Food for Thoughts

Faith of God

It's a season of learning and self-equipping for me. Been attending seminars/workshops since April till now. Almost lost count of them. Let me recall: MSG, Healing of trauma, Counseling on Depression, Millionaire Mind, External Focus Church, TESOL.....things happen so fast, really find it difficult to keep up with them.

Last weekend, I attended the Elijah Challenge Seminar. What I take away the most was that God has given us, the believers of Christ, the authority over disease, demon and flesh. As believers, we have the faith in God, but many of us don't have faith of God. To put is in simple:-

Faith in God=believe that God is able to do things
Faith of God=believe that God has given us to authority to do things for him

Mountain moving faith is to exercise our faith of God. Our faith in God is our foundation, our faith of God is where we exercise our given authority, i.e. the action. We are short of miracles in these days, esp healing the sick, is because of lack of faith of God. During the workshop, we were trained to command the infirmity to leave, using our authority and don't doubt about it.

Many times, when we serve, or do God's work, we doubt about our authority, and we don't really trust/ believe in Him, esp things are not smooth sailing, illogical, not the way that we want them to be. Jesus command the storm to stop, Jesus command the eyes of the blind to see, Jesus command the lame to rise and walk, Jesus raised Lazarus. Jesus prayed and sought in His closet, but during ministry time, He exercise His assured, given authority and command...no longer praying when in the battlefield. When David faced Goliath, he did not stand there and pray, but with his faith of God, he shouted at Goliath that he came in the name of the Lord Almighty to fight him and with one sling of stone, Goliath was killed. On surface, he seemed boastful, but in actual fact, he was bold with his faith of God.

Let your faith of God arise. Let your mountain moving faith increase.

Posted in: on Monday, June 30, 2008 at at 1:56 PM 0 comments

Snapshots

20 Jun~Went to Fitness First with a colleague right after work. We attended the Pilate Fitball class. It was first attempt for both of us. The exercise is to strengthen our core. There was one movements where we had to hold the fitball in between our calves and lift it up and sideways. Gosh, I thought I would probably walk like a wobbly crab after that. Another movement was to put our belly on top of the fitball, and both hands and legs were to lift up parallel to the ball. I tried many times: first lift up both legs, then lift up both hands...then I fell. I tried again, fell again...it was very frustrating, esp everyone else in the class got it...But, I kept trying. After struggling for almost 10 minutes, at last, I got it...hooray! All in all, I enjoyed it despite the pain. Felt really stretched, both physical and mental.

24 Jun~Attended a maritime exhibition. Enjoy talking to people to find out more about maritime. While I was struggling to hold on to all my goodies, a Japanese exhibitor walked up with his company goody bag, open it so that I could put the rest of goodies in the bag. What a kind gesture. Was really impressed by his gentleness and fluent English. Thereafter, we stop by a booth which specialised in pumping system on ship. Found out the exhibitor whom we spoke to is a Norwegian and the grandson of the founder. The company is based in Bergen, Norway, a town which I had been in 2005. Told the exhibitor, he was surprise to meet an Asian that had been to Bergen. Norway...is really a country which you can really identify it with ships and fishing.

Posted in: on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at at 10:11 PM 0 comments

Expectation

Many people say it's difficult to work for a friend, or work with a friend in the same company. Colleagues can become friends, and sometimes, good friends; but many a time, friends, after working together, become enemies. The same goes with business dealing. The same goes with family members. Well, I think, it's because of unmet expectation, and taking advantage.
We tend to place lots of "should" to people that we are close to. They should understand, they should do this, they should help me, they should give business deals to me, they should...the list is endless. When all these "should"s involve money, the tension is even greater.
Loyalty vs being taken advantage & betrayal; helpful vs demanding expectation; friendship vs professionalism; simple heart vs secret agenda..
The boundary can be grey.....well, can only follow my conscience...so long my conscience is clear, and my heart is peaceful. Steer away from those demanding expectation at an appropriate time, and confront where necessary. I have to admit it's easier to say and do it.

