find the comfort that only God can give.

Funny how this simple “truth” when absorbed can lighten one’s burden and bring about a peace that’s beyond human understanding! It’s like a balm that takes the hurt or pain away.

If we live life with a lot of guilt (of sins past and present) we will never be happy. You know, it has been said, “Real happiness comes from inside, nobody can give it to you.”

Always remember that we are all but human beings, we make mistakes and nobody’s perfect. I guess God made us this way so that we can turn to him whenever we are down for the peace and happiness which we seek but in our living find they so often elude us.

Let me give you another of Reba McEntire’s songs and this one is one of my favorites. It’s entitled, “One promise too late”. There is so much fire in her voice, and the lyrics wow so much meaning. See her live (performing), she is awesome!

Let the streaming finishes in full then replay to appreciate this beautiful song. Thanks to “SinginPrincessLaura” for bringing it to us. Enjoy.

The Power of Love

This picture speaks a thousand words. Look closer and you’ll see what I mean.

I think it is Martin Luther King Jr. who was reputed to have said, “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”
Indeed, I think love can still do that.

I wonder too, if this is what Jesus meant when he said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44)

To say that we humans are not capable of doing that is to accept defeat in our face before we even try, isn’t it?

You know, the glory of Christianity is to conquer by forgiveness and love. There is nothing unlawful about it.

In fact I think that is good and any religion which ignores it has no future.

This piece which describes the power of love came in the email from a friend. It is an interesting read, so let me share it with you.

The Power of Love

Intelligence without love makes you perverse.
Fairness & Justness without love makes you inflexible and stern.
Diplomacy & Tact without love makes you a hypocrite.
Success without love turns you arrogant.
Wealth without love makes you mean and tight-fisted.
Poverty without love makes you capricious.
Authority & Power without love leads to tyranny.
Labor without love turns you into a slave.
Naivety without love deprives you of values.
Prayer & Worship without love turns you into an egotist.
Faith without love turns you into a fanatic.
Bearing your cross in life without love becomes a terrible burden.
Life without love loses its meaning!

The Bible tells us further: Love is patient, love is kind…; it is not self-seeking, it keeps no record of wrongs... (In fact) Love never fails.(1 Cor 13: 4-8)

Here’s Celine Dion with that great song, “The Power of Love”. Enjoy.

Grandchildren quips from all over

1. My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, 63. My grandson was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, "Did you start at 1?"

2. After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old slacks and a droopy blouse and proceeded to wash her hair. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin. Finally, she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room, putting them back to bed with stern warnings. As she left the room, she heard the three-year-old say with a trembling voice, "Who was THAT?"

3. A grandmother was telling her little granddaughter what her own childhood was like: "We used to skate outside on a pond. I had a swing made from a tire; it hung from a tree in our front yard.. We rode our pony. We picked wild raspberries in the woods." The little girl was wide-eyed, taking this all in. At last she said, "I sure wish I'd gotten to know you sooner!"

4. When my grandson Billy and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects. Still, a few fireflies followed us in. Noticing them before I did, Billy whispered, "It's no use Grandpa. Now the mosquitoes are coming after us with flashlights."

5. When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, "I'm not sure."

"Look in your underwear, Grandpa," he advised, "mine says I'm 4 to 6."

6. A second grader came home from school and said to her grandmother, "Grandma, guess what? We learned how to make babies today." The grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool "That's interesting," she said, "how do you make babies?" "It's simple," replied the girl. "You just change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'."

7. Children's Logic: "Give me a sentence about a public servant," said a teacher. The small boy wrote: "The fireman came down the ladder pregnant." The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. "Don't you know what pregnant means?" she asked.
"Sure," said the young boy confidently. 'It means carrying a child."

8. A grandfather was delivering his grandchildren to their home one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian dog. The children started discussing the dog's duties. "They use him to keep crowds back," said one child. "No," said another. "He's just for good luck.." A third child brought the argument to a close."They use the dogs," she said firmly, "to find the fire hydrants."

9. A 6-year-old was asked where his grandma lived. "Oh," he said, "she lives at the airport, and when we want her, we just go get her. Then, when we're done having her visit, we take her back to the airport."

10. Grandpa is the smartest man on earth! He teaches me good things, but I don't get to see him enough to get as smart as him!

