At the heart of all conflict is a selfish heart..

Matthew 5:21-26

You have heard that the ancients were told, "You shall not commit murder" and "Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court." But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother, "Raca," shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever shall say, "You fool," shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, in order that your opponent may not deliver you to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Truly I say to you, you shall not come out of there, until you have paid up the last cent.

Humans are competitive by nature. Our competitiveness gives us the drive to move forward. We are motivated by our accomplishments, even if, our winnings are at the expense of someone else. The worst part is, we even thank the Almighty for such a win... how ignorant are we?

In our quest to win, we hurt other people. Sometimes physically, but mostly emotionally. Most of the time, we are not even aware. But we are very much aware if it's us who was hurt. We curse, and we condemn. That's not what Jesus would do, wouldn't He? For to insult the creature is to insult the Creator.

The Lord teaches us to reconcile with our brothers by taking the initiative to apologize first. It doesn't matter who we think is at fault. For "we are all frail but see that you think no one more frail than yourself" (Thomas A Kempis). The Lord ask us to reconcile first before we can come to His presence and worship Him.

Winning then is not all about accomplishments, or reputation, or recognition, or reward. Living gracefully and lovingly shall be our ultimate aim. Amen!

Tommy Emmanuel / J.Shimabukuro: While My Guitar Gently Weeps

I just have to post this. This is epic... Jake and Tommy.... Ukulele and Guitar.... Enjoy!

Fat Burning Workouts

This is a video from Craig Ballantyne, the author of Turbulence Training. This is what he has to say about Fat Loss:

"The best fat burning exercises don't involve fancy equipment, or anything that you'd find only in an expensive commercial gym. Instead, you can burn fat just as well in the comfort of your own home as you would in the priciest, swankiest gym in Hollywood. There are no magic fat-burning machines that you need to order from an infomercial. In fact, to do most of the best fat burning exercises, all you need is your own bodyweight and dumbbells.

Let's get a few things straight about fat burning. There are a lot of myths in the weight loss industry advertising about how to burn fat and lose weight.

Research shows that shorter, harder fat burning workouts help women lose belly fat faster than long, slow, boring cardio workouts. Another study from the mid-1990's also showed the interval training worked better than cardio. That's why you will use interval training in the Turbulence Training workouts to lose more belly fat.

To get the most fat loss results in the least amount of time, combine bodyweight exercises, dumbbell exercises, and interval training for the triple threat of fat burning exercises to help you lose inches and get a flat stomach in the comfort of your own home. You don't have to do cardio workouts or other machine based movements to lose weight. In fact, the fat burning exercises I mentioned earlier, including interval training, have been proven to be even more effective for fat loss than 1980's aerobics style workouts."

I've been following his workout for quite some time now and has managed to loose some fat and build back some 'long lost' muscles on my body. Early this year, I've managed to gain some 2 kg of lean mass. But then, I committed the classic "beginners" mistake. I stop my workout regiment altogether. So, you know what happened next... hahaha.... Well, I learned my lesson and committed myself to never again stop working out no matter what. The thing I like about TT workout is that, its quick and can be done at home with minimal equipment. I only have a gym ball, 2 pairs of dumbbells and one portable chin-up bar.

I started with Craig's 12 minute workout early this month. Well, I thought I should start with a 'softer' workout after a 6 months lay-off. Man... how wrong I am. I struggled just to complete the warm-up circuit which comprised of a Y-squat (12x), a pushup (10x) and a diagonal lunge (6x per side) done twice without rest between circuit. Halfway through the circuit I just felt like I wanted to call it quits. But I continued with the workout to the end. Wow... the satisfaction of completing a workout is euphoric. I am into my 3rd week now and I am already beginning to feel some great changes in my body composition.

TT workout is great. I thank God for discovering TT. I recommend TT to everybody.

The sign of the Cross..

