My Father vs My Heavenly Father

There were times when bad memories came across my mind. Yeah, in weaknesses, we used to remember bad things we've passed through. So did I. If I would remember any single memory of that, oh, that will bring me to unexpected feelings. But I've just realized that many bitterness, hurt, wounds, all bad feelings had already left behind me. Thank God for being my hiding place. I've cast all my burdens upon Him. He touched my heart, recovered me and I knew that my life would never be the same ever since.

I could never forget one day when my heart filled up with grief. Had no idea why my memory brought me to my dad who died several years ago. Suddenly, hatred came up into my heart. I hated him because he seemed to be careless about his family. He left us without 'enough' money to survive (meanwhile ones supposed that he was a rich man!). He didn't leave any inheritance for his family (in spite of him should afford it!). He died because he had always liked to be busy, he wasn't able to just sit and do nothing. He was a workaholic, he liked to go here and there, and the peak was when he visited his hometown, accelerated a huge service on an open field there for several days, which he was also the only preacher (oh, he was not type of 'mild' preacher. When he preached, he would totally released all his energy out of him. You know, loud in speaking! The native folks there loved him because he was the native also, and he could preached in their native language) though my mom had begged him not to because he had just passed through a heart operation the month before. He was very exhausted then, that eventually brought him to a heart attack and in sudden left us, his beloved-family-should-be, in a bright Sunday morning...

I got my eyes filled with tears as I remembered him. I was so sorry about his death. Why did God call him so immediate? While I was 17 and still blind about this world... I wasn't experienced enough about this life. I was really count on him as a father, as the one who should always took care of me, protected me and did everything for me as his lovely child...

But God's will was different from mine. And that time, I was questioning about that. I was questioning about His cruelty for my family (it seemed so to me, at least at that time). I was so demanding about our needs, about many things God seemed to ignore about us, my family...

And, (oh I remember this clearly in my mind) suddenly I heard Him spoke to my heart, Kristine, what's up? What are you thinking about for now? What do you anxious about? What's your need? Is inheritance your matter? Oh, don't ever be worry.
Even though you've lost your dad, you still have Me. I'll always be there for you.
I am your greatest inheritance and I will forever and ever more. What are you still worrying about? I am able to fill up your needs!

(Oh my goodness, never imagined I have to translate this to English, cause I heard Him spoke to me in Bahasa Indonesia LOL).

Ever since, my way of thinking changed. If I used to be worrying everything, I've turned into a fearless person, who is not to worry about anything anymore. Cause I really know for sure, that I have God who had promised and will keep His promises up.

Time flies. Years go by and 'till now, I've seen His goodness along my journey. Even, I could see His fingerprints wherever I am. Even though He seems not to show up, I know He's always there with me. And He will.

A verse from Psalm 23 pops up into my mind.

Though I walk through the valley of the death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me..

And this..

If God be for us, who can be against us? (Rom 8:31).

And this..

Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you (I Pet 5:7, KJV)

Whenever I questioned about who was guilty that my family seemed to be dismissed and forgotten, The Bible always reminds me that that would never be a matter who is guilty, neither my dad, nor the circumstance, but that the works of God should be made manifest in our family (that does really matter!).

Whenever I feel anxious or scared, I'll turn to His promise that He'll always be there for me. Cause He was The One who had promised me. I've never asked Him to do it! :)

I'm so proud that I have A Heavenly Father. In this world I have no father anymore. But my heavenly Father cares much more better for me than him. He knows the best for me. He provides anything I need and He upholds me with His right hand that'll lead me toward victory. I am safe and guaranteed in His hands.

He is unlike any other.

Have you felt this way about God?

10 on Tuesdays

These are ten people whom I have to give a big shout at (and also thank God for and made me so proud of!) for what they had done..

(Oh, I should posted this yesterday, but my internet connection had technical difficulties, so I could have just post it today..)

1. My hubby, who has always been there for me. He always understands, supports, cares, lovin.... He's the best blessings ever come into my life..

2. Mom, who though has stroke but has never been desperate. She is tough, and has strong perseverance behind her meekness.

3. My mother in law. She is so meek, modest and diligent. Though she doesn't need to work because her children are afford to help her, she insists to cater. She says that that is her life and many people need her to cater for them. What a pattern!

4. Deena, my future sister in law. She is so diligent, patient, lovable, and persistent. She seems to be so strong to bear all things in her life.

5. Andree, my brother. He had gone through many, many hard times in his life. But he kept strong in faith and refused to give up to his circumstance. He ever got hemaroid that got him so painful to stand up, he even had to move slowly if he wouldn't sense the pain, but when a friend asked him to substitute for playing drum at a small service at the church, he accepted. Deena, his fiance begged him not to, but he kept going. He said that as long as he lives, he'll serve The Lord, no matter what it may take. Oh..

6. Della, the best friend of mine. One can see her faithfulness to God clearly. She always says yes to ministry. I really admire her confident, her determined and her modesty. To be frank, she is so common, not too beautiful for most people to look at, but I think she totally has what one may say as the inner beauty. It really reflects out from within herself!

7. Johny, who used to be the bassist at our church. Like Della, he'd never said no to ministry. Anytime we needed him, he'd always been there for us. Unfortunately, he had moved to Bandung (he said to get a better life). How we miss him here. May The Lord bless him wherever he is!

