Job Interview? Remember The Bus Stop Quiz

You are driving down the road in your car on a wild, stormy night, when you pass by a bus stop and you see three people waiting for the bus:

1. An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.
2. An old friend who once saved your life.
3. The perfect partner you have been dreaming about and haven't seen for years.

Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing that there could only be one passenger in your car? Think before you continue reading.

This is a moral/ethical dilemma that was once actually used as part of a job application.. You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and thus you should save her first.. Or you could take the old friend because he once saved your life, and this would be the perfect chance to pay him back. However, you may never be able to find your perfect mate again.

YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS.....................

The candidate who was hired (out of 200 applicants) had no trouble coming up with his answer. He simply answered: 'I would give the car keys to my old friend and let him take the lady to the hospital. I would stay behind and wait for the bus with the partner of my dreams.'

Sometimes, we gain more if we are able to give up our stubborn thought limitations. Never forget to “Think Outside of the Box.”

New Routine : Be More with Less

Deeper Week 3

Ever wonder why Less is More?

Everyone should consider to remain flexible with social media. What works three months ago, may not work today. What works today, may not work three weeks from now. And I am almost on my final week away from Facebook.

I believe this principle can be applied to blogging ... traffic and frequency are directly correlated.

The more you post, the greater your traffic.
The more you practice, the better you get at it.

This is true when you are relatively new blogger like me, seeing my traffic grow in 2011 was self-rewarding, however I started questioning the content, time, purpose and preparation ... I didn't want to be posting too much, get burnout or become too noisy.

I have to agree (with Michael Hyatt, Jeff Goins, Ali Luke & Darren Rowse) that if I could get the same amount of traffic with half the posts, I could probably gain several hours each week that could be invested in other activities. I could read more, research and choose which quality knowledge to share.

My friends are busy everyday. Doesn't mean they don't enjoy spending time reading my post, they just don't have the time to keep up. Others might need some time between post to process the data and apply it. We all have different skills, personalities, and constraints on our time and energy.

My plan is to keep my post short and simple (to the point). Planning ahead will probably help me avoid posting sub-standard content when I am in a rush.

Routines play a very important role, because they make room for other things. I have established a weekly routine, it gets me going in the right direction, stay focus, otherwise I spend a lot of time playing catch up. The feeling of being left behind is indeed stressful. But always remember to make your own, simply copying with someone else’s routine probably won’t work.

Honestly, I only write when I feel inspired, writing to a weekly set schedule doesn't work for me. Why? It is not fun, I used all my creative juices and imagination at work. Therefore blogging shouldn’t be a chore, I figure if posting frequently isn’t working out for me, it’s probably not working well for my readers either.

I particularly like what Seth Godin said when Brian Clark asked him how he wrote every day. Seth refused to answer, and then he said "There is this feeling that if we ate the same breakfast cereal Stephen King ate, then we’d be able to write like Stephen King writes."

Seriously, Why Bother?

Deeper Week 2

I came across a very interesting article by Gill Matthewson, as she reflects on the continuing disappearance of women from architecture and why we should care.

In 2002 Paula Whitman indicated that women comprised 43% of architecture students in Australia. Their representation in the profession varied from state to state: 11.6% of registered architects in Queensland, 15% in New South Wales. Victoria has the highest proportion of women registered at 18.2% (I probably contributed 0.001%)

Despite near gender parity at architecture schools and in graduation numbers, women still constitute just 20% of registered architects in Australia in 2012 ... and women earn less that men. (absolutely shocking)

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) surveys states that about 86% of architects practice in small offices (which means less than 5 people), the average income for architects is less than the award for carpenters/ draft person (this is true) and many architects practice part time (often ‘moonlighting’ between employee architects and private commission).

The world is simply not constructed in a way that allows everyone to “just get on and do what they want to do”. Gender is, of course, inevitable – it’s a critical part of our identities. As soon as we meet someone we make assumptions about who they are and how we might want or need to interact with them; however assumptions do make social life manageable.

We base these assumptions on everything from what people look like (including their gender, what they wear, what they carry, their age, ethnicity, height, etc.) to what they sound like (accent, type of words and other noises they use, etc.). But gender carries a lot of weight and who can disagree?

Where things come unstuck is when simplistic stereotypes kick in and we get gender judgement: because I am a woman, or a man, I will ‘naturally’ act, react, think, work, play, design, live, desire, etc. in a particular way. These valuing systems are at times really obvious and at other times very subtle. And because gender is a basic building block of how a society operates therefore judgement are based on gender ripples through everything from the small to large scale.

It is complicated ...

Light vs Darkness (spiritual struggles)

A Hero is Born, not made ...

... this morning I decided to sleep in and I felt great staying in bed ... until my new house mate G came back from her overseas trip, I knew her through my ex house mate and current landlord J. The moment she step in the front door, she woke everyone up in the house. Drag myself out of bed, had my white coffee and breakfast, then started cleaning and unpacking together. By mid day the place looked a lot more organise, the place was a lot more tidy before I went back home one and a half weeks ago. The rest of the day continued with a nap, dinner and Wrath of the Titans. In the late hours or early morning ... around 2am I had the urge to start typing again ...

... every day, somewhere, a hero is born. He or she comes into the world with a destiny, to share her wisdom or to proclaim his message. Basically to make a difference because some words and actions have the power to move and motivate others, to shake the earth and rattles the heaven (influenced by watching too much Perseus tonight) ... if only they will share them. Sharing is a choice. One that belongs to you and me. Yes we all have a choice every single day (as long as we continue breathing). And I choose to share my deepest thoughts here, hoping to inspire strangers out there to kick start their own dreams. The world is full with people who hates their job or rather likes it (like me) but somehow longs to have a new job that feels different (eg closet artist, aspiring author or dancer ... people longing to do meaningful work that inspires) check all the amazing individuals on The Dance Lifestyle Channel

Sometimes I wonder if my parents listened, my sister answered, my friends heard or the person I love understood. But whether or not the world read my story, whether I left the impact I was born to make ... it is really entirely up to me ... come to think of it (at this hour) it is pretty scary (and freezing cold).