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”

I’m raised a Catholic… so, doing the sign of the Cross is natural to me. It becomes so natural that I signed myself not only before my prayers but in every important things that I’m about to do. I signed myself before exams, signed myself before playing in a rugby match (yeah… I was once a rugby player… hehehehe…), signed myself before any class presentations, signed myself before confessing my feelings to my college crush (but I got dumped.. hehehe.. what a painful experience). Now, I signed myself before driving to work each morning, or before attending an important meeting, or right before eating my lunch.

Tertullian, a theologian writing at the turn of the third century, had this to say about the sign of the Cross,

“In all our travels and movements, in all our coming and going out, in putting our shoes, at the bath, at the table, in lighting our candles, in lying down, in sitting down, whatever employment occupies us, we mark our foreheads with the Sign of the Cross”
(Catholic Digest issue February 2007)

St John Chrysostom, the eloquent fourth century preacher and patriarch of Constantinople said,

“Never leave your house without making the Sign of the Cross. It will be to you a staff, a weapon, an impregnable fortress…. Are you ignorant of what the Cross has done? It has vanquished death, destroyed sin, emptied hell, dethroned Satan, and restored the universe. Would you then doubt its power?” (Catholic Digest issue February 2007)

The Sign of the Cross therefore is not just a sign. It should not be done only out of respect, or because I’m a Catholic or a Christian, or to show-off. Whenever we signed ourselves, we should remember the story of salvation.

“The Sign of the Cross is a potent prayer that engages the Holy Spirit as the divine advocate and agent of our successful Christian living. When we trace it on our body, it stirs up the new life of the Spirit that we received in baptism and vitalizes our prayer by drawing us closer to God. Making the Sign affirms our decision to follow Christ, allowing Him to assume our burdens and free us to live joyfully.”

“The Sign itself does not cause blessing or empowerment. But, it opens us to receiving God’s blessing and power.”

(Bert Ghezzi, The Sign of the Cross)

Personally, when I signed myself, realizing the significance of the Cross in my life, I felt that I am tapping into the Lord’s presence. The Lord drew me nearer to Him. Most of the time, I don’t know what to pray. I’m often lost for words. The Sign is the simplest of all prayers… and yet, to me, the most profound. Alleluia!

When God made you...

I love the song very much. If you love the performance, just look at the beautiful lyrics. I dedicate this song to my loved ones, especially to my sweet Betty. I love you so much!

God made the oceans and with a wave of his hand
He made the mountains, the deserts and the plains
But I wonder was it in his master plan
That there'd be earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes
When I see the peaceful sky, sometimes I wonder
How could it turn so dark and be so cruel
This old world is full of imperfections
But I found one exception to the rule

When God made you
He had something else in mind
When God made you
He took a little extra time

When we're surrounded by a world
that's slowly sinking
Your gentle eyes and loving smile make me forget
Though you're only flesh and
blood, I can't help thinking
If you have a flaw, I haven't found it yet

When God made you
He had something else in mind
When God made you
He took a little extra time
When God made you
He did something so divine
When God made you
He took a little extra time

My Passion..

"It is by resisting our passions that we are to find true peace of heart." - Thomas A Kempis.

Passion…. What is my passion? What does it means to be passionate? Shouldn’t we be passionate in all things that we do? Peace comes from within; from contentment in spiritual things. Our excessive desires for exterior things should not be confused with our very own passions.

I have always been passionate with things spiritual. I want to always be intimate with my Creator. To be within His embrace and to smell his sweet fragrance. Knowing that He lives within me gives me peace in my heart.

I have always been passionate to guitar; by how much music we can produce from such an instrument and how deceptively simple it looks to master. It is always the desire of my heart to be able to play guitar with mastery and skill. Guitar itself is exterior things. Therefore, I shall not excessively desire for expensive guitar or guitar gears or whether or not this guitar sounds better than the other or what guitar my favourite artists are using. But the mastery of the instrument is interior and this should be my true passion; to master the instrument and to use it to glorify my Creator.