Posted in: on Monday, June 23, 2008 at at 10:45 PM 0 comments

Facing the Giant

Today, I started my TESOL class. It's been a while since I last took a course, and have to go through hours of lectures, revision and preparation. I love to learn languages. Language is a connector to people from different countries and background.
But, taking this course seems to post a bit of challenges to me. For a non-native speaker, with a hard core chinese education background, jack of many languages but master of none. And...my stage fright, my soft voice projection, fear of failure, a woman who doesn't like limelight & be the centre of focus...will I ever overcome?

Teaching is to build life in others, for it imparts knowledge and values.

I know I can do all things, I can do all things through Christ. With the power of His love and the word of life, I can do all things, I can do all things through Christ.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Posted in: on Saturday, June 21, 2008 at at 6:41 PM 0 comments

Charisma

ability to show your care = Concern
ability to reach out = Helpful
ability to make things happen = Action
ability to produce = Result
ability to lead = Influence
ability to feel & respond = Sensitive
ability to give hope = Motivation
ability to build up = Affirmation

Posted in: on Friday, June 20, 2008 at at 3:53 PM 0 comments

Faith & Action

Saw this quote...for you to ponder...

God is MOVED by your needs but will ACT on your faith. Your needs are not the issue; your faith is. If you can belive it, you will receive it. The Red Sea didn't part when the Israelites cried in panic but only when they went forward in faith.

Walk by faith, not by sight or feelings.

Posted in: on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at at 3:57 PM 0 comments

Communication

With the modern technologies, there are many tools we use to communicate now. While snail mails and postcards are still around in the market, emails, SMS and handphone are something that most people can't leave without. The effectiveness of whichever way that you choose to communicate really depends on the audience, contents, urgency and location. And it varies from individuals to individuals. The tool and style that suits you, may not be suitable to you audience. Thing that seems to so "common sense" to you, may not be for others.

I have a client who has very busy schedule and most of the time I can't get hold of him via his office direct line. I realised later that his prefers mode of communication is email, as most of time, he is very responsive via email. So, I change my style and mode of communication with him. There was once, I have arranged a appointment for him and my candidate, but the appointment is within the next few hours, and I need his confirmation soonest. So, I chose SMS instead followed by an email. And he responded via sms due to the urgency.
I love home-cooked food. Almost every evening, I dine with my family. So, my agreement with my family is that if I won't be home for dinner, either I inform early in the morning before I leave home, or if something ad-hoc came up during the day, I will inform by 5pm. SMS is my usual mode of informing. There was once, it's almost 5pm, and something came up that I wouldn't be back for dinner, I chose to SMS. And of course, the message was not read in time, and my portion was prepared. What a waste! So, I learnt my lesson, and the next time, especially it's almost 5pm, I SMS to inform.
With the modern technologies, we have many modes to choose to communicate. While economical is ideal, it should not undermine the efficiency and effectiveness of the communication. Sometimes email and SMS may be delayed, even though on your end it indicates delivery...transmission problem. Email and SMS are convenient, but there are things that we can resolve by just one phone call away.
So, choose wisely and be flexible to change when it needs to be.
Communication is really an art and skill that requires constant learning and improvement. We can't achieve 100% no misunderstanding full proof, but I think it will help reduce and perhaps "repair" the damage that has been done before.

Posted in: on Monday, June 16, 2008 at at 7:30 PM 0 comments

Kung Fu Panda

Po, an enthusiatic, big and clumsy panda, is the biggest fan of Kung Fu. He works everyday in his family's noodle shop, but his heart desire is to learn Kung Fu. He even had a dream that he becomes a warrior. Unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy, he has to endure sceptic and doubt, from others and even himself. But, his "never give up" spirit, despite his self-doubt, plus Master Shifu's eventual belief in him, turns his weakness to his strength.


