Where we have torn down before, let's build up now. Where we gave up once, let's place hope on the present Where we made mistakes, let's learn not do repeat them again. Where we stumbled and fell yesterday, let's pick each other up today .... The world is already not a very nice place to live in, let's reduce the negativity and contribute to a better tomorrow.
Missionary Jim Elliot journal entry for October 28, 1949, expresses his belief that mission work was more important than his life. He lived his life by the motto; "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."
I will keep this post short and precise ... click on the link above for more information.
We have made it possible for you to make a difference, you can now support us by donating towards our fund for the welfare centre.
This is the opportunity for you to see how your donations is put into good used.
All the money raised will go directly towards purchasing goods that the kids really need and can't afford, objects that are going to make a difference in their lives. We will be bring all these items with us on the trip in January.
Follow our progress as we continue to post and provide updates.
I believe together we are going to do great things for those little ones abandoned in China!
Life presents everyone with many exciting opportunities To test their skills and passions in new surprising ways I know there is always uncertainty at each turn Just lay back, look up, close the eyes and wonder
Who am I?
What is my purpose?
Where is my place in this world?
I was not taught in school to embrace problems, I was taught that problems are to be avoided or something to complain about. But in 2011, I see myself changing, I chose to challenge myself every single day. I love photography, I imagine myself viewing the world through different lenses that allow me to see in various angles and aperture. I believe difficulties can be solved if I give myself permission to capture them in different perspective.
I notice some friends are particularly good at finding creative solutions. They start their lives over in exotic location, they take on projects that have a grand scope, they make choices that seem radical, and they carve out a new path that leads them into uncharted territory. I often watch in awe, preventing myself from taking the same leaps.Well the beginning of my career snapped into place like clockwork. I received scholarship offers, went off to a country town to earn my double degree, came to work in a bigger city, took a job as a graduate in a small firm and eventually registered as an aspiring Architect. I could have continue on this path for the rest of my career, but I decided to jump out of this perfectly good plane because it seems to be heading in the wrong direction.
Since I started my career, I found my passion has always been travelling to new, exciting places, I manage to squeeze adventurous trips to Asia, Europe and United States into one or two week stints during my busy work schedule. But I eventually decided this wasn't enough, and so I turned my life around by putting my business plan on hold in order to travel to China more extensively, for four full weeks. The country may seem rich but government funding is not adequate for children in welfare centre.
I wanted to help in any way I could. I started to do some research, I could either make a donation or sponsor a child but instead I prepare myself as a volunteer. I started to save up cost for the trip ... to cover food and lodging. I quickly got all the vaccination, my visa and bought a return ticket, I know when I get off the plane in Beijing, it would mean I am in a foreign land. My goal is to get myself out of my comfort zone and into a different world. I know deep down I will be tempted to board the next plane home. But I will stick to the plan, praying that I will be pleasantly shocked by what I can manage to accomplish at the end of the trip. I know God has brought this team together for a reason, we shared the same purpose and there isn't anything we can't do. When we combine forces, we could turn bad situations around, we could create great opportunities and find some way to make a significant difference.
Most people do not leave comfortable lives to tackle enormous problems in far flung lands. But in many cases much smaller challenges seems just as daunting. For many, changing jobs or moving across town feels just as risky as travelling to an exotic location to perform relief work. It is much more comfortable to stay locked in a role that's good enough than to reach for an alternative that has a higher degree of uncertainty. Like everyone else I am content taking small, reliable steps. I know I won't go very far but I won't rock the boat either. And this time I am taking a huge step in faith, I am ready to shake my boat.
First let me make your Diwali more colourful, I have chosen purple in celebration of the festive mood. May the lights shine upon our lives and enrich us.
Some people can't sleep because they have insomnia, last night I can't sleep because I have INTERNET connection But thank god this week I am back to my normal routine, work, gym, cook, clean and rest. I got hold of a very interesting book call "What I wish I knew when I was 20" by Tina Seeling It is a crash course on making your place in the world by reaching your highest potential, finding the right opportunity,creating the impossible, defying expectations, challenging assumptions and achieving amazing results. I hope this book will inspire me with new raising fund ideas for the mission trip.
