Calvin & Hobbes: "THE BAILOUT"

Paradox of our Time + Living the Abundant Life

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.

We spend more, but have less. We buy more, but enjoy less.

We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.

We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.

We've added years to life not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space.

We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.

We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.

We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait.

We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships.

These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.

These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.

It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

To all my friends in my life, thanks for being MY FRIEND!
By George Carlin

I wonder... have you thought about this...
Why is it that we are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with life, when in many ways we have never had it so good?

We have more disposable income than ever before; we are living longer and are healthier than we’ve ever been.
But yet there are many unhappy and dissatisfied people in our world.

How can we discover true joy and freedom in life?
People are searching for the answer to this question in many different places.

Leo Tolstoy, author of War and Peace wrote a book called A Confession, in which he tells the story of his search for meaning and purpose in life. He describes how he rejected Christianity as a child. As he went through life he became very ambitious. First of all, he thought pleasure was the answer. Having a great time. He entered the social world of Moscow and Petersburg, drinking heavily, sleeping around, gambling and leading a wild life. But it did not satisfy him. He then thought maybe money was the answer. He had inherited an estate and made a large amount of money out of his books. Yet that did not satisfy him either. He then sought success, fame and importance. But still he said, it didn’t satisfy. Then he thought, maybe the answer is family life, to give his family the best possible life. He married in 1862 and had a kind, loving wife and thirteen children. He had achieved all his ambitions and was surrounded by what appeared to be complete happiness.

And yet 1 question brought him to the verge of suicide: "What meaning has my life that the inevitability of death does not destroy?" He searched for the answer in every field of science and philosophy, but without satisfaction. Eventually he found that the peasant people of Russia had the answer he had been looking for, in their faith in God through Jesus Christ.

I've notice that it's a common belief that once you're a Christian, you'll start living a boring, underprivileged and unrewarding life as you need to give up the pleasures of modern living like clubbing and partying thru the night. And to give up the vibrant nightlife is like asking you to stop seeking fun, enjoying life and start living like a monk/nun in a monastery.

In your mind you're thinking,"How abundant or fulfilling can that kind of life be? Joyless, dreary and unexciting? No way man..."
Well, nothing can be further away from the truth.

Jesus came to unveil and teach us the way to abundant living.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 (NIV)

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 (NJV)

What exactly is Abundant Living?

Abundant life is NOT:
1. It is NOT necessarily a life of comfort and ease
2. It is NOT dependent on outside circumstances, but more on how we respond to circumstances
3. It is NOT necessarily obtained quickly. It may take time for us to experience abundant life, because it is a process that often takes time

How can we know if we are living life in its abundance?

Abundant living IS happening when:
1. We learn to live each day in the light of Christ.
2. When we can look back on the past, without it ruling the present.
3. You are filled with faith, hope, peace, joy and love, and live without anger, greed, guilt, envy, or thoughts of revenge.
4. You are secure in who you are, so you are at peace with God.
5 You love the unlovable, give hope to the hopeless, friendship to the friendless, and encouragement to the discouraged.
6. You can look back in forgiveness, and forward in hope, with gratitude to God.
7. You recognize, develop, and use your God-given physical, mental, and spiritual abilities to the glory of God and for the benefit of mankind.


Then again, you can be saved and still live a life that is as dry as a corn shuck. If you do not live as close to Him as you should, you will probably think the Christian life is boring, the church is dead and that your life is no different than that pagan who lives next door.

If you want to abundant life that Jesus can give, it will require you to walk in close communion with Him. This might mean you will have to start praying. Maybe you will have to read you Bible. You might have to find your way to the church house with a little more regularity. You might even have to stop doing some of those things that hinder God from moving in your life like He wants to.