11. My Grandparents are funny, when they bend over; you hear gas leaks, and they blame their dog.

12. Who is a grandfather I asked? The answer: A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart.

13. You know the best place to be in when you're sad is grandpa's lap!

In conclusion my advice to you is this: "Have children while your parents are still young to take care of them and enjoy them."

God bless.

God blessed us with grandchildren

Oh, I forgot to tell you that I was in Singapore the week of Christmas and how I enjoyed my days there; my time almost totally engrossed with my three grandchildren. There was never a dull moment.

The kids and I played chess, fixed puzzles, took strolls in the park and I bought them some old-fashioned ice-cream. The elder one’s favorite is chocolate the younger strawberry of course and baby Sam’s just too young to have any!

You know the time spent with your grandchildren rejuvenates you. When I see the dimples in their faces and the crooked smiles you’ll know they get those from whom. They got them of course from their mum and their mum got them from me naturally!

Where were you, where was I when each of my 3 grandchildren arrived? Yes, I was there in the hospital during each and every one of her delivery, so I know how it felt to be a pa and grandpa all at the same time!

Thank God every bundle of joy came beautifully and I pray that they will grow up gracefully too and serve their purpose well according to whatever God had intended them to be in life.

Today as I reflect on life’s precious moments my cup overflows with gladness and thanksgiving…I couldn’t be more blessed than this, I think! Praise the Lord.

Here's Reba McEntire with that beautiful song entitled, "He gets that from me". Hope you like it as much as I do.

Dealing with difficult relationships - Speak the truth

I have prepared this piece actually for delivery to my cell-group that’s scheduled to meet on 29 Jan.

Thought I’ll post it here and share it with you. Your comments if any are of course welcome.

The subject matter for Bible Study this month is on “Dealing with Difficult Relationships” but tonight’s topic for deliberation which is Part 2 of our engagement is entitled “Speak the truth” and I am to lead.

Now one may ask what has the topic “Speak the truth” got to do with “Dealing with difficult relationships?” How do they sync? What’s the connection? How to apply it?

These are some of the thoughts I want you to focus on this evening.

You know, many of us grew up in the country from ordinary families and from young we were raised to “speak the truth”. I was anyway. I remember quite vividly that if I ever lied and was discovered, my mother would cane me severely and I would retreat to my little “corner” of the house and cry. That was a long time ago but it left an indelible mark on me.

Truly then to me “honesty is the best policy and it begins at home”. I believe it still does, agree?

When we are honest (with ourselves as well as with others), I tell you we stand tall among our fellow men.

Question is why do our parents want to teach or rather to instill in us this trait, the character trait of “telling the truth”? Now I know why, because in life I believe the character (as in integrity) of a person is everything.

(1) Speaking the truth builds character, agree?
(2) Not only that, “speaking the truth” is the very foundation for building and sustaining good and long lasting relationships.

And the whole of life is about relationships, isn’t it?

So let’s talk a little about “relationships”, yes of the human kind. What is it that makes a relationship tick or stick, and what is it that sours it as in a difficult or broken relationship?

When we know the causes for failure or success in a relationship, then we would know how to deal with relationships, don’t we? This is of course easier said than done.

It’s okay to have difficult relationships, who doesn’t? The important thing is when things go wrong we should ask ourselves, can we do something about them? The answer to that of course is plenty.

The Bible tells us, anything uncontrolled can harm our relationships.

Some of these things are: Anger (Pr 29:11), Drinking (Pr 23:29-35), Lust (Pr 6:26), A Reckless Tongue (Pr 12:18), Ambition & Worldly Desires (Pr 23:4), and even Spending or Over-indulgence (Pr 21:20).

So if you don’t want to harm or spoil a relationship what would you do? We must learn to control our anger, our tongue, and a host of sinful human desires. I think you know what these are.

Proverbs 25:28 says, “A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken down walls.” Note in the time this was written, cities were safe only because of their walls. The moment we lose self-control or self discipline, we are actually a city without any protection already.

Self-control, as Paul tells us in Galatians 5:22 is a fruit of the Spirit. Ah, how do we catch it, that’s the problem? But mind you, not one fruit but there are 8 other very useful fruit of the Spirit to catch on too. I think you know what they are.

I think it’s true to say and that is this, we can live “an incredible life” thru’ the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit if we can catch it that is, literally speaking.