I have always been passionate with well-toned and sculpted body; be it man or woman (I used to have one... hehehe....). In the Bible, the St Paul reminded us to take care of our body because "Your body is the Temple of God and the Holy Spirit is within you (1 Corinthians 3:16)". It is important therefore, for us to always make sure that we take good care of our body. No doubt, the Lord looks at the purity of our heart. But, I prefer having both a pure heart and a well sculpted body. I'm working towards getting back my 'long lost' six pack by doing regular bodyweight exercises (I recommend Turbulence Training). I'm also putting some effort to watch over my diet (Eat-Stop-Eat style by Brad Pilon... click the Nutrition Blog link to find out more).

It is inordinate affections that we should resist.. I strongly believe that it is not wrong to be passionate of things that will lead us closer to God. But, as with anything else in this world, excessive desire for exterior things will be up to no good. I'll always keep a check on myself and pursue things of my passion only and only when it will bring me closer to God. I will guard myself against inordinate desires and cultivate peace and contentment of mind.

'Give us, O Lord, interior peace. Calm the storms of our passions by giving us courage to overcome them and to pursue only those that will glorify You. Grant that our desires may be submissive to reason, to faith and to God. Amen!'

The Hammer Holds..

This video is courtesy of Jeffandstacey (http://www.youtube.com/jeffandstacey)

The Hammer Holds by Bebo Norman

A shapeless piece of steel, that's all I claim to be
This hammer pounds to give me form, this flame, it melts my dreams
I glow with fire and fury, as I'm twisted like a vine
My final shape, my final form I'm sure I'm bound to find

So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I'll remain
And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the flames
And hurt a little, hurt for me my future is untold
But my dreams are not the issue here, for thee, the hammer holds

And the water, it cools me gray, and the hurt's subdued somehow
I have my shape, this sharpened point, what is my purpose now?
And the question still remains, what am I to be?
Perhaps some perfect piece of art displayed for all to see

So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I'll remain
And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the flames
And hurt a little, hurt for me my future is untold
But my dreams are not the issue here, for thee, the hammer holds

The hammer pounds again, but flames I do not feel
This force that drives me, helplessly, through flesh, and wood reveals
A burn that burns much deeper, it's more than I can stand
The reason for my life was to take the life of a guiltless man

So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I'll remain
And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the pain
And hurt a little, hurt for me, my future is so bold
But my dreams are not the issue here, for thee, the hammer holds

This task before me may seem unclear
But it, my maker holds

Humility...

All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail than yourself - Thomas A Kempis

I read The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis. The 2nd chapter of the 1st book taught me to have a humble opinion of myself. Perhaps, the greatest act of humility is seen in the story of the Nativity. Jesus emptied Himself and became man. Born in the manger and died on the cross.

"To think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. Wherefore, if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do not consider yourself better, for you do not know how long you can remain in good estate."

Many a times I've thought myself to be better than those around me. This is especially true when I'm driving... hehehe.... everybody else are lousy driver except yours truly.... everybody else is either too slow or too ignorant or too reckless... blah.. blah... blah.. So much for humility eh?

Learning to be humble is not easy. It is a process. A discipline. It is easy to laugh at other people's mistake or to criticize others for their weaknesses. It is easy to be proud of our own achievement, our own strength.

If we learn to humble ourselves, we learn to appreciate others. I'm learning.. and still do...

O Jesus my Saviour, grant me the grace to learn and practise what you have taught me by your word and shown me by your life. Amen.

An eye for an eye...

"You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people a live." Genesis 50:20

These were the words spoken by Joseph to his brothers who have betrayed him. I'm sure many of us are familiar with the story of Joseph and his brothers. How, out of jealousy, Joseph was thrown into a dried well and left for dead. But miraculously, he was saved and brought to Egypt. After being thrown into jail for a crime he did not commit, Joseph earn favour in the eye's of the Pharaoh for his accurate dream interpretation. His life changed for the better and he is appointed to be the 2nd most powerful man in Egypt next to the Pharaoh himself. Then the famine came, exactly as interpreted by Joseph from the Pharaoh's dream. Many people from many land including Joseph's own brothers came to Egypt for food. As the story goes, Joseph forgave the sins of his brothers and the Hebrew's population in Egypt grew and multiplied. While it is easy for Joseph to retaliate all the evil things done to him by his brothers, especially in position of power, he did not. Instead, he sees that God sometimes allows evil things to happen for a greater good.

