Be patient

TUGAS KITA

Kita diciptakan untuk menikmati musik,

untuk menikmati keindahan

pada saat matahari terbenam,

untuk menikmati pemandangan

ombak yang berkejaran dilaut,

dan untuk terpesona oleh sekuntum mawar

yang berhiaskan embun....

Manusia sesungguhnya diciptakan untuk suatu hal,

suatu hal yang sangat mulia,

untuk kecantikan, untuk kejujuran,

dan kita semua diberi tugas untuk mencoba

membuat dunia ini menjadi sedikit lebih ramah

untuk hal-hal yang indah

(Desmond Tutu)

Put the past

CODE OF PERSISTENCE

- I will never give up so long as I know I am right.

- I will believe that all things will work out for me if I hang on until the end.

- I will be courageous and undismayed in the face of odds.

- I will not permit anyone to intimidate me or deter me from my goals.

- I will fight to overcome all physical handicaps and setbacks

- I will try again and again and yet again to accomplish what I desire.

- I will take new faith and resolution from the knowledge that all successful men and women have had to fight defeat and adversity.

- I will never surrender to discouragement or despair no matter what seeming obstacles may confront me

(Harold Sherman)

Guess who moved

PRINCIPLES OF DISCIPLINE FOR CHILDREN

Establish a healthy authority over your children

Hold your children accountable for their actions

Let reality be the teacher

Use action more than words

Relationships come before rules

Live by your values

(Dr. Kevin Leman)

Thank you God

KARTU UCAPAN TERIMA KASIH

Beberapa hari lalu, anak saya membuat kartu ucapan terima kasih, dan sebagian tulisannya adalah: I appreciate you for taking care at me every day, cooking meals for me, teaching me, cleaning up my room.  Paying my ballet fee, paying my tuition fee.  Thank you for raising me up until now (Saya menghargaimu untuk memelihara saya setiap hari, memasak untuk saya, mengajar saya, membersihkan kamar saya.  Membayar uang les balet, membayar uang kursus.  Terima kasih sudah membesarkan saya sampai sekarang).  Saya cukup terharu waktu membaca tulisan anak saya, karena saya tidak terpikir kalau anak saya akan menulis kartu ucapan terima kasih tersebut.

Di satu pihak, anak saya bisa merasa kalau hal-hal tersebut adalah seperti tugas yang memang kami harus lakukan sebagai orang tua.  Tetapi melihat tindakannya dengan memberikan kartu ucapan terima kasih, menandakan bahwa anak saya sungguh menghargai dengan apa yang kita lakukan.  Pada waktu memikirkan hal tersebut, saya juga terpikir akan sikap saya terhadap Tuhan yang begitu memperhatikan dan memelihara kehidupan saya.  Apakah saya sering bersyukur dan berterima kasih atas pemeliharaanNya?  Ataukah saya merasa kalau perhatian dan pemeliharaanNya adalah memang tugas yang Tuhan harus lakukan atas ciptaanNya.  

Saya percaya perhatian dan pemeliharaanNya tidak didasarkan atas tugas, tetapi atas kasihNya kepada saya.  Sama seperti apa yang kita lakukan kepada anak-anak kita, perhatian dan pemeliharaan kita kepada mereka, bukanlah karena tugas, tetapi karena kasih kita kepada mereka.  Oleh karena itu, biarlah kehidupan kita penuh dengan pengucapan syukur kepada Tuhan yang perhatian dan pemeliharaanNya tidak akan putus-putusnya dalam kehidupan kita.

"Ya Tuhan, apakah manusia itu, sehingga Engkau memperhatikannya..." (Mazmur 144:3)

Show me the way

EIGHT SIGNIFICANT CHOICES

1. To resist pain or use it

2. To gather wealth or gather grace

3. To speak wisely or foolishly

4. To value your time or fritter it away

5. To live for self or for what is right

6. To develop your talents or waste them

7. To persevere or protest

8. To stand for truth or abandon it

(Jill Briscoe)

You still have God

PIKIRAN

Jika anda berpikir kalah, anda pasti kalah

Jika anda berpikir tidak berani, anda tidak akan pernah mencoba

Jika anda ingin menang, tetapi anda pikir tidak mampu, hampir pasti anda tidak akan menang

Jika anda berpikir akan kehilangan, anda akan kehilangan

Pengalaman membuktikan, kesuksesan dimulai dengan kemauan dari orang tersebut, kesuksesan tergantung dari kemauan

Jika anda berpikir anda jauh lebih unggul, anda harus berpikir untuk bangkit

Sebelum memenangkan perlombaan, anda harus yakin pada diri anda sendiri

Perjalanan hidup tidak selalu berjalan untuk manusia yang lebih kuat atau lebih cepat

Cepat atau lambat seseorang untuk menang adalah orang yang berpikir bahwa dia mampu.....

