The Simpler The Better

R.L.: (knocking the library door) "Nadia?"
Me: (getting up from my seat to reply to my pastor) "Yes, "pastor""
R.L. walked inside and saw us were having dinner. Delicious salmon fried rice that God has given me to cook and enjoy today together with my beloved one.
R. L: "Oh, you guys are having dinner. You cooked? (with smiling at me)
Me: "Yea (shy). Just some left over" (inside of me saying, "WHAT????????????? IT WAS NOT LEFT OVER FOOD!!!! YOU ARE LYING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! @_@ Tho I was just using any ingredient left at home.)
R.L.: "Anything for me?"
Me: (confused and feeling kinda guilty for no reason) "Hm...mau ya? hm... I can cook for you if it pleases you" (inside me saying "GRRRRRRR!!! WHAT IS THAT?? PLEASING YOU????)
I felt like I wanted to hit my own mouth that time because feeling embarrassed)
R.L.: "Oh no. I am just here to get some water and meeting someone in the sanctuary. I am not actually planning to come here."

Me (1): "I am so sinful, embarrassed with my sin. Why can I control my tongue?"
Me (2): "Next time just need to answer with simple word, "Yes" and "No" in this situation will be sufficient enough. No need to try to be acting "friendly" by saying words that you don't mean."

ME: God, please forgive me, a sinner with unclean lips. I can't control myself, but my LORD will always be in control. Please lead me in your truth. In Jesus' name, Amen!

The Wise and Foolish Builders (Luke 6:46-49)

Similar verses on this topic, include:

1 Corinthians 3:10-15
James 1:23-25

Measuring Up

"When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." 2 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV)

Do you ever compare yourself to other women and feel like you don't quite measure up? Maybe you feel like you're not as smart, pretty, fun, organized or as good at _______ as they are.

It is so easy to think that if we had more or knew more, we'd be secure. But the truth is, even people who "have it all" still struggle with feelings of insecurity. The Bible opens with the story of a woman who had everything but it still wasn't enough (Genesis 2).

God had established Eve's worth as His child and the crown of His creation. He also gave Eve every woman's desire: intimacy, beauty, security, significance, and purpose. Yet Satan conjured up feelings of insecurity by getting Eve to take her eyes off what she had and focus on what she didn't have.

Boy, can I relate. Like Eve, I've heard Satan's whispers telling me I'm not all I could be — or should be. One day I was reading her story in Genesis 2 and I noticed that his questions and suggestions were intended to plant seeds of doubt in Eve's heart. He wanted her to doubt God and herself.

The enemy's whispers tempted Eve to try to "be" more and "have" more by seeking significance apart from God's provision. He convinced her something was missing in her life and that the forbidden fruit would make her be "like God."

It was a foolish comparison, but all comparisons are. Yet don't we do it all the time? If only I was like her...if only I had a house like hers, a husband like hers, a job like hers...if only my children behaved like hers...If only _______, then I'd feel significant, satisfied and secure.

In today's key verse, Paul warns us that those who "measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, are not wise" (2 Cor. 10:12 NIV). Comparison will always leave us feeling like we don't measure up. We can try to do more and be more, yet it's never enough.

If only Eve had focused on who she was and what she had as a child of God. If only we could too.

Yet Satan wants us to focus on our flaws and feelings of inadequacy, then exhaust our energy figuring out how to hide them. But we don't have to go along with his schemes. Instead we need to equip ourselves to recognize his lies, refute his temptations with truth, and focus on God's acceptance, security, and significance. Then we can thank God for His provision and His promises that remind us of who we are in Him:

I am accepted...
Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ.

I am secure...
Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39 I am free from condemnation. I can't be separated from God's love.
Philippians1:6 I am confident God will complete the good work He started in me.

I am significant...
Ephesians 2:10 I am God's workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Author and psychologist, Dr. Neil T. Anderson says, "The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior (and beliefs) will begin to reflect your true identity!"

So, the next time we're tempted to use the measuring stick of comparison - let's commit to measure UP ↑ by focusing upward on Christ and who we are in HIM!