8. Ina, a faithful lady of our congregation. She is a hard worker, so trustworthy, great mom and wife (her kids -age 8 and 6- have sooo big faith in Jesus!), and great donator. Never closes her eyes for God's work. There are some people far richer from her, but her passion to give back is much more wonderful and worth to be followed. She (and her hubby also!) seem never 'calculate' for God thing!

9. Riezka, also my best friend. She is a beautiful gal who has devoted her life to God. I admire the way she treats her family. Although many weaknesses here and there in the family, she always be so open handed to them. She's so lovable and such an easy to befriend type of person. You'll like her as soon as your first meeting with her, I promise.

10. Mrs. Tanty Kiswanto, a woman with integrity. No matter what people say or do, she keeps faithful to serve God. As you know, sometime it's easier for us to follow other's attitude than keep up our principles. But it's different with this lady. Though so often, she got people talked behind about her, she doesn't keep bitterness in her mind.

Thank God for blessing me with each of them..

Everything Happens For A Reason

Ough, have no idea what's happening with my Adobe Flash Player. It doesn't run well or stop or what, so I can't post my Then Sings My Soul Saturday today, at least I can't paste You Tube on my blog. Hmgghhh...

Many bad things happen this week. (Oh, please don't imagine the 'bad' that I wrote as the real bad. It may different with what you think. I used to have different way of seeing something. LOL). Even, the times I can't post on my blog would be bad moments for me. You know, these past few days I couldn't access my Blogger so I just posted all of these posts through my Multiply. Thank God for Multiply!

Yeahh.. though sometimes I have a different point of view from common people as I mentioned above, I always know that nothing happens by accident. I know for sure that anything happens in the world, happens for a certain reason and purpose. We may not understand before it unfolds, but in the right time, -I prefer to say in God's time-, we would know it as something perfect from the heavens above...


When we encounter something, we may say it as 'good' or 'bad', but we can't judge whether something is good or bad just based on our opinions or our thoughts, because we are limited. We have limited thoughts. We can't see the final result. We don't see the the end of the journey yet. Changes may happen here and there along the way. The goods may change. The bads may accumulate, or something like that. Unexpected things could come across. (Who knows?) So it's probably the best reason why we shouldn't count on ourselves. Only God The One who foresees everything. He even knew us before we had been being born. He saw our lives, our problems, our afflictions, our griefs, our weaknesses (and sort of that!) so we have to totally trust in Him.

Well, this may just a simple thing. But I have always encouraged my soul not to be disappoint if I couldn't get what I really want in my life. I know for sure that if I can't get something I wish, it could possibly not to be the best I would ever get. God is providing something better than that!


If everything happens for a reason, so you have to discover what's hidden behind something before you can judge it good or bad. Remember the changes and the unexpected things that may happen. But please don't ever ignore one thing, that all things work together for good to them that love God. Don't be afraid of what one could mention as bad things. Those also can turn into good in God's hands. I'm sure you'll find the good at the end of the story with God besides you!

Hey, BTW, here's the song I want to share..

When Peace Like A River

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:
 It is well with my soul,
 it is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.
(Refrain)

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(Refrain)

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
even so, it is well with my soul.
(Refrain)

And the question is,
Is it well with your soul? :)

Don't Forget the Benefits!

What are the benefits of a relationship with God? Psalm 103 gives us some, but not all of the benefits. . .

He forgives all your sins, heals all your diseases (v3)
He has redeemed your life from hell (v4)
He crowns you with love and compassion (v4)
He satisfies your desires with good things (v5)
He works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed (v6)
His love for you is as high as the heavens are above the earth (v11)
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us (v12)
From everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him (v17)

The next time you feel defeated, frustrated, discouraged. . .remember Who He is. . . and who you are, a precious child of the King!

Resource: Anchor Your Life

surprise

NBC news anchor John Chancellor once quipped, "You want to make God laugh, tell him your plans." God has much greater ambitions for us than we have for ourselves. He laughs at our paltry plans, then plots to surprise us with the greatness of his grace.

Author C. S. Lewis referred to God's extravagant nature when he said, "You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage? God wants to make of your life a palace!" Of course, we have to learn to live with the rain while we're waiting for our skies to clear up and God's glory to be revealed. But rest your hope upon the grace that will crown your life when Jesus' plan unfolds. With the touch of a button he will draw you under the protection of his umbrella where you can enjoy sunny skies forever (see Job 42:7-17).

Resource : Zondervan Inspires

God's Cake

Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?" Here is a wonderful explanation! A daughter is telling her mother how everything is going wrong; she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely Mom, I love your cake."

"Here, have some cooking oil ," her mother offers.

"YUCK!", says her daughter.

"How about a couple of raw eggs?"

"Gross, mom!"

"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"

"Mom, those are all yucky!"

To which the mother replies, "Yes, all those things seem bad by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!"

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always
work for good! We just have to trust Him and eventually, they will all make something
wonderful!

God is crazy about you! He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose
your heart..

Easy vs Hard

Why is it so hard to tell the truth
but yet so easy to tell a lie?
Why are we so sleepy in church
but right when the sermon is over we suddenly wake up?
Why is it so hard to talk about God
but yet so easy to talk about nasty stuff?