Lately, many friends complained having insomnia, working late nights, stress, sickness, which got me thinking about sharing"The Law of the Seed"
Take a look at an apple tree.
There might be five hundred apples on the tree, but each apple has just ten seeds. That's a lot of seeds! We might ask, "Why would you need so many seeds to grow just a few more apple trees?"
Nature has something to teach us here. It's telling us: "Not all seeds grow. In life, most seeds never grow. So if you really want to make something happen, you had better try more than once."
This might mean:
You'll attend twenty interviews to get one job.
You'll interview forty people to find one good employee.
You'll talk to fifty people to sell one house, one car, one vacuum cleaner, one insurance policy, or a business idea.
And you might meet a hundred acquaintances just to find one special friend.
When we understand the "LawoftheSeed", we don't get so disappointed. We stop feeling like victims. We learn how to deal with things that happen to us.
Laws of nature are not things to take personally. We just need to understand them - and work with them.
IN A NUTSHELL Successful people fail more often but they plant more seeds.
When Things Are Beyond your control, here's something that you must NOT DO so as to avoid misery in your life:
You must not decide how you think the world SHOULD be.
You must not make rules for how everyone SHOULD behave.
Then, when the world doesn't obey your rules, you get angry.
That's what miserable people do!
On the other hand, let's say you expect that:
Friends SHOULD return favours.
People SHOULD appreciate you.
Planes SHOULD arrive on time.
Everyone SHOULD be honest.
Family or friend SHOULD remember your birthday.
These expectations may sound reasonable. But often, these things won't happen! So you end up frustrated and disappointed. There's a better strategy. Demand less, and instead, have preferences!
For things that are beyond your control, tell yourself:"I would prefer "A", but if "B" happens, it's OK too!"
This is really a change in mindset. It is a shift in attitude, and it gives you more peace of mind ... You prefer that people are polite . but when they are rude, it doesn't ruin your day. You prefer sunshine...but if it rains, it is OK too!
To become happier, we either need to change the world or change our thinking.
You have to agree with me that it is definitely much easier to change our thinking!
It's not what happens to you that determines your happiness.
It's how you think about what happens to you.
If after reading the above you still feel miserable, I sincerely encourage you to read“The Bait of Satan” by John Bevere.It is really powerful.
You will learn how to overcome bitterness, deal with offences, and forgive the person who has offended you.
Escape the enemy's deadly trap.
If offence is handled correctly, you will become stronger rather than bitter.
And when you are ready to forgive an offence, you will be eager to find a way to make peace.
Just as our body needs exercise, our anti-offence muscle needs exercise. Sometimes it is easy to keep from being offended, but other times it is hard to resist a strong temptation.
Bevere gave these steps for overcoming an offence:
Admit you are hurt. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings about this.
Forgive the person who has offended you and release him from your attention on his guilt.
Practise and strengthen your ability to forgive others when they offend you. This will help you keep injury from happening again. Stay free.
Go to a higher level of forgiveness and freedom by praying for the person who offended you.
Go to the person and communicate reconciliation, apology and forgiveness to him. Learn to love them again despite their faults. You are going for their sake, not yours. You've already forgiven him. Communicating reconciliation will seal your forgiveness of him.
Don't worry, The Holy Spirit will lead you in this process at a pace that you can handle.
It may seem at times that you are only getting worse.
But trust me, you will come out of the situation a more mature Christian who is thankful for this experience.
When I become bitter, I lose faith in God.
When someone offends me, I feel I want to fix his/her sins.
When I am angry with someone, my mind focuses on the wrong that person did to me, instead of focusing on the character. My anger often distorts the situation in my mind so that I can’t clearly see the right solution.
I know God wants me to first overcome the bitterness in myself and maybe I would come home from the mission trip learning a way lot more. If I carry anger into the rest of my life, I will be more prone to become bitter with new people in my life. Getting this block out of my life now would surely free me to serve God more effectively in China.