(Peribahasa Barat)

Let your light shine

TRAITS OF A SUCCESFUL PERSON

- Consciousness of an honest purpose

- A just estimate of oneself and everyone else

- Frequent self-examination

- Steady obedience to what one knows to be right

- Indifference to what others may think or say

(Marcus Aurelius)

God uses the waves

ORANG BERBUDI

Ada 9 hal yang harus direnungkan orang berbudi:

- Bila melihat harus melihat dengan jelas

- Bila mendengar harus mendengar dengan jelas

- Bila menunjukkan suasana hati, harus kelihatan ramah

- Bertingkah laku sopan

- Bila berbicara harus ingat akan kejujuran

- Bila bekerja harus berusaha sebaik mungkin

- Bila ragu harus bertanya

- Bila marah harus ingat akibatnya

- Bila melihat ada keuntungan harus direnungkan, apakah memang berhak mendapatkannya

(Anonim)

Christ is revealed

I AM HERE

In times of trouble, let me say, "I am here."

1. God has brought me here

It is His will that I am in this place.

In that fact I will rest

2. He will keep me here in His love

and give me grace to behave as His child

3. He will make this trial a blessings,

teaching me the lessons He intends for me to learn,

and working in me the grace He needs to bestow

4. In His good time,

He can bring me out again - how and when He knows

 

Let me say, "I am here."

1.  By God's Appointment

2.  In His Keeping

3.  Under His Training

4.  For His Time

(Andrew Murray)

Things I'm thankful for

TEACHING KIDS TO HANDLE MONEY

1. Earn diligently

Earning money gives your child a sense of worth


2. Save consistently

If your child learns to save something each time he gets some money, he has learned a valuable lesson that many in this generation have lost


3. Give cheerfully

Early in life, children should learn the satisfaction of helping others


4. Spend wisely

It is amazing how fast kids learn the difference between a wise investment and a waste of money when they are spending their own dollar


5. Receive graciously

Our joy in giving is multiplied because we know the pleasure of receiving

(Ken Canfield)

There is hope

WAYS TO BE A BETTER MOM

Pray with your children and for your children eveyr day

Take time to listen to them individually.  For younger children, sit on the floor, kneel down, or hold them on your lap so you can be at eye level

Give gentle hugs several times each day, and use endearing nicknames that make your children feel special

Compliment often, especially for good behavior and good character traits

Develop talents and giftedness by giving support and offering opportunities for your children to excel in these areas

Attend scholastic, sport, and church events.  Volunteer to help in these areas

Provide the tools and space for children to do homework.  Follow up with teachers on a regular basis

Encourage friendships that are a good influence; discourage those that are not

Create a habit of letting your children know you love them when they wake up, go to sleep, leave, and come home

Teach good manners, good grooming, respect for elders, and compassion and generosity for those that are less fortunate

Attend church as a family

Let your children see the affection and respect you and your husband have for each other

(Alice Gray)

WAYS TO BE A BETTER DAD

LOVE YOUR CHILDREN'S MOTHER

It is a precious gift a father passes on to his children



SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILDREN

At the end of each week, look and see where time was spent


EARN YOUR CHILD'S EAR

Develop communication outside of just the negative


DISCIPLINE WITH LOVE

Guidance and discipline are lacking today, but be sure they are a function of love and not just a reaction


BE A ROLE MODEL

Because you are a role model!  Both sons and daughters will shape patterns and expectations for the rest of their lives based on their father's life


BE A TEACHER

No one replace what Dad alone can teach


EAT TOGETHER AS A FAMILY

It is one of the easiest ways to bring everyone's days together, but so easy to crowd off the schedule


READ TO YOUR CHILDREN

While many kids lean on technology, there should also be times when they learn from books and Dad together


SHOW AFFECTION

Their security grows with each hug, kiss, evening wrestle, and prayer


REALIZE THAT A FATHER'S JOB IS NEVER DONE

Time with them is short.  Make the most of it.