The Author Of The Abundant Life – The Bible tells us here that God is the giver of abundant life. Many people live a life that is in a rut. They do the same things in the same way every day of their lives. There is no excitement. There is no overflowing joy. They never see anything out of the ordinary. That is not the kind of life Jesus saved us to live! He saved us to live a life that is filled with His presence, power and glory, a life that extraordinary and overflowing in the unusual.
When a person is walking with the Lord, as they should be, they will be constantly seeing the Lord working in them and around them in wonderful, supernatural ways.

Do you want a life that is different?
Do you want a life that is filled with the wonder of God’s work in and around you?

Paul says the way to have that kind of life is to get to God. He alone can give that kind of life to His children. The secret lies in being saved and in living close to the Father! Jesus promised His children that their lives would be different if they came to Him. "Whoever believes in Me... streams of living water will flow from within him" John 7:38

Before we decide that the Christian life is dull and boring, let’s make sure we have lives as close to the Lord as we can first. If you can get close to Him, your life will be anything but boring!

《葉問》Ip Man

Love this movie man! Go watch it if you havn't caught it yet...

Thriller




Ip Man Vs 10 Black Belts ("I'm just a Chinese guy...")




Ip Man vs Japanese General (End Fight)




Ip Man vs the Notherner




Ip Man vs Liu Sifu

The Father's Song - Spirit Behind Christmas

Matt Redman widget by 6L & Daxii

I was touched by this beautiful song. The lyrics speak to me. It tells me the Father's heart.

People always talk about soaking into the festive spirit of Christmas. Oh it's about joy and laughter, Chrsitmass tree decorations, merrymaking, gift-exchanging, family and friends gathering, a call for celebration for the year's work.

The 3 Fs of Christmas - Family, Friends and Faith.

No doubt, yes it is the season for us to remember and give thanks to the people whose lives are interwined with yours. Do it. Appreciate those around you. Make gifts for them. Give them a hug. Thank God for them.

But somehow I feel the 3rd F is always neglected or forgotten.
The Christ of Christ-mas is missing. The reason for the season is lost.

Christmas is so much more than just having a good time and giving things away and receving goodies in return.

It's so easy the miss the spirit behind Christmas, which is:

We couldn't get to God, and so Christmas tells the story of how God got to us.

I like the way Eugene Peterson's translation puts it, "God became one of us and moved into the neighbourhood".

Why did Jesus come?
Numerous reasons. To call sinners to repentance. To be King and bear witness. To be the Light of the World etc.
Most importantly, he came to rescue you and me. To close up the gap coz the Law has driven us too far apart from intimacy with God.

This is how much He thinks about you.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him." Luke 15:20

Let's ponder... What could God have done otherwise?
God can simply throw down a Book... and say, "Nah! This's my Word. Meditate on it day and night. Obey them and you'll be blessed" The Dos and Don'ts manual is sufficient.

No, He loves us too much to do that. So Jesus was sent to us on a rescue mission.

The Law came via Moses... Grace, love and truth arrived in the form of baby Jesus.

The Law condemns and rejects but Jesus loves and accepts.

Jesus could have descended to Earth flanked by thousands of angels. But he wanted to share in our humanity and demonstrate his humility. A stinky manger and into a carpenter's family was where he was born into. Stripped of all his glory. He descended, put on our "flesh and dwelt among us"(John 1:14).



"Christ himself was like God in everything. He was equal with God. But he did not think that being equal with God was something to be held on to. He gave up his place with God and made himself nothing. He was born to be a man and became like a servant. And when he was living as a man, he humbled himself and was fully obedient to God. He obeyed even when that caused his death -- death on a cross" (Philippians 2:6-8).

The Father's Song. The Father's Love.

Heaven's perfect melody. The Creator sent for me.

Father's Love Letter

God has written you a letter...