The only problem: Many of us are not doing it ... procrastinating, waiting, worrying ... thousands of people out there who won't make that choice. They'll fail to be who they are and live up to their calling. We will forever miss their talents and this is tragic. (okay I think I am being a bit overly dramatic here ... must be the influence from the musical)

Many of us worry too much about our lives, whether or not we'll make an impact or the right choice. So have you ever wonder what you'll be remembered for, what your legacy will be? I caught up with K briefly, who were desperately reaching out and trying to make it through another week, however I notice another friend finds himself succeeding in the wrong things, as a end result ... despair and frustration.

Before I comment on my own personal struggles, let me share my opinion on how we can struggle with despair. Despair is when you have a utter lost of hope. There is a sense of hopelessness whether you are young or old (it doesn't matter) when all HOPE in life is GONE, a person is left totally devastated and empty which leads us to two category of people, the ones who are overwhelmed by heavy despair or the ones that overcome despair by having great hope and dreams for their future. I think Ephesian 2:12 is a powerful verse that can wake us all up appropriately. It simply trying to tell us that when we are without Christ, we are without God and when we are without God we are without Hope but if we have Christ, we have God, which leads us to Hope, Future and Dreams (for better things to come).

Make no mistake, at some point in my life, I feel the same way too. Honestly, my own personal darkness symbolise many things, and I would like to highlight on disappointment. In the Bible, Job 30:26 "When I looked for good, then evil came to me: and when I waited for light, there came darkness." I get disappointed when I feel let down, betrayed or do not get what I want ... hoping to get the good things but for some strange reason I keep getting the evil instead. Sometimes I do questions if what I am doing really matters in my spiritual journey. The answer .... always keep me wondering and waiting. All this while, deep inside my heart, something stirs, I guess something I am still afraid to admit.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2

People often think that when I become a Christian I will never experience times of darkness. This is not true. There are times in my life that felt extremely DARK (almost to the point I was suffering from depression and I had to pull myself out of that state). The difference is that I have access to the Light. I no longer have to fear the dark as I know God is always there for me and will give me the Light that I need at the time.

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4-5 

Remember to become who you are. It only happens once in a lifetime.
Look towards the Light and shine it out to others who are in darkness.

Pray that when the sun rises in the morning, every darkness has to go (anger, bitterness, lust, fear, addiction).

A Musical Fantasy

"When a man sees nothing but himself even his own shadow becomes his enemy"

Cat Stevens wrote this musical about childhood dreams and finding hope in any situation. Be present and joyful. See life as it is, right now, and don't compare it to others' lives, or other times in your life. Every moment in life is rich and unique; whether we are aware of it or not, we are always leaping and hopping on a Moonshadow - the inescapable present moment. If we are wrapped up in our whirlpools of worry and concern about what could be, or what has been, we are missing the richness of life as it is.
In his songs, Stormy seems to be spiritual seeking, indicating clearly that, despite all the losses and suffering of existence, he finally chooses to surrender to a power greater than himself.

I can tell he is helping us to realize some of the potentials within our own lives and voyages ... how we can never really progress by standing still or simply holding on to the pass-me-down mapped traditions. Yet, in the end ... we still arrive back to where we started and may realize that God's hand was always guiding us home throughout the journey, and like shadows, we too are bowing to that someone higher-all the time. Overall, it is fun to watch, a classic hero's fairy tale with a hint of Romeo and Juliet ... typical good versus evil, light versus darkness, a few Tolkien and Tim Burton moments but definitely it has much more going for it than recent Andrew Lloyd Webber shows.

I ended the night having ice-cream at Helados Jauja and while browsing through an Argentina photo-book by Florian Von der Fecht (dreaming of my next mega adventure) how odd I came across a picture of a tree similar to the one Stormy was holding on to the frame ...the Jacaranda tree.

Be like the ... sun, moon, birds, flowers

I asked God for instructions on how to live on this earth

God brought His voice close to my ear and said

Be like the sun ... arise early, and do not go to bed late

Be like the moon ... shine in the darkness, but submit to the greater light

Be like the birds ... eat, sing, drink and fly

Be like the flowers ... loving the sun, but faithful to your roots

Be like the faithful dog ... but only to your Lord

Be like the fruit ... beautiful on the outside, and healthy on the inside

Be like the day ... which arrives and leaves without boasting

Be like the oasis ... give your water to the thirsty

Be like the firefly ... although small, it casts it's on light

Be like the water ... good and transparent

Be like the river ... always moving forward

And above all things ... be like the heavens, a home for God

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God

May your gracious Spirit lead me into the land of uprightness

Psalm 143:10

Lord. don't let me remain where I am ... help me reach where Your want me to be.

Love is like the Wind ... Wedding Speech

Once again public speaking is not my forté, but I do enjoy listening wedding speeches! I'm not terribly fond of the kind of speech where the speaker "toasts" the couple and pokes fun at them, because it's their special day they should only have to hear positive remarks. Speeches that are very sweet or sentimental are my favourite kind, and I really enjoy that sort of thing! I just have to make my speech fun so I could hold back my happy tears.

Good evening everyone, for those of you who don't know me, I am the very proud “so call twin big sister” of our glamorous Bride. I want to start by congratulating the bride and groom, and thanking all of you for coming here today.

When I look at the bride and groom, I feel such a whirlwind of emotions. I know that Purdey has found her true match and I know that theirs will be a marriage of long standing. My heart is bursting with love for you two today. I know you have a wonderful adventure ahead of you, and with everyone’s blessing your marriage will last for decades to come.

I never knew Justin before he dated my sister, so I can't tell you horrible stories about him, but I can tell you that I know he is perfect for my sister! He's easy going, interesting, easy to talk to, and he has a great sense of humour! I am very sure Purdey’s family are very happy to welcome Justin as part of the family. I know he's made perfect for her, and I hope she’s specially made for him too!

Purdey, I want to note how beautiful you look today, and to tell you that this has truly been a special day for me. Thank you for giving true meaning to the word sister and for sharing the last 5 years with me. I truly enjoyed your company, and laughter, when I think back on our adventures by browsing through Facebook albums; I have nothing but fond memories. The fondest memories include the times we spent having short road trips, outdoor sports (marathon, badminton, gym) and lots of sleep over. I know how much joy she has brought into my life, and I know that she'll bring that joy into Justin’s life as well.