(Michael Howden)

Those who are happiest

HIASAN TERINDAH

Hiasi bibirmu dengan kebiasaan memuji dan bersyukur
Puji dan syukur lebih indah daripada lipstik termahal

Hiasi matamu dengan kebiasaan memandang dengan kelembutan dan kedewasaan
Kelembutan dan kedewasaan lebih indah daripada bulu mata dan kacamata termahal

Hiasi telingamu dengan kebiasaan mau mendengarkan
Kemauan untuk mendengar lebih indah daripada anting anting termahal

Hiasi hidungmu dengan kebiasaan peka dengan keberadaan sesamamu
Kepekaan lebih indah daripada hiasan dinding termahal

Hiasi wajahmu dengan kebiasaan tersenyum dan bersukacita
Senyum dan sukacita lebih indah daripada bedak termahal

Hiasi kepalamu dengan kebiasaan kerendahan hati dan penguasaan diri
Kerendahan hati dan penguasaan diri lebih indah daripada mahkota termahal

Hiasi tubuhmu dengan kebiasaan hidup sehat
kesehatan lebih indah daripada jubah terindah

Hiasi tanganmu dengan kebiasaan ringan tangan
Ringan tangan lebih indah daripada jam tangan dan cat kuku termahal

Hiasi kakimu dengan kebiasaan melangkah dengan kebenaran
Langkah kebenaran lebih indah daripada sepatu dan kaus kaki termahal

(Anonim)

Everything Glorious

THE THINGS TO DO

* Give Thanks

* Choose Joy
 
* Do Not Fret
 
* Do the Next Thing
 
* Accept with Joy
 
* Keep a Quiet Heart
 
* Fix Your Eyes on Jesus 

* Trust in the Lord with all Your Heart, and
 
* Lean Not on Your Own Understanding

(Anonymous)

Decision

KERETA KEHIDUPAN

Tiap orang harus menemukan sebuah kereta
dan menaikinya dengan keyakinan.
Akan ada waktu dan saatnya untuk
menemukan tujuanmu....

Biarkan Tuhan menjadi kondekturmu
Percaya padaNya untuk membimbingmu.
Impian tidak dapat menjadi kenyataan
untuk setiap orang yang tidak pernah mencoba.

Tuhan membuat tangan untuk menggapai impianmu
dan rel panjang untuk mencapainya...
Ia membuat ruang aula pada tiap stasiun
Jadi kau dapat naik kereta kehidupanmu

(Patricia Hacher Haber)

Before you quit, try

PRESCRIPTION FOR CONTENTMENT

1.  Never complain about anything, not even the weather.

2.  Never picture yourself to be under a different set of circumstances than you are presently in.
 

3.  Never compare your lot with that of another.
 

4.  Never allow yourself to dwell on the wish that this or that had been, or were, otherwise than it was, or is.
 

5.  Never dwell on tomorrow.  Remember it is God’s, and not yours.

(E. B. Pusey)

You are above them

SIGHT VS FAITH

Sight depends only on what is seen.

Faith depends on the Invisible God.

Sight depends only on the natural.

Faith depends on the supernatural.

Sight depends on its own strength.

Faith depends on God’s strength.

Sight can’t see in the dark.

Faith focuses on God who can see in the dark.

Sight sees only the present moment.

Faith depends on God who sees the big picture.

Sight fails when circumstances fail.

Faith depends on the God who never fails.

Sight is blind to God.

Faith fixes its eyes on Jesus.

Sight is of the flesh.

Faith is of the Spirit.

Sight can only see the wind and the waves.

Faith sees Jesus.

(Anonymous)

Succes Failure

ANXIETY AND PEACE

Anxiety tells you that you are in a situation that is too big for God to handle;

Peace assures you that nothing is too hard for the Lord.

Anxiety assumes the worst will happen;

Peace affirms the best is yet to be.

Anxiety points you to your inadequacy;

Peace confirms that God’s grace is sufficient.

Anxiety causes you to panic;

Peace causes you to be still.

Anxiety shows you your lack;

Peace points you to God’s supply.

Anxiety warns of defeat and failure;

Peace proclaims God’s victory and success.

Anxiety causes you to strive;

Peace causes you to rest.

Anxiety says “You will be carried away by the storm;”

Peace says “Your anchor holds.”

Anxiety fills you with darkness;

Peace floods you with light.

Anxiety tells you to first seek a solution;

Peace tells you to first seek the Kingdom.

Anxiety tells you, you won’t make it;

Peace assures you, God will bring you through.