To read further on the movie:
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809826133/details

Some thoughts came after the movie:

~ Never give up on your dream despite disappointment and discouragement

~ Just be yourself. Your strength can be your weakness, and your weakness can be your strength

~If you are a leader or a mentor, and you are leading or mentoring someone, do see beyond their weakness. Strive to bring the best out of the individual. Be generous with encouragement and affirmation

~Team work is important in achieving a common goal. No man is an island. Watch the movie and see how the legendary Furious Five -- Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey, fight against Tai Lung.

Posted in: on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at at 1:43 PM 0 comments

Fear is So Yesterday

***from Heartfelt Blessing***

Fear is always counseling you against the perils of 'now' because of something that happened 'once before'.
--Robert Holden

Yesterday might be a nice place to visit, but only fear wants to live there. The next time fear calls out to you, face it squarely and remind it gently that you no longer choose to live in the past and it can't live in the present. Then bless it and let it go.

Always be aware that fear needs the past to survive. And always be aware that you are loved beyond measure

Posted in: on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at at 5:07 PM

His Glory

Today, in church, Pastor shared about 3 steps of welcoming the King's glory:
1. Seek to understand, recognising the season
2. Declare the glory thru prophesy and telling His mighty works. Lifting up the possibilities.
3. Continue to seek Him even more. For he is great healer and creator. Be externally focused

Psalm24, 1 Cor 2:9-10

As I reflected. The following song came. And as I asked God, how do I experience more of His glory in me and thru me besides the above steps, the verses in John 11 came. Lazarus was dead. Mary & Martha were very sad and said if Jesus had come earlier, their brother would not be dead. Jesus told Martha, in John 11:40, "Did I not tell you if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" Jesus then called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. He raised Lazarus from the dead.

Do you truely 100% believe in Him, of who He says He? If you believe, you will see His Glory in whatever situation and wherever you are. The lyric of the song goes :-

Your Glory
@2005 Mike Guglielmucci/ Planet Shakers Ministries

Break of Day, Your light it shines on us
And Your glory fills this place
Like the Sun, it rises up on us
It's the glory of Your face

And I lift my eyes to heaven
And I lift my eyes to heaven

Your glory, the whole earth is filled with
Your glory, nations cry out they sing
Holy, Holy is the Lord
Your glory, Jesus one touch of
Your glory, I lift my hands and sing
Holy, Holy is the Lord
Is the Lord

Show me Your glory, Show me Your glory, Show me Your glory

Posted in: on Sunday, June 8, 2008 at at 8:27 PM 0 comments

Financial Health & You

~article taken from Malaysian Investor www.min.com.my
Lab 1 - Main Sources of Income Test
In order to know what your current financial position is, you need to review your inflow and outflow of money. You have to clearly identify your main sources of income, which are basically monies that go into your pocket, such as your salary, dividends, capital gains, rental income from your properties, distribution from business, interest from your bank savings and fixed deposits.
Your total income can be divided into three categories, namely earned income, passive income and portfolio income. Earned income is the money you take home as your salary. This is the hard earned money paid by your employer for the work you do. Normally, it is taxed at higher rate than any other forms of income.

Passive income is money received from property investment or distribution from business. This is a form of income that you should not work too much on, but it is still able to generate continuous stream without much effort on your part.

Portfolio income is money that you receive from the returns of your investment in financial assets, for example dividends from stocks, income from bonds as well as the returns from unit trusts. It is also another form of passive income whereby you would not have to actively be involved in generating the income.

Lab 2 - Main Sources of Expenses Test
An expense is the money that leaves your pocket. They are all expenses that you have to incur in order to maintain your lifestyle. Examples would include credit card payments, housing loan repayments, car loan repayments, utility payments, grocery bills, taxes, travel and entertainment and all other personal expenses.