My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. ~Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. ~Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways. ~Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. ~Matt 10:29-31

For you were made in my image. ~Gen 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being. ~Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring. ~Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived. ~Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation. ~Eph 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. ~Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. ~Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. ~Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb. ~Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born. ~Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. ~John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. ~1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. ~1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. ~1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. ~Matt 7:11

For I am the perfect father. ~Matt 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. ~James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. ~Matt 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. ~Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love. ~Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. ~Psalm 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing. ~Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you. ~Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession. ~Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. ~Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. ~Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. ~Deu 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. ~Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires. ~Philip 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. ~Eph 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager. ~2 Thess 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. ~2 Cor 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. ~Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. ~Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. ~Rev 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. ~Rev 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. ~John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. ~John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being. ~Heb 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. ~Rom 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. ~2 Cor 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. ~2 Cor 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. ~1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. ~Rom 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. ~1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. ~Rom 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. ~Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father. ~Eph 3:14-15

My question is… Will you be my child? ~John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you. ~Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Daddy
Almighty God

The Don't Song

Hilarious... Guys, take heed (me included)... Don't do it... (no no no)

Chorus
Don't... Don't... Don't...
Don't... Don't do it
Stop... Must stop it
Cut... It out

S.M.I.L.E - & the Whole World Smiles Back at YOU

"A smile is the shortest distance between two people."


What happens when you feel the first instance of joy?

That’s right. You break out in a smile. You don't think 1st whether should you smile or not. In another words, it's involuntary (though you can certainly fake one, out of courtesy for instance, and no one knows except for yourself). Some people find it hard to smile. Some people smile without knowing that they are smiling (I think I'm one of those; think my mouth is shaped in a way that is slightly lifted on the edges... like the Joker... except his is a serious case of permanent motor malfunction).
"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

As defined by Wikipedia, a smile is a facial expression formed by flexing those muscles most notably near both ends of the mouth. The smile can also be found around the eyes, aka 'Duchenne smile'. Sometimes, it may not be mouth that is telling of a smile; it may just be that sparkle in your eyes! Hence, it is very possible to use a smile to communicate a thousand words.

Most smiles are happy signs. They speak of joy, happiness, love or even pride. However, there are smiles that can also be an involuntary expression of anxiety, otherwise known as the grimace, or an expression of embarassment in a sheepish way.

Mona Lisa’s smile is enigmatic, the Cheshire Cat’s is devious, the Joker’s is mischievous and Jesus’s is serene. Humans probably have been smiling for as long as they’ve been around. But despite the long history of smiles, scientists still haven’t figured out exactly how or why the brain tells the lips to curve, the nose to wrinkle, the eyes to twinkle and the cheeks to lift.

Babies generally start smiling at about 6 to 8 weeks. Throughout childhood, boys smile just about as much as girls. That changes soon after puberty. Grown women smile more than men, and they also smile wider.

Smiling, studies suggest, makes people appear more attractive, kinder and, by some accounts, easier to remember.

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

A Duchenne smile contracts the muscles of the cheek and eye, forming crow's feet. The corners of the mouth turn up and the skin around the corners of your eyes crinkles. The crow's feet show that the smile is genuine and that the smiler is truly happy. It was discovered by and is named after Guillaume Duchenne.
In a Duchenne smile, the facial muscles involved in are difficult to control voluntarily. Therefore, it's difficult to fake a Duchenne smile unless you smile from within. You know the sign. You recognize true delight in a friend's face.

"No, please accept them," Jacob said, "for what a relief it is to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the smile of God!"
Gen 33:10


The other smile, called the Pan American smile (after the flight attendants in television ads for the now-defunct airline), is nothing but a courtesy smile as in the case of a flight attendant responding to a patron. It's an expression of courtesy and politeness rather than inner joy.

"Smile, it is the key that fits the lock of everybody's heart."

A true smile, which engages the muscles around the eyes as well as the muscles around the mouth.

You can work it in reverse. We smile when we're happy but we also become happy when we smile; it works both ways. The emotional response to endorphins is happiness which creates a smile, but the smile also creates endorphins. This lifting of our mood is wonderful for our health and well-being. It boosts our immune system and can even improve our posture.

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."