(Roy Lessin)

I can do everything

SAHABAT TERBAIK SELAMANYA

Waktu saya pulang dari kantor, anak saya yang baru kelas dua SD, menunjukkan surat yang dia dapat dari temannya di kelas yang ditulis, "You are my real best friend, keep it a secret".  Anak saya cukup bangga dan senang sekali mendapatkan surat tersebut.  Dan surat tersebut disimpan di tempat yang khusus oleh anak saya.

Saya percaya kalau seseorang bisa dikatakan sebagai sahabat terbaik karena ada dua hal, yaitu hubungan yang erat dan kepercayaan.  Tanpa kedua-duanya, mereka tidak bisa mengatakan kalau mereka itu adalah sahabat baik atau akrab.  Hubungan yang erat bisa terjadi kalau kita membina hubungan tersebut secara konsisten dan akhirnya bisa saling mengenal dan mengetahui sayu dengan yang lainnya.  Kepercayaan bisa terjadi seiring dengan waktu dan ujian-ujian persahabatan yang terlewati, sehingga adanya perasaan percaya terhadap teman kita.

Tetapi diantara semua sahabat terbaik yang kita miliki, tidak akan bisa menandingi sahabat kita yang baik dan setia, yaitu Tuhan.  Kalau kita menyadari kalau Tuhan adalah sahabat baik kita, kita tidak akan merasa kesepian, terbuang, tidak diperhatikan, atwu diabaikan.  Dia adalah sahabat baik kita yang sejati, bisa dipercaya dan yang tidak pernah meninggalkan kita.  Marilah kita bersandar dan terus membina hubungan yang akrab dengan Dia, sebagai sahabat kita yang sejati.

"Aku tidak menyebut kamu lagi hamba, sebab hamba tidak tahu, apa yang diperbuat oleh tuannya, tetapi Aku menyebut kamu sahabat, karena Aku telah memberitahukan kepada kamu segala sesuatu yang telah Kudengar dari Bapaku" (Yohanes 15:15)

God has perfect timing

LUANGKAN WAKTU

Luangkan waktu untuk berpikir;
karena itu merupakan sumber kekuatan

Luangkan waktu untuk membaca;
karena itu merupakan dasar kebijaksanaan

Luangkan waktu untuk bermain;
karena itu merupakan rahasia awet muda

Luangkan waktu untuk berdiam;
karena itu merupakan kesempatan untuk mencari Tuhan

Luangkan waktu untuk peduli;
karena itu merupakan kesempatan untuk menolong sesama

Luangkan waktu untuk mengasihi dan dikasihi;
karena itu merupakan pemberian terbesar dari Tuhan

Luangkan waktu untuk tertawa;
karena itu merupakan musik untuk jiwa

Luangkan waktu untuk berlaku ramah;
karena itu merupakan jalan menuju kebahagiaan

Luangkan waktu untuk bermimpi;
karena dengan itu, masa depan dibentuk

Luangkan waktu untuk berdoa;
karena itu merupakan kekuatan terbesar di bumi

(Anonim)

The key to unlock

BLESSED TRUST

Every day let us renew the consecration to God's service.

 
Every day let us, in His strength, pledge ourselves afresh to do His will, even in the veriest trifle, and to turn aside from anything that may displease Him...
 

He does not bid us bear the burdens of tomorrow, next week, or next year.  
 

Every day we are to come to Him in simple obedience and faith, asking help to keep us and aid us through that day's work.  
 

Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, through years of long tomorrows, it will be but the same thing to do; leaving the future always in Gods' hands, sure that He can care of it better than we.
 

Blessed trust! that can thus confidently say, "This hour is mine with its present duty; the next is God's, and when it comes, His presence will come with it.

(Anonymous) 

When life is too hard

WHAT GOD HATH PROMISED

God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.

But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain rocky and steep,
Never a river turbid and deep.

But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

(Annie Johnson Flint)

Everything has beauty

PEACEABLE LIVING

BE TRUE TO SELF:

- Keep a clear conscience
- Recognize weaknesses
- Know strengths
- Don't compare your weaknesses to others strengths


ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE CONFLICTS:

- Be quick to go to the offended person
- Communicate clearly, giving facts, feelings, and intuitions
- Make no assumptions that the other person had additional information
- Look for strengths in others instead of focusing on their weaknesses


FORGIVE:

- Gain the freedom to learn, grow, and mature
- Acknowledge that there is room for growth
- Rid yourself of guilt, anger, and bitterness
- Allow yourself the freedom to care deeply, to have compassion, and to love

(Glenda Hotton, MA)

Love letter from God

KEBAIKAN

Aku adalah sesuatu yang kecil dengan arti yang besar

Aku membantu setiap orang

Aku membuka kunci pintu, membuka hati, dan menghilangkan prasangka

Aku menciptakan persahabatan, dan kemauan baik

Aku mendatangkan rasa hormat dan kekaguman

Aku tidak melanggar hukum

Aku tidak merugikan

Banyak orang memujiku.  Dan, tidak seorangpun mengutukku

Aku menyenangkan orang besar maupun orang kecil

Aku berguna setiap saat

Aku adalah KEBAIKAN

(Bruno Hagspiel)

Love...