Lord, thank You that in Christ I'm chosen, holy, and dearly loved. When I'm tempted to measure up according to the world's standards or my foolish comparisons, help me recognize Satan's lies, refuse his temptations and rely on your truth about me instead. Remind me that such confidence as this is mine through Christ—not that I am competent in myself to claim anything for myself, but competence comes from You. In Jesus' name, Amen. (Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 5:9; 2 Corinthians 3:4-5)

Cash Flow Plan - Making Saving More Exciting

 Pay Yourself Second

Matt Bell

Of all the things you can do with money, few are more boring than putting it into a savings account, right?
Spending it? Now, that’s fun. Investing can be enjoyable, too. But parking some money in an “interest-bearing” savings account where $1,000 may turn into $1,001 in a year’s time? Who needs it?
You do, and so do I, which is why Put Some Away is the fifth of my 11 principles for simple meaningful financial success.
Making Savings More Exciting
Imagine that every dollar you put on deposit will improve your health. Research shows that people with an adequate emergency fund experience less stress than those that don’t.
If you’re married, imagine that every dollar you put into savings is an investment in your relationship. Research shows that couples that live within their means, putting a portion of their earnings into savings, are happier than those that don’t.
No matter what your situation, let’s face it: in life, stuff happens. Cars break down, costing us more than we have in our maintenance and repair fund (you do budget some money each month for maintenance and repairs, don’t you?). Other unplanned expenses pop up.
For all those reasons and more, it’s important to pay yourself second.
“Ah, Matt, isn’t that supposed to be, ‘Pay yourself first?’” No. As we talked about earlier in this series on the 11 principles for simple, meaningful financial success, it’s important to pay your purpose first, and then pay yourself.
How Much Should You Keep in Savings?
If you have any debt other than a reasonable mortgage, build a savings account with enough money to pay one month’s worth of essential living expenses. Then, go after your debt. Once you’re out of debt, build an emergency fund valued at six months’ worth of essential living expenses.
How much is that for you? Take a look at the categories on our Cash Flow Plan worksheet and highlight the ones that are truly essential.
If you lost your job tomorrow, going on a vacation probably wouldn’t be a high priority. But you’d still need to pay your mortgage or rent and utilities, buy groceries and other essentials.
Where Should You Keep Your Savings?
None of the choices for savings accounts are very attractive these days. Interest rates are extremely low.
However, online banks usually pay better rates than brick and mortar banks. As do credit unions.
But earning interest isn’t a primary goal of an emergency fund. Mostly, you just want your money to be safe and accessible if you need it.
One final word of recommendation about savings. Keep your emergency fund in a separate account. When people keep money intended for emergencies in their checking account, it usually leaks. It’s just too tempting to use it for other things.

Cash Flow Plan Worksheet: http://www.soundmindinvesting.com/visitors/res/resources.htm
 

June 1, 2012

Dear Diary,

When I was going to church today at 1pm (for the parking spot), I was kinda lazy in the morning, since I thought I didn't have anything I had to do in the morning. So, I woke up at 10am, washed my face, brushed my teeth, pray, send text messages to Fanny for her bday, pay my rent, then when I was about to leave, somehow I felt that I should have waken up a bit early today so that I could cook something simple (fried rice, etc) to bring to church for my dinner later with Tim.

So I am writing this to keep me remember that there is always things I can do early in the morning when I wake up, that I won't fall back asleep and start my activities with full of joy and gladness in Him.

Please guide me, Lord to prepare ahead of time, tho I always do not know what to do. Please help me to always be diligent and energetic to join You in the morning, and be ready for the tasks You would like me to do. For in Jesus' name I would like to serve you with all I am. Amen!

A Fresh Platform for a 327-Year-Old Musician

 This is an article from Wall Street Journal. It is about the celebration of J.S. Bach's birthday, which inspired some musicians, or anyone who plays instrument, to take part by playing Bach's music in public places, such as subway stations or parks. One of the persons was my beloved one. I posted in here so that I can show to our children about their father's humbleness and his heart that's always willing to serve others.

The sight of violinist Timothy Law setting up in a passageway during Wednesday rush hour was an unfamiliar one for strap-hangers in the 180th Street station in the Bronx. Workers were putting the finishing touches on a $40 million renovation of the landmarked building that had begun in 2009.

Cellist John Mark Rozendaal, left, performed Wednesday on the Wall Street 4/5 subway platform as part of Bach in the Subways Day.

"He's the new kid on the block," one transit worker said. "You couldn't even play music here until a few weeks ago."

But as Mr. Law began to play, the sound reverberating through the station's scalloped glass ceiling and tiled walls, the tune proved familiar to some. "'Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring,'" said a TSA employee manning a bag-inspection table outside the turnstiles. "Johann Sebastian Bach."