Here's a list of smiles that you can currently wear - for all ocassions. (Note: Your intent is very important when it comes to projecting the smile you wish to put on).

1. Sweet Smile

This is the smile that melts hearts. One look and you know you are done for! It is hard to say no to the request that usually accompanies it.


2. I am in Love Smile


You can’t mistake this smile from the rest. This smile exudes the energy of pure love and bliss. It need not be just a romantic smile. A smile for the love of your pet also qualifies!


3. Beautiful Smile
This is a smile that is Simply Breathtaking! It is a smile that causes others to skip a heartbeat and ECG reading to go haywire!


4. Happy Smile

Pure bliss! The I-am-so-in-paradise drooling smile.


5. Thoughtful Smile

Your eyes look glazed. There is no eye contact in this smile because you are thinking about sometime faraway: the longing for someone or the cherished memory of a past. You can still remember the joy and how it felt like. It is as if you are living the moment again; so you break out into this smile.


6. I-Know-It-All Smile


The hint of a smile. It is also one that you cultivate as you get older, wiser your mind filled with wonderful stories from your past. It is a smile that speaks volumes about the wisdom you’ve gained about life.


7. The Sparkle in The Eyes Smile

The eyes say it all. Sparkling with excitement and sheer joy. No words need to be communicated.


8. I-Am-The-Boss Smile

Wear this smile if these thoughts run through your head: Say what? I am the boss. Captain of the ship. Come humor me!


9. I-Feel-Lucky Smile

An almost embarassed look. The smile that says "I’m Lucky... Again!"


10. Amused Smile

Guess: who is the amused and not so amused?


11. Naughty Or Up-to-No-Good Smile

This is the smile that you would wear when you are embarassed for being caught red handed at something naugthy. This cute baby smile's classic and a dead giveaway!


You know this guy's got something up his sleeve... even if his mouth is almost covered.


12. Playful, Romantic Smile

Clue: look at the coin, closely.


13. Satisfied Smile


Baby Ethan: "I feel so contented!" Photos courtesy of Liza & Len's bundle of joy


14. Contented Smile

Someone's shot of his mum. Thank God for all mums!


This old lady was snapped in a Vietnamese market. She needed no invitation for some photos. Like all the people the photographer has met in Vietnam, she was really nice. The lines on her face speaks of character and the ravages of time.

This is a smile that needs to be distinguished from the satisfied smile. A satisfied smile is one for having felt joy derived from an external factor, whereas a contented smile comes from within. A contented smile reflects quiet serenity, a sense of peace and fufilment in everyday joys. It is a "In the Now" Smile.


15. Confident Smile


Wear this smile for any reason that you feel confident about. Even if it means showing off your braces!


16. Proud Smile


There is the hint of a smile that speaks of pride. Almost a smirk. A job well done. A smile that says, "I know what I am doing."


17. Sexy Smile

This smile needs some strategic positioning. It is to be projected at a 47-degree angle to the recipient, so that you are seen from your best side. You also need to tilt your head slightly downwards (for coyness) but with eyes glancing up (daring the recipient to come forward) and if you are female, fluttering your eyelashes with deliberate intent. Leaning your head on one of your hands denotes helplessness: That You Need to be Rescued Quickly!! Overall, there is a certain mystery to this smile.

~ SUNRAY SMILE ~
lovely song... dedicated specially to everyone who had a bad day and in desperate need of a smile =D


What a difference a sunray can make
in a world that's tired of the rain.
What a difference a smile can make
in a heart that's filled with pain.

(She had a) Sunray smile
Fairer then the spring or a rainbow
Sunray smile
Come to melt away the snow

The darkness of a shadow always flees
where ever a sunray is found
The darkness in a heart always leaves
when the glow of that smile is around

(She had a)
Sunray smile
Fairer then the spring or a rainbow
Sunray smile
Come to melt away all the snow.
In my heart today.

"Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day." ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You