VALUE OF A SMILE

It cost nothing, but created much;
It enrich those who receive,

Without impoverishing those who give;
It happens in a flash,

And the memory of it sometimes lasts forever;
None so rich they can get along without it,

And none so poor but are richer for its benefits.
It creates happiness in the home

(M. Phillips, Sun City, Ariz)

Only works with faith

WHAT IS FAITH

FAITH is dead to doubts
dumb to discouragements
blind to impossibility
knows nothing but success

FAITH lifts its hand up through
the threatening clouds
lay hold of Him who has
all power in heaven and on earth

FAITH makes the uplook good,
the outlook bright,
and inlook favorable,
and the future glorious

(V. Raymond Edman)

God > our problems

PRAYER - DIRECT LINE TO GOD

How easy it is to telephone to heaven:

- God is always home

- The line are never down, never affected by weather or world condition

- There is no problem finding a phone or a phone booth

- God provides 24-hour service

- He never puts you on hold

- You don't have to go through a secretary

- You never get a busy signal

- You can't dial a wrong number if you are trying to reach Him

- Best of all, some day you will not have to call Him - because you will be with Him forever

His plan are far greater

25 PRAYERS FOR MY HUSBAND

I pray…

1. that he continues to grow spiritually through the disciplines of Bible study, prayer, and quiet times. (Proverbs 4:23)
2. that his relationship with God will bear much fruit in his life, and that he will be a man who seeks wisdom and understanding. (Proverbs 3:7, Psalm 112:1)
3. that he would walk humbly with God, and would always be convicted quickly about any sin in his life. (Micah 6:8)
4. that he will continue to grow as the leader of our family, and that God would be glorified in our marriage. (Ephesians 5:25-29)
5. that he would have a teachable spirit and a servant’s heart, and that he will listen to God and desire to do His will. (Proverbs 15:33)
6. that he would always look to the way of escape from any kind of temptation, and that he would rely on God to remain faithful to our marriage, and to God. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
7. that he would safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex, and this heart would pure and undivided in his commitment to me and to our marriage. (Proverbs 6:23-25)
8. that he would continue to be able to provide for our family, and that he will not become discouraged by doing work he does not enjoy.
9. that money would never become a source of discord in our family, and that we would be wise in handling finances and in stewardship. (Luke 16:13)
10. that the words he speaks will build our family, and reflect a heart of love. (Proverbs 18:21)
11. that our physical intimacy would be a positive reflection of selfless love. (Song of Solomon 7:10)
12. that the men in his life would encourage his accountability before God, and that he would be a godly influence on his friends and coworkers. (Proverbs 13:20, 27:17)
13. that he would choose healthy foods and activities, and honor God by taking the best possible care of his body as the tabernacle of God. (1 Corinthians 6:19)
14. for his strength — physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. (Ephesians 3:16)
15. for him to have wisdom and discernment in training/disciplining our children, and that You would enable him to love them unconditionally. (Ephesians 6:4)
16. that he would always have an eternal perspective, and make the most of however much time he has in this life. (Ephesians 5:16)
17. that he would always be a man of peace, who allows the Holy Spirit to lead his responses in all situations. (Romans 14:19)
18. that he would have a balanced life in regards to work and play, and that he would submit his schedule to You. (Proverbs 16:9)
19. for him to find favor with the Lord, but also with people he knows and interacts with. (Luke 2:52)
20. that he would enjoy peace and refreshment in his relationship with the Lord. (Psalm 16:11)
21. that he would always be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will protect our family from Satan’s attacks. (Ephesians 6:13)
22. that he would be a man of prayer, seeking God in purposeful ways. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
23. that he will serve God and others with pure motives, and that God would be glorified in everything he does. (Collossians 3:23-24)
24. that he would offer all this dreams to the Lord, and pursue only those that bring God glory, and that count for eternity. (Jeremiah 29:11)
25. that he will recognize the lies of the enemy in his life, and that he will always be guided by the Truth. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