To this day, Purdey is the only person I know that can make me laugh so hard it hurts. I have a lot more funny and embarrassing stories about her, but because this is her special day, I will leave her alone now.

I thought about the words of advice that we'd like to give to the newlyweds and came up with this five points:

# The two secrets of a long lasting and happy marriage are a good sense of humour and a short memory!

Always remember to say those three important little words..."You're right darling"
If you're clever, you'll always have the last word. However, if you are very clever, you won't use it.

# Whenever you are wrong, admit it. Whenever you are right, be quiet.
And, Justin, always remember...a happy wife, makes for a happy life!

# Separately, you are two special, remarkable people, but together you are complete. As you sit side by side through this roller coaster of life, remember to scream from the peaks, hold hands through the dips, laugh through the loop the loops, and enjoy every twist and turn ... for the RIDE is much better when you share it together. 

# Coming together is the beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.

My wishes for Justin and Purdey are that they have a continued loving friendship and partnership; that they enjoy success and laughter together; that they are blessed with children; and through the years, your love for each other will deepen and grow.

# May your love be like the wind, strong enough to move the clouds, soft enough to never hurt, but always never ending

I wish you the very best and happily ever after.

FAQs, Do's and Don't's

Stuck waiting at the departure lounge in the international terminal, I dedicated this to a good friend who gave me a very eventful birthday experience this year.

For those who might be planning to explore the option of speed dating, you probably would find these Q&A relevant. Speed dating is the hot new alternative on the dating scene, compared to barhopping and on-line dating. In the present world of speed and frenzy, speed dating is the instant dating solution for today’s youngsters or working professionals. Unlike normal dating, you have got 5 to 10 minutes to meet and create chemistry. (hahaha fat chance)

One thing you really don’t have is the luxury of time, therefore the way you dress and the questions you ask are really important. If you are tongue-tied, you are out of the picture. Yup it is a competitive world out there. Dating experts advise that no one wants to date some one who does not talk, is boring or nervous, you must be ready with a list of interesting, impressive and enjoyable questions that will keep the conversation thriving. (sounds like a lot of work)

The Do's and Don't's
1. Remember to be confident (act confident even if you are not)
2. Make a proper introduction (work on your smile)
3. Go with a positive attitude
4. Dress well
5. Avoid swearing, telling lies or have unrealistic expectations

There are numerous other questions you can ask on a speed date if you rack your brains. The trick is to select from among these the questions that are closest to your heart and whose answers are important to you. If you can't remember the important questions; there are so many topic to discuss and enjoy!

Some of the questions I found interesting or I would used during a date (ranging from serious to silly)

Conversation starter

• What do you do for work? - It is an introductory question. It may reveal the professional status of a person but very little about his personality. So move on to another question.
• Where are you from? - This reveals background. It throws better light on the person.
• What is the one thing about yourself that you would like me to know? More insight into his personality.
• When was your last relationship and how long did it last? A probing question that will open up the communication.
• Do you believe in love at first sight? You can decide whether he is a romantic person or not.

Warming up

• What do you do for fun? This will throw light on whether your leisure activities match.
• How do you spend your spare time? This is important, as it will really help if both love to do the same things in spare time.
• Are you an outdoor person and he a bookworm? Which is the last book you read?
• Do you like animals/keep pets? Are you going to clash on this issue - one an animal hater, the other a pet lover?
• Describe your perfect holiday. Would you like to climb a mountain or trek across a desert? If one thinks frozen Alaska, the other sunny tropical island. Uh-oh
• What is your favourite month of the year and why? Does he like to sweat it out in summer activities or curl up like a cat in winter?
• Are you a morning person or a night person? Is sexual compatibility important to you?
• Who is you favourite movie/actor/actress/celebrity and why? Into which personality’s shoes would you like to step for a day? Says a lot about his taste.
• What is your favourite sports or team? Who is your favourite sportsperson?
• Do you believe a cup is half empty or half full? Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

By now you would have a good feeling if you want to continue on with the conversation with him or stop here.

Going into the details

• What are you looking for in a relationship? What do you think is the most important value in a relationship? You can both instantly compare whether you match in this area.
• Do you want to marry or have you ever been married? This is important, as it will reveal if both are moving in the same direction - towards or away from marriage.
• What do you look for in a husband/wife? Do you want/do you have any children? An important question if you are looking for a long-term relationship.
• Is religion important to you? 24x7 living together means understanding on certain basic issues like religious beliefs.
• Where do you see yourself in five years time? Watch out if he has no definite goals for the future and is in a rut. A positive mark if you have your life and career planned out positively.

Now if you still have time, you may light up the mood with some silly remarks.

Insight into personality.

• If you could travel back through time, what single mistake would you correct in life? 
• What are your deepest regrets?
• You have got six months to live, what will you do first?

Amusing question just for laughs.

• If you won a lottery, how would you spend your millions?
• If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
• Which is the one job in the world that you would love to do?

Some of my personal favourite answers about life, goal, work, relationship and time 

Share briefly about your personal life?

My current goal in life is to become simpler and simpler.

Before this I wanted to do so much. My mum taught me a lot of things and exposed me to many different situations, I grew up basically wanting to do this kind of stuff and learn that new set of skills....

Now I'm taking life a little more slowly and still looking for new projects that I haven't done before, explore things that broadened my horizon … but I am now a lot more selective. It is like practising both longevity and diversity at the same time by doing different things in my own way at my own pace and exploring how to remain the relevance over a longer period of time.

What qualities, attributes or talent can be seen in your work?
A lot of discipline and dedication. I don't go out partying all the time, I used to do it when I was younger but now it is not a constructive use of my time. I am way over it cause it no longer serve any purpose for me. I guess there are things in life you have to give up in order to acquire a new task. Remaining focus in life is not an easy exercise, I find balancing between both work and family became a very crucial part of my life.