In 2 Cor. 9:6, the Holy Spirit applies the law of the seed to the area of giving. He who gives little shall receive little ... he who gives much shall receive much. The farmer has little doubt that this is true when he puts in his crop. He does not spare the seed. Can we be as sure of this law in other areas of life? Jesus says we can. "Give and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back." Luke 6:38.
After the seed is sown, the farmer waits patiently and with faith for his harvest, expecting God to give the increase. But while he waits, he is busy watering the seed and keeping the field free from weeds. Yes, every seed must be watered by the word of God and persistent prayer. Weeds of doubt must be kept rooted out while with continuing faith the God-promised harvest is awaited. "For in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart." Gal 6:9.
A final note, in preparation for the mission trip, I bring youSanmenxia (三门峡) 2012
This site will clearly document our feelings and thoughts starting from fund raising through to the end of the journey.
You can be part of the team by following, donating and praying for us to grow, spread and bring good news. Check out how you can help support us.
“Compared to everything I experienced in the past, none of it mattered anymore! Watching your loved ones leave you and realizing that there was still so much that you hadn’t done for them yet and so many things you haven’t told them – it’s difficult to find words to describe that type of feeling, especially knowing that you can’t make up for those lost times! That’s why now, I don’t care about what others may think of me. For example, when I was asked about why I didn't return to "A" after getting "B" and when I will be "C" again, my only response was to smile – because that’s my own personal issue (A+B+C) and as long as I feel happy and am enjoying the moment, that’s all that matters.”
While having my lunch in the office today, I came across this story about a boy who didn't want a bible from his dad. It is a very touching story about a loving father and the son who is missing out on a blessing from God.
A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.
As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car.
Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.
Curious, but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold. Angrily, he raised his voice to his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible?" He then stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible.
Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and a wonderful family, but realizing his father was very old, he thought perhaps he should go to see him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make the arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.
When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse,
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
-Matthew 7:7-11
As he was reading, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words... "PAID IN FULL".
How many times do we miss God's blessing because they are not packaged as we expected? I trust you enjoyed reading this short story. Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for...
This got me thinking of how I dread calling home last night. Just last week, I called home to wish Mum Happy Birthday but instead we had a heated conversation. After long tiring day at work, the last thing I would want was to listen to her nagging voice again. But I knew she was expecting my call, praying she will be more understanding and supportive, the phone started ringing ... I really did not want to upset her again. We had a short talk and her voice was different this time, I can tell she had a lot of questions but she let it slip away and accepted that I have made up my mind. I was speechless when I found out she respected my decision.
Isn’t it funny how parents are so concern of us? How much care they have for us?
Sometimes I feel they worry too much but they never give up on us.
But until I have my own children, I will never understand why they never agree with everything I do.
Mum, you had never attended any of my graduation, but you paid for my education. Although you never bought me a fancy car, but I am proud that I afford to buy my own car. You sent me to Sunday school when I was a little kid and gave me my first Bible, so that today I can be praying for you to accept Christ.
Lesson learned: We can't judge the book by it's cover. Before we act or react on something we should figure it out first before showing disrespectful behaviour. Respect is vital.
Always think about your actions and notice what is in front of you before everything slips out of your hands and falls straight into the fire. (try to avoid regretting making that decision later)
Every action has it's consequences, and every consequences has it's complications. Choose your words wisely, you can't take them back.
"Before you act, listen, before you react, think, before you spend, earn, before you criticize, wait, before you pray, forgive, before you quit, try" ~ Ernest Hemingway
And not forgetting that the Best Gift of All - The Bible.
You and I began as strangers
You came into my life … but little did I expect that we will become strangers, again
It’s funny how strangers come together as friends so easily and then at the end of a relationship/friendship .. you become strangers again.
Four more days and it will be his birthday, three years ago I threw him a surprise party with all my friends, two years after we celebrated together as a couple, I had to wish him over the phone as we were separated by distance a year later, today I am sitting here thinking if I should sent him a text or pretend I have forgotten about it instead.