(Author Unknown)

Prayer

MENDING A BROKEN HEART

Honestly accept and acknowledge the wound

Create a safe, loving, self-nurturing environment for healing

Dare to do the hard work of getting better

Affirm small steps and remember that healing takes time

Keep it simple

Get rid of old messages and critical self-talk

Take care of yourself

Grieve what needs to be grieved

Don't be afraid to ask for help

Laugh and do something fun every single day

Quiet your heart, mind, spirit, and soul before your Creator

Expand and enlarge your horizons

Risk getting hurt again

Live life to the fullest with as much zest as you can muster

(Marty Williams)

Your love for me

TO DO LIST

Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16)

Accept one another (Romans 15:7)

Care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25)

Serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13)

Don't spitefully hurt one another (Galatians 5:15)

Don't provoke or envy one another (Galatians 5:26)

Carry one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2)

Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32)

Don't lie to one another (Colossians 3:9)

Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)

Don't hate one another (Titus 3:3)

Encourage one another (Hebrew 3:13)

Don't bear grudges against one another (James 5:9)

Pray for one another (James 5:16)

Please God

NINE GOALS FOR AUTHENTIC GROWTH

1. Have a passion for excellence

2. Ask, listen, and hear - to determine the wants, needs, and possibilities of all with whom I come in contact

3. Provide an example of commitment and integrity

4. Follow a path of continual empowerment for myself and others

5. Constantly focus on strengths of all with whom i came in contact

6. Cultivate optimum physical, mental, and spiritual fitness

7. Lead as I would like to be led

8. Savor the flavor of each passing moment

9. Infuse every thought and relationship with faith, hope, love and gratitude

(Joe D. Batten)

Don't give up

TAMING FEARS

SAY THE WORDS
Outwit denial by verbalizing the truth

RESEARCH THE OPTION
Information has never been so readily available! Make sone phone calls; search the Internet; read some literature; talk to someone in the know

RALLY SUPPORT
Rally a network of living, breathing human beings who can encourage you from this point on

MAKE A PLAN
Now finalize your plan of action.  What exactly must you do to experience complete freedom from whatever it is you have been too afraid to admit to anyone, even yourself?

TAKE ACTION
It takes time to make permanent changes in your life, so get started!  In fact, it takes twenty-one days of practicing a new behavior before it starts to turn into a habit, so don't become discouraged if you can't solve your dilemma overnight.

(Karen Scalf Linamen)

Hardship...

FOKUS PADA WAKTU BELAJAR

Waktu anak saya belajar, kadang-kadang pikirannya tidak berfokus kepada apa yang sedang dia pelajari.  Dan itu bisa terlihat dari matanya yang tidak tertuju kepada buku yang sedang dia pegang atau sepertinya pikirannya yang sedang memikirkan hal yang lain.  Istri saya selalu mengatakan kepada anak saya untuk selalu berfokus pada waktu belajar.

Yang namanya fokus itu selalu tertuju kepada suatu hal.  Seorang yang sedang fokus berarti seseorang yang matanya, pikirannya, dan hatinya sedang tertuju kepada satu titik atau satu aktifitas.  Dalam kehidupan kita sehari-hari, banyak hal yang bisa terjadi dalam kehidupan kita, baik situasi buruk yang terjadi, atau pilihan-pilihan yang tersedia bagi kita.  

Pada waktu kita sedang dihadapkan kepada situasi yang buruk atau menghadapi suatu pilihan, biarlah kita berfokus kepada Tuhan.  Dalam keadaan tersebut kita harus memilih untuk berfokus kepada satu hal, Kristus atau krisis, kekuatan sendiri atau kekuatan Tuhan, ketakutan atau janji Tuhan bagi kita, dan lain-lain.  Marilah kita memilih untuk terus berfokus dan tertuju kepada Tuhan yang Maha Kuasa.  Kita percaya bahwa Dia sanggup dan akan memberikan kita kekuatan dan jalan keluar atas segala hal yang sedang kita hadapi.

"Aku telah mencari Tuhan, lalu Ia menjawab aku, dan melepaskan aku dari segala kegentaranku" (Mazmur 34:5)

Every experience God gives....

WITHOUT LOVE....