What qualities do you look for in the close friend that you keep?
Creative thinkers, people that inspires me, not necessary in the same industry but also people outside the industry are important and good friends that work hard to achieve what they want. When I seethe passion in their work, it reminds me of who I am, what I like to do. There are times when I might lose inspiration or my dream/ ambition. When I hang out with them, it restart that whole drive in me again. I feel it is important to have close friends like that to support each other, to discuss topics with passion and laughter. 


How do you spend your free, down and spare time?
It really depends on what I do, where I am going, what my mood is ... it can be very different every time. There are times when I can be really hyperactive and do a lot of things. Other times when I am very exhausted from work and I just want to go home and not see anybody. Spend a quiet evening or weekend, having some ME time (for myself).
A couple of times I was so occupied with life, I just wanted to spend some quality time with my family. Get in touch with my friends back home, you know, having more than just an email or an on-line chat or a quick phone conversation, it's good to see them in person over a good meal or coffee and talk.


Where do you normally travel and how do you choose your vacation?
I am very fortunately that I have a job that pays my bills and also allowed me to take time off and travel over the last couple of years. I have been to a few places and would like to visit a few more. Singapore, Hong Kong, LA and Vegas is a great place for shopping, full of energy and vibrant, I would like to visit New York someday. 
I love to travelling to different places in Europe and Japan to explore the culture and history, but you need to save up and plan well for these trips. Many parts of Asia can be fun, cheap and easy, you learn a lot about the society.
I recently made a trip to Tibet and China. I brought my computer, I had a phone with internet but I realise that I don't need all these modern conveniences, I learn what basic human living is all about, no need for fancy cars or expensive clothes, all I need is to sleep, to rest and to adsorb what's happening around me. I spend a month there and came back here, it put things into a better perspective, stop me from being such a spoilt brat, keep my feet on the ground (no more flying like a legless bird)
I am ravished by the beauty of the world and I really love spending time exploring nature.
My next destination would probably be Latin America or South Africa, I haven't decided yet.


Okay time to board my flight ... 

Romancing in Thin Air

Last night, I decided to pack my bags for yet another travel, even though it will be short trip but it is not easy to pack, most of the stuff are either gifts for my family or souvenirs for relatives reunion dinner and not forgetting my friend's wedding (brides maid dress, shoes, make-up, accessories) I hope I did not forget anything this time. Oh well, from all the travels I had, you pack what you can and the rest just buy if needed, no point over packing. Yup bags are heavy and filled, I am satisfied.

I left work early and I had some spare time so I decided to have a relaxing evening, I was home alone, peace and quiet, I watched "Romancing In Thin Air (高海拔之恋II)" directed by Johnnie To, one of Hong Kong’s most exciting directors, starring none other than my two favourites, Louis Koo and Sammi Cheng. 

I have so much respect for Sammi. She had a long history in the entertainment industry, good and not so good rumours, during a break lasting more than 1,000 days, she reflected upon her life, and became a born-again Christian. After taking a break for about 2 years, she re-invented herself again, and held her concert titled "Show Mi" (Mi being the nickname of SamMI given by her fans). I was very fortunate to have attended her concert tour in Australia back in 2008.

This new movie definitely marks a welcome return for Sammi. Her previous movies that I enjoyed growing up watching

1996 Feel 100% with Ekin Cheng

1998 The Lucky Guy with Stephen Chow

2000 Needing You with Andy Lau

2000 Summer Holiday with Richie Ren

2001 Love on A Diet with Andy Lau

2002 Infernal Affairs with Andy Lau

2004 Magic Kitchen with Jerry Yen

2004 Yesterday Once More with Andy Lau

"Needing You" and "Yesterday Once more" was produced and directed by Johnnie To and you can tell she is a perfect screen couple with Andy Lau.

Like a scene straight out of a movie, on the day superstar Michael is to marry his actress sweetheart Yuan Yuan, a coal miner shows up and runs off with the bride.
While dodging the paparazzi, Michael inadvertently boards a truck driven by Sue and ends up in Shangri-la.
Sue is the innkeeper of a local inn and allows the rather depressed Michael to stay and get his life back together. During his stay, Michael finds out Sue is a die-hard fan and Michael's movies are the links of Sue's marriage. Unfortunately, her husband, Tian, disappeared 7 years ago near the inn and hasn't been found ever since.
Year after year, the rescue team looks for Tian and Sue hasn't given up either. But when hope turns into despair, Sue commits suicide and Michael rescues her. As time goes by, Michael nurses Sue back to health and encourages her to put Tian behind her. When they both sense love is in the air, Sue gets word Tian's body has been found. Unable to forget her husband, Sue turns Michael down.

Before "Romancing in Thin Air" was released, I watched the trailer, teaser and listened to the OST "Do Re Mi" performed by Sammi. I didn't get the meaning behind the lyrics but after watching it all makes sense now.

This morning as I was loading up my car with my luggage and fishes (dropping it off at a friend's place), I reminded myself true friendship and true love do sustain the tests of distance and time. There are many ways out there to make a relationship work. All I can say is love yourself unconditionally, just as you love those closest to you despite their faults.

While driving to work (surprisingly no traffic), I came across "Don't compare your love story to those you watch in movies. They are written by scriptwriters, yours is written by God." Yup scenes in movies definitely bring back memories ... riding a bike, hugging from behind, kissing in the rain, being taken care when sick, drinking till you pass out, warming each other in the cold ....

Love is beautiful and poetic, it can bring sunshine to a bad day, and it is the rainbow to the storm. However, we all live in reality. Sadly we all need to eat, sleep, pay bills and contribute to society and not live on just love.

Love is grand, but it must not remove us from reality. God has a great way of combining love with justice, purpose and productivity. His love is not that of a besotted teenager, but a mature love that helps people to grow and develop. That is the kind of love we should have for everyone; love that develops respect and maturity in those around us.

How can you express love to everyone in such a way that they are better off from experiencing it?

A friend came to me for advice, I told her not to focus on choosing the better man, she should instead consider the man that make her a better woman. God's love is made perfect, I pray that everyday we may learn to extend His love to everyone around us so that we all become better people from the experience.