Why is it so boring to look at a Christian magazine,
but yet so easy to look at a nasty one?
Why is it so easy to delete a Godly e- mail,
but yet we forward all of the nasty ones?
Why are the churches getting smaller
but yet the bars and dance clubs are getting larger?
Do you give up?
Think about it.

Just remember-God is watching you.
Prayer Wheel- Let's see the devil stop this one!
Here's what the wheel is all about.
Prayer is the very best one....
There are no costs, but wonderful rewards...

GOD Bless!

Life's Toughest Lessons

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will.

You will have your heart broken probably more than once
and it's harder every time.

You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken.

You'll fight with your best friend.

You'll blame a new love for things an old one did.

You'll cry because time is passing too fast,
and you'll eventually lose someone you love.

So, take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never

been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of

happiness you'll never get back.

Don't be afraid that your life will end,
be afraid that it will never begin.

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

~~unknown

Funny Quotes

Inspirational Quotes

Michael Flatley
Whenever I hear, "It can't be done," I know I'm close to success.

Robert H. Schuller
Every burden is a blessing.

Dale Carnegie
Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.

Theodore Roosevelt
Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure...than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.

What Dog Breed Are You?

Do You Recognize These 10 Mental Blocks to Creative Thinking?

Whether you’re trying to solve a tough problem, start a business, get attention for that business or write an interesting article, creative thinking is crucial. The process boils down to changing your perspective and seeing things differently than you currently do.

People like to call this “thinking outside of the box,” which is the wrong way to look at it. Just like Neo needed to understand that “there is no spoon” in the film The Matrix, you need to realize “there is no box” to step outside of.

You create your own imaginary boxes simply by living life and accepting certain things as “real” when they are just as illusory as the beliefs of a paranoid delusional. The difference is, enough people agree that certain man-made concepts are “real,” so you’re viewed as “normal.” This is good for society overall, but it’s that sort of unquestioning consensus that inhibits your natural creative abilities.

So, rather than looking for ways to inspire creativity, you should just realize the truth. You’re already capable of creative thinking at all times, but you have to strip away the imaginary mental blocks (or boxes) that you’ve picked up along the way to wherever you are today.

I like to keep this list of 10 common ways we suppress our natural creative abilities nearby when I get stuck. It helps me realize that the barriers to a good idea are truly all in my head.

1. Trying to Find the “Right” Answer

One of the worst aspects of formal education is the focus on the correct answer to a particular question or problem. While this approach helps us function in society, it hurts creative thinking because real-life issues are ambiguous. There’s often more than one “correct” answer, and the second one you come up with might be better than the first.

Many of the following mental blocks can be turned around to reveal ways to find more than one answer to any given problem. Try reframing the issue in several different ways in order to prompt different answers, and embrace answering inherently ambiguous questions in several different ways.

2. Logical Thinking

Not only is real life ambiguous, it’s often illogical to the point of madness. While critical thinking skills based on logic are one of our main strengths in evaluating the feasibility of a creative idea, it’s often the enemy of truly innovative thoughts in the first place.

One of the best ways to escape the constraints of your own logical mind is to think metaphorically. One of the reasons why metaphors work so well in communications is that we accept them as true without thinking about it. When you realize that “truth” is often symbolic, you’ll often find that you are actually free to come up with alternatives.

3. Following Rules

One way to view creative thinking is to look at it as a destructive force. You’re tearing away the often arbitrary rules that others have set for you, and asking either “why” or “why not” whenever confronted with the way “everyone” does things.

This is easier said than done, since people will often defend the rules they follow even in the face of evidence that the rule doesn’t work. People love to celebrate rebels like Richard Branson, but few seem brave enough to emulate him. Quit worshipping rule breakers and start breaking some rules.

4. Being Practical

Like logic, practicality is hugely important when it comes to execution, but often stifles innovative ideas before they can properly blossom. Don’t allow the editor into the same room with your inner artist.

Try not to evaluate the actual feasibility of an approach until you’ve allowed it to exist on it’s own for a bit. Spend time asking “what if” as often as possible, and simply allow your imagination to go where it wants. You might just find yourself discovering a crazy idea that’s so insanely practical that no one’s thought of it before.

5. Play is Not Work

Allowing your mind to be at play is perhaps the most effective way to stimulate creative thinking, and yet many people disassociate play from work. These days, the people who can come up with great ideas and solutions are the most economically rewarded, while worker bees are often employed for the benefit of the creative thinkers.

You’ve heard the expression “work hard and play hard.” All you have to realize is that they’re the same thing to a creative thinker.

6. That’s Not My Job

In an era of hyper-specialization, it’s those who happily explore completely unrelated areas of life and knowledge who best see that everything is related. This goes back to what ad man Carl Ally said about creative persons—they want to be know-it-alls.

Sure, you’ve got to know the specialized stuff in your field, but if you view yourself as an explorer rather than a highly-specialized cog in the machine, you’ll run circles around the technical master in the success department.

7. Being a “Serious” Person

Most of what keeps us civilized boils down to conformity, consistency, shared values, and yes, thinking about things the same way everyone else does. There’s nothing wrong with that necessarily, but if you can mentally accept that it’s actually nothing more than groupthink that helps a society function, you can then give yourself permission to turn everything that’s accepted upside down and shake out the illusions.