In determining your financial position, you need to track all of your expenses. One of the main reasons that people discover that they do not have much saved up when they retire is because they never control their expenses. They lose track as to how they spend their money every month. The one pattern they constantly observe is that they always do not have enough money to support their lifestyles. As a result, they may have to incur additional debt to pay for their expenses as their earned income is insufficient to pay for all of their expenses.
One way to track your expenses is to write down every item that you spend on. JOT-IT-DOWN! - It is tedious but in the long run, a rewarding task, as you will be able to keep track of what your hard earned money is spent on. If you are unable to track all items, make sure that you at least aware of all payments made to purchase the more costly items. You will find it shocking to discover that a majority of you are genuinely surprised once you’ve discovered how much money you have spent on certain items. Please refer to the table below on how to build your financial statement.
Lab 3 - The 90 Percent Rule
Ken Little in his book titled Personal Finance At Your Fingertips recommends that you save 10 percent of your income. Have a look at the table below and you will see that income minus expenses equals to net cash flow (A-B). The 90 Percent Rule requires the net cash flow (A-B) to be at least 10 percent of your income (A).

In Malaysia, in view of the current high inflation rate, it is not easy to save 10 percent of your income. To us, it does not matter whether you are able to save 5 percent, 10 percent or 15 percent of your income, the more crucial issue would be that you start saving and start nurturing the habit of saving.
You have to start someday, why not today?
MY FINANCIAL STATEMENT
RM
INCOME

Earned Income

Job and Self Employment _______

_______

Passive Income


Real Estate (net)

Business (net) _______

Passive Income Total _______

Portfolio Income

Interest

Dividends _______

Portfolio Income Total _______

Total Income ___ A__



EXPENSES

Credit Card Payments

Housing Loans Payments

Car Payments

Food and Clothing

Taxes

Other Payments _______

Total Expenses ___B___

Net Monthly Cash Flow A - B

Posted in: on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at at 6:02 PM 0 comments

7 Common Money Mistakes to Avoid

~article taken from Malaysia Investor http://www.min.com.my/

If you are thinking of improving your financial health, first, you need to be able to recognize your financial mistakes so that you can learn not to repeat them.
Here are some commonly made money mistakes that everyone should avoid:

Mistake #1: Failing to Plan
If we carry out a survey on the people around us, we would be sure to find that not many of us plan our finances. The most common response that we can anticipate would be the classic excuse “We are just too busy with work and family that we hardly have any time left to do the planning”. As a result, most of us end up paying higher taxes, leave our savings sitting silently in lousy investments for years or overpaying for financial products. Since there are always deadlines to be met at work, we tend to let our finances run its own course, thinking that it is of lower priority as there are no deadlines to meet nor is there anyone to force us to look into our financial plans, unless of course we run into serious deficit.
However, the important point to note here is that PLANNING is typically found to be a strong habit among people who have successfully accumulated wealth, even with just a modest income.

Mistake #2: Spending Beyond Our Means
Nowadays, we constantly overspend due to peer pressure and consumer temptation that surround us on a daily basis . We are, to a certain extent, exposed to mild brainwashing with TV commercials, newspaper ads, sale circulars, and flashy shopping malls promoting the lifestyles adopted by the rich and famous, which of course involves having the latest mobile phone models, the latest luxurious cars, latest fashion trend. All these tempt us into spending exorbitantly and unnecessarily. The signals we get from not jumping on the bandwagon is that we will be considered left out of today’s scene. However, in order to do so, far too often, we end up spending way beyond our means. We will find that at the end of each month, the net salaries that go into our bank account are usually meagre, after servicing our car loans, housing loans, credit card bills and other utility bills.

Mistake #3: Spending Future Money
Buy now and pay later! This has become a norm nowadays and the credit card has become a must-have item in our wallet. In fact, a lot of us carry more than one in our wallets. No doubt of it is a convenient item to have around, however, some of us misuse it and treat it like a vehicle to spend our future money at will. It has become a common phenomenon where, by just settling the minimum payment at the end of the month, you will buy more now. As a result, the credit card bad debt snow-balls to an extent beyond our control. According to the bankruptcy report, the percentage of people declared bankrupt due to default in credit card payment has increased in the last few years especially among the younger age group. Be wise when using credit card. Making minimum monthly payment on credit card debt allows you to buy more now, but it will cost you dearly in the future.
Mistake #4: Delaying Saving for Retirement
Most of us aim to take up early retirement. In order to achieve this, we need to plan our finances to make sure that we have enough savings to sustain the life style that we desire even after retirement. However, many of us find that even when we approach retirement, we still struggle to meet the savings target that we have set for ourselves earlier. As our income grows, our savings are supposed to increase as well, instead, we more often than not, have big items to spend on, i.e. house upgrading, new car purchase, club membership to keep up with our peers, etc., that prevents us from depositing more into our savings.