All I say is ineffective

All I know is incomplete

All I believe is insufficient

All I give is insignificant

All I accomplish is inadequate

(Mark Belokonny)

Endurance

FOUR QUALITIES OF HARDY PEOPLE

1. Hardy people become powerful
They ask what action they can take to get them to their goal.  They spend little time assigning blame.  They waste no energy in accusation

2. Hardy people control their attitude
They put the difficulty in perspective and ask what choices they have

3. Hardy people meet challenges head on
Instead of looking at a challenge as a calamity, they describe a challenge as an opportunity, a chance to learn something they otherwise might never have known

4. Hardy people are triumphant
Challenge is an invitation, not a summon.  It is a chance to deepen wisdom and expand inventiveness.  Each triumph is one more important step taken toward a goal

(Jane Kirkpatrick)

He loves you

FIVE LESSONS FOR LIFE

- Keep your word and your commitment

- Don't look for favors - count on earning them

- Watch out for success - it can be more dangerous than failure

- Do what you say, say what you mean, and be what you seem

- Open the envelope of your soul to discern God's orders hidden there

(Marian Wright Edelman)

Blessed are the peacemaker

SLOW DOWN AND....

.....walk in something soft with bare feet
.....touch a face with your eyes closed
.....watch the wind
.....feel your breath in your nostrils as you inhale and exhale
.....eat slowly and taste your food
.....feel your heart while you smile
.....smell flowers
.....listen to water
.....watch the moon rise
.....touch a baby

(Lee L. Jampolsky)

Yes, I did it

POSITIVE PRINCIPLES

Being positive originates in a peaceful mind

The power of being positive is articulated through a pleasant mouth

The power of being positive circulates by positive methods

The power of being positive disintegrates personal misery

Positive thinking is powerful medicine

(Mike Huckabee)

To hear God's voice

HASIL PEMERIKSAAN KESEHATAN

Pada waktu kita melakukan pemeriksaan kesehatan bersama-sama, beberapa rekan saya mengatakan bahwa mereka mendapatkan hasil yang kurang bagus mengenai kondisi kesehatan tubuh mereka.  Dengan pemeriksaan kesehatan tersebut, mereka bisa mengetahui hal apa yang baik dan juga yang tidak baik dalam tubuh mereka.  Beberapa dari mereka menyadari bahwa hasil tersebut merupakan suatu peringatan bagi mereka untuk menjaga kondisi tubuh mereka dengan lebih baik.  Beberapa dari mereka juga diberikan petunjuk oleh beberapa petugas kesehatan dan merekapun langsung mempraktekkannya, contohnya dengan berolah raga dan menjaga pola dan apa yang mereka makan.

Seperti hasil pemeriksaan kesehatan tersebut, Firman Tuhan juga bisa merupakan peringatan dan petunjuk bagi kita.  Firman Tuhan bisa merupakan peringatan untuk menjaga agar kita tidak jatuh dalam dosa dan tidak menjauh dari Tuhan.  Firman Tuhan juga merupakan petunjuk bagi kita untuk bisa mencapai kehidupan yang Tuhan rencanakan bagi kita.  Semuanya itu bisa terjadi kalau kita membuka hati kita, menerima Firman Tuhan secara terbuka, dan mempraktekkannya dalam kehidupan kita sehari-hari.

"Dengan apakah seorang muda mempertahanian kelakuannya bersih?  Dengan menjaganya sesuai dengan firmanMu" (Mazmur119:9)

Most important in life

MAINAN LEGO

Mainan lego adalah mainan yang sangat unik, karena mainan tersebut dijual dalam bentuk yang belum jadi.  Malah pembelinya sendiri yang harus merakit mainan tersebut sampai menjadi bentuk yang diinginkan.  Kalau dipikir-pikir, mungkin si pembeli seharusnya meminta diskon atas harga mainannya karena mainannya memang belum jadi, dan si pembeli malah harus merakitnya sendiri.  Tetapi justru mereka yang suka mainan Lego adalah mereka menyukai proses merakit mainan tersebut.  Bagi mereka yang suka mainan Lego, semakin susah proses merakitnya, mereka semakin tertantang untuk mencobanya, dan mereka akan semakin puas apabila mereka berhasil merakitnya.

Dalam kehidupan ini, kita pun mengalami proses-proses yang diijinkan Tuhan.  Tetapi percayalah kalau proses yang kita alami adalah rencana Tuhan untuk merakit/membentuk kita menjadi pribadi yang lebih baik.  Melalui proses, karakter kita dibentuk, iman kita diperkuat, pandangan kita lebih terfokus kepada Tuhan dan kita akan mengalami pengalaman rohani bersama dengan Tuhan.  Jika kita sedang mengalami proses saat ini, bersabar dan bertekunkan dalam Tuhan, dan pasti pribadi kita akan diubahkan menjadi lebih baik.