Time To Catch My Breath ~ Home Sweet Home

Dory: Hey there, Mr. Grumpy Gills. When life gets you down do you wanna know what you've gotta do?
Marlin: No I don't wanna know.
Dory: [singing] Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. What do we do? We swim, swim.
Marlin: Dory, no singing.
Dory: [continuing] Ha, ha, ha, ha, ho. I love to swim. When you want to swim you want to swim.
Marlin: Now I'm stuck with that song... Now it's in my head.
Dory: Sorry. 

Weeks of poor sleep pattern and bad dreams are a recipe for a very cracky and short tempered person.

Every where I turn I see some sort of challenge, slowly the view becomes obscured (like a layer of morning mist) and I am too tired to discern whether I see Prince Charming coming or to gauge how long before the dawn comes as I lay in bed wide awake some nights.

Three people keep showing up in my dreams, two are dead to me and one is very much alive. I don't need to sit with a genius to understand why they are there or what they represent in my life. I know, for a fact that if life would have worked out a bit differently there would have been times where all three of them would have been together at the same place (maybe not a very good idea).

And mind you this actually did happened a few years back, two of them were there at my first wedding as a bridesmaid. Until today I can't recall how they were invited.There were not from the common group of friends and there were not even from the same country. You must be joking, among hundreds of guest, both of them ended up sitting next to each other.

The music started playing in the background, my cue to start walking down the aisle, there they were both standing looking at me side by side, each gave me a wide smile, it was a truely awkward moment, thank goodness I did not trip and fell on my face. Deep down I know one was ready to punch and the other will not hold back the attack. I was praying that they don't start a scene, the very last thing I wanted was for them to act like boys and destroy the wedding. This is the reason why you never invite an Ex to your wedding (or any wedding).

I guess there would have been more than one occasion for us to gather seperately (reunion) and it would have made me very happy to catch up but for some strange reason, them being invited to "my friend's wedding" at the same time has indeed made me a tiny bit uncomfortable.

I have attended a few other weddings alone since then. This time round it would be my very best friend aka twin sister wedding. Once again one of them will be there, that is not how it should be and I am not crying over it. I may be a dreamer and someone who believes that dreams can become reality, but I am also practical. I live in my current reality and I understand exactly what is happening. Is this fate, destiny or revenge? I have this strange feeling he is bringing a plus one. But isn't that what I wanted, for them to move on ... to find their happiness and leave me alone? ... well yes ... but not in front of my face.

I am not going to be given time to catch my breath during this trip. Oh well life isn't going to stop anyway. It doesn't matter how loudly I yell or how hard I try to force it to be otherwise, I can't make things happen the way I want (unless it is my own wedding of course). All I can do is enjoy my birthday, try to make the most out of wedding the next day and  rush home to spend quality time with my family. Tonight I better start packing, tomorrow I shall make a few smart decisions and the wedding speech will hopefully be the topic of my discussion next week.

I Love You Mom

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

"Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking it's life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

"You will simply call her, 'Mom.'"

Thank You and Goodbye

I just wanted to point out that it's interesting that most of the following items discuss below involve words - written, spoken, and sung. Ways of sending, recording, transmitting and storing words may change and disappear, but words are essential for life. Whether these changes are good or bad depends in part on how we adapt to them. But, ready or not, here they come.

The "Things" That You Own
Many of the very possessions that we used to own are still in our lives, but we may not actually own them in the future. They may simply reside in "the cloud." Today your computer has a hard drive and you store your pictures, music, movies, and documents. Your software is on a CD or DVD, and you can always re-install it if need be. But all of that is changing. Apple, Microsoft, and Google are all finishing up their latest "cloud services." That means that when you turn on a computer, the Internet will be built into the operating system. So, Windows, Google, and the Mac OS will be tied straight into the Internet. If you click an icon, it will open something in the Internet cloud. If you save something, it will be saved to the cloud. And you may pay a monthly subscription fee to the cloud provider. In this virtual world, you can access your music or your books, or your whatever from any laptop or handheld device. eg Google Drive, Dropbox, SugarSync. That's the good news. But, will you actually own any of this "stuff" or will it all be able to disappear at any moment in a big "Poof?" 

Will most of the things in our lives be disposable and whimsical? It makes me want to run to the closet and pull out that photo album, grab a book from the shelf, or open up a CD case and pull out the insert. Surely we remember how important physical touch is.

Privacy
It's been gone for a long time anyway. There are cameras on the street, in most of the buildings, and even built into your computer and cell phone. But you can be sure that 24/7, "They" know who you are and where you are, right down to the GPS coordinates, and the Google Street View. If you buy something, your habit is put into a zillion profiles, and your email/favourite/ads will change to reflect those habits. "They" will try to get you to buy something else. Again and again. 

Television
Revenues to the networks are down dramatically. Not just because of the economy. People are watching TV and movies streamed from their computers or iPads. And they're playing games on iPhones and doing lots of other things that take up the time that used to be spent watching TV. Prime time shows have degenerated down to lower than the lowest common denominator, let's see how long reality TV shows can keep the rating coming. Cable rates are skyrocketing and commercials run about every 4 minutes and 30 seconds. I say good riddance to most of it. It's time for the cable companies to be put out of our misery. Let the people choose what they want to watch online and through Netflix or IPTV.

The Land Line Telephone
Unless you have a large family and make a lot of local calls, you don't need it anymore. Most people keep it simply because they've always had it or they bundle it with their broadband. But you are paying double charges for that extra service. All the cell phone companies will let you call customers using the same cell provider for no charge against your minutes. I say go Naked DSL !!!

Music
This is one of the saddest parts of the change story. The music industry is dying a slow death. Not just because of illegal downloading. It's the lack of innovative new music being given a chance to get to the people who would like to hear it. Greed and corruption is the problem. The record labels and the radio conglomerates are simply self-destructing. Over 40% of the music purchased today is "catalogue items," meaning traditional music that the public is familiar with. Older established artists. This is also true on the live concert circuit. To explore this fascinating and disturbing topic further, check out the book, "Appetite for Self-Destruction" by Steve Knopper, and the video documentary, "Before the Music Dies."