Mistake # 5: Investing in the Wrong Products
There are various kinds of financial products in the market. However, in order for us to identify the right product that suits our risk and return profile, we need to equip ourselves with some basic investment knowledge and do the homework ourselves. Instead, most of us end up investing in some products, simply because we rely too much on the financial advisers, who might have the agenda of pushing higher sales for their products and therefore providing misleading information to us. It is always important to study the product characteristics or the management team track record before investing.

Mistake #6: Not Saving for a Rainy Day
Some of us think that purchasing insurance is a waste of money. However, we are vulnerable if we and our family do not have insurance to cater for any loss of income. In the event of some unfortunate incident, especially those affecting the family’s bread winner, without any cash reserve or insurance, it will be devastating to the whole family. By then, it would be too late to start thinking of income replacement.

Mistake #7: Focusing Too Much on Money Matters
All the above tell us to focus on our finances. However, on the other extreme, we must also not be too engrossed in accumulating our wealth to the extent that we lose sight of other priorities in our lives. While we plan our financial health, we must not neglect our own health, family and friends, career satisfaction and fulfilling interests. Without these, even with tons of money, we will not be happy.

Lastly, we need remind ourselves of the importance of planning our finances. If we are not fully, totally and truly committed to creating wealth, chances are wealth will remain estranged to us.

Posted in: on at at 5:48 PM 0 comments

Performing Miracles with Your Staff

by Os HillmanTuesday, June 03 2008

"But take this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it." - Exodus 4:17

What is the staff God has put into your hand? Is it being a builder? Is it being an office worker? Is it being a doctor? Moses' staff represented his vocation as a shepherd. God had something in mind for his vocation - to perform miracles. And awesome miracles He did! God turned the Nile river into blood with the touch of the staff. He turned the staff into a snake. He parted the Red Sea with it. These are just a few of the miracles God did with that staff. When we yield our talents and abilities to the Lord, God can perform miracles through them. First, Moses had to yield what He had in his hand to God. Only after this took place could God use that staff. As long as Moses held onto it, God could not and would not perform miracles through it. Until we come to this place with our heavenly Father, we will fail to see miracles performed in our work. He delights in showing His power through us. When we become an open vessel, we can expect to see things happen. Have you given your staff to the Lord? Offer it to Him and see what He might want to do through it. Your life will never be the same.

Posted in: on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at at 12:21 PM 0 comments

Thunders and Storms

Everyone goes through thunders and storms in life. Many times, the situation is beyond our control. You have put in effort in whatever your endeavour, but the results seem to deviate from the effort that you put in. Debt building, money is stagnant and dwindling. Disappointment after disappointment. Your dream seems to be far from reach. Your mind osciliates between giving up and pressing on. Sounds familiar, huh?
This morning, I woke up. Oh dear, it's another day again. But, as I spent quiet time reading the daily devotional, it spoke to me. The disciples and Jesus were in the ship, and they were facing terrible storm. The disciples were panic, while Jesus was fast asleep. And when they woke Him up, He calmed the storm by just giving one command.
Jesus is indeed sovereign and in control of everything. All we have to do is to invite Him into our "boat", and commit the situation to Him, and trust Him totally. For He is trustworthy, dependable and a mighty God.
He is great indeed. As the song goes...Rest my soul, in Christ alone. Know His power, in quietness and trust. When the ocean rise and thunder roars, I will soar with You above the storm. Father, You are king over the flood. I will be still and know You're God...

Posted in: on Monday, June 2, 2008 at at 4:23 PM 0 comments

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