Leaders from Egyptian pharaohs to Chinese emperors and European royalty have consulted with fools, or court jesters, when faced with tough problems. The persona of the fool allowed the truth to be told, without the usual ramifications that might come with speaking blasphemy or challenging ingrained social conventions. Give yourself permission to be a fool and see things for what they really are.

8. Avoiding Ambiguity

We rationally realize that most every situation is ambiguous to some degree. And although dividing complex situations into black and white boxes can lead to disaster, we still do it. It’s an innate characteristic of human psychology to desire certainty, but it’s the creative thinker who rejects the false comfort of clarity when it’s not really appropriate.

Ambiguity is your friend if you’re looking to innovate. The fact that most people are uncomfortable exploring uncertainty gives you an advantage, as long as you can embrace ambiguity rather than run from it.

9. Being Wrong is Bad

We hate being wrong, and yet mistakes often teach us the most. Thomas Edison was wrong 1,800 times before getting the light bulb right. Edison’s greatest strength was that he was not afraid to be wrong.

The best thing we do is learn from our mistakes, but we have to free ourselves to make mistakes in the first place. Just try out your ideas and see what happens, take what you learn, and try something else. Ask yourself, what’s the worst that can happen if I’m wrong? You’ll often find the benefits of being wrong greatly outweigh the ramifications.

10. I’m Not Creative

Denying your own creativity is like denying you’re a human being. We’re all limitlessly creative, but only to the extent that we realize that we create our own limits with the way we think. If you tell yourself you’re not creative, it becomes true. Stop that.

In that sense, awakening your own creativity is similar to the path reported by those who seek spiritual enlightenment. You’re already enlightened, just like you’re already creative, but you have to strip away all of your delusions before you can see it. Acknowledge that you’re inherently creative, and then start tearing down the other barriers you’ve allowed to be created in your mind.

This was an article written by Brian Clark. You can find more interesting posts about blogging at copyblogger.com

How to Becoming A Better Writer

Hey, I've found a great post from copyblogger.com about how to becoming a better writer.
Check this out!

1. Write.
2. Write more.
3. Write even more.
4. Write even more than that.
5. Write when you don’t want to.
6. Write when you do.
7. Write when you have something to say.
8. Write when you don’t.
9. Write every day.
10. Keep writing.

Isn't it interesting? :)

How Addicted To Blogging Are You?

81%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Perseverance and Obstinancy

The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will,
and the other from a strong won't.
~ Henry Ward Beecher

Eight Gifts That Do Not Cost A Cent

1. THE GIFT OF LISTENING...
But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.

2. THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

3. THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...
Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

4. THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...
It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

5. THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

6. THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

7. THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

8. THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION...
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.

Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us. Show your friends how much you care.

God's Mercies Are New Every Morning

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lam 3:22,23, NIV

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus - Michael W. Smith





Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.


This song has always been very wonderful for me.
Anytime I need comfort, I've always been being reminded that I can turn to Jesus.
He knows me well, and He'll never leave me.
Whatever storm may come through my life, I know He'll be with me, bless me and lead me.
What a Friend I have in Him!



Blessings!

It Wouldn't Be Easy, But It Would Be Worth It..

In many ways, we ask about God's presence in our lives. When we struggle with our diseases, stresses, hard times, even when we meet some difficult people. We'll start to ask about Him. Where's God in this circumstance? How come He let us go through all of these problems? What's His purpose? Why me? When will this be over? And other million questions ...

Often, we do incline to blame. Yes, it's our very basic nature, started from the first man, Adam when he was being asked by God about how he ate the fruit He forbade to. Adam blamed it on Eve, who then blamed her sin to the snake. When situation gets harder, it's so easy to blame. On other people, on the circumstances, on the pasts, on one's attitude, on many other things we could ever remember!

We think that God isn't there. He doesn't see. He doesn't know. He doesn't care. He's still busy up there thinking about the universe, not us. So we loose our faiths in Him. We forget about His promises, His blessings, His kindness and all of His mercies we've ever received.

We often forget that He doesn't say that life would be easy, but it would be worth it. Every hurts we ever feel, every hard times, every tears, every cries before Him, every prayer, every griefs, every weakness we have, every single day with every worry in our lives counts by Him. He sees beyond our deepest needs. He feels what we feel. He thinks what we think. He even prays for us. And He lets us go through all the darkness because He wants us to reach something. Remember the quote 'No pain, no gain'? Every hard times we encounter would be worth it. To shape us, mold us to become more precious and wonderful in His sight..

Don't ever give up your life. Bad times may ever come. Turbulence, sorrows, temptations may hit you, but nothing could destroy yourself unless you let it destroy you.

Just remember that everything on the earth has it's price tag. If you can't bear your burden for any longer, strengthen yourself by remembering that possibly you are paying the price on your road toward your dreams...

Who says that life is easy? :)

How Does Your Intrapersonal Intelligence Rate?

Just want to know how does my intrapersonal intelligence rate.
And yeah.. it's exactly the same with what I've guessed already... :).