God’s spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-disciplined.

It’s no secret people who live by the “fruit of the Spirit” are among other things, more victorious in life including relationships than those who live by the “fruit of the flesh”. Agree?

If you live by the “fruit of the flesh”, you will soon discover that it doesn’t help in building up relationships. In fact I think the opposite will be true.

Let me ask you what then are the “fruits” of the flesh, you know those things that God detests or hates the most? Let me tell you from the Bible,

There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:

haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19)

Of the traits or sinful human desires which are the “fruit of the flesh”, the Bible tells us clearly to shun or abandon, see 2 Timothy Chapter 3 what Paul had envisaged:

"People will be lovers of
themselves,
lovers of money,
boastful,
proud,
abusive,
disobedient to their parents,
ungrateful,
unholy,
without love (hatred),
unforgiving,
slanderous,
without self-control,
brutal,
not lovers of the good,
treacherous,
rash,
conceited,
lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.

Can you see the contrast between the two kinds of lives: (1) lives that are lived by the “fruit of the flesh” as opposed to (2) lives lived and led by the Spirit and what each can do to relationships? Think on it.

Now let me ask you 2 simple questions about another character trait which is “to speak the truth” or in essence “honesty”. (1) What does the world say about “honesty” and (2) What does the Bible say?

You all must know the stories of (1) Napoleon and (2) the story of late of Tiger Woods. What lessons can we learn from them?

Let me ask, what is the cause of each of their downfalls? I think a lot has got to do with “character”, more so than with circumstances or people.

“People”, “circumstances” and “self” govern our lives, don’t they? Of these 3, I think “our own-self” is our greatest enemy and most destructive, true or not?

Too often it is our pride, our stubborn ego, the “I must win attitude” which is the stumbling block to what could otherwise be a good and happy relationship.

Let me ask, “Of all the people you come in contact with, who gives you the most trouble?” D L Moody (one of the greatest evangelist of the last century) had said, “Actually, I have the most trouble with myself.” Any surprise?

Napoleon was reputed to have said, “Able was I ere I saw Elba” and these:

“If you wish to be a success in the world, promise everything, deliver nothing.”
“Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich.”
“History is a set of lies agreed upon.”
”The surest way to remain poor is to be an honest man.”

Do you believe him? Hope we don’t go “bonkers” thinking about it. Many people in the secular world of course agree with him. That I think is the world’s view of “honesty”.

Napoleon was a sort of “hero” in his day but his success didn’t last long. The momentum of power, of greatness was not sustainable. I think he died in exile, a failure? So was Hitler, to name another world “hero”. Why?

You know, worldly success (wealth, fame and power) acquired or achieved out of deceit or dishonesty or vide ungodly means the Bible tells us, can never last. What God has not sanctioned, God will surely scorn or frown upon. The end result is always disaster, tragedy or disappointment.

So as Christians be careful when pursuing or gathering up your so-called “nest-eggs” while going up the ladder of success. In the end, God brings all the arrogant and dishonest men down on their knees, agree?

The Tiger Woods story - Another lesson about character?

This is what the good Pastor & a famed Speaker & Trainer in Leadership, Dr John Maxwell had said recently and I quote:

“Tiger's story is a cautionary tale about character. All of the momentum you build through decades of hard work and dedication can be erased if you do not craft the character to support it.

Character is forged daily through the decisions we make. It comes from within and cannot be purchased.

Be diligent about working on your character so that you become a person worth following and someone worthy of harnessing the momentum of success.”

They did a survey of 1,300 senior executives in America, asking what was the most important characteristic in a person. Out of 17 options, integrity was chosen by 76 percent as the top quality to have.

Indeed, integrity or an honest character is everything. Without it, all is lost. Honesty of course breeds trust, and trust is very important in a relationship.

Now, let’s see what the Bible in particular what the Book 1 Samuel teaches us on how character, and in particular honesty and integrity can literally make or break a person.

In the Book of Samuel is the story of 2 men, i.e. Saul and David, the character of each, so diametrically different and how they played out.

Saul was tall and handsome, the 1st chosen king of all Israel but he was not a good king. He glorified self more than he honored God. He heart was full of envy and he couldn’t stand anyone better than him. He disobeyed God and when things went wrong, he blamed others. He made promises he could not keep. He succumbed to living by the “fruit of the flesh”. The Spirit of God left him. The Prophet Samuel had to confront him on a relationship that had gone bad.

