LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST

Pic of Warren Buffet (not of Steven Chong)

Dear Friends,

Pls spare some time and read this , I do not agree with his views, as I personally believe that having money is not how much you have in your bank account, but how much you can spent to enrich your life's experience and ability to help those around you. Still, it's interesting to read the philosophy of this very very rich man.... There was a one hour interview on CNBC with Warren Buffet, the second richest man who has donated $31 billion to charity.

Here are some very interesting aspects of his life:

1. He bought his first share at age 11 and he now regrets that he started too late!
2. He bought a small farm at age 14 with savings from delivering newspapers.
3. He still lives in the same small 3-bedroom house in mid-town Omaha that he bought after he got married 50 years ago. He says that he has everything he needs in that house. His house does not have a wall or a fence.
4. He drives his own car everywhere and does not have a driver or security people around him. 5. He never travels by private jet , although he owns the world's largest private jet company.
6. His company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns 63 companies. He writes only one letter each year to the CEOs of these companies, giving them goals for the year. He never holds meetings or calls them on a regular basis. He has given his CEO's only two rules. Rule number 1: do not lose any of your share holder's money. Rule number 2: Do not forget rule number 1.
7. He does not socialize with the high society crowd. His past time after he gets home is to
make himself some pop corn and watch Television.
8. Bill Gates, the world's richest man met him for the first time only 5 years ago. Bill Gates did not think he had anything in common with Warren Buffet. So he had scheduled his meeting only for half hour. But when Gates met him, the meeting lasted for ten hours and Bill Gates became a devotee of Warren Buffet.
9. Warren Buffet does not carry a cell phone, nor has a computer on his desk.

His advice to young people: "Stay away from credit cards and invest in yourself and Remember:

A. Money doesn't create man but it is the man who created money.
B. Live your life as simple as you are.
C. Don't do what others say, just listen them, but do what you feel good.
D. Don't go on brand name; just wear those things in which u feel comfortable.
E. Don't waste your money on unnecessary things; just spend on them who really in need rather.
F. After all it's your life then why give chance to others to rule our life."

Steven Chong

THE SECRET

One day, one friend asked another,
"How is it that you are always so happy?
You have so much energy,
and you never seem to get down."

With her eyes smiling, she said,
"I know the Secret!"
"What secret is that?"
To which she replied,
"I'll tell you all about it,
but you have to promise to
share the Secret with others."
"The Secret is this:
I have learned there is little I can do
in my life that will make me truly happy.
I must depend on God to make
me happy and to meet my needs.
When a need arises in my life,
I have to trust God to supply
according to HIS riches.
I have learned most of the time
I don't need half of what I think I do.
He has never let me down.
Since I learned that 'Secret', I am happy."

The questioner's first thought was,
"That's too simple!"
But upon reflecting over her own life
she recalled how she thought a bigger house
would make her happy, but it didn't!
She thought a better paying job
would make her happy, but it hadn't.
When did she realize her greatest happiness?
Sitting on the floor with her grandchildren,
playing games, eating pizza or reading a story,
a simple gift from God.

Now you know it too!
We can't depend on people to make us happy.
Only GOD in His infinite wisdom can do that.
Trust HIM!
And now I pass the Secret on to you!
So once you get it, what will you do?

Sally Choong

When God rebukes

Just like a loving parent, God rebukes me every now and then, to wake me from my complacency. But through it all, His love and His mercy is evident – and yet, that is precisely what makes me more remorseful. However, He lovingly reminds me that His mercy is new every morning, and His grace is sufficient for me to pick myself up from the ground when I fall, to shake the dust off my clothes, and journey on. I write to share one of such encounter.

Rewind … Sunday, 8 July 2007. Pastor Lee Choo shared on the Season for Intensive Prayer. Amongst other things, she challenged parents to pray for their children – and for all to pray for the next generation. For if we do not, then we have no one to blame but ourselves, when trials and tribulations strike. Then, at our Wednesday cell meeting that followed, more study was done on prayer. The call was for ladies to pray for our children, for the younger generation, that they should be protected from the evil designs of the Devil. We were reminded that if we do not pray, there will come a time when it might be too late, for by then, “the hour has come.”

I heard, and I did nothing.

Forward … Friday, 13 July 2007. I received a call at 9.50 pm, informing me that my nephew had been detained by the police, with no clear indication of the charges, and no one knew exactly where he was. Family was frantic, in anguish. My sister in law merely asked that we pray along with them.

That night, with a heavy and troubled heart, I tried to pray. And as I was trying to pray, the Holy Spirit rebuked me, ever so gently, but struck me so deep that I felt immediate pain, remorse and guilt.

The truth was that some time back, when I first heard that my nephew was doing some work that had some linkage to some political party, I was very concerned and had several times voiced my fear that he was taking a huge risk and that there could be all kinds of consequences - arrest being one of them. The thought had always been on my mind, but apart from participating in small talk and voicing my concern, I did little else.