Stage 1 Meeting
Thanks to D and A to introduce us @ The Meat & Wine Co. Close friends knew we were compatible and I guess they took a risk by organising a blind date or I would say a trial match making.When there is an attraction/connection, we would do anything for the
right person, but trust me at the end of the day it pays of when we get what we wanted or we found the person we are looking for after searching for so long.
Stage 2 Chase
This is the best part, hanging out together daily, finding common interest, getting to know each other more, wanting to talk only to each other every night. I was the number one priority in his life and he is everything I could see perfect in a guy.
Stage 3 Honeymoon
Finally we are officially together, we are able to fully express our affection for each other and do everything we want to do
as a couple. It is like a dream come true, I am finally his Gal and he is the man in my life.
I am so glad we have each
other in our lives at that moment in time. I didn't know what I could do without him.
I know that no matter what,
we'll make it through and we’ll hope to have a tomorrow together.
Stage 4 Comfortable
Here we can truly be ourselves. If we respect and care for each other enough, we will want to treat the relationship positively, eager to work on the special relationship and continue to grow together (emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically) But sometimes we allow ourselves to create
distance and take each other for granted. We start blaming on how people can changed over time but the bottom line is one of us stop trying and sadly the feelings were not as strong as before (it
could happen over a few months or a few years) Many relationships fail at this stage because we became lazy.
Stage 5 Tolerance
It happens so gradually that we didn't even notice. I must agree with Wong Fu Productions :
“Arguing is one thing but feeling dissatisfied and unhappy with the relationship is another. We tried various times to try and make changes; to fix things. but like so many couples out there, it wasn’t enough. It became one of those relationships were it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great. and let me tell you that’s never a good way to describe a relationship..."
"... at this point do you realise
there are two options for our future together, it is either breakup or get
married?"
" Do you want to get married? ... Do you want to breakup with me? Well it is one or the other and we will have to make a decision ... but what if I don’t know right now?"
Girl : "What do you think will happen if we don’t end up together, are we going to hate each other or do you think we will keep in touch? Boy: " I think if life separate us, we will be in totally separate places, I will always remember when you pass my life during this period and I will be thankful for that and hope that wherever you are you will be thankful too and I think that is the best we could wish for."
Stage 6 Downhill
Both of us knew by now that there is not much time left, we made effort to make things work but soon we realise is
not worth it anymore. What was the problem? Why did we argue? How did this happen? When will it end? Who would call it off first? Questions that needed answers.
Stage 7 Breaking up
This is by far the worst stage ever. I don’t know when or how it happened and I can't remember who wanted it more. I guess it was for the best of both of us, we finally can start a new life.
Now this path leads us straight back to where we
started as strangers.
At first, I missed him so much but
the distance grew us apart. Eventually we will move on and find
someone new. And even if we both get over
our past and we remained friends, things will still never be the same.
Our life will continue on, in
different directions towards the inevitable end.
Everything we share will
become a fragment of memories so long ago sometimes I wonder if it really happened. With only a small box of random stuff remained to remind me that T was once an important person in my life.
Finally it is confirmed, in Jan next year, I will be heading over to China, working closely together with International China Concern.I can't thank God enough for bringing together four very talented and gifted individuals.Sanmenxia (三门峡) 2012is going to bring love, hope and opportunity to the abandoned and disabled children.
Within a very short period of three weeks, I can tell you now that I will be experiencing all the above seven stages with the underprivileged children.
There will be lots of tears the few first days meeting them (stage1) then comes learning how to care for them (stage2) and finding the connection (stage3), in return they will start to accept and slowly bond (stage4), at this point in the middle of the trip I might either give up physically or I will be emotionally lost (stage5) and by the time I get my act together (stage6) it is time to bid farewell (stage7) Especially the last day as I pack up my stuff to go home, I will have to keep reminding myself to be strong and hold back my tears. I should not be upset in front of them cause I can only imagine they will be 100x or even 1000x more disappointed with my departure.