Your Intrapersonal Intelligence Score: 98%

Your Intrapersonal Intelligence is Very High You've spent a lot of time introspecting, and it's really paid off. You are comfortable with who you are, and you have a life philosophy that you are happy to live by. And you're always re-evaluating what you believe. Because you learn something new about yourself each day!

How Does Your Intrapersonal Intelligence Rate?

What Is In A Name?

Just want to know what's hidden in my name's meaning..

What Kristine Means

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life. You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip. People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Some Encouraging Words..

My Inspiration

Thank You, Lord, for never leave me alone...

It's Not If, but When

This was an article I received from anchor your life.
When I read it, I have to confess that it's not easy to follow God's rules in my daily life. It's totally different from the world's. But, one thing I always keep in my mind is that God gives rewards for those who willingly want to do His will.

"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. "So when you give to the needy... when you pray ...when you fast" (NIV) Matthew 6:1, 2, 5, 16

It's interesting that when Jesus was describing examples of religious righteousness He didn't look at giving to the needy, prayer, or fasting as options. He didn't say, "If you give, if you pray, if you fast, then this is how it ought to be done." He said, "WHEN you give, WHEN you pray, WHEN you fast."

Giving to the needy, prayer and fasting (abstaining from food for spiritual reasons and\or discipline) should be an integral part of our faith and life. And each of these are expressions of our love for others and for God. Giving is seeking to serve others, especially the needy. Prayer is seeking God's presence and deepening our relationship with Him. Fasting in part is denying ourselves something and results in further enhancing our discipline as well as focusing our attention on God.

So on a scale from 1 to 10 (1 being the lowest, 10 being the highest) . . .
How would you rate your giving to the needy?
How would you rate your prayer life?
How would you rate your efforts at fasting?
What do you need to do in each area to move further towards 10?

To be honest, often times we do something in order to be seen by other people. We wont to be dismissed. We want to be the center, even, if can, we want to be the reason why the star shines! :) But, Bible says, if we do so, then we will lose our rewards from our heavenly Father.

If you want to get daily devotional words like mine above, or want to know God better, or know something deeper about God's things, you can just click this link : anchor your life

Life Without Gadgets

I've been turning off my cellphone for past 2 weeks. And, oh, I feel so wonderful. If I used to check whether I got SMS or not, who called me, at what time, what for etc., now I don't have to do it anymore.

Well, just wanna imagine what my life would be without gadgets.

And definitely, it more peaceful and relaxing. Would you try it?

I'm going to challenge you,
to turn off your tv and radio, for at
least a couple of hours or a day,
and notice how much more
peaceful it is.

Appreciate it.

What A Prayer!

Good Morning,
I hope your having a great day.
What are you thankful to God about today?

Dear God
I come to you on behalf of this person, and ask that you will help this person grow closer to you today.
Thanks God
In Jesus Name

Amen.

I got this heartfelt prayer from My Circle Prayer friend. And I feel honored. How could a friend we never know face to face ever show the love like that?
I thank God for His gift I received through her.
It just proved me that we can change the world through messages and prayers we spread around the world. Let's make peace, not war!!

Blessings!

Becoming The Happiest Person in The World

On a blog I read few days ago, I found a wonderful statement in About Me page that says that 'I am the happiest person on this planet'. Oh my... Can you imagine it? Or, have you ever dare mentioned yourself as the happiest person like the statement above?

We look forward to be happy. Even, we would move heaven and earth to pursuing the happiness. And we search for it all around the world. We search everywhere. We think we would be happy if we have much money, or if we are popular, or if we have many friends. We do have our own standard for it. But one thing we use to forget, that our happiness don't come from anything outside. We could just be happy if we have satisfied of anything we have. The most important isn't the things we want but the things we already have.

People look at what we have and supposed that we are happy, but in return, we, like to look at everything we don't have already and supposed that we are unhappy. Oh, so ironic, isn't it?

I think happiness would be ours if ...

We content our selves with what we have

We have a big faith in God

We do believe that for everything, there would be a perfect timing

We constantly give thanks for such a little things in life

We don't take our selves as the reason for everything happens on the earth

We don't compare our lives with others'

We know what's the most important in life and make a clear priority of it

We know the deepest need of ours and try to fulfill it little by little

We grow a good relationship with God

We have a big love within our hearts

We decide to follow Him in every step of our lives, learn to understand His perfect will and live in it no matter how hard the cross we have to bear

We believe that we'll get reward from Him so we choose to do the right thing

Well, it's my list. Can you add yours?

So, how happy are you?

Blessings,

How to Get Connected with God

Once in my life, I've been being asked a question 'How do you get connected with God?'

I had to think for a while before answering that. I thought I had gotten connected with God already considering all the way I'd been through. But, I wasn't sure. I thought for it for moments and caught up the message eventually. Definitely, not the big things that could bring me closer to God, but very often, little things use to inspire me seeing the mighty power of my God, Lord of hosts.

Here are the way I get connected to God. If you feel that you've been being so far to God or don't have a good relationship with Him yet, please consider this.... may be it can help.

1. Behold the stars

Can you imagine what would nights be without the stars above? They are all so beautiful and amazing. But above all, we are much more precious rather than each of them. Remember when Psalmist said

'When I look at the heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them?