The Book
You say you will never give up the physical book that you hold in your hand and turn the literal pages. I said the same thing about downloading music from iTunes. I wanted my hard copy CD. But I quickly changed my mind when I discovered that I could get albums for half the price without ever leaving home to get the latest music. The same thing will happen with books. You can browse a bookstore online and even read a preview chapter before you buy. And the price is less than half that of a real book. And think of the convenience! Once you start flicking your fingers on the screen instead of the book, you find that you are lost in the story, can't wait to see what happens next, and you forget that you're holding a gadget instead of a book. Kindle is Awesome !!!

The Newspaper

This new generation simply doesn't read the newspaper any more but Dad still insist on subscribing to a daily delivered print edition, I told him that may go just like the ice-cream van, milk man, bakery delivery truck ... As for reading the paper online, get ready to pay for it. The rise in mobile Internet devices and e-readers has caused all the newspaper and magazine publishers to form an alliance to develop a model for paid subscription services. 

The Post Office
Can you imagine a world without the post office. They are deeply in financial trouble that there is probably no way to sustain it long term. I guess that is why local postage keep increasing yearly. Probably relying on shopping on-line eg, eBay has somehow push Fed Ex and UPS to wiped out the minimum revenue needed to keep the post office alive. Most of  my daily mail is either junk mail or bills, and we are encourage to consider the environment hence we opt for email delivery nowadays.

The Cheque
It costs the financial system billions of dollars a year to process cheques. Credit cards and online transactions will lead to the eventual demise of the cheque. I vaguely remember my cheque book, I reckon it is still sitting deep in the drawers.

Yup I have to agree, all these things are slowly disappearing in my lifetime. All we will have left that can't be changed are "Memories". And then probably Alzheimer will take that away from you too! How ironic ...

There are no mistakes in life, just lessons ...

How interesting, last night, four individuals from different walks of life, Japanese, New Zealander, Chinese and Indian came together in conjunction for a friend's farewell and to celebrate my upcoming birthday. Sitting closely together we had a wonderful time at a local cosy French restaurant. Everyone was enjoying themselves, we discuss about travels, food, culture and life.

It is that time of the year for a quarterly reality check and life's biggest question. After speaking to friends and clients over the last couple of weeks (maybe months) since I got back from my missions trip, everyday we seem to be striving for financial freedom and getting more years out of life ... when we should really be focusing on getting more life out of our years ... trying to find ways to live, and not merely exist.

Well probably not everyone will understand my point here, but yes too often we go through life on autopilot, going through the motions and having each day pass like the one before it.

Before we know it, time flew pass in front of us. Everyone experience the same problem.

Well some individual find that comfortable while others accept it as part of life.

My question, is that really fine? You think maybe it is but let's look at the following scenarios.

Scenario 1 : Friends

That's fine until one day you meet someone you have not meet for a long time, you realise they have gone through another year without having done anything, without having really lived life.

Scenario 2: Partners

That's fine until you see your close friends having kids one by one and then you realise that you are missing out on parenthood.

Scenario 3 : Parents

That's fine until they see their kids go off to college and they tell you that they missed their childhoods.

I don't want to reached old age and look back on life with regrets. It’s not fine and it's not fair. 

If I want to truly live life, to really experience it, to enjoy it to the fullest, instead of barely scraping by and only living a life of existence, I need to find ways to break free.

Now let's drink to life, because what follows is just a list of ways I choose to live my life (Hey! we all need reminders and I am here to share my life lessons, some which I am still trying to accomplish every single day)

1. Fall in love, if you aren't already (Abandon being too cautious and let your heart be broken) it doesn't have to be romantic love, you can love all humanity, one person at a time.

2. Go outside, stop working so hard, pay attention to nature. Walk barefoot on the grass, hike the woods, dive in the freezing ocean, dance on the beach. Do your work on a laptop in a coffee shop, become a freelancer. It might be worth it.

3. Savour good food, don't just eat your food but really enjoy it. Feel the texture and flavours,savour every bite slowly.

4. Wake up early, greet the day, start a morning ritual, watch the sun rise, tell yourself today is a gift, enjoy some coffee.

5. Find your passion, your dreams, things that excite you, go after them, take chances. Make life one exciting adventure after another (with perhaps some quiet times in between). Make your living by doing the thing you love to do you only live once.I was often told I live my life too cautiously, worried about what might go wrong. Be bold, risk it all. Quit your job and go start a business for yourself (plan it out first!), or go up to that guy you've liked for a long time and ask him out. What do you have to lose? I have done it and got turn down a couple of times, yes it is embarrassing at first but I laughed about it now (instead of regretting not doing when I had the chance).

6. Open your heart and face your fears or suffering, I always tell others to face their fears but this doesn't mean I am perfect or I do not have my own fears. I am also trying to face it only then I will be set free. What is holding you back? Are you mess up, feeling empty, filled with scars? Talk to someone, practise makes perfect, life isn't all about fun games, suffering is inevitable. We lost jobs, our lovers, pets ... get injured or sick. It is normal to feel the pain and really grieve. When you are done move on ... so you are ready to find joy.

7. Slowdown and do nothing, I have to confess I fail terribly in this area.Friends always joke "she never stops" but I take it very seriously (not personally) ... this is not a compliment, I might burned out very soon, I don't want a major overhaul so young. Definitely this is not healthy or conducive living. Practise patience, learn to move snail pace start from eating to walking, driving, working and reading.

Next, when I say do nothing, it literally means no reading, taking nap, talking on the phone, not even watching TV, just sit still in silence, hear our inner voice, be in tune with our breathing, our mind should be blank (you may even call it meditating).

8. Turn off entertainment or the media, I stop watching the news on TV, maybe it is because I  never arrived home in time for it so I started to follow twitter news feed, short and precise, I can easily pick topic that caught my attention to read. Have you ever notice all the local news channel focus on depressing issues. Sometimes I feel like asking the TV to show me something important or at less exciting (excluding TV shows), slowly it became a background sound, no one pay any attention, so it is mainly switch off.