That night, I could hear God so clearly asking me – why did I not even bother to say a single prayer for my young nephew when the burden was in my heart? Why did I not ask God for covering, for protection, for wisdom, for discernment when I had the chance to? WHY WAIT TILL TRIALS STRIKE BEFORE WE ASK GOD FOR HELP? WHY WAIT TILL THE HOUR HAS COME? Everything that I had heard over the last week came flooding back to my mind.

I had no answer, no defence. Guilty as charged, God. Indeed, if I had been really concerned, I had a duty as an aunt, as a sister in Christ, to pray for him. Concern must come with responsibility. God doesn’t put burden in our hearts for us to make judgment, to make small talk. Burdens are placed in our hearts so that we can stand in the gap, intercede and be what Abraham was to Lot, his nephew, when he interceded and prayed for Lot’s safety in the midst of the evils of Sodom and Gomorrah. And I had failed.

But praise be to God. He is not a God of condemnation, far from it. He is a God of grace and mercy. Even when we fail, we are made righteous by His blood. And He is faithful. Hence, this day, when we are still in the midst of anxiety, I know I can still pray, and God will not hold my failure against me. I know He hears our prayers, and while I may not have the answers to everything, I know that He will be the source of our comfort, our strength and our deliverer.

To my dearest sister-in-law, brother-in-law, nephew and nieces – I can only say I am sorry I did not pray when the time was right. But I know I can still intercede for you – for though the hour has come, it is still not too late. God can still turn everything around for something good, if we persevere and have faith. For did God not agree not to destroy the whole city for the sake of ten, when Abraham persevered in prayer?

As a parent, I can only empathise with all parents who are in pain and anguish when their children go through suffering. No one can truly explain the pain and the sorrow of one who has to see one’s child suffer, for whatever the reason. And I will pray that in such times of difficulty, God will comfort all parents with His assurance – “So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)

My little boy of 5 said this to my husband and I on Saturday evening : “I know I have to be good, but when I grow up, I don’t know if I will be good or bad”. Oh, so much truth we see in that statement. It convicted us of our huge responsibility to pray for the younger generation so that they will always make the right choices in life.

And so, for all you young people out there – I pray that you will all grow with Godly wisdom and discernment to always know the good from the bad. And perhaps, more importantly, the courage and strength to always choose good, no matter what the consequence.

Jacq Chitty

DID I FIGHT FOR MY SON?

Yesterday my two sons and I went swimming.

The elder son, Justin, is four and a half years old. The younger one, Joshua, will turn three in three months time. Both of them don’t know how to swim but they can float around with their arm bands. Justin is quite confident and he can go around by himself without me stay close to him but he doesn’t know how to breath under water. Yesterday while I was taking Joshua swimming, Justin was playing at the stair of the swimming pool. We were about three meters away from Justin. Suddenly, there was one boy, about 5 years old walking passed by and he just pushed Justin fall into swimming pool. Thanks God that Justin was familiar with water. The water didn’t go into his nose and mouth but he was really shocked, scared and upset. He cried for sometime and kept saying ‘I don’t want that naughty boy push me’.

At that moment I was very angry with that boy. I don’t know who he is. I wanted to scold him and asked him to apologize to my son but I didn’t. At that moment, I think Justin need me to be with him and talk to him more than scolding that boy. I explained to him that in this world some people are good, some are not so. He has to learn to be cautious and careful. I told him that I was very proud of him that his skill in water improved. Water didn’t go into his mouth and nose at all. I was very sorry that I was not with him. And I asked him to forgive that boy even though he didn’t apologize to him. Surprised me that he said ‘YES’.

Some how I still think that I should have at least told that boy what he did is not right. Feel like I didn’t fight for my son.

What would you do if you were me?

Aey Hatchhanong

DOES MOM REALLY KNOW BEST?

MY GIRLS

Vanessa & Rachael

Read this article in a woman's mag and it made me wonder. Remember the advise our parents used to give us? It made almost perfect sense then but does it still apply in todays world? To be frank, I dont even agree with some of the advise, not even back then. Haha, ya, that's me all right.

I love and miss my parents so much, esp my Mom whom I never appreciated till I was at least 28. That'll be a story for another day. Hopefully, soon. =] Here were some of the advise i picked out from the magazine to which i added some of my own thoughts.

Mom : Dont date too many guys.
Me : I used to ignore that advise but SHE WAS RIGHT!!

Mom : Mind your reputation
Me : You do need to watch your reputation. However, as long as it's not illegal, immoral or hurt anyone, be confident of who you are.

Mom : Dont talk back.
Me : Be respectful, but please care enough to be able to give constructive comments and criticism. Imagine this scenario at the office. Boss : Any suggestions/comments? You : Duh...