(Ps. 8:3-4, NRSV)

When I behold the stars, I always remember God' s covenant with Abraham that He would made him exceedingly fruitful. I keep this promise in my mind and I believe, as God had blessed Abraham with so many blessings (Bible says that The Lord had blessed Abraham in all things Gen 24:1), He'll do the same for me. So I trust Him, whatever my circumstance is, God will always be mindful of me!

2. See the nature's beauty

We all know the beauty of nature. If you see it, remember Who has created them. Don't ever think that they was insanely happened by accident.

When I play with my pet, I like to imagine what's actually in God's mind when He created dogs. What was in His mind when He created a peacock? Or when He put wings to a bird? Or when He pointed out the stars? Or grows a tiny seed to become a mighty tree? There are so many miracles in nature.

Oh, and don't forget to consider how might tsunamis, earthquakes or floods could offense our lives! Doesn't the nature reflect His mighty power?

3. Look at the mirror

Not to look for who's the most beautiful in the world, but to look at the greatest miracle and the masterpiece of God, Our Creator. There's none like you in the world, there's only one you. So, give thanks for your well being. Trust me, He created you for a special purpose that irreplaceable, only you can fulfill it. So, ask Him about it and trust Him with all your heart.

4. Think about your problem

When we face a problem, we would understand that weren't defeatable. We are just as weak as a lamb. We have no idea what to do. Often, we can see God from such a hard circumstances. Remember that He never promises that everything will always be okay, but He promises that He'll be with us whatever storm we're walking through.. Problems often lead us to get closer to something higher than ourselves, and remind us that we need the greatest power from heaven to solve it all. We could never bear our problems alone. But don't ever give up your life. He is mindful of you!

5. Pray, pray, pray

How come you know someone not by talking to him? It's the reason why we should pray all the time: to get connected to Him and to know Him better.

Furthermore, whenever you call Him, He listens to your voice. He knows you. He understands your tears. He sees how hard your burdens hit you. He'll always come through for you and He has so much blessings in store for you.

6. Read The Bible

The Bible is His Word, and His Word is Him Himself. It keeps the secret of God's best plan that much more better than you could ever think.

7. Make every single day counts

We like to wait for a miracle to be happened in our lives. So we overlook little things surround us. We forget that the sun shines every morning for us. We forget that the oxygen is available anytime for us, and even our hearts always beat without any problem in it. Aren't those little things worth to be called a miracle?

Each of us have a life to live. But, by keep waiting for a big miracle, we'll overlook the blessings we received in every single day of our lives. If we wouldn't be able to choose the right attitude, we'll loose the chance to get rewards from life. I think God saves some of those little surprises for those moments in which we choose to do the right thing.

Instead of waiting for something too far to be reached, let's walk forward one step at a time. Make every single day counts. Don't forget to count your blessings!

Waiting For Our Dreams

I found this post from Chocolate and Coffee. This blog has so many wonderful profound contemplation. My heart broke into zillion of pieces reading this post. For I, like so many common people, have been waiting for my dreams but sometime forget to ask for God's leading in my journey. Even, there were times I don't know whether my dream came from Him or not, but I kept persisting on it.

This post has opened up my insight that anything I do, I should do in Him, for He knows the very best for me!

Dreams. Visions. Hopes. Goals. Sometimes, we have clear direction from God regarding our next steps in life. Sometimes, we have no idea. For many of us waiting for that dream to become real can be an incredibly tough process as we trust God and pray for His will day after day after day. What happens between the dreams dreamed and the dreams realized? LIFE! Between the dreams and the reality of the dreams coming true we patiently wait, NOT, living our lives, remaining faithful to God and His calling, trusting Him to bring about what He would have us to do. We don't stop being faithful, and we can't stop living as if we were literally frozen in time, but we must be patient. For many of us, that is an extremely challenging task.

Every one of us has at some point dreamed a dream that was beyond us, perhaps even a divinely initiated dream. For some, God has fulfilled that dream. For many of us, we are still waiting for those dreams to come to life. Often times we may even become frustrated from waiting for that God-sized dream and pursue a more manageable people-sized dream instead. Maybe the people-sized dreams feel safer because we feel we can accomplish them more easily.
We find the God-sized dreams overwhelming, and so we become creative to find ways to put them aside for fear of failure.

If God has given you a dream pursue it! We should never settle for anything less than what God intends to accomplish through us. We must not allow ourselves to become distracted but consistently wait patiently for the realization of the dreams. I know from experience this is not always an easy task. I am reminded often that God's timing is not my timing.

Between the dreams dreamed and the dreams realized life continues to move forward. What are you doing with that time today? Don't allow frustration and discouragement to alter your God-given dreams. Remain faithful to the call God has placed upon your life and allow Him to use you where you are while you wait for that dream. One day God will let us know that it is time for His dreams to become a reality in our lives. Even though life happens, God still works His purposes out in detail. The path to our dream may not be exactly how we thought we would get there. Just trust God. We have a responsibility to be faithful and patient as His will becomes a reality for us.

You can read other articles I believe would encourage you. There are many more encouragement posts there.

Here's the link : Chocolate and Coffee

Blessings!

Are You A Blogaholic, Too?