Note: Unless you are reading something useful (like this article) pull away from the Internet ;)

9. Rediscover what's important and eliminate everything else, make a list of everything that is important to you, add everything that you want to do in life, now cut the list down to 5 things you want to achieve, this is your core list, that is what matters. Focus on them and make time. As much as possible eliminate what is not on the list (wasting your time and distracting your attention) 

10. Exercise and stay positive, get active, you will love it, walk, run, push up, crunches, shake it. Learn to recognise negative thoughts, self-doubts, criticisms of others, complaints, gossips ... find your own way to stop and replace with good thoughts, happy emotion and positivity attitude. You can do this!

11. Volunteer and get touch by humanity, I suggest finding those who lived in worse conditions than yours, meet them, talk to them, understand them, better still live among them, be one of them. Are you willing to give up your materialistic lifestyle in search of truth, compassion, ease the suffering the poor/sick/ needy. Be honest and ask yourself, how far are you willing to go for others.

12. Play with children and talk to old people, my personal favourite, more than anyone else, children know how to live. They experience every moment fully. When they hurt they cry, when they play they have fun, when they are happy they giggle away. I enjoy playing with children on Sunday at church, they light up my life. I always wonder when I am ready to start a family of my own, will still feel the same? Anyway there is no one wiser, more experience, more learned than those who live through life. They have amazing stories to tell, they give great advice, we can learn from their regrets and avoid the same mistakes. They are pure wisdom of our society - take advantage of their existence while they are still around. Cherish them and keep them close.

13. Learn new skills and be in the moment, there is no excuse for us NOT to constantly improve ourself. 

Instead of thinking about things you need to do, or things that have happened to you, or worrying or planning or regretting, think about what you are doing, right now. What is around you? 

Well my purpose is to live a simple life, without having a reason to work, I still enjoy work but I don't want to have to go to work just because I needed work. I dream to be make a living by freelancing, work while I travel. Only work an hour or two a day, check email once a week. Then use the rest of the time to see the world. How awesome is that?  Can you see ... working toward this goal or "the process" is life itself.

Find ways to take a few weeks off every months, to rest, to spend time with your family. What I do is save up, get rid or sell my unused possessions and travel. Enjoy the short break and then go back to work, save up enough and do it again all over again. I say do it now while you're young.

14. Break away from routines and try something new, ask yourself what shall I try ... seek new experience. I can't learn Spanish in a week but I want to give it a try. For example, take a different route home, start your day differently, approach work from a new angle, notice sunset on the way back from work, kiss in the rain, make an awesome dessert 

15. Lose control, laugh till you cry ... let loose (stop taking yourself so seriously)

Men tend to hold in their emotions ... cry when you are hurt, learn to laugh at anything (tell jokes), it's okay to lose control now and then, forget trying to control or understand others, it is unnecessary stress, instead rely on effective communication, avoid walk away from the situation and hiding your feeling.

If you find this useful, print it out, and start using it. Today.

婆婆 Your Love is Forever

"My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”... Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep. When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl? When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way... remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day... the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If I occasionaly lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you. And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked. When those days come, don’t feel sad... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you... my darling. "

Second Chances

First Impression is harmless but Jumping into Conclusion can be very dangerous.

A lot of us jump to conclusions when we half-overhear something or see only part of what someone's doing, and to make it worse we relate our mistaken conclusions to others.Sigh ... it can raise difficult ethical issues when we start believing our imposed stories.

"We look for meaning. Even staring at the sky, we look for familiar shapes in clouds. Studies show how we make out words when we see only some of the letters or the letters are jumbled. When we see or hear someone do or say something, we invariably impose meaning on it: we assume what's gone before, we surmise what's intended; we construct instant plots to make sense of a snatch of conversation or an action partially observed."
When we see someone doing something, if we know what they believe and what they intend, we understand their action. When we overhear someone say something, if we know what they believe and what they intend, we understand what they've said. But too often, when we see or overhear someone, we assume a lot, using things we know they believe and intend and applying them to the half-seen action or the half-heard remarks. And sometimes when we add up what we think are two and two we get a dangerous five." Getting It Wrong by C. G. Prado

“You must understand that seeing is believing, but also know that believing is seeing.”

Well, some may say the source of trouble is gossiping, and I agree. But however wrong it is to gossip (talking about someone), it is worse if I get the story wrong. Always remember that jumping into conclusion can be very hurtful to others (especially to someone you care), I have to admit it is stupid for me to act on false or inadequate information.


Lesson : Next time I will choose my words carefully (wisely) because they may come back to destroy me. I must learn to refrain from giving advice, since I'm not even involved. If you are reading this, I am deeply sorry ... all I can say is when you feel like God is doing nothing, that's probably when He is doing the most.

Awaiting Bryson

Dear Sturdey,

There are times when you may feel fantastic and that everything is falling into place. But then there are other times when you can feel very insignificant and far from success.

It is on these less-than-brilliant days that you will notice your fallibility. And yet, it is often on these days that your faith in God grows. Indeed our Heavenly Father ‘has done marvellous things’. While sometimes you may fall short – in exercise ... at work ... with relationships – deep down you know that He has offered the salvation that you need.

When you feel like you’re having a difficult day, don’t forget that God is on your side. He is not focussed on what you are driving (Terri or Bryson), but where you are heading.

Remember to praise and worship Him everyday, even though you may be imperfect may you draw on His perfection.

Playing to Win

What is a common hurdle that trips you in your faith? 

Why Do People Play Games?

Playing to Win? Becoming the Champion? Or merely just a hobby?  

I am not very competitive when I was younger. Maybe that's why I never liked it when parents compared their kid's born talent or personal achievement. This does not mean I do not study hard. This is no excuse for not working hard. I just set a target and be thankful when I achieved my best. 

Looking back at times when I had some spare time, friends taught me how to play bridge, poker and mahjong. It was fun spending time learning new tricks from new people. The question is was I happier then or now?

Lately I haven't done much activities with my church group but I would love to allocate some spare time to them. Every Wednesday we will have dinner together then we kick start the night with ice breaker  before studying the word of God. You get to know the person very quickly and by the end of the night you may learnt the truth about the other person (if they are honest or course)

Is Life Just One Big Gamble or A Series of Games?