On the contrary, David was a man of faith in God. He wrote Psalm 23. He knew who his God was and what his God could do for him if he trusted in Him. Remember how he slew Goliath single-handedly with only one sling-shot.

David was a humble and quite insignificant shepherd boy, the youngest among the 8 sons of Jesse of Bethlehem. Small in stature, young and innocent, but God saw what He could do. Why chose him and not anyone of his bigger and physically stronger brothers? His character and integrity must have stood out for him. It was said that when he was called and was anointed by the Prophet Samuel to be the next king, the power of the Spirit of God came upon him.

Despite what Saul did to him, David had always respected Saul while he was alive as the rightful king and never once did he retaliate. That spoke loudly to me of the power of “self-control” and what it could do. This greatness is a virtue, a virtue I believe that was entrusted to him by God.

Obviously God liked David. Why, because he listened and obeyed the voice of God and that made him a very important person in the history of the Bible. One could say he is a giant amongst God’s great heroes, more has been written about his life in the Bible (other than our Lord Jesus) than any other person of God that we know of.

You know, one of the reasons why I believe the Bible is to be believed, the inspired word of God, is this fact that God has been dead honest with us in his word.

Look at how the great men and women of the Bible, the so-called “heroes” of the Christian faith were portrayed in the Bible, from Abraham, Isaac, Jacob to Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon; they were heroes alright but their lives were not lives that were lived without sin. On the contrary we can probably recall the times and name the event that these “heroes” have grieved God’s heart.

God could have with-held all those incidences of wrong doing from us, incidences that didn’t augur well for “heroes” and their like, but he didn't. Why is God then telling us all these?

I can think of 2 reasons. (1) That we learn lessons from them. More importantly (2), it reveals to us a side of God, a trade mark of His character i.e. an honesty and integrity that’s beyond reproach, that’s God’s character. He had to tell, no matter how hard it was.

Aren’t we glad that we have an honest God? So then if God is honest with us, it is natural that He expects us to be honest with Him too, see?

“Honesty” or as a whole, “integrity" has the power to build trust, and “trust” is what fuels a relationship. I ask you if no trust exists, what relationship does one has.

Trust is the very foundation for every (good & long lasting) relationship that we are going to have in life and honesty breeds that trust.

I am re-emphasising what you all already know. It’s good to remind ourselves every now and then, lest we forget what honesty can do.

Speak the truth. Transparency breeds legitimacy.

Someone had said that credibility is a person’s currency. With it, he or she is solvent; without it, he or she is bankrupt.

Whether we like it or not, this life is actually a life of relationships. Why, because I believe that no man (or woman for that matter) is an island.

Therefore, how we handle relationships is very important. You can say our happiness and success in life depended very much on it.

In conclusion, let me say this, let us always have the courage to speak the truth even though the truth hurts, but speak it with a loving kindness and show it, i.e. with a love and a kindness that's genuine.

Last but not least, my advice is: “say what you mean, and mean what you say always”.

You know what Billy Graham had said when asked how he wanted to be remembered.

“That I was faithful to what God wanted me to do, that I maintained integrity in every area of my life, and that I lived what I preached.”

May that inspire us, God bless.

The thought that matters

This is my first “message” of the New Year, the 112th one so far.

And I must say it’s great to be back after witnessing some of those fireworks at the dead of night last night which ushered us into a brand new year!

Whether those displays of fire-power had beaten last year’s, I am not so sure.

Nonetheless, it was a magnificent celebration! Why all that rattle and dazzle, I wonder? Does it mean anything?

Some of us believe that the bigger and the louder the “bang” we make at the start of New Year’s Day, the more successful the incoming year will turn out to be. I wonder but who wouldn’t want to have a more successful year that’s ahead?

We made it, didn’t we? Into 2010 I mean.

Aren’t we glad that the best and the worst of 2009 are now behind us?

To many of us it seems like a big leap forward, isn’t it? And to some perhaps it is a new dawn and a new hope.

Whichever, I hope our “batteries” have been recharged and we are ready to face 2010 with renewed vigor and enthusiasm that will propel us not only at the start but hopefully will continue to sustain us throughout the rest of the year.