Well, have no idea what's wrong with me for 2 months past. I'd rather to write on my blog than meeting people. I'd prefer to read other blogs than read the books I've been finished yet. When I took time googling to look for the answer, I found that definitely I've been being addicted to blogging aka being a Blogaholic!

The "Mock 10" Signs of Blog Addiction

At Bloggers Anonymous—we normally frown upon spreading propaganda that minimizes the serious nature of our cause. However, in the name of education and awareness, we would like to point to the this juvenile “Top 10” list of “symptoms” which indicate you may be a addicted to blogging. We will not reveal the authors as to not credit them in any way. Please be aware that this ignorance is out there—and defeating the spirit of our cause.

10. You check your blog stats a LOT. You occasionally get up in the middle of the night and sneak a peak.

9. Your significant other suspects you are having an affair with your blog. Even when you’re alone with your special person, you do find yourself thinking what your blog might be doing right then…

8. You “mental blog” while driving or on the train, and sometimes even when you are alone in the shower.

7. You filter everything through your post-writing. You can’t watch a movie, see a play, read an article, or share a sweet moment with your child without thinking of whether it’s blog-worthy.

6. You suffer from “blog envy” when another blogger posts something juicy before you do. You suffer “comment envy” when said post gets 40-something comments – the jerk!

5. You “binge blog” 3 or 4 posts at once—only to feel guilty and empty afterward.

4. You ditched all your real friends for blog friends, because, well, “they understand.”

3. You think, “I can stop at any time.”

2. Your lunch hour has become your “blog hour.” You keep a few posts tucked in your desk in case you need them during the day.

1. After 5 minutes of meeting someone really interesting you ask, “So - do you blog?”

Considering the 10 signs above, ask yourself the question : Am I a blogaholic, too? :)

Reminder To Myself

I found this video clip so touchy.

Reminds me that every person is wonderful in God's sight.
And also that our differences should lead us toward unity in Christ. Through all the differences we have, there must be a wonderful plan He has designed for us.

All of us are as substantial as the others, so we need to respect people and not judge them because of the difference.

Though my life often goes hard, but looking at them has always reminded me how great gifts and blessings I've received in my life.

Because I am unique and there's only one me in the world.

Thank's God for making me, me.


Michael W. Smith & The African Children's Choir

Blessings,

What Does Your Garden Grow?

Imagine your life as a garden. What would you plant in it? You might be hoping that whatever you plant will produce something useful in your life.

Many people try to plant something important in life. They plant their businesses in it, their fame, their money, even their life in order to achieve something they supposed to be precious.
Yes, we reap whatever we sow. But, the question is, would the thing we sow bring us toward eternal life? Cause nothing lasts forever in this world. Someday, our fame will be vanished, our inheritance would never guaranteed us not to be impoverish. Many things in this life, including our lives ourselves would be devastating without no strong foundation in it.

Because, what is our lives? Bible says that our lives are just as grass, and the glory of it is as the flower of grass. Our lives are as shadow, as a blooming flower, with no long life in it.

It's even a vapour, that appeared for a little time, and then vanished away. Today we live and exist, but who knows what await us next? It could be possible that our names would be forgotten as soon as we die later..

Maybe the most important is, we sow anything that would last forever -rather than anything that just lasts for a while- in order that we also could reap anything immortal..

What does your garden grow?

Finding Purpose In Life

Hey, have you ever thought about finding purpose in your life?
So had I. For years, over and over I kept asking about the real purpose in my life.
Oh, to shorten the story, let me show you the site I found a little while ago. It answered me clearly how one could ask for finding purpose in their lives for sure.

Here's the article..

Imagine for a moment that you’re building a house. You hire a building contractor, but he never consults the blueprints drawn up by your architect, your designer. He works without a plan. An unwise move–because the contractor needs to know where to lay the foundation, erect the walls and place the windows. Only then will the home look the way it was intended.

The same can be said of life. How can we try to build our life without first consulting the great architect of life, the one who created us for a wonderful purpose? The Bible says, “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28).

Furthermore, there is more to be gained by living according to God’s plan. True fulfillment and meaning in life is found in God. That’s why the philosopher St. Augustine said centuries ago, “You have made us for yourself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.”

By asking Jesus–God’s son–to be the biggest part of your life, you will discover the very purpose for which God created you. There is no thing and no one else who can do this–no religion, no philosophy, no person. Just Jesus. He said of himself, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

This site offers so many answers for questions one most ever questioned about in their lives. So if you liked this article, or you keep asking about something you haven't known in your life, just read the other questions in life here.

Vive Les Differentes!

When I chatted with my Y!360 friend, I got a funny thing to laugh at.
Definitely, every culture in the world is different. And sometimes, we don't realize that different. When my friend told me that people over there (US) like to shaving, I told him that so do people here. People in Indonesia also like to shaving.
"Really?' he asked the question.
'Do the people there like to shaving also?' he wanted an affirmation.
Oh my.., can you imagine how I laughed at the question?
'It was the funniest questions I've ever got' I said.
'Oh, really? What's so funny?'
He still didn't know what's wrong.
'Yes, people here like to shave, except some people who like to keep their beard unshaved'.
'Oh, I thought that Indonesian people is the same with Arabian people who like to keep their beard', he answered.
Ok, the first difference have unfolded.