There are certainly many occasions in my life when I felt betrayed. Betrayed by friends, by colleagues, by family, by 'nature', and the list goes on. I felt angry, envious, outrage, sad, sorrowful and I fell into what felt like a bottomless pit. But, in each occasion, I am able to bounce back, not through my own strength but through God's grace. For in our imperfection, His strength is made perfect in us (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The temptation to retaliate is great and the phrase "an eye for an eye" seems like a feasible solution to remedy my "broken heart". And sadly, I sometimes retaliated only to fully regret my actions later. Well, some people says, just do it and seek forgiveness later... hehehe... but that's not what Jesus would do. In Romans 12:21, St Paul sums it "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good".

I read this quote by David McCasland in Our Daily Bread but I cannot remember which issue. Fortunately, I've managed to write it down in my prayer journal:

"The defining moment of our lives are not determined by the evil done to us, but by our response through the grace and power of God - David McCasland"

O Lord, grant me your strength in challenging times of my life and let me be the light shining through the darkness that many will see my good works and glorify my Father in heaven. Amen!

We are spiritual beings...

A friend of mine e-mailed this story to me a while back. I like it very much.. so here goes:-


A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside.

'Your son is here,' she said to the old man.

She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes opened.

Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen tent. He reached out his hand. The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man's limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement.

The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed.All through the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength. Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest awhile.

He refused. Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital - the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients.

Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night.

Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited.

Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her.

'Who was that man?' he asked. The nurse was startled, 'He was your father,' she answered. 'No, he wasn't,' the Marine replied.. 'I never saw him before in my life.'

'Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?'

'I knew right away there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn't here. When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, knowing how much he needed me, I stayed.'

The next time someone needs you ... just be there. Stay.

WE ARE NOT HUMAN BEINGS GOING THROUGH A
TEMPORARY SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE..

WE ARE SPIRITUAL BEINGS GOING THROUGH A TEMPORARY
HUMAN EXPERIENCE.
(love this line)

Enjoy.. best Ukulele player in the world.. hmm..

I wish I can be as good as him with his Ukulele... oh well..

Sometimes we take God's love for granted..

Love... what it means to me..

Proverbs 30:18-19
There are three things that amaze me—
no, four things that I don’t understand:
how an eagle glides through the sky,
how a snake slithers on a rock,
how a ship navigates the ocean,
how a man loves a woman.

I love my sweet Betty.. But what does it mean to love? The bible says in John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." That's how Jesus loves us (Agape). Are we able to replicate such love?

To me, having loved someone so deeply for so long, I know that true love means sacrifices has to be made. Love is not just saying that you love that special someone. But you must love every aspect of her; not only her laughter but also her sadness, not only her 'prettiness' but also her 'ugliness', not only her sweet fragrance but her 'natural' body perfume (hehehehe....), not only her likes but mostly her dislikes... well... the list is endless.

I've been in love with Betty for 10 years now. I must say, it's not easy. But as we grew 'wiser', we understand each other more and with that, our love for each other grew and continues to grow everyday.

You know you love that special someone so deeply when you cannot bear to be alone without a single thought of her. I've been like that... ever since that day... 10 years ago. I'm a lucky guy!

Faith...

"For truly I say to you that whoever shall say to this mountain, be moved and be cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he said shall occur, he shall have whatever he said." (Mark 11:24)

Faith... is to have no doubt in our heart. Faith... is to believe in things unseen. Faith... is to continue praying, and praying, and praying.

A journey into the unknown. Some may call it adventurous. It requires courage. But most importantly, it requires faith. Without faith, there is no hope. Without hope, there is no life.

In life, decisions are to be made. Everyday, every minute, every breath. Right or wrong is only known after the decision is made. Some sooner but some later. What if the decision is wrong? Do we continue with our journey, or do we stop. I will continue the journey into the unknown trusting that the Lord will lead me to the right path. It's not easy, but it'll be worthwhile. Faith... will see me through till the end. Where is the end? God knows. So, have faith in Him.. Amen!