You can get hurt by a paper cut while some lose their arms and legs in car accidents; others die ... every day. You just don't let yourself believe it will happen to you.

When I attend a conference or a seminar, I ALWAYS envy those audience who step up on stage bravely as volunteers. While it can be a little scary to begin with, audience participation are often the moments I remember the most.

Over a decade ago LB went to a Church Ministry seminar. She cannot remember what the theme of the conference was, who was speaking, or even the particular seminar she had selected, but  she certainly remember the activity. The speaker taught the audience a quick little game they could do on paper in pairs. They could play the game over and over and the winner was the person who won the most rounds in a certain period of time.

The speaker gave them 60 seconds to play as many rounds as possible. The person who won the most rounds would win a ticket to the conference the following year. They all faced their papers in anticipation for the time to start and worked diligently. When the minute was over, she had only won four rounds while her opponent (a lady she had never met before) had won about six. Either way, she was a loser!

The speaker then asked the room who had won the most rounds. Her opponent were quickly overtaken as someone yelled out that they had won 13 rounds. At first she was impressed by this and thought they must have won all the games played during the 60 seconds. However, amazingly it did not stop there. As the speaker went around the room, they discovered that some people had won 30, 50 and even over 100 times. This was remarkable, as they had all been given the same amount of time.

Soon everyone discovered what had taken place. Instead of acting as opponents in the game, pairs had worked together, allowing one person to win all the rounds so that they could gain the prize at the end. While LB was ashamed that she had viewed this game as a competition and not as an opportunity to let someone else shine, I was impressed at their quick strategy.

While she watched and listened to others, she was not impressed. Some were selfish, greedy and lacking in integrity. Let’s just say that if they were playing the seminar game mentioned above, they would have been out to win rather than blessing someone else with the prize!

It’s often easy to read passage in the Bible and feel better about ourselves, however, each one of us is a representative of God here on earth. We are all called to have integrity and offer justice, mercy and faithfulness. After reading her shared story,  I must admit, many times I have thought of myself above others. It’s a challenge I constantly face. We all have our hurdles that can trip us up in our faith, but we must continue to look to Christ’s life and serve Him with all our hearts.

Lord, forgive me that I put my own needs before the needs of others at the moment. May I find time to sit back (rest) and take in nature. To look at the birds, listen to their singing, go hiking, camping and jogging and running, walking along the beach, playing games and sometimes being alone with the great outdoors. Only You understand my situation and You are very special to me.

The Greatest Fish ~ Story on Integrity

He was eleven years old, and went fishing every chance he got from the dock at his family’s cabin on an island in the middle of a New Hampshire lake.

On the day before the bass season opened, he and his father were fishing early in the evening, catching sunfish and perch with worms. Then he tied on a small silver lure and practiced casting. The lure struck the water and caused colored ripples in the sunset, then silver ripples as the moon rose over the lake.

When his pole doubled over, he knew something huge was on the other end. His father watched with admiration as the boy skillfully worked the fish alongside the dock.
Finally he very gingerly lifted the exhausted fish from the water. It was the largest one he had ever seen, but it was a bass.

The boy and his father looked at the handsome fish, gills playing back and forth in the moonlight. The father lit a match and looked at his watch. It was 10 p.m.—two hours before the season opened. He looked at the fish, then at the boy.

“You’ll have to put it back, son,” he said. 
“Dad!” cried the boy. 
“There will be other fish,” said his father. 
“Not as big as this one,” said the boy. 

He looked around the lake. No other fishermen or boats were anywhere around in the moonlight. He looked again at his father.

Even though no one had seen them, nor could anyone ever know what time he caught the fish, the boy could tell by the clarity of his father’s voice that the decision was not negotiable. He slowly worked the hook out of the lip of the huge bass and lowered it back into the black water.

The creature swished its powerful body and disappeared. The boy suspected that he would never again see such a great fish. That was thirty-four years ago. Today, the boy is a successful architect in New York City. His father’s cabin is still there on the island in the middle of the lake. He takes his own son and daughter fishing from the same dock.

And he was right. He has never again caught such a magnificent fish as the one he landed that night long ago. But he does see that same fish—again and again—every time he comes up against a question of ethics.

For, as his father taught him, ethics are simple matters of right and wrong. It is only the practice of ethics that is difficult. Do we do right when no one is looking? Do we refuse to cut corners to get the design in on time? Or refuse to trade stocks based on information that we know we aren’t supposed to have?

We would if we were taught to put the fish back when we were young. For we would have learned the truth.

 ~ Throwing the Big One Back: a moral tale for the fishing opener by James Lenfestey

Once grandma told mum and then she told me, "If you lack integrity, you lack everything. If you cannot be trusted, you have nothing to offer." I will pass it on to my children someday.

My parents and their parents, aunts and uncles, teachers and ministers. If these people hadn’t been in my life when I was a child, I don’t know where I would have ended up. They kept me in place. They passed on hundred of previous generations experience and advice down to next generation. Thank you.

Visual Culture or Struggle?

"Before you judge someone walk a mile in their shoes. 

That way you're a mile away and you have their shoes."

As I was reading Linda's daily devotional "For All the World to See" on the train this morning, her observation instantly reminded me of the few videos and articles on human trafficking, slavery, sexual exploitation and forced labour which I came across the first quarter of this year. It is mid of April now, how time really flies when you're preoccupied. Anyway she reminded me of how little we know of others when we only look on the surface.


In Matthew 23, Jesus observed the actions of the leaders of the church in His time and saw through their religious façade. While they paraded their beliefs around for all to see it was Jesus who pointed out that they did things for show rather than respect for God.

Lesson of this week : While it’s easy for me to point the finger at leaders (whether it is my boss, client, family or friend) it’s also a challenge for me not to walk the same path. All it takes is for me to meet someone who really gets under my skin and suddenly the gossip and the bad thoughts feel justified.

I am sure there are many injustices done in this world that people have justified .
I know it is not easy for anyone to life lives of integrity but it should be what we all aspire towards.

Lord, give me the strength to stand up for injustice and continually strive to have integrity in everything I do daily. Place the right peers close to me, so together we can support and sharpen each other.