Here are some of the New Year greetings I have received from my friends. I think they are very nice and I want to share them with you in this “blog”. They all mean well and I feel blessed.

“A New Year..
A New Start…
A New Chapter….
A New Beginning…..
Forget the BAD
Cherish the GOOD…I sincerely wish you and your family a very Blessed New Year.”
~Oh

“Wishing you a Happy New Year. May you become a more prolific blogger in 2010.”
~OKL

“May you and your family be blessed with things you pray for, granted the things you wish for, and rewarded with things you work for. May you have the gift of excellent HEALTH, LOVE, PEACE OF MIND, and GOOD SPIRIT. Cheers for the new and successful 2010!”
~Johnny

“May the Lord anoint and empower you to soar on wings of eagle. May the New Year bring abundance of peace, love and joy.”
~LY

“May you have a Great and Blessed 2010!”
~JJ

“Wishing you and your family a Blessed and Meaningful 2010.”
~Edmund

“To David, God Bless You and Family too. Have a blessed year.”
~Aaron

“Happy New Year! Just thinking of you. God bless”
~KC

“Happy New Year! May God bless you all richly…”
~FVS

“Hope you have a wonderful New Year. Happy Holidays! We wish you more adventures.”
~Helen & Jim Schwent

“Happy New Year! Remember to exercise (walk) at least once a week. Don’t quarrel with your sweetheart and be generous to say I Love You.”
~Doreen

“Success is not the key to Happiness. Happiness is the key to Success. If you love what you are doing you will be happy and successful. Have a Happy and Successful Year ahead!”
~Koh

“My wish for you in 2010: May peace break into your home and may thieves come to steal your debts; May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills; May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips; May happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had forget your home address! In simple words ....may 2010 be the best year of your life!”
~Tan

Well, need I say anymore? Thanks to all of you my friends. You have made my day!

May God be with you always!

Let's relax, sit back and enjoy as Jeff Majors sings this beautiful Hymn, the words of which are taken from the well-known "Psalm 23". Thanks to "BlAtlnOgAp" for sharing it with us.

Yesterday's gone, tomorrow's new year's day

Stephen Hawking posted this thought provoking question some time ago to challenge all of us to seek a solution.

I think what he asked is still relevant today.

The question he asked was this and I quote:

"In a world that is in chaos politically, socially and environmentally, how can the human race sustain another 100 years?"

Think on it as we conclude this year (2009) with either a loud bang or a soft whimper and if you have a solution to it write to me.

I will close with this well known oldie, a song much loved by guys of my generation.

The sweet clear voice is from Mary Ford and the guitarist Les Paul really needs no introduction.

The song is entitled "Vaya Con Dios"(May God be with you). Cheers and Happy New Year!

2009's almost gone

It’s almost time to say goodbye to the year 2009. It has come and gone before our very eyes!

To some of us, we wish it could stay longer for one reason or another but to many it’s good riddance that the year is finally coming to a close. Whatever desires, time certainly waits for no man.

We had our good times and we have had bad times in 2009 too. As we reflect on these aren’t we glad that for better or worse, we are still alive and kicking?

Time actually doesn’t forget but time will certainly heal.

Even in our darkest day in 2009, there must be something good that we can extract from it. What is this “good”? Can we find it in the midst of life’s rumble and tumble?

Someone did say and I totally agree, “Life is tough but if you have the ability to laugh at it you’ll have the ability to enjoy it.”

You can’t undo anything you’ve already done, but you can face up to it. You can tell the truth. You can seek forgiveness. And let God do the rest.

You know, forgiveness is a funny thing. It warms the heart and cools the sting.

Indeed, you are richer today if you have laughed, given or forgiven.

And if you haven’t done any of these, it is still not too late to do it. Just let your selves go. You are actually a bigger person than what you think!

Let’s embrace 2009 for the last time as we bid it adieu and let’s welcome 2010 with a big and cheerful heart.

Indeed, tomorrow is brand new day!

Though no one can go back and make a new start, but anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. What’s keeping us?

Happy New Year everyone and God bless.

Here's Westlife with an inspiring song entitled "Flying Without Wings", the music-video is courtesy of "Gawjus 109". Sing along with the lyrics and recharge the human spirit in you.