The impromptu 90-minute Bach performance—which slowed some commuters, stopped several in their tracks and went unnoticed by others—was not what the TSA and NYPD personnel on hand might have called "an isolated incident." Wednesday marked Bach's 327th birthday, meaning it also marked the second birthday for Bach in the Subways Day, a series of commemorative ad hoc recitals, organized by cellist Dale Henderson, in subway stations all across the city.

The event anticipated a benefit concert set for Sunday at Christ and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, "Happy Birthday Bach!," which will present members of the New York Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera Orchestra interpreting Bach in a more traditional setting. Both the underground and onstage events are meant, in the words of a commemorative postcard Mr. Law laid in front of his music stand, "to celebrate Bach's life and music, and to sow the seeds for future generations of classical-music lovers."

A few days earlier, Mr. Henderson, a cellist who has himself performed Bach in the subway since 2008, explained his missionary impulse.

"New York's a bubble," he said. "People are unusually interested in the arts here. But even in New York people don't hear much live classical music. It's expensive and less accessible than what's on the radio and it takes more attention and time."

He described honoring New Yorkers' tastes on Bach's birthday as an act of devotion. "I'm not a religious person, but if someone held a gun to my head, I'd say my religion is Bach."

By the end of the day on Wednesday, more than a dozen musicians had performed for free in 11 stations from Brooklyn to the Bronx. While a few had participated in last year's considerably smaller-scale birthday congregation, some newcomers, like Mr. Law, a full-time computer-maintenance expert and network specialist who, had volunteered via social networks. By Wednesday morning, word had spread to the public, according to one listener.

"They're doing this everywhere on the subway today," said Leon, a graphic-design student, while pausing at the start of a long commute to Long Island. "I read about it on Facebook. It's already spreading, man."

Mr. Law's recital earned praise from passersby and a dollar offering, which he politely waved off with his bow.

Downtown at the Wall Street 4/5 platform, where John Mark Rozendaal performed Bach's "First Cello Suite, Minuet" on an 18th-century baroque cello, the reception was arguably cooler. Incoming and outgoing trains proved to be formidable competition. One late-morning commuter warily removed an earbud out of curiosity, then the other, before boarding an uptown 5 and replacing both. Others made calls. The doors of a 4 train just arriving from Brooklyn briefly revealed a subway rider quoting scripture to his fellow passengers in a West Indian accent. Mr. Rozendaal remained lost in the music.

This was Mr. Rozendaal's first time playing in the subway, as was the case for many involved in the celebration. "I may do this again," he said during a pause. "It's so interesting to play for an audience that may or may not be attentive. Also, it's fascinating when the subways are going by and I can't hear myself at all."

One express stop north, the Union Square station was already hosting a Jimi Hendrix soundalike and a mariachi trio. Just out of earshot of the Saw Lady's rendition of "The Sound of Music" theme, Michael Lunapiena took advantage of an alcove and an amplifier as he played Bach's "Prelude in D" on a cello.

"I don't really play a lot of classical music anymore, so it's nice once in a while," said Mr. Lunapiena, a veteran subway performer and alumnus of last year's "Bach in the Subway Day" event. "I play a lot with rock bands. In the subways I usually do my own music."

Adam Mugavero, an eyewear designer pausing with his 7-month-old daughter harassed to his chest, took in the music. "It's lovely," he said. "He doesn't even need that amp. His intonation's perfect."

As if on cue, Mr. Lunapiena dropped a note. "I jinxed him," Mr. Mugavero said. "That's my fault."

When the piece came to a close, Mr. Mugavero, a sometime musician himself, applauded. "I've played in the subway before," he said. "It's really different just to be on your own. Nobody's there for you."

He looked around as two tourists pocketed iPhones that had captured the performance. "This is really nice, though. It's really relevant. I love that it's part of subway culture."

A version of this article appeared Mar. 23, 2012, on page A22 in some U.S. editions of The Wall Street Journal, with the headline: A Fresh Platform for a 327-Year-Old Musician.

Sunday School Experience

Today, a new student in my Sunday School class said, "My mom said that if we meet Jesus, it means bad." And I didn't know how to respond to her, but only said "Angeline, next time when your mother said that again, you can tell her 'we don't have to be afraid Mom when we meet Jesus, because Jesus is God.'". But later, I learn
1. That we should not assume anything, even if it is from a child, so we should ask her to clarify, such as "Why Angeline?" Because assumption is 50% right, 50% wrong. If it is wrong, then it is a SIN. So we have to be wise to avoid sinning. First thing to do is SELF DISCIPLINE.
2. We have to ALWAYS be ready to preach, and be aware of anti-Christ ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.