Recently I notice many close friends have asked me where would I want to hold my wedding in the future. I replied, "Firstly, I would need to find the right groom whom will propose to me ..."
But I always picture a couple exchanging their vows on a beach. Seeing close friends and families in comfortable beachwear is great. All relaxed and enjoying the sand on their bare feet ... The smell of the salty water, the wind blowing on the face, the gentle roar of the waves all combine to create a sense of peace and calm.
Or instead I could decide take the easy way out and just elope. Then I would not have to fuss about planning a wedding and just enjoy my honeymoon on a deserted island without any internet or iPhone reception.
How do I realise that I have always loved the beach? I have always carried around with me a small photo in my bag, a picture of my family at Ferringhi Beach. It was the first and last family outing I ever had at the beach and it meant so much to me since I was a little kid. Our memories of the ocean will linger on, long after our footprints in the sand are gone.
Why? Playing in the sand; splashing in the water; getting dirty; getting wet. The beach is the only place my mom doesn’t get mad with me doing that stuff. Of course I love the beach! I have to agree with Donna McLavy that honestly the beach is the only place children actually can entertain themselves.
Is it true? That is the beach is in our blood. According to Sandy Archibald, everyone in our family returns to the beach instinctively, just like the sea turtles. (mind you I also use to have pet tortoises when I was a kid) One can agree or disagree with this statement.
At the beach, life is different. Time doesn't move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides and follow the sun.
I hope that one starry night, when the time is right, I know you will ask me to join you, take off the shoes and walk the beach together hand in hand. With only the moon to light the path and waves, I will want to hear you tell me that I am a blessing from God. I had not only touch your heart but change your life around.
Summer is fast approaching and I can't wait to get my scuba gears out from the cupboard and hit the beach with my surfboard. This time, I might give kite boarding a miss.
Below are some quotes and photos that I came across lately, which inspires me and I would like to share it with someone who surprise me last night when he told me that he wanted to end his sufferings. I pray that I will bring you hope in life ... cause you have no right to end your life ... people around you care for you.
I took up surfing and scuba diving and it is a tiring sport. Falling over and starting all over again with never stopping waves (is part of life). Learn to climb back on your feet, balance the wave. It will be fun after you get the hang of it and start embracing the surrounding. Do not fight against nature. Relax and let everything happen / flow peacefully. It took me a while to get use to breathing underwater, there is constants fear of drowning, sharks, getting lost/ pull away by the strong current. But once I ignore my thoughts, I started to see/ realise the beauty around me whether it is underwater creatures or the rhythm of the rushing waves.
Sometimes we focus so hard on life, we all know work is never ending, there will always be expectations/ datelines that we can't meet or friends would disappointment us and betray us. But you have to give yourself permission to forgive and forget. Life can be fun if you give yourself a chance to relax, enjoy and be happy. Trust me you don't want to end up like a broken rubber band.
"Why does the ocean rock the moon to sleep every night? So the sun will wake and kiss the beach." - J. Henson
'
"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty." - Mahatma Gandhi
"The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choice-less as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea." - Anne Morrow Lindbergh
"I cheated on my fears, broke up with my doubts, got engaged to my faith and now I'm marrying my dreams."
Source : Unknown
Looking back 5 years ago my dream was to join a humanitarian aid after watching the Watoto Children Choir performance at CityLife, to assist in disaster reconstruction with theEmergency Architects. I had big dreams then, I was inspired the young children voices. But I didn't put the thought into action and soon the singing slowly fade away. I got distracted, climbing the corporate ladder, trying to earn more money, saving up for the future, I was occupied with worldly things.
One day as I was spring cleaning, I found theMambo Sawa album, it was kept safely away in my tuck box, staring down at the words "Life is Good!" printed on CD cover, the songs started playing in my mind, it was so clear like it just happen yesterday ... yes indeed my life has been good so far.
Did it really took me this long to realise that it is time for me to start contributing?
Am I finally prepare to give back to society?
Am I ready to actually take time off from my career and join a mission outreach?