Then, I told him that it was a big surprised for me knowing that America has many Christian communities who keep their faith to God.
'Why?' he asked me.
'Yes, because I thought American people is the same with what we see in Hollywood movies', I said.
'Oh, Hollywood is Hollywood, it's not a real life. We do have a big faith in God also here', he said.
I laughed loudly for that. How many differences we'll never knew about one's habits in other part of this earth until someone tell the truth to us!
Then he said 'Yeah, this is a big misunderstanding. We thought that Indonesian people is the same with Arabian people (in shaving stuff!) and you thought that American people is the same with what Hollywood movies have showed off.'

It's a funny thing but really inspired me to open up my understanding that we can't judge other habits or cultures from what we see from far. We can't judge something or someone because we don't know yet about the topic. We don't know about the history, the feelings within, the background why something happens, the motives behind that, ... many things we don't know for sure actually!

Difference could bring us toward unity. We are different, so each of us is unique. But to be honest, difference could bring us to a cruel separation also. So, if you encountered many difference in your life, please don't be mad immediately. Just take a sit for a while, relax, think about the problem carefully, and ... put a big smile on your face :)

Difference makes us wiser. It makes you never be the same also if you handle it well. So, accept the difference as something we can't change. Maybe we are the one who need to change, not the situation or the people surround us (who we used to blame).

Just think about it:

If God wants all of us to be the same,
why does He create us different?

What Would Jesus Say?

It seems like everyone makes such a big deal out of what Jesus would do. We thought we would consider what Jesus might say in response to some very common statements that are often uttered in desperation, fear, or depression. Below you will find these often-heard cries, followed by what we think Jesus would say in response.

It's Hopeless
I am hope for the hopeless, put your faith in me. Where your abilities end mine begin, have faith and together we can accomplish anything.

Why Me?
Because I chose you. I would not lead you to do anything you could not do or give you more than you can handle. Sometimes the road may seem rough, but be assured that I am with you.

I don't know what your will is for me, I don't know what you want.
That's okay, I do. Stick with me and in time all will be made clear. Trust me, I have great plans for you even if you do not know them yet.

I'm afraid.
If I am with you what could you possibly have to fear? You can't fear man, because you have God on your side. You can't fear the devil, for I have conquered him. Besides that, I am so much greater than any hold Satan could ever have on you, I am so much more powerful than anything the world has ever known and I am living inside you. Don't be afraid I'm here for you all the time.

I am running out of time.
I am the Father of time. Every hour of every day is set and given by me. Don't worry about how much time you have, for I am in control of time.

I feel so alone.
I'll keep you company, I'll even introduce you to new friends, I'll set you free.

Nothing I've done is working, I'm so frustrated.
I have never let you down before, this is no different. Let me handle it in my own way, on my own time. It will all work out and everything will fall into place better than you can imagine. Don't worry, I'm in control.

I need a friend.
Not only am I your savior, I'm also your friend. Stick with me and I'll take you on the ride of your life. You've never had a friend who cares more about you than I do. My compassion for you was signed in blood 2000 years ago when I died on a cross so that you could have eternal life.

I can't handle this anymore.
I will never give you more than you can handle and I will always provide a way of escape. If you feel you can't handle something, give it to me... I can.

I feel like I am getting farther away from you each day.
That's only natural. You will find your way back and I will help you. Just remember that while you may feel far from me, I am never far from you.

I don't know who to trust.
First, trust in me, totally and completely. Once you have done that I will lead you to someone you can trust.

All I need is some peace and quiet!
I am the peace you seek. Come to me and I will forever comfort you. I can give you shelter for the storms of your life.

I'm being tempted.
No temptation has seized you except that which is common to man. You can stand up to it, I was tempted and I know how you feel. Because of that I can lead you out of temptation as long as you call on my name.

I feel worthless.
You are worth more than anything to me. You are my most precious creation. You are worth so much that I went through a life of pain and suffering, and was killed for you. You will always be special to me, even if the world hates you.

No one understands me.
I do. I understand you better than you do. I know what you need better than anybody else including you.

I don't know enough about you.
Trust me and all will be revealed to you.

I'm worried.
Don't be. I take care of birds and flowers and they can't even compare to you in worth. Think of how much more I will take care of you. Don't let anything bother you because in the end, it will work toward my ultimate plan for your life.

Article Resource : Jesus 1st

10 Things I Would Do When I Feel Bad:

1. Listen to Alicia Keys.
She has always turned my sad over into joy by her music.

2. Write on my journal.
Writing is my only way to express my feeling freely.

3. Play with Hugo, my lovely pet.
Oh, he is so cute and nice and naughty and fun!

4. Enjoying ice cream!
Whenever I feel so bad, I'd always get back to ice cream. Have no idea why this magic yummy thing has always released my depression out!

5. Sleep, sleep, sleep.
Hopefully have a nice dream and when I wake up, all the sadness will be vanished away by then :)

6. Browsing internet.
Write on my blog or read other blogs has always refreshed my complicated mind.

7. Read good books.
I'll visit my fave bookstore to find it. Good books help me so much to take my bad feeling away

8. Praying.
I like to get connect with my Heavenly Father if I can't handle something in my life.

9. Asking for a big hug from my hubby

10. Going somewhere away from wherever I live.
Trying to forget the bad times and ...