Mom : Money isnt everything.
Me : True. You dont need the multi millionaire, that sports car or penthouse in Mont Kiara, but daughters, be willing to live by the means of the spouse you choose. The number one cause of quarrels in marriages has to do with the lack of money. I would instead stress the importance of the life style you choose and looking for a spouse who is responsible, hardworking and er, must have prospects lah. Try to stay away from dumb dumbs. (He He)

Mom: Find someone nice who can take care of you
Me : I've already emphasised the reality of money. Now here's the gem - a man who really loves you is priceless.

Mom : Eat properly, rest well and sleep enough
Me : Do it, eyebag removal very expensive.

Mom: Excercise so your butt wont grow to the size of a tent
Me : If it does, you wont find nice clothes - MNG and ZARA's biggest sizes are 12

Mom : Study Hard
Me : Dont wind up being the class geek. ( I must stress this one). Be an all rounder, socialise, be cool. Hey BUT get that degree.

Mom : Always respect your elders.
Me : Please do. Not just in words but deeds too.

Mom : Have children to continue the family legacy
Me : Only have children if you & your husband know you are ready and willing to give them your best effort.

Mom : Always look good (actually MY mom never told me this, it was always - SPEND LESS!)
Me : Yes, it is important to look good, even aft you are married. Take care of your appearance and countenance. Who wants to come home to a grouch who dresses like a bag lady.

Mom : Way to keep a marriage? Hey, the way to a man's heart is thru his stomach.
Me : A non-negotiable I pray you will keep is to only marry a man who has an intimate relationship with Jesus, just like you will.

Anything to add? Go post it in the comments.

Cheers!!


Anna

The Proposal

Dear Doc

I am not sure if it is the right thing to do to post such a long comment, so I will publish my response to you. I hope that is all right.

First of all, I think The Invitation was a beautiful piece of literary work. And I believe in all the virtues it exalted. But honestly, as I grow, I find it difficult to believe that it is possible to find someone as beautiful and as matured as it described, and if there is such a beautiful person, I am afraid she might be close to 100 at least … because all the traits therein are developed over time, and must be grown out of life’s experiences. If someone claims to have all those traits, I would be sceptical, and if you think you do, I’m sorry, I’m sceptical too.

More importantly, My personal belief is that, in looking for a “partner”, it is not about finding the “perfect” person as described. I believe the function of the partnership – or marriage – is the ability to live life together, and grow and mature together … to grow towards being all that you have described, together.

Therefore, for you, Doc, although I am a pessimist and am doubtful that you would find that perfect person, I believe you can find love. And my prayer is that you will find someone that you love enough for you to say the following words to, and, that she too, will be able to say the same to you.

God bless

Anonymous

The Proposal by a Life Believer

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting in your heart's longing … and if you need the courage to do so, I want to be there to encourage you.

It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive … and if you fear risk, I want you to know that you need not fear, because I will be there for you.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain … and if you have, I want to be the one to help you come alive again, and see the beauty of love and life, even in the midst of sorrow.

I want to know if you can sit in pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it… and even if you think you can’t, I will be there to sit with you and hold your hand through it all.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tip of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, be realistic, or to remember the limitations of being human… and if you have any reservations, I want to be the one who will be able to free you.

It doesn't interest me if the story you're telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul… and if you should fall, I want to believe that you deserve another chance, because I know we all do.

I want to know if you can be faithful and therefore be trustworthy… because I have faith in you, even when you lose faith in yourself.

I want to know if you can see beauty even when it is not pretty every day, and if you can source your life from God's presence… and if you have difficulty in doing so, I want to be your eyes, and stand in the gap for you to draw strength from God.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand on the edge of a lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, "Yes!" … and if you think you can’t, I want you to know that you can because I believe we can do it together.

It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done for the children… and when you feel that you can’t, I want you to know that you can depend on me to do it.

It doesn't interest me who you are, how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back… because you know I will do the same for you.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away… and if you don’t, I want to help you discover it.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself, and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments… and if you don’t, I want to help you find the love that you should have for yourself.

THE INVITATION

Hello All,

Requested my friends to submit interesting posts for this blog. Well, doc, thanks for your response. Fellow bloggers, please share your thoughts and comments. Here goes : -


Anna,

You once asked me what I'm looking for in a woman. Besides the standard Christian answer, which we all know and believe in, as well as the Proverbial woman/wife (Proverbs 31:10-30) who, Ps Lee Choo says, do not exist anymore in its entirety, I can't put it any better than these words of a Native American (Red Indian) elder:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Invitation By Oriah Mountain Dreamer

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting in your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love,for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit in pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tip of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, be realistic, or to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you're telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul.

I want to know if you can be faithful and therefore be trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see beauty even when it is not pretty every day, and if you can source your life from God's presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand on the edge of a lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, "Yes!"

It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done for the children.

It doesn't interest me who you are, how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself, and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In case I am accused of double-standards, I would also want to be found to have these qualities for her to fall in love with me!

Doc