"Nantikanlah Tuhan, dan tetap ikutilah jalanNya, maka Ia akan mengangkat engkau untuk mewarisi negeri" (Mazmur 37:34)

Be more like

HOW TO KEEP YOUR RESOLUTION

1. Write them down

2. Count the cost

3. Make them meaningful

4. Give them priority

5. Be specific and practical

6. Ask someone to keep you accountable

7. Seek help if you struggle

8. Break them into steps

9. Reward yourself for each successful step

10. Keep your eyes on the goal

11. Do all you can to make them fun

12. Pray

(John Van Diest)

You are safer

A FRIEND

A friend believes you first and rumors second

A friend never passes up the chances to encourage you

A friend shares with you, even chocolate

A friend tells you when you are about to make a mistake

A friend is someone you can always depend on, even when you don't deserve it

A friend brings out the best in you, but doesn't insist on the credit

A friend understands you, even when you don't

(Martha Bolton)

God doesn't call the qualified

PUT SPACE IN YOUR SCHEDULE

1. STOP

Take a little time every day to think - not just about what you are doing but also why you are doing it

2. PREPARE

Prepare the wrecks of life.  Even when things go wrong, planning ahead can help us pick up the pieces and keep moving forward

3. ADJUST YOUR ATTITUDE

Focus on the good in a situation

4. CONCENTRATE

You must discern what your gifts are and what they are not.  Say yes to the best, and do not rise up to everything others want you to do

5. ENERGIZE

Engage in energy-renewing activities.  The difference between space and stress is the difference between your limit and your load.  If your load and limit are the same, you need to work on the limit, because sometimes you can't do much about the load.

(Charles Lowery)

Fix your thoughts

HOW TO BE REALLY CONTENT

Take the focus off yourself: as long as you think about your personal contentment, it will elude you

Live free of debt: financial and emotional debt keep you trapped in the past

Spend some time alone: you need quiet time away from the hectic activities and noise of life, so you can find the peace of mind that comes with internal silence

Do something special for someone who is older: respect for and generosity toward those with more life experience bring great satisfaction

Keep young children in your life: children can teach you much about innocence, hope, joy, and simplicity

Get involve in a worthwhile case: when you volunteer for something bigger than you, you realize that you really can make a difference

Avoid negative people: negative people can steal contentment from the best of situations

Discipline yourself: self discipline gives you freedom.  It helps you accomplish and enjoy those things that are truly important to you

Understand the other person's point of view: this will dissipate negative and energy-wasting emotional responses.  It can also give you compassion, sensitivity, and sometimes even wisdom

Treat yourself: occasionally it is nice to relax and remind yourself that you are a person of such value and worth

Thankful for what you have: the pursuit of pleasure is short-lived and never brings long-term satisfaction

Ask for advise: there is much you do not know, and seeking wisdom and/or direction from those around you can bring joys you never expected

Avoid known temptation: there are things in life that seem attractive, but they actually dangerous and destructive. Flee them

(Karen Willoughby)

Your value

SUCCESS PRINCIPLES (COLLECTED FROM IMPRESSIVE ENTREPRENEURS)

Earn trust by giving it
Take responsibility for your actions
Get the facts before making decisions
Go the extra miles
Put first things first and last things not at all
Accentuate the positive
Center your life around specific goals
Devote yourself to lifelong learning
Discover and follow your calling
Concentrate on what you do well
Pour a solid foundation of hard work
Find your weaknesses and fix them
Cultivate new shoots from old shoots
Live with passion!
Speak the truth in love
Honor those in authority
Start over if necessary
Face live with boldness and courage
Block out the unnecessary
Conquer your personal demons
Seek divine guidance
Excel in helping others excel
Care deeply about people
Take risks with people
Lighten up - you will live longer
Stay open to timely opportunities
Surround yourself with experience
Focus on what really matters in life
Help others with what you have learned
Escape the complacency that can come with success
Follow your sense of calling, even to unexpected places
Give your time and talents to causes you believe in
Live for something bigger than you
Open the door when opportunity knocks
Envision the future you want to create
Have a realistic time frame for your dreams
Use your head to follow your heart
Find a way around roadblocks
Leave an indelible impact on those you serve
Commit a concept with a future
Practice forgivenenss as a way of life
Turn disappointment into discoveries
Lead from your values
Maintain the tension between control and growth

(Merrill Oster and Mike Hamel)