My prayers been answered and it is finally happening in 2012, God has brought together a team of four talented individuals (Architect, Accountant, Nurse and IT consultant) to volunteer together with International China Concern ... exciting times are waiting for us ahead.
Today is the day we all remember how Jobs is in Heaven in the iCloud, news spread across the internet with Facebook & Twitter updates showing on every iPad & iPhone RIP Steve - iSad You will always be a true visionary for all of us. You have taught us to never give up, to keep innovating, and never stop believing.Thank you for taking the road less travelled.
Some profound quotes from the man himself.
"Do you create anything, or just critize others work and belittle their motivations?"
""Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to....love what you do. Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything - all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. Your time is limited. Don't waste it living someone else's life" - Steve Jobs
It isn't what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about.
So go to sleep and rest your soul.
Someday everything will all make perfect sense. So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason.
Happiness is like a butterfly: the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder ...
My final advice to you, "If you are trapped between your feelings and what other people think is right, always go for whatever makes you happy. Unless, you want everybody to be happy except yourself."
“I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure, which is: Try to please everybody.” says Herbert Bayard Swope
Okay lets say ... Life is like a piano... the white keys represent happiness and the black keys are sadness ...
As we all go through life's journey ... the black keys make music too.
What you get out of it depends on how you play it ...
I know we can't always get what we want in life nor can we please everyone either
We definitely can't live our life based on just what everyone else thinks.
We just have to know that ... we can only have peace if we understand grace ...
And the gospel (good news) is a result of God's grace.
Therefore stop letting others telling you what you should or should not do in life
Remember at the end of the day you just have to answer to Him alone.
Reading Linda Bailey's daily devotional on You Can't Please Everyone really inspired me. She started theological studies in 1999. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the local Christian radio station here in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible.
Scripture : Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Scenario : Linda's friend, Robyn told her about how she had a terrible day a few weeks ago. Robyn was supposed to leave work early to pick up her daughter from school so they could get her ready for her formal. But Robyn got stuck in a meeting and didn't leave on time as she was trying to please her colleagues. Even as she was running out the door of her office she stopped to sign some cheques for the bursar to please him too. Even though her daughter was very upset with her running late, Robyn raced around the house trying to help her daughter get ready for her big night. As Robyn was ushering her daughter out the door her son asked to borrow her computer. She had forgotten to pick up her computer after signing the cheques so she drove all the way back to work, after dropping her daughter off at her formal, just to pick up her computer to please her son. Because of all this running around Robyn had totally forgotten about a social event her partner had invited her to and so even though she had done her best to please everyone she ended up not really pleasing anyway and hurting the person who loves her the most! Oh dear, what a day right!
Sometimes our lives can feel like that too. We try our best to please everyone only to have everything blow up in our faces.
Observation : The Bible never tells us to please other people. You can look through every single verse and it will not tell you to go out of your way to make everyone else happy. It does say that we should do our best to please God though. If we are worried about pleasing other people, we need to change our priorities and put all of our focus on pleasing God. He is the most important element in our lives. When we please God we may not be pleasing everyone around us, but we are staying in tune with the reason we were created. God creates us, He saves us and He gives us life. The only applause we should be seeking is those of nail-scarred hands.
Application : What is a way that you can please God today?
Action : Accept having all kinds of people around me, friends who support me and those who disagrees.
Life doesn`t give you the people you want, it gives you the
people you need. To help you, to hurt you, to love you, to leave you, & to
make you into the person you were meant to be.
I keep reminding myself every time I am upset, someone once said this to me ...
“I will always be beside you, until the very end. Wiping all
your tears away, being your best friend. I'll smile when you smile, and feel
the pain you do, and if you cry a single tear, I promise I'll cry too.”
These friends are like angels who lift us to our feet
when our
wings have trouble remembering how to fly.
Prayer : Lord, it is so tempting to do our best to please other people. Help me Lord to only focus on pleasing You so that I can be a true servant of Christ. Amen.
Where we have torn down before